Clad in his signature yellow and burgundy robes, the Dalai Lama appeared before thousands of monks, followers, Indian ministers, diplomats, and well-wishers who had gathered despite the rain to celebrate the occasion

By Afolabi Ayodele

Dharamshala, India – Sunday, July 6, 2025
The revered spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, celebrated his 90th birthday on Sunday with widespread international admiration, cultural festivities, and continued political friction with China, which has long rejected his spiritual and political influence.

The milestone birthday was observed with a week of cultural events and religious ceremonies in the hill town of Dharamshala, India the spiritual headquarters of the Tibetan exile community and the Dalai Lama’s residence since 1959, when he fled Tibet following a failed uprising against Chinese rule.

Clad in his signature yellow and burgundy robes, the Dalai Lama appeared before thousands of monks, followers, Indian ministers, diplomats, and well-wishers who had gathered despite the rain to celebrate the occasion. Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a longtime supporter of Tibet, was also present among dignitaries on stage.

A Message of Compassion and Longevity

In his address, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who has spent decades advocating a peaceful “Middle Way” for Tibetan autonomy within China, expressed his enduring commitment to humanity:

“As far as I am concerned, I have a human life, and as humans, it is quite natural for us to love and help one another,” he said.
“I live my life in the service of other sentient beings.”

The Dalai Lama also reiterated his aspiration to live beyond 130 years, expressing hope to reincarnate and continue guiding Tibetan Buddhists and peace-seeking communities around the world.

Despite briefly leaving the stage early — reportedly due to feeling unwell — he returned later to clarify his statements, emphasizing they were made in a personal capacity, while China swiftly warned India against “interfering in its internal affairs.”

India and the U.S. Reaffirm Support

India’s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, described the Dalai Lama as “India’s most honoured guest,” affirming the nation’s gratitude for his presence and guidance.

“We feel blessed for his presence here in our country. We will continue to follow the directions and teachings of His Holiness,” Rijiju said, standing alongside the spiritual leader.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent birthday greetings, writing on X (formerly Twitter):

“I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He remains an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement lauding the Dalai Lama’s lifelong commitment to unity, peace, and spiritual resilience, adding:

“The United States remains firmly committed to the protection of Tibetans’ human rights and cultural freedoms, including the right to freely choose and honor their religious leaders without interference.”

Succession Row Sparks Diplomatic Tensions

While global admiration poured in, tensions over the Dalai Lama’s succession continue to strain ties between China and the West. Beijing insists that any future reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must receive official approval from the Chinese government, a position harshly criticized by Tibetan exiles and Western governments as an attempt to suppress religious freedom.

In contrast, the Tibetan community, along with the Dalai Lama’s institution, maintains that the decision of reincarnation is a spiritual one, outside the jurisdiction of any state authority.

Cultural Tributes and International Solidarity

The birthday celebrations featured a vibrant display of Tibetan cultural performances, including songs praying for the Dalai Lama’s long life. Messages of solidarity and admiration were read from world leaders and supporters across continents.

As he enters his tenth decade, the Dalai Lama remains a global icon of compassion, resilience, and spiritual leadership — even as his mission for Tibetan self-determination and religious freedom continues to provoke resistance from China.

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