Schakowsky Statement on the 75th Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
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WASHINGTON, DC — (July 6, 2010) Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) submitted the following statement.
Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Next week, on July 6th, 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 two, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, the manifestation 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 non-violence 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 life-long 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 in joining 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.