Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt birthday wishes to Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, on his 90th birthday, hailing him as a timeless symbol of love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline.
In a message shared on X, PM Modi wrote, “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 has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life.”
Celebrations and prayers were held across the country to mark the occasion. Tibetan monks in exile gathered at Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla’s Panthaghati area on Sunday morning to offer special prayers for the revered leader’s health and longevity.
A day earlier, on July 5, political leaders including BJP’s Vijay Jolly and JD(U)’s Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan) participated in an event in Dharamshala honouring the Dalai Lama’s spiritual and humanitarian legacy.
Born on July 6, 1935, in the village of Takster in northeastern Tibet, the 14th Dalai Lama was recognised as the reincarnation of his predecessor at the age of two. Named Tenzin Gyatso, he was brought to Lhasa in 1939 and formally enthroned in 1940.
The term “Dalai Lama” means “Ocean of Wisdom,” and the spiritual leaders are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. At age 15, in 1950, the Dalai Lama assumed full political authority in Tibet during the Chinese invasion. In 1959, following the failed Tibetan uprising, he fled to India, where he has lived in exile for more than six decades.
Since then, the Dalai Lama has become a global voice for peace, interfaith harmony, nonviolence, and inner well-being, continuing to inspire millions around the world.
