Paonta: The 91st birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Paonta Cholsum Tibetan Settlement on 6 July 2026.

The celebrations began in the morning with local residents, monks from Shalu Monastery, and school staff offering incense prayers and raising prayer flags to invoke the blessings of the guardian deities and protectors of virtue.

At 9:30 a.m., the official programme commenced with the arrival of the chief guest, former MLA Kirnesh Jung, honoured guest Tsering Dolkar, and special guest Dr. Madan Lal Khurana, President of the Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society, Sirmaur District. Students of Paonta Sambhota School opened the ceremony with a traditional drum performance, followed by the rendition of the national anthems of Tibet and India. Tea and fruit were then served to all attendees.

The chief guest and other distinguished guests then participated in a ceremonial cake-cutting to mark the birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. During the programme, Settlement Officer Gelek Jamyang read the Kashag’s statement, while Local Tibetan Assembly Chair Sherab Gyatso delivered the statement of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

Addressing the gathering, chief guest Kirnesh Jung, honoured guest Tsering Dolkar, and special guest Dr. Madan Lal Khurana extended their greetings on the occasion of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 91st birthday. Speaking on behalf of the Indian people, they expressed their hope for the peaceful resolution of the Tibetan issue and wished His Holiness a long, healthy life and many more years of service to humanity.

As part of the Year of Compassion celebrations, the Paonta Cholsum Tibetan Settlement presented a recognition award to Tsering Dolkar through former MLA Kirnesh Jung in appreciation of her two decades of dedicated social and voluntary service to those in need.

The programme continued with Tsering Dolkar presenting certificates of appreciation from the Department of Home of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Settlement Office to the fourth Paonta Cholsum Camp Leaders. Settlement Officer Gelek Jamyang then presented commemorative gifts to the chief guest, honoured guest, and special guest as a token of appreciation for their participation in the celebration. The distinguished guests were also presented with a brief biography highlighting the life and achievements of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, along with commemorative souvenirs.

As part of the birthday observances, on 5 July the settlement organised the distribution of free meals to underprivileged Indian residents living in the surrounding area.

The celebrations concluded with vibrant cultural performances by the local Tibetan women’s opera group and students of Paonta Sambhota School, who marked the occasion with joy, devotion, and enthusiasm, bringing the event to a successful close.