It was a bright sunny morning as people gathered in front of the Temple to join the celebration. The official ceremony started with the hoisting of the Tibetan national flag by Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche.
In his speech, the Kalon Tripa on behalf of all the Tibetans, conveyed his heartfelt greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his birthday. He reiterated the Tibetan people’s commitment to follow His Holiness’ leadership and uphold his belief in our non -violent struggle. He apprised the gathering on the recent developments on the Tibetan issue. He expressed disappointment over the issue of 18 Tibetans deported to Tibet by the Nepalese government recently. However, he also acknowledged the Nepalese government’s hospitability and generosity to the Tibetan refugees for all these years. He also stressed that the recent deportation of the 18 Tibetans does not reflect a change in the policy of the Royal government to the Tibetans.
The Kalon Tripa spoke on the successful visits of the Tibetan delegations to China and Tibet in the past several months. Kalon Tripa welcomed the strengthening of relations between India and China. He said there was no change in the position of Indian government on Tibet. He expressed the hope that improvement of relation between the two nations would facilitate a speedy resolution of the Tibetan issue.
Mr. Pema Jungney, the Chairperson of Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies (ATPD), spoke on the life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He told the gathering about His Holiness’ efforts in the democratisation of the Tibetan administration and what this means to Tibet as a whole.
During the ceremony, the Kalon Tripa gave certificate of appreciation to Mr. Tashi Norbu, the secretary of Public Service Commission and Mrs. Nangsa Chodon, the additional secretary of the Eduacation Department of the Central Tibetan Administration for their service for twenty five years.
The official ceremony continued with a long cultural program. Tibetans from various organisations presented colourful traditional dances. The weather began to change as the program wound up with the last few dances.
Later, a lunch (Dham) was hosted to the public by the Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association, Dharamsala.
