Amid Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebrations, Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu asserts that China has no authority or connection with the Gaden Phodrang institution, which belongs to Tibet and the Himalayan people.
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh), July 6 — In a direct message to Beijing, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu declared that the institution of the Dalai Lama—Gaden Phodrang Trust—has no link to China, stressing that it is rooted in Tibetan tradition and revered across the Himalayan belt.
Attending the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday eve celebrations in Dharamshala, Khandu told ANI,
“China doesn’t have a field to comment on His Holiness’ institution. Buddhism may exist in China, but the Dalai Lama institution is not in China. It belongs to Tibet and to the Himalayan people who follow and honour it.”
Khandu reinforced the position that China has no spiritual or institutional connection to the Dalai Lama’s lineage:
“China has nothing to do with the institution of the Dalai Lama, because it was never part of China. It is rooted in Tibet and its followers are the people of the Himalayan region.”
Speaking at the event, Khandu said it was a privilege to be part of such a historic occasion:
“It is an honour for us to celebrate the 90th birthday of His Holiness, and I came here especially to represent the people of Arunachal Pradesh.”
The remarks come amid ongoing tensions over the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama. On July 2, the Dalai Lama reiterated that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a foundation created by him, holds the authority to recognise any future reincarnations, thereby excluding China from the process entirely.
In a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Dalai Lama shared his birthday reflections:
“On the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate that many of you are using the occasion to highlight the importance of compassion, warm-heartedness, and altruism.”
Humbly referring to himself as “just a simple Buddhist monk”, the Dalai Lama added:
“While material development is important, true peace comes from cultivating a good heart and compassion for everyone—not just close ones. Through this, we can contribute to making the world a better place.”
Celebrations in Dharamshala, the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile, are being held with devotion and joy, as Tibetan communities across the globe commemorate the spiritual leader’s legacy. According to the Gregorian calendar, the Dalai Lama’s birthday falls on July 6.
This year’s celebrations carry special significance amid global concerns regarding the future succession of the Dalai Lama. Khandu’s statement underlines India’s support for the Tibetan community’s spiritual autonomy and directly challenges China’s long-standing claims of authority over the succession process.