Richard Gere, the Hollywood actor and a devoted Buddhist, joined the celebrations in Dharamshala ahead of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday. Gere received blessings from the Tibetan spiritual leader during the celebrations. The Dalai Lama's 90th birthday, celebrated on July 6th, drew spiritual leaders, dignitaries, and well-wishers from across the globe. Festivities began on June 30th, following the Tibetan calendar.

Gere, speaking at the Nechung Monastery, expressed his joy, stating, "We're here in Dharamshala to celebrate His Holiness's 90th birthday, his good health, his strength, and compassion". He also highlighted his personal connection to the Nechung Monastery, noting its importance to him and his son. He said, "It's always a delight being here".

During the event at Nechung Monastery, the Nechung Oracle, considered a protector deity of the Tibetan community, entered a trance to bless the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and its leaders. Penpa Tsering, the CTA President, along with ministers, parliamentarians, and Tibetan devotees, attended the event, emphasizing the ceremony's importance.

On June 30th, at Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama made an appearance, reaffirming his commitment to peace, compassion, and service to the Tibetan people and the global community. The celebrations attracted interfaith leaders, highlighting the Dalai Lama's widespread influence. Swami Chidanand Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan Ashram described the Dalai Lama as "a blessing to the world," emphasizing his message of peace.

Reflecting on the occasion, Richard Gere noted that the Dalai Lama doesn't focus on birthdays but others do, especially this one. He humorously conveyed the Dalai Lama's perspective: "Every moment is a birthday. Every breath is a birthday; every heartbeat is a birthday".

Born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in a small Tibetan farming village, the Dalai Lama was recognized at two years old as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. He was later named Tenzin Gyatso and formally appointed as Tibet's spiritual and temporal leader on February 22, 1940. The title "Dalai Lama" translates to "Ocean of Wisdom" in Mongolian. Tibetan Buddhists view the Dalai Lama as the human embodiment of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. After leaving Tibet, the Dalai Lama and many Tibetan refugees found refuge in India.