The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, turned 90 on Sunday, marking the occasion with a message steeped in humility and spiritual resolve. Describing himself as “just a simple Buddhist monk,” the Tibetan spiritual leader used his birthday to call for compassion, altruism and inner peace. While festivities were held across Tibetan communities and spiritual centres worldwide, the Dalai Lama reiterated his lifelong mission: the promotion of human values, religious harmony, and Tibetan culture.

In his official birthday message shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Nobel Peace Prize laureate thanked his followers for organising events that highlighted compassion and warm-heartedness. “While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart,” he said.

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Celebrations in Dharamshala and worldwide

The Indian hill town of Dharamshala, where the Dalai Lama has lived in exile since fleeing Tibet in 1959, became the focal point of a weeklong celebration. Thousands of devotees, including prominent Indian ministers and international supporters, gathered for cultural programmes and prayers. Hollywood actor and longtime follower Richard Gere was among those scheduled to speak at the birthday event, reflecting the Dalai Lama’s global influence beyond the Buddhist community.

The celebrations included musical and cultural performances, along with a speech from the Dalai Lama himself. Many attendees saw this milestone as more than just a birthday, it was a reaffirmation of his enduring legacy in a world grappling with division and conflict.

Message of rebirth and continuity

One of the most anticipated aspects of the 90th birthday was the Dalai Lama’s long-awaited message on his succession. Addressing the concerns of Tibetan Buddhists about the future of their spiritual leadership, he assured followers that he would reincarnate to continue his spiritual responsibilities. He emphasised that the recognition of his successor would rest solely with the Gaden Phodrang Trust, not with any government, a pointed rebuke to Beijing’s claim of authority over the reincarnation process.

China, which regards the Dalai Lama as a separatist and has consistently tried to assert control over Tibetan Buddhism, has declared that any successor must be approved by its government. In response, the United States reaffirmed its support for the Tibetan people. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington supported Tibetans’ right to choose their religious leaders without interference and pledged continued advocacy for their cultural and religious freedoms.

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PM Modi extends wishes to Dalai Lama

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm wishes to the Dalai Lama, calling him an “enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline.” 

US’ message to China on Dalai Lama

Meanwhile, the US State Department reiterated its opposition to Chinese interference in Tibetan religious affairs.

The United States extended warm birthday wishes to the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday and reaffirmed support for the rights of Tibetans to choose their religious leaders freely. In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the Dalai Lama’s message of unity and compassion, while indirectly criticising China’s claim over the succession process. 

Rubio emphasised America’s commitment to protecting Tibetans’ linguistic, cultural, and religious freedoms “without interference.” This contrasts sharply with Beijing’s stance, which asserts the Chinese government’s authority to approve the next Dalai Lama, citing historical precedent from China’s imperial past.