On his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama is celebrated not just as a Tibetan icon but as a global symbol of peace, dialogue, and resilience in exile.
BY PC Bureau
July 6, 2025 – In a solemn and historic tribute, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile today commemorated the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, hailing him as a global beacon of peace, compassion, and spiritual wisdom. The revered leader, born Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in Taktser village in eastern Tibet, was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama and enthroned in the Potala Palace in 1940.
The Parliament-in-Exile issued a heartfelt message of gratitude and admiration, calling the Dalai Lama “the spiritual lord of the three realms,” “a champion of world peace,” and “the guardian deity of the Tibetan people.” The message also reiterated the Dalai Lama’s unparalleled contributions to democracy, religious harmony, human rights, and the preservation of Tibetan identity.
A Legacy of Leadership in Exile
Following China’s invasion of Tibet in 1949 and the 1951 imposition of the 17-Point Agreement, the Dalai Lama was forced into exile in 1959 after failed negotiations and increasing threats to his life. Upon reaching India, he worked tirelessly to preserve Tibetan culture and religion, founding monasteries, schools, and rehabilitation centers, and establishing the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala.
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In 1960, he introduced a democratically elected Tibetan Parliament, laying the foundation for a full democratic structure with independent judiciary and legislative branches. These institutions evolved over decades to become the three pillars of the democratic governance model Tibetans practice in exile today.
Dharamshala turns into a Sea of Maroon as 1000s honor the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday!
Meanwhile in occupied Tibet—silence, surveillance, & suppression.
China fears what it can’t control : faith, freedom, & the respect for the Holy Dalai Lama.#FreeTibet @jenniferzeng97 pic.twitter.com/I2HtBqNeK8— Stanzin (@stanzinnangmo) July 5, 2025
The Dalai Lama also fostered dialogue between Buddhism and modern science, initiated interfaith cooperation, promoted secular ethics in education, and championed the conferment of the Geshema degree to Tibetan nuns—pioneering moves in both religious and gender equality spheres.
In 2011, in a landmark act of democratic reform, the Dalai Lama voluntarily devolved all political authority to the elected leadership, ending nearly four centuries of Gaden Phodrang governance. This act, the Parliament noted, exemplified his deep commitment to modern governance rooted in spiritual values.
Global Recognition and Enduring Influence
His Holiness has been honored globally with over 150 awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize, for his unwavering advocacy of nonviolence, compassion, and the oneness of humanity. The Parliament declared 2025 the “Year of Compassion” in his honor, urging Tibetans worldwide to embody his teachings and commit to meritorious acts that further the cause of Tibet.
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“The fact that His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama continues to embody the spiritual essence of all previous Dalai Lamas in body, speech, and mind can never be erased from the Tibetan people’s memory,” the statement said.
International Solidarity
The Tibetan Parliament also expressed gratitude to the governments and people of India, the United States, the European Union, Japan, and other international allies for their decades of support in exile. The Parliament appealed for continued solidarity until a just resolution of the Tibetan issue is achieved.
It also highlighted the successful conclusion of the 9th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet, held from June 3 to 4 in Tokyo, where lawmakers from 29 countries reaffirmed their commitment to the Tibetan cause and passed a special resolution honoring the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday and global contributions.
In a recent reaffirmation at the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference, the Dalai Lama declared the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution, firmly rejecting any politically motivated interference by China.
A Prayer for Return
Concluding its message, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile offered fervent prayers for His Holiness’s long life and the fulfillment of his aspirations for Tibet. “May the sunshine of reunion soon dawn upon Tibet,” it said, expressing hope that the Dalai Lama will one day return to the Land of Snows.
