Dharmsala: Tibetan Spiritual Leader Dalai Lama celebrated turning 86 on Tuesday, thanking his supporters and revealed his appreciation for India, where he had lived since he fled his homeland in 1959.
“I want to reveal a profound award from all My friend who really shows me love, respect, and believe, “said Dalai Lama in a video message.
He repeated his mission to serve humanity and urged supporters to be compassionate.
“Since I became a refugee and now settled in India, I have taken full advantage of Indian freedom and religious harmony,” he said.
He added that he greatly respected Indian secular values ​​such as “honesty, karuna (affection), and Ahimsa (without violence).” Dalai Lama made the city of Dharmsala hill slopes after a rebellion that failed against the Chinese government in 1959.
China did not recognize the Tibet-in-Exile government and accused the Dalai Lama in separating Tibet from China.
The Dalai Lama denied being separatist and said he only advocated autonomy and protection of the original Buddha culture of Tibet.
On Tuesday, a small celebration attended by most government officials was held in the Central Tibetan administration.
On a projected screen, the video message Dalai Lama is played and followed by cultural performance by the Tibetan Performing Arts Institute.
Usually, the birthday of the spiritual leader is a fairly complicated business in the city, open to community members who will flock to Tsuglakhang Temple where the show is held.
Sometimes, leaders will also appear.
This year, because the coronavirus pandemic, the celebration was muted and behind the closed door.
But banners marked his birthday hung on the town square and Tibet monks distributed sweets and juices to people who passed – with outside the temple closed.
“Many people really show that they love me.
And many people really love my smile,” said Dalai Lama with a smile at the beginning of the video.
“Apart from my elderly, my face was quite handsome,” he said laughing.