LIVE | Dalai Lama celebrates 90th birthday, says 'I have not wasted my life at all'
The Dalai Lama’s birthday celebrations were attended by Kiren Rijiju, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Pema Khandu, and Hollywood actor Richard Gere
The Dalai Lama turns 90 today, July 6. On the eve of his birthday, he appealed to his followers to be compassionate towards everyone and asserted that he will continue to focus on promoting human values and religious harmony.
“I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don’t normally engage in birthday celebrations. However, since you are organizing events focused on my birthday I wish to share some thoughts.
“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 by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone. Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place,” he said in a note.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a wish 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. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life.”
The Tibetan community in McLeodganj is observing week-long celebrations of the Dalai Lama’s birth anniversary on Sunday with a religious conference, youth forum, film screening and prayers for the long life of the Tibetan spiritual leader.
The Dalai Lama’s birth anniversary celebrations on Sunday are being attended by Cabinet ministers Kiren Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Hollywood actor Richard Gere.
Also read:
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- 6 July 2025 9:00 AM IST
The Oracle takes part in the long-life prayer ceremony for the Dalai Lama ahead of his 90th birth anniversary, at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple, McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh, on Saturday | PTI Photo
- 6 July 2025 8:59 AM IST
The Nechung oracle, in his ceremonial costume, goes into trance during the long life prayer ceremony for the Dalai Lama ahead of his 90th birth anniversary, at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple, McLeodganj, Dharamshala, on Saturday | PTI Photo
- 6 July 2025 8:56 AM IST
Richard Gere in McLeodganj
Hollywood actor Richard Gere (right) and Jetsun Pema (front left), sister of the Dalai Lama, arrive for the long-life prayer ceremony ahead of his 90th birth anniversary, at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple, McLeodganj, in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, on Saturday | PTI Photo
