Mundgod:  A special program was organised on 17 October 2025 at Drepung Gomang Monastery, Mundgod, to commemorate the following two significant occasions, the 90th Birth Anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama “Year of Compassion” and The 18th Anniversary of the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal Award conferred upon His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on 17 October 2007 at Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.

The event was jointly organised by the Chief Representative Office (CRO), Bangalore, the Tibetan Settlement Office (TSO), Mundgod, and Drepung Gomang Monastery. During the celebration the following dignitaries from outside were also invited as guests: Chief Guest, Shri H Hanumanthappa, Secretary, Nijalingapa Memorial Foundation Trust, Bengaluru and former Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Guest Speaker Dr Arnav K Anjaria, Prof. Head of Political Science Department, (Shri RR Lalan College, Bhuj, Govt of Gujarat), and Guest Speaker Dr Joanna Coelho, Prof, Department of Sociology (Goa University). It is also to intimate that the following Eminence and lay persons also attended the programme: 105th Gaden Tripa, Jetsun Lobsang Dorjee Pal Sangpo, Abbot of the respective monastery of Mundgod and a large gathering of the general public, monks of the settlement.

The event was further enriched by a cultural performance of traditional Tibetan dance presented by the students of Sambhota Tibetan School, Mundgod. It began with an offering of prayers and ceremonial greetings to mark the auspicious occasion.

All the guests delivered speeches and presentations highlighting the life, vision, and global contributions of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the struggles, resilience, and achievements of the Tibetan community in exile, the importance of unity, education, and cultural preservation among Tibetan youth and monastic institutions.

The Chief Guest, Shri H. Hanumanthappa, expressed deep admiration for His Holiness’s commitment to peace, non-violence, and interfaith harmony, and reaffirmed his solidarity with the Tibetan cause. The guest speakers shared valuable academic and sociopolitical insights on Tibet’s cultural identity and the global recognition of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s leadership. The event underscored the unity, devotion, and cultural pride of the Tibetan community, both in exile and worldwide, serving as a thoughtful reflection on the continuing journey and resilience of Tibetans in exile.

The CRO, Bangalore, concluded the program with a vote of thanks to all participants, especially the guests, for attending and supporting this wonderful celebration.

-Report filed by CRO,  South Zone