“I am here on behalf of President Barack Obama to convey the warmth of the American people to His Holiness. Very few other people have made such a positive contribution to humanity as His Holiness with his unwavering message of compassion. We celebrate today an extraordinary leader, a good man, a man with amazing grace. I wish you health and vigour to live to 120.” -Valerie Jarrett, senior advisor to President Obama
“There is no better way to stand with His Holiness on his 80th birthday than to stand with the Tibetan people.” – Ms. Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the US House of Representatives
“I extend my warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama as he marks his 80th birthday today. An internationally respected spiritual leader, Nobel laureate and honorary Canadian citizen, His Holiness has worked tirelessly to promote human rights and religious freedom. His message of compassion, peace and human dignity resonates across Canada and is an inspiration to people around the world.” -Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom
“People of diverse faith and non-faith traditions around the world are inspired by his messages of peace, compassion, and non-violence.” He added “I have always appreciated His Holiness’ humor, wisdom, and humility, as well as his dedication to his people and to humanity. I wish His Holiness the very best on this auspicious occasion.” – Mr John Kerry, the US Secretary of State
“And now he has all the friends in the world. Let’s make a date to be with him for his 90th, his 100th, his 110th and his 120th birthday.” –Hollywood actor and supporter of Tibetan cause, Richard Gere
“His message of peace, compassion and nonviolence has resonated throughout the world, bridged divides and inspired millions to recognise the common humanity among us. To my dear friend, I wish you a very happy birthday and many more years in which your teachings can touch even more lives.” – Senator Dianne Feintsein
“The Dalai Lama is celebrating his 80th birthday today and the Intergroup wants to mark the occasion by commending his work to peace, human rights and democracy. His lifelong commitment and outstanding contribution to the promotion of nonviolence, human rights and religious tolerance has resonated throughout the world,” – European Parliament’s Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief and Religious Tolerance
“Today we celebrate the 80th birthday of Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness Dalai Lama” He added, “This is occasion to express our solidarity with Tibetans, their religion and culture which Dalai Lama has represented with extraordinary dignity and persistence.” – Mr. Tunne Kelam, Member of European Parliament
“Your Holiness, you call yourself a simple Buddhist monk. But for people around the world, you are the beacon of hope and light to all the people. For Buddhists, you are the human manifestation of the Boddisattva of compassion. And above all, for Tibetans, you are the life and soul of Tibet.” – Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay
Some South Africans flew the Tibetan flag on Top of Table Mountain:
“Tashi Delek.
To HIS HOLINESS
the 14th DALAI LAMA – clocking 80 years young –
To all Tibetans wherever you are,
and to your Beloved country, Tibet.
With Love, Support & Encouragement .
The world’s people want you back home again. Now.
YOUR HOLINESS, we wish you were here, just as MADIBA did.
From Table Mountain in Cape Town,
We salute you & your fellow courageous Tibetan brothers & sisters.
In Freedom to All Nations, All people. Everywhere. Amandla“