Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, July 18: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, US, honoured the Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama, on the occasion of his 90th birthday with a series of historic recognitions. The celebration took place at the Massachusetts State House and marked the first time a public tribute to His Holiness was held within the heart of the Commonwealth’s legislature, which is home to a small Tibetan community of around 700 Tibetans.
The event, titled “Year of Compassion: A Massachusetts Tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” marked the official launch of the “Year of Compassion” (July 6, 2025 – July 5, 2026), a global observance spearheaded by the Central Tibetan Administration to honor the Dalai Lama’s lifelong commitment to nonviolence, compassion, and human dignity.
The high-profile event was co-hosted by the Tibetan Association of Boston (TAB) and the Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts (RTAM) and co-sponsored by Senator Jo Comerford, Representative Lindsay Sabadosa, and Representative Mindy Domb.
The celebration included the unveiling and reading of three major tributes. The first was a Governor’s Citation, signed by Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll, recognising His Holiness’s unwavering commitment to karuṇā—the principle of compassion—as the foundation for peace and human happiness. The citation also acknowledged his receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize and his lifelong advocacy for human rights, religious freedom, and the cultural preservation of the Tibetan people.
The second was a joint resolution from the Massachusetts Legislature, overwhelmingly adopted by both chambers on July 3, 2025. Sponsored by Senator Jo Comerford and Representative Lindsay Sabadosa and endorsed by 90 members of the Massachusetts General Court, the resolution honoured His Holiness’s lifelong commitment to advancing universal human values, fostering interfaith harmony, protecting Tibet’s fragile environment, and promoting the rights and freedoms of the Tibetan people.
The third tribute came from the federal level, with video messages from members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation. Senator Ed Markey recalled his 2008 meeting with His Holiness and praised his unwavering dedication to justice and religious freedom.
Congressman Jim McGovern, a long-time supporter of the Tibetan cause, reaffirmed his commitment to Tibetan self-determination and expressed hope that one day the Dalai Lama might celebrate his birthday in Lhasa. Congresswoman Lori Trahan highlighted the global influence of the Dalai Lama’s teachings on peace and nonviolence, while Congressman Seth Moulton praised his moral leadership and compassion.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, currently in Ladakh, recently celebrated his birthday in Dharamshala, with global tributes continuing to pour in from leaders, communities, and supporters around the world. The Massachusetts tribute stands as a gesture of recognition and solidarity from the American state.
