By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, June 26: U.S. lawmakers, Tibetan leaders, supporters and Tibetans gathered at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to celebrate the upcoming 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
The event co-hosted by Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), brought together a diverse group of dignitaries, including former Speaker of the House and long-time Tibet advocate Nancy Pelosi, who continues to be one of the strongest voices for Tibetan rights in the U.S. Congress.
“It was an honour to host the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday alongside Congressman Jim McGovern,” Rep. McCaul wrote on social media platform X. “Today, we gathered to showcase the friendship between the U.S. & Tibet and honour His Holiness—an incredible leader who continues to serve as an inspiration to both his people & the world.”
The celebration was jointly organised by the Office of Tibet in Washington, D.C., the International Campaign for Tibet, and the Capital Area Tibetan Association. It coincided with the annual Tibet Lobby Day, held on June 24–25, where 180 Tibetan American youth from 24 U.S. states came to Capitol Hill to advocate for Tibet and meet their congressional representatives.
Prominent lawmakers in attendance included Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), and others who joined Pelosi, McGovern, and McCaul in recognising the Dalai Lama’s global contributions to peace, compassion, and non-violence. Tibetan participants included Representative Dr Namgyal Choedup, Parliamentarian Tenzing Jigme, members of the Tibetan Association of Washington, and advocacy staff from supporting organisations.
Lawmakers condemned the Chinese Communist Party’s continuing repression in Tibet and praised His Holiness’ steadfast commitment to a non-violent resolution to the Tibet-China conflict. Speaker Emerita Pelosi reaffirmed her deep commitment to Tibetan freedom and human dignity, while Rep. McGovern highlighted the legislative milestone of last year’s Resolve Tibet Act, which reinforces U.S. policy support for a peaceful solution to the Tibet issue through dialogue.
The event also recognised a bipartisan resolution introduced in both the houses of the Congress to designate July 6, 2025, His Holiness’ birthday, as “A Day of Compassion”, aligning with the Central Tibetan Administration’s initiative to observe a “Year of Compassion” from July 6, 2025, to July 6, 2026.
Although Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) were unable to attend in person, they sent moving birthday messages that were read aloud by Tibetan youth. A special video message was also shared from actor and long-time Tibet supporter Richard Gere, along with a greeting from Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC).
One Response
Happy birthday HH !