More than 200 Tibetan Americans and their supporters from across the United States convened at the U.S. Capitol this week for the 16th annual Tibet Lobby Day, urging Congress to strengthen its support for Tibet and celebrating the upcoming 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Organized by the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), this year’s Lobby Day drew participants from 25 states and the District of Columbia. Over two days, the delegation met with representatives from more than 100 congressional offices, advocating for bipartisan legislative measures in support of Tibetan freedom, human rights, and cultural preservation.
The event culminated in a high-profile celebration of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, hosted by U.S. Representatives Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Jim McGovern (D-MA), with participation from Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Rep. Michael Baumgartner (D-WA), and the Office of Tibet. ICT Chairman Richard Gere also addressed attendees via video.
“I remember His Holiness once said, ‘I will not be reborn in China. I will be reborn in freedom.’ That’s very profound,” said Rep. McCaul, emphasizing the Chinese Communist Party’s attempts to control Tibetan spiritual succession.
“His Holiness inspires millions,” Rep. McGovern added, highlighting the Dalai Lama’s teachings on compassion, religious tolerance, and non-violence. “Next year, let us celebrate his birthday with him in Lhasa, Tibet.”
A Message of Faith, Hope, and Compassion
Speaker Emerita Pelosi movingly described the Dalai Lama’s influence:
“Hope is the most positive value we can have… When we listen to him, we are taken to another place.”
The event also served as a centerpiece of the Central Tibetan Administration’s Year of Compassion and ICT’s Compassion Rising campaign, emphasizing the enduring relevance of the Dalai Lama’s moral leadership in an increasingly fractured world.
Legislative Push
Lobby Day participants urged Congress to adopt a resolution honoring His Holiness’ 90th birthday and proclaiming July 6, 2025, as a national “Day of Compassion.” The resolution affirms the Dalai Lama’s extraordinary contributions to global peace and reiterates opposition to Chinese interference in the recognition of his successor—an issue deeply tied to religious freedom.
They also called for sustained U.S. funding to support Tibetan communities and renewed pressure on Beijing to grant fair access to Tibet for journalists, diplomats, and international observers.
Tencho Gyatso, ICT President, underscored the importance of grassroots advocacy:
“Without so many dedicated people—activists and members of Congress—this event wouldn’t be as successful as it was.”
Voices from the Grassroots
Attendees spoke passionately about their motivations.
“It is very important for us to be here… because we have the liberty and freedom to do so,” said Tenzin Yiga from New Jersey. “We have a responsibility to advocate for the human rights of Tibetans under Chinese rule.”
“Being at Lobby Day, surrounded by people who are passionate about Tibet, is empowering,” added Perbu from Wisconsin. “It gives me the confidence to speak up about issues that are often ignored where I live.”
Their advocacy yielded immediate results: the resolution gained four new Senate co-sponsors and six in the House before the event concluded.
A Living Legacy
As the world prepares to mark His Holiness’ 90th birthday on July 6, the message from Washington is clear: Tibetans in exile and their allies remain unwavering in their commitment to justice and truth.
In the words of Senator Todd Young of Indiana:
“The Dalai Lama has stood for peace, respect, and understanding. China’s status quo—both in Tibet and elsewhere—is not acceptable.”
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