World Tibet Network News Monday, April 27, 1998

From: Jon Breukel

Sunday 26 April 1998

ATC branches in all states around Australia held birthday parties to celebrate the Panchen Lama's 9th birthday.

The Long Life Prayer for the Panchen Lama composed by the Dalai Lama was chanted. Guests were addressed by speakers appealing for support for the immediate release of Gendun Choekyi Nyima and his family.

Hundreds of children around Australia made colourful birthday cards for the world's youngest political prisoner. Since China has refused to reveal where the Panchen Lama is detained it is proposed that a group of Tibetan children will attempt to deliver the birthday cards via the Chinese Embassy in Canberra. If this is unsuccessful, Australia Tibet Council will attempt to get the cards delivered to authorities in Beijing either via the Department of Foreign Affairs or mailed directly to authorities in Beijing.

Other activities at the birthday parties included:

- traditional Tibetan singing, chanting & dancing

- prayers by Tibetan Buddhists in front of a special alter for the Panchen

Lama

- storytelling about the Panchen Lama told to the children

- buskers & children's games

- large chocolate birthday cake/singing 'happy birthday' &

candles/balloons etc...