Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the Panchen Lama recognised as by the

Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, recognised by the Dalai Lama as the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibetan Buddhism and missing for over 22 years, today turned 28.

On the occasion, the Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamshala has released a video "Missing - the Panchen Lama of Tibet," in which political leaders from six countries, including India have send their wishes and message for the Panchen Lama.

"The video is available on Youtube," said CTA Press Officer Jamphel Shonu.

Those who have featured in the video include, former Finance and External Affairs minister Yashwant Sinha, members of Parliament Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Ninong Ering and Thupstan Chhewang, apart from President of South Tyrol in Italy Dr Arno Kompatscher.

Senators Michel Raison, Andre Gattolin and Annick Billon from France, Member of Swiss Parliament Maya Garf, ex-senator from Canada Consiglio Di Nino, senator Lisa Singh from Australia.

The Panchen Lama's birthday is a joyous occasion but it is a sad one because Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, a six-year old boy recognised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1995 as the XIth Panchen Lama of Tibet has been missing for over 22 years, said Shonu.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)