Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, celebrated his 87th birthday on Wednesday by opening a library and museum at his Indian headquarters in the mountains. He was hailed by many supporters, including American actor Richard Gere, a longtime student.
Hundreds of school children, monks and local residents prayed for the Dalai Lama’s health and life at Tsuglakhang Temple near his residence in Dharmsala. The Dalai Lama’s library and museum contains artifacts, his teachings, and books about his life and his struggle for Tibetan autonomy and the protection of indigenous Buddhist culture.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the Dalai Lama and wished him a happy birthday, he said on his Twitter account. This is the second time Modi has publicly confirmed he has spoken to the Dalai Lama since becoming prime minister in 2014.
The confirmation is significant amid deteriorating Indo-Chinese relations. Because China does not recognize the self-proclaimed Tibetan government in exile and accuses the Dalai Lama of wanting to secede Tibet from China.
The Dalai Lama has made the mountain town of Dharmsala his headquarters since fleeing Tibet after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959. India considers Tibet part of China, although it is home to Tibetan exiles.
The Dalai Lama denies being a separatist, saying he only advocates broad autonomy and the protection of Tibet’s indigenous Buddhist culture.
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