BANGALORE: Shri. B. S. Yeddyurappa, the honorable Chief Minister of Karnataka has conveyed his greetings on the 76th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Dated 6 July, and addressed to Mr Tashi Phuntsok, Chief Representative, Central Tibetan Administration, South Zone, Bangalore, the message signed by the Chief Minister says: “My salutations to His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the most beloved leader of Tibetians is a well known international personality. He is enlightening the humanity across the globe through his unique way of spreading peace and love towards humanity.

Kindly accept my heartfelt wishes on the occasion of 76th birthday of Dalai Lama.”

Meanwhile, the Tibetans in Bangalore put up a gusty and festive day-long birthday celebrations at the TCV Youth Hostel. Mr K.S Prabhakara, IAS, Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, Department of Revenue, presided over the main function, as the chief guest.

In his brief but very sympathetic key-note speech he highlighted the international profile of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. As Secretary in the Revenue Department, he promised all possible assistance to the Tibetans in Karnataka, for he said “We are brothers and sisters”. It may be pointed out here that the Office of Chief Representative, Bangalore maintains very close and continuous relation with the department to highlight and resolve issues of Tibetans settlers in the state.

The Chief Representative also received a letter  from Dr. S. M. Jaamdar, the Principal Secretary to Government of Karnataka, Home Department, conveying his best wishes for the success of the function.

Indeed the Tibetan public, the students and, the staff of various Tibetan institutions scattered through out the city, including as far as Neelamangla and Tibetan Medical Centre, came in droves to make the celebrations a joyous and emotional day despite intermittent rain in the city.

In the days before the celebrations the CRO and other Tibetan offices, associations and students in various colleges distributed sweets to concerned offices and colleges across the city to mark the birthday of His Holiness.

As has been the tradition, the celebrations were coordinated by the Office of Chief Representative, Bangalore and  assisted by TCV Youth Hostel administration and the students in the arrangement and preparation of the venue; the morning incense burning ceremony, refreshment and lunch by local Sweater Sellers Association; film shows by FTCI and cultural and sports activities RTYC.