Tenzingang: As the whole world celebrates the glorious 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, we began the Year of Compassion celebrations on 6 July 2025 at the Tenzingang Tibetan Settlement, Arunachal Pradesh. This grand and spiritually significant occasion was graced by the Hon’ble Minister of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and Transport, Shri Ojing Tasing; the Hon’ble MLA of the 5-Kalaktang Assembly Constituency, Shri Tseten Chombay; Hon’ble Northeast Council (NEC) Member Shri Tenzin Norbu Thongdok; ZPC, West Kameng, Shri Karma Dorjee Thongdok; Former Minister Shri D.K. Thongdok; ADC Kalaktang Mindo Loyi; ZPMs; and other senior dignitaries.

The 90th birthday celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was jointly organised by Tibetans from Tenzingang, and members of the Monpa and Sherdukpen communities of West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. The organising committee comprised Shri Tseten Chombay (MLA, Chief Patron), Shri Karma Dorjee Thongdok (ZPC, West Kameng, Patron), Shri Lobsang Tsetan (ADC, Rupa, Chairman), Shri Rapten Tsering (Settlement Officer, Vice Chairman), and Shri Mindo Loyi (ADC, Kalaktang, Member), under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble MLA Shri Tseten Chombay.

On this sacred occasion, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait was received with great reverence by devotees and the public in a ceremonial march from Gyuto Monastery to the Settlement Office’s Festival Ground in Tenzingang. Hon’ble MLA Shri Tseten Chombay, along with other guests and dignitaries, participated in the meaningful procession. This act not only reflected deep devotion and collective gratitude but also symbolized the essence of His Holiness’s teachings—peace, compassion, and unity. The vibrant participation and spiritual energy of the attendees made it a truly unforgettable tribute to a life dedicated to the betterment of all sentient beings.

The Chief Guest, Hon’ble Minister Shri Ojing Tasing, commenced the celebration with a symbolic tree plantation—a gesture representing compassion, peace, environmental protection, and harmony. It was deeply heartening to witness the overwhelming participation of the Monpa, Sherdukpen, and Tibetan communities, who gathered with unwavering devotion and reverence, making the celebration truly memorable at Tenzingang Settlement.

During his address, Hon’ble Minister Shri Ojing Tasing highlighted the origin of Tibetan Buddhism in India—the land of the Buddha—and how Buddha Dharma spread to Tibet and beyond. He also emphasised the cordial relationship between Hinduism and Buddhism and extended his heartfelt birthday wishes to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, praying for his good health and long life for the benefit of humanity.

The day came alive with vibrant cultural performances by various communities from the region, showcasing the rich diversity, spiritual depth, and cultural beauty of our shared heritage.

As part of Gothon: Year of Compassion, the Tibetan Settlement Office organised an exhibition on the life and biography of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Community Hall. The exhibition was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Minister Shri Ojing Tasing. A total of eighty-two framed banners, including Zethang, were displayed for the general public.

Hon’ble MLA Shri Tseten Chombay graciously sanctioned the construction of a mini outdoor stage for the Tenzingang Settlement, which was inaugurated by the Chief Guest on 6th July 2025, before the commencement of the formal birthday program. Settlement Officer Rapten Tsering extended his heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to MLA Shri Tseten Chombay for his continued support and initiatives.

The Settlement Officer also expressed his appreciation to the organising committee of the 90th birth anniversary celebrations of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The committee, comprising Chief Patron Shri Tseten Chombay (MLA), Patron Shri Karma Dorjee Thongdok (ZPC, West Kameng), Chairman Shri Lobsang Tsetan (ADC, Rupa), and other dedicated members, worked tirelessly to orchestrate this remarkable event.

This celebration was not only a commemoration of His Holiness’s 90th birth year but also a tribute to his enduring legacy of compassion, peace, and universal happiness—a legacy that continues to inspire us all.

-Report filed by TSO, Tenzingang