25th April, 2010: Today His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama Gedun Chokyi Nyima turns 21 years of age. The Tashi Lhunpo Monastery wish him many many Happy returns of the day. The 21st Birthday celebration started with an early morning prayer by the monks of Tashi Lhunpo monastery for his long life and speedy release from the Chinese captive.

The official ceremony started with a Sang Sol an offering for the special occassion by all the visiting dignitaries, entire monks of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and the general public. The Chief guest for the day was Mr. Phuntsok Tsering, representative of the TDL settlement, Bylakuppe.

 After the sang sol, the Photo of His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama was received from his palace and taken inside the main temple and placed on the throne. The main ceremony began with prayers for his long life and welcome speech by the speaker Ven. Kachen Namgyal. After that, the Acting Abbot Ven. Kachen Lobsang Sherab read out the official statement of the monastery and the Central Association of H.H the Panchen Lama. He addressed the gathering about the importance of lineage of Panchen Lama and especial contribution made by HH the 10th Panchen Lama for the preservation of Tibetan cultural and religion in Tibet. He even stressed that it has been Fifteen long year since government of PRC kept 11th Panchen Lama in detention. Even today there is no clue about his whereabouts and this is big concern for all of us. Finally he sincerely thanked all the government, non-governmental organization and individual for their support on the issue of 11th Panchen Lama.

Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was recognized at age six by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama but the Chinese authorities kidnapped this young boy and his family on May 17, 1995 just days after he was recognised as the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet.

Despite repeated appeals to gain access to him, no international agency or human rights organization has been granted contact with 11th Panchen Lama or his family and their well-being and whereabouts remain unconfirmed.

Chief Guest of the day gave speech to the gathering on the special occasion addressing the importance of collective merit and stand united for the cause of Tibet and for the release of H.H the 11th Panchen Lama. He said that ultimately truth and justice will previal. He said that The Panchen Lama issue is not just a Tibetan issue it is an universal issue, so it is of utmost importance for the world to take up the cause for the release of Panchen Lama and prove that truth and justice prevail in world.

Ceremonial tea and sweet rice were served to all and exchange sweet to mark the special day. The speaker thanks each and every one who participated on this big day on behalf of the monastery.

Later in the evening at 6.30pm there will be candle light vigil to remember and pray for His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama's long life and for his speedy release, at the same time there will be a Monlam prayer for the deceased and for those left behind with so much suffering by the recent tragic and massive earthquake in Kyigudo, Tibet. Around 2000 people will join the candle light vigil.

Finally, we pray for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and His Holines the 11th Panchen Lama enjoy long lives and continue to benefit sentient beings, may they be able to come together in their homeland The Land of Snow.