Thousands gather to celebrate His Holiness’ 84th birthday in Dharamsala
DHARAMSALA, 6 July: The courtyard of Tsug-lag-Khang, the main temple in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala where the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama resides, was filled with an air of exultation as thousands of Tibetans, as well as foreigners and Indian followers of the Tibetan spiritual leader, congregated for the official celebration of His Holiness’ 84thbirthday.
The official birthday celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was attended by among others Shri Kishan Kapoor, the BJP MP from Kangra along with the representatives of the three pillars of Tibetan democracy as well as members of Tibetan Parliament-in-exile and officials of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
CTA’s President, Dr Lobsang Sangay and the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Pema Jungney delivered the official statements of the Kashag (the Tibetan cabinet) and the Tibetan Parliament respectively.
Both the statements highlighted the innumerous contributions and magnanimous endeavours of His Holiness for the Tibetan people and the world at large. They expressed the Tibetan people’s profound gratitude towards His Holiness and wished His Holiness the Dalai Lama healthy and long life on behalf of Tibetan people inside and outside.
The Tibetan leaders also expressed their gratitude to the government and the people of India on behalf of the Tibetan people for their unwavering support and hospitality for the last six decades in exile.
The Chief Guest, Shri Kishan Kapoor in his address stated that while the Dalai Lama is addressed to as the Tibetan spiritual leader, for him he is the world’s spiritual leader and thanked him for putting Dharamsala on the world map as he wished the latter on his 84thbirthday and making it his residence.
Cultural performances by students of Tibetan schools located in and around Dharamsala and Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts lighted up the spirit of the crowd of thousands gathered at the Tsug-lag-Khang courtyard.
The ceremony also included felicitation of civil servants in recognition of their 25 years of service for the CTA, book launches, conferment of research certificate to researchers and felicitation of distinctive CTA civil servants in recognition of their distinctive service for the CTA.
