Brussels: The Tibetan Liaison Officer for Europe, Dhundup Gyalpo, from the Bureau du Tibet in Brussels, attended the 90th birthday celebration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, organised by the Belgium Regional Chushi Gangdruk Association.

The celebration was held on 27 June 2025 in Antwerp, Belgium. It commenced with the offering of a mandala and traditional scarves by the chief guest and other dignitaries to the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, as well as to the revered Dzasa Andrug Gompo Tashi.

The formal proceedings began with the Tibetan National Anthem and the Chugang song, followed by a one-minute silence in honour of Tibetan martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of Tibet.

The General Secretary of the Belgium Chugang Association delivered a warm welcome address, emphasising the significance of this milestone celebration. This was followed by the President of the Belgium Dokham Chushi Gangdruk Association, who presented the association’s annual report and outlined its future projects and initiatives.

Phurbu, representing the Central Chushi Gangdruk Association, read out a statement from the Central Dokham Chushi Gangdruk Association. General Secretary Sangye Dorjee also conveyed warm greetings and read a statement from the Tibetan Parliament in Exile.

The Chief Guest, Dhundup Gyalpo, delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the four principal commitments of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and acknowledged the Kashag’s declaration of this year as the “Year of Compassion.” He underscored the importance of preserving the Tibetan language and culture and urged Tibetan parents to recognise their crucial role in shaping their children’s future.

Dhundup Gyalpo praised the community members for their dedication, personal contributions, and collective efforts. He called upon all Tibetans to embrace shared responsibility and to actively support initiatives that promote culture, language preservation, and overall community welfare.

In commemorating the 67th founding anniversary of Dokham Chushi Gangdruk, held in conjunction with His Holiness’s birthday celebration, Tibetan Liaison Officer Dhundup Gyalpo paid heartfelt tribute to Tibetan martyrs—particularly Dzasa Andrug Gompo Tashi—who made the ultimate sacrifice not for a specific region or group, but for Tibet as one unified nation. He urged everyone to remember their bravery and legacy. He also acknowledged Chushi Gangdruk’s contributions to the social and economic wellbeing of Tibetans in India and Nepal.

His speech concluded with prayers for His Holiness’s good health and for the continued flourishing of His virtuous efforts across the world.

The event continued with a vibrant cultural program featuring traditional dances and songs from various Tibetan regions. Tibetan poems were also recited as part of the celebration.

Dinner was served to all attendees, and the cultural performances continued into the evening.

This occasion also marked the 20th founding anniversary of the Belgium Regional Chushi Gangdruk Association.

-Report filed by Bureau du Tibet, Brussels