London: The Office of Tibet, London, hosted a reception at the historic St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace to celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, drawing 90 guests, including faith leaders, a former Representative and former staff members of the Office of Tibet, academics, Tibet Support Group representatives, longtime friends of Tibet, the Chairperson of the Tibetan Community in Britain, and Tibetan community members.

The celebrations began with Representative Tsering Yangkey offering a Khatag to the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, marking the start of the evening with a gesture of reverence and gratitude.

Lama Zangmo of Kagyu Samye Dzong and Reverend Bishop Mark Nicholson, a prominent Christian leader, each offered prayers, setting a spiritual tone for the evening and invoking blessings for His Holiness’ long life and continued guidance.

In her welcome remarks, Representative Yangkey expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who joined in honouring this milestone, describing His Holiness as a beacon of compassion and hope in a troubled world. She read His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s statement released earlier that day from Dharamshala, reaffirming the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution, which was met with warm applause and visible emotion among the attendees.

Chief Guest Linda Fabiani, former Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament and Co-Convenor of the Cross-Party Group for Tibet, shared personal reflections from meetings with His Holiness in Scotland, noting his profound wisdom paired with a disarming sense of humour. She emphasised the Dalai Lama’s enduring message of nonviolence and dialogue, urging continued solidarity with the Tibetan people.

Koo Stark, a friend of Tibet who has met His Holiness several times, spoke of the significance of a large framed, signed photograph of His Holiness displayed prominently at the venue. She encouraged attendees to take a moment to connect with the image, describing it as a tangible blessing embodying the Dalai Lama’s message of peace.

Chris Law MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Tibet, recounted his first association with Tibet and his 2018 audience with His Holiness in Dharamshala, describing it as a transformative experience. He commended the resilience of the Tibetan people and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for Tibet’s freedom and the rights of the Tibetan people within the UK Parliament.

The Tibetan Community in Britain enriched the celebration with vibrant cultural performances, including a soulful solo tribute song by a community council member dedicated to His Holiness, and two group performances showcasing traditional Tibetan dance and song. These performances added colour and warmth to the occasion, reflecting the community’s deep reverence and love for His Holiness.

The reception concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting led by Representative Yangkey, joined by faith leaders, the Chief Guest, and Chris Law MP, as guests sang “Happy Birthday” for His Holiness, creating a moment of shared joy and reflection on the Dalai Lama’s lifelong service to humanity.

The event brought together long-standing friends of Tibet and new supporters to celebrate the life and message of a global spiritual leader and Nobel Peace Laureate, reinforcing collective commitment to peace, compassion, and justice for Tibet. The gathering culminated in a joyful celebration, with several rounds of Tibetan circle dance (Gorshey) led by the Tibetan community members, as guests enthusiastically joined in, trying their dancing skills and sharing in the vibrant spirit of the evening.

The Ghoton celebrations will continue on Saturday, 5 July, with a day-long community festival of joy, culture, and gratitude at the Tibetan Peace Garden in London, inviting all admirers and supporters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to join in honouring his 90th birthday.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, London