PM Modi, world leaders wish Dalai Lama on 90th birthday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the Tibetan leader. "I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday," said his message, read out by Central Tibetan Administration president Penpa Tsering at the event.
A message from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: "Washington is committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans". A message from the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) was also read out on the occasion.
Thousands of Tibetan Buddhists thronged the Tsuglagkhang Complex in McLeodganj to be part of the historic celebrations, watched over by the majestic Dhauladhar mountains.
Recorded video messages from three former US presidents were also played, with the crowd bursting into thunderous applause when Barack Obama appeared on the huge screen. Obama called the Dalai Lama "the youngest 90-year-old I know", and thanked him for his friendship. Hollywood actor Richard Gere set the tempo for the event, describing the Dalai Lama as the "greatest ever to have walked the earth".
What followed was a most moving birthday celebration, as the Dalai Lama himself cut the cake.
by Taboola
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The Dalai Lama said he typically avoided birthday celebrations as he was just a "simple Buddhist monk", but thanked followers for using the occasion to reflect on peace of mind and compassion.
Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh was the chief guest while Union minister Kiren Rijiju, Arunachal CM Pradesh Pema Khandu, and Sikkim minister for ecclesiastical department, Sonal Lama, were among other notable dignitaries present on the occasion.
"On behalf of the people of India and the government of India, I bow down at the lotus feet of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama & wish him a very happy birthday and a long life," said Rijiju.
Singer Mohit Chauhan alongside Bidisha Sen presented a Hindi song, composed by musician Som Dasgupta, dedicated to the Dalai Lama. this was followed by cultural programmes presented by troupes from several countries and Tibetan settlements.
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