By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 6 Jul: Not only did the mountain breeze blow in hills of Mussoorie, but a wave of compassion, peace and spiritual energy was also felt on Sunday. The occasion was the 90th birthday of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, which was celebrated with emotional reverence and cultural gaiety. But this celebration was not just a birthday. It was a remembrance of the historical relationship that has always existed between the Dalai Lama and Mussoorie.
In the year 1959, when the Dalai Lama came to India after being exiled from China, Mussoorie was the first place where he took shelter with his followers. This was the city where the foundation of the Tibetan administration was laid, and Tibetan culture started breathing again on the soil of India. On this 90th birthday of Dalai Lama, the Tibetan community of Mussoorie organised a special cultural and spiritual programme, in which his life’s struggle, teachings and global contribution were remembered. The programme started with a recounting of his life, in which it was also recalled how Mussoorie not only gave him security but also gave him hope for a new beginning.
Tibetan children performed beautiful dances and melodious songs in traditional costumes. The atmosphere echoed with slogans like “Dalai Lama for peace and compassion”. Apart from this, a collective pledge was also taken for environmental protection, which has been an important part of the life vision of the Dalai Lama. During the cake cutting ceremony, the eyes of the elderly Tibetan citizens went moist. They recalled that, when they first came to Mussoorie, this city was a stranger to them, but gradually it became a place that gave them more affection than home.
“We got the first right to live with our religious leader in the soil here,” an elderly Tibetan woman said emotionally. Mussoorie is not just a tourist destination, it is a witness to the history from where the story of Tibetan struggle and reconstruction began. The birth anniversary celebrated here was not just a tribute but a reaffirmation that the path of compassion, peace and coexistence will never be lost.
Special emphasis was also laid on environmental protection at this event. All the attendees pledged to work towards environmental protection and sustainable development, which reflects the balanced approach of the Dalai Lama towards nature and life. A large number of people from the Tibetan community, local residents, and tourists participated in the programme. The organisers said that this celebration was not only a remembrance of the birthday of the Dalai Lama, but it also became an opportunity to adopt his thoughts and teachings.
