Dharamshala — Prominent leaders and personalities including PM, Secretary and MPs from around the world sent greetings and congratulations to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 88th birthday. Social media platforms were flooded with greetings from his supporters and followers, who appreciated his greatness and perseverance in championing the cause of Tibet and securing world peace.
Tibetans and Tibet supporters from all over the world, including the USA, Canada, England, France, Germany, Belgium, Russia and Mongolia, Spain, etc., Australia and New Zealand, as well as from various Tibetan colonies in India, celebrated His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 88th birthday on July 6, 2023, with cake-cutting, dancing and singing. They thanked His Holiness for his lifelong contribution to the Tibetan people's struggle for freedom through non-violence and dialogue, the promotion of religious harmony in the world, and the spread of peace and compassion to create a peaceful and harmonious world. At the same time, world leaders send their best wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 88th birthday, and appreciate his selfless service to world peace, harmony and compassion.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, called His Holiness the Dalai Lama to wish him a happy birthday: "Spoke to His Holiness @DalaiLama and conveyed heartfelt greetings to him on his 88th birthday. Wishing him a long and healthy life," the Prime Minister tweeted.
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) organised an event to celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 88th birthday in the courtyard of the Tibetan Main Temple (Tsuklakhang) in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, on July 6, 2023. The chief guest of the event, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu wrote,"I am feeling honoured by coming to Dharamshala and giving hearty greetings and best wishes to respected Dalai Lama ji on his birthday. Dalai Lama ji is a true symbol of peace and compassion. His teachings continue to inspire millions of people around the world. I believe that their teachings and guidance will lead us to a brighter future. We wish him healthy life and long life.
"My warmest greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 88th birthday. I hope he will continue to spread kindness and empathy for countless years to come," tweeted Mr Arvind Kejriwal,the Chief Minister of Delhi.
Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, wrote,"Warmest greetings to His Holiness Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 88th birthday. Today, we unite with millions worldwide to honor your extraordinary life and the invaluable contributions you have made to humanity."
"As an embodiment of love and peace, your wisdom, compassion, and teachings have profoundly impacted countless individuals, transcending borders, cultures, and religions. May Lord Buddha bestow upon you abundant health and a long life, allowing your light to continue illuminating our world," Pema Khandu added.
Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Odisha wrote on Twitter, "Warm wishes to His Holiness @DalaiLama on birthday. May you be blessed with good health and long life- spreading peace, love, compassion and harmony in the world."
The sixth Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, wrote, “On behalf of the Sikkimese people, I extend my warmest wishes to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) on the revered occasion of his 88th birth anniversary.”
“An internationally respected spiritual leader and Nobel laureate, his lifelong commitment and outstanding contribution to the promotion of non-violence, human rights, and religious tolerance resonate throughout the world. He has inspired millions of people belonging to diverse faith and non-faith traditions around the globe through messages of peace, compassion, and non-violence, and we admire his dedication to the service of humanity and promoting a universal religion of human kindness,” he added.
“On this special day, I pray for his long life and wish that the light of his wisdom shine upon us and guide us in our lives. May his valuable presence and teachings serve as an inspiration for all people and sentient beings,” the Chief Minister of Sikkim concluded.
Vishwajit Rane, Goa's Minister of Health, Transport, Forests, Urban Development, Women and Children, tweeted, "Warm birthday wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Your wisdom, compassion, and tireless efforts to promote harmony and understanding inspire people worldwide. May you have good health and continue to spread love and enlightenment for many more years to come.”
MP Sashi Tharoor also tweeted, "Joining millions in conveying best wishes on this auspicious day to His Holiness the @DalaiLama. Long may he live & spread his light through the world."
Antony Blinkin the 71st Secretary of State extended his greetings and wrote, “I extend my warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 88th birthday, an auspicious day for the Tibetan community. His Holiness’s kindness and humility serve as an inspiration to many around the world, and I have deep admiration for his ongoing commitment to peace and nonviolence. Today, may we reflect on his messages of compassion and tolerance as we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the human rights of all people, including those of the Tibetan community.”
“The United States is unwavering in our commitment to support the linguistic, cultural, and religious identity of Tibetans, including the ability to freely choose and venerate their religious leaders without interference,” the Secretary wrote.
Under Secretary Uzra Zeya and Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues tweeted " am delighted to wish His Holiness @DalaiLama a happy 88th birthday. Today, may we reflect on his messages of compassion and tolerance as we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the human rights of all people, including Tibetans worldwide."
"The United States extends our warmest wishes to His Holiness @DalaiLama on his 88th birthday. His message of peace, humility, and compassion is an inspiration to many around the world," Matthew Miller, spokesman for the State Department, said on his official twitter account.
The Tibet Office in Brussels organised its annual celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 88th birthday in the famous Solvay Library, located close to the European Parliament and other EU institutions. Although His Holiness's birthday was on July 6, the reception was held on July 5, in line with the European Parliament's schedule. Around a hundred people attended the reception, including members of the diplomatic corps, European and Belgian officials, members of the European and Belgian parliaments, representatives of international NGOs and representatives of Tibetan groups based in Belgium.
