New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed heartfelt greetings to the Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, on the occasion of his 88th birthday.
This marks the third consecutive year that Prime Minister Modi has extended his birthday wishes to the Dalai Lama. The tradition commenced in the wake of the stand-off between Indian and Chinese armies in mid-2020, highlighting India’s solidarity with the Tibetan spiritual leader.
Conveyed 87th birthday greetings to His Holiness the @DalaiLama over phone earlier today. We pray for his long life and good health.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2022
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, also known as Gyalwa Rinpoche to the Tibetan people, is not only the highest spiritual leader but also the head of Tibet. Since 1959, he has resided in India after escaping Tibet when China took complete control of the region. A considerable Tibetan diaspora has also found refuge in India, establishing numerous monasteries and educational institutions dedicated to preserving their cultural and religious heritage.
Despite living in exile, the Dalai Lama’s followers in Tibet and worldwide celebrate his birthday with great enthusiasm. Today, the main temple in Mcleodganj served as the focal point for the Tibetan community’s festivities in exile. The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, also participated in the birthday celebrations, underscoring the support and recognition the Dalai Lama receives.
The Chinese government denounces the Dalai Lama as a “splittist,” while the Indian government acknowledges him as a revered spiritual leader. Although he relinquished his political authority, His Holiness the Dalai Lama remains a symbol of Tibetan resistance against Chinese rule in Tibet. Nevertheless, concerns persist among Tibetans in exile regarding potential Chinese manipulation in the selection of the next Dalai Lama.
To address this issue, the Tibetan government in exile has consistently emphasized that the Dalai Lama possesses the exclusive right to choose his successor. This stance seeks to protect the integrity of the lineage and ensure the continued spiritual leadership of the Tibetan community.
As His Holiness the Dalai Lama enters his 88th year, his unwavering popularity endures among both Tibetans and the international community. His message of peace, compassion, and spiritual enlightenment resonates across cultures and inspires millions worldwide.
In these challenging times, Prime Minister Modi’s gesture of extending birthday wishes to the Dalai Lama reaffirms India’s commitment to supporting the Tibetan cause and upholding the freedom of religious expression and cultural preservation.
His Holiness’ influence remains strong, serving as a guiding light for Tibetans in their quest for autonomy and a source of inspiration for those who value the principles of human rights, religious freedom, and peaceful coexistence. His teachings continue to touch hearts and minds, carrying forward the essence of compassion and wisdom that define his spiritual legacy.
As the world celebrates the 88th birthday of the Dalai Lama, his unwavering resolve to promote peace and compassion reminds us of the enduring power of the human spirit.
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