Jun, 23, 2015
DHARAMSHALA: The 80th birthday anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama has proved to be a tremendous success. His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s presence and participation by Indian cabinet ministers Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Mr. Kiren Rijiju and a litany of top Indian dignitaries from states across India at the celebration exalted the occasion.
The mega celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday at Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple at Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, was organised by the Central Tibetan Administration led by Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay. The celebration was held to mark His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s remarkable achievements and contribution towards world peace in general and the Tibetan cause in particular.
The main task of organising the celebration was handled by a committee headed by Mr. Tashi Phuntsok, Secretary of the Department of Information and International Relations; Mr. Phagpa Tsering, Secretary of the Department of Security and Mr. Tenzin Lungtok, Additional Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture.
The staff of the Department of Information and International Relations and the Department of Security provided the logistics and arrangements for the event. Their contribution has been tremendous and the task onerous.
Mr. Sonam Tenzin, Additional Secretary from Sikyong’s office, was responsibile for the protocol and arrangement of the high dignitaries who came to the celebration.
Speaking at the celebration, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay said: “Today is the 80th birthday of an extraordinary person. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a constant reminder of our shared humanity and of the importance of a warm heart.”
“On behalf of Tibetans inside and outside Tibet, happy 80th birthday to Your Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. Thank you for your leadership and for your lifelong commitment to your contribution to human happiness and promotion of universal responsibility, to foster religious harmony worldwide and to safeguard Tibet’s culture and environment.”
Mr. Tashi Phuntsok, Secretary of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) and the head of the organising committee gave the thank you speech at the celebration. Expressing deep gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he said: “We are truly conscious of the preciousness of this opportunity to be under your blessings and guidance.”
“This birthday celebration is rare and special in many ways. The presence of His Eminences, Head of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon Tradition lends profound spiritual aura to this occasion. We offer our heartfelt gratitude to the Eminences.”
“The people and Government of India have been the bedrock of Tibetan struggle. The presence of Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Hon. Dr. Mahesh Sharma and Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Hon. Kiren Rijiju, symbolizes this relationship. This historical participation by the Union Ministers will be noted in the Tibetan history for posterity. I would like to thank the Honorable ministers from the bottom of my heart,” he added.
The celebration was attended by a big contingent of Indian and foreign dignitaries and the media including Honorable Nabam Tuki, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Hon. Pema Khandu, Tourism Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Mrs. Viplov Thakur, MP of Himachal Pradesh, Mr. Marco Pannello and his delegation from Italy, Mr. Ed John and his delegation from First Nation Leadership, Canada and Dr. Yang Jianli and his Chinese delegation.
