Himachal Pradesh News
Tibetans Celebrate Dalai Lama’s 91st Birthday in Dharamsala Amid Global Appeal on Tibetan Identity
The Tibetan community in Dharamsala marked the 91st birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama with deep devotion, cultural festivities and prayers on Monday, even as the spiritual leader continues his summer retreat in Leh.
The Tibetan community in Dharamsala marked the 91st birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama with deep devotion, cultural festivities and prayers on Monday, even as the spiritual leader continues his summer retreat in Leh.
Organised by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the celebrations took place at the historic Tsuglagkhang courtyard and witnessed the participation of hundreds of Tibetans, Indian well-wishers, foreign visitors and tourists. The event reflected the enduring influence of the Dalai Lama’s teachings of peace, compassion and non-violence across the world.
Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa attended the function as the chief guest, alongside senior members of the CTA, Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile representatives, heads of autonomous institutions and community organisations.
The programme began with the singing of the Indian and Tibetan national anthems, followed by a ceremonial cake-cutting. Extending greetings on behalf of the Himachal Pradesh Government, Bairwa praised the Dalai Lama’s lifelong dedication to promoting universal values, harmony and human dignity.
Describing the Nobel Peace Prize laureate as a global symbol of compassion and responsibility, he said the Dalai Lama’s message continues to inspire people beyond geographical and cultural boundaries. He also appreciated the CTA’s decision to observe the current year under the theme “Year of Compassion.”
Bairwa reiterated the district administration’s commitment to supporting the Tibetan community and acknowledged its significant contribution to Dharamsala’s tourism industry, cultural landscape and local economy.
During the event, Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel delivered a message from the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, while Officiating Sikyong Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi presented the official statement of the Kashag, the Tibetan Cabinet-in-Exile.
The celebrations featured vibrant cultural performances by students from Tibetan schools, artistes from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts and various community groups. Traditional music and dance performances highlighted Tibet’s rich cultural heritage and reinforced the community’s efforts to preserve its identity for future generations.
Several civil servants associated with the CTA were also honoured for their years of dedicated service.
The Dalai Lama is currently staying at Shewatsel Phodrang in Leh after arriving there on June 28 for a two-month summer retreat following medical treatment in New Delhi.
CTA Raises International Concern Over China’s New Ethnic Unity Law
On the occasion of the Dalai Lama’s 91st birthday, the Central Tibetan Administration also issued a strong appeal to the international community regarding China’s recently implemented “Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress Law,” which came into effect on July 1.
In a statement released by the Kashag, the Tibetan leadership-in-exile described the legislation as a significant challenge to the preservation of Tibetan identity, language, religion and cultural traditions.
The CTA alleged that the law promotes policies aimed at assimilating Tibetans and other ethnic minorities into a unified national identity, potentially impacting their cultural and religious freedoms. It urged global institutions and democratic nations to closely monitor the situation and support efforts to safeguard cultural diversity and fundamental human rights.
As Tibetans across different countries joined in celebrating the Dalai Lama’s birthday, the occasion served not only as a tribute to his legacy of peace but also as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to preserve Tibetan culture and identity on the global stage.
