London, UK: The UK Ghoton Subcommittee organised a community-led cleanliness drive last Saturday morning, 11 April 2026, at the Tibetan Peace Garden, located within Geraldine Harmsworth Park, as part of its ongoing “Year of Compassion” activities.

Responding enthusiastically to the committee’s call for volunteers, more than 30 members of the Tibetan community gathered early in the morning to clean and restore the peaceful site. Participants swept pathways, collected litter, washed the central mandala structure, and trimmed overgrown bushes, leaving the garden refreshed and welcoming.

The Tibetan Peace Garden, inaugurated and consecrated by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in May 1999, sits adjacent to the Imperial War Museum. Despite its modest size, the garden serves as a powerful symbol of peace and reflection, offering a contemplative counterpoint to the museum’s focus on conflict and war.

At the heart of the garden lies a bronze Kalachakra Mandala, encircled by four large stone slabs representing the elements of earth, air, water, and fire. A stone pillar at the entrance bears a message from His Holiness in four languages, inviting visitors to reflect on compassion and harmony.

According to the Lelung Dharma Centre, which manages the site also known as Samten Kyil, or “Garden of Contemplation” the garden was commissioned by the Tibet Foundation and built on land provided by Southwark Council. It stands as a tribute to one of the Dalai Lama’s core teachings: fostering understanding between cultures and creating spaces dedicated to peace.

Following the clean-up, participants gathered for a 15 minute prayer session led by Representative Tsering Yangkey, focusing on compassion and kindness. Maureen Philips, Trustee of Lelung Dharma Centre, joined the initiative and expressed her appreciation to the volunteers, encouraging continued use of the garden as a place of calm and reflection amid busy urban life.

The event concluded on a festive note, as organisers invited attendees to share refreshments and a potluck meal. Under clear, sunny skies, volunteers enjoyed traditional Tibetan food and tea before breaking into a lively circle dance. The celebration drew interest from passers-by and visitors to the nearby museum, with some joining in the dance, creating a warm atmosphere of cultural exchange and community spirit.

-Report Filed by Office Of Tibet, London