DC: The Office of Tibet-DC celebrated His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 86th birthday for the first time at the Office on the evening of July 6th. The birthday celebration, otherwise known as Tungkar to Tibetans, is a day celebrated by Tibetans, supporters, and followers of His Holiness around the world.
Representative Ngodup Tsering hosted the event with the Office of Tibet staffers, and he introduced each speaker to the guests. Taiwan Ambassador Bi-Khim Hsiao, the President of the National Democratic Institute Ambassador Derek Mitchell, President of the National Endowment for Democracy Carl Gershman, Acting Under Secretary Lisa Peterson, Senior Official of the Bureau of Population, Refugee and Migration Nancy Jackson, United States Agency for International Development’s Head of Asia Anjali Kaur, Director of Human Rights Watch Sophie Richardson, Chinese dissident and scholar of political theory Cai Xia, were special guests. Each of them shared their thoughts and spoke highly of His Holiness, his vision, and his contributions to the world.
International Campaign for Tibet President Buchung Tsering la also attended along with the President of Capital Area Tibetan Association. A few guests from the National Security Council and Congressional staffers are among other guests.
Carl Gershman, the chief guest of honor, was presented a thangka and a Tibetan scarf as a token of gratitude for his support for Tibet. Carl is retiring this July after 37 years of service at the NED.
Representative Ngodup Tsering spoke about the special karmic relationship between His Holiness and the Tibetan people. He stated that it is difficult to find parallels in other communities between the leader and the masses.
Office of Tibet-DC Secretary Tashi Dhondup emceed the events. Prior to the event, Shingsa Rinpoche from Ragya Mahayana Buddhist Center, Virginia recited a long-life prayer for His Holiness, and Tsering Lhamo and Youdon from Capital Area Tibetan Associations performed a song dedicated to His Holiness. Jon Kolkin assisted in the event’s photography.
Notable attendees who were unable to attend in person, such as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi & Chairman of the Congressional China Commission Jim McGovern, sent videos wishing His Holiness a happy birthday.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wished His Holiness the Dalaia Lama a happy birthday through a press statement and a tweet. He stated in the press statement: “I am delighted to extend warm wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 86th birthday on July 6. His Holiness is an inspiration to many around the world who are drawn to his messages of compassion, equality, and inclusivity. I have deep respect and appreciation for His Holiness’ grace, wisdom, and humility, as well as his dedication to greater global equality and the equal rights of all people, including his fellow Tibetans. I wish His Holiness the very best.”
Ned Price, a spox for the Biden Administration’s State Department, wished His Holiness a happy birthday during a press briefing: “…today we wish a happy birthday to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whose grace and compassion have served as an inspiration to all of us. We commend his dedication to the global Tibetan community and to all those around the world who share in his important message of peace and kindness and his commitment to equality and, importantly, to human dignity. We join all of those in wishing His Holiness many more years to come.”
After the remarks, the guests were served homemade Tibetan food and cake. Carl was given the honor of cutting the cake.
- Filed by OOT DC