In a deeply moving and spiritually resonant ceremony, Flowering Dharma and the International Institute for Culture & Ethics, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and The Pal Hotel, Ladakh, formally launched the yearlong celebration titled “Celebrating 90 Years of Kindness” to commemorate the 90th birth year of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
The event took place at The Pal Hotel in Leh and brought together over 100 participants, including scholars, youth leaders, cultural advocates, and members of the wider community. The ceremony began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and ribbon cutting, followed by a collective prayer for the long life of His Holiness, led by His Eminence Choegon Rinpoche.
Delivering the keynote address, H.E. Choegon Rinpoche offered a profound reflection on the Four Principal Commitments of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, elaborating their universal significance and relevance in today’s world:
- Promotion of Human Values 2. Promotion of Religious Harmony 3. Preservation of Tibetan Culture and Environment 4. Revival of Ancient Indian Wisdom
His Holiness, beyond his spiritual leadership, he has emerged as a global icon. Rinpoche also highlighted that, globally, only two spiritual figures are addressed formally as His Holiness—the Pope and the 14th Dalai Lama. In India,
The event was enriched by the presence and reflections of several dignitaries: Mr. Jigmet Takpa, Retired IFS Officer, Mr. Thupstan, Editor, Ladakh Academy of Arts, Culture & Languages, Mr. Rigzen, Senior Journalist, Ladakh Media, Mr. Sonam Wangchuk Shakspo, Senior Buddhist Scholar and Cultural Advocate and Mr. Tashi, Founding Director, Flowering Dharma & International Institute for Culture & Ethics.
Mr. Sonam Wangchuk Shakspo shared resolutions adopted at the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP)recently held in Mongolia. He noted that July 6th, the birthday of His Holiness, has been proposed to be recognized globally as the International Day of Compassion, and a call was made to designate His Holiness the Spiritual Head of the International Buddhist Community.
Mr. Thupstan offered an insightful contextual reflection on His Holiness’s enduring relevance and moral leadership across Himalayan societies. Mr. Tashi welcomed the gathering and, in his closing address, expressed gratitude to all present. He especially emphasized the importance of youth in carrying forward His Holiness’s vision of a more compassionate, ethical, and harmonious world.
Mr. Tashi also announced that Flowering Dharma will continue to commemorate His Holiness’s 90th birth year through a series of thematic programs across the year. These events will be spread across Ladakh and other Himalayan regions and will include spiritual talks, youth dialogues, cultural exhibitions, and community outreach activities.
As an offering of gratitude and a gesture of repaying His Holiness’s kindness, this initiative aims to thank him for his lifelong contribution to the world and especially for his special care and guidance to the Ladakhi community and its youth.
This launch marks the beginning of a year of reflection, inspiration, and collective commitment to the timeless values of kindness, peace, and universal ethics—a legacy that transcends borders and generations.
Following the formal proceedings, Mr. Tsepel and his family from Hotel Pal Ladakh graciously hosted dinner and refreshments for all participants. His Eminence Chöegon Rinpoche, Mr. Tashi from Flowering Dharma, and all attending members expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Tsepel, owner of Hotel Pal Ladakh, for the warm hospitality and for generously sponsoring the entire event.
