Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, is served food on his 90th birthday celebration at the Tsuglagkhang, also known as the Dalai Lama Temple complex, in the northern town of Dharamshala, India, July 6, 2025.
Credit: Reuters Photo
The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama, turns 90 on Sunday after a week of celebrations by followers during which he riled China again and spoke about his hope to live beyond 130 and reincarnate after dying.
The Nobel laureate is regarded as one of the world's most influential religious leaders, with a following that extends well beyond Buddhism, but not by Beijing which calls him a separatist and has sought to bring the faith under its control.
From a colourful portrait of the Dalai Lama embracing children to scenes depicting his joyful childhood amidst blooming nature, or celebrating his life, an ongoing art exhibition by young artists honour the Tibetan spiritual leader in their own unique ways.
Inaugurated on Friday at the India International Centre, the art exhibition is titled "Dear Kundan", borrowed from a term affectionately used by Tibetans worldwide to address the 14th Dalai Lama.
The exhibition features 90 artworks created by young Tibetans from across the globe, celebrating the Dalai Lama’s 90th birth anniversary and his message of kindness and peace.
Organised in collaboration with the Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (FURHHDL) and Khadhok, a Tibetan Artists Collective, the exhibition showcases a curated selection from over 700 submissions by children across India, Nepal, Europe, North America, and Australia.
(PTI)
A 9-tier cake is pictured, to celebrate the 90th birthday of Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, at the Tsuglagkhang, also known as the Dalai Lama Temple complex, in the northern town of Dharamshala, India.
The Nechung Oracle is taken into the the Dalai Lama temple, for rituals, in the northern hill town of Dharamshala, India.
Devotees gather at the Dalai Lama temple in the northern hill town of Dharamshala, India.
"The United States remains firmly committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans. We support efforts to preserve Tibetans’ distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference," a press statement from the Trump administration said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended warm wishes to the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday, and said he has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline.
Modi said on X, "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."
He added, "His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life."
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Sunday greeted the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday and prayed for a long life and good health for the Buddhist monk.
The chief minister also sought spiritual guidance from the Dalai Lama.
"With profound reverence and humility, I, on behalf of the people of Sikkim, extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt wishes to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on the sacred occasion of his 90th birthday," Tamang said in a social media post.
He described the Tibetan spiritual leader as a beacon of peace, compassion and wisdom.
Tamang said, "His Holiness' gentle strength, humility, and unwavering commitment to the path of compassion has touched countless lives across the globe transcending boundaries of religion, nationality and culture."
The Dalai Lama has "sown the seeds of kindness through his teachings" and "awakened millions of people" through the spirit of humanity, the chief minister said.
The people of Sikkim remain "deeply inspired by His Holiness' dedication to promote a universal message of love and understanding", which is a true religion of human kindness, the CM said.
"On this auspicious day, I offer my sincerest prayers for His Holiness' long life, good health, and continued spiritual guidance," he said.
Tamang expressed hope that the Dalai Lama will continue to illuminate humanity through his enduring presence and "he will continue to bless the world with peace, compassion and hope for generations to come".
A view shows a cake topper on a 9-tier cake, to celebrate the 90th birthday of Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, at the Tsuglagkhang, also known as the Dalai Lama Temple complex, in the northern town of Dharamshala, India.
Followers spend time outside before entering into the temple complex, on the day of the 90th birthday of Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, at the Tsuglakhang, also known as the Dalai Lama Temple complex, in the northern town of Dharamshala, India.
Girls pose for a picture with their teacher before entering into the temple complex, on the day of the 90th birthday of Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, at the Tsuglakhang, also known as the Dalai Lama Temple complex, in the northern town of Dharamshala, India.
"As a devotee and on behalf of millions of devotees across the world, I want to state that whatever decision 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," Union minister Kiren Rijiju said.
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In a sign of solidarity, Taiwan's president Lai Ching-te, leaders of Indian states bordering Tibet, and three former US presidents sent greetings to the Dalai Lama, including Barack Obama, George W Bush, and Bill Clinton, whose video messages were played during the event. Read more
Marking his 90th birthday, publishing house Westland Books on Sunday announced a new biography of the 14th Dalai Lama.
Written by senior journalist and author Arvind Yadav, "Eternal Light: The Life and Times of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama", scheduled to be released in September, chronicles the pivotal moments of the Dalai Lama's remarkable life -- from his childhood in Amdo and recognition as the 14th Dalai Lama, to the Chinese occupation of Tibet, his exile, and his emergence as a global spiritual icon.
"I am grateful for Arvind Yadav’s efforts in making this biography available. This book will allow more readers to gain insight into Tibetan history. It also sheds light on the ongoing challenges our people face, and more importantly, it carries the message I have always sought to spread – one of love, compassion, tolerance, forgiveness, kindness, and the oneness of humanity.
"It is my hope that 'Eternal Light' will serve as an inspiration to all who seek to cultivate a more compassionate and peaceful world," said the Dalai Lama in a statement.
Born on July 6, 1935, into a farming family in present-day Qinghai province, the Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 along with many Tibetans following the Chinese military takeover of Tibet under Communist leader Mao Zedong. He later settled in Dharamshala, which he has since called his "adopted" home. (PTI)
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd), Chief Minister Pema Khandu and DyCM Chowna Mein on Sunday extended greetings to Tibetan Spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on his 90the birthday.
Parnaik in a message described the Dalai Lama as a "living embodiment of compassion, peace, and timeless wisdom".
The governor said the Dalai Lama's teachings have inspired millions across the world, offering guidance on the path of righteousness, inner strength, and harmony.
"The people of Arunachal Pradesh hold His Holiness in deep reverence and remain forever grateful for his enduring love, spiritual presence, and inspiration," Parnaik added.
Khandu, who attended the official celebration at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, called it a "truly humbling experience".
In a series of social media posts, Khandu offered collective prayers on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh for the Dalai Lama's long life and continued guidance. (PTI)