Washington, D.C. [US], July 6 (ANI): Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama received an outpouring of heartfelt birthday wishes from world leaders, lawmakers, and artists as he turned 90 on Saturday, CNN reported. A video tribute compiled by Tibet TV, operated by the Tibetan government-in-exile, featured messages from former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, among others.
Obama warmly described the Dalai Lama as “the youngest 90-year-old I know” and expressed gratitude for their enduring friendship. “You’ve shown generations what it means to practice compassion and speak up for freedom and dignity. Not bad for someone who describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk,” Obama said in his message.
Former President Bill Clinton hailed the Dalai Lama as “one of the world’s greatest voices for peace, for dialogue, for understanding,” noting that his teachings have “inspired millions to follow in your footsteps.” Clinton added, “In a time when we see the forces of division tearing at the fabric of our common humanity, we need your wisdom more than ever to remind us that what we share is more important than our interesting differences.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also extended his best wishes in a statement and on X, highlighting the Dalai Lama’s lifelong message of unity, peace, and compassion. “The United States extends best wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. The Dalai Lama continues to inspire people by embodying a message of unity, peace, and compassion,” Rubio said.
Reaffirming U.S. support for the Tibetan people, Rubio added, “The United States remains firmly committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans. We support efforts to preserve Tibetans’ distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference.”
The 90th birthday celebrations were held at the Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, attended by Indian Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, as well as monks, devotees, and international guests.
Marking the occasion, Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery in Panthaghati, near Shimla, honoring the Dalai Lama as a global symbol of compassion, non-violence, and interfaith harmony. (ANI)
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