To celebrate the 16th birthday of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, on 25th April, the Office of Tibet, Brussels, organized the traveling version of the exhibition titled “A Long Look Homeward” at the University of Louvain la Neue. It was formally inaugurated by Honourable Jean-Luc Roland, Mayor of the Ottignies-Louvain la Neuve at 18.00 hrs by lighting the butter lamp (Choedme). Louvain la Neuve is the biggest University in the French speaking region of Belgium with students numbering over 25,000 on role. The exhibition will run for two weeks at the University Campus.

The function began with long life prayers for His Holiness the Dalai Lama as well as for the immediate release of Panchen Gedhun Choekyi Nyima by Ven. Kunchok Woeser, followed by a short introductory speech by Mr. Migyur Dorjee of the Office of Tibet, Brussels. Among others, the inaugural function was well attended by the faculty members of the University and the past and present President of its Students Union.

Mr. Dorjee expressed Tibetan people’s concern on where about of the Panchen Lama who was recognised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the true reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama and disappeared soon thereafter. He urged particularly the youth’s support for his early release in order to resume his spiritual responsibility among the Tibetan people. While describing about the current situation in side Tibet Mr. Dorjee said the main objective of staging this exhibition in the university campus was to provide true information on past and present Tibet and also to draw the youths’ attention to the plights of the Tibetan people.

Mayor Roland in his speech said “His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s messages of peace and nonviolence were clearly shown in this exhibition and this is the right venue to stage this exhibition as it is being focused more to the youths”.

Mr. Tenzin Norbu and Mr. Norbu Tsering, two performing artistes from the Tibetan community, performed some selected Tibetan songs and dances and which were well appreciated by the guests. Ms. Tenzin Wangmo Dunchu of the Office of Tibet, Brussels, proposed the votes of thanks and offered scarves to Mrs. Jeanne-Marie Loute and Ms. Pascaline Martin who gave full support and cooperation in organizing this exhibition at the University. The inaugural function was followed by a small reception in hounour of the Mayor and other guests by the Office of Tibet.


BUREAU DU/VAN TIBET
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1000 Brussels
Tel: +32 2 280 49 22
Fax: +32 2 280 29 44
tibetbrussels@tibet.com
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