Today marks the auspicious occasion of the 86th anniversary of the ascension of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Golden Throne of Tibet, the human manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the lord of the three realms of existence and the patron-deity of Tibet, a champion of world peace, a master of all teachings of the Buddha on this earth,  the protector and refuge of all Tibetan people, their utmost leader, and their edifying guide, the symbol of their identity and unity, and a free spokesperson for all Tibetan people. On this sacred occasion, on behalf of all Tibetan people who share the heritage of the tsampa-eating culture, as well as all followers of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, we joyfully and reverently extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness, with deep faith and profound gratitude, humbly offering our prostrations. 

His Holiness took his birth as Lhamo Dhondup, to his father, Choekyong Tsering and mother, Dekyi Tsering, in Taktser in the Domey province of Tibet on the 5th day of the 5th month in the Wood-Hog Year of the 16th Tibetan Royal Sexagenary. Based on divinations held at the sacred Lhamo Latso and in accordance with numerous other prophesies, a search party dispatched by the Government of Tibet undertook repeated enquiries, investigations, and tests in efforts akin to the arduous task of ensuring the genuineness of a piece of gold, and was able to conclusively recognize him as the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama. He was then confirmed by the National Assembly of Tibet as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, and the auspicious and delighting news was proclaimed across the land. The Government of Tibet overcame all challenges and ultimately succeeded in safely escorting the precious reincarnate Dalai Lama and his entourage to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. On 24th November 1939, the Regent, Reting Rinpoche, conducted the sacred ceremony of cutting of a tuft of hair from his head and administering to him the novice vows before the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. And the Regent bestowed upon him the ordination name “Jetsun Jampel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso Sisum Wanggyur Tsungpa Meypey De Pel-Sangpo”. In a sequence of curricular events after that, starting with learning to read and write, His Holiness embarked on a journey of relentless study, including receiving extensive religious teachings, from his two principal tutors. 

On the auspicious day of the 14th day of the first Tibetan month of the Iron-Dragon Year corresponding to the Gregorian calendar’s date of 22nd February 1940 – His Holiness the Dalai Lama was ushered to the high golden throne that was held aloft by eight fearless snow lions, during an elaborate customary official ceremony and other events that continued for a week. The event was held in the Grand Sizhi Phuntsok Assembly Hall at the Potala Palace in Lhasa. In attendance at the enthronement ceremony, bearing offerings of congratulatory gifts, were the civil and military officials of the Tibetan Government; the family members of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, accompanied by their attendants; the foremost lamas and tulkus of Tibet; and representatives from the neighbouring countries of China, Nepal, and Bhutan, as well as from the British Government of India and the Indian Government’s representative in Sikkim (known as the “Political Officer”), among others. 

At that time, the Republic of China was confronted with a dual crisis, resisting the ongoing invasion by Japan while simultaneously suppressing severe internal threats posed by the Communist Party of China, which made governing the country effectively a daunting challenge. Despite these pressures,  it deployed both material and human resources to maintain ties with Tibet. In particular, it made multitudes of efforts to put itself in a position to take a leading role in the process for the recognition of the reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, insisting that it be carried out by the method of lot-drawing from the golden urn, and to preside over the enthronement ceremony, for which purposes it despatched Wu Zhongxin as its envoy. In reality, although he arrived in Lhasa for the enthronement ceremony, the government of China failed to carry out its nefarious design.  Besides, it was all too obvious that the Chinese envoy received a reception no different from that accorded to other foreign dignitaries who attended the grand occasion. Nevertheless, China disseminated distorted accounts of these events, promoting narratives that were utterly false and baseless, even at that time.  

In 1949, the armed forces of Communist China launched an invasion of Tibet through its eastern border. Ensuing developments led to Tibet being compelled by the government of the People’s Republic of China to sign, under duress, what became known as the 17-Point Agreement in 1951. For more than eight years thereafter, Tibet sought to coexist with China under the terms of that agreement. However, these efforts ultimately failed. As a result, in 1959, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, along with more than 80,000 Tibetans, were left with no option but to flee into exile in India. Following their arrival, a government was established in exile, alongside numerous Tibetan religious and cultural centres. In short, outstanding results have been achieved in safeguarding and sustaining Tibetan religion, culture, language, and identity in exile. These achievements stand as a testament to the visionary leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the tireless dedication of the elder generations of Tibetans who persevered under his guidance. We remain deeply grateful for their enduring efforts and achievements.  

