Antwerp: Today, July 6, yet another event was held in Antwerp to celebrate the 86th Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in addition to the one held on the 3rd July by the Tibetan Community. In accordance with the advice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Tibetan people to recite Cheresig mantra on his birthday the local Dhokham Chushi Gangdruk organised the celebrations today.

In the morning, led by Za Patraul Rinpoche and Metok Rinpoche, the public accumulated recitation of Chenresig mantra.

The afternoon section was devoted to the celebrations of the birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Representative Tashi Phuntsok (with the approval of Kashag) was the Chief Guest. President Mr Palden and Vice President Mr Dorjee of the Tibetan Community in Belgium and representatives of other Tibetan local organisations were other guests.

Mr Tsering Namgyal, President of local Chushi Gangdruk, gave a brief introductory speech. He recalled the statement of the Representative of July 3 regarding the generous donations by Tibetans in Belgium for both the appeals: for Indian PM Cares Fund and lately to the appeal of Sikyong Penpa tsering for relief of the Tibetans in the Indian Sub-continent on account of Covid-19. He thanked all for it.

Representative Phuntsok expressed his appreciation to the organisers for organising the recitation of the mantra and indeed for the celebrations. The merits accumulated would facilitate in turn the blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, being the emanation of Chriseg, he said.

He recounted the worldwide greetings to His Holiness on his birthday, including by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Indian Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Harsh Vardhan and Hardeep Singh Puri followed the PM. Chief Ministers of Delhi, Mr Arwind Kejriwal, Arunachal Pradesh’s Mr Pema Khandu and Mr Jairam Thakur of Himachal Pradesh also expressed their greetings. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen, American Charge’ d’Affaires in India Mr Atul Keshap and US Ambassador to Nepal Mr Randy Berry too expressed their greetings.

Mr Phuntsok brought to the attention of the audience the video message of His Holiness and the Statement of the Kashag for the day. He appealed to all to imbibe and practice the four fundamental messages of His Holiness in order to contribute to world peace and harmony.

Mr. Palden, President of Tibetan Community in Belgium made a strongly worded appeal to all to work sincerely to fulfil His Holiness wishes and he put on record his unwavering commitment to follow the policies of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Mr Phuntsok cut the birthday cake. He also awarded the organisation’s certificates to outgoing board members of local Chushi Gangdruk. This was followed by cultural programmes late into the evening.