CANBERRA: Special celebratory events on His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 77th birthday were held in different parts of Australia on 7 July.
Over 400 people, including members of Tibet Support Groups attended a grand ceremony in Sydney. Heads of Tibetan Buddhist learning centres led a prayer service for the long life and fulfillment of wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Mr Ngodup Gyaltsen, secretary at the Office of Tibet, read out the Kashag’s statement on the occasion. He underlined important points in the statement like the Kashag’s plan to organise a global solidarity vigil on 8 August on its one year in office, calling on the Tibetan community to participate in the campaign to highlight the plight of Tibetans under the repressive rule of the Chinese government.
Members of the Tibetan community showcased rich culture and tradition through songs and dances on the occasion. A luncheon reception was hosted for the guests.
In Canberra, an evening programme to mark the festive occasion was jointly organised by the Tibetan community and the Office of Tibet. His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Representative Sonam Norbu Dagpo explained in detail the contents of the Kashag’s statement on the occasion. Dignitaries including Polish Ambassador, Kasur Paljor Tsering, DIIR Secretary Tenzin Phuntsok Atisha, attended the event.
Similar festivities were organised by Tibetan communities in Melbourne, Newcastle and Christchurch in New Zealand.