Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India - the Central Tibetan Administration organized a grand celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, which falls on 6th July according to the Western calendar, and the launch of the Year of Compassion. His Holiness stopped in the gateway to his residence to watch and listen to groups of singers and dancers performing exuberantly to congratulate him on his birthday. Some played Tibetan instruments, others player drums and bagpipes. As they sang in Tibetan, the common wish was: “May His Holiness live long and continue to teach from his firmly established throne.”
As the national anthems of Tibet and India were sung, their two flags were raised by Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Chief Guest Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in the Central Government.
The Sikyong then made several introductory remarks. “Your Holiness, you lead everyone on a path to peace, because of which we pay our respects to you with body speech and mind. You have particularly taught about your four commitments: promoting human values, religious harmony, ancient Indian wisdom, and the preserving Tibetan culture. Consequently, we are dedicating the twelve months from today as a Year of Compassion and we call on our friends and supporters to join us in observing it.”
The Sikyong remarked that the Kashag has issued a statement that, in the interest of saving time he asked people to read for themselves. He read out a message His Holiness received this morning from Prime Minister Modi:
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 continued good health and long life.
Next, he introduced the honoured guests: Sri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and; Sri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs & Dairying; Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Sri Pema Kandu, who was accompanied by his family; Ven Sonam Lama, Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs, Public Health, Engineering and Water Resources, Sikkim; Sri Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Officer, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, who is accompanied by 12 other members of the council. MLAs Drukpa Tsering and Sudhir Sharma, supporters from the Czech Republic as well as Raja Karuna from Sri Lanka.
The Sikyong also mentioned a substantial delegation from the US State Department and Staff from the US Embassy in Delhi who have worked diligently with the CTA to restore some of the recently curtailed support funds. The Sikyong assumed that everyone knows Richard Gere who has long given his dedicated support to the Tibetan cause and is Chairman of the International Campaign for Tibet. He was here with his son Homer. The present MEA Liaison Officer and several of his predecessors were there, as were Sri Hemraj Bhadwaj and Senior Superintendent of Police, Shalini Agnihotri. Many other friends were present—too many to name.
“I thank His Holiness for his presence here with us,” the Sikyong continued. “Thanks also to the spiritual leaders who took part in the successful conference during which His Holiness agreed that the Institution of Dalai Lama should continue.”
His Holiness was invited to address the gathering.
“Today, my dear friends, you are celebrating my 90th birthday. You have gathered here with joy in your hearts. I am a human being and it is natural for human beings to be affectionate and to help one another. Those of us who come from Buddhist countries have a strong sense of brotherhood and sisterhood.
“I regularly reflect on what Shantideva wrote in his book, ‘Entering into the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ and I consider all beings as my friends and relatives.
“You are attending this celebration happily, with joy in your hearts. Your joy inspires me because I cultivate awakening mind of bodhichitta. As a consequence of this, many people treat me with respect. If I was selfish and self-centred that wouldn’t be the case.
“Bodhichitta is a powerful practice. Combining it with the view of emptiness I establish the foundation for my enlightenment. I took bhikshu, Buddhist monk’s, vows in front of the Jowo, the principal image of the Buddha in Lhasa, in the company of my tutors Tagdak Rinpoché, Ling Rinpoché and Trijang Rinpoché. I have kept them well—I observe them with bodhichitta. If I am able to continue to practise well, I’ll be able to die in peace.
“I’m 90 years old today. In addition to bodhichitta, I have also worked to cultivate concentration (shamatha) and special insight (vipashyana) as well as I could. I feel I have not wasted my life, and although I have the title of Dalai Lama, I’m not proud of myself. As a follower of the Buddha, a bhikshu or monk, serving other people and serving the teaching, these are my main practices.
“Genuine bodhichitta arises gradually, but I am moved to serve others, and the more I do that the greater the joyful response I feel from others.
“Many people have gathered here today, not out of any sense of obligation, but out of joy and respect. I appeal to you all to make bodhichitta and an understanding of emptiness your own practice—thank you.”
Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel spoke next. He thanked the guests, staff of the CTA and members of His Holiness’s family for coming together for his celebration. He reviewed His Holiness’s achievements in Tibet and since coming to India, focusing on his having established a full-fledged democratic system among Tibetans in exile supporting the three pillars of legislature, executive, and judiciary.
“What a glorious day to celebrate the life of His Holiness,” Richard Gere began. “These remarkable guests have gathered to pay their respects to one of the most extraordinary people ever to walk this planet. He doesn’t really care about birthdays, but we do, especially this one. For him, every day is a birthday, every breath is a birthday. I live a fairly typical Western life, but His Holiness embodies selflessness, love and compassion. His Holiness doesn’t just belong to Tibet; he belongs to the world.”
Tashi Gyalson from Ladakh paid his respects to his fellow guests and told the gathering that in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council has recently created a portfolio to deal with Tibetan affairs. “His Holiness’s life has been a beacon of love and compassion. Your presence has given us strength and hope. We are happy to know you will shortly be visiting us. We are declaring July the month of compassion. Tashi delek and Julay.
“On behalf of the Chief Minister and people of Sikkim I greet His Holiness on his 90th birthday,” declared Ven Sonam Lama. “The great Fifth Dalai Lama made special connections with Sikkim and many of our monasteries and temples date from his time. Relations between Sikkim and the Dalai Lamas are centuries old, and we the people of Sikkim are inseparable like milk mixed with water.”
Pema Kandu acknowledged his fellow Indian guests and greeted the international representatives present. “It is with immense pride that I join you here. His Holiness is an icon of love and compassion, who has touched millions of hearts around the world. He has not only kept his spiritual legacy, the Nalanda Tradition, alive, he has also reminded people that Tibet is the water-tower of Asia. He has visited us frequently in Arunachal Pradesh—we draw inspiration from him.
“Educating the heart to exercise responsibility and develop lasting peace are not built on fear but on inner peace. He continues to inspire us that true good sense lies not in power, but in empathy. Humanity’s greatest resource is kindness. India is especially blessed to be His Holiness’s second home. He often expresses his gratitude to ancient Indian masters like Nagarjuna, Shantarakshita and Atisha. He is committed to reviving their teachings for modern times. Thanks to His Holiness’s farsightedness, Tibetan spiritual traditions have found a refuge in various parts of India. He has also inspired the entire Himalayan Region to revive and preserve its rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
“We in Arunachal Pradesh have a strong bond with the Dalai Lama’s dating back to the Fifth. His Holiness’s statement that the Institution of Dalai Lama will continue has brought clarity and comfort to millions of people, especially those who belong to the Himalayan Buddhist community. This decision reinforces the meaning of religious freedom.
“We in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Mönpas, and other people of the Himalayan Region stand by his vision, we cherish his teachings, and pray for His Holiness’s long, healthy, joyful life. May his life continue to guide humanity towards peace, understanding and harmony. Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Böd-Gyalo, Tashi Delek and Jai Hind.”
Guest of Honour, Kiren Rijiju paid his respects to His Holiness and saluted his fellow guests. “His Holiness the Dalai Lama is one of the most admired spiritual leaders in the world,” he declared, “and is an honoured guest in India. He is a messenger of ancient Indian wisdom and encourages us Indians to revive our ancient knowledge. Whatever decision he makes about the future of the Institution of Dalai Lama we will follow and support.
“I was privileged to attend His Holiness’s 80th birthday celebrations and here I am again. The Tibetan community is peaceful and makes a positive contribution to society wherever they are.
“In 2023 I joined His Holiness in laying the foundation stone for the Dalai Lama Centre for Tibetan and Ancient Indian Wisdom. We need his continued presence among us because he transcends religious boundaries.
“As we mark this milestone in His Holiness’s life, it is important to honour the deep historical relationship between India and Tibet. Great masters like Shantarakshita and Guru Padmasambhava journeyed from India to Tibet in the eighth century and planted seeds of Dharma that would flourish in Tibetan soil. These teachings, rooted in the profound Nalanda Tradition, have been preserved and enhanced by Tibetan scholars.
“On behalf of the people and government of India I bow down before His Holiness’s lotus feet and wish him a very happy birthday and a long life so he can continue to guide us and suffering humanity with his compassion. He is a visionary statesman and a spiritual master whose influence extends to global ethics. His teachings on compassion, mindfulness and interdependence resonate with people of all faiths and backgrounds.
“His application of bodhisattva ideas in modern society, combining wisdom (prajna) and compassion (karuna) is unique. We feel blessed by his presence in our country. He holds the view that India can make a significant contribution to world peace through cultivating inner peace. He has regularly reiterated that India could revive its ancient knowledge.
“As a devotee myself, and on behalf of all the millions of devotees across the world, I want to emphatically state that whatever decision His Holiness takes about established traditions, we will fully follow the guidelines issued by his office.
“I would like to appreciate the declaration of the CTA to observe the year from 6th July 2025 to 2026 as the year of compassion to express our gratitude to His Holiness for his tireless efforts in promoting basic human values and compassion, fostering inter-religious harmony, preserving Tibetan culture and protecting its natural environment, as well as reviving ancient Indian wisdom as it was upheld at Nalanda. I feel blessed to be here. Tashi Delek.”
Rajiv Ranjan Singh saluted his fellow guests and greeted His Holiness on his birthday. “May you share the path of wisdom and non-violence. In the past, Siddhartha Gotama meditated and became enlightened. His teachings spread from Bihar. There is now interest in science and Buddhism in India. Dharmakirti was a great teacher of logic whose ideas were conveyed to Tibet and Mongolia. They spread them and studied them. As a result, now ancient Indian tradition is alive in India once more.
“The Buddha’s teachings have been scrutinized with reason and logic. I’m especially happy that this all began in Bihar, which is where I’m from. The new Dalai Lama Centre in Bodhgaya is being established as a multidisciplinary institution rooted in the Nalanda Tradition. We’ll be able to see this as it develops.
“On this, your 90th birthday, Your Holiness, I pay my respects to you. Tashi Delek.
Bethany Nelson, Deputy Secretary of State for India and Bhutan read a brief message:
“It’s an honour to be here. I have a message from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“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 the fundamental freedoms of the Tibetan people. We respect efforts to preserve their distinct linguistic, cultural and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate their religious leaders without interference. Thank you.”
Three former US Presidents had recorded brief video messages. President Bill Clinton said “Your Holiness, Hilary and I are honoured to join your countless admirers in wishing you a very happy 90th birthday. Throughout your life you’ve been one of the greatest voices for peace, dialogue and understanding. You’ve inspired millions to follow your example. We need your wisdom more than ever.”
President George W Bush said: “Happy 90th birthday to my friend the Dalai Lama. Your Holiness the world is a troubled place. We need your spirit of kindness, compassion and love more than ever. Thank you for the example you set. Here’s hoping for many more happy birthdays.”
President Barack Obama wished His Holiness, “ Happy birthday to the youngest 90 year old I know. My dear friend His Holiness the Dalai Lama it’s humbling to realise that you’ve been a leader on the world stage for longer than I’ve been alive. You’ve shown generations what it means to practise compassion and speak up for freedom and dignity. Not bad for someone who describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk. Happy birthday Your Holiness. Thank you for your friendship and your example.”
The President of Taiwan sent a message: “Your Holiness I extend heartfelt good wishes for your health and long life on your 90th birthday.
A towering birthday cake was cut and His Holiness ate the first piece. The rest was distributed among those gathered.
A song celebrating His Holiness’s 90th birthday, the Ghoton theme song, was led in Hindi and English by Mohit Chauhan and Bhidishi Sen. A Chinese artist presented a work of art to His Holiness. The Speaker released a new biography of the Great Fourteenth Dalai Lama. The Sikyong presented awards to long serving members of the CTA. Mementos were distributed among the guests.
The organizers announced that His Holiness would leave the dais and requested the crowd to be still. He walked through the courtyard, smiling and waving at devotees, well-wishers and onlookers. Once he had reached his gate and driven up the hill to his residence, the international singing and dancing began.
