Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama turns 89, says he is physically fit

Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama turned 89 on Saturday and in his birthday message said he is physically fit and is determined to continue his service to Lord Buddha's teachings. The Dalai Lama is in the US where he is recovering from a knee-replacement surgery. "I am nearly 90 now but don't feel unhealthy, except for the slight discomfort in my legs and would like to thank all my fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet for your prayers on my birthday", he said in the text message issued here by his office. "Despite the surgery, I feel physically fit and wish to ask you to be happy and relaxed," he said, adding "I am determined to continue my service to Buddha's teachings." "Today, Tibetans inside and outside Tibet are celebrating my birthday with much joy and festivity and all Tibetans and people in the Himalayan regions also pray for me as well and I wish to say, thank you, everyone," he said. "I feel a little physical discomfort but that is inevitable, isn't it, due to the