Dharamsala, July 6: Tibetans across India and millions of followers worldwide celebrated the 91st birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama on Monday, with political leaders, Buddhist organisations and devotees offering prayers and messages of goodwill while reaffirming his global role as a symbol of peace, compassion and non-violence.
The celebrations took place as large numbers of devotees gathered at the Tsuglagkhang Temple in McLeodganj near Dharamsala, the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile, despite the Dalai Lama currently staying in Leh, Ladakh, following a successful left knee replacement surgery in New Delhi. The occasion was marked by prayers, cultural observances and public expressions of support from across India and abroad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday greetings to the Tibetan spiritual leader, stating that his message of peace and harmony has guided people across the world. He also wished the Dalai Lama a long and healthy life, describing his moral and spiritual leadership and commitment to global good as commendable.
The Central Tibetan Administration, representing the Tibetan diaspora, conveyed birthday greetings while praying for the Dalai Lama’s continued good health, long life and compassion for the benefit of all beings.
During the celebrations, many Tibetans reiterated their aspiration to one day celebrate the Dalai Lama’s birthday in front of the Potala Palace in Lhasa. One Tibetan told IANS that they hoped such celebrations would take place free from Chinese oppression.
The International Buddhist Confederation also extended greetings, stating that the Dalai Lama’s lifelong commitment to compassion, humanity, dialogue and mutual respect continues to inspire people across the world and remains highly relevant in today’s global environment.
Birthday wishes also came from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Chief Ministers Pema Khandu of Arunachal Pradesh, Prem Singh Tamang of Sikkim and N. Chandrababu Naidu of Andhra Pradesh. Each highlighted the Dalai Lama’s contributions to peace, compassion, wisdom and non-violence while praying for his continued health and long life.
Born on July 6, 1935, in Taktser village in Tibet’s Amdo region as Lhamo Dhondup, the Dalai Lama was recognised at the age of two as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. He later underwent traditional monastic education and earned the Geshe Lharampa degree, regarded as the highest academic qualification in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy.
After China’s military entry into Tibet and the suppression of the 1959 Tibetan uprising, the Dalai Lama sought refuge in India, where he has since lived in exile. Dharamsala continues to serve as the base of the Central Tibetan Administration.
In 2011, the Dalai Lama transferred all political authority to Tibet’s democratically elected leadership, ending the centuries-old tradition under which the office exercised both political and spiritual authority. Since then, he has continued exclusively in his role as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism while promoting peace, dialogue and compassion worldwide.
The celebrations on Monday once again underscored the Dalai Lama’s enduring international influence and the continued global resonance of his teachings on harmony, human dignity and non-violence.
