By Tenzin Menkyi
Dharamsala: The Tibetan Prime Minister (Sikyong) Lobsang Sangay, today launched an official greeting video for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday. Sangay, accompanied by the Secretary of the Department of Information and International Relations, Tashi Phuntsok, officially made the video public at a press conference earlier today. The 3-minute video, titled ‘Happy 80th Birthday Your Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama!’ is a tribute from the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, said Sangay.
Sangay appealed to the Tibetan people and admirers of the Tibetan leader to share the video available in English, Chinese and Tibetan languages. The video features Sangay and Desmond Tutu, among others, wishing the Tibetan leader.
In his introduction to the video, Sangay said: “we seek to highlight His Holiness’ commitment to contribute to human happiness, to foster religious harmony worldwide and to safeguard Tibet’s culture and environment.”
He added that though there are a substantial number of books, films and videos about His Holiness his administration felt the need for a video to be shared as much as possible, especially among Chinese supporters.
The Tibetan leader who returned from a ten day visit to Australia on Tuesday will be present during a long-life offering on June 20 and a public event at TCV which will also be attended by a score of prominent Lamas and the Chief Minister of the Himachal, Raja Virbhadra Singh. The 80th birthday of His Holiness, also called Ghyatoen in Tibetan is expected to be one of the most celebrated events of the Tibetan Diaspora this year with a series of events lined up in California, New York and Bonn. “There are millions who revere His Holiness, even so, not everyone get to be at the venue to celebrate. Thus, this video is also for them and on behalf of them,” added Sangay.
In a press statement issued today, the CTA stated, “According to Tibetan tradition, a person’s 80th anniversary bears special significance and is celebrated as a momentous life milestone. This year’s anniversary will be celebrated by millions throughout the world including Tibetans inside Tibet despite Chinese authorities’ restrictions. It is hoped that His Holiness supporters worldwide will share the videos as a tribute to his efforts to promote peace.’
