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On the auspicious occasion of the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Friends of Tibet hosted a heartfelt celebration dedicated to honouring the spiritual leader’s lifelong message of nonviolence, compassion, and global peace. The venue was St Paul’s Institute of Communication Education, Bandra, Mumbai. The event brought together a diverse group of attendees from long-time Tibet supporters and human rights activists to members of the cultural and literary community. They all united in their admiration for the Tibetan leader and his enduring legacy.
The celebration began with a warm welcome and a moment of silence in honour of His Holiness’s contributions to humanity. The highlight of the event was the ceremonial cutting of a birthday cake, symbolising both joy and reverence. The honour was performed by two distinguished guests: Dolly Thakore, an acclaimed film personality known for her work in theatre and cinema, and Kamlesh Tripathi, a respected author and columnist recognised for his insightful writing and advocacy.
Their presence added a layer of cultural and intellectual depth to the proceedings. Both guests spoke briefly, expressing their admiration for the Dalai Lama’s teachings and the resilience of the Tibetan people in the face of decades-long adversity. The film was introduced to the audience by author Kamlesh Tripathi.
Following the cake-cutting, attendees were treated to a special screening of Kundun, a powerful film directed by Martin Scorsese that chronicles the early life of the 14th Dalai Lama and the Chinese occupation of Tibet. The film served not only as a cinematic tribute but also as an educational experience, reminding the audience of the historical and political struggles that shaped the Tibetan diaspora and His Holiness’s path as a global spiritual leader.
The venue was packed with passionate individuals, young and old, who came together to reaffirm their commitment to the Tibetan cause. Many expressed that the event was more than just a celebration; it was a moment of reflection, unity, and renewed dedication to the principles of truth and nonviolence that the Dalai Lama has championed throughout his life.
The evening concluded with informal discussions, where guests mingled, shared personal stories of their connection to Tibet, and signed a commemorative banner expressing wishes for His Holiness’s long life and continued well-being.
In times of global unrest and uncertainty, gatherings like these serve as gentle but powerful reminders of the values that transcend borders: compassion, justice, and the unwavering belief in peace. Friends of Tibet reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying these ideals and supporting the Tibetan community in their ongoing struggle for cultural and political rights.
As one participant noted, “Celebrating the Dalai Lama’s birthday isn’t just about honouring a person — it’s about honouring a way of life, a vision for the world that is kinder, wiser, and more humane.”
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The birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is celebrated annually on July 6 by Tibetans and Buddhists worldwide. This will be his 90th birthday. He was born in 1935 in Taktser, a small hamlet in north-eastern Tibet. His Holiness is not only the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. He is also a global symbol of peace and compassion. His birthday is much more than a mere celebration of his life. Rather, it is an occasion to reflect on his teachings and the pristine values that he upholds.
Tenzin Gyatso was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama when he was just two years old. By the age of 15, he assumed full political authority in Tibet during a period of rising tensions with China. In 1959, following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, he was compelled to flee to India, where he has lived in exile ever since. From his base in Dharamshala, he continues to lead the Tibetan people spiritually and politically, canvassing for a peaceful resolution to the Tibet issue globally.
Despite his forced displacement, the Dalai Lama has never strayed from his goal of peace. He remains a man who continues to smile despite losing his kingdom. His advocacy for peace earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, recognising his efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Tibetan struggle. He has become an icon of conscience in a world torn apart by conflict and intolerance over the decades.
The Dalai Lama is regarded as a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. His birthday is observed with reverence and gratitude as followers reflect on his teachings. They renew their commitment to ethical living, non-violence, and spiritual practice.
Celebrations usually involve prayer ceremonies, cultural performances, and community gatherings. Monasteries conduct long-life prayers for His Holiness, while laypeople light butter lamps, hang prayer flags, and offer incense. Songs, dances, and traditional Tibetan opera are performed in honour of the occasion. Elders share stories of the Dalai Lama’s life and the values he promotes. Children often dress in traditional attire.
In Dharamshala, the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile, the festivities are especially lively. Tibetans and international visitors gather at the Tsuglagkhang Temple, the Dalai Lama’s main temple, to participate in religious rituals and listen to speeches honouring his contributions to world peace and the preservation of Tibetan culture.
Beyond the Tibetan community, many non-Buddhists and global admirers of the Dalai Lama also take the day as an opportunity to reflect on his universal preachings. Schools, universities, and spiritual centres may organise meditation sessions, peace talks, or humanitarian activities inspired by his teachings.
The Dalai Lama’s birthday acts as a global reminder of the power of kindness, empathy, and inner peace. His fundamental message — that all human beings deserve happiness and that compassion is the basis of true peace — resonates with people from all walks of life, regardless of religion or nationality. He often says, “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
As the Dalai Lama advances into the later years of his life, his birthday also prompts questions about the future of the Tibetan movement and the succession of the Dalai Lama institution. Despite humongous uncertainties, his ongoing commitment to peace offers hope and inspiration to millions.
In a world often perceived as fractured and unstable, the Dalai Lama’s birthday provides a moment to pause and reconnect with core human values. It is not merely a day to honour a revered spiritual teacher but also an occasion to renew a global commitment to compassion, understanding, and peace. Such magnificent personalities are born perhaps once in a millennium. My salute to him.
(The writer Kamlesh Tripathi is the author of ‘Awadh Assam and Dalai Lama … The Kalachakra’)
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:
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