The Dalai Lama inaugurated a library and museum in his hillside Indian headquarters on Wednesday to commemorate his 87th birthday. Numerous admirers applauded him, including longtime disciple and American actor Richard Gere.
In a video shared by news agency Reuters, Gere, an active follower and supporter of the Dalai Lama is seen participating in celebrations organized by the Central Tibetan Administration of the Tibetan government-in-exile at the main Buddhist temple of Tsuglagkhang in Dharamshala.
The Dalai Lama, throughout his life in exile, has achieved prominence among the worldĄŻs political, religious, and social leaders as a universal icon of peace, harmony, and non-violence.
He has succeeded in exposing the enormous horrors endured by the Tibetan people under Chinese rule as well as the true nature of China's anti-democratic, anti-religious, and anti-humanistic stance.
He has been advocating the Tibetan cause with non-violence for many decades. He has been raising awareness in the international community about the TibetansĄŻ right to a homeland and culture, the restoration of the thousands of Buddhist monasteries China destroyed, and the freedom of hundreds of Tibetans captured by Beijing.?
Since leaving Tibet after a failed uprising against Chinese control in 1959, the Dalai Lama has made the hillside town of Dharmsala his base of operations. Despite hosting Tibetan exiles, India views Tibet as a part of China.
The Dalai Lama claims he is not a separatist and only supports substantial autonomy for Tibet and preserving its indigenous Buddhist culture.
(With ANI inputs)
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