The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) held a daylong celebration on July 13, 2025, in New Delhi to mark the 90th birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The event began with a welcome by Secretary General Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche and was attended by His Holiness 43rd Sakya Rinpoche, His Holiness 105th Gaden Tripa, Most Ven. Arayawangso, Most Ven. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayake Thero, Most Ven. Samdhong Rinpoche and Ven. Bhikkhu Kaboggoza Buddhrakkhita. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was honoured for his wisdom, compassion, and commitment to peace, environmental protection, and interfaith harmony. A film showcased his life journey, and a heartfelt letter read by Samdhong Rinpoche emphasized his deep spiritual bond with India.

Most Venerable 43rd Sakya Trizin outlined His Holiness’s four commitments: universal human values, interfaith harmony, Tibetan culture, and India’s Nalanda tradition. Messages of reverence came from across Asia, recognizing his global influence. A letter from His Holiness, read by Samdhong Rinpoche, highlighted his deep spiritual bond with India, gratitude for its support since 1959, and the value of blending ancient wisdom with modern education amid growing global interest in Buddhism, including in China. Most Venerable Arayawangso and Nicholas Vreeland highlighted his ethical vision and the enduring message: Kindness is my religion—reflecting his Bodhisattva path and its timeless relevance.

The first panel discussion was on The Spiritual Teaching of His Holiness the Dalai Lama: Relevance in the 21st Century. Moderated by Geshe Ngawang Sonam, it highlighted how His Holiness’s teachings transcend religion, promoting compassion, secular ethics, and inner development. Scholars emphasized his four commitments—human unity, meditation, Tibetan culture, and Indian wisdom—as essential to modern well-being. Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi discussed SEE Learning and CBCT, initiatives blending science and ethics to foster empathy and resilience in youth. Dr. Alexander Berzin explored the Dalai Lama’s spiritual philosophy, especially Bodhichitta, and his contributions to preserving Tibetan heritage and interfaith harmony. Dr. Edi Ramawijaya Putra called for values-based education that integrates emotional intelligence, humility, and compassion, aligning with global sustainability goals. Collectively, the panel underscored that the Dalai Lama’s vision remains deeply relevant in addressing today’s societal and educational challenges through the cultivation of mindfulness and moral clarity in a rapidly changing world.

The second panel explored Quantum Physics, Neuroscience, and Buddhism. Moderator Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul emphasized integrating science, ethics, and spirituality for balanced human development. The panel stressed infusing compassion into education to temper rapid technological progress. Prof. Ceon Ramon drew parallels between Buddhist cognitive concepts and modern neuroscience, noting how meditative insights, like those from Vipassana, can aid neurotherapy. He suggested the Buddhist idea of a luminous mind might align with theories of faster-than-light information transfer. Geshe Lhakdor highlighted how misperception causes suffering and linked the Buddhist principle of interdependence with quantum mechanics’ observer effect. He noted both Buddhism and neuroscience aim to transform the mind through contemplation or brain plasticity. Prof. Sisir Roy connected the Buddhist concept of Bardo—a transitional state—to quantum theories of consciousness and proposed EEG studies on meditators to explore non-dual awareness and the thoughtless state.

The third panel reflected on The Future of Tibetan Buddhism and Preservation of Culture. Moderator Khenpo Dr. Ngawang Jorden praised His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a living symbol of compassion. Ven. Karma Tashi Choedron stressed preserving Tibetan Buddhism’s core—monastic education, lineage, and culture—while adapting to global contexts. Ven. Nicholas Vreeland highlighted the tradition’s revival in Indian refugee communities post-1959 and emphasized individual spiritual commitment. Kate Saunders warned of China’s efforts to suppress the Dalai Lama’s influence and urged cultural preservation through documentation and storytelling.

In the Valedictory Session, Claude Arpi reflected on the Dalai Lama’s introduction of democratic principles and the enduring appeal of Buddhist teachings, especially among Western Neo-Buddhists. Most Venerable Ananda Bhante presented a declaration titled Karuna and Its Relevance in Conflict Avoidance, honouring His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s contributions to peace and affirming Tibetan people's right to decide on his reincarnation.