In a landmark announcement ahead of his 90th birthday, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibet, the 14th Dalai Lama, confirmed that the revered institution of the Dalai Lama will continue after his death, addressing widespread concerns among Tibetans and global followers.

Tenzin Gyatso, regarded as the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, made the declaration in a video message at the opening of a religious leaders' meeting in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh—his home in exile since fleeing Tibet following the 1959 Chinese crackdown.

"For over a decade, I have received heartfelt appeals from Tibetans in exile, Buddhists across the Himalayas, Mongolia, and parts of China and Russia—especially from inside Tibet—urging that this institution should not end," he stated. "In accordance with these appeals, I affirm that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue."

The decision ends years of uncertainty. The Dalai Lama had previously indicated the lineage would continue only if there was strong public demand. Concerns about his succession had intensified with age, and fears persist that China may attempt to appoint its own successor to tighten control over Tibet.

To pre-empt interference, the Dalai Lama declared that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust—his official institution—has the authority to recognise his reincarnation. "No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," he asserted.

China considers the Dalai Lama a separatist, while the Nobel Peace laureate sees himself as a "simple Buddhist monk" advocating non-violence and cultural preservation.

Tibetan activist Chemi Lhamo welcomed the announcement, saying it reaffirmed the people's faith and sent a clear message to Beijing. "The Dalai Lama institution will continue to serve both the Tibetan cause and all humanity," she said.

In a landmark announcement ahead of his 90th birthday, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibet, the 14th Dalai Lama, confirmed that the revered institution of the Dalai Lama will continue after his death, addressing widespread concerns among Tibetans and global followers.

Tenzin Gyatso, regarded as the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, made the declaration in a video message at the opening of a religious leaders' meeting in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh—his home in exile since fleeing Tibet following the 1959 Chinese crackdown.

"For over a decade, I have received heartfelt appeals from Tibetans in exile, Buddhists across the Himalayas, Mongolia, and parts of China and Russia—especially from inside Tibet—urging that this institution should not end," he stated. "In accordance with these appeals, I affirm that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue."

The decision ends years of uncertainty. The Dalai Lama had previously indicated the lineage would continue only if there was strong public demand. Concerns about his succession had intensified with age, and fears persist that China may attempt to appoint its own successor to tighten control over Tibet.

To pre-empt interference, the Dalai Lama declared that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust—his official institution—has the authority to recognise his reincarnation. "No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," he asserted.

China considers the Dalai Lama a separatist, while the Nobel Peace laureate sees himself as a "simple Buddhist monk" advocating non-violence and cultural preservation.

Tibetan activist Chemi Lhamo welcomed the announcement, saying it reaffirmed the people's faith and sent a clear message to Beijing. "The Dalai Lama institution will continue to serve both the Tibetan cause and all humanity," she said.