DHARAMSHALA, July 8: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama thanked people all over the world, especially his “fellow countrymen and women” inside Tibet, for their prayers and wishes on his 77th birthday.
In a note on his well-received Facebook page, the Dalai Lama expressed his “deep appreciation” to his friends and well-wishers, many from the People’s Republic of China, for sending their “warm greetings.”
“I am also aware that my fellow countrymen and women in Tibet would have remembered me on this day, although they would have been unable to participate in celebrations due of circumstances beyond their control,” the exiled Tibetan leader said. “I would like to thank all of them too, while expressing my own admiration of their indomitable Tibetan spirit, their courage and determination.”
The Dalai Lama has nearly 4 million fans on his Facebook page with his latest thank you note already drawing four thousand comments.
Considered as one of the more influential voices over the internet, a study by Socialbakers has found that the Dalai Lama’s official page enjoys a “fan growth speed” of nearly three hundred thousand people per month.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 77th birthday was celebrated in many places across continents.
Switzerland
Over 2,500 Tibetans in Switzerland and Liechtenstein took part in the celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 77th Birthday in Bülach, Switzerland.
Kalon Pema Chhinjor of Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration was the chief guest at the event.
In his address Kalon Chhinjor said the present Kashag in its first 10 months has been able to achieve international support for the Tibetan cause, listing three resolutions passed by the US Congress, the Japanese and European Parliaments in support of Tibet.
Russian Federation
The 77th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was celebrated in several cities in the Russian Federation.
In Moscow the celebrations, held at the Central House of Writers, began with prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Welcoming the guests and friends and supporters, Dr Nawang Rabgyal, Representative of H.H. the Dalai Lama to Russia & Commonwealth of Independent States, spoke on the Dalai Lama’s visions and his three main commitments in life.
The Russian translation of the Dalai Lama’s book “The Universe in a Single Atom” was also released.
In Elista, the capital of Kalmyk Republic, the Tibetan leader’s birthday was celebrated at the Buddhist Temple with long life prayer, led by Shachen (Head) Lama of Kalmyk Buddhists Union, Rev. Telo Tulku Rinpoche. In the evening the birthday cake was distributed to the public in the center of the city.
In Ulan Ude, the capital of Buryat Republic, the Green Tara Center, led by its spiritual teacher Geshe Jampa Thinley, celebrated His Holiness’ birthday.
Birthday celebrations were also held in Kyzyl, capital of Tuva Republic.
Paris
Bureau du Tibet, Paris in association with Tibet Group in the French Senate on July 4 organised a reception to celebrate the birth anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama within the premises of the Senate building, Palais du Luxumberg.
Kalon Ngodup Dongchung, Department of Security of the Central Tibetan Administrations attended the celebration along with number of other French and foreign dignitaries including, French parliamentarians, Paris based foreign Ambassadors and their representatives, representatives of different French support groups and welfare associations, Buddhist centers and members of Tibetan community in France.
In his address Kalon Ngodup, on behalf of all the Tibetans, particularly those suffering Tibetans inside Tibet, thanked the people of France and their government for the sustained and steady support they have extended to the Tibetan people over these past many years.
The minister is currently on a four-nation European tour, during which he will be meeting government officials, parliamentarians, Tibet support groups and the Tibetan community members in France, Netherlands, Belgium and Spain.
South Korea
Kalon Dicki Chhoyang, Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration, joined the celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday in Seoul, South Korea, on July 4.
Over 550 people participated in the celebrations organised by Tibet House Korea in Sejon Hall.
Canada
Kalon Dolma Gyari, Department of Home of the Central Tibetan Administration joined the Dalai Lama’s birthday celebrations in Ottawa.
Kalon Dolma, who is in Canada on a two-week visit met with Scott Reid, Chair of the Sub-Committee on International Human Rights, and David Kilgour, former federal cabinet minister and international human rights advocate to discuss about current situation inside Tibet.
She also met with Gerrit Nieuwoudt, Director of Policy for the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturism, for specific discussion on the resettlement of Tibetan refugees from Arunachal Pradesh.
The Tibetan minister also met David Sweet, member of parliament, and staff members of parliamentary friends of Tibet.
