Representative Thinley Chukki Joins Symposium at University of Bologna Celebrating His Holiness’ 90-Year Legacy

With the support of Alma Mater Studiorum, the public research university in Bologna, Italy, a symposium was held at the university to honour the forthcoming 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The event was jointly organised by Jamtse Ling Centro Rime, the Italy-Tibet Association, the Tibetan Community in Italy, and the Italian Buddhist Union, in the presence of Representative Thinley Chukki from the Tibet Bureau in Geneva.

This occasion also commemorated the 35th anniversary of the university’s conferment of an Honorary Degree in Pedagogy to His Holiness in 1989, in recognition of His lifelong dedication to peace, compassion, and education.

Alongside Representative Thinley Chukki, the symposium was also attended by Professor Antonello De Oto, expert in Ecclesiastical Law at the University of Bologna; Dr. Claudio Cardelli, President of the Italy-Tibet Association; Dr. Piero Verni, President of the Heritage of Tibet Association; Dr. Paolo Robert di Sarina from Jamtse Ling Centro Rime; Lucia Landi of the Lama Tzong Khapa Institute, Pomaia; Maria Grazia Maffia of the Cenresig Center Bologna; and Cosetta Mengoli from the Dharmakaya Centre Bologna.

In her address, Representative Thinley Chukki expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organising groups and affirmed that His Holiness remains in good health, actively engaging with followers, as witnessed during her recent visit to Dharamshala. She apprised the gathering about the upcoming year-long celebrations to mark His Holiness’ 90th birthday, which will be observed as a ‘Year of Compassion,’ and implored participants to contribute to spreading His Holiness’ teachings. As a token of appreciation, she presented the Italian translation of Voice for the Voiceless to all the guests.

Apart form that, the event featured a pictorial exhibition displaying images of His Holiness, along with postage stamps from various countries issued in His honour. A documentary highlighting His Holiness’ life, accomplishments, and teachings was also screened.