PM Modi Extends Wishes To Dalai Lama On 90th Birthday, Hails Him As Symbol Of Patience | India Today

PM Modi's Birthday Wishes

• 💡 Prime Minister Modi extended birthday wishes to the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday.
• 🙏 Modi described the Dalai Lama as an enduring symbol of patience and moral discipline, respected across all faiths, and prayed for his good health.

Diplomatic Significance

• 🎯 The Prime Minister's wishes and the celebration send a significant message to Beijing, which does not accept the Dalai Lama.
• 🇮🇳 Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's presence was particularly notable, given his origin from Arunachal Pradesh, a state claimed by China.

India's Stance on Succession

• 🔑 Rijiju has previously spoken against China's rejection of a successor being born outside Chinese territory or chosen by the Dalai Lama's trust.
• ⚠️ The Dalai Lama's succession plan is a contentious issue that has "riled China to no end."

Chinese Opposition

• 🇨🇳 China has rejected the idea of a reincarnate being born outside Chinese territory.
• 🚫 Beijing also opposes the Dalai Lama's trust officially choosing the reincarnate.

Celebration Details

• 👏 The event in Dharamshala was attended by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and several MPs, despite monsoon season and space constraints.
• ✨ Many dignitaries desired to attend but could not be accommodated due to the limited space in front of the Dalai Lama's residence.