‘Hope to live another 30 or 40 years’: Dalai Lama turns 90, vows to defy China; PM Modi extends wishes

Dalai Lama turns 90 (Image: Reuters)

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama turned 90, urging his followers to embrace compassion and inner peace. The is followed by a week of celebrations, during which he once again drew criticism from China and expressed hopes of living beyond 130 and reincarnating after death.

"So far, I believe I have served Buddha Dharma and the Tibetan people quite well... I hope to live for another 30 or 40 years - even over 130," the Dalai Lama said during a prayer ceremony held by Central Tibetan Administration at main Tibetan temple in McLeodganj.

“On the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate the fact that many of you are using the occasion to engage in initiatives that highlight the importance of compassion, warm-heartedness, and altruism,” he wrote.

90th Birthday Message

On the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate the fact that many of you are using the occasion to engage in… pic.twitter.com/bfWjAZ18BO — Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) July 5, 2025

His full name is Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso, commonly known as Tenzin Gyatso. He is widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential religious leaders, with a global following that extends far beyond Buddhism.

However, Beijing labels him a separatist and has consistently tried to bring Tibetan Buddhism under its control.

The Dalai Lama has confirmed that he will have a successor chosen in accordance with "past tradition", ending years of speculation about the centuries-old office.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on his 90th birthday and hailed him as a symbol of love and patience.

I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2025

Praying for his long life, the Prime Minister said that Dalai Lama’s message has inspired respect across all faiths.

Fleeing his native Tibet in 1959 in the wake of a failed uprising against Chinese rule, the 14th Dalai lama along with hundreds of thousands of Tibetans took shelter in India and has since advocated for a peaceful "Middle Way" to seek autonomy and religious freedom for Tibetan people.

(With agency inputs)