The European Parliament in Strasbourg was the venue for a special photographic exhibition from April 22 to 26, 2024, showcasing the core commitments of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The exhibition, organized by the Office of Tibet, Brussels, aimed to highlight the Dalai Lama’s lifelong dedication to promoting peace, compassion, and understanding worldwide.
The event kicked off on April 23 with notable attendees including Venerable Thich Hanh Tan from the Unified Buddhist Congregation of Vietnam, Venerable Nima from the Sakya Buddhist Centre, and various European Union officials and members of the Tibetan community in Strasbourg. The exhibition was a part of the final plenary of the 10th term of the European Parliament.
In his opening speech, MEP Carles Puigdemont, the former President of Catalonia, expressed his support for the Tibetan cause, highlighting it as a non-violent struggle against oppression. “It is an honor to give voice to the representatives of oppressed people who are fighting for their survival,” said Puigdemont, as reported by the Office of Tibet, Brussels.
The exhibition coincided with Sant Jordi’s day, a cultural celebration of good overcoming evil. In the spirit of the day, Puigdemont presented a rose and a book to Representative Rigzin Genkhang from the Office of Tibet, Brussels.
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Genkhang expressed deep gratitude to Puigdemont for hosting the event and to all the attendees for their support. She outlined the four principal commitments of the Dalai Lama, emphasizing his numerous visits to Strasbourg and his vision for a peaceful and compassionate world. “Through this exhibition, we aim to celebrate the remarkable life story of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” Genkhang stated, as mentioned by the Office of Tibet, Brussels.
The event also saw speeches from other MEPs, including Mikulas Peksa, who praised the Dalai Lama’s vision and recounted his own efforts to support Tibet within the European Parliament.
The exhibition, which also featured a closing reception hosted by the Office of Tibet, Brussels, left a significant impression on its visitors, underscoring the message of peace and non-violence championed by the Dalai Lama.
As a symbol of thanks and respect, traditional khatags (scarves) were presented by Genkhang to the speakers and hosts, acknowledging their support in highlighting the Tibetan cause.
This initiative not only honored the Dalai Lama’s contributions but also reinforced the European Parliament’s role in supporting non-violent struggles across the globe.
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