Latest news with #SuhasiniHaidar
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
The View From India newsletter: The Dalai Lama's 90th birthday and succession plans
(This article is part of the View From India newsletter curated by The Hindu's foreign affairs experts. To get the newsletter in your inbox every Monday, subscribe here.) The succession plan for the next Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, has always been a matter of great curiosity and interest for China, India, and the United States, for obvious strategic reasons, apart from followers of the religion. The current leader, a Nobel peace laureate, who turned 90 on Sunday (July 6, 2025), is not only regarded an influential figure with a wide following world over, and from across religions, but also a much loved, unifying icon. In a greatly anticipated statement released during a convention of the leaders of many Buddhist traditions converging to celebrate Dalai Lama's 90th Birthday, the 14th Dalai Lama in Dharamshala asserted that his successor, the highest spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, will be decided by a trust, not the Chinese government, making it clear for the first time that he believes he will be reincarnated. Born as Tenzin Gyatso, the globally respected spiritual leader said that the process by which future Dalai Lama will be recognised would now begin with consultations with leaders, members of the Tibetan Government in Exile, and other stakeholders. Read Suhasini Haidar's report on the important development. His statement that the succession would be decided by the Gaden Phodrang Trust, which would be the 'sole authority' on the issue, that has sparked a sharp response from Beijing, which believes it must be given the right to 'approve' the candidate. In 2007, Beijing passed a law mandating its authority over the issue, although this has not been accepted by the Tibetan community worldwide. India, on the other hand, in its first official statement over the Dalai Lama's succession plan announcement, has said that the government 'does not take any position' on such religious issues. As New Delhi moves to support the Tibetan spiritual leader living here in exile, and Beijing says it will enforce its approval over a successor, could India and China's new found road to normalcy turn rough? Watch Suhasini Haidar's latest episode on Worldview. While big powers try to intervene, the 14th Dalai Lama's statement has made clear that officers of the Gaden Phodrang Trust would bear the responsibility to recognise the 15th Dalai Lama — by a process he would leave written instructions about. Read Gaden Phodrang: The Trust of Dalai Lama - Suhasini's Haidar's profile of the body that will have the final say on the matter. Gaza U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday (July 6, 2025) said there was a 'good chance' a Gaza hostage release and ceasefire deal could be reached with the Palestinian militant group Hamas this week. What his statement means, after Israel's brazen violation of the last ceasefire, remains to be seen. Israeli airstrikes killed at least 38 Palestinians in Gaza, hospital officials said on Sunday (July 6, 2025), as Israel was sending a ceasefire negotiating team to Qatar ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's White House visit for talks toward a deal. President Trump, who will meet with Mr. Netanyahu on Monday (July 7, 2025), has floated a plan for an initial 60-day ceasefire that would include a partial release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for an increase in humanitarian supplies allowed into Gaza. The proposed truce calls for talks on ending the 21-month war altogether. Top 5 stories this week: 1. Kailash Manasarovar Yatra - Pilgrims' progress: With India-China ties improving, the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra has resumed after a nearly six-year hiatus. Suhasini Haidar and Rahul Karmakar report on what it takes to make the arduous trek to a site considered sacred by followers of many religions 2. Ageing population, labour crunch prompt Germany to open doors for skilled migration, writes Stanly Johny ece 3. G. Sampath writes on Rafael Grossi, the nuclear policeman 4. Common goals: The Hindu editorial on India and the PM's a five-nation tour 5. Former diplomat and China expert Ashok K. Kantha writes on 'The new battle challenge of China-Pakistan collusion'
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Watch: Dalai Lama succession India-China on collision course?
The Dalai Lama marks his 90th birthday with a statement asserting sole control over his succession and reincarnation. As New Delhi moves to support the Tibetan spiritual leader living here in exile, and Beijing says it will enforce its approval over a successor, could India and China's new found road to normalcy turn rough? And given the US's position - what are the geopolitical effects of the succession debate? We have exclusive impressions from my trip to Lhasa. Script & Presentation: Suhasini Haidar Production: Shibu Narayan & Vishnoo Jotshi
The Hindu
30-06-2025
- The Hindu
Watch: Kailash Manasarovar Yatra: Pilgrims share their journey
The Hindu's Suhasini Haidar was part of a journalistic delegation that traveled from Chengdu to Lhasa and then onward to the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. In Tibet's Burang County, or the Pulan area, next to Mount Kailash and the sacred Manasarovar Lake, the delegation covered the restoration of an important bilateral people-to-people mechanism between India and China. This year marked the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra after a suspension since 2020. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs worked closely to restart the pilgrimage. About 5,000 people applied, and around 750 were selected through a lottery system. After medical tests, approximately 650 to 700 pilgrims were cleared to make the crossing. Pilgrims began their sacred circumambulation, known as the Parikrama or Kora, around Mount Kailash, completing the 52-kilometre trek over two to three days. The route has been a sacred space for centuries, drawing people of many faiths. In this video, several participants share their experiences and reflections on undertaking this spiritual journey after years of waiting. Script & Presentation: Suhasini Haidar Production: Shibu Narayan
The Hindu
20-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Watch: Israel-Iran conflict Should India play a more proactive role?
Israel's attack on Iran sets off strikes and counter-strikes, and sets not just the region but the world on edge over worries of a nuclear crisis. While the US backs Israel, Russia and China come together on Iran's side- With thousands of Indians in both countries, Can India keep its West Asian balance, or does it have a moral responsibility to weigh in? Script & Presentation: Suhasini Haidar Production: Shibu Narayan & Vishnoo Jotshi
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Watch: Justifying Operation Sindoor Was multi-party delegation a success?
This week on Worldview, as the government builds its international narrative post Operation Sindoor, how high did political diplomacy score? We will take a closer look at the mandate for Multi-party delegations abroad, and whether it was mission accomplished? After intense official diplomacy during Operation Sindoor, the government fielded India's political diplomacy, sending 7 delegations with 59 members from across political parties to 32 countries—which are now home or on the way. Script & Presentation: Suhasini Haidar Production: Shibu Narayan, Sabika Syed
