US Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues Riley Barnes recently attended the Dalai Lama’s 91st birthday celebrations in Washington. Barnes, also serving as Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, expressed honor in commemorating the Tibetan spiritual leader’s life and legacy. He shared his admiration for the Dalai Lama’s compassion, generosity, sense of humor, and hospitality during past interactions.
The event, organized by the Office of Tibet with support from the International Campaign for Tibet, brought together Tibetan Buddhist leaders, members of the Tibetan community, diplomats, and civil society representatives. The celebration not only marked the Dalai Lama’s birthday but also highlighted his messages of universal values and compassion, emphasizing their relevance in today’s world marked by conflicts and humanitarian crises.
Namgyal Choedup, the Dalai Lama’s representative for North America, emphasized the importance of sharing the spiritual leader’s teachings on compassion and non-violence with the world. He noted that the US Congress and various states and cities have recognized the Dalai Lama’s birthday as a Day of Compassion, acknowledging his advocacy for human values and interfaith harmony.
Tencho Gyatso, president of the International Campaign for Tibet, expressed gratitude to attendees for their continued support of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people. Gyatso praised the Dalai Lama’s leadership qualities, highlighting his emphasis on compassion, dialogue for peace, and service to others as sources of strength and wisdom.
The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet for India in 1959 and has since resided in Dharamsala, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his commitment to a non-violent resolution of the Tibetan issue. The US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, established under the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002, plays a crucial role in coordinating US policies and programs related to Tibet, focusing on dialogue promotion and cultural heritage preservation.
