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Dalai Lama At 90: A Life Of Peace, Politics, And Persistent Controversy

As the 14th Dalai Lama turns 90, the Tibetan spiritual leader remains a global symbol of compassion and nonviolence. Yet, his journey has not been without controversy, from China’s opposition to his political role to recent public missteps. His legacy is one of spiritual depth, political exile, and global influence.

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama: Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday
Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday | Photo: PTI/Ravi Choudhary

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and others during the celebration of the former’s 90th birthday, at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple, McLeodganj, in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.

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Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama: Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso
Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso | Photo: Keystone/Getty Images

The 15 year old boy ruler of Tibet, Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso. Original Artwork: Painting by Kanwal Krishna. Original Publication: People Disc - HF0528

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Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama: The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso is exiled to India
The 14th Dalai Lama, is exiled to India | Photo: Daniele Darolle/Getty Images

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso is exiled to India, just after the failed Tibetan uprising and the rebellion of the anti-Chinese and anti-Communist against the invasion of Tibet.

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Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama: 14th Dalai Lama at Birla House in Mussoorie
14th Dalai Lama at Birla House in Mussoorie | Photo: Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, arrives at Birla House in Mussoorie, India, after fleeing from Tibet, April 1959.

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Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama: Dalai Lama in Assams Tezpur in 30 March 1959
Dalai Lama in Assam's Tezpur in 30 March 1959 | Photo: Pictures From History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

At the outset of the 1959 Tibetan uprising, fearing for his life, the Dalai Lama and his retinue fled Tibet with the help of the CIA's Special Activities Division, crossing into India on 30 March 1959, reaching Tezpur in Assam on 18 April.

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Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama:
Dalai Lama during 90th birthday celebration | Photo: PTI/Ravi Choudhary

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama with others during the celebration of his 90th birthday, at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple, McLeodganj, in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.

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Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama:
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama | Photo: PTI/Ravi Choudhary

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama with Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Hollywood actor Richard Gere and others during the celebration of the former’s 90th birthday, at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple, McLeodganj, in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.

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Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama: Dalai Lama with Actor Richard Gere
Dalai Lama with Actor Richard Gere | Photo: AP/Ashwini Bhatia

Actor Richard Gere, center right, wishes Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama at an event celebrating the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday in Dharamshala.

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Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama:
Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebration at Tsuglagkhang | Photo: PTI/Ravi Choudhary

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama with others during the celebration of his 90th birthday, at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple, McLeodganj, in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.

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Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama: Dalai Lama during 90th birthday celebration
Dalai Lama during 90th birthday celebration | Photo: PTI/Ravi Choudhary

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama with others during the celebration of his 90th birthday, at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple, McLeodganj, in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.

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Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama: Dalai Lamas 90th birthday
Dalai Lama's 90th birthday | Photo: AP/Ashwini Bhatia

A devotee looks at a tall layered cake at an event to celebrate Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday in Dharamshala.

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Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama:
Dalai Lama's 90th birthday | Photo: PTI/Ravi Choudhary

A member of Tibetan cultural groups performs during the celebration of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple, McLeodganj, in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.

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Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama: Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday
Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday | Photo: PTI/Ravi Choudhary

Members of Tibetan cultural groups distribute cakes during the celebration of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple, McLeodganj, in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.

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