Honourable Chief Guest, CM of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang, during a celebration marking his 89th birthday at the courtyard of Thekchen Choeling Tsuglakhang in Dharamshala on 6 July 2024.
By — Shyamal Sinha
On 6 July 2024, the occasion of the 89th birthday anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetans led by the Central Tibetan Administration gathered at the Tsuglagkhang courtyard to commemorate the biggest celebration of the Tibetan community.
The presence of the Chief Guest, the Honourable Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang, and other distinguished guests graced the event. These included the Speaker of Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Mingma Norbu Sherpa, Sri Tapir Gao, a member of Lok Sabha Representing the Arunachal East constituency and accompanied by several other dignitary officials and ministers of Sikkim. Additionally, the event was attended by Bhutila Karpoche, Honourable Deputy Speaker of the Ontario Legislative Assembly, Canada and Namgyal Gangshontsang, Mayor of Oetwil am See, a municipality in the district of Meilen in the canton of Zürich in Switzerland.
Following Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Speaker Sonam Tenphel’s delivery of the statements of the Kashag and Tibetan Parliament, respectively, distinguished guests extended their best wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 89th birthday, first by Namgyal Gangshontsang, Mayor of Oetwil am See, in his remarks, he conveyed greetings and gratitude on behalf of the community. He further highlights the profound impact of His Holiness’s lifelong dedication to the Tibetan cause and global humanitarian efforts, while also recognising the collaborative efforts of the Central Tibetan Administration in achieving these goals.
The Chief guest initiated his speech by conveying his sincere appreciation for the invitation extended by the Central Tibetan Administration and recognised the worldwide observance of His Holiness’s birthday on 6 July. He commended Dharamshala, especially McLeod Ganj, as a symbol of compassion and wisdom fostered under His Holiness’s guidance. In acknowledging His Holiness’s challenging upbringing and subsequent global influence, he underscored the universal teachings of Buddhism, peace, and compassion espoused by His Holiness. The esteemed guest warmly regarded His Holiness’s well-being and longevity, noting Sikkim’s pride in hosting His Holiness and reaping the benefits of his visits. The chief minister emphasised the transformative influence of His Holiness’s teachings in promoting harmony and sustainability, pledging unwavering support and disseminating His Holiness’s principles for a peaceful world.
Furthermore, the special guest Bhutila Karpoche, in her address, reflected upon the tireless hard work of His Holiness for Tibetans and expressed gratitude, especially praising His Holiness’ visionary leadership since his exile from Tibet at 24. She emphasised His Holiness’s global stature as a revered spiritual leader. She highlighted recent commendations, including His Holiness’ designation as the preeminent Buddhist leader by the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace and his honorary Canadian citizenship. She called upon individuals to uphold His Holiness’s principles of peace, harmony, and unity as a tribute while conveying heartfelt wishes for his enduring health and longevity and ended with her address.
In his address, Sri Tapir Gao expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate the life and teachings of His Holiness. He highlighted the global impact of His Holiness’s peace, compassion, and understanding principles. Reflecting on His Holiness’s remarkable journey, Sri Tapir Gao emphasised the historic significance of His Holiness’s arrival in India, symbolising a deep bond of friendship and solidarity between India and Tibet.
The event saw lively cultural performances from Tibetan schools, regional Tibetan associations in Dharamshala and the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts(TIPA). It also saw the honouring of the Chief guests and the guests with a memento by the Tibetan Parliament in Exile and Kashag.
Six civil servants were felicitated by the Tibetan Public Service Commission on their completion of 25 years of service. Similarly, two civil servants were awarded with excellence awards for their distinctive service.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering delivering the Kashag’s statement on the occasion of His Holiness’ 89th birthday.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering presenting a Thangka to Chief guest CM of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering presenting a Thangka to Sri Migmar Norbu Sherpa, Speaker Sikkim Legislative Assembly.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering presenting Thangka to Sri Tapir Gao, a member of Lok Sabha Representing the Arunachal East constituency.
The celebration marking his 89th birthday at the courtyard of Thekchen Choeling Tsuglakhang in Dharamshala on 6 July 2024.
