[ Prem Chetry ]

BOMDILA/TAWANG/BICHOM, 6 Jul: Expressing gratitude and devotion, people in dozens of locations celebrated Thonkar Düchen, the 91st birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, with reverence in several locations across Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday.

In West Kameng, people thronged Thubchog Gatsel Ling monastery in Bomdila. Since dawn, special prayers were offered by dozens of monks for the longevity and good health of the Nobel Laureate.

On the occasion, Padma Shri awardee, the 12th Guru Tulku Rinpoche, offered prayers and said, “May His Holiness live long, and may we always be guided by his wisdom to follow the path of compassion, peace, universal brotherhood and environmental protection.”

“I wish all his desires be fulfilled for the benefit of all sentient beings and for mankind,” the rinpoche added.

Earlier, Dr Dechin Droka, secretary of the Bomdila Buddhist Society, narrated the life history of the Dalai Lama and highlighted his contributions towards promoting universal peace and compassion.

Marking the spiritual significance of the day, a huge gathering was also witnessed at Urgyeling gonpa, the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Tsangyang Gyatso, in Tawang district.

On the occasion, Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering said, “This day is not just for celebration. When you go back home, you must follow the guidance of His Holiness – at least fifty per cent of what he has said.”

 He urged people to practise the Dalai Lama’s noble principles in their day-to-day lives, change their attitude towards others, and be kind and helpful.

Abbot of Tawang monastery, Phara Damey Sungrup Tulku, and Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo also highlighted the Dalai Lama’s enduring contributions.

Since the Dalai Lama frequently advocates environmental protection, a mass plantation drive was organised.

In Bichom district, devotees joined the celebration at Sharphak Choeling Gonpa (SCG) and Khentseling School, Northeast Nalanda, in Nafra. Yangjom Rijiju, a member of SCG, informed that people participated on the occasion with reverence and prayed for the long and healthy life of the Dalai Lama.

The 91st birth anniversary of the 14th Dalai Lama was celebrated also at the Tibetan settlement in Tenzingaon in West Kameng district.

The occasion witnessed an impressive gathering of monks, devotees, public representatives, government officials and members of the public, symbolising the deep respect and admiration that His Holiness continues to inspire across Arunachal.

Attending the celebration, Home Minister Mama Natung conveyed greetings to His Holiness, and highlighted the Dalai Lama’s lifelong commitment to peace, compassion, non-violence and universal human values.

He observed that the teachings of His Holiness continue to serve as a guiding light for humanity, and acknowledged his enduring spiritual association with Arunachal, which has significantly enriched the state’s Buddhist heritage and strengthened the values of harmony and peaceful coexistence.

The celebration was attended also by Tali MLA Jikke Tako, Thrizino-Buragaoon MLA Tenzin Nyima Glow, Kalaktang MLA Tsetan Chombay Kee, North Eastern Council member TN Thongdok, State Election Commissioner Rinchin Tashi, West Kameng DC Dr Dilip Kumar, and SP DW Thongon, besides senior officers, religious leaders, and prominent members of the community.

The programme featured traditional Buddhist prayers, ceremonial offerings and cultural performances by artists of MIPA, SIMPA, as well as artists from Rupa, Kalaktang, Shergaon and Tenzingaon, reaffirming the timeless ideals of compassion, tolerance and universal brotherhood championed by His Holiness.

The celebration concluded with prayers for his long life, good health, universal peace and the well-being of all sentient beings.

Dalai Lama’s birthday celebrated in Itanagar

Joining the entire world, hundreds of Buddhists in Itanagar celebrated the Dalai Lama’s 91st birthday on Monday at the Thupten Gatsal Ling gonpa in Itanagar.

The celebration was jointly organised by the Itanagar Buddhist Culture Preservation Society (IBCPS) and the Monpa Mimang Tsogpa (MMT).

The celebration began with a solemn ceremonial procession, during which the sacred portrait of His Holiness was reverentially carried from within the gonpa to the ceremonial throne. This was followed by the offering of the long life mandala, the mendrel tensum offering, and other traditional offerings presented by devotees as an expression of reverence and heartfelt prayers for the long life of His Holiness.

In keeping with Monpa tradition, bresi (sweet rice) and tea were served to all who gathered.

The occasion was further brightened by a vibrant performance of the traditional Gorshey dance by the Itanagar Gorshey Group, which added colour and festivity to the joyous day.

In the true spirit of the teachings of His Holiness, the celebration also carried a message of compassion and service to others. A plantation drive was organised to honour the occasion, and a blood donation camp was held alongside it, embodying the generosity and selfless service that His Holiness teaches.

The celebration concluded with collective prayers by all devotees for the long life, good health, and continued guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Himalayan Suraksha Manch chairman Tarh Tarak and his team, IBCPS president Dr Leki Wangchu, and DoKAA Secretary Karma Leki, along with many other dignitaries, community leaders, and devotees joined the celebration.

CM, DCM greet Dalai Lama on his 91st birthday

Chief Minister Pema Khandu and his deputy Chowna Mein on Monday greeted the 14th Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 91st birthday.

“Warm birthday greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. May His Holiness be blessed with good health, long life and continued strength to guide the world with his timeless message of peace, compassion and harmony,” Khandu wrote in a social media post.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also greeted the Dalai Lama.

“My heartfelt greetings to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on his birthday. A global symbol of peace, compassion, wisdom, and harmony, His Holiness has inspired generations with his message of kindness, non-violence, and human values. May he be blessed with good health, long life, and continued strength to guide humanity towards peace and mutual understanding,” Mein said.

Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Ojing Tasing also wished the Dalai Lama.

“With profound reverence, I extend my heartfelt greetings to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on the joyous occasion of his 91st birthday,” Tasing said.

A global beacon of compassion, wisdom, and peace, His Holiness has inspired generations through his unwavering message of love, non-violence, and universal brotherhood. May he be blessed with a long, healthy, and fulfilling life, and may his enlightened teachings continue to guide humanity towards peace, harmony, and compassion, he added. (With inputs from PTI and DIPRO)