By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, July 6: Hundreds of Tibetans including school children today gathered at the courtyard of Tsuglakhang main temple to participate in the official celebration of the 81st birthday of the Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Home Minister (Kalon) Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang as officiating Sikyong, Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioner Kagyu Dhondup, Sri Ajay Singh Mankotia, President of Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association, among others, attended the official celebrations.
“Every Tibetan should not only pay heed to His Holiness’ precious advice but also channel it into action. Now that the dust has settled, let us take a moment to look forward to our future with a renewed sense of conviction, purpose and action,” the officiating Sikyong said, while thanking His Holiness for giving an opportunity to start afresh. His Holiness during the swearing-in-ceremony of Sikyong expressed his displeasure over degradation of morality and the overtones of regional biases during the election.
Deputy Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok said in his statement, “Tibetan Buddhist centers, settlements, schools, handicraft centers and places of business were all set up in keeping with the perceived requirements under different circumstances. They all flourish today with stellar vibrancy owing to the grace of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”
Both the Kashag and the Tibetan Parliament in Exile in their statement extended their gratitude to India and its people for their hospitality and support towards the Tibetan people.
“His Holiness chose this place since it is the Dev Bhumi. Therefore, we should all work together to make it a global center of religious meetings and conferences. I urge Tibetans to preserve the unique culture and traditions,” said Ajay Singh while wishing His Holiness a long and healthy life.
A Hindi version of the comic book ‘Dalai Lama: Soldier of Peace’ by Vijay Kranti and a book (in Chinese) on the life of former political prisoner Lobsang Tenzin were also launched during the event.
The spiritual leader who is currently in Mundgod, celebrated his birthday at the Drepung Monastery today. He is scheduled to give a teaching on Za Patrul Rinpoche’s Heart Treasure of the Saints, The Practice of View, Meditation and Action: Speech that is Virtuous in the Beginning, Middle and End on July 13 in Rewalsar (Tso Pema).
