Dharamshala: The Dalai Lama Trust on Sunday launched the opening ceremony of the award gallery dedicated to His Holiness the Dalai Lama to mark the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize conferment on His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 10 December 2023. This award gallery established at the Dalai Lama Library and Archives will now be open to the general public from time to time.
Congress national secretary and Himachal MLA Sudhir Sharma and former Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche jointly inaugurated the new gallery.
While Commending this launch, MLA Sharma said this museum containing lifetime achievements and awards conferred on His Holiness the Dalai Lama will have paramount significance to the entire nation of India and not just Himachal Pradesh. He added that this initiative will serve impetus to the growth of tourism in Dharamshala and stated that the presence of His Holiness in the hill town has notably brought radiance of happiness and prosperity to Himachal Pradesh.
Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche spoke about the background of the initiative and said it was to give access to the general public to visit and get acquainted with the timeless legacy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The former Kalon Tripa requested individuals and organisations to make donations of objects and archival materials that are of particular significance to the gallery.
In addition to preserving religious teachings, sermons, and written materials including gifts and awards received by His Holiness, the centre also serves as a learning centre for researchers and scholars to seek information and research materials.
“This centre is a precious gift of wisdom and knowledge from His Holiness to the present and future generations”, said Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche.
The launch ceremony was attended by Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche along with the leadership of the CTA headed by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Justice Commissioner Tenzin Lungtok and joined by Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, Education Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra, DIIR Kalon Norzin Dolma, and the members of the 17th Tibetan Parliament in Exile.