WASHINGTON, July 6:  Global leaders on Sunday greeted the Dalai Lama on his 90th birth anniversary, reaffirming their support to the Tibetan people.

  “The United States extends best wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday,” the United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement released on Saturday.

Rubio asserted, “The United States remains firmly committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans.”

In a setback for China, Rubio also supported Tibetans’ right to choose their religious leader.

“We support efforts to preserve Tibetans’ distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference,” Rubio said.

China rejected the Nobel Peace laureate’s succession plan, insisting that any future heir must receive its seal of approval.

Rubio also took to X to wish the Buddhist monk. “Extending best wishes to His Holiness Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. The Dalai Lama continues to inspire with his message of unity, peace, and compassion,” he posted on X on Sunday.

In a massive celebration on Sunday, thousands gathered in the main courtyard of Tsuglagkhang, the Dalai Lama temple in Dharamsala, to observe the 90th birth anniversary of the 14th Dalai Lama.

The birthday was attended by the representatives of various Tibetan Buddhist sects, school children, dancers and singers from different countries, and Buddhists from across the world.

While political leaders and global personalities from India and abroad attended the event, many sent their messages to be read at the ceremony.

Taiwan, claimed as its territory by China, also sent a statement wishing the Dalai Lama.

“On this special occasion, we extend our great appreciation for your dedication to peace and human rights—values that resonate deeply in #Taiwan. May you continue to illuminate the world with compassion and wisdom,” President of Taiwan Lai Ching-te posted on X.

Video messages from three former US presidents, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W Bush, were also broadcast at the ceremony.

I’m grateful for your enduring efforts to build a better, kinder, more compassionate world,” Bill Clinton said in his message, while Barack Obama called him “the youngest 90-year-old.”

George W Bush said that the Dalai Lama’s “spirit of kindness and compassion and love” is needed more than ever.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended warm wishes to the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday, and said he has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline.

“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,” Modi posted on X.

The Dalai Lama appealed to his followers on Saturday to be compassionate towards everyone and asserted that he will continue to focus on promoting human values and religious harmony.

In a note issued by the Central Tibetan Administration on the eve of his 90th birth anniversary, Tenzin Gyatso praised his followers for using the occasion to engage in initiatives that highlight the importance of compassion, warm-heartedness, and altruism.

Born on July 6, 1935, into a farming family in what is now Qinghai province, the Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 with a large group of Tibetans after the Chinese military under the command of Communist Party founder Mao Zedong took over Tibet.

Since then, he has made Dharamshala his “adopted” home. Today, he is regarded as one of the world’s most influential spiritual leaders, with a global following that extends far beyond the Buddhist community. In 1989, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his unwavering commitment to peace, compassion, and nonviolence.  (PTI)