The Lha Charitable Trust organized a one-day event titled “Experts’ Gratitude Symposium in Honour of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday” on November 1, 2025, at the TIPA Auditorium, Dharamshala. As 2025 marks the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Great Fourteenth Dalai Lama—celebrated globally as the Year of Compassion—the symposium served as a humble expression of gratitude and appreciation for His Holiness’s lifelong guidance and immeasurable contributions to humanity, particularly the Tibetan people. Through scholarly presentations and expert discussions, the event sought to deepen understanding of His Holiness’s vision, from his contributions to Buddhist–scientific dialogue to the historical, cultural, and constitutional significance of the Dalai Lama institution.
The event was graced by officiating Sikyong Dolma Gyari (Kalon for the Department of Security) as Chief Guest; Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo as Guest of Honour; former Kalon (Kasur) Thupten Lungrig as Special Guest; and more than 150 participants, including former ministers, secretaries, leaders of NGOs, representatives of educational institutions, and students from Sarah College.
The program began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a long-life prayer for His Holiness. Mr Ngawang Rabgyal, President of the Governing Body of the Lha Charitable Trust, delivered a warm welcome address highlighting the purpose of the symposium. This was followed by Mr Sonam Palden, Executive Director of Lha Charitable Trust, who presented an overview of the program and briefly introduced the founding and evolution of the Trust and its institute for social work and education.
Followed by former Kalon Thupten Lungrig, who emphasised the importance of gratitude and reflected on His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s lifelong contributions and leadership in advancing the Tibetan cause.
Chief Guest Kalon Dolma Gyari highlighted the vital role of the younger generation in preserving Tibetan language, education, and identity, urging continued acts of service as meaningful expressions of gratitude. She also spoke on the historic transition to democratic governance within the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
Following the opening ceremony, a series of expert presentations explored key dimensions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s unparalleled legacy—his principal vision, the relevance of the Dalai Lama institution, the continuing importance of his writings, his initiative to promote dialogue between Buddhism and science, and the deep sense of responsibility and devotion shared between His Holiness and the Tibetan people.
The symposium began with a recorded message from Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, presented via projector, on the topic “The Inseparable Responsibility, Faith, and Devotion Between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan People.”
Subsequent speakers presented in person, followed by an engaging Q&A session.
The speakers and their topics were as follows:
- Yangting Rinpoche: “The Concept and Importance of Establishing the Dalai Lama Centre for Tibetan and Ancient Indian Wisdom.”
- Geshe Lharampa Rongpo Lobsang Nyendak: “The Importance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Writings.”
- Geshe Lhakdor: “The Impact of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s New Approach to Dialogue between Science and Buddhism.”
- Kasur Lobsang Nyendak: “The Importance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Institution in the Future Status of Tibet amid Global Developments.”
- Dr Tsangtruk Topla: “The Scope and Influence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Institution on the Spiritual and Political Aspects of Tibet.”
- Dr Sonam Gyaltsen: “The Importance and Future Status of the Titles Mentioned in Article 1 of the Charter of Tibetans in Exile.”
Moderators Ven. Lobsang Ludop, Dr Jampayang Dhondup, and Ven. Tsepak Dorjee ensured a well-coordinated and enriching discussion throughout the sessions. The day concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by the Chairman of Lha Charitable Trust, followed by closing remarks from the Executive Director.
The symposium successfully deepened awareness of His Holiness’s far-reaching contributions and strengthened collective appreciation for the spiritual, cultural, and historical significance of the Dalai Lama institution. Participants expressed enhanced understanding of His Holiness’s extensive writings, his engagement with modern science, and the constitutional significance of his titles within the Charter of Tibetans in Exile.
The event fostered unity and a renewed sense of purpose among community members, scholars, and leaders. Its live-stream broadcast extended its reach globally, enabling thousands to join in expressing gratitude and reaffirming their commitment to the values His Holiness embodies—compassion, wisdom, and universal responsibility.
The symposium concluded in an atmosphere of deep gratitude and dedication to upholding His Holiness’s enduring message for the welfare of the Tibetan people and all humanity. Looking ahead, Lha Charitable Trust remains committed to promoting educational and cultural initiatives aligned with His Holiness’s teachings. The event was generously sponsored by The Tibetan Heritage Institute and live-streamed to thousands worldwide.
