His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama arriving at the courtyard of Thekchen Choeling Tsulakhang to attend celebrations of His 88th birthday. Photo | Tenzin Jigme Taydeh | CTA
Dharamshala: On the occasion of the 88th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetans led by the Central Tibetan Administration gathered at the Tsuglagkhang courtyard to commemorate the biggest celebration of the Tibetan community.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama graced the occasion along with chief guest Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh, special guest Vice-Chair of Taiwanese Parliamentary Group for Tibet Hung Sun Han, heads of the three democratic pillars of Central Tibetan Administration, Kalons, Tibetan Parliamentarians, heads of the CTA’s autonomous bodies and others.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed the gathering, sharing his life-long commitment to helping others he said that he was born as the Dalai Lama through the force of karma and stressed the need for helping others. Additionally, he spoke about his respect for all religions which essentially teaches values like helping others, particularly he expressed his appreciation for Buddhism which he called scientific and logical in nature. He added that he was physically healthy and assured he would live a few more decades. Sharing his optimism for the near future, he said that in the coming years, the world would become a more peaceful place, leaving weaponry aside humans would coexist as brothers.
Chief guest Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, CM of Himachal Pradesh greeted His Holiness on the latter’s 88th birthday. He paid tribute to His Holiness calling him an icon of peace and compassion and messenger of love and brotherhood and said that His Holiness’ life stands as an inspiration to all. Of His Holiness’ peaceful struggle for Tibet, the CM said that His Holiness had since many years fought for the struggle of Tibet and Tibetans but through peaceful means and compassion earning him a Nobel Peace Prize. He also applauded the Tibetan spiritual leader’s initiatives to enlighten the youth about ancient Indian culture and life values and appealed to everyone to live by His Holiness’ teachings and thoughts. He concluded by giving reassurance to all the Tibetan residents that Himachal is their home and Himachal government has their welfare at heart.
Special guest Vice-Chair of Taiwanese Parliamentary Group for Tibet Hung Sun Han acknowledged His Holiness’ role in advocating for the democracy and freedom of Tibet and joy of humanity. He expressed his gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for advancing the cause of democracy and noted that Tibetans inside Tibet and in diaspora are committed to non-violence even in the face of oppression from China. “Tibetans strive to guard a way of life and system of democracy, freedom and human rights earning respect from international community,” he said. He further added, “Tibetans and Taiwanese can sincerely support each other on the way toward democracy and freedom because we see ourselves in each other’s stories.”
Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Speaker Sonam Tenphel delivered the statements of the Kashag and Tibetan Parliament respectively.
The event saw lively cultural performances from Tibetan schools, regional Tibetan associations in Dharamsala and the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts(TIPA). It also saw the launch of two books, one is published by the Department of Information and International Relations while the other is on Tibetan culture and arts.
Six civil servants were felicitated by the Tibetan Public Service Commission on their completion of 25 years of service. Similarly, two civil servants were awarded with excellence awards for their distinctive service.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama cutting a birthday cake presented to him during a celebration marking his 88th birthday at the courtyard of Thekchen Choeling Tsuglakhang in Dharamshala on 6 July 2023. Photo | Tenzin Jigme Taydeh | CTA
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the gathering. Photo | Tenzin Jigme Taydeh | CTA
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama enjoying the Tibetan cultural performance. Photo | Tenzin Jigme Taydeh | CTA
Sikyong Penpa Tsering delivering the Kashag’s statement on the occasion of His Holiness’ 88th birthday. Photo | Tenzin Jigme Taydeh | CTA
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh addressing the gathering. Photo | Tenzin Jigme Taydeh | CTA
Special guest, Vice-Chair of Taiwanese Parliamentary Group for Tibet Hung Sun Han addressing the gathering. Photo | Tenzin Jigme Taydeh | CTA
Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel launching a book on Tibet by Translation and Publication desk of the Department of Information and International Relations. Photo | Tenzin Jigme Taydeh | CTA
Justice Commissioner Tenzin Lungtok launching a book on Tibetan culture and arts. Photo | Tenzin Jigme Taydeh | CTA
Secretary Tashi Topgyal of the Auditor General’s Office presented the 25 years service completion award. Photo | Tenzin Jigme Taydeh | CTA
Secretary Sonam Dorjee of Tibetan Parliament presented the 25 years service completion award. Photo | Tenzin Jigme Taydeh | CTA
Additional Secretary Ngawang Namgyal of the Office of Documentation and Classification Section under Kashag Secretariat, presented the 25 years service completion award. Photo | Tenzin Jigme Taydeh | CTA
Joint Secretary Tenzin Kunsang of Home Department Secretariat presented the 25 years service completion award. Photo | Tenzin Jigme Taydeh | CTA
Under Secretary Dorje Palmo of the Kashag Secretariat presented the 25 years service completion award. Photo | Tenzin Jigme Taydeh | CTA
Public Service Commission staff Khando Yangkyi presented the 25 years service completion award. Photo | Tenzin Jigme Taydeh | CTA
Deputy Secretary Karma Soepa Thinley, settlement officer of Gyalphak (Kathmandu/Swayambhu) receiving the Excellence in Service award. Photo | Tenzin Jigme Taydeh | CTA
Office Superintendent Tenzin Lodoe, office secretary of Tezu settlement office receiving Excellence in service award. Photo | Tenzin Jigme Taydeh | CTA
