Tibetans and millions of followers across the world on Monday celebrated the 91st birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama, offering prayers for his long life, good health and continued guidance.
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), representing the Tibetan diaspora, extended its birthday greetings to the Tibetan spiritual leader and prayed for his continued well-being and compassion for all sentient beings.
“One day we will celebrate His Holiness’ birthday in front of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, without China’s oppression,” a Tibetan resident told IANS during the celebrations.
Large numbers of devotees gathered at the Tsuglagkhang Temple in McLeodganj near Dharamsala from early morning to participate in the celebrations, despite the Dalai Lama currently being in Leh, Ladakh, where he is on an extended stay following a successful left knee replacement surgery in New Delhi.
The International Buddhist Confederation also extended greetings, describing the Dalai Lama as a global symbol of compassion, peace and humanity.
“His Holiness has inspired generations across the world with his lifelong dedication to compassion, humanity, peace and universal values. His unwavering message of kindness, dialogue and mutual respect remains profoundly relevant globally. May His wisdom continue to inspire us all to work towards a more peaceful and compassionate world,” it said.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari wished the Dalai Lama good health and prosperity, while several Chief Ministers also conveyed their greetings.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said he joined millions of devotees worldwide in celebrating the occasion.
“May His Holiness continue to live a long, healthy and stable life. May your enlightened teachings and compassionate guidance flourish for countless years, bringing peace, harmony and the light of Dharma to all sentient beings,” Khandu said in a post on X.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said the people of the state joined devotees across the world in celebrating the Tibetan spiritual leader’s birthday.
“On behalf of the people of Sikkim and on my own behalf, I pray that His Holiness continues to illuminate humanity with the timeless values of compassion, wisdom, peace and non-violence, inspiring generations to come,” he said, adding that the Dalai Lama holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Sikkim.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said the Dalai Lama has inspired millions around the world through his message of compassion, peace and shared humanity.
“His life encourages people everywhere to embrace kindness, wisdom and non-violence in the pursuit of harmony. On this special occasion, I pray for His Holiness’s good health, happiness and long life as he continues his noble mission of promoting peace, compassion and human dignity across the world,” Naidu said.
Born on July 6, 1935, in Taktser village in Tibet’s Amdo province, the Dalai Lama was born as Lhamo Dhondup to a farming family. At the age of two, he was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate, known for his advocacy of compassion, non-violence and interfaith dialogue, has lived in exile in India since 1959. He currently resides in Dharamsala, the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile, and continues to engage with religious leaders, scholars and global audiences on peace, ethics and human values.
(With inputs from IANS)
