GANGTOK, JUL 6 (PTI): Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Monday inaugurated the newly constructed Tibetan Community Centre here on the occasion of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama’s 91st birthday.
In his address, the chief minister offered prayers for the Dalai Lama’s good health, long life and continued guidance, describing his teachings as a source of inspiration for millions across the world.
“His Holiness reminds us that true happiness comes from within. He teaches us to practise compassion, reduce selfish desires, respect others, and live with tolerance and humility,” the chief minister said, adding that “May His Holiness continue to bless humanity with his wisdom and inspire the world with his timeless teachings.
Highlighting the significance of the newly inaugurated facility, Tamang said the Tibetan Community Centre symbolises the friendship, mutual respect and solidarity shared between the people of Sikkim and the Tibetan community. He expressed confidence that the centre would emerge as a vibrant hub for religious, cultural and social activities while helping preserve Tibet’s rich cultural heritage and strengthening communal harmony.
The event also featured the formal handover of the community centre, cultural performances, readings of messages from the Kashag (Cabinet) and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, and an address by Palden Dhondup, Home Minister of the Central Tibetan Administration, before concluding with a community luncheon and afternoon cultural performances. Former chief minister and Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) president Pawan Kumar Chamling also extended his heartfelt greetings to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 91st birthday, praying for his good health, long life and continued guidance to humanity.
In a message, Chamling described the Tibetan spiritual leader as a global moral force whose teachings of compassion, justice and peaceful dialogue continue to inspire millions across the world. “For the people of Sikkim, as indeed for millions across the world, His Holiness has been far more than a revered spiritual leader. He has been a moral compass, reminding us that compassion is not a sign of weakness but the highest expression of strength, and that dialogue, dignity, and justice must always prevail over hatred and violence,” Chamling said.
Recalling the Dalai Lama’s deep association with Sikkim, the former CM said the Himalayan state remains profoundly grateful for his enduring blessings and spiritual guidance.
He noted that His Holiness laid the foundation stone of the Samdruptse statue on October 22, 1997, and later consecrated Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal) at Ravangla on March 25, 2013, describing both occasions as historic milestones that continue to inspire the people of Sikkim.
“We in Sikkim are especially grateful for His Holiness’s enduring blessings and his longstanding association with our State. These moments remain a source of immense pride and spiritual inspiration for the Sikkimese people. Sikkim is truly blessed to have received his guidance and blessings,” Chamling stated.
Extending his prayers on the occasion, the SDF supremo wished the Dalai Lama continued good health and a long life.
“May his wisdom, compassion, and blessings continue to illuminate the path of humanity for many years to come,” he added while conveying birthday wishes to the revered Buddhist leader.
