PM Modi and US Extend Greetings on Dalai Lama's 90th Birthday. Grand Celebrations in Dharamshala. US Reiterates Support for Religious Freedom. Strong Message to China on the Successor Issue.
Dalai Lama on 90th Birthday: The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama, celebrated his 90th birthday on Sunday. Special events were organized in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, on this occasion, with thousands of followers from India and abroad attending. The aim of the ceremony was to wish the Dalai Lama a long life and good health and to honor his message of peace, compassion, and non-violence. At the event, devotees prayed with traditional Tibetan rituals and presented cultural programs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Greetings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Dalai Lama on his birthday. He wrote on social media platform X, "Along with 1.4 billion Indians, I extend my best wishes to the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He is a symbol of love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline. His message has been a source of inspiration for all religions. We wish him a long life and good health."
US Also Extends Greetings, Reiterates Support for Religious Freedom
The United States also extended special greetings on the Dalai Lama's birthday. A press statement issued by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the Dalai Lama as a source of inspiration for unity, peace, and compassion. The US also reiterated its full support for the human rights and religious freedom of the Tibetan people.
The US also clarified that the Tibetan community should have complete freedom to choose its religious leader and that no country or force should interfere in this process. This statement is against China's stance, which has been seeking to control the Dalai Lama's succession.
Central Ministers and Leaders Attend the Ceremony
Several prominent leaders attended the long life prayer ceremony held in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala. Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju, Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), and the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, honored the Dalai Lama and described his ideas as beneficial for global society.
Union Minister Rijiju said that the Dalai Lama represents a religious institution and that any political interference in it is inappropriate. He also said that the Indian government believes in and respects religious freedom.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that the Dalai Lama is the true representative of the Himalayan tradition and that China has no right to interfere in related matters. He said that although Buddhism also exists in China, its original soul resides in Tibet and the Himalayan region.
Dalai Lama Gives a Clear Message on Succession
In a video message, the Dalai Lama clarified that his institution and tradition would continue in the future. He said that the right to identify his successor would be with the Gaden Phodrang Trust. He also said that the next Dalai Lama would be chosen from a democratic and independent country, and no other country would interfere in this selection.
Reactions on India-China Relations Also Emerge
During the ceremony, there was also discussion about India-China relations. Chief Minister Khandu said that both India and China are major economic powers, and any dispute can only be resolved peacefully. He said that war cannot be the solution to any problem.
Union Minister Lalan Singh Pays Tribute
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), expressing his reverence for the Dalai Lama, said that he is a symbol of non-violence and peaceful struggle. He said that the government does not interfere in matters of religion and faith and considers the Dalai Lama's ideas to be useful for all of humanity.
