6 July 2023, London：The London-based Office of Tibet and Tibet House Trust hosted a special event in honour of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 88^th birthday at Regents’ University London which was attended by Guest of Honour, Dr Desmond Biddulph CBE, President of the Buddhist Society, and Special Guest, David Burrowes, the UK Prime Minister’s Deputy Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB).

It began with prayers led by HE Lelung Rinpoche and monastic community of the Jamyang Buddhist Centre, then followed by the Tibetan national anthem.

Representative Sonam Frasi paid tribute to His Holiness and wished him a long life and good health. He movingly urged support for Tibet’s just cause as Chinese rule increasingly threatens the extinction of the Tibetan national identity. His theme was later taken up by the Special Guest, David Burrowes, the UK Prime Minister’s Deputy Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), who noted a recent shift among governments towards more vocal advocacy of human rights in Tibet. The Deputy Envoy also highlighted how important it is to mark such an occasion as the birthday of His Holiness and its relevance for the universal freedom of religion or belief. Guest of Honour, Dr Desmond Biddulph CBE, President of the Buddhist Society, spoke of the dissemination of Tibetan Buddhism through the influence of His Holiness, a great spiritual leader able to transcend people’s differences by speaking directly to the human heart.

Tibetan Community’s artists’ performance of two items in homage to His Holiness, in bright traditional costumes with traditional musical instruments, were met with warm applause. Lochoe Samten, Secretary of the Office of Tibet, London, concluded a successful evening with a vote of thanks.

–Filed by the Office of Tibet, London