Delhi, 6 July (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 90th birthday on Sunday, praising him as a symbol of love, compassion, and moral discipline, whose message inspires respect across all faiths.

In a message on X, the Prime Minister said;I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes

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.@DalaiLama

The succession of the Dalai Lama has sparked controversy recently due to Beijing's claim of sole authority over it since 1995. India asserts that the current Dalai Lama and the Gaden Phodrang Trust will determine his reincarnation, dismissing Chinese interference. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju highlighted this decision’s exclusivity to the Dalai Lama, coinciding with his 90th birthday celebrations on July 6, expected to attract around 10,000 attendees. However,The Dalai Lama expressed his belief that he is blessed by Avalokiteshvara, stating, I have done my best so far. I hope to live for another 30 to 40 years. This message was delivered during a prayer meeting organized on Saturday.

The 14th Dalai Lama, born Lhamo Thondup on July 6, 1935, in Taktser, Tibet, was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at age two and enthroned at four as Tenzin Gyatso. Educated in Buddhist teachings, he assumed political power in 1950 amid rising tensions following China's invasion of Tibet. After a failed uprising in 1959, he fled to India, establishing the Central Tibetan Administration in exile and becoming a symbol of the Tibetan struggle. Despite retiring from political leadership in 2011, he continues to teach and travel, promoting interfaith harmony and compassion, having received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

A man of various interests, the Dalai Lama is deeply engaged in Buddhist scriptures and enjoys gardening. He is known for his kindness but is not immune to anger over insincerity or negligence, although he quickly overcomes it. His strict daily routine starts at 3 am and ends by 7 pm, and he remains in good health. The Dalai Lama hails from a large family and has had siblings involved in the Tibetan community, including his late brother Gyalo, who worked in Sino-Tibetan dialogue. His legacy includes numerous books focusing on happiness, compassion, and the mind's relationship with morality.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar