Hunsur: To mark the 85th birthday of global peace icon and the most revered spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama, the Hunsur Tibetan Settlement Office organised a modest ceremony in the presence of Kyabje Kundeling Rinpoche as the chief guest and Members of Tibetan Parliament Migyur Dorjee and Tsering Youdon at Gyudmey Monastery in Hunsur settlement.
In keeping with the COVID-19 guidelines which restricts elaborate gatherings, the settlement office marked the occasion with a cermononial prayer attended by the few invited guests and plantation of saplings in the villages.
Kyabje Kundeling Rinpoche led the ceremonial incense lighting and expressed heartfelt prayers for His Holiness’ long life and fulfilment of his benevolent wishes.
The Settlement Officer Thupten Tsering and the Members of the Parliament read out the official statement of Kashag and Parliament on the occasion, followed by Kyabje Kundeling Rinpoche’s remarks on the special occasion.
Rinpoche, MPs Migyur Dorjee and Tsering Youdon and abbots of the monasteries planted saplings at the monastery. A total of 113 saplings, symbolising Tibetan’s gratitude for His Holiness’ affirmation to live over 113 years, the Settlement Office distributed 113 saplings to each village, which were planted on the same day.
The initiative is part of the CTA’s observance of ‘Year of Gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’.