Delhi: On 6 July 2026, the official celebration of the 91st birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama—an apostle of peace, a benevolent and most revered leader of the Tibetan people—was held at Samyeling Tibetan Settlement in New Delhi, India. The occasion also marked the concluding ceremony of the Year of Compassion, a year-long programme commemorating the life and legacy of His Holiness.

The day’s programme commenced at 8:30 a.m. with a grand incense offering ceremony, invoking the blessings of the Dharma Protectors and offering prayers for the long life of His Holiness. This was followed by the ceremonial procession of the portrait of His Holiness to the throne, led by distinguished guests and local dignitaries, who then offered traditional ceremonial scarves (khatags) as a mark of reverence and devotion.

The occasion was graced by the Chief Guest, Tapir Gao, Member of the Indian Parliament and Co-convenor of the All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APIPFT). Other distinguished guests included R. K. Khirmey, National Convenor of the Core Group for the Tibetan Cause; Dolma Gyari, former Desung Kalon of the Central Tibetan Administration; Jigmey Jungney, Representative of the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, New Delhi; Venerable Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, former Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile; Pankaj Goyal, National Secretary of Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch (BTSM); Mordent Thapa, IPS; Harish Mathur of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA); Vikas Tang, Councillor of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi; Dr. Anil Thakur, Delhi State President of the Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society (ITFS); and other officials from various governmental and non-governmental organisations.

Students of TCV Day School rendered the Indian and Tibetan national anthems, followed by the official birthday song dedicated to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The programme then observed a one-minute silence in memory of the late Lobsang Palden, popularly known as Loga Rangzen, the 157 Tibetans inside Tibet who self-immolated for the just cause of Tibet, and all those who have endured imprisonment under Chinese rule for their unwavering commitment to the Tibetan cause.

The Settlement Officer of Samyeling Tibetan Settlement read the Kashag’s official statement for the occasion, followed by the President of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, who read the official statement of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

The Chief Guest and other distinguished guests also addressed the gathering, conveying their warm greetings and extending their heartfelt wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the auspicious occasion of his 91st birthday. They commended His Holiness’s lifelong commitment to peace, compassion, non-violence, and the promotion of universal human values. They also recalled the immense kindness and compassion that His Holiness has bestowed upon the Tibetan people and people around the world, emphasising that it is the solemn responsibility of Tibetans to repay this boundless benevolence with gratitude and unwavering commitment.

The speakers further stressed that Tibetans from the three traditional provinces of Tibet must remain united through both favourable and difficult times. Every Tibetan bears a personal responsibility to safeguard national unity, strengthen collective resolve, and refrain from any actions that could undermine the unity of the Tibetan people.

Furthermore, they urged Tibetans to firmly oppose and reject the policies of the Chinese Communist government enacted under the guise of “promoting ethnic unity and progress,” which they stated are intended to erase the languages, cultures, and identities of minority nationalities, including the Tibetan people. They also expressed solidarity with and offered prayers for the swift rebirth of Lobsang Palden, also known as Loga Rangzen, who self-immolated in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York on 2 July 2026.

Interspersed between the speeches, students of TCV Day School and members of Utsang Cholkha, Dokham Chushi Gangdruk, Cholsum Sarjor Tsokpa, Tara Devi Colony, and the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association presented vibrant cultural dance performances. A grand luncheon was subsequently served to the distinguished guests and members of the public.

The duly audited financial accounts of the Delhi Ghoton Committee were formally presented and read aloud in the interest of transparency and public accountability.

– Report filed by Samyeling Tibetan Settlement Office, Delhi