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"Today, Tibetans inside and outside of Tibet are celebrating my birthday with much joy and festivity. All Tibetans and the people in the Himalaya regions also pray for me. I wish to say, "Thank you, everyone." I am nearly 90 now but I don't feel unhealthy, except for the slight discomfort in my legs. I would like to thank my fellow Tibetans inside and outside of Tibet for your prayers on my birthday. I was born in the land of Dhomay (Amdo) and I bear the Title of the Dalai Lama. I did my best while I was in Tibet and after coming into exile, I have served to the best of my ability. Accordingly, it seems that I have been beneficial to a good measure. There is a growing interest in the Tibetan cause in the world and I feel I have made a small contribution towards it. I wish to ask everyone, especially the fellow Tibetans inside of Tibet, to feel at ease and be relaxed. I feel a little physical discomfort but that is inevitable, isn't it, due to the aging process. Basically, I am doing very well. So, please relax and be at ease. And, today, I have something special to tell you. Recently, I had surgery on my knee, which has given me some problems. However, I am recovering and have no problem at all now. So, please be happy and feel at ease. There may be people trying to confuse you about my health, saying that the Dalai Lama has gone to the hospital and is undergoing treatments, and so on, making my condition sound grave. You don't need to trust such misinformation. As far as I am concerned, of course, I had some little knee problems with my knees. The hospital did medical tests and examinations on my knee and the entire team has treated me with so much love and dedication in their service to help me. So I wish to take this opportunity to thank all of them as well as the general public. Despite the surgery, I feel physically fit. So, I wish to ask you to be happy and relaxed. Until now, with the title of Dalai Lama, I have made a contribution, to a certain extent, to people inside and outside of Tibet and in many parts of the world, and most importantly, with regard to the Buddha's teachings. Still, I am determined to continue my service to the teachings; I am resolved to do so with all my heart. I wish to urge all Tibetans, wherever you are, to please keep making your prayers for me on my Birthday Celebration. Please do your best. That's all. Thank you." New York City, July 6, 2024
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