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Dalai Lama@90 Highlights | 'Eternal Light': Buddhist leader's new biography to release in SeptemberThe eyes of the world were focused on Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala today as the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama turned 90. Chief Ministers of three states and Hollywood actor Richard Gere were some of the notable names who were in attendance today to celebrate the occasion. The Dalai Lama has stated that his successor (reincarnation) will be born outside China, which has angered Beijing, which believes that the new Dalai Lama will have to have the approval of the Xi Jinping government. Thank you for following this space. Stay tuned to DH for latest updates from around the globe.
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<div class="paragraphs"><p>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.</p></div>

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

Dalai Lama@90 LIVE | Dalai Lama turns 90 and vows to keep defying China for years

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.

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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.

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Dalai Lama@90 LIVE | 'Dear Kundun': Young Tibetans pay tribute to Dalai Lama through art

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)

Dalai Lama@90 LIVE | Pictures from Dharamshala as Tibetan spiritual leader turns 90

Dalai Lama@90 LIVE | 'Committed to fundamental freedoms of Tibetans': US wishes Tibet's spiritual leader

"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.

Dalai Lama@90 LIVE | Celebrations begin in Dharamshala with Richard Gere, others in attendance

Dalai Lama@90 LIVE | His Holiness arrives at the Tibetan temple where his birthday celebrations are taking place

Dalai Lama@90 LIVE | Union ministers Rijiju, Lalan Singh attend Tibetan spiritual leader's b'day celebrations

Dalai Lama@90 LIVE | PM Modi wishes Tibetan leader on birthday

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."

Dalai Lama@90 LIVE | Sikkim CM greets Tibetan leader, seeks spiritual guidance

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".

Dalai Lama@90 LIVE | Latest visuals from Dharamshala, where celebrations are taking place

Dalai Lama@90 LIVE | Rijiju assures succession will be along directions issued by Tibetan leader's institution

"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.

Dalai Lama@90 LIVE | Richard Gere showers Dalai Lama with praises

Dalai Lama@90 LIVE | Dalai Lama with others during the celebration of his 90th birthday

Dalai Lama@90 LIVE | India, world leaders show solidarity amid succession tensions with China

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

Dalai Lama@90 LIVE | Congress recalls Dalai Lama's 4-hour conversation with Nehru in 1959

Dalai Lama@90 LIVE | 'Eternal Light': Dalai Lama's new biography to release in September

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)

Dalai Lama@90 LIVE | Dalai Lama's life a beacon of peace and compassion: Arunachal leaders

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)

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(Published 06 July 2025, 08:46 IST)