Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday greeted the Dalai Lama on his 87th birthday and said people are praying for the long life and good health of the Tibetan spiritual leader.
Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jairam Thakur, who was the chief guest at the celebrations marking the Dalai Lama’s birthday, said in an address via video conference that the spiritual leader has protected Tibetan culture and used non-violence to resolve issues.
“Conveyed 87th birthday greetings to His Holiness the @DalaiLama over the phone earlier today. We pray for his long life and good health,” Modi tweeted after his telephonic conversation with the Dalai Lama.
Hollywood star Richard Gere joined Penpa Tsering, the Sikyong or head of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), cut a birthday cake at a public event in Dharamshala as a large crowd sang “Happy Birthday”.