Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wished the Dalai Lama a happy birthday through a post on the social media platform X. In his message, Narendra Modi described the Tibetan spiritual leader's message of peace and harmony as a guiding force for people across the world and prayed for his long and healthy life.
What Narendra Modi wrote
In his post, Narendra Modi extended warm birthday greetings to the Dalai Lama. He wrote that the Dalai Lama's message of peace and harmony has been a guiding force for people across the world, and called his moral and spiritual strength, along with his commitment to global good, commendable. Narendra Modi ended the post by wishing the Dalai Lama a long and healthy life, tagging the Dalai Lama's official social media handle.
Who is the Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama is regarded as the foremost spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and is known worldwide for his message of peace, compassion and non violence. His birthday falls on July 6 every year and is marked by followers and well wishers across the globe, including in India, with messages and events organised in his honour.
A yearly tradition of greetings
This is not the first time Narendra Modi has wished the Dalai Lama on his birthday. Narendra Modi has sent birthday greetings to the Dalai Lama every year, including when the Dalai Lama celebrated his 88th and later his 90th birthdays. This year's message continues that same tradition, with Narendra Modi personally expressing his respect and good wishes for the Dalai Lama year after year.
Birthday wishes pour in from across the world
The Dalai Lama's birthday has drawn greetings from several countries, not just India. In the past, a special event was held ahead of his birthday at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, while London has also hosted events with messages of peace and solidarity around his birthday. Organisations linked to the Tibetan administration have also regularly shared updates on the birthday wishes the Dalai Lama receives from around the world each year.
Public reaction
Narendra Modi's post drew a mixed response on social media. While most users wished the Dalai Lama on his birthday and praised his teachings and message of peace, some also used the moment to raise questions about other issues concerning the government.
