On Thursday, July 9, the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Riley Barnes, joined in celebrating His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 91st birthday.
"I often say His Holiness' birthday celebration matters, not because it's about His Holiness, it's about spreading with the rest of the world His messages of non-violence, interfaith harmony, those human values, something everyone would agree that is entirely needed in today's world. So it's an honor to be here celebrating Him and His life. I hope and pray that we have many more years to have gatherings like this. So to remember Dasheed Dalek, to His Holiness, and I look forward to celebrating with all of you. Thank you. And as we celebrate His Holiness' 91st birthday today all over the world, we do so also with the heavy heart as others mentioned before me, our community has been shaken by the tragic death of Dr. Ramzan, who gave his life in a heartbreaking act of protest across the United Nations, and his passing has left a profound mark on Tibetans around the world and serves as a painful reminder for all of us of the suffering and despair that continue to be endured by so many Tibetans. And at moments like these, we draw strength from the teachings of His Holiness. He has always urged us not to respond to suffering with hatred or hopelessness, but with compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment to truth and nonviolence. As we mourn, we also renew our determination to pursue the peaceful path that His Holiness has dedicated His life to advancing."
💬 Discussion
On Thursday, July 9, the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Riley Barnes, joined in celebrating His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 91st birthday.
