TENZINGAON : The 91st birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was celebrated with spiritual fervour and cultural splendour at the Tibetan Settlement in Tenzingaon, West Kameng district, on Monday.

The event drew a large gathering of monks, devotees, public representatives, government officials and local residents, reflecting the deep respect and admiration His Holiness continues to command across Arunachal Pradesh.

Attending the celebration as the chief guest, Home Minister Mama Natung extended his greetings to His Holiness and lauded his lifelong commitment to peace, compassion, non-violence and universal human values.

Natung said the teachings of the Dalai Lama continue to serve as a guiding light for humanity and acknowledged his enduring spiritual association with Arunachal Pradesh, noting that it has significantly enriched the state’s Buddhist heritage while strengthening the values of harmony and peaceful coexistence.

Among those present were Tali MLA Jikke Tako, Thrizino-Buragaon MLA Tenzin Nyima Glow, Kalaktang MLA and chief patron of the celebration Tsetan Chombay Kee, North Eastern Council Member T N Thongdok, State Election Commissioner Rinchin Tashi, West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar, West Kameng Superintendent of Police D W Thongon, senior government officials, religious leaders and members of the community.

The programme featured traditional Buddhist prayers, ceremonial offerings and cultural performances by artistes from MIPA, SIMPA and cultural groups from Rupa, Kalaktang, Shergaon and Tenzingaon, reaffirming the ideals of compassion, tolerance and universal brotherhood championed by His Holiness.

The celebration concluded with special prayers for the long life and good health of the Dalai Lama, as well as for universal peace and the well-being of all sentient beings. (DIPR)