Frankfurt: A grand celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday was held in Frankfurt in the gracious presence of chief guest Michael Brand, Member of the German Bundestag, and special guests Prof. Dr. h.c. Roland Koch, UN Advocacy Officer Phuntsok Topgyal (representing the Tibet Bureau Geneva), Dieter Beine, Chief Protocol Officer of the Hessian State Chancellery, Frank, and Uwe Becker as well as Heads of the Tibetan Dharma Centres and Tibet Support Groups. A total of almost 1,000 Tibetans and supporters gathered at the venue to celebrate.

Over 1,000 Tibetans and friends of Tibet gathered in Frankfurt on 6 July to mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The celebration took place in the esteemed presence of chief guest Hon’ble Michael Brand, Member of the German Bundestag, and special guests Prof. Dr. h.c. Roland Koch, former Minister-President of Hesse; Phuntsok Topgyal, UN Advocacy Officer from the Tibet Bureau Geneva; Dieter Beine, Chief Protocol Officer of the Hessian State Chancellery; Frank, president of the friends of friend group; and Uwe Becker, among other dignitaries and representatives from Tibetan Dharma centres and Tibet Support Groups across Germany.

The program commenced with prayers by monks and community members, followed by distribution of birthday cake. Children from the Tibetan Sunday School presented songs of praise in honour of the occasion. Dundup Donka, President of the Association of Tibetans in German, delivered welcome remarks.

In his keynote address, Hon’ble Michael Brand praised His Holiness’ lifelong commitment to peace, non-violence, and human rights. He reiterated his firm support for the Tibetan cause and expressed hope that Tibet will one day regain genuine autonomy, urging continued international solidarity with the Tibetan people.

Prof. Roland Koch, in his remarks, lauded His Holiness as a spiritual leader of rare humility and wisdom, highlighting His Holiness’ Four Commitments as a source of moral guidance for the world.

Un Advocacy Officer Phuntsok Topgyal addressed the challenges faced by the Tibetan movement amid shifting global priorities. He noted that while international support for human rights is waning in some quarters, the Tibetan people must remain steadfast in their non-violent struggle, guided by truth and the enduring wisdom of His Holiness.

He further underscored Germany’s influential role in Europe and the moral responsibility it holds to uphold the values of compassion and human dignity – values embodied by His Holiness during his many visits to the country.

The celebration also included cultural performances presented by Tibetan communities from various German cities, along with a discussion on His Holiness’ reincarnation and related educational exhibitions, featuring contributions from Tenzin Palmo and Director Christof Spitz of the Tibet Initiative Deutschland.

The event marked a significant occasion for the Tibetan community in Germany to unite in honour of His Holiness, strengthening communal bonds and reaffirming their collective commitment to the Tibetan cause. A long-life prayer offering for His Holiness is scheduled to be held in September by Tibetans across Europe.

-Report filed by Tibet Bureau, Geneva