PM Modi, Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu Wish Dalai Lama On 88th Birthday

Tibetan religious leader the 14th Dalai Lama has been in India since 1959. He has been propagating his religion and culture all over the world from Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala.

Tenzin Gyatso, widely known as the Dalai Lama, is a revered spiritual leader and the 14th incarnation of the Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhism. ( Image Source :Getty )

Just like the previous years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to the Dalai Lama and wished him on his 88th birthday. Last year, China's feathers were ruffled when PM Modi wished the Dalai Lama on his birthday.

Tibetan religious leader Dalai Lama has been in India for the last several years, from where he has been propagating his religion and culture all over the world. But China has been opposing this. China has objected many times to giving shelter to the Dalai Lama in India. After PM Modi wished the Tibetan religious leader last year, China issued a statement, saying Tibet is an internal matter of China and "no external force should interfere in this". "India should recognize the anti-China separatist nature of the Dalai Lama," the statement read.

India, however, rebuffed China's claims, saying that the Dalai Lama is an honoured guest of India and a respected religious leader with a large following. External Affairs Minister Arindam Bagchi had then said: "His Holiness is accorded all due courtesies and freedom to conduct his religious and spiritual activities in India. His birthday is celebrated by many of his followers in India and abroad." The Dalai Lama has been living in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala since fleeing his homeland in 1959. 

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also met the Tibetan religious leader and wished him a long life. "I am honoured to come to Dharamshala to extend warm birthday greetings and best wishes to His Holiness the Dharma Guru, the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama is a true symbol of peace and compassion, his teachings continue to inspire millions across the globe. I am sure That his teachings and guidance will lead us to a brighter future. We wish him a healthy life and long life," Sukhu said.

In April this year, the Dalai Lama attended the Global Buddhist Summit organised by India in New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by PM Modi. More than 171 Buddhist monks, scholars and representatives from 30 countries had attended the event. China, however, skipped the summit.

Who Is The Present Dalai Lama?

Tenzin Gyatso, widely known as the Dalai Lama, is a revered spiritual leader and the 14th incarnation of the Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhism. Born on July 6, 1935, in Taktser, Tibet, he was recognized as the reincarnation of his predecessor at a young age and assumed his spiritual and political responsibilities at the tender age of 15.

Throughout his life, the Dalai Lama has been a steadfast advocate for peace, non-violence, and human rights. He has tirelessly campaigned for the autonomy of Tibet and the preservation of its unique cultural and religious heritage. His unwavering commitment to non-violence earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.