Historic Legacy of 14th Dalai Lama is Immortalised in Golden Letters: Tenpa Samkhar
Dharamshala, 18 July 2005- The legacy of the 14th Dalai Lama will be immortalised in golden letters in the pages of Tibetan history, said Tenpa Samkhar, vice chairman of the Special Organising Committee for Celebrating the 70th Birthday of His Holiness. He addressed a packed hall of over 500 people on the second day of the week-long film festival here on 17 July.
“The film festival forms a tiny token of our love, reverence and profound gratitude to His Holiness,” said Mr. Samkhar, who is also the secretary of the Department of Health of the Central Tibetan Administration.
Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion, 7 Years in Tibet, The Shadow Circus-The CIA in Tibet and Ocean of Wisdom will be screened in the remaining days of the festival.
Mr. Tenpa Samkhar addressing the crowd |
Following below is the full text of Mr. Samkhar’s address.
Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen,
Introducing His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be like introducing the Sun or the Moon that need no introduction. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet is today known the world over as an unsurpassed and matchless champion of peace, non-violence, truth, justice and human rights.
His assumption of leadership responsibilities for a nation in crisis at the tender age of 16 and his tireless, sincere efforts for bringing peace, happiness and security for all sentient beings remain immeasurable and inexpressible through words.
His Holiness has authored over 72 renowned books and received over 60 major awards and Honorary conferment. This includes the most prestigious Nobel Peace Award received in 1989.
His Holiness has visited over 52 countries – captivating and enthralling the hearts and minds of millions of people belonging to all walks of life through his message of love, compassion and forgiveness.
A packed hall of over 500 people watched the screening of Kundun |
His priceless contributions towards promoting and consolidating universal responsibility, inter-religious understanding and respect and universal brotherhood have gained international recognition.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama stands shoulder to shoulder with towering figures like Abrahim Lincoln and Mahatma Gandhi. Yet, His sense of modesty and simplicity prompts him to comment: “I am just a simple Buddhist monk”.
For the people of Tibet the 14th Dalai Lama’s historic legacy of paving and consolidating the way for a healthy democratic system will eternally be recorded in golden letters.
Ladies and gentlemen, the week-long film festival that we are just about to start is timed to offer our humble tribute to the 70th Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Yes, we do feel conscious that this very small tribute is nothing compared to what His Holiness has done for us so far. It is at the most a tiny token of our love, reverence and profound gratitude to His Holiness.
Ladies and gentlemen, may I close my brief introduction by recalling His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s most gracious assurance that there will be many, many, many returns of the most wonderful and most auspicious occasion.