The Central Tibetan Administration commemorated the 86th anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s enthronement in 1940. The Enthronement anniversary of Dalai Lama was celebrated at several places including Dharamshalla with observance of various rituals and ceremonies on Sunday, February 22.
Chief Guest Kailash Satyarthi described the occasion as a journey “toward light,” praising His Holiness’s global moral leadership. Former Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche reflected on the historic importance of the enthronement, while Philippine representatives Adrian Michael A. Amatong and Rufus B. Rodriguez expressed solidarity with the Tibetan people.The ceremony included traditional offerings, flag hoisting, and official statements by Kashag and Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.
On this occasion, leader of the Central Tibetan Administration Sikyong Penpa Tsering emphasised India's enduring support to the Tibetan community in exile and said that their community have been able to preserve their language, culture and national identity because of the backing extended by the India government and people as well.
"With the support from the international community, including that of the government and the people of India, we have been able to preserve our language, religion, culture and national identity," Penpa Tsering said.The event, held in the North Indian hill town of Dharamshala, which serves as the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile, was attended by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi as the chief guest, members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, foreign delegates, including two Filipino lawmakers, and representatives of Indian religious organisations.
In his official speech, he said, "As we celebrate today the historic event marking the 86th anniversary of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama's enthronement upon the Golden Throne at the Potala Palace, the Kashag extends its warmest greetings to Tibetans inside and outside of Tibet, and to all friends of Tibet".
Recalling the historical context, he stated, "Eighty-six years ago, on 17 July 1939, the young child Lhamo Thondup, together with his parents and retinue, departed from Kumbum Jampa Ling, the birthplace of Je Tsongkhapa, Tibet's preeminent scholar. This departure followed his recognition as the true reincarnation of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama after three years of meticulous search, investigation and divine oracular decrees."
He noted that the official enthronement ceremony was held on February 22, 1940, at the Potala Palace, describing it as a moment that "ushered in an auspicious destiny" for Tibet."Through his teachings and practice of compassion, His Holiness has demonstrated to the 21st century world that compassion and tolerance are not signs of weakness but symbols of strength," he added.
The Tibetan leader also said that the People's Republic of China's (PRC's) policies and practices to "eradicate" Tibetan national identity have failed to break the "resilient" spirit of the Tibetan people.
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