Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay and DIIR Secretary Mr. Tashi Phuntsok launching the video of greeting for the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday.
Dharamsala, June 17, 2015: Tibetan Leadership launches special video greeting on behalf of the Tibetan People inside and outside Tibet, including a special tribute from Archbishop Desmond Tutu. On Wednesday, the Central Tibetan Administration CTA , ( legitimate representative body of the Tibetan people), at Dharamsala, launched a video birthday greeting for Dalai Lama, who will be 80 on July 6, 2015 according to English calendar .
Featuring a tribute and greeting from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the video seeks to highlight the Dalai Lama’s commitment to contribute to human happiness, to foster religious harmony worldwide and to safeguard Tibet’s culture and environment.
Tibetan PM in exile Dr. Lobsang Sangay said after the launch,” According to Tibetan tradition, a person’s 80th anniversary bears special significance and is celebrated as a momentous life milestone. It is hoped the Dalai Lama’s supporters worldwide will share the video as a tribute to his efforts to promote peace. This year’s anniversary will be celebrated by millions throughout the world including Tibetans inside Tibet despite Chinese authorities’ restrictions.”
Department of international affairs (DIIR ),Secretary Mr. Tashi Phuntsok said at the occasion that His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in his genuine effort to democratize the Tibetan administration, devolved his political authority to the elected Sikyong (Tibetan PM)in 2011. “His Holiness is deeply loved and revered by his people both in exile and inside Tibet,” Tashi added.
He further informed that on June 21st, which corresponds to the Dalai Lama’s birthday based on the Tibetan calendar (5th day of the 5th lunar month), a special long-life prayer will be offered to His Holiness in Dharamshala, India. The event will be attended by dignitaries and guests from around the world.
Meanwhile The Dalai Lama has returned to Dharamsala, on Tuesday after his tour to Australia. Beside hundreds of devotees, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, (the democratically elected Tibetan political leader), welcomed the Dalai Lama on his arrival at the Gaggal airport yesterday . The Dalai Lama’s is now expected to attend the upcoming 80th birthday celebrations and a longlife prayer offering on June 21. The celebrations may also be attended by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on June 22, sources here said.
Date:
Wednesday, June 17, 2015