Dalai Lama's 91st birthday celebrated worldwide, PM Modi extends greetings

Tibetans and millions of followers across the world on July 6 celebrated the 91st birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several political leaders extended greetings, praising the Tibetan spiritual leader's lifelong message of peace, compassion and non-violence.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, "Warm birthday greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His message of peace and harmony has been a guiding force for people across the world. His moral and spiritual strength and his commitment to global good are commendable. Wishing him a long and healthy life."

Large numbers of devotees gathered at the Tsuglagkhang temple in McLeodganj near Dharamsala, the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile, to mark the occasion. The Dalai Lama is currently in Leh, Ladakh, where he is recovering after undergoing left knee replacement surgery in New Delhi.

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) extended birthday greetings on behalf of the Tibetan diaspora, praying for the Dalai Lama's continued good health and long life.

Messages also poured in from political leaders across the country. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari wished the Dalai Lama good health and prosperity, while Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu described him as a beacon of compassion, wisdom and peace. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also paid tribute to the Tibetan spiritual leader, highlighting his global message of compassion, harmony and non-violence.

The International Buddhist Confederation said the Dalai Lama has inspired generations through his commitment to compassion, dialogue and universal values.

Born on July 6, 1935, in Taktser village in Tibet's Amdo province as Lhamo Dhondup, the Dalai Lama was recognised at the age of two as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. He entered monastic life at six and later earned the Geshe Lharampa degree, the highest academic qualification in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy.

Following the 1959 Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet and sought refuge in India, where he has lived in Dharamsala ever since. In 2011, he relinquished his political role, transferring political authority to Tibet's democratically elected leadership while continuing as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.

(With inputs from IANS)