With immense gratitude and admiration for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, on the occassion of his 90th Birthday on July 6, many distinguished guests from around the world gathered at the Tsuglagkhang in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The celebration, organised by the Ghoton Organising Committee of the Central Tibetan Administration, was filled with vibrant festivities and featured a rich array of classical and modern performances by numerous participants from around the world, including the renowned playback singer Mohit Chauhan. The event also included the exchange of mementoes. Video messages from three former Presidents of the United States—42nd President Bill Clinton, 43rd President George W. Bush, and 44th President Barack Obama—were screened before the gathering. In addition, a written message from the President of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, was read to the audience.
It was graced by the presence of Chief Guests Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, along with Guests of Honour, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Government of Arunachal Pradesh.The event was attended by diplomats from different countries. Also, a group of Chinese friends from Taiwan, as well as from overseas, also came to celebrate this momentous occasion. From the Central Tibetan Administration, attendees included Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo; Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel; Sikyong Penpa Tsering; Education Kalon (Minister) Changra Tharlam Dolma; Security Kalon Dolma Gyari; Department of Information and International Relations Kalon Norzin Dolma; Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi; Public Service Commissioner Karma Yeshi; Auditor General Tashi Topgyal; members of the 17th Tibetan Parliament in Exile; and Secretaries. Representatives from Tibetan civil societies and a throng of Tibetans and well-wishers also came together to join in the celebration. The ceremony commenced with a hoisting of Tibetan and Indian national flags by the Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, accompanied by the singing of Tibetan and Indian national anthems.Thanking the celebrants across the world for greetings, His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama, the Peerless Teacher of the Twenty-First Century, delivered a keynote speech. “As I was born a human being, it is in our innate nature to love and help one another. Particularly, being from a place where religion is flourishing and where a deep sense of cousinly bond prevails, I always contemplate and practice altruism, as it is one of the fundamental practices mentioned in Chodjug (The Way of the Bodhisattva). Recognising all sentient beings as my own kin, I dedicate all my efforts and abilities to the benefit of others.” His Holiness continued, “When a large number of people gather and display their affection, I am all the more inspired and encouraged to practice altruism.”
His Holiness further said that he spent his entire day practising cultivation of Bodhicitta (a mind aimed at of awakening) and comprehending Shunyata (emptiness) and reflected on his entire life, which he spent as a simple Buddhist monk upholding the principles of Buddhist teachings. “When I look back on my life, I feel that it has been meaningful. Even though people respect me as the Dalai Lama, I do not take pride in it; instead, I reflect on my own spiritual cultivation.” In conclusion, His Holiness said, “To the extent that you all show love towards me, I encourage you to equally cultivate Bodhicitta and deepen your understanding of emptiness.”
Following that, Board Chairman of the International Campaign for Tibet and a long-time friend of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, actor Richard Gere, who is accompanied to the celebration by his son Homer James Jigme Gere, addressed the gathering. “I know His Holiness famously doesn’t really care that much about birthdays, but we care about birthdays—especially this birthday. From His Holiness’ point of view, every moment is the birthday, every breath is the birthday, every heartbeat is the birthday. That’s what he’s taught us, and that’s what we should be living—with his openness, love, and compassion for all beings.”
Being a Westerner and having grown up as a Christian, he admired His Holiness’ combination of compassion and wisdom in his teachings. “There is something very sweet that I saw at the religious conference a few days ago, after the proclamation that His Holiness agreed to continue the institution of the Dalai Lama. Many of the lamas who spoke out during the open discussion were openly declaring: ‘Look, His Holiness the Dalai Lama doesn’t belong to Tibet anymore — His Holiness belongs to the world, and he belongs to the universe,’” he remarked.
Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, underscored, “His Holiness’ life and teachings have profoundly shaped not only the Tibetan world but have transcended borders and touched millions of hearts across the globe. He is a true apostle of peace, advocating tirelessly for non-violence, interfaith harmony, and universal responsibility. In the world of increasingly moulded by division and discord, His Holiness’ voice remains a beacon of wisdom, clarity, and compassion.”
Admiring His Holiness’ guidance and empathetic nature, he explained, “His Holiness’ unwavering efforts to preserve Tibetan culture, language, and identity have not only kept his spiritual legacy alive but also highlighted the critical ecological and cultural significance of Tibet, the third pole and water tower of Asia.” In particular, the Chief Minister lauded His Holiness’ contributions towards re-establishing all schools and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon in exile—a major initiative that also serves as the revival of the ancient Indian Nalanda tradition and a significant effort that has enabled the entire Himalayan Buddhist region to preserve its rich religious and cultural heritage.
