Seated before a grand nine-tier cake, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, addressed the audience.“You have not come here out of obligation but out of genuine reverence,” he said. “When I reflect upon my life, I feel I have not wasted it. Though I hold the title of Dalai Lama, I do not harbour pride or arrogance. As a bhikshu a monk and a follower of the Buddha my purpose has always been to serve the public and uphold the Buddha’s teachings.”He emphasised that the love and admiration of people inspire him to continue his life’s mission.“I always reflect on Shantideva’s Bodhisattvacharyavatara, the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, considering all sentient beings as my relatives and friends. On this birthday, your joy inspires me. Thank you,” he said.His Holiness further added, “The more people express genuine joy, the more inspired I feel. Practising Bodhichitta, I focus not on seeking admiration but on cherishing others more than myself. That brings people closer and evokes admiration.”In honour of the occasion, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, declared a global ‘Year of Compassion’ for Tibetans and “friends of Tibet”. The announcement emphasised the Dalai Lama’s four core commitments: the promotion of universal human values, fostering interfaith harmony, preservation of Tibetan culture and the environment, and the revival of ancient Indian knowledge.“In today’s world, marked by violent conflict, arms races, trade disputes, social disintegration, moral decline, and climate change, His Holiness’s commitments offer indisputable and holistic solutions,” the statement read.“His teachings span individual compassion, societal harmony, cultural preservation, and scientific revival, offering practical frameworks for a more peaceful world.”
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