The Dalai Lama marked his 90th birthday in Dharamshala, India, where he has lived in exile since fleeing Tibet in 1959. Despite monsoon rains and thick fog, thousands of followers gathered to honour him. The celebration drew global attention and reignited debate over who will succeed him.
Supporters included monks, political leaders, and celebrities. The event also highlighted growing tensions between the Tibetan exile community and the Chinese government. China insists it alone has the right to approve the next Dalai Lama. Many Tibetan Buddhists in exile reject that claim.
A message of compassion and inner peace
The 14th Dalai Lama described himself as a “simple Buddhist monk” in his birthday address. He called for compassion, altruism, and a kind heart as paths to peace of mind and a better world.
“While material development is important, peace of mind comes from compassion and goodwill,” he said. “This should extend beyond family and friends to all people.”
He also pledged to keep promoting religious harmony, human values, and the ancient Indian knowledge of the mind and emotions. The Dalai Lama wore his traditional maroon robe and yellow shawl during the ceremony. Monks escorted him to the temple courtyard as musicians played drums and bagpipes. Penpa Tsering, the elected head of the Tibetan government-in-exile, raised the Tibetan flag.
World leaders honour the Dalai Lama during birthday celebrations
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent birthday wishes, saying, “I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.” He called the Dalai Lama a symbol of compassion and discipline. The message drew notice due to India’s often tense relationship with China. Beijing later warned India to choose its words carefully.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also sent a message. It praised the Dalai Lama’s commitment to unity and compassion. The message also stressed the importance of letting Tibetans choose their spiritual leaders freely.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching Te thanked the Dalai Lama for inspiring those who value freedom and human rights. Three former US Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama also sent video messages. Clinton praised the Dalai Lama’s lifelong work to promote kindness and unity.
Actor Richard Gere, a long-time supporter of Tibetan Buddhism, attended the celebration. He called the Dalai Lama “the most extraordinary man to ever walk this Earth.” Indian politicians and Buddhist leaders were also present. Among them was Minister Kiren Rijiju, who called the Dalai Lama India’s “most honoured guest.”
The succession struggle and China’s stance
Minister Rijiju recently backed the Dalai Lama’s right to decide his own succession. China objected to the statement, and Rijiju later clarified that he was expressing a personal view.
The Dalai Lama has said he will reincarnate and that only his office can recognise his successor. He has also said the next Dalai Lama will be born in a free country, outside Chinese control. China strongly opposed this view. Many Tibetans fear the Chinese government will name its own Dalai Lama to tighten its control over Tibet.
China annexed Tibet in 1950 and continues to claim it as part of its territory. The succession dispute remains a major point of tension between the Tibetan exile community and the Chinese state.
