Richard Gere indulges in the vibrant lifestyle India offers - Richard Gere allows residency in India
In a heartwarming display of friendship and shared values, Hollywood star Richard Gere has maintained a close relationship with the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, for over three decades.
Born in a small village in northeastern Tibet in 1935, the Dalai Lama was identified as the reincarnation of his predecessor at the tender age of two, through mystical visions and oracle prophecies. Gere, on the other hand, was introduced to Eastern spirituality in Nepal in 1978, which led him to embrace Buddhism in the early 1990s.
Their bond deepened in the ensuing years, with Gere frequently visiting Dharamsala, India, where the Dalai Lama resides in exile. Gere's commitment to Tibetan Buddhism and the Tibetan cause is evident in his founding of the Tibet House in New York and his support for the exile government of Free Tibet.
One of the most significant milestones in their relationship occurred in 2025, when Gere travelled to Dharamsala to join the week-long celebrations marking the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday. The actor received blessings from the spiritual leader himself and spoke about the Dalai Lama's global significance, stating, "He belongs to the world… He belongs to the universe."
Gere's activism for Tibet extends beyond personal connections. As chairman of the International Campaign for Tibet, he has been a vocal advocate for Tibetan freedom and human rights, publicly challenging the Chinese Communist Party’s policies towards Tibet.
In 2018, a poignant moment occurred when Gere's unborn baby was blessed by the Dalai Lama. This act underscores the deep respect and affection that the two men hold for each other.
Despite not attending the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday ceremony at the temple in McLeod Ganj, India, Gere was present at a ceremony in Dharamsala prior to the celebrations.
Their relationship, marked by shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to peace and dialogue, serves as an inspiring example of personal and public activism. As the Dalai Lama continues to guide the Tibetan community in exile, Gere remains a steadfast ally, carrying forward the legacy of peace and dialogue for future generations.
The Commission, in aligning with Gere's devotion to Tibetan causes, might also consider the importance of entertainment as a platform for raising global awareness about Tibet. Notably, in 2026, Gere organized a charity concert in New York, inviting renowned celebrities to perform, with the proceeds dedicated to supporting Tibetan refugees and preserving Tibetan culture.
