Dharamshala: To mark the 75th anniversary of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama’s assumption of spiritual and temporal leadership of Tibet, the Central Ghoton Organising Committee of the Central Tibetan Administration held a celebration this morning at the Tsuglagkhang in Dharamshala, expressing heartfelt gratitude to His Holiness.
Graced by the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the commemoration was attended by Her Excellency Dr. Eliska Zigova, the Czech Ambassador to India, and Yashbir Singh, IFS, Liaison Officer of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Former Liaison Officers and DSPs who had served His Holiness in Dharamshala were also present.
In a symbolic gesture, Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, and Sikyong Penpa Tsering offered a Mandala and the auspicious representations of the Buddha’s body, speech, and mind to commence the event. This was followed by a Mandala offering by former Tibetan Parliamentarian Tashi Namgyal, President of the Gratitude Event Organising Committee, on behalf of the alumni of Tibetan schools in India and Nepal. Representatives of former students from the seven residential Central Schools for Tibetans (CST) in India, the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) School, the Tibetan Homes Foundation (THF), and various Tibetan Day Schools in India and Nepal also participated in the offering.
Following the ceremonial offerings, Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel read the statements of the Kashag and the Tibetan Parliament in Exile. The statements highlighted His Holiness’ astute and prudent leadership from the age of 16—ranging from His efforts to find mutual ground and address the Tibet–China conflict during the PRC’s initial entry into Tibet, to the introduction of the pragmatic, win-win Middle Way Approach. They also detailed His initiatives to improve the welfare of ordinary Tibetans and His reforms to democratise the Tibetan political system during Tibet’s darkest hours.
The President of the Gratitude Event Organising Committee delivered introductory remarks, noting that despite overwhelming political responsibilities, His Holiness prioritised education for young Tibetan refugees. This led to the establishment of schools in India and Nepal, with support from the Government of India. These schools have achieved universal education and negligible illiteracy among Tibetans in exile, and their graduates now contribute significantly to the Tibetan community and the world at large.
Thereafter, former Tibetan Parliamentarian Tashi Namgyal, TCV President Sonam Sichoe, and THF General Secretary Migmar Tsering jointly presented mementoes in gratitude to His Holiness, followed by a presentation of a gratitude song dedicated to him for his compassionate and farsighted leadership.
In her keynote address as the event’s chief guest, Her Excellency Dr. Eliska Zigova emphasised the importance of good leadership in families, schools, and nations to ensure prosperity and harmony. She reflected on the extraordinary leadership of His Holiness, “I was thinking about the young Dalai Lama, only 16 years old in 1950, taking responsibility for his nation and his people under such difficult circumstances. Nine years later, he crossed the Indian border in exile with thousands of people following him. All those small children could have been left behind, but they were not. At only 23 years old, the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet began founding schools and homes for children in 1960. Today, we see the alumni of all those schools and the young children still studying there. It is truly amazing.”
Recalling her recent visit to Tibetan Homes Foundation Schools in Mussoorie, she remarked, “Not only were the students well-educated, but they were also very well cared for. All of them speak fluent Tibetan.” She concluded by offering prayers for the long life of His Holiness and extending her best wishes to the Tibetan community.
During the event, the alumni also presented a plaque to the people and Government of India in appreciation of India’s unwavering support to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people since 1959. The plaque was accepted by Liaison Officer Yashbir Singh on behalf of the Government through His Holiness.
A book, composed by Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Secretary Lobsang Jinpa and published by Department of Information and International Relation, was launched during the commemoration.
After His Holiness returned to his residence, students from various Tibetan schools participating in the Gratitude Event performed vibrant cultural programs for the gathering, bringing the celebration to a joyful close.
