Amsterdam’s Dam Square Hosts Grand Celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday, Uniting Diverse Communities in Compassion and Peace

Amsterdam, Netherlands, July 6, 2025 — On a rainy afternoon, Amsterdam’s Dam Square transformed into a vibrant hub of unity and reverence as the Tibetan Community Netherlands hosted a grand celebration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. Approximately 400 attendees from diverse ethnicities, faiths,
and backgrounds gathered to honor the global icon of compassion and peace through speeches, Tibetan cultural performances, prayer ceremonies, and birthday tributes. Led by Norbu Tsering, Chairman of the Tibetan Community Netherlands, the event embraced the theme of “Compassion and Peace,” echoing the Dalai Lama’s timeless teaching, “My religion is kindness,” and calling for love and unity in a turbulent world.




Background and Significance: The Dalai Lama’s Global LegacyHis Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and 1989 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has profoundly influenced the world through his teachings of non-violence, compassion, and interfaith harmony. Born Tenzin Gyatso on July 6, 1935, in a small village in northeastern Tibet, he was recognized at age two as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. At 15, he assumed political leadership during China’s invasion of Tibet in 1950. Following the 1959 Tibetan uprising, he fled to India, establishing the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in Dharamsala alongside over 80,000 Tibetan refugees. His “Middle Way” approach seeks genuine autonomy for Tibet within China, while his global advocacy for Buddhist philosophy, environmental protection, and universal values has made him a beacon of hope.

The 2025 celebrations of his 90th birthday worldwide not only honor his personal milestone but also highlight his contributions to preserving Tibetan culture and promoting global peace. Amid discussions about his succession, the Dalai Lama has reaffirmed that his reincarnation will be determined independently by the Gaden Phodrang Trust, rejecting external interference, particularly China’s claim to control the process through measures like the “golden urn” or government approval. These celebrations underscore his enduring commitment to environmental sustainability, religious harmony, and human well-being, inspiring global communities to act with compassion.


Event Highlights: 

A Tapestry of Culture and SpiritualityHeld from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the celebration showcased the spiritual richness of Tibetan culture and the harmony of diverse faiths. Colorful prayer flags and Tibetan snow lion flags adorned the square, symbolizing auspiciousness and freedom. A large outdoor screen displayed clips of the Dalai Lama’s speeches, quotes, and prayers, sharing his message of peace. A Tibetan children’s choir performed soulful songs in Tibetan, expressing deep reverence for His Holiness, moving the audience. Attendees joined in singing “Happy Birthday” in Tibetan, English, and Dutch, followed by the sharing of a birthday cake, creating a joyful, communal atmosphere. 

Booths were set up for participants to write birthday cards, with many penning heartfelt messages of gratitude. The event culminated in a traditional Tibetan lungta (wind horse) powder-throwing ceremony, symbolizing peace and blessings, resonating deeply with all present.The gathering of approximately 400 participants—spanning Tibetans, Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, and non-religious individuals—reflected Amsterdam’s inclusive spirit. The event concluded with a group photo and enthusiastic cheers, leaving a lasting impression of unity and hope.


Interfaith Leaders’ Calls for Compassion and PeaceLeaders from various religious and community backgrounds delivered speeches, drawing from their traditions to highlight the universal value of compassion, resonating with the Dalai Lama’s vision:Norbu Tsering, Chairman of the Tibetan Community Netherlands: Opened the event, thanking attendees for braving the rain and emphasizing the celebration as a tribute to the Dalai Lama’s 90 years of compassion and wisdom, as well as a commitment to Tibetan culture and freedom. He urged all to spread peace and love through action.

Tsering Jampa, Chair of Tibet Support Group Netherlands: Representing 6 million Tibetans, she thanked supporters, calling the day a sacred moment for Tibetans and global allies. Reflecting on 40 years of advocacy for Tibetan freedom, she highlighted the Dalai Lama as the heart of the Tibetan cause and shared the EU Human Rights Ambassador’s statement supporting Tibetan Buddhists’ right to choose their leaders, including the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation, condemning Chinese interference. She noted the imprisonment of Tibetans for revering His Holiness and the forced placement of nearly a million Tibetan children in colonial boarding schools aimed at erasing Tibetan identity. She called for global solidarity against cultural erasure and for Tibetan religious freedom, affirming that only the Dalai Lama and Tibetans have the right to decide his reincarnation.

Vayhishta Miskin, Amsterdam Southeast Councilor (BIJ1 Party): Praised the Dalai Lama’s compassion for inspiring her work uniting diverse residents in Southeast Amsterdam, supporting initiatives like “Hushu House” for undocumented residents, and fostering peaceful communities.

Emmanuel Koney, Chairman of the Assemblies of God and Revival Churches Alliance: Shared his journey from Ghana to the Netherlands, commending the Dalai Lama’s inclusive spirit and calling for compassion toward undocumented individuals and refugees to build a world without labels.

Saeed Ahmad Jatoi, Imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community: Cited Islamic teachings to emphasize compassion beyond religious labels, urging unity and peace as a universal mission.

Kritapala Charoensuk, Thai Buddhist Representative: Highlighted the alignment of the Dalai Lama’s non-violence with Theravada Buddhism’s compassion, calling for unity to address global challenges.

Rabbi Cohen, Jewish Community Representative: Invoked Maimonides’ eight levels of charity, emphasizing selfless aid, and blessed the Dalai Lama to continue influencing the world like Moses.

Sandhya Chaudhary, Hindu Community Representative: Opened with “May all beings be happy,” aligning the Dalai Lama’s teachings with Hindu values of non-violence (ahimsa) and compassion (daya/karuna), urging daily acts of kindness.

