Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, May 1: In a spiritually uplifting ceremony here, the year- long tribute titled “Celebrating 90 Years of Kindness” was launched to commemorate the 90th birth year of 14th Dalai Lama.
The tribute is aimed to honor the Dalai Lama’s lifelong dedication to peace, dialogue, and compassionate leadership, particularly his deep connection with the people of Ladakh.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Flowering Dharma and the International Institute for Culture & Ethics, with support from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and The Pal Hotel, Ladakh.
Skyabje Choegon Rinpoche was the chief guest on the occasion. The event was graced by guests including retired IFS officer Jigmet Takpa, senior journalist Tsewang Rigzin, editor Thupstan from the Ladakh Academy of Arts, Culture & Languages, senior scholar Sonam Wangchuk Shakspo, and Tashi, Founding Director of Flowering Dharma.
Over 100 participants, including scholars, youth leaders, cultural advocates, and community members, gathered for the occasion, which commenced with a collective prayer for His Holiness’s long life.
In his keynote address, Skyabje Choegon Rinpoche reflected on the Dalai Lama’s Four Principal Commitments—promotion of human values, religious harmony, preservation of Tibetan culture and environment, and revival of ancient Indian wisdom—emphasizing their global relevance. He noted that only the Pope and the Dalai Lama are addressed formally as “His Holiness,” underscoring the Dalai Lama’s unique stature as a global spiritual leader.
Sonam Wangchuk Shakspo shared resolutions from the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace held in Mongolia, including a proposal to mark July 6th as the International Day of Compassion and to recognize His Holiness as the spiritual head of the international Buddhist community.
Tashi, in his address, announced that a series of thematic programs—spiritual talks, youth dialogues, cultural exhibitions, and outreach activities—will be held throughout the year across Ladakh and other Himalayan regions.
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