On the occasion of Tibetan spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended his best wishes, praising the Dalai Lama as a beacon of unity, peace, and compassion whose message continues to inspire people around the world.
In an official statement, Rubio said, “The United States extends best wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. The Dalai Lama continues to inspire people by embodying a message of unity, peace, and compassion.”
He reaffirmed the United States’ strong support for Tibetan human rights, including religious freedom, and the right of Tibetans to preserve their distinct linguistic, cultural, and spiritual identity.
“We support efforts to preserve Tibetans’ distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference,” Rubio added.
Meanwhile, in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, grand celebrations were held at the Tsuglagkhang temple to mark the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. The event was attended by Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju, Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, and Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a long-time supporter of Tibetan causes.
The celebration featured the playing of Tibetan and Indian national anthems, special prayers by monks, and cultural tributes. In Shimla, monks at Dorjidak Monastery also held long-life prayers and rituals, led by young monk Nawang Tashi Rapten, recognised as the reincarnation of the Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Dalai Lama, revered globally for his lifelong advocacy of non-violence, interfaith harmony, and compassion, remains an enduring spiritual figure and a symbol of peaceful resistance.
