By Tenzin Jigme Taydeh, DIIR Social Media Journalist
Tibetan spiritual leader and the world renowned religious personality, His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama, turned 87 years on Wednesday this week, on 6 July 2022.
At around 8 o’ clock in the morning, His Holiness inaugurated the Dalai Lama Library and Archive near his residence at Lha-Gyal-Ri circumambulatory path in Dharamshala. His Holiness addressed the gathering comprised of Gaden Tripa, leaders of Central Tibetan Administration, Chairman of International Campaign for Tibet Richard Gere on the importance and relevance of Tibetan culture in today’s world. The ceremony went on for an hour.
Following the inauguration ceremony, Central Tibetan Administration hosted the official 87th birthday ceremony of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the courtyard of Thekchen Choeling Tsuglakhang with gathering of over 7000 people and thousands more watching the live celebration on Tibet TV Facebook page.
Shri Jai Ram Thakur, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh virtually wished His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 87th birthday. Forest Minister Shri Rakesh Pathania as a chief guest attended the auspicious event along with long-time Tibet supporter Richard Gere, Chairman of International Campaign for Tibet as a special guest, and prominent religious figures of Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism were also present as guest of honours.
As part of the global celebration of 87th birthday of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, Twitterati poured in wishes for His Holiness on his joyous day.
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took to his Twitter page to convey his warmest greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
PM Modi tweeted: Conveyed 87th birthday greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama over phone earlier today. We pray for his long life and good health.
Likewise, US leaders, European leaders, Indian Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, State Ministers and Ambassadors took their official Twitter accounts and showered overwhelming greetings.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed his warm greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama through his official Twitter account @SecBlinken. Secretary Blinken tweeted: I send birthday wishes and gratitude to @DalaiLama. His Holiness brings light to many lives by promoting peace, encouraging religious harmony, and advocating for the preservation of Tibetan language and culture and protection of Tibet’s natural environment.
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on her official Twitter account @SpeakerPelosi expressed her greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. US Speaker Tweeted: It is with great admiration that I join millions in sending warm birthday wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama- a beacon of hope for the Tibetan people and a force for compassion in the face of oppression.
US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Uzra Zeya on her Twitter account @UnderSecStateJ extended her greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his birthday.
Under Secretary Uzra Zeya Tweeted: On @DalaiLama’s birthday, I honor his lifetime of compassionate advocacy and look forward to continuing to work with His Holiness to advance direct dialogue with the PRC, promote respect for Tibetans’ human rights, and meet the needs of Tibetan refugees, among other priorities.
As always on the 6th of July, Tibetans in Tibet, despite the draconian surveillance and restrictions on every aspect of their lives, mark His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday through symbolic and creative gestures.
Catch some glimpses of Twitterati showering warm greetings to His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet on his 87th birthday anniversary:
