Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, July 4: The Massachusetts State House will host a special tribute titled “Year of Compassion: A Massachusetts Tribute to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama,” on July 10, marking the official launch of the Global Year of Compassion in the state. The tribute, organised by the Tibetan Association of Boston and the Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts (RTAM), will run from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the State House’s Great Hall.
The event comes in the wake of a significant declaration made by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama during a historic gathering of Tibet’s major Buddhist traditions in Dharamshala on July 2. According to a press release issued by the organising committee, the Tibetan spiritual leader affirmed that the centuries-old institution of the Dalai Lama would continue into the future. He reiterated that the responsibility of identifying the 15th Dalai Lama rests solely with the Gaden Phodrang Trust—the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and emphasized that no external entity has the authority to interfere in the succession process.
“Just eight days from now, that same spirit of hope and renewal will be celebrated in Boston,” the press statement dated July 2 noted.
Minister Norzin Dolma of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) will attend as Chief Guest, joined by long-standing supporters of the Tibetan cause, including Senator Jo Comerford, Representative Mindy Domb, and Representative Lindsay Sabadosa. The program will include, official resolutions from the Massachusetts Senate and House, remarks from state and community leaders, a photo exhibition titled “Life & Legacies of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” and a video tributes from Governor Maura Healey, Senator Edward Markey, Congressman Jim McGovern, Congressman Seth Moulton, and Congresswoman Lori Trahan.
Senator Markey, in his message, said, “For decades, the Dalai Lama has been a powerful voice for human rights, dignity, and religious freedom. His message of peace and justice continues to inspire hope for millions around the world.”
Following the formal proceedings, Minister Norzin Dolma and Thondup Tsering, Chair of the Organising Committee and Member of the 17th Tibetan Parliament in Exile, will inaugurate the exhibition on the fourth-floor gallery of the State House.
The CTA, the exile Tibetan government based in Dharamshala, has designated the period from July 6, 2025, to July 5, 2026, as the Global Year of Compassion to honour the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday and to advance his universal message of compassion, nonviolence, and ethical responsibility.
In a related development, the City of Edina in Minnesota has also proclaimed July 6 as 14th Dalai Lama Day in recognition of the Tibetan leader’s milestone birthday. The proclamation was welcomed by the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota (TAFM).
Tenzin Lhamo, President of TAFM, expressed gratitude to city officials, including Mayor James B. Hovland, City Manager Scott Neal, and DEI Manager Thomas Brooks, for their engagement with the Tibetan community. She said they showed genuine interest in understanding the Tibetan community’s situation and appreciated our efforts to promote cultural diversity and inclusion in the city.
