What Does PM Modi Say About the Dalai Lama's 90th Birthday?
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Synopsis
On the momentous occasion of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the nation in heartfelt wishes and prayers for his well-being. The celebration resonates globally, with significant implications for India-China relations and the future of Tibetan leadership.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Modi leads national celebrations for the Dalai Lama's 90th.
- Significance of the Dalai Lama as a symbol of compassion and peace.
- China's sensitive stance on the Dalai Lama's influence.
- The Dalai Lama will have a successor, ensuring continuity.
- July 2025 to July 2026 declared as 'The Year of Compassion'.
Dharamsala, July 6 (NationPress) On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the lead in sending heartfelt wishes to the esteemed Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, as he celebrated his 90th birthday. The Prime Minister offered prayers for his long life and good health.
“I stand with 1.4 billion Indians in sending our warmest greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on this significant milestone,” Prime Minister Modi stated in a message on X.
“He embodies love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline. His teachings have garnered respect and admiration from individuals of all faiths. We pray for his enduring health and longevity,” he further remarked.
At present, the Prime Minister is in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, for the 17th BRICS Summit and a state visit. His greetings come amid a controversy regarding the Dalai Lama’s successor plan, with China urging India to ‘act cautiously’. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged India to refrain from interfering in its internal affairs concerning Xizang.
Beijing views the Dalai Lama, who resides in the northern Indian town of Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh, as a “separatist”. It is sensitive about international leaders meeting him or attending official functions at the invitation of the Indian government.
In a notable shift, Prime Minister Modi in 2021 publicly acknowledged the Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday, marking a strategic departure from previous governments’ policies of distancing themselves from the Tibetan leader to avoid upsetting China.
The 14th Dalai Lama, often referred to as the Voice for the Voiceless, aspires to live for many more years. Leading up to his 90th birthday, the Nobel Peace Laureate confirmed that he will have a successor, alleviating concerns about the future of the 600-year-old institution upon his passing.
In honor of His Holiness's 90th birthday, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) announced that from July 2025 to July 2026, it will be designated as 'The Year of Compassion'. This initiative celebrates His Holiness not only as a spiritual leader but also as a proponent of peace, compassion, secular ethics, and interfaith harmony.
In a message preceding his birthday, the Dalai Lama stated, “I will continue to dedicate myself to promoting human values, religious harmony, and highlighting ancient Indian wisdom that explains the workings of the mind and emotions, alongside Tibetan culture and heritage, which can greatly contribute to the world through its focus on peace of mind and compassion. My daily life is guided by the teachings of the Buddha and Indian masters like Shantideva.”
The Buddhist monk often expresses his affection for India, saying, “Every particle in my mind reflects thoughts from Nalanda. It’s Indian ‘dal’ and ‘chapati’ that nourished this body. I am, in essence, a son of India.”
“India and Tibet share a bond akin to that of 'guru' (teacher) and 'chela' (disciple). When I perceive corruption in my ‘guru’, as a ‘chela’, I feel ashamed,” he remarked.
There is a persistent call from Indian parliamentarians and his followers for India to bestow its highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, upon him in recognition of his contributions to humanity.
The 14th Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935, in a small village in the remote Amdo region of Tibet. After fleeing Tibet in March 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, he advocates for a ‘middle-way’ approach, seeking greater autonomy for Tibet rather than full independence.
Currently, he resides in exile in McLeodganj, a serene hill station near Dharamsala in the northern Indian Himalayas.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge not only the spiritual significance of this occasion but also the geopolitical implications tied to India-China relations. As the Dalai Lama continues to be a figure of compassion and moral authority, India's approach to his legacy remains a matter of strategic importance for its foreign policy.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday?
The 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama marks a significant milestone in his life as a spiritual leader and global advocate for peace, compassion, and moral values.
How does India view the Dalai Lama?
India views the Dalai Lama as a respected spiritual leader, with growing recognition of his contributions to peace and human values, despite geopolitical tensions with China.
What were Prime Minister Modi's remarks on the Dalai Lama?
Prime Minister Modi expressed warm wishes for the Dalai Lama's health and emphasized his role as an enduring symbol of love, compassion, and moral discipline.
What are the future plans regarding the Dalai Lama's leadership?
The Dalai Lama has confirmed he will have a successor, ensuring the continuation of the 600-year-old institution.
What initiative has been announced in honor of the Dalai Lama's birthday?
The Central Tibetan Administration declared July 2025 to July 2026 as 'The Year of Compassion' to celebrate the Dalai Lama's contributions as a spiritual leader and advocate for peace.