He added, “We, the people of Arunachal Pradesh, share a unique and sacred bond with His Holiness and the institution of the Dalai Lama. Our traditions and ties go back centuries to the time of the great 5th Dalai Lama, under whose patronage, the historic Tawang monastery was established. We take great pride in the fact that the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, was born in Tawang, a reflection of our deep spiritual connection.” The Chief Minister also spoke about His Holiness’ historic journey into exile via Kenzamani and the lasting impression that His Holiness has left in Arunachal Pradesh.
“We welcome the joyous and unwavering support to the recent reaffirmation by His Holiness on the continuation of the institution of Dalai Lama. The historic declaration has brought clarity and comfort to the millions and millions of people, especially the Himalayan Buddhist communities and reaffirms our collective commitment to uphold the traditional Tibetan Buddhism process for the recognition of his reincarnation in line with the guidance of Gaden Phodrang trust. This decision is not just a spiritual, it is civilisational. It reinforces the value of religious freedom, cultural autonomy, and the sacred responsibility to preserve the Spiritual heritage for future generations,” he concluded.
“You are more than a spiritual leader, you are a living bridge between an ancient wisdom and the modern world,” began the address by Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs . He commended His Holiness for his lifelong dedication to promoting a more compassionate and ethical way of life, and for being a beacon of light in a world strife with conflict. “It is a matter of pride and honour for India and Indians to have you in our midst,” said the Union Minister Rijiju, as he extended birthday wishes on behalf of the people and the government of India to His Holiness. He went on to speak about the ancient spiritual ties between India and Tibet, and the profound impact of His Holiness’s teachings. “His application of Bodhicitta ideals in modern leadership, combining wisdom (pragya) and compassion (karuna) skill in the use of means in diplomacy—leading by example through Buddhist practical universal practices—is unique.” Regarding His Holiness as the most honoured guest of India and the greatest ambassador of the ancient Indian knowledge, he said, “He has always held a view that Bharat can make significant contributions towards world peace through inner peace by utilising ancient Indian knowledge and combining it with modern education. He has time and again reiterated the need for India to revive its
ancient knowledge.”
“The Tibetan communities inside India have been peaceful. They have made positive contributions in many ways,” remarked Kiren Rijiju and assured his continued support towards Tibetans. “I have always held a view that there is a need for us to contribute significantly towards the cause of the Tibetan people.” With appreciation to the Central Tibetan Administration for declaring the year-long duration from July 6, 2025 to July 5, 2025 as the “Year of Compassion”, he concluded his address.
Statement issued by HH Dalai Lama
On September 24, 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan Buddhism, and those who have a connection with Tibet and Tibetans, regarding whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue. I stated, “As far back as 1969, I made clear that concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lama’s reincarnations should continue in the future.”
I also said, “When I am about ninety I will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people who follow Tibetan Buddhism, to re-evaluate whether or not the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue.”
Although I have had no public discussions on this issue, over the last 14 years leaders of Tibet’s spiritual traditions, members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, participants in a Special General Body Meeting, members of the Central Tibetan Administration, NGOs, Buddhists from the Himalayan region, Mongolia, Buddhist republics of the Russian Federation and Buddhists in Asia including mainland China, have written to me with reasons, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue. In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue.
The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognised has been clearly established in September 24, 2011 statement which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition. I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter.
Dalai Lama,
Dharamshala, May 21, 2025
The final speaker of the event, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, better known as Lalan Singh, who hails from Bihar, apprised how a prince named Siddhartha journeyed into enlightened one and how his teachings were later introduced into Tibet by numerous scholars and yogis in 5th and 6th centuries and its flourishing in the far extends of east Asia in various forms. “Even today, the teachings of Buddha can be heard in Bihar.” Echoing the words of other distinguished speakers, Rajiv Ranjan Singh also shared his admiration towards His Holiness for his teachings that were deeply rooted in the teachings of Buddha and the great masters of ancient Nalanda tradition. “The upcoming Dalai Lama Centre for Tibetan and Indian Ancient Wisdom in Bodhgaya is being founded as a multidisciplinary institute inspired by the Nalanda Tradition. We’ll get to witness its progress as it unfolds.”
Following the speeches, the ceremonial cake cutting was held, and a Biography of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama in English was launched. The service excellence awards were bestowed upon two Central Tibetan Administration staff, namely Tibetan Settlement Officer Tsewang Yangtso and Tibet TV’s anchor Tenzin Sidup. Similarly, recognition awards were conferred to three Central Tibetan Administration staff, namely, additional Secretary Namgyal Tsewang, Department of Information and International Relations; Joint Secretary Nyima Tsering, Department of Security; and Joint Secretary Namgyal Gedun, Department of Health. Following a vibrant performance by various artists groups from around the world, the grand celebration successfully concluded with a vote of thanks from Cabinet Secretary Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, the Chairman of the Ghoton Organising Committee.
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