From the EU Parliament to a Minnesota city council, governments and grassroots movements honored the Dalai Lama’s message of compassion and nonviolence — amid sharp warnings to Beijing.
BY Navin Upadhyay
July 4, 2025 — The 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has sparked an unprecedented wave of global celebrations, with governments, civil society, faith leaders, and Tibetan communities coming together across continents to honor one of the most revered spiritual leaders of the modern era. From the ornate halls of Brussels and London to city councils in the American Midwest, the milestone is being marked not just as a birthday, but as a reaffirmation of the values His Holiness has championed for decades—compassion, nonviolence, resilience, and interfaith harmony.
Amid continued restrictions in Tibet itself, where public acknowledgment of the Dalai Lama remains banned by the Chinese state, these worldwide tributes have taken on deeper significance. They are not merely ceremonial, but symbolic assertions of cultural survival and moral resistance. As Tibetan exiles and their allies gather in prayer halls, government buildings, and public squares, a powerful message resonates: the Dalai Lama’s legacy is not confined to borders or politics—it belongs to humanity.
From a quiet village in Amdo
to the halls of the Nobel Peace Prize,
he walked mountains, crossed borders,
and carried Tibet in his heart.At 90, His Holiness still smiles, still teaches.
They say his body can live beyond 110.
But his spirit?Timeless!#DalaiLama #Tibet… pic.twitter.com/3ZISnALK1H
— Tibet Culture (@CultureTibet) July 3, 2025
🕊️ Brussels: A Royal Reception of Respect
On July 2, the Office of Tibet in Brussels hosted a reception at Concert Noble, a historic venue in the European Quarter. Hundreds of dignitaries, including EU ambassadors, parliamentarians, EU officials, representatives from Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mayors, Buddhist leaders, Tibetan associations, and journalists gathered to pay tribute. The evening opened with prayers led by Tibetan monks, followed by the ceremonial offering of a traditional khatag (white scarf), a gesture of esteem and gratitude toward the Dalai Lama’s portrait. Among the notable speakers were former European Parliament President Hans-Gert Pöttering, Belgium’s ex-Deputy Prime Minister Professor Petra de Sutter, and Dainius Zalimas, co-chair of the European Parliament’s Tibet group. Their addresses celebrated the Dalai Lama’s lifelong advocacy for peace and human rights.
READ: Richard Gere Joins Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday in Dharamshala
🌉 London: Faith Leaders and Cultural Icons Unite
Also on July 2, the Dalai Lama’s London reception at St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace featured a more intimate gathering of 90 guests, including faith leaders, Tibet supporters, community members, and former staff of the Office of Tibet. The event began with a khatag offering by Representative Tsering Yangkey and spiritual blessings by Lama Zangmo (Kagyu Samye Dzong) and Bishop Mark Nicholson. Keynote speaker Linda Fabiani, former Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer and Tibet group co-convener, reflected on her personal meetings with the Dalai Lama and his enduring message of gentle diplomacy. Actress Koo Stark also shared her admiration, describing a framed, signed photo of the Dalai Lama displayed during the reception as “a tangible blessing.”
Washington: U.S. Congress Proclaims “A Day of Compassion”
In the U.S., bipartisan momentum grew with the introduction of a congressional resolution by Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), designating July 6, 2025, as “A Day of Compassion” in honor of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. The resolution lauded his unwavering commitment to Tibetan human rights and spirituality despite suffering under Chinese rule. It reaffirms U.S. support for Tibetan self-determination and bi-cultural respect. The initiative has garnered endorsement from other members of Congress and will proceed to a full vote, celebrated by the International Campaign for Tibet as a significant symbol of hope for Tibetans worldwide.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama being presented an award symbolizing him as “The Peerless Teacher of the Twenty-First Century” during celebrations honoring his 90th birthday as par the Tibetan calendar in Dharamsala, HP, India on June 30, 2025. (Photo by Tenzin Choejor) pic.twitter.com/IU44wvOkp3
— Tenzin Lekshay (@CTASpokesperson) July 1, 2025
Great Britan: Minnesota: Community Day in Edina
In Edina, Minnesota, local Tibetan Americans led by Tenzin Lhamo of the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota declared July 6 as “The 14th Dalai Lama Day”. Supported by city officials including Mayor James Hovland, the proclamation officially marks the day to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s global spiritual influence. The designation kicks off a local “Year of Compassion”, honoring his teachings throughout the coming year.
India: Dharamshala and Beyond
Celebrations have been deeply rooted in Dharamshala, the seat of Tibetan exile. On June 30, the Dalai Lama was honoured as “The Peerless Teacher of the 21st Century” at a ceremony uniting Buddhist and interfaith leaders, marking the start of the Compassion Rising World Tour. Thousands gathered at Tsuglagkhang Temple for prayers and cultural performances, amid discussions on succession, education, and Tibetan identity. Hollywood icon Richard Gere affirmed his lifelong commitment and shared touching moments of personal guidance.
🌍 A Worldwide Tapestry of Celebrations
These events build upon a network of similar festivities seen around the globe. Across Europe, Asia, and North America, communities large and small are hosting conferences, exhibitions, meditation workshops, and cultural programs—all reflecting the Dalai Lama’s emphasis on compassion, ethical leadership, and global harmony.
In Tokyo, temples and universities are organizing interfaith dialogues and calligraphy exhibits. In Melbourne, Australia, a public “Mindfulness and Meditation” series ends with a Dalai Lama film screening. In Ottawa, Canada, a government-sponsored “Compassionate City” declaration has accompanied educational programs in schools.
✨ The Legacy and the Moment Ahead
At every altar and podium, one message echoes loud and clear: although two diasporas and nearly a century have passed, the Dalai Lama remains a guiding light for empathy and dignity. From Brussels to Minnesota, leaders of religions, politics, and civil society celebrate not just his age, but the world he has helped build—a world that believes in the power of kindness across borders and beliefs.
As July 6 dawns, the global community pauses to say, “Tashi Delek,” and commemorates not only the life of a spiritual luminary but the enduring aspiration for peace he symbolizes.
READ: Tibetans Slam China’s Boarding School Abuses at UNHRC
