6 July 2007: On the auspicious day of the 6th of July, His Holiness Karmapa visited His Holiness Dalai Lama’s palace early in the morning to offer his respects and good wishes for the celebration of the Dalai Lama’s 72nd birthday (Western calendar). HH Dalai Lama presided over the joyous celebration in the courtyard of the Tsuglagkhang (Main Temple), attended by top officials of the Tibetan government in Exile, including Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche (Prime Minister), Chairman Karma Choephel (Deputy Speaker), Gyari Dolma (Supreme Justice Commission and Justice Commission). Other Kalons of the Central Tibetan Administration and Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche were present during the morning function.
Fifteen traditional Tibetan songs and dance items were presented by various institutions, including rare performances by schools from the remote and faraway areas of Spiti and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. A Tibetan voluntary organization and the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association, Dharamsala, already urged Tibetans to strictly maintain a vegetarian diet on the Dalai Lama’s birthday, in an effort to reduce obstacles in the personal life of the Dalai Lama.
On the evening of July 9th, His Holiness was invited as chief guest for the academic competition of Tibetan Children’s Village school (TCV) of Gopalpur, including cultural song and dance. Over 2000 students attend the school in classes from nursery to 12th grade. The students are divided into four houses for the competition of school activities, The houses are named for the ancient Tibetan kings, namely Nyatri, Trisong, Triral, and Songtsen House. This cultural competition commemorated His Holiness Dalai Lama’s birthday.
Prior to the competition His Holiness was requested to consecrate the newly built stupa at the school. Competition was strong, students presented the songs with wonderful Tibetan traditional dresses and way of life, and displayed some rare dances. His Holiness gave away the prizes for the winning houses, with Triral House the winner of the competition for this year. His Holiness gave speech to the students mentioning the importance of our culture and tradition which is the distinctive mark one makes on this world by being a Tibetan. – Tashi Paljor
