CHANDIGARH: Calling himself a "simple Buddhist monk" who usually didn't celebrate birthdays, the Dalai Lama marked his 90th on Sunday by praying for peace after China insisted it would have final say on who succeeded the Tibetan spiritual leader.
The celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama began today at the Tsuglagkhang Temple in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, with a heartfelt song performed by Switzerland-based Tibetan singer Jamyan Choeden. This was followed by a colourful dance performance by a group of Mongolian and Albanian artists.
Despite heavy rainfall, spirits remained high among the thousands gathered in the temple courtyard. The Tibetan spiritual leader appeared wearing traditional robes and a flowing yellow wrap, smiling warmly as he walked with the support of two monks.
Seated before a grand nine-tier cake, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, addressed the audience.
“You have not come here out of obligation but out of genuine reverence,” he said. “When I reflect upon my life, I feel I have not wasted it. Though I hold the title of Dalai Lama, I do not harbour pride or arrogance. As a bhikshu a monk and a follower of the Buddha my purpose has always been to serve the public and uphold the Buddha’s teachings.”
He emphasised that the love and admiration of people inspire him to continue his life’s mission.
“I always reflect on Shantideva’s Bodhisattvacharyavatara, the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, considering all sentient beings as my relatives and friends. On this birthday, your joy inspires me. Thank you,” he said.
His Holiness further added, “The more people express genuine joy, the more inspired I feel. Practising Bodhichitta, I focus not on seeking admiration but on cherishing others more than myself. That brings people closer and evokes admiration.”
In honour of the occasion, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, declared a global ‘Year of Compassion’ for Tibetans and “friends of Tibet”. The announcement emphasised the Dalai Lama’s four core commitments: the promotion of universal human values, fostering interfaith harmony, preservation of Tibetan culture and the environment, and the revival of ancient Indian knowledge.
“In today’s world, marked by violent conflict, arms races, trade disputes, social disintegration, moral decline, and climate change, His Holiness’s commitments offer indisputable and holistic solutions,” the statement read.
“His teachings span individual compassion, societal harmony, cultural preservation, and scientific revival, offering practical frameworks for a more peaceful world.”
The statement also addressed the repression faced by Tibetans in Tibet:
“While the Chinese government continues to ban even basic religious activities in honour of His Holiness, such as incense offering and hoisting prayer flags, the sacred teacher-disciple bond lives on in every bead of Tibetan prayer rosary and every syllable of the six-syllable mantra Om Mani Padme Hum. May the day soon come when Tibetans, both in Tibet and in exile, can freely and jointly celebrate His Holiness’s birthday.”
The celebration saw the participation of representatives from various Tibetan Buddhist sects, international school children, performers, and Buddhist devotees from around the globe.
Notable attendees included Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Sikkim minister Sonam Lama, and Hollywood actor and activist Richard Gere.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said, “Your Holiness, you are more than a spiritual leader. You are a living bridge between ancient wisdom and the modern world. For over seven decades, you have carried the light of the Buddha’s teachings with humility and clarity. In today’s conflict-ridden world, your message of peace holds even greater significance. India is honoured to have you in our midst.”
World leaders also joined in offering their tributes. Former US Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama conveyed their birthday wishes through video messages. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter),
“I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline. His message inspires admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life.”
These grand celebrations come amid speculation over the future of the Dalai Lama institution. However, the event served as a powerful reaffirmation of the Dalai Lama’s enduring legacy.
Born on July 6, 1935 into a farming family in Taktser, in the Amdo province of northeastern Tibet, the Dalai Lama was recognised in 1937, at the age of two, as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso.
