DHARAMSALA, Jul 5: Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Lok Sabha member Tapir Gao joined devotees in Dharamsala on Saturday to participate in the long life prayer ceremony held on the eve of the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama.
The ceremony, based on the traditional Amitayus ritual, witnessed the participation of a large number of followers and public figures, reaffirming spiritual solidarity with the Tibetan leader.
Khandu, in a post on X, described the gathering as “a powerful coming together of hearts and hopes, united across generations and nations,” and conveyed wishes for the continued health and spiritual guidance of the Dalai Lama.
The chief minister also met American actor and Tibetan rights advocate Richard Gere, who attended the event with his son Homer James Jigme Gere. Khandu said Gere’s longstanding association with the Dalai Lama and his advocacy for Tibetan Buddhism have been a source of inspiration.
Rijiju, in a separate message on X, said the Dalai Lama bestowed blessings during the ceremony and expressed his wish to continue serving humanity for another 30 to 40 years. “Humbled to receive his blessings during this sacred occasion,” he said.
Tapir Gao noted that the Dalai Lama's aspiration to live beyond 130 years imbued the gathering with a strong sense of spiritual unity and collective hope. He also highlighted the participation of MLAs and devotees in the ceremony and its deep cultural and religious significance.
Arunachal Pradesh shares a historical connection with the Tibetan spiritual leader, who crossed into the state in 1959 while fleeing Tibet. In a commemorative event held on March 31 this year, a 300-member group comprising monks, village heads, border personnel, tourists, and Panchayati Raj representatives retraced a 100-kilometre route through Tawang, marking the path the Dalai Lama had taken during his escape.
The event took place amid the broader context of strained relations between India and China, particularly over the territorial status of Arunachal Pradesh. China refers to the state as “South Tibet” and has previously renamed locations within Arunachal, drawing sharp responses from India.