His Holiness has illuminated the path toward achieving happiness and peace not only for the Tibetan people, but also for all human beings. He has emphasized the importance of cultivating a sense of oneness among all human beings, undivided by distinctions of race, status, skin colour, and so forth. In striving for world peace, His Holiness has emphasized that one must first endeavour to achieve peace within oneself, as it cannot be attained through external material facilities alone. His Holiness has further counselled that the way forward for resolving the problems of human society, whether great or small, is not through comparing physical strength or utilizing weapons of destruction, but rather by holding talks as a means to resolve differences. In this context, and in pursuit of the just cause of Tibet, His Holiness has consistently directed his efforts at resolving the Sino-Tibet conflict by peaceful means, seeking dialogue with the government of the People’s Republic of China. 

As a Buddhist scholar, His Holiness has held dialogue and exchanges with experts in different fields of modern science for more than three decades. As a result, many eminent scientists have been able to prove that Buddhist concepts such as Mind and Mental Events, as well as the Four Applications of Mindfulness and so forth can especially help achieve mental wellbeing and happiness. The profound knowledge and boundless kindness underlying the wisdom and vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, have continued to earn him praise and admiration to this day. So, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to bridging the gap between science and spirituality, fostering interfaith harmony, and promoting universal ethics and compassion, His Holiness was awarded with the prestigious Templeton Prize in 2012. Indeed, in acknowledgement of his far-reaching contributions in these field, he has been honoured with many hundreds of awards. Most recently, on the 2nd February, His Holiness won a Grammy Award, for which we take the opportunity presented by this occasion to offer heartfelt congratulations. This award was a recognition not only for His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his personal accomplishments but also a reaffirmation of the fact that the religious, cultural, and linguistic heritage of the Tibetan people constitutes a treasure of global value and worthy of preservation. The teachings of His Holiness on compassion, on cultivating a sense of oneness of all human beings, and his discourses on issues concerned with religion, the environment, and ethical human values have become timely necessities for people across the world as well as to the Tibetan people in particular. Hence, it is important that we sincerely uphold and put these teachings into practice in our daily lives.  

His Holiness has dedicated his life to fulfilling four principal commitments, among which the promotion of inter-religious harmony is an important one. As a Buddhist monk, and devoted follower of the Buddha, he has repeatedly emphasized in his teachings that despite the existence of many different religions in this world, all share the common characteristic of teaching: contentment, love, compassion, tolerance, and so forth, which contributes to the well-being of humanity in accordance with the particularity of the dispositions and inclinations of their different, concerned followers. He has therefore consistently spoken strongly about the need for mutual respect among the different religious traditions, and has described as deeply unfortunate any situation in human society in which conflicts arise in the name of religious causes. 

Among the series of events scheduled this year to mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was a prayer service organized by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile at the Raj Ghat, in Delhi, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, on the morning of the 1st December 2025. It was held to highlight the second of His Holiness’s four principal commitments-the promotion of inter-religious harmony, and for the cause of world peace. Participants included representatives of followers from Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, Parsi, and Sikh communities. Likewise, the Tibetan community at the Samyeling settlement and Tibetan people running their winter sweater-seller markets in the city also joined the event. Representatives of each faith tradition took turns to offer prayers during the event. It is our firm belief that the merits and the virtuous deeds from this prayer service will definitely contribute toward the causes that fulfil all the noble visions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in an important way, constituting a part in the clouds of offerings that gladden the victorious one, for as it is said, “small flowers, though humble, are worthwhile religious offerings.”  

The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile wishes to take this opportunity provided by this occasion to express gratitude to all governments and peoples who have thus far rendered services to assist the undertakings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and extended support to the Tibetan people. In particular, it conveys sincere appreciation to the host central and state governments of India, as well as the governments of the United States of America, European countries, Japan, and other concerned countries and peoples.  

In conclusion, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile offers earnest prayers for an auspicious turn of events in which His Holiness the Dalai Lama lives for a hundred aeons, and on that basis, see all his wishes be fulfilled with spontaneity, with the issue of Tibet being resolved, the sunshine of the day when Tibetans in Tibet and in exile are reunited at the earliest possible moment being realized, and that His Holiness may return to Tibet and once again be seated on the high golden throne in the Potala Palace in the capital, Lhasa.  

Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile 

22 February 2026 

* In case of any discrepancy between this English translation and its Tibetan original, the latter should be considered as authoritative and final for all purposes.