In expression of gratitude and deep devotion, Tibetans throughout the world celebrated 6 July, the birthday of His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama. Tibetans celebrated the day in a traditional way. No cakes were cut. People throng monasteries in their locality in traditional dresses and prayed for his long life and speedy end to Tibet’s struggle.

The official ceremony to mark the day was commemorated everywhere in the exile Tibetan community. The gathering this year captured entirely a different atmosphere here in Dharamsala. His Holiness generally isn’t keen in celebrating his birthday and therefore, usually do not participate in the festivity graced the occasion with his precious presence on special arrangements from the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). His Holiness enlivened the otherwise inclement weather and gave very assuring public address to all the Tibetans and its supporters.

The Kashag, cabinet, on behalf of CTA and the people of Tibet offered grand long life puja to His Holiness on 8 June. His Holiness pledges to reciprocate the collective prayers for his longevity mentioned in www.tibet.net, the official CTA website.

The entire Tibetan communities worldwide are participating in year-long activities in celebration of His Holiness’s 70th birthday. Under the guidance of the Department of Health, Central Tibetan Administration, the Men-Tsee-Khang marked the start of this year-long campaign with medical camps in the surrounding areas of its headquarters here in Dharamsala and in all the 48 branch clinics through out India and Nepal for the period of 7 days. All the visiting patients during medical camps were given free/concession consultations and medications for a week. Many local residence appreciated Men-Tsee-Khang’s effort to make medical health check ups accessible especially in the remote areas where health issue remains a top in their priority lists.

The Men-Tsee-Khang administration thanks all the organizing committee and their members for their support and assistance.