Leh: : Hon’ble Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson attended the 90th birth anniversary celebration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama held at Thekchen Choeling Tsuglakhang, Dharamshala. He was accompanied by Hon’ble Executive Councillor Tashi Namgyal Yakzee; Hon’ble Nominated Councillor Ven. Konchok Tsephel; and Hon’ble Councillors of LAHDC Leh Rigzin Lundup, Tsering Nurboo, Stanzin Chospel, Skarma Namdak, Lundup Dorjey, Stanzin Tsepag, Smanla Nurboo, and Tundup Nurboo.
The momentous occasion brought together global dignitaries, Tibetan leaders, and thousands of devotees to pay tribute to the spiritual legacy and extraordinary life of His Holiness.
Among the distinguished attendees were His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Edzin Nurbu; His Holiness Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche (the 43rd Sakya Trizin); Hon’ble Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh; Hon’ble Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju; Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu; Hon’ble Minister Sikkim Shri Sonam Lama; Hon’ble Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration; Ling Rinpoche; acclaimed actor and longtime Tibetan rights activist Shri Richard Gere, along with several other senior dignitaries, parliamentarians, and spiritual figures.
In his keynote address, His Holiness the Dalai Lama offered a message of humility and universal compassion. “While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone,” he said. He also reaffirmed his continued commitment to serving humanity and announced that the Gaden Phodrang Trust would hold sole authority in the process of identifying his successor.
In his address, H’CEC Tashi Gyalson extended heartfelt birthday greetings to His Holiness on behalf of the people of Ladakh and LAHDC Leh. He expressed deep gratitude for His Holiness’s constant guidance and the enduring influence of institutions such as TCV and SOS schools in nurturing Ladakhi youth. He also highlighted the Council’s continued efforts in uplifting Tibetan settlements and fostering inclusive development under the Union Territory administration.
He recalled that during the time when Ladakh was part of the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir, His Holiness’s spiritual presence gave strength and hope to the people, even when development seemed distant. He noted that with the granting of UT status, LAHDC Leh has been able to fulfil long-held aspirations, including allocating over morthen ₹40 crore for various Tibetan settlements in Ladakh and ensuring their access to government welfare schemes.
Reaffirming Ladakh’s deep-rooted spiritual and cultural ties with Tibetan Buddhism, he stated that the people of Ladakh fully endorse His Holiness’s recent statement on the sacred tradition of reincarnation and hold deep reverence for His wisdom and discretion in this matter. He also formally welcomed His Holiness to Ladakh, assuring a comfortable stay, and expressed joy at the prospect of once again being in His Holiness’s blessed presence. He added that LAHDC Leh has dedicated the month of July as the Month of Compassion to mark the 90th birthday, with charitable and social initiatives being conducted across the district.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, in his address as Chief Guest, lauded His Holiness as a global ambassador of peace and wisdom, whose teachings transcend boundaries and continue to inspire millions across the world in the pursuit of inner peace and ethical living.
The programme featured a series of addresses by dignitaries, a video tribute from world leaders including former Presidents of the United States and the current President of Taiwan, and the release of a biography of His Holiness by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. A special art piece was also offered by a renowned Chinese artist as a gesture of deep respect.
In a joyful moment of collective celebration, dignitaries and devotees partook in the symbolic cutting of the birthday cake, followed by the presentation of the Ghoton theme song in Tibetan, Hindi, and English.
The celebration featured a vibrant and diverse array of cultural performances from across the globe. Alongside powerful performances from Ladakh, the event showcased troupes representing the three traditional provinces of Tibet which are Amdo, Kham, and U-Tsang as well as international artists from over ten countries, including India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
In total, approximately 70 cultural groups from various Indian states including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Odisha joined Tibetan and international participants in presenting music, dance, and ritual performances across multiple venues from July 6 to 9. The breadth and spirit of these presentations reflected the truly global and inclusive ethos of the Year of Compassion.
The celebration also included the presentation of mementos to dignitaries, service excellence awards to long-serving staff of the Central Tibetan Administration, and a formal vote of thanks by CTA Secretary Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi.
