• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Dalai Lama Turns 90: Over six decades ago, a single suspicious invitation changed the fate of Tibet forever. The 14th Dalai Lama’s dramatic escape to India in 1959 remains one of the most daring high-profile exiles of the 20th century and continues to shape India-China relations even today. Tibet's spiritual and political leader, then aged 23, was invited in March 1959 by a Chinese general to watch a cultural dance performance at the People's Liberation Army (PLA) headquarters in Lhasa.

Invitation Without Guards Triggered Fear Of Abduction

The condition? He was advised to go unaccompanied by his loyal bodyguards. The Tibetan government suspected an immediate Chinese conspiracy to arrest or kill the Dalai Lama. On March 10, tens of thousands of Tibetans surrounded the Norbulingka Palace and created a human barrier to guard their leader. In the face of rising tensions, artillery bombardment, and intense battles between Tibetan rebels and Chinese soldiers, the Dalai Lama had a word with the State Oracle, who delivered a clear message, escape.

On the freezing night of March 17, 1959, dressed as a Tibetan soldier, the Dalai Lama made his escape from Norbulingka Palace with senior cabinet members, relatives, and loyal bodyguards. They traveled through the dangerous Himalayas for close to two weeks, avoiding PLA patrols, sleeping during the day and traveling by night. Local folklore holds that Tibetan monks’ prayers summoned heavy mist and clouds to hide the fleeing group from Chinese aircraft.

ALSO READ: The Dalai Lama Wishes To Live Over 130 Years As He Turns 90, Says 'I Have Done My Best'

March into India: Assam Rifles Received Tibetan Leader

The Dalai Lama and his tired retinue crossed into India on March 31, 1959, through the Khenzimane Pass in Arunachal Pradesh (then NEFA). Indian troops of the Assam Rifles greeted him at the border near Tawang. The then India's Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru shortly thereafter gave the Dalai Lama political asylum, in the face of harsh criticisms from Beijing. On April 3, Nehru informed Parliament that India's decision was strictly humanitarian. Short of residence in Tawang and Mussoorie, the Dalai Lama finally made McLeodganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, his home in 1960. Dharamsala today is famous around the globe as "Little Lhasa," the capital of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. From there on, the Dalai Lama has promoted non-violence and negotiations to solve the issue of Tibet. In 1989, the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his dedication to peace.

ALSO READ: Dalai Lama Turns 90: Global Leaders Extend Wishes, Pledge Continued Support For Tibetan Rights

China still views Tibet as part of its own territory and has never forgiven India for taking refuge for the Dalai Lama. His flight, India's asylum, and ongoing Tibetan activism in exile are still sensitive issues in bilateral relations and were contributing factors to the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Now 90 years old, the Dalai Lama still resides in Dharamsala, inspiring millions as Beijing covets tight control of future Tibetan Buddhism and his succession.