Tibetans Celebrate Dalai Lama’s Birthday Despite Restrictions in Tibet

Tenzin Lakshay, the spokesperson for the Tibetan government-in-exile, expressed sadness that Tibetans in Tibet cannot celebrate the Dalai Lama’s birthday due to Chinese government restrictions. He emphasized that while Tibetans in India are celebrating, those in Tibet face limitations.

“It’s a sad thing because China often feels that his holiness is a threat, but his holiness always talks about compassion, love, and friendship,” Lakshay said. He added that the Dalai Lama’s birthday is a joyous moment for Tibetans worldwide.

The Chief Minister of Sikkim attended the celebration in Dharamshala as the chief guest. The Chinese government has increased social media restrictions to prevent Tibetans from celebrating the Dalai Lama’s birthday.

Tenzin Paldon, a Tibetan from Belgium, noted the Dalai Lama’s absence due to knee surgery but expressed well wishes for his health. “We wish for his long, healthy life. His birthday brings all Tibetans together,” she said.

Despite the restrictions, Paldon emphasized that the Dalai Lama’s legacy of wisdom, compassion, and peace will endure. The Dalai Lama, currently in the United States for knee surgery, is the highest spiritual leader of Tibet. China views him as a separatist, while Tibetans see him as a symbol of their culture and religion.

Chinese forces annexed Tibet in the 1950s, claiming it had always been part of China.