Dalai Lama turns 86, calls for commitment to nonviolence

ibune News Service

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Dharamsala, July 6

The Dalai Lama, spiritual head of Tibetans, turned 86 today. In a video message released this morning from his residence at McLeodganj, the Dalai Lama demanded a gift from his friends that they should remain committed to nonviolence and compassion for the rest of their lives.

He said that being a refugee, he fully utilised India’s freedom and concept of secularism. “For the rest of my life, I shall be committed to serving humanity and working for the protection of the environment,” he added.

“Many people love me and many love my smile. Despite my old age, my face is quite handsome and that is why many people are friendly to me,” said the Dalai Lama chuckling. He expressed deep appreciation of his friends, who showed him love and respect.

Dignitaries from across the world, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, greeted the Dalai Lama on the occasion. “Spoke on phone to His Holiness the Dalai Lama to convey my greetings on his 86th birthday. We wish him a long and healthy life,” tweeted Modi.

The Dalai Lama’s birthday every year used to be a boon to the hotel and tourism industry of Dharamsala. Thousands of his followers from Mongolia and other Buddhist countries used to visit Dharamsala on the eve of his birthday before the Covid outbreak. However, this year, only a few foreigners, who are staying here, paid obeisance to the Dalai Lama at McLoedganj.