India
Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday Marked by Grand Celebration and Launch of Year of Compassion: Thekchen Chöling in Dharamsala came alive with music, dance, and prayers as the Central Tibetan Administration celebrated His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. This milestone event also marked the official launch of the Year of Compassion.
As His Holiness approached the Main Tibetan Temple courtyard, groups of Tibetan singers and dancers performed traditional songs and dances. Some played Tibetan instruments, while others played drums and bagpipes. Their songs carried a common prayer: “May His Holiness live long and continue to teach from his firmly established throne.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the congregation during celebrations in honor of his 90th birthday at the Main Tibetan Temple courtyard in Dharamsala, HP, India on July 6, 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor
Leaders from India and Abroad Pay Tribute
The ceremony began with the national anthems of Tibet and India. Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Chief Guest Rajiv Ranjan Singh, India’s Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, raised the two flags. In his address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering praised His Holiness’s four commitments: promoting human values, religious harmony, ancient Indian wisdom, and preserving Tibetan culture. He declared the coming twelve months as the Year of Compassion and urged friends and supporters to join in observing it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a heartfelt message, stating:
“I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness 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.”
Dalai Lama Emphasises Bodhichitta and Inner Peace
Addressing the gathering, His Holiness spoke about the importance of compassion in daily life. He said:
“Today, my dear friends, you are celebrating my 90th birthday. You have gathered here with joy in your hearts. Bodhichitta is a powerful practice. Combining it with the view of emptiness establishes the foundation for my enlightenment. If I continue to practise well, I will die in peace.”
He reflected on his life as a Buddhist monk, stating he has kept his vows with dedication and humility. Despite his global recognition, he said, “I’m not proud of myself. As a follower of the Buddha, serving other people and serving the teaching are my main practices.”
Richard Gere: “He Belongs to the World”
Among the honoured guests was actor Richard Gere, Chairman of the International Campaign for Tibet, who attended with his son Homer. He described His Holiness as:
“One of the most extraordinary people ever to walk this planet. For him, every day is a birthday, every breath is a birthday. His Holiness doesn’t just belong to Tibet; he belongs to the world.”
Indian Leaders Praise His Teachings and Vision
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju called the Dalai Lama “one of the most admired spiritual leaders in the world” and affirmed India’s support for Tibet’s cultural and spiritual freedom. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu described him as “an icon of love and compassion who inspires us that humanity’s greatest resource is kindness.”
Ven Sonam Lama from Sikkim highlighted the centuries-old relationship between Sikkim and the Dalai Lamas. Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Officer of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, declared July as the Month of Compassion in Ladakh to honour His Holiness’s life.
US Reaffirms Support for Tibet
Bethany Poulos Morrison, Deputy Secretary of State for India and Bhutan, read Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s message:
“The United States extends best wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. His Holiness continues to inspire through his message of peace, unity, and compassion. The United States remains firmly committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Tibetan people.”
A Year Dedicated to Compassion
The Central Tibetan Administration concluded the event by calling upon global supporters to observe the Year of Compassion in honour of His Holiness’s lifelong message of kindness, wisdom, and peace.
As prayers echoed through the temple courtyard, the gathering ended with one united hope – that His Holiness the Dalai Lama continues to guide humanity with his wisdom for many more years to come.
