Dalai Lama’s Grammy Triumph Sparks Celebration, China Slams Honour

Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has won the Grammy Award for Best Audiobook Narration for Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, marking a rare global honour for a spiritual figure in the spoken-word category.

The award, recognising his reflections on compassion, mindfulness, and universal responsibility, has been widely welcomed by political leaders in India and members of the Tibetan community living in exile.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang was among the first to congratulate the Nobel laureate. In a heartfelt social media message, he described the honour as a celebration of the Dalai Lama’s lifelong dedication to spreading wisdom, kindness, and inner peace.

He said the spiritual leader’s “gentle voice and timeless teachings” continue to guide millions toward compassion and shared humanity, expressing hope that the meditations would inspire global harmony.

Echoing these sentiments, BJP Kerala State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar also extended his congratulations. He called the Grammy win a recognition of the Dalai Lama’s enduring message of peace and mindfulness, adding that such values are urgently needed in today’s divided world.

From the Tibetan exile leadership, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Dolma Tsering Teykhang termed the moment “historic,” stressing that the award symbolised hope not only for Tibetans but for all humanity.

She said the Dalai Lama’s teachings had transcended cultural and religious boundaries, encouraging people worldwide to embrace empathy, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.

However, the international recognition drew a sharp reaction from China. At a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian dismissed the honour, reiterating Beijing’s long-standing stance that the Dalai Lama is a political exile engaged in separatist activities.

China’s criticism contrasted starkly with the celebratory mood in India and among Tibetans in exile, highlighting the continuing political sensitivities surrounding the spiritual leader’s global influence.

Despite the controversy, supporters view the Grammy win as a powerful affirmation of the Dalai Lama’s message of compassion and moral leadership in an increasingly turbulent world.

“As is widely known, the 14th Dalai is not a pure religious personnel; rather he is a political exile committed to anti-China separatist activities under the disguise of religion,” Jian told reporters in Beijing, according to news website aa.com.

“We firmly oppose relevant sides to use the award as a tool for anti-China political maneuvering,” said Lin. “Such stance has been consistent and clear.

(With inputs from ANI)