Geneva: On 16 August 2025, the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein (TCSL) organised a special event marking the “Year of Compassion” to commemorate the 90th birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The programme featured an exhibition of His Holiness’ photos, reflecting life, teachings, and enduring legacy.

The distinguished guests in attendance were the Chinese Liaison Officer for European countries, Sangyal Kyab; the Abbot of the Tibet Institute Rikon; and the President and Vice President of the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The event saw active participation from the Tibetan Weekend School’s teachers and students, along with members of the wider Tibetan community in Switzerland.

The programme commenced with a traditional Sangsol offering, followed by the Tibetan National Anthem, sung by students of the Argau Tibetan Language Weekend School. A prayer ceremony for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was held, along with cultural dance performances by the students.

The Khenpo of the Tibet Institute Rikon awarded certificates to students who had excelled in their Tibetan language studies. The Chinese Liaison Officer expressed deep gratitude to the teachers of the Tibetan Language Weekend School for their dedication in preserving the Tibetan language and culture among the younger generation.

In his public address, Liaison Officer Sangyal Kyab highlighted the Central Tibetan Administration’s declaration of year-long celebration as “Year of Compassion” from 6 July 2025 to 6 July 2026. He encouraged the Tibetan community in Switzerland to engage in compassionate actions aligned with His Holiness’s core commitment to promoting kindness and altruism globally.

The Liaison Officer commended the students for their vibrant cultural performances, he urged them to fully dedicate themselves in learning  Tibetan language, reminding them of the situation of Tibetan children inside Tibet, who are deprived of such opportunity. He emphasised that Tibetans in exile carry a greater responsibility in preserving and promoting Tibetan identity, language, and culture.

The Liaison Officer also shed light on the ongoing crisis in Tibet, particularly the Chinese government’s continued policies of sinicisation and assimilation, aimed at erasing Tibetan identity. He called on the Tibetan community to remain committed in their efforts to safeguard their cultural heritage.

The event concluded with a strong sense of unity, purpose, and commitment to uphold the values and teachings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.