ABWA celebrates HH Dalai Lama’s 91st Birthday in Bengaluru; focus on Culture and Spiritual values

BENGALURU: The Arunachal Buddhist Welfare Association (ABWA) on Sunday marked the 91st birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama with a commemorative programme in Bengaluru, bringing together members of the Monpa, Bhutanese, Sikkimese, Tibetan and Ladakhi communities for prayers, discourses and discussions centred on the preservation of Buddhist heritage and cultural identity.

Around 70 people attended the programme, which was also graced by Tibetan Parliamentarian Lhamo Kyap and Karnataka State Minorities Commission member Jikmet Wangdus Jyoti.

The event opened with prayers and the offering of butter lamps. Participants also observed prayers in memory of Tibetan freedom activist Lobsang Rangtsen, who recently self-immolated in New York, before offering prayers for the long life of the Dalai Lama. Organisers said the gathering reflected solidarity with the Tibetan community through shared spiritual and cultural traditions.

Welcoming the participants, ABWA president Dawa Tashi outlined the association’s objectives and underscored the need to preserve Buddhist culture, language and religious traditions. He urged younger generations to actively learn and safeguard their cultural heritage to ensure its continuity.

Delivering the keynote address, Ven. Geshe Sonam Paljor traced the life of the Dalai Lama from his early years to the present, recalling the challenges faced by Tibetans following the Chinese invasion of Tibet. He spoke about the establishment of Tibetan schools in India following the Dalai Lama’s appeal to then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and acknowledged the role played by the erstwhile Mysore kingdom in providing land and rehabilitation for Tibetan refugees in Karnataka. He also highlighted the global influence of the Dalai Lama’s teachings on compassion and peace.

Addressing the gathering, chief guest Jikmet Wangdus Jyoti commended ABWA for its sustained efforts to preserve cultural, linguistic and religious traditions. He said organisations that actively work for community welfare play an important role in strengthening social cohesion and offered to facilitate an educational visit for ABWA students to the Karnataka Vidhana Soudha upon receiving a list of interested participants.

Jyoti also emphasised the importance of balancing academic achievement with spiritual development. Encouraging students to visit the Mahabodhi institution for meditation and self-reflection, he said professional success alone does not guarantee inner peace and that spiritual wisdom remains essential for leading a meaningful life. He assured the association of his continued support for its initiatives.

The programme also featured a seminar by Ven. Rinchen Tsering on the relevance of Buddhist scriptures in contemporary society. Drawing on the teachings of Lord Buddha, the Nalanda tradition and the guidance of the Dalai Lama, he discussed practical approaches to understanding the mind, managing emotions, overcoming suffering and cultivating lasting happiness. He encouraged people from all backgrounds to engage with Buddhist teachings for their enduring relevance in modern life.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Ven. Lobsang Thapkey, who acknowledged the contribution of guests, speakers, volunteers and participants. A community lunch followed, with organisers saying the celebration reinforced friendship, harmony and the shared responsibility of preserving Buddhist cultural and spiritual traditions for future generations.