By Ananya Varma
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wished the 14th Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday, calling him an “enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline.” In a post on X, PM Modi said on X, also prayed for his”continued good health and long life.” “I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline,” PM Modi said on X. He added, “His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life.” Also Read: ‘I Hope to Live For Another 30 or 40 Years – Even Over 130’: Dalai Lama Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday Tibetan Spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, arrived at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, where his 90th birthday celebrations are currently underway. Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju, Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh and Hollywood actor Richard Gere and others were present at the occasion. As he turned 90, in a birthday message on his website on Sunday, the Dalai Lama said he was “just a simple Buddhist monk” and that he will continue to focus on his commitments of promoting human values and religious harmony. “So far, I believe I have served Buddha Dharma and the Tibetan people quite well… I hope to live for another 30 or 40 years – even over 130,” the Dalai Lama said during a prayer ceremony held by Central Tibetan Administration at the main Tibetan temple in McLeodganj. Also Read: What Did Dalai Lama Say On China’s Role In Picking His Successor? Last week, the Dalai Lama confirmed that he will have a successor chosen in accordance with “past tradition”, ending years of speculation about the centuries-old office. In a strong message to China, the Dalai Lama also made it clear that “no authority” will interfere in the matter. Meanwhile, China has hit back saying that the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation must follow the principles of domestic recognition, the ‘Golden Urn’ process, and approval by the central government.