Chief MinisterVirbhadra Singh today participated in the 80th birthday celebrations of Tibetan Spiritual Leader (Dharam Guru) Dalai Lama at his palace at Macleodganj in Dharamsala. Congratulating Dalai Lama on the occasion, the Chief Minister wished him healthy and long life. He said Dalai Lama was a reverend leader, a preacher of peace, tranquility, goodwill for all the Nations for which he was recognised all over the World.Virbhadra Singh said Dalai Lama was a living example of peace and struggle. He was known for his non-violent struggle for liberation of Tibet, said the Chief Minister adding that Dalai Lama had consistently advocated policies of non-violence, even in the face of extreme aggression and carried out his humanitarian efforts.. He also became the first Nobel Laureate to be recognised for his concern for global environmental problems too, he said.
The Chief Minister also accompanied Dalai Lama to the exhibition of biographical Thangka paintings depicting the life and deeds of Dalai Lama.A mega celebration was organised at the Dalai Lama palace where people from all walks of life including numerous foreign guests also wished Dalai Lama on his birthday.The Chief Minister and Dalai Lama released biographical Thangka Paintings of 14th Dalai Lama and pictorial biography of the 10th Panchen Lama. Dalai Lama also released a documentary on life of Shri Virbhadra Singh. They also released ten volumes of biographical series on the lives of all Dalai Lama’s and a book detailing the biographical Thangka painting on the Prime Minister of Tibetan Government in exile, Shri Lobsang Sangay.Dalai Lama and Chief Minister also cut the cake on the momentous occasion.Gerri Dolma, Speaker, Tibetan Parliament also welcomed the guests on the occasion.President Central Dhomay Executive Committee, Shri Tenpe Ngodup, President, preparatory Committee, Dr. Khenrab Gyamtso also spoke on the occasion.
The occasion was marked by colourful cultural presentation of Tibet region.Smt Vidya Stokes, Irrigation and Public Health Minister, Shri Thakur Singh Bharmouri, Forest Minister, Shri G.S. Bali, Transport Minister, Shri Sujan Singh Pathania, Agriculture and MPP Minister, Shri SudhirSharma, Urban Development Minister, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Shri Nand Lal and Shri Jagjeevan Pal, former MP Smt. Pratibha Singh, State Youth Congress President Shri Vikramaditya Singh, Chairman KCC, Shri Jagdish Sapehiya, Chairman HP Education Board, Shri Balbir Tegta, Chairman HP State Co-operative Bank, Shri Harsh Mahajan, Vice Chairman HP State Forest Corporation, Shri Kewal Singh Pathania, ACS Shri V.C.Pharka, Sr . Private Secretary to Chief Minister, Shri Subhash Ahluwalia, OSD to Chief Minister, Shri T.C. Janartha, State Election Commissioner, Shri T.G.Negi and Secretary GAD cum Director Tourism, Shri Mohan Chauhan, Advisor Marketing Board, Shri Devendar Shyam were present on the occasion amongst hundreds of followers of Dalai Lama.