Dharamshala July 6 – His Holiness asked his well-wishers on his birthday to think more of “inner values”. “Each new day is a birthday”, the Tibetan leader said at a press conference held after the celebrations. Seeing an unsually large number of media people, His Holiness called a press conference which was not in the list of celebration programme.
The mother of all celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 70th birthday, which the Tibetan exile government and Tibetans in and outside of Tibet will celebrate for the next twelve months, was held here amid continous downpour of monsoon rain at the Tsuglakhang courtyard. Well-wishers, devotees, and Tibetans from all over squeezed under colourful umbrellas to form a human rainbow.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama was welcomed to the podium from the palace gate by the Tashi Sholpa performers of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. The function, which was delayed a bit due to continous rainfall, was attended by dignitaries from as far places as Sikkim, Arunachal and Jammu & Kashmir. His Holiness, who was quick to make everyone laugh with his characteristic humour, said that the rain was a token of gratitude to his well-wishers. The celebration turned out to be an international event as scores of mediapersons from all over the world craved for space in search of the best shot.
Also present on the occassion were the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa and several other high lamas, members of the Kashag, Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Assembly of the Tibetan People’s Deputies, officials of the Central Tibetan Administration, representaives of the various non-governmental organisations and institutes.
The function began with the offering of Mandala by Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, the Kalon Tripa of the exile Tibetan government and souvenirs by the representatives of the governments of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. The representatives of the two states read their Chief Ministers’ messages to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Chief Ministers of the two states, which have a substantial number of Buddhist population, conveyed their prayers and wishes for His Holiness’ long life.
The Kashag and the ATPD also, in their addresses, prayed for the fulflment of His Holiness’ wishes and His Holiness’ long life. The Kalon Tripa also said that much of the doubts have been cleared in the recent talks between His Holiness’ delegation and the representatives of the People’s Republic of China.
Various regional communities, schools and institutes performed cultural dances and songs in clebraton of the event.
