Washington, DC [US], June 28 (ANI): In a powerful show of solidarity for Tibet, over 200 supporters from 25 US states and the District of Columbia gathered at the US Capitol this week to participate in Tibet Lobby Day, ahead of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday on July 6, 2025. The annual event was organized by the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) and concluded with a special celebration of the Dalai Lama’s upcoming milestone birthday.
Participants visited more than 100 congressional offices, advocating for the rights and freedoms of the Tibetan people and urging stronger US support for Tibet-related legislation. The closing celebration, co-hosted by Representatives Michael McCaul and Jim McGovern, featured prominent lawmakers including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, and Congressman Michael Baumgartner. The event was also supported by The Office of Tibet, represented by Namgyal Choedup, the Capitol Area Tibetan Association, and ICT Chairman Richard Gere, who joined virtually.
“In one of our conversations, [His Holiness] mentioned: ‘I will not be reborn in China. I will be reborn in freedom.’ This statement is incredibly profound,” said Congressman Michael McCaul in his birthday tribute. “I asked him, ‘Do you hold any resentment towards the Chinese people?’ He replied, ‘I cannot let negative emotions overwhelm my spirit.’ He teaches us that while the CCP can take away your land, they cannot erase your culture or spirit.”
Congressman Jim McGovern praised the Dalai Lama’s unwavering commitment to peace and human dignity. “As a person raised in the Catholic faith, I’ve been inspired by his role as a spiritual leader, and as a Congressman, I’ve been inspired by his role as a national leader, guiding his people through dark times toward a brighter future,” he said. “Next year, let us celebrate his birthday with him in Lhasa, Tibet.”
ICT President Tencho Gyatso expressed gratitude to both congressional allies and grassroots advocates. “I am immensely grateful to our supporters in Congress and the hundreds of grassroots activists. This event would not have been such a success without the commitment of these passionate individuals, both activists and members of Congress,” he said. “They have reaffirmed their dedication to the Tibetan cause and to those in Tibet facing oppression by China.”
Senator Todd Young of Indiana added, “Throughout his life, the Dalai Lama has advocated for peace, respect, and understanding. I am proud to stand with the Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet in their pursuit of freedom and peace against the ongoing aggression from the Chinese Communist Party.”
This year’s event also served as a key component of both the Central Tibetan Administration’s (CTA) Year of Compassion initiative and ICT’s Compassion Rising campaign, which aim to reflect on the Dalai Lama’s legacy and promote global compassion.
Tibet Lobby Day is an annual opportunity for Tibetan Americans and their allies to engage directly with lawmakers, sharing personal stories and advocating for concrete policy action. This year’s advocacy had an immediate impact, with four new co-sponsors added to a Senate resolution and six to a House resolution, with more expected in the coming weeks.
“We are extremely thankful to all the advocates who participated in Tibet Lobby Day; it wouldn’t have been possible without them,” ICT President Tencho Gyatso stated. (ANI)
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