Ooty: The Nilgiris Tibetan Refugee Welfare Association observed His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday and the Association’s golden jubilee anniversary on the same days at NCMS Hall, Ooty, from 6 to 8 July 2025.

On 6 July, the Nilgiris District Collector graced the event as chief guest, accompanied by important guest cum long time Tibet supporter Vijay Krishna. The Nilgiris District Collector was mesmerised with the Tibetan culture of lighting the butter lamp, saying, “Its interesting to know that Tibetan usually light the lamp stead of blowing off the lights during the cake cutting.”

The Nilgiris Tibetan Refugee Welfare Association, in celebration of His Holiness’ 90th birthday and its golden Jubilee anniversary, initiated a ‘Thank You’ campaign towards Udhagamandalam and Tamil Nadu government entitled ‘Thank you Udhagamandalam, Thank you Tamil Nadu’. This campaign expressed gratitude to the entire community of Udhagamandalam for its support and assistance to Tibetan Refugees.

Under the campaign of ‘Thank you Udhagamandalam, Thank you Tamil Nadu’ the association organised various programme such as prayers for Ooty and Tamil Nadu where the entire member of the Nilgiris Tibetan Refugee gathered to pray for the success and wellbeing of peoples of Ooty and Tamil Nadu. The members also released thousands of fish awaiting to be killed at slaughter-house in the vicinity’s river. The Nilgiris Tibetan Association also offered a free lunch drive to the residents of MN Trust, Old Age, Orphan Home, Denali Village on 11 June. The free lunch was also provided to the local residents, taxi drivers and tourists at the Tibetan Market. They also performed related charity as distributing clothes and blankets to the needy people.

On 7 and 8 July, the Association and its members engaged in various games such as Ring Throw, Ball Throw, Open Cards, Weight Guessing, Count Guessing etc. And after dinner, the entire members of the association participated in circle dance Gorshey.

The Nilgiris Tibetan Refugee Welfare Association intends to carry this initiative for a year-long to thank the local community of Ooty along with the year-long celebration of ‘Year of Compassion’.

–Report filed by CRO, South Zone