By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 6 Jul: The Dalai Lama said that the best birthday gift for him would be to develop a genuine sense of concern for others’ wellbeing and, with such motivation, lead a compassionate life for benefit of all humans and animals alike.
The 86th birthday celebration, here, of the 14th Dalai Lama began with special prayers led by Shabdrung Rinpoche and Ven Jamyangla for his long and healthy life so that he may continue benefitting countless sentient beings across the globe.
After the offering of traditional white scarves and seeking blessings from the portrait of Dalai Lama, ration kits were distributed to the needy slum dwellers, while children were gifted stationery items and Ludo board games during this short programme. Cakes and juices were offered to all the participants and to locals of Rajpur area.
Rajat Thakur, Sangmo, Dhondup Wangmo, Lobsang Drema, Tseyang, Tsering Luding and others were present on this occasion.
For the animals, dalia and milk were offered at Raahat Animal Shelter and masks, hand sanitisers and sweets presented to the staff.
A toilet building sponsored by Doon Buddhist Committee for the underprivileged children of Phaphar village in Bihar, who earlier had to defecate in the open, was inaugurated to commemorate the occasion.
Earlier, two members of Doon Buddhist Committee, Shanta Negi and Tenzin Luding participated as guest speakers in the online birthday celebration of the Dalai Lama organised by the Kerala Buddhist Council. The celebration programmes were scaled down keeping in view the Covid situation.
