leaders-offer-warm-tributes-to-dalai-lama-on-90th-birthday

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju paid heartfelt tribute to the Tibetan spiritual leader, calling him a “living bridge between ancient wisdom and the modern world.” He was speaking at the 90th birthday celebration of the 14th Dalai Lama at Tsuglagkhang Temple in Dharamshala on Sunday.

 

Rijiju expressed deep respect for the Dalai Lama's enduring global influence and his spiritual presence in India. “Your Holiness, you are more than a spiritual leader,” he said. “We feel truly blessed by your presence in our country, which you lovingly call your ‘Aryabhoomi," he added.

 

Reaffirming unwavering support for the spiritual institution led by the Dalai Lama, Rijiju said, “As a devotee and on behalf of millions of devotees across the world, I want to state that whatever decision is taken by His Holiness, the established traditions and conventions, we will fully abide by it and follow the directions and guidelines to be issued by the institution of the Dalai Lama.”

 

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan, who attended the celebrations along with Rijiju, also extended warm birthday wishes to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on the occasion.

 

Speaking at the celebration event, Ranjan stated that a significant initiative underway in Bihar—his home state—where a multi-disciplinary centre based on the Nalanda tradition is being established in Bodh Gaya. The upcoming Dalai Lama Centre aims to promote the fusion of Tibetan and Indian ancient wisdom traditions.

 

“This centre will give people from across the globe a chance to study His Holiness’s philosophy and vision,” Ranjan said, adding that it will serve as an inspiring platform to carry forward the teachings of compassion, peace, and inner wisdom.

 

Offering his heartfelt wishes, the Minister said, “I wish you a long and happy life. May your message resonate in the world and bring peace to countries and peoples suffering from conflict and discontent.”

 

The dignitaries seated on the dais, along with the Tibetan spiritual leader, also included Hollywood actor and long-time supporter of the Tibetan cause, Richard Gere.

 

The event brought together monks, devotees, dignitaries, and guests from around the world to honour the life and teachings of the Dalai Lama—widely revered as a symbol of compassion, peace, and interfaith harmony.