This July felt historic—spiritually, emotionally, and politically.
On July 2, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama affirmed the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution, declaring that the 15th Dalai Lama will be born in the free world. That announcement, coming straight from him, felt deeply reassuring. It honored the heartfelt appeals of Tibetans and global followers alike—and rekindled hope for our people, our culture, and future generations in the 21st-century world.
Then came July 6, the 90th birthday of His Holiness. And in true Dalai Lama spirit, he didn’t just receive wishes—he fulfilled them. He expressed a wish to live for another 40 years—until the age of 130—so he could continue serving the Buddha Dharma and the Tibetan people. It was a joyous, humbling moment, a powerful assurance to Tibetans—especially those inside Tibet—and to millions around the world, that the light will continue to shine on.
And on July 10, something truly special happened in my home state, Massachusetts,
For the first time ever, the Massachusetts State House opened its doors to officially honor His Holiness’s 90th birthday. Lawmakers from U.S. Congress and the Massachusetts Legislature, representatives from the Governor’s Office, and leaders and members of the Tibetan American community came together to mark this milestone and to officially launch the Global Year of Compassion, a worldwide initiative led by the Central Tibetan Administration.
This was no ordinary gathering. Co-hosted by the Tibetan Association of Boston (TAB) and the Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts (RTAM)—and co-sponsored by Senator Jo Comerford, Representative Lindsay Sabadosa, and Representative Mindy Domb—this event represented something deeply personal and deeply political. It felt like a spiritual homecoming for the values that His Holiness has spent a lifetime embodying.
Coming on the heels of His Holiness’ historic announcement regarding his reincarnation, the event carried profound significance. It wasn’t just a birthday celebration—it was a declaration of purpose. In a world fractured by war, authoritarianism, and division, His Holiness’s values—compassion, nonviolence, and interdependence,—shine like a beacon.
As Massachusetts raised the banner of compassion, the message rang loud and clear: the world needs more of what His Holiness represents.
With the Year of Compassion now officially underway, Tibetan communities across the globe—beginning here in Massachusetts—will continue carrying His Holiness’s message forward through acts of service, environmental stewardship, interfaith harmony, and grassroots justice work.
As His Holiness has said:
“Compassion must be practiced—not merely praised.”
You can watch the full event via Tibet TV’s livestream.
My Remarks at the State House
Note: The excerpts below are adapted from my remarks and have been lightly edited for clarity and flow.
Standing at the podium, looking out at a room filled with allies, lawmakers, and fellow Tibetans, I felt a deep sense of purpose. Below are a few reflections I shared that day:
“On July 2nd of this year, just last week, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama affirmed the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lama—meaning the 21st century will welcome a 15th Dalai Lama. The 21st century world will bear witness to the continuation of the legacy of the great 14th Dalai Lama—his commitment and life’s work for peace, compassion, and an equitable, more sustainable humanity.
In today’s troubled times—amidst deepening political divides, competing belief systems and a world torn by war—the Dalai Lama’s unwavering light of wisdom and compassion comes as a silver lining. And today’s event affirms that.
This gathering is historic. It is the first time an event honoring His Holiness the Dalai Lama is taking place inside the State House, right in the heart of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is a privilege for both the Tibetan Association of Boston and the Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts to be organizing this occasion.
As a Tibetan, I often find myself at a loss for words when trying to articulate what His Holiness means to me and to the Tibetan people.
Personally, he is my root guru—my moral compass.
For the Tibetan people, especially the six million inside Tibet, His Holiness embodies the sun and the moon—guiding us with integrity and moral clarity.
To the world, he is a beacon of hope, a force for good, and a champion of compassion and wisdom.
Today’s event also marks the official launch of the Year of Compassion, a global initiative of the CTA.
For the 21st-century world, His Holiness has not only proposed a conceptual framework for compassion—he has institutionalized it through his life’s work and teachings.
Thanks to His Holiness, compassion is now a working model—one that is urgently needed in our time.
Though he is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, the world sees His Holiness as a secular moral leader. One of his teachings that has resonated across religious traditions is this:
“My religion is simple—my religion is kindness.”
The Year of Compassion allows every Tibetan in the free world—and everyone who resonates with His Holiness’s vision—to embody kindness, not just preach it.
Through events, acts of service, and interfaith and intergenerational engagement, we will carry this message forward.
The Year of Compassion has offered us not just an aspiration but a framework for empowerment, rooted in practice and purpose. It brings us closer to the fulfilment of His Holiness’ vision of the world—one that, in his own words, is:
“A world wiser in dealing with humanity’s collective challenges, and a world more suited to the demands of an interconnected planet.”
That is the benchmark set for us, and we all have work to do!”
You can watch the video of my remarks on my YouTube Channel.
Scholar. Activist. Feminist | Standing for Tibet, Social Justice, and our Shared Planet 