TheLittleTwentieth – Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused

Local sources from India: Navbharat Times, Dainik Bhaskar.
UK coverage: The Guardian.

The 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s revered exiled spiritual leader, was marked by grand celebrations across India and expressions of support from global leaders, amidst ongoing concerns over China’s influence in Tibet and the contentious issue of his successor’s selection. The Dalai Lama’s milestone birthday was celebrated with fervor, with events highlighting his lifelong contributions to promoting compassion, moral discipline, and human rights. In Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, often referred to as ‘Little Lhasa’, a week-long series of events commenced on June 30, leading up to the official birthday on July 6, 2025. These festivities, which herald the ‘Year of Compassion’, included religious conferences, youth forums, film screenings, and prayers, attended by dignitaries such as actor Richard Gere, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Chief Ministers Pema Khandu of Arunachal Pradesh and Prem Singh Tamang of Sikkim. Despite the Dalai Lama’s stance that the Gaden Phodrang Trust holds sole authority to recognize his successor, China has voiced its intent to assert control over the process, casting a shadow over the celebrations. This assertion by China escalates the longstanding geopolitical tension with India and underscores the international community’s rally for the preservation of Tibet’s cultural and religious heritage. Messages of support from three former US presidents further emphasized the global recognition and appreciation of the Dalai Lama’s enduring efforts towards nurturing kindness and advocating for human rights. Meanwhile, the Tibetan community in Mount Abu also celebrated the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday with great enthusiasm, engaging in worship and charitable acts, such as offering food to the poor, thereby embodying the spiritual leader’s teachings of compassion and kindness. The event, led by the Mount Abu Tibetan Association and the Tibetan Market under the leadership of Tenzin, showcased the widespread admiration and respect for the Dalai Lama’s values across different parts of India. These celebrations not only honor the Dalai Lama’s nine decades of life but also reflect the complex interplay of religious traditions, political aspirations, and international diplomacy that define the ongoing struggle for Tibet’s future.