Celebrating the 90th Birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama Amidst Controversy
A Grand Celebration Despite Adverse Weather
Thousands gathered at the main courtyard of the Dalai Lama Temple in Sujlagkhang to celebrate the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama, undeterred by heavy rainfall. Leaders from across the globe joined the event, showing their support for the Buddhist leader who has been advocating for the rights of the Tibetan people since the Chinese occupation of the region in the 1960s. Amid ongoing disputes regarding the succession process, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations on this significant milestone. The celebrations took place in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, where the Dalai Lama has been living in exile.
Messages of Support and Recognition
PM Modi expressed on social media, 'The Dalai Lama symbolizes love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline. We wish him a long life and good health.' The event featured speeches from Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Sikkim Minister Sonam Lama, and Hollywood actor Richard Gere. Gere remarked that many lamas openly declared that the Dalai Lama now belongs not just to Tibet but to the entire world. This celebration comes at a time when there have been speculations about the potential dissolution of the Dalai Lama institution.
China's Reaction to the Celebrations
In response, Chinese Ambassador to India, Shun Feihong, stated on social media that the tradition of reincarnation associated with succession is not new, but rather a practice that has been in place for 700 years. He noted that there are currently 1,000 reincarnation processes present in various provinces inhabited by Tibetan people. The 14th Dalai Lama is part of this historical tradition, which did not begin or end with him. Decisions regarding this matter cannot be made unilaterally. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated his commitment to Tibetan human rights and religious freedom without directly naming China.