Dalai Lama undergoes successful left knee replacement surgery
Dharamsala, June 8
His Holiness the Dalai Lama underwent a successful left knee replacement surgery at Apollo Hospital in New Delhi on Monday, said a medical bulletin.
It recalled that in June 2024, His Holiness underwent a successful right knee replacement at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and made an excellent recovery.
"Following today's procedure, His Holiness returned to his hospital room in stable condition. His recovery is progressing well, and he remains in good spirits," his personal physicians Tsetan D. Sadutshang, Tamdin Tsewang, Tsering Lhadon, and Tenzin Tsundue said in a statement.
They added that the medical, nursing, and administrative teams at Apollo Hospital had been providing exceptional care, support, and attention, and expressed gratitude for their professionalism, dedication, and kindness.
After recovery, he is scheduled to visit Ladakh toward the end of June for an extended stay, his office said.
The 90-year-old Tibetan monk lives in exile in McLeodganj, a hill station in the suburbs of Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. The spiritual leader, a symbol of Buddhism, loves travelling across the remote, mountainous Ladakh region bordering Tibet to give audiences to people of all faiths, often drawing criticism from China.
One of his aides told IANS that the Dalai Lama has been visiting Ladakh for over 50 years, as locals share a special bond with him based on their faith and kindness. His last visit was in July 2025.
His Holiness will also attend a public programme in honour of his 91st birthday on July 6, likely in Leh.
The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in March 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, advocates a "middle-way" approach, seeking greater autonomy for Tibet rather than outright independence.
Beijing regards him as a "separatist" and is sensitive to his meetings with international leaders, attendance at official functions, or visits at the invitation of the Indian government.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an Indian, I fully support India's policy of providing refuge to Tibetan spiritual leaders. The Dalai Lama's message of peace and non-violence is universal. But honestly, we must be cautious not to let this strain our relationship with China unnecessarily.
At 90 years old, undergoing knee replacement is no small feat! Shows his resilience. But why does India allow such high-profile figures who are controversial to Beijing to operate here? We have enough on our plate with border tensions.
India has always been a land of spiritual tolerance and refuge. The Dalai Lama's presence here is a reminder of our values. I just hope the Chinese government doesn't use this as an excuse for more aggressive posturing. Good health to him! 🕉️
While I'm glad the operation went well, I wish the media wouldn't give so much coverage to a foreign religious figure. Our own Indian saints and spiritual leaders who work silently deserve more attention. Still, wishing him a speedy recovery.
As an American who follows Buddhism, I find it remarkable how India has hosted him for decades. The 'middle-way' approach he advocates seems very practical—neither extremism nor complete submission. A lesson for our polarized world.
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