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Dharamsala/Chandigarh 

July6,2025,UPDATED:3.20PM

The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, celebrated his 90th birthday on Sunday with week-long festivities marked by global admiration, spiritual reaffirmation, and subtle political ripples — particularly with Beijing, which has long viewed him as a threat to Chinese authority over Tibet.

Surrounded by thousands of followers, dignitaries, monks, and international supporters in Dharamsala, the hill town in India’s Himachal Pradesh where he has lived in exile since 1959, the Dalai Lama reaffirmed his core commitments to human values, interfaith harmony, and the preservation of Tibetan identity. “I am just a simple Buddhist monk,” he wrote in a birthday message published on his official website. “I will continue to serve humanity with compassion and promote religious harmony in the world.”

The milestone event, held against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical scrutiny over Tibet and China’s increasing efforts to control Tibetan religious institutions, became more than just a celebration — it was a moment of spiritual resolve and political symbolism.

A Defiant Message on Rebirth

In a week charged with emotional and spiritual significance, the Dalai Lama addressed a critical concern within the Tibetan community: his succession. On Wednesday, he assured followers that he would reincarnate to continue his spiritual mission, putting to rest years of anxiety about what would happen after his death.

In a direct rebuttal to China’s claims that it holds authority over the reincarnation process, the Dalai Lama emphasized that the decision rests solely with his non-profit institution, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, based in India. “The right to recognise my reincarnation belongs to the Tibetan people and the Gaden Phodrang,” he reiterated, drawing cheers from devotees.

China, which refers to the Dalai Lama as a “separatist,” has often asserted that only it has the right to name his successor — a claim widely rejected by the global Tibetan community and human rights groups, who fear Beijing would use the process to install a pro-China figurehead and tighten its grip over Tibetan Buddhism.

An Enduring Legacy

Born as Lhamo Thondup in a remote village in northeastern Tibet in 1935, the Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule. Since then, he has lived in exile, emerging as one of the world’s most respected voices for nonviolence, interfaith dialogue, and the Tibetan cause, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

Despite the political undertones, the mood in Dharamsala remained joyous. Celebrations included traditional Tibetan music and dance, special prayers, and a public address by the Dalai Lama scheduled later in the day. Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a long-time friend and supporter of the Tibetan cause, and several ministers from India are among the high-profile attendees.

Global Tributes and Diplomatic Weight

Tributes poured in from across the globe. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted 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.”

In a significant gesture underscoring Washington’s support for Tibetan rights, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also issued a formal statement: “The United States remains firmly committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans. We support efforts to preserve Tibet’s distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference.”

This firm diplomatic messaging is likely to irk Beijing, which sees international recognition of the Dalai Lama as an infringement on its sovereignty and often reacts with sharp rhetoric and countermeasures.

Looking Ahead: Beyond 130?

The Dalai Lama, who has often joked about his health and longevity, surprised many during the festivities by expressing hope to live beyond 130 years. While the remark was delivered with characteristic humility and humour, followers took it as both an aspiration and a metaphor for the enduring nature of his spiritual mission.

For Tibetans worldwide, the 90th birthday is not merely a personal milestone but a reminder of a larger struggle — one for cultural survival, religious freedom, and political dignity. As China intensifies its efforts to integrate Tibet more tightly into the mainland, the Dalai Lama’s words and global support serve as a moral bulwark for a community in exile.

Even as the future of Tibetan politics remains uncertain, the Dalai Lama’s message remains clear: compassion must triumph over conflict, and faith must remain free.