Tibetans mark enthronement anniversary of Dalai Lama
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Satyarthi attends event as chief guest
Tibetans living in exile on Sunday marked the 86th anniversary of the enthronement of 14th Dalai Lama with special prayers and ceremonial observances at the Tsuglagkhang Temple in McLeodganj.
Monks, nuns and members of the Tibetan community gathered at the main temple complex to offer prayers for world peace. The ceremony was attended by senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration, local representatives and devotees. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The Dalai Lama was formally enthroned on February 22, 1940, in Lhasa after being recognised as the reincarnation of his predecessor. Born in 1935 as Lhamo Thondup in Tibet, he began his monastic education at a young age while the country was governed by a regent. He later assumed supreme temporal responsibilities before China entered Tibet in 1950. Following the failed uprising in 1959, he came to India and has since been residing in McLeodganj, which serves as the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile.
In a statement issued on the occasion, the Kashag 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, Tibetan identity, culture and democratic institutions 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 and 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. It also expressed gratitude to the government and people of India for hosting the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan community for over six decades.
