The 78th birthday of Tibetan Spiritual Leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, was celebrated in a grand manner today at the Tibetan Settlement in Bylakuppe, Periyapatna taluk with more than 40,000 persons participating. Among the dignitaries were Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, Minister H.S. Mahadevaprasad, Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, Bishop of Mysore Rev. Dr. Thomas Antony Vazhapilly, Sir Khazi of Mysore Moulana Mohammed Usman Shariff, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, MP H. Vishwanath, MLAs K. Venkatesh and H.P. Manjunath and others.

The colourful event, in which the Buddhist monks and Tibetans adorned their traditional attire, was held under the aegis of Lugsam Samdupling Tibetan Settlement, Dickey Larsoe Tibetan Settlement and Sera Jey Monastic University, Bylakuppe, at Sera Jey Debate Courtyard in Bylakuppe. Siddharammaiah, speaking after presenting Dalai Lama with Mysore peta, shawl and phala-thamboola, said that the Tibetans are our guests and should not be treated as refugees.

He termed the Dalai Lama as a symbol of compassion and humanity. Tibet and India share a historic bond since ages, he said and assured more amenities to the Tibetan settlements in Karnataka.

The Bishop, in his address, said that the Dalai Lama has brought together many nations through his campaign for peace and harmony. Earlier, inter-faith prayers were held for world peace. Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Tibetan Political Leader from Central Tibetan Administration, Dharmasala also spoke.

A memento with the message ‘Thank You Karnataka’ was presented to Siddharamaiah jointly by five Tibetan settlements in Karnataka.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore