In a rare display of cross-party unity, a group of Indian parliamentarians has formally urged the central government to confer the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award, on Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. The appeal also includes a bold request: to invite the Dalai Lama to address a joint session of Parliament, a move that could invite strong objections from China. The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award, instituted in 1954. It is conferred in recognition of exceptional service in the fields of art, literature, science, public service, and human advancement.
The proposal was initiated by the All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet, which includes members from the BJP, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and Janata Dal (United). The forum adopted a resolution supporting the honor during its second official meeting earlier this month.
Signature Campaign Gains Momentum
The forum has launched a signature drive in support of the Bharat Ratna recommendation and has already gathered endorsements from approximately 80 Members of Parliament. The campaign aims to reach at least 100 MP signatures before submitting the memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.
Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar, a key member of the forum, told The Economic Times, “We are seeking to honor His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the Bharat Ratna and have received support from MPs across the political spectrum. Several parliamentarians have also shared video messages expressing their solidarity.”
Kumar added that the group plans to write to the Speakers of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, requesting a joint session of Parliament for the Dalai Lama to deliver an address—something that would mark a historic diplomatic and spiritual moment for India.
Renewed Support For Dalai Lama
The development coincides with celebrations marking the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, observed at the Tsuglagkhang Temple in Dharamshala. Thousands of followers, monks, and global dignitaries gathered to honor the 14th Dalai Lama’s life and teachings. Indian political leaders including Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Sikkim’s Sonam Lama joined the occasion, alongside long-time Tibet supporter and Hollywood actor Richard Gere.
The birthday event followed a significant announcement by the Dalai Lama regarding his reincarnation. Dispelling speculation, he confirmed that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, his official trust, will have sole authority in recognizing his successor, reaffirming the continuity of the Dalai Lama institution.
A Delicate Diplomatic Signal
While the campaign is framed as a tribute to the Dalai Lama’s legacy of peace, compassion, and non-violence, it also signals growing Indian support for the Tibetan cause, which could strain ties with Beijing. China considers the Dalai Lama a separatist and strongly opposes any official recognition or platform given to him.
Still, Indian lawmakers backing the initiative argue that honoring the Dalai Lama is not just a spiritual gesture, but a recognition of his lifelong dedication to global peace, interfaith dialogue, and human rights.
As the campaign gains traction within Parliament, it remains to be seen how the Centre will respond, particularly amid rising tensions along the India-China border and an increasingly assertive foreign policy landscape.
