A new Tibetan Community Centre was inaugurated in Gangtok, Sikkim, on Monday as part of the 91st birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama. The event saw participation from people of various cultures and religions, embodying the spirit of compassion and brotherhood.
Inauguration and Celebrations
Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Minister Palden Dhondup, who attended the inauguration, told ANI that the Dalai Lama's birthday was celebrated worldwide. He expressed happiness over the diverse community participation in Sikkim. "We celebrated it in a grand way worldwide. I was invited by the Culture Department. And of course, our President of Central Tibetan Administration also invited me as a guest of honour. Unlikely, he has to go to Ladakh. Then I came here," Dhondup said.
Reflecting on the event, Dhondup added: "What I felt is very happy because all the community representatives of all the religions gathered here, celebrating this--this is the compassion that we are saying is compassion as 'Bhaichara'. What is 'Bhaichara'? 'Bhaichara' in this sense, all the different cultures and religions stay together warmly, warm-heartedly. This is called compassion. So I feel very good."
Parallel Events Across India and Abroad
The Sikkim ceremony coincided with events held across India and abroad to mark the Tibetan spiritual leader's birth anniversary. In Dharamshala, thousands of exiled Tibetans gathered at the Main Tibetan Temple, Tsuglagkhang, for prayers, cultural performances, and official ceremonies organized by the CTA. Although the Dalai Lama attended celebrations in Ladakh, devotees in Dharamshala prayed for his long life and good health.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday greetings to the Dalai Lama, praising his message of peace and harmony. In a post on X, the Prime Minister wished the Dalai Lama a long and healthy life, lauding his moral and spiritual strength and commitment to global good.
Special Prayers in Shimla
Tibetan Buddhist monks at the Dorje Drak Monastery in Shimla offered special prayers for the Dalai Lama's longevity. Devotees described him as a global symbol of peace and compassion whose teachings continue to inspire millions.
Background of the Dalai Lama
Born as Lhamo Thondup on July 6, 1935, in Takster, Tibet, the Dalai Lama was recognized at the age of two as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. He assumed Tibet's temporal leadership in 1950 but fled to India in 1959 following the suppression of the Tibetan National Uprising. He has since lived in exile, continuing to advocate peace, compassion, and the preservation of Tibetan identity.
