Dalai Lama undergoes successful knee surgery in Delhi, remains in good spirits as recovery progresses, with doctors optimistic and plans for Ladakh visit later this month, reports India Daily News Desk
The Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has undergone a successful left knee replacement surgery in New Delhi, with his medical team confirming that his recovery is progressing steadily and that he remains in good spirits.
According to an official update shared by his office on Monday, the procedure was carried out at Apollo Hospital in the national capital earlier in the day. Doctors attending to the 88-year-old leader said the surgery proceeded without complications, and he was later shifted back to his hospital room in stable condition.
“Following today’s procedure, His Holiness returned to his hospital room in stable condition. His recovery is progressing well, and he remains in good spirits,” the statement said, offering reassurance to followers around the world who had been closely monitoring his health.
The Dalai Lama had travelled from Dharamshala to New Delhi late last week specifically to undergo treatment for his left knee, marking the latest in a series of medical interventions aimed at addressing mobility-related concerns. His physicians also extended their gratitude to the hospital’s staff, acknowledging the role of doctors, nurses and administrators in ensuring the smooth conduct of the procedure.
The development follows a similar surgery last year, when the spiritual leader underwent a right knee replacement in New York. That procedure, carried out in June 2024, was described as successful, with the Dalai Lama making what his office termed an “excellent recovery”. The back-to-back surgeries reflect both the demands of age and the continued efforts to maintain his active schedule despite physical challenges.
Despite his medical commitments, the Dalai Lama has remained engaged with public life and spiritual outreach. His office indicated that, subject to recovery, he is expected to travel to Ladakh towards the end of June for an extended stay. Such visits are closely followed by devotees, particularly in the Himalayan region, where his teachings draw large gatherings.
The surgery also comes against the backdrop of a period of recognition and cultural engagement for the Tibetan leader. Earlier this year, he received a Grammy Award for his album Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which won in the audiobook category. The award placed him alongside a diverse set of nominees, including works by public figures across literature and entertainment.
The physical Grammy trophy was formally presented to him during a ceremony at his office in Dharamshala. The event was attended by renowned sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan and his sons, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, who collaborated on the project. The album blends the Dalai Lama’s spoken reflections with musical compositions, aiming to convey themes of compassion, peace and interconnectedness.
Speaking at the ceremony, the musicians described the collaboration as a deeply meaningful experience, underscoring the spiritual significance of working alongside the Tibetan leader. The Dalai Lama, in a message shared earlier in response to the award, emphasised that he viewed the recognition not as a personal achievement but as an opportunity to amplify universal values.
“I receive this recognition with gratitude and humility. I don’t see it as something personal, but as a recognition of our shared universal responsibility,” he said in a statement released by his office. He reiterated his long-standing message that peace, compassion, environmental responsibility and a sense of human unity are essential for global well-being.
The convergence of medical updates and cultural milestones has once again drawn attention to the Dalai Lama’s enduring global influence. Even as he navigates health challenges, his voice continues to resonate across spiritual, political and cultural spheres.
