Kathmandu: The Office of Tibet, Kathmandu, celebrated the 87th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 6 July at Jawalakhel Tibetan Settlement with Kyabje Ngawang Rinchen Paljor as chief guest at the event.
Despite the government of Nepal’s restrictions on commemorating His Holiness’ birthday, the two and half hour celebration was attended by HE Nona Deprez – EU Ambassador, Manuel P. Micaller – DCM, USA Embassy; Anthonia Fluck – Swiss Program Manager; Sabrina Koschella Schmidt – Germany DCM; Deepa Dixit – UNHCR; Akriti Gautam – Human Right officer, British Embassy; Ms Yumiko Yoshima – Japan First Secretary as special guests.
The celebration of His Holiness’ birthday was also attended by the Representative and secretary of the OoT-Kathmandu, Tibetan parliamentarians, former Tibetan parliamentarians at the settlement, Tibetan Settlement Officers, chairs of the Local Tibetan Assembly, chairs of the regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, secretary and the administrative head of Gangchen welfare, directors of local Tibetan schools, and representatives from governmental and non-governmental organisations.
Following the enthronement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait to the seat, the queued attendees offered mandala and ceremonial scarf to the portrait while the Representative addressed the gathering in Tibetan and English. At the same time, students from the local Tibetan schools, members of the Nepal-Tibetan troupe, Tehor Khampa society and others performed Tibetan and Nepalese cultural dances during the celebration.
-Report filed by Tibetan Refugee Welfare Office, Kathmandu