New York: On 6 July 2025, the Tibetan Associations of New York and New Jersey organised a two-day celebration to mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The celebration took place on 5 and 6 July, with the main event held on 6 July at Phuntsok Deshi Hall.

The chief guest of the event was Kyabje Kundeling Rinpoche, with Choekhor Rinpoche and Kunga Tashi, the Tibetan Liaison Officer at the Office of Tibet, serving as special guests. Kyabje Kundeling Rinpoche delivered the keynote address, while Choekhor Rinpoche and Kunga Tashi offered greetings and read the Kashag’s official statement on the occasion of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. Among the distinguished attendees were former judges, former staff members, former Joint Deputy Director in the Government of India, as well as Samdup Tsering, the president of the association and representatives of various religious organisations.

A major highlight of the celebration was the presence of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who attended a Tibetan gathering for the first time. In his address, Mayor Adams expressed deep admiration for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s lifelong commitment to peace, compassion, and nonviolence. As a significant gesture of solidarity, he officially proclaimed 6 July as the “14th Dalai Lama Day” in New York City. Furthermore, the Mayor acknowledged the importance of the Tibetan community’s continued efforts to preserve their identity in exile, announcing that the New York City government would formally recognise the Green Book (Chatrel), a monthly voluntary contribution made by Tibetans in support of the Central Tibetan Administration. His presence and declaration were warmly received and marked a historic moment for the Tibetan community in the city.

The event concluded with vibrant cultural and traditional dance performances.

–Filed by the Office of Tibet, Washington DC