Dalai Lama Wins First Grammy, Sparking Joy Among Tibetan Community in Dharamshala

New Delhi | February 2, 2026: The Tibetan community in exile, particularly in Dharamshala, celebrated a moment of deep pride and joy after His Holiness the Dalai Lama won his first-ever Grammy Award for the spoken-word album Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The recognition has been widely hailed as a milestone not only for Tibetans but also for the global community inspired by his message of peace and compassion.

The album won the Grammy in the category of Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles on Monday (local time). Blending the Dalai Lama’s reflective narration with evocative music, the work offers listeners a contemplative journey centred on peace, inner harmony, and universal human values.

Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Dolma Tsering, described the award as a historic achievement, saying it would help amplify the Dalai Lama’s teachings across the world. “It is a matter of great joy not only for Tibetans, but for the whole of humanity. Through this recognition, His Holiness’ message of universal brotherhood and compassion will reach even wider audiences,” she said, congratulating him on the honour.

The album is a collaborative project featuring acclaimed sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan along with his sons, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash. Their musical accompaniment adds depth to the Dalai Lama’s meditative reflections, creating a unique fusion of spiritual wisdom and classical Indian music.

Responding to the award through his office, the Dalai Lama expressed gratitude and humility, stressing that he did not view the Grammy as a personal accolade. Instead, he described it as a reminder of humanity’s shared responsibility to cultivate peace, compassion, environmental care, and a deeper awareness of the oneness of the human family. He expressed hope that the recognition would help spread these values more widely for the well-being of all.

The Grammy win has further strengthened the morale of the Tibetan community in exile, standing as a powerful affirmation of the Dalai Lama’s lifelong mission to promote peace, compassion, and harmony across the world.