Belgium based Sakya Tsechen Association celebrated the 80th Birthday of 41st Sakya Trizin Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Dorje Chang Rinpoche on 5 October 2024 in Antwerpen, Belgium. 

Under Secretary Tenzin Nordhen from the Office of Tibet, Brussels, attended the event as its chief guest, along with the representatives from other Tibetan Associations in Belgium. The program started with installation of a portrait of Sakya Gongma Rinpoche, followed by cutting of the birthday cake by Venerable Metok Rinpoche and the chief guest. 

The President of the Belgium based Sakya Tsechen Association read out the biography of Rinpoche. Thereafter, chief guest Tenzin Nordhen addressed the gathering, offering his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to Sakya Gongma Trichen Dorje Chang Rinpoche. He emphasised Rinpoche’s recent message to the public during the Long-life Prayer Ceremony held on 3 October at Rajpur Sakya Centre, highlighting Rinpoche’s strong belief in living a long life to serve sentient beings.

Under Secretary Tenzin Nordhen implored the public to embody Rinpoche’s message of preserving Tibetan religion, language, and culture, as well as maintaining Tibetan moral values in their daily lives. He highlighted that the true gift of devotion to one’s root Guru lies in putting their teachings into practice, rather than fostering regional divisions that undermine Tibetans’ collective identity.

The program concluded with colourful showcase of Tibetan cultural performances and a dinner banquet.