Dalai Lama Undergoes Successful Left Knee Replacement Surgery
Dharamsala — The Dalai Lama underwent successful left knee replacement surgery at Apollo Hospital in New Delhi on Monday, according to a medical bulletin.
The bulletin noted that the Tibetan spiritual leader had undergone successful right knee replacement surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City in June 2024 and made an excellent recovery.
“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,” his personal physicians Tsetan D. Sadutshang, Tamdin Tsewang, Tsering Lhadon and Tenzin Tsundue said in a statement.
They said the medical, nursing and administrative teams at Apollo Hospital had provided exceptional care, support and attention. They also expressed gratitude for their professionalism, dedication and kindness.
After recovery, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to visit Ladakh toward the end of June for an extended stay, his office said.
The 90-year-old Tibetan monk lives in exile in McLeodganj, a hill station near Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh. The spiritual leader, one of the world’s most recognized Buddhist figures, frequently travels to the remote mountainous region of Ladakh, which borders Tibet, to meet people of all faiths. His visits often draw criticism from China.
One of his aides told IANS that the Dalai Lama has been visiting Ladakh for more than 50 years, as locals share a special bond with him based on faith and kindness. His last visit was in July 2025.
He is also expected to attend a public program honoring his 91st birthday on July 6, likely in Leh.
The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in March 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. He advocates a “middle-way” approach, seeking greater autonomy for Tibet rather than outright independence.
Beijing considers him a “separatist” and remains sensitive to his meetings with international leaders, attendance at official functions and visits made at the invitation of the Indian government. (Source: IANS)
