16th Executive Council Meeting of Asian Buddhists Conference for Peace Celebrates the 90th Birth Anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Bodh GayaBodhgaya: On 1 April, coinciding with the Year of Compassion, the Asian Buddhists Conference for Peace (ABCP) held its 16th executive Council Meeting in Bodhgaya on the theme of “Bodhisattva, Wisdom and Compassion.”Dhondul Dorjee, Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), attended the 16th Executive Council meeting of ABCP and the ABCP’s celebration of His Holiness’ 90th Birthday.At 9:00 a.m., the inaugural programme commenced upon the arrival of Chief Guest Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh UT, at the venue. Joined in by Kyabje Yongzin 7th Ling Rinpoche, Kyabje Kundeling Tatsak Jedrung Rinpoche, Kyabje 20th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, and Nechung Kuten, the Chief Guest then lit ceremonial butter lamps while the gathering offers of auspicious words in both traditions of Mahayana and Theravada.Following the opening ceremony, ABCP Secretary Sonam Wangchuk Shakspo delivered the welcome address, which was followed by a speech from the most Venerable Khensur Lama Gabju Demberel Choijamts, President of the APCP. Following that, the chief guest was presented with mementos as token of appreciation by ABCP President.The event then proceeded with dance performance depicting the life of the Buddha, presented by an artist Madhushree Choudhary.Kyabje 19th Lochen Tulku then read out the message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama for ABCP’s 16th Executive Council meeting, while Deputy Secretary Sonam Wangchuk Shakspo conveyed a message from Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Rinpoche. Messages from Shri Kiran Rijiju ji, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs, Honourable Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka, Jetsun Dorjee, Abbot of Gaden Thekchen Choeling; Pandito Khambo Lama Damba Ayusheev, Head of the Buddhist Traditional Sangkha of Russia; and Most Venerable Buddhapriya Mahathero, head of the ABCP Bangladesh Center, were also delivered.Kyabje Yongzin Ling Choktrul Rinpoche, Kyabje Kundeling Tatsak Jedrung Rinpoche, and representatives from various participating countries delivered speeches in celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, followed by an address by the Chief Guest.Shri Maling Gombu, Chairman of the Arunachal Pradesh Khadi & Village Industries Board (APKVIB), delivered the vote of thanks, marking the successful conclusion of the ceremony celebrating the 90th Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.After lunch, the 16th Executive Council meeting of ABCP proceeded, with the absence of representatives from Vietnam and North Korea. At 1:00 p.m., President most Venerable Khensur Lama Gabju Demberel Choijamts delivered introductory remarks, followed by the ABCP Secretary General’s briefing of the progress report for the period 2024 to 2026. The deputy Secretary of the Asian Buddhists Council then addressed the current state of ABCP Gaya-based coordinator office and the budget of ABCP was presented by another senior member.During discussions on the Bodhgaya Declaration, Dhondul Dorjee, Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture, CTA, spoke about life and achievements of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and CTA initiatives undertaken during the Year of Compassion. He also highlighted His Holiness’ reaffirmation on continuation of his reincarnation during the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference held in Dharamshala last year. The Secretary further expressed his appreciation to the ABCP for organising a celebration of His Holiness’ 90th Birthday during this Executive Council Meeting.Among 11 points of the said declarations that received unanimous approval at the meeting, the 5th point felicitated His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 90th birthday and acknowledged his lifelong contributions to the promotion of peace, non-violence, interfaith harmony, and universal values.The 6th point reiterated the decision adopted at the 12th General Assembly of ABCP to observe every 6 July (birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama) as the Universal Day of Compassion. Likewise, the 7th point unanimously endorsed His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s statement regarding his reincarnation, issued on 2 July 2025 in Dharamshala, reaffirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and that the Gaden Phodrang Trust is the sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation. The Executive further emphasised that no government, organisation, or individual has the authority to interfere in this longstanding sacred spiritual process, which remains the sole prerogative of the Gaden Phodrang Trust.The declaration received a resounding majority from the participants. Following the meeting, participants gathered at the Council’s regional office, introduced themselves, and took a group photograph, marking the conclusion of the 16th Executive Council meeting of ABCP.-Report filed by Department of Religion and Culture, CTA