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Tibetans in Darjeeling Celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 89th Birth Anniversary on 6 July 2024.
Darjeeling: The celebration of the 89th Birth Anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Darjeeling, Shri. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, (I.F.S) Former Foreign Secretary, MEA, Government of India and Former Indian Ambassador to United States, Bangladesh and Thailand, and Shri. Sendup Drukpa, the President of Indo-Tibet Friendship Society, Darjeeling, was honoured as the Chief Guest and Special Guest, respectively.
Tashi Tsering, Assistant Engineer at PWD Darjeeling, was invited as a special guest to be honoured for his voluntary contributions. This included providing expertise in creating a blueprint for an office construction project and managing the project as the sole adviser for the Tibetan Settlement Office from the beginning. He was also recognised for his voluntary service on numerous school projects.
In addition, Tenzin Rangdol, the acting Tibetan Settlement Officer; Tenzin Jamyang, the President of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement; Kelsang Chodon, Principal of Sambhota Tibetan School; representatives from the Regional Tibetan Women and Youth Congress; members of Cholka Sum, representing three provinces; and local Tibetan representatives from various societies received the Chief Guests.
The joyful event began at 7:45 a.m. with the traditional Sangsol ceremony, a spiritual purification ritual. The ceremony was led by the monks from Sakya Guru Monastery, Ghoom, and Phuntsok Pema Choekhorling—Tsechu Monastery. It took place at Gangchen Ri, a tranquil Buddhist prayer site located above the well-known tourist spot of Chowrasta in Darjeeling.
Before the deliverance of the speech of Kashag and Tibetan Parliament Exile by the officiating Tibetan Settlement Officer and the former president of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, ceremonial prayer tributes were paid to His Holiness led by officiating officer and public leaders from Tibetan communities followed by the all the attendees as well from the gathering for his long life, good health and paying of obeisance before the great portrait of His Holiness placed on the lion throne in the school auditorium decorated with feast of offerings.
On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan community of Darjeeling, the Chief Guest and Special Guest were felicitated with mementoes and books on His Holiness and Tibet.
Shri. Sendup Drukpa, the president of the Indo-Tibet Friendship Society based in Darjeeling, informed the gathering that the Birth Anniversary of His Holiness, commonly known as 6th July, is celebrated every year worldwide. This celebration is not limited to Tibetans but includes all who hold His Holiness in high regard as a true spiritual guru, regardless of nationality. As a Buddhist, the president emphasises the importance of studying the Tibetan Language (Bhoti Language) to stay connected with Buddhist culture and identity. Accordingly, the ITFS Darjeeling is working towards including the Tibetan Language under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India through the 8th Amendment Act of 1959, which currently recognises only 22 regional languages. The Indo-Tibet Friendship Society aims to prioritise this initiative for its implementation shortly.
The Chief Guest, Shri. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, IFS batch of 1984 with a long and distinguished career in the Indian Foreign Service over more than 35 years, recalled his fateful day of meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama once in early 2020 at Dharamsala right after his appointment as Foreign Secretary under the Ministry of External Affairs GOI. He was deeply moved by the remarkable advice he had received as a blessing, reminding him of the oneness of one global family and how to discharge his service with dedication and integrity. He espoused His Holiness’s undeniable impact and still leaves around the world even today with his wisdom despite his advancing age. He also vehemently believed and found that to declare His Holiness’ Birthday as “The Universal Day of Compassion” would be very befitting to honour the Dalai Lama and remember the legacy His Holiness had achieved in bringing about peace and stability in the world.
Both esteemed guests expressed their prayers for the long life of His Holiness. They conveyed their profound appreciation to the Tibetan community for extending the invitation to such a momentous occasion. The Trungkar event also featured the presentation of souvenirs and awards to several senior citizens and elders, recognising their selfless dedication in leading the local Tibetan community for many years before their retirement.
-Reported by TSO, Darjeeling