Dharamshala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to wish Dalai Lama on his 90th Birthday.
“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. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life,” Modi said in his message from Brazil.
Meanwhile, a large number of dignitaries have gathered at Dharamshala to honour the Tibetan spiritual leader.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju, reiterated the government’s position on religious freedom and said: “The Dalai Lama institution is purely religious and the Government of India believes there should be no interference in religious matters.”
Wishing the Tibetan spiritual leader a long life, Rijiju added that the global community continues to benefit from his wisdom. He refrained from commenting on Chinese objections, saying, “We leave everything to His Holiness.”
Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu said he was there to represent the people of the state in what he termed a historic moment. He said that China had no right to interfere in matters related to the Dalai Lama.
“Buddhism may be in China, but the institution belongs to Tibet and the people across the Himalayan belt who follow it.” On geopolitical tensions, Khandu remarked that while both India and China are major economic powers, “issues must be resolved diplomatically; war is not the solution,” he said. Khandu added that collaboration between the two nations could offer strong leadership to the world.
Arunachal BJP president Tapir Gao described the Dalai Lama as an institution of love, peace, and compassion, and said the global community must recognise Buddhist culture without bowing to Chinese interference.
Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh praised the Dalai Lama’s dedication to non-violence. “We have come here to pay respects for his lifelong struggle for peace. The government does not interfere with religion and faith,” he stated.
On the occasion, the Dalai Lama issued a special message through his official X account, expressing gratitude to all who celebrated his birthday by promoting kindness and compassion. “While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and being compassionate toward everyone,” he said.
