Sun Jul 06 13:40:03 UTC 2025: ## News Article: Dalai Lama Celebrates 90th Birthday Amidst Political Tensions

**Dharamshala, India -** The Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, celebrated his 90th birthday on Sunday with a ceremony in Dharamshala, India, marking the culmination of a week-long celebration by his followers. The event was held at a Buddhist temple complex where thousands of monks and devotees gathered to offer their blessings.

Dressed in his traditional robes, the Dalai Lama addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of love and compassion. “I live my life in the service of other sentient beings,” he stated, surrounded by prominent figures including Western diplomats, Indian federal ministers, and actor Richard Gere.

The celebrations were marked by cultural performances and messages of support from global leaders. Video messages from Taiwan’s President William Lai Ching-te, leaders of Indian states bordering Tibet, and former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton were played, demonstrating international solidarity.

The birthday celebrations occurred amidst heightened political tensions with China. In the week leading up to his birthday, the Dalai Lama reiterated his intention to reincarnate and asserted that his Gaden Phodrang Trust holds the sole authority to recognize his successor, contradicting Beijing’s claim to have the final say.

China views the Dalai Lama as a separatist and seeks to control Tibetan Buddhism. The US has called on Beijing to cease its interference in the selection of the Dalai Lama’s successor.

Indian Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, present at the ceremony, affirmed that the Dalai Lama is India’s “most honoured guest.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his wishes on X, calling the Dalai Lama “an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline.”

The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule and has since resided in India, advocating for Tibetan autonomy and religious freedom. His 90th birthday celebration underscores his enduring influence and the ongoing political complexities surrounding the future of Tibetan Buddhism.

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