Dalai Lama turns 90,global leaders extend support,challenge China

The 14th Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, turned 90 on Sunday, drawing waves of celebration and messages of solidarity from across the world. The week-long festivities culminated in a vibrant gathering in Dharamshala, the town in northern India where the Nobel Peace Prize laureate has lived in exile since fleeing Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule.Draped in his signature yellow and burgundy robes, the Dalai Lama was welcomed by thousands of followers, monks, and dignitaries who braved the monsoon rains to attend the event. Walking slowly with assistance, he smiled and waved to the cheering crowd before addressing them from the stage.
“As far as I am concerned, I have a human life and as humans it is quite natural for us to love and help one another,” the Dalai Lama said following a traditional Tibetan cultural performance that included songs wishing him a long life. “I live my life in the service of other sentient beings,” he added.

90th Birthday Message

On the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate the fact that many of you are using the occasion to engage in… pic.twitter.com/bfWjAZ18BO

— Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) July 5, 2025

The event began with a solemn moment of respect as Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, along with Hollywood actor Richard Gere and other dignitaries, stood to honor the Tibetan and Indian national anthems. The symbolic gesture reflected the unity of purpose between Tibetan exiles and their Indian hosts.Also present was a senior monk who is expected to lead the future search for his reincarnation—a subject at the heart of growing tensions with China.
Over the past week, the Dalai Lama reiterated that he would reincarnate after death and emphasized that the Gaden Phodrang Trust his charitable institution holds exclusive authority over identifying his successor. China, which considers the Dalai Lama a separatist and has long sought to assert control over Tibetan Buddhism, maintains that his reincarnation must be approved by Beijing. The U.S. and other global powers have publicly rejected that claim.In a show of strong international backing, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, leaders of Indian states bordering Tibet, and former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton sent their greetings through video messages played during the event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to extend his wishes: “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.”

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…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2025

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also conveyed support, stating that the Dalai Lama “continues to inspire people across the globe with his message of unity, peace, and compassion.” The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to protect the linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage of Tibetans and called for the freedom to choose spiritual leaders without external interference.Among the Indian officials present, Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju delivered a speech highlighting India’s support for the Tibetan cause. “The Dalai Lama is our most honoured guest,” he said. “We feel blessed for his presence here in our country.” Rijiju, a practising Buddhist himself, had earlier expressed views backing the Dalai Lama’s authority over his succession, later clarifying those remarks were personal in nature after China issued a diplomatic warning to New Delhi.

#WATCH | "...Your holiness, you are more than a spiritual leader. You are a living bridge between ancient wisdom and the modern world...We feel blessed by his presence in our country, which he regards as his 'aryabhoomi'," says Union Minister Kiren Rijiju during the 90th birthday… pic.twitter.com/xeLS14orNz

— ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2025

The birthday celebration featured performances by Bollywood artists and traditional Tibetan musicians. However, the Dalai Lama left the venue earlier than expected after briefly cutting his cake. Sources close to the organisers said he had not been feeling well.