Key Points

Rijiju called him a "living bridge between ancient wisdom and the modern world," pledging to follow his decisions and traditions, honouring his presence in India.

Rijiju said, "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'."

He further affirmed unwavering support for the Dalai Lama's decisions and the spiritual institution he represents.

"As a devotee and on behalf of millions of devotees across the world, I want to state that whatever decision is taken by His Holiness, the established traditions and conventions, we will fully abide by it and follow the directions and guidelines to be issued by the institution of the Dalai Lama," he said.

Meanwhile, the 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama were held at the Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, with Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh and other dignitaries.

The dignitaries seated on the dais, along with the Tibetan spiritual leader, included Hollywood actor Richard Gere.

Monks, devotees, and international guests gathered for the celebration to honour the life and teachings of the Dalai Lama, who is widely regarded as a global symbol of compassion, non-violence and interfaith harmony.

Meanwhile, Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla at Panthaghati this morning to mark the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama, born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in Takster, a small farming village in northeastern Tibet, was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. He was formally installed as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet on February 22, 1940, and was given the name Tenzin Gyatso.

The term "Dalai Lama" is Mongolian, meaning "Ocean of Wisdom". In Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas are considered manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, an enlightened being who chooses to be reborn to serve all sentient beings.

After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the Dalai Lama assumed full political authority in 1950. He was forced to flee into exile in March 1959 following the violent suppression of the Tibetan uprising. He has since lived in India, along with over 80,000 Tibetan refugees, continuing to advocate for peace, non-violence, and compassion.

For over six decades, His Holiness has been a global ambassador of Buddhist philosophy, compassion, peace, and interfaith harmony, continuing to inspire millions worldwide.

Celebrations were held across Tibetan settlements in India and abroad, with many also expressing hope that the Dalai Lama's lineage will continue through a recognised reincarnation in the future.

- ANI