Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (July 6) extended birthday wishes to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, describing his message of peace and harmony as a guiding force for people across the world.
In a post on X, Modi commended the Dalai Lama’s moral and spiritual leadership and wished him a long and healthy life.
“Warm birthday greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His message of peace and harmony has been a guiding force for people across the world. His moral and spiritual strength and his commitment to global good are commendable. Wishing him a long and healthy life,” Modi said.
The Dalai Lama, born on July 6, 1935, in the Tibetan village of Taktser, marked his 91st birthday at a public celebration in Leh, Ladakh, attended by an estimated 25,000 followers and well-wishers. The event was organised by the Ladakh Buddhist Association, the All Ladakh Gonpa Association and the Central Tibetan Association.
The Tibetan spiritual leader arrived in Ladakh on June 28 and received a warm welcome from thousands of residents lining the streets as he travelled to Shewatsel Phodrang, where he is staying during his visit.
Addressing the gathering, the Dalai Lama thanked those who had prayed for his long life and reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to promoting compassion and preserving the teachings of the Buddha.
Reflecting on his life, he said that helping others had remained the guiding principle of his spiritual practice.
“I’m 91, but according to indications in my dreams it seems I may yet live to be 130. So, I hope to be able to help Chinese people through the teaching of the Buddha and also to help people around the world to lead good, positive lives. This is what I aspire to do,” he told the gathering.
The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in India since 1959 after fleeing Tibet following a failed uprising against Chinese rule. He later established the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamshala and has spent decades advocating nonviolence, compassion and greater cultural and political autonomy for Tibet.
