Roundup: Indian and Tibetan Communities Celebrate 6 July with Fanfare
July 7, 2012 2:45 pm

Tibetans perform opera dance during the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 77th birthday in Bangalore, India, on 6 July 2012/Photos/Office of Chief Representative, South Zone
Karnataka Chief Minister and Speaker Wish His Holiness the Dalai Lama Happy Birthday

The celebration in Bangalore began with Sangsol (Incense burning prayer) by the Tibetan community based in the region.

Mr Karma Singey, Chief Representative, Central Tibetan Administration (South Zone), gave the welcome speech and read out the statement of Kashag on the 77th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Mr D B Chandre Gowda, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Bangalore North Constituency graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Mr Gyari Bhutuk, Member of Tibetan Parliament, was the guest of honor.
Birthday wishes and messages from the state Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, and Speaker K.G. Bopaiah, were read out during the ceremony.

Tibetan officials honour Mr D.B. Chandre Gowda, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), as the chief guest during the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 77th birthday in Bangalore, India, on 6 July 2012
In his message, the chief minister said: “I am happy to know that the Tibetan community in Bangalore city is organising the 77th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 6 July. My greetings and happy birthday to His Holiness. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a revered international figure and renowned peace, non-violence and inter-religious harmony are laudable. The conferring of Nobel Peace Prize, US Congressional Gold Medal and the Templeton Prize are clear recognition of his steadfast adherence and conviction to the promotion of peace, non-violence and inter-religious harmony. I am equally happy to record appreciation of the Tibetan community in India which has made great progress in the fields of education, cultural preservation, community building. I wish His Holiness the Dalai Lama and many more happy returns of the day.”

Mr K G Bopaiah, Speaker of State Legislative Assembly, wrote in his message: “His Holiness the Dalai Lama is highly revered spiritual leader of Tibet and world renowned Buddhist leader. He has fought for Tibetan people’s fundamental rights and democratic freedom, for over five decades. His outstanding contribution to peace and harmony, non-violence, human rights, religious understanding and steadfast adherence to spiritual values, won him ‘Nobel Peace Prize’, United States Congressional Gold Medal, Templeton Prize, and many more awards. I wish him a long, healthy and peaceful life to cherish all his good wishes.

Sweet packages were distributed to local ministers, MLAs, local Administrators, university and college authorities and friends of Tibet.

A lunch reception was hosted by Tibetan Sweater Sellers Association to all the public.

RTYC, Bangalore organised a basket ball match and culture show in the evening.

Local Indians Avail Free Medical Camp in Chauntra on His Holiness’s Birthday Celebration


Local Indians at a free medical camp organised by Tibetan community on the occasion of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 77th birthday in Chauntra near Dharamsala on 6 July 2012
Over 2,500 Tibetans gathered in Chauntra settlement in northern India for the celebration of His Holiness Dalai Lama’s 77th Birthday at Dzongsar College. The programme started with a minute’s silence to mourn all those Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for the just cause of Tibet. H.E. Sakya Dhungsey Avikrita Rinpoche, Speaker of the Local Assembly, Settlement Officer, Chauntra offered long life offerings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Mr Sonam Yougyal, Speaker of Local Assembly, read out the statement of Tibetan Parliament in Exile and Mr Tenzin Rabga, Settlement Officer, delivered the Kashag’s statement on the occasion. A special prayer service was held for the Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for Tibet’s cause. Tibetan dignitaries present on the occasion include Mrs Juchen Kunchok Choedon and Khenpo Norbu Tsering, members of Tibetan Parliament.

A free medical camp was organised in Chauntra Market to strengthen harmonious relationship with the Indian community. Local Indians availed free doctor consultation and medicine. Distribution of sweets for the general public and a lunch reception was organised for the Indian dignitaries comprising of officials from the local administration.