Monpa Community and Tibetans Celebrate “Curtain-raiser” 90th Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Presence of CM Shri Pema Khandu. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA

Dharamshala: Earlier this morning at Tsuglagkhang, the Monpa Community of Arunachal Pradesh, joined by Tibetan residents and followers of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, gathered to celebrate the confluence of three auspicious occasions: the 65th anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s first dharma teaching to the people of Monyul since His Holiness’ exile to India, the 341st birth anniversary of Gyalwa Tsayang Gyatso, the 6th Dalai Lama, who was born in Tawang, and the 90th birthday of His Holiness as per Tibetan lunar calendar.

Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche attended the celebration as its chief guest, along with Honourable Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, who was accompanied by MP Shri Tapir Gao, the Co-Convener of the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet; Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, the Education Minister of Arunachal Pradesh government; and MLAs from Arunachal Pradesh.

Among the Tibetan leadership, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Tibetan Justice Commissioner Tenzin Lungtok, Kalon (Minister) Dolma Gyari (Department of Security), Kalon Norzin Dolma (Department of Information and International Relations), Public Service Commissioner Karma Yeshi, Auditor General Lhakpa Gyaltsen, standing committee members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, and Secretaries of the Central Tibetan Administration and Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama attended the event.

Expressing his admiration for Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu’s leadership and dedication, Sikyong Penpa Tsering extended heartfelt thanks for the Chief Minister’s unwavering devotion to His Holiness, his strong connection with the Tibetan people, and his constant remarks on border issues that support Tibet’s historical status.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering also referenced His Holiness’ assurance of living beyond 100 years for the benefit of all sentient beings and emphasised the importance of sincerely adhering to His Holiness’ noble guidance to ensure the realisation of the guru’s commitments.

In his keynote speech, Honourable Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu addressed the gathering by acknowledging the special significance of the day and expressing honour at the opportunity to speak. He conveyed his appreciation to the Central Tibetan Administration for the warm hospitality, noting his visits to the Tibetan Parliament, Tibet Museum, and Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, which highlighted Tibet’s rich cultural heritage.

The Chief Minister referred to Sikyong Penpa Tsering’s remarks about His Holiness’ belief in His enduring presence and stressed the need to protect and uphold their religious and cultural values as more than just a religion but a way of life. Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu emphasised the importance of embodying His Holiness’ teachings of Buddhism, non-violence, and compassion in daily life.

In conclusion, while extending his heartfelt wishes for His Holiness’ continued good health and longevity, the Chief Minister urged everyone to not only offer prayers for His Holiness but also to actively practice his teachings to contribute to his vision and ensure his enduring influence.

Similarly, other distinguished guests and prominent leaders from Arunachal Pradesh also addressed the celebration, and cultural performances from the Monpa community were featured.

Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA

Honourable Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA

Sikyong Penpa Tsering Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA

MP Shri Tapir Gao, the Co-Convener of the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA

Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA

Yangten Rinpoche, Secretary of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA

Monpa community members presenting cultural performance. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA

Monpa community members presenting cultural performance. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA

A Monpa community member presenting cultural performance. Photo / Tenzin Phende / CTA