Tibetans mark 86th enthronement anniversary of the Dalai Lama
Parliament-in-exile reaffirms commitment to Tibetan cause
Tibetans in exile marked the 86th anniversary of the enthronement of their spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, with special prayers and ceremonial observances held at the Tsuglagkhang Temple in McLeodganj on Sunday.
Monks, nuns and members of the Tibetan community gathered at the main temple complex to offer prayers and for peace across the world. The ceremony was also attended by senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), local representatives and devotees.
The Dalai Lama was formally enthroned on February 22, 1940, in Lhasa after being recognised as the reincarnation of his predecessor at the age of four years, often referred to as "six-year-old" in some historical accounts using traditional Tibetan age reckoning.
Born in 1935 as Lhamo Thondup in Tibet, he began rigorous religious studies while the country was governed by a regent, a person appointed to rule a state temporarily when the monarch (Dalai Lama) was a minor.
He assumed the supreme temporal responsibilities after studies. China entered into Tibet in 1950. Dalai Lama later came to India in 1959 after a failed uprising. He has since been living in McLeodganj in Dharamsala, which serves as the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile.
In a statement issued on the occasion, today, the Kashag — the Tibetan government-in-exile — paid tribute to the Dalai Lama’s “unwavering commitment to non-violence, compassion and the middle way approach.”
“The enthronement anniversary reminds us of His Holiness’s extraordinary leadership during the most challenging period in Tibetan history. Under his guidance, the Tibetan identity, culture and democratic system in exile have been preserved and strengthened,” the statement said.
The Kashag reiterated its commitment to resolving the Tibetan issue through dialogue and peaceful means. It also reaffirmed that the process concerning the future reincarnation of the Dalai Lama would be determined in accordance with Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the wishes of the Tibetan people.
The statement further expressed gratitude to the Government and people of India for hosting the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan community over the past six decades.
The Dalai Lama, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for advocating non-violence, continues to be regarded by Tibetans as a symbol of unity and hope.
