Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju represented the Government of India at the 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama in Dharamshala on Sunday, sending a clear message amid a diplomatic standoff with China over the spiritual leader’s succession. Rijiju lauded the Dalai Lama as a “living bridge between ancient wisdom and the modern world” and reaffirmed India’s commitment to honouring his wishes.
A Message of Reverence and Support
Addressing a large gathering of monks, dignitaries, and followers, Rijiju expressed deep reverence for the Tibetan spiritual leader. “We feel blessed by his presence in our country, which he regards as his ‘aryabhoomi’,” the minister stated. His presence at the event is seen as a significant symbolic gesture from New Delhi. On the eve of his birthday, the Dalai Lama himself reflected on his life in exile, stating, “Though we have lost our country and we are living in exile in India, that’s where I have been able to benefit beings quite a lot… I intend to benefit and serve beings as much as I can.”
India’s Firm Stance on Succession
The celebrations took place against the backdrop of renewed debate over who will choose the next Dalai Lama. Rijiju directly addressed the issue, reiterating India’s position in response to recent warnings from Beijing. “As a devotee and on behalf of millions of devotees across the world, I want to state that whatever decision taken by His Holiness, the established traditions and conventions, we will fully abide by it,” he said. This statement counters China’s repeated claims that it must approve the successor and reinforces the Dalai Lama’s own declaration that the India-based Gaden Phodrang Trust will have the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation.
