Richard Gere in Dharamshala to celebrate Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, watch videos: ‘It’s always a delight being here’

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#WATCH | Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh | Hollywood Actor, Richard Gere, says “All of my friends are here to celebrate the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama… This monastery is very important to me and my friends. It is always a delight being here.” https://t.co/V2S2XJHkid pic.twitter.com/DXnPwnsCKq

— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2025

In a significant ritual held at the Nechung Monastery, the Nechung Oracle, regarded as one of the protector deities of the Tibetan community, entered into a trance state to bless the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and its leaders. CTA President Penpa Tsering, ministers, parliamentarians, and many Tibetan devotees were present for the event. Tsering explained the relevance of the ceremony, “This is the invocation of the Nechung Oracle. Nechung, along with Palden Lhamo, is an official protective deity of the Tibetan administration. We seek guidance from the oracle during periods of difficulty and uncertainty.”

Today ICT Chairman Richard Gere and President Tencho Gyatso joined hundreds in Dharamsala to celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday!

His Holiness gave brief remarks on the future of the Institution of the Dalai Lamas. #Tibet

Watch more: https://t.co/NJtnCPJ969 pic.twitter.com/Lfh32EYfqU

— International Campaign for Tibet (@SaveTibetOrg) June 30, 2025

On June 30, at Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama made a brief public appearance and reaffirmed his dedication to peace, compassion, and service to the Tibetan people and the broader global community.  The celebrations have drawn numerous interfaith leaders, underlining the Dalai Lama’s influence beyond Buddhism.

Swami Chidanand Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan Ashram said, “Dalai Lama ji is a blessing to the world. His message is clear: peace over conflict. We are here to celebrate his 90 years of love and healing.” Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati emphasised the Dalai Lama’s example of compassion in the face of adversity. “He has taught us that even amidst hurt, one can still choose love, forgiveness, and truth.”

达赖喇嘛尊者的挚友，西藏自由事业坚定的支持者，被中共称为“藏独”势力代言人，美国著名演员理查·基尔(Richard Gere)抵达达然萨拉大乘法苑前，明天他将应邀参加多麦地区藏人为达赖喇嘛尊者举办的九十华诞庆典活动。 pic.twitter.com/6ZSZlPcRDr

— 萨格尔扎西 SakarTashi (@P9Wb1kMpj484jEW) June 29, 2025

Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni echoed the message of non-violence and dialogue, “Religion is meant to connect, not divide. On this occasion, we reiterate that war solves nothing; dialogue and understanding are the paths forward.” From July 2 to 4, Dharamshala will host a three-day international Buddhist conference, bringing together senior monks and scholars from various global traditions.

Arriving in Dharamashala for the 90th birthday of HH the @DalaiLama with @PujyaSwamiji, @OfficialGere
(Richard Gere) and other Faith Leaders. #WishesforHis90thbrithday #DalaiLama #hisholiness #pujyaswamiji #sadhviji #sadhvibhagawatisaraswati #richardgere pic.twitter.com/VR0RvmkZZx

— Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati (@SadhviBhagawati) June 29, 2025

The event will culminate in a major address by the Dalai Lama, during which he is expected to speak on the future of the Tibetan reincarnation tradition, a topic of considerable interest within the global Tibetan and Buddhist communities. Additionally, the International Buddhist Confederation will host a special commemorative event on July 13 in New Delhi.