Dharamshala: The Monpa community celebrated three significant occasions on 7 September 2024 with a grand long-life prayer ceremony. The events, held at the courtyard of Thekchen Choeling Tsuglagkhang, commemorated the 65th anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s first dharma teaching to the people of Monyul following His Holiness’s exile to India, the 341st birth anniversary of Gyalwa Tsayang Gyatso, the 6th Dalai Lama born in Tawang, and the 90th birthday of His Holiness as per the Tibetan lunar calendar.

The celebration was graced by chief guests Kyabje Ling Rinpoche and Shri Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. Other distinguished attendees included Shri Tapir Gao, MP Lok Sabha and Co-Convener of the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet; Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, Education Minister of Arunachal Pradesh; and various MLAs from Arunachal Pradesh.

Also present were Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Tibetan Justice Commissioner Tenzin Lungtok, Kalon Dolma Gyari, Kalon Norzin Dolma, Public Service Commissioner Karma Yeshi, Auditor General Lhakpa Gyaltsen, standing committee members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, and Secretaries from the Central Tibetan Administration and the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Speaking at the grand celebration, the Speaker highlighted the deep bond between the people of Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh, rooted in shared religion and culture. Reflecting on the long-life prayer offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama earlier that day, he emphasized the special connection His Holiness shares with the people of Monyul and their unwavering devotion to him.

As His Holiness the Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday according to the Tibetan lunar calendar, the Speaker expressed profound gratitude for the significant milestones achieved during over six decades of exile, including his contributions to the Tibetan cause, world peace, and numerous other commendable efforts.

In recognition of His Holiness’s profound greatness, the Speaker encouraged Tibetans to embrace and practice his teachings. He also extended his gratitude to Shri Pema Khandu for his unwavering support of the Tibetan cause, concluding with a prayer for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.