His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, marked his ninetieth birthday on July 6 2025, celebrated with ceremonies and prayers in Dharamshala, northern India, the place he has lived in exile since 1959. The milestone was honoured by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and members of the worldwide Tibetan group, drawing consideration not solely to his lengthy life but additionally to his continued function as a worldwide non secular and political determine.
Hundreds of well-wishers, together with monks, nuns, native residents, and worldwide supporters, gathered all through the week regardless of monsoon rains. Occasions included conventional performances, public choices, and a “long-life prayer ceremony” held on the important Tsuglagkhang Temple in McLeod Ganj. Earlier celebrations had been additionally held on June 30, consistent with the Tibetan lunar calendar, at which the Dalai Lama was honoured with a title recognising him because the “Peerless Instructor of the twenty first Century”.
In a recorded message, the Dalai Lama mirrored on his life’s objective: “I’m only a easy Buddhist monk,” he stated, whereas urging continued compassion, internal peace, and dialogue in right now’s turbulent world.
One of the crucial notable statements from his workplace was a renewed declaration that any resolution concerning his reincarnation will relaxation solely with the Gaden Phodrang Belief, the establishment overseeing his non secular property. This transfer reasserts the Tibetan place that China has no legit authority over the succession course of. Beijing has repeatedly claimed it would select the following Dalai Lama, a stance broadly rejected by the Tibetan exile group and lots of worldwide governments. International leaders together with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. political figures comparable to Nancy Pelosi, Barak Obama and Marco Rubio despatched messages of assist. They praised the Dalai Lama’s unwavering dedication to nonviolence, non secular concord, and human dignity. The U.S. has lengthy supported the Tibetan trigger and reaffirmed its backing for non secular freedom and cultural autonomy.
The Dalai Lama, who acquired the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, has written over 100 books, participated in interfaith dialogues, and engaged with scientists, notably in fields like neuroscience and ethics. Although his public appearances at the moment are restricted as a result of age and well being, his affect stays undiminished.