Gurpreet Singh, Sikh Community Representative (with Manoj Singh, Ajay Singh): Quoted the Guru Granth Sahib, “Compassion is the cloth, contentment the thread,” emphasizing action-oriented compassion and equality.

Amrita Tiwari, Chair of the International Dharmic Foundation: Cited the Rigveda, “Truth is one, sages call it by many names,” promoting peace (Shanti) and compassion as universal values.

Katia Voss, Rigpa Buddhist Centre Representative: Recalled the Dalai Lama’s role in spreading Tibetan Buddhism globally, urging the integration of compassion into daily life.
Wangpo Tethong, Director of the International Campaign for Tibet: Shared a 2022 discussion with the Dalai Lama on climate change, emphasizing compassion as action and wishing for his guidance toward freedom.

Lalit Bhusal, Founder of My Name is Climate Foundation: Representing Lumbini, Nepal, he warned of Himalayan climate threats and led a meditative pledge to protect the Earth as a birthday gift to His Holiness.

Liu Feilong, Guangdong Human Rights Activist: Greeted with “Tashi Delek,” praising the Dalai Lama as a resilient “banyan tree” safeguarding peace and culture, accepting a khata and Voices for the Voiceless, calling for his legacy to endure.

Chinese Dissidents and Activists’ Resolute SupportSeveral Chinese democracy activists and dissidents attended despite the rain, holding posters and Tibetan snow lion flags inscribed with “His Holiness at 90, Compassion Lights the World” in Tibetan, English, and Chinese. Warmly welcomed by Tibetans with handshakes and shared food, they voiced admiration for the Dalai Lama and condemned China’s suppression of Tibetan culture in interviews:

Xing Songlin, Henan Dissident: A former victim of judicial persecution in China, Xing attended to honor the Dalai Lama’s influence and resilience against Chinese rule. Initially unfamiliar with His Holiness, he studied his teachings online after leaving China, describing him as a “truly great” leader. He insisted that the reincarnation process should follow Tibetan traditions, free from Chinese interference, calling such interventions “cultural genocide.” He supported the Dalai Lama’s “Middle Way,” criticizing China’s rejection of this lawful approach, and condemned the forced placement of over a million Tibetan children in boarding schools and dam projects destroying monasteries and villages. As a Han Chinese, he expressed solidarity with Tibetans, advocating respect for their way of life.

Yue San, Henan Human Rights Defender: Honored to attend, Yue praised the Dalai Lama as a religious, cultural, and political leader, lauding his non-violent “Middle Way.” He denounced China’s interference in reincarnation as illegitimate, labeling the CCP a “spotted cult,” and criticized boarding schools and dam projects as cultural erasure. He called for support for Tibetan and Uyghur freedom.

Jiang Hong, Heilongjiang Democracy Activist: Attended to bless the Dalai Lama, praising his advocacy for democracy and peace. He opposed Chinese interference in reincarnation, criticized “Sinicization” policies as cultural genocide, and condemned boarding schools and dam projects, urging equality for Tibetans and Uyghurs.

Liu Bowen, Hubei Democracy Activist: Celebrated the Dalai Lama as Tibet’s spiritual leader, opposing Chinese interference in reincarnation and “Sinicization” as cultural erasure. He criticized boarding schools and dam projects, advocating for ethnic equality.

Wei Zhijian, Guangxi Democratic Party Member: Praised the Dalai Lama’s pursuit of autonomy and democracy, condemning Chinese interference in reincarnation, boarding schools, and dam projects as cultural genocide, calling for international attention and ethnic unity.

Chen Zhi, Henan Democracy Activist: As a Christian, Chen admired the Dalai Lama’s human rights advocacy, refuting China’s “separatist” label. He criticized “Sinicization” as faith control, condemned boarding schools and dam projects, and urged support for minority rights.


Global Resonance: Political Leaders’ Tributes and Worldwide CelebrationsThe Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday sparked global celebrations, with political leaders and celebrities offering heartfelt tributes. In Dharamsala, India, thousands gathered at Tsuglagkhang Temple, joined by Indian Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, with Rijiju calling the Dalai Lama “India’s most honored guest.” Hollywood actor Richard Gere kissed His Holiness’s hand, describing him as “the most extraordinary person.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, “On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I extend heartfelt wishes to His Holiness, a symbol of love, compassion, and morality.” Former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush sent blessings, with Obama calling him “the youngest 90-year-old” and Clinton praising his unifying spirit. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te lauded his inspiration for freedom and human rights.Celebrations spanned India, Nepal, and Tibetan exile communities. In Lalitpur, Nepal, Tibetan refugees held song-and-dance events and cake-cutting ceremonies, attended by diplomats. In Siliguri, West Bengal, Kalchakra Monastery hosted an eye camp, blending spirituality with humanitarian aid. Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla, India, held long-life prayers, with monks and devotees honoring the Dalai Lama’s legacy. These events underscored his global impact on culture and peace.

Event Significance: A Global Call for CompassionThis celebration was more than a birthday tribute; it was a vibrant convergence of cultures and faiths, showcasing compassion’s power to unite humanity. From the children’s songs to interfaith speeches, from prayer ceremonies to Han-Tibetan solidarity, the event embodied Amsterdam’s inclusive ethos. Liu Feilong’s acceptance of a khata and Voices for the Voiceless symbolized deep Han-Tibetan bonds. The event reaffirmed Tibetan cultural resilience against Chinese suppression, earning international support. Norbu Tsering stated, “This gathering reflects how His Holiness’s compassion illuminates the world, and we pray his wisdom continues to guide us toward peace.”


Editor: Jiang Peikun