Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday Celebrated in Dharamshala: Arunachal CM Pema Khandu and Kiren Rijiju Attend; Succession Remarks Draw Global Attention
Dharamshala, July 5 (Northeast Press):The 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama were held with grandeur and spiritual reverence at Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, highlighting the deep cultural and spiritual ties between the Indian Himalayan regions and the Tibetan spiritual tradition.
Although the Dalai Lama’s official birthday, according to the Gregorian calendar, is observed on July 6, the celebrations began earlier this week with cultural performances, prayers, and public addresses by Tibetan monks and community leaders. Followers and Tibetan communities from across India and abroad gathered to pay tribute to the revered spiritual leader, marking his nine decades of wisdom, compassion, and advocacy for peace.
Dalai Lama Reasserts Authority on Successor Selection
In a major statement ahead of his birthday, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama reiterated his long-standing position that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust—the spiritual and administrative office established by him—has the sole authority to recognize his reincarnation. This declaration comes amid rising political interest, especially from China, which has historically sought to influence the selection of the next Dalai Lama.
“The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognized has been clearly outlined in the 24 September 2011 statement. The responsibility lies exclusively with the members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust and the Office of His Holiness,”
he said, emphasizing that the trust should consult the heads of Tibetan Buddhist traditions and oath-bound Dharma Protectors to carry out the process in accordance with ancient traditions.
His Holiness further clarified,
“No one else has the authority to interfere in this matter.”
This pointed remark is seen as a direct rejection of China’s recent assertions over the succession process.
Rijiju Backs Dalai Lama’s Authority, Echoes Tibetan Sentiment
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh—a state with deep Buddhist roots and longstanding spiritual ties to Tibet—firmly backed the Dalai Lama’s position. Speaking to reporters on July 4, Rijiju stated:
“I am a devotee of the Dalai Lama. Anyone in the world who follows His Holiness wants the successor to be chosen by him alone.”
Rijiju’s comments reflect the widespread sentiment among Tibetan Buddhists globally, who view the reincarnation process as an internal religious matter, not subject to state intervention.
A Celebration of Legacy and Identity
Arunachal CM Pema Khandu, a devout Buddhist himself, also attended the celebrations and expressed gratitude to His Holiness for his guidance and spiritual leadership. The occasion included ritual prayers, dances, and offerings at the Tsuglagkhang monastery, underscoring the enduring connection between the Tibetan diaspora and their spiritual home in Dharamshala.
The Dalai Lama, revered worldwide for his teachings on compassion and non-violence, has become a global icon for peace and human rights. His birthday celebration was not only a moment of cultural pride for Tibetan communities but also a reminder of the global spiritual movement he continues to lead.
Global and Geopolitical Significance
The question of the Dalai Lama’s successor has emerged as a geopolitical flashpoint, with China claiming authority over the reincarnation process. However, experts and religious leaders argue that the practice of tulku (reincarnation) is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and cannot be determined by external political forces.
India, which has hosted the Dalai Lama since his exile in 1959, has remained a steadfast supporter of Tibetan religious freedom. The presence of top Indian leaders at the event reaffirms New Delhi’s support for the autonomy of spiritual traditions and its strategic commitment to cultural and regional harmony in the Himalayas.
Conclusion: Upholding Tradition Amid Modern Challenges
As the Dalai Lama steps into his 90s, his influence remains profound—not just among his followers but also on the global stage. His firm reiteration of the succession process being a purely religious matter serves as a call to preserve the sanctity of ancient Tibetan customs.
The participation of Indian leaders like Kiren Rijiju and Pema Khandu underscores the spiritual, cultural, and strategic bond between India and the Tibetan people. As the world watches closely, it is clear that the legacy of the Dalai Lama will continue to shape the future of Tibetan Buddhism and regional diplomacy.
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