Representative Ngodup Tsering officiated the event by thanking the prominent guests, some of whom during vacation, who logged on or sent in videos to commemorate the 14th Dalai Lama. Few guests sent in video felicitations as they are not able to join live. Due to connectivity issues, Congressman Ted Yoho could not join.
Khenpo Samdup of the Drikung S. Dharma Center-VA offered prayers for world peace to honour His Holiness’s lifelong dedication to public service and global affairs.
Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the President of the Central Tibetan Administration, listed His Holiness’s achievements which led to the cultivation of Tibet’s bipartisanship support, and that speech was naturally followed by a video felicitation from Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Speaker Pelosi recounted her visits to Dharamsala and wished His Holiness a very happy birthday and assured bipartisan support for Tibet.’
Ambassador for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback pushed the idea that the present day is the most viable time to push for Tibetan religious freedom. He commended His Holiness’s commitment to peace and assured his full support in this regard. Referring to the religious atrocities in China on Uyghur Muslims and Tibetan Buddhists, he said, “this is not acting out of strength but out of weakness. He commended His Holiness’s commitment to peace and logged off shortly to join his family on their vacation.”
Carl Gershman, the President of the National Endowment for Democracy, spoke about how His Holiness himself considers himself to be the most unlucky Dalai Lama to date since most of His Holiness’s life is tragically spent outside of Tibet. But, Carl pointed to His Holiness’s achievements through exile, achievements that made him a gift to humanity.
Tashi Dhondup, the Secretary of the OOT-DC, read out the Tibetan Parliament in Exile Speaker’s message. Following Tashi was speeches from Congressman Jim McGovern, who sent in a video, and Congressman Ben McAdams and Congressman Scott Perry. All the Congressmen wished His Holiness a happy birthday and shared their personal relationship with Tibet and the Tibetan cause. Congressman McAdams spoke about how he was impressed by His Holiness to support Tibetan cause during His Holiness’s visit to Salt Lake City when he was the Mayor and assured his full support. He expressed his bond and love for Tibetan community in Utah. Congressman Perry urged the Administration to establish a consulate in Lhasa and recognize the Tibetan government in exile as it is way behind time. Congressman McGovern, the sponsor for the Reciprocal Act of Tibet & Tibet Policy and Support Act 0f 2019, promised his dedication for the new TPA-2019.
Canadian members of parliament were next. MP Arif Virani surprised the attendees by introducing himself in Tibetan. His Holiness is a symbol of unity in the continent and as an example narrated that His Holiness is the Honorary citizen of Canada which was offered by Conservative party when they were in power. Expressing optimism for Tibet due to evolving situations of Uighurs and Hongkong, MP Virani said We should shine a stronger light on the human rights situation in PRC.
He expressed deep appreciation of the Tibetan community’s effort and initiative in helping the poor and needy with food etc during COVID-19 pandemic. He believed it is due to His Holiness’s teaching.
MP Garnett Genuis sent in a video for the event, where he stressed the importance of being mindful of the current unfair religious freedom deprivation in Tibet because of the Chinese Communist Party and expressed solidarity for Tibetans in Tibet who are barred from celebrating His Holiness’s birthday by the Chinese Communist Party.
A music video curated and titled “Topai Luyang Song” by Techung, a former artist of Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, then followed the politicians’ speeches. This was then followed by a presentation of a documentary trailer titled ‘Man Of Compassion: Stories of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’ produced by Office of Tibet-DC. Full length of the documentary will be ready in September this year.
Khenpo Samdup then facilitated a Long Life Prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and the event was finalized with a vote of thanks from Secretary Tashi Dhondup. Sikyong applauded the hard work of Office of Tibet in presenting a great event with high profile dignitaries from US and Canada and was impressed with the documentary trailer.
-Filed by Office of Tibet, Washington DC
