Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday Celebrated in Dharamshala; Global Leaders Extend Wishes

Dharamshala, July 6, 2025: Thousands of followers, dignitaries, and global leaders joined in celebrations held at Tsuglagkhang Complex, also known as the Dalai Lama Temple Mcleodganj in Dharamshala on Sunday to mark the 90th birthday of Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings via social media platform X, stating, “I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life.”

In a strong show of global solidarity, greetings poured in from Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, several Indian state leaders from regions bordering Tibet, and three former U.S. Presidents—Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton—who sent their wishes through video messages.

The celebration was also attended by Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Panchayati Raj and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying) and Kiren Rijiju (Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs),beside ministers MLA’s of several states and the MP’s  as well as veteran Hollywood actor and longtime Tibet supporter Richard Gere, who was accompanied by his son Homer James Jigme Gere.

Addressing the gathering, Kiren Rijiju paid rich tribute to the Tibetan spiritual icon, saying, “Your Holiness, you are more than a spiritual leader. You are a living bridge between ancient wisdom and the modern world. We feel blessed by your presence in our country, which you regard as your ‘Aryabhoomi’.” Reaffirming India's support, Rijiju added, “Whatever decision is taken by His Holiness in accordance with established traditions, we will fully abide by it and follow the directions and guidelines issued by the institution of the Dalai Lama.”

Actor Richard Gere, who shares a close bond with the Tibetan leader, said emotionally, “The Dalai Lama does not belong only to Tibet—he belongs to the whole world, and to the universe.”

The celebrations in Dharamshala saw the participation of Tibetan communities, international supporters, dignitaries, and celebrities from across the globe, reaffirming the enduring influence and universal message of peace embodied by the Dalai Lama.

There was a cake cutting ceremony with a birthday song by famous Bollywood singer Mohit Chouhan.

Earlier the Dalai Lama reiterated that his successor will be chosen according to Tibetan traditions by the India-based Gaden Phodrang Trust, the non-profit organization he founded, firmly rejecting any external interference—an assertion widely interpreted as a message to China.

Despite being hailed globally as one of the world’s most influential and revered spiritual leaders, the Dalai Lama remains a contentious figure for Beijing, which continues to label him a separatist and seeks to control Tibetan Buddhism.

His Holiness fled Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule. Since then, he and thousands of Tibetans have taken refuge in India, where he has consistently advocated the “Middle Way” approach—seeking genuine autonomy and religious freedom for the Tibetan people within the framework of the Chinese constitution.