Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, on his 74th birthday celebration on Monday said he is promoting secular values

New Delhi: His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, on his 74th birthday celebration on Monday said he is promoting secular values and different philosophy of humanities as preached by Mahatma Gandhi when travelling to different countries rather than propagating Buddhism.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama also echoed the secular thoughts of Gandhi, saying secularism doesn't mean rejection of religion but it means respect for religion and even respect for non-believers.

"When I visited different countries in these years, I have not promoted or propagated Buddhism as said by many, but harmony, humanity and spirituality," His Holiness said on the occasion, which also marks the 50 years of his Holiness in India.

"I am promoting secular values, message of love, compassion, dignity, spirit of common values and harmony as has been promoted by great thinkers," His Holiness said.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama also said that Buddhism is not only about reciting from scriptures and practicing it, but getting into the principals of the religion and the value it promotes.

"We have to make Buddhism relevant in our life ...and why it is not much relevant (is) due to lack of knowledge," His Holiness said.

Commenting on the socio-religious changes Tibet is undergoing, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said "the region is passing through difficult times and Buddhism is not being promoted in the way it used to be before."

"There is a steady depletion of the religion and our aim is to preserve and promote the religion. We need to work in the direction to strengthen Buddhism in Tibet and all over the Himalayan nations," His Holiness said.

Looking back at his 50 years in India, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said "my life has not been a "waste" and I got chances to learn from religious leaders, scientists, politicians, businessman, ordinary people whom I had met in all these years."

"From meeting these people, I have developed certain vision for life," His Holiness said.

Striking an emotional chord with the audience, most of whom comprised Tibetans from Himachal Pradesh and other parts of the country, the spiritual leader said he is sure he will celebrate his 100th birthday.

"Through all your wishes, I will live longer. I do not know whether I can live for thousands years, but I am sure I will stay alive till I am 100 years old," His Holiness said.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama also thanked India for whatever it has given to him in all these 50 years of exile.

The function was also attended by former President A P J Abdul Kalam, who spelt out his vision of 2030 -- when the country would be free of economic poverty and water crisis.

The function was organised by Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association, Delhi in collaboration with All Buddhist Organisation of Himalayan Region.

Dharamshala: The people of Himalayan region, including those living in the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim and Uttrakhand, expressed gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 74th birthday celebration at a function in New Delhi on Monday (6 July), Tibetonline.tv reported.

The function - themed "50 years of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in India: A tribute of gratitude from the people of Himalayan region on the occasion of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 74th birthday” - was organised at Mavlankar hall, constitution road in New Delhi. It was organised by Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association, Delhi in collaboration with All Buddhist Organisation of Himalayan Region.

Former Indian president Dr A P J Kalam and His Holiness the Dalai Lama were the chief guests on the occasion.

Representatives from the four states who attended the function were: Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal, chief minister of Himachal Pradesh; Drojee Khandu, chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh; Omar Abdullah, chief minister, Jammu & Kashmir and D N Takarpa, minister of health and animal husbandry, Sikkim.

Senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration, including Kalon Tripa Prof Samdhong Rinpoche, Deputy Speaker Dolma Gyari and members of the Tibetan Parliament were also present.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama thanked the government and people of India for their unstinting support to the Tibetan people in the last 50 years of exile.

Artistes from the Himalayan region of India presented traditional dances and songs.
Tokyo: Liaison Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Japan and East Asia organized His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 74th Birthday Anniversary at Okura Hotel in Tokyo. Some four hundred plus Tibetan and Japanese supporters attended the celebration.

The celebration started with the offering of Mandala and recitation of long life prayers for His Holiness the Dalai Lama by the Tibetans and Japanese friends.

Mr. Lhakpa Tshoko, Representative of the Liaison Office welcomed the guests and assured the gathering of the good health of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He thanked the Japanese institutions, monasteries and general supporters for their warm response and congratulatory messages. He also clarified that because of the on going sad situation in Tibet, the Office has limited the celebration to a formal event only and sought their understanding on the matter.

Kasur Jetsun Pema, who is in Tokyo on a courtesy visits was the chief guest of the event. Kasur Jetsun Pema expressed her happiness over being able to celebrate the occasion with the Japanese supporters and friends. She said she was very impressed to see that supporters in Japan have increased in manifold since her visit five years ago. Kasur Jetsun Pema briefed the gathering about the critical situation in Tibet and requested for their continued support in the peaceful resolution of Tibetan issue. She thanked the gathering and all those sponsors for helping the exile community in different rehabilitation projects.

Japanese Lawmaker Mr. Yukio Edano, who is chairman of Japan Parliamentarian Group for Tibet, congratulated the Tibetans for the occasion. He drew the attention of the gathering to the human right situation in Tibet and explained that the leaders of main opposition party are taking Tibet issue seriously. He requested the people to show more support to Tibet issue and help spread the message of peace as preached by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Ms. Maya Maxx, a very popular Japanese contemporary artist among the younger generation in Japan was the MC of the celebration. Kashomaeno group, a well-known young florist volunteered the flower decorations of the hall.

It was observed that many monks and supporters have come from distant prefectures, some all the way from southern Okinawa and Kyushu islands. Many expressed their delight and happiness over being able to do something for Tibet and human right issues. Some supporters were happy to be able to meet Jetsun Pema and hear her speech. Many guests took opportunity to speak with Kasur Jetsun Pema and take photograph with her.

Kasur Jetsun Pema will be in Japan for about ten days, during which meetings and talk events were scheduled with sponsors and supporters. Apart from Tokyo and its surrounding areas, she will visit Hiroshima, Ishikawa Ken, Saitama etc.