The 14th Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959. (file)
Washington:
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday wished the India-based Tibetan spiritual leader on his 88th birthday, saying the Dalai Lama’s kindness and humility are an inspiration to many around the world.
Blinken also said that the United States remains steadfast in its commitment to support the linguistic, cultural and religious identity of Tibetans, including their ability to freely choose and respect their religious leaders without interference.
“I extend my warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 88th birthday, which is an auspicious day for the Tibetan community,” he said.
“His Holiness’s kindness and humility serve as an inspiration to many around the world and I deeply admire his continued commitment to peace and nonviolence,” Blinken said in a statement.
In 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India following a Chinese crackdown on an insurgency by the local population in Tibet.
India granted him political asylum and the Tibetan government-in-exile has since been based in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh.
“Today, may we reflect on his messages of compassion and tolerance as we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the human rights of all people, including the Tibetan community,” the top US diplomat said in a statement.
China has in the past accused the Dalai Lama of engaging in “separatist” activities and trying to split Tibet, and considers him a divisive figure.
However, the Tibetan spiritual leader has insisted that he is not seeking independence but “genuine autonomy” for all Tibetans.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV Staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)