[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 101 (Thursday, July 1, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  ON THE OCCASION OF THE 75TH BIRTHDAY OF HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA

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                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 1, 2010

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor His Holiness the 
14th Dalai Lama. Next week, on July 6, His Holiness will celebrate his 
75th birthday, an occasion that will be marked by Tibetans and Tibet 
supporters across the world.
  The Dalai Lama was born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, to a 
farming family in village in northeastern Tibet. At the age of 2, he 
was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, the 
manifestation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion. He was later taken to 
Lhasa to be enthroned as the spiritual and temporal leader of the 
Tibetan people.
  Throughout his life, His Holiness has championed nonviolence and 
peaceful means for resolving conflicts around the world. He has 
advocated compassion, respect for human dignity, tolerance, and 
understanding between the world's great faiths, and dialogues between 
religious leaders and scientists. For these lifelong commitments, he 
has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the Congressional Gold Medal, 
and many other honors.
  Fifty one-years ago, the Dalai Lama was forced into exile. From that 
moment he has worked tirelessly to achieve a solution for Tibet and to 
relieve the ongoing suffering of his people. The Dalai Lama has been 
courageous and patient in pursuing his ``Middle Way Approach'' of a 
peacefully negotiated resolution to the Tibet issue with China. 
Tibetans in Tibet continue to risk their lives in calling for the 
return of the Dalai Lama to his homeland.
  The U.S. Congress has been resolute in its support for the Dalai Lama 
and his pursuit of freedom, democracy and human rights for Tibetans and 
others around the world. I had the great personal pleasure of meeting 
His Holiness during his visit to the United States Capitol in October 
2009. I look forward to Congress giving him another warm welcome on his 
next visit to Washington.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
75th birthday of the Dalai Lama and offering our continued appreciation 
of his life's work of promoting compassion, peace and human rights for 
all.

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