Boston, MA: In a landmark celebration, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts paid profound tribute to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, on the occasion of his 90th birthday with a powerful series of recognitions celebrating his enduring legacy of peace, nonviolence, and compassion.
Marking the official launch of the “Year of Compassion” (July 6, 2025 – July 5, 2026), a global observance led by the Central Tibetan Administration, the state hosted a high-profile event at the Massachusetts State House on July 10, 2025, titled “Year of Compassion: A Massachusetts Tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.” The event featured the unveiling and reading of three tributes:
1. Governor’s Citation
Signed by Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll, the Governor’s Citation recognised His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his unwavering commitment to karuṇā, the principle of compassion as a foundation for peace and human happiness. It honored his Nobel Peace Prize, winning advocacy for human rights, religious freedom, and the cultural preservation of the Tibetan people.
2. Historic Joint Resolution from the Massachusetts Legislature
On July 3, 2025, the Massachusetts Senate and House overwhelmingly adopted a Joint Resolution Honoring the Life and Legacy of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, sponsored by Senator Jo Comerford and Representative Lindsay Sabadosa. Endorsed by 90 members of the Massachusetts General Court, the resolution celebrated His Holiness’s lifelong commitments: advancing human values, promoting interfaith harmony, protecting Tibet’s environment, and securing the rights and freedoms of the Tibetan people.
3. Video Messages from the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation
In a strong display of support, members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation shared heartfelt video tributes reaffirming their admiration for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and their solidarity with the Tibetan cause.
· Senator Ed Markey praised His Holiness’s lifelong pursuit of justice and religious freedom, recalling their 2008 meeting.
· Congressman Jim McGovern, a long-time advocate for Tibet, reaffirmed his support for Tibetan self-determination and expressed hope that the Dalai Lama might one day celebrate his birthday in Lhasa.
· Congresswoman Lori Trahan highlighted the transformative power of His Holiness’s teachings on peace and nonviolence.
· Congressman Seth Moulton honored the Dalai Lama’s courage, compassion, and global moral leadership.
Jointly organised by the Tibetan Association of Boston and the Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts, and sponsored by Senator Jo Comerford, Representative Lindsay Sabadosa, and Representative Mindy Domb, the event was graced by Congressman Jim McGovern, Kalon Norzin Dolma, Minister of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration, as well as Massachusetts state legislators and community leaders.
Held in the historic Great Hall of the State House, the event marked a once-in-a-generation expression of shared admiration for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, celebrating cross-cultural solidarity and a collective commitment to compassion.
Press Kit Available
A full press kit titled “Massachusetts Honors the Dalai Lama” is now available to media outlets and the public. It includes:
- Featured Image (JPEG)
- Digital copy of the Governor’s Citation (PDF)
- The Massachusetts Legislative Resolution with signatures (PDF)
- The Video Message Compilation (MP4)
- Full transcripts of the video messages (PDF)
For press inquiries and media access:
Thondup Tsering
Chair, Organising Committee,
Member of Tibetan Parliament in Exile
thontse@gmail.com | +1 (413) 687-3477
Dhardon Sharling
Member, Organising Committee
dhardonsharling@gmail.com | +1 (413) 210-3873
Tenzin Ngodup
Member, Organising Committee
tenzintngodup@gmail.com | +1 (857) 333-0639
Tenzin Norgyal
Tibetan Association of Boston
norgay720@gmail.com | +1 (718)683-6411
