The spiritual head of the Tibetan Buddhists. Dalai entered India through North East Frontier Agency, now Arunachal Pradesh, in March 1959. He has been living in Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) and remains the most venerated leader of the Tibetans who continue to be harassed, persecuted and tortured by the Chinese.
Dalai Lama is the true icon of moderation, religious tolerance and is often invited by various countries to deliver talks on religion and philosophy. He was honoured with the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1989 in recognition of his commitment to non-violent liberation of his land.
The Chinese have, however, their own agenda for Tibet and have flooded the State with the Han Chinese from the eastern parts of the mainland. Dalai Lama visited USA in September, 2003, but Russia refused to invite him for fear of annoying China. Meanwhile dramatic changes are taking place in Tibet.
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Lhasa has been turned into an impressive showcase of modern progress and Chinese influence. There are big malls; shops are full of modern goodies. India has more or less acquiesced to the Chinese occupation of Tibet which is now described as the “Autonomous Region of Tibet” under Chinese sovereignty.
The June 2003 China visit of Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee emphasized more on trade and economic relations rather than the past history. Dalai Lama has now gradually realized the inevitability of the Chinese occupation of Tibet and suggested in late 2004 that the Chinese occupation of Tibet may now continue subject to the local values, ethics and traditions being preserved and allowed to continue.
He visited Arunachal Pradesh in November 2009, sparking loud protest from the People’s Republic of China which claimed ownership of Tawang calling it a part of Southern Tibet. The rise of economic power of China has adversely affected the spiritual relevance of the Dalai. Unlike earlier time when he was a darling of the West, he is no longer welcomed in many European and Asian capitals.
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South Africa withdrew its invitation to Dalai fearing that it could annoy China; likewise Japan did the same. The Tibetans, however, continue to be at the receiving end and the Chinese torture, repression and curb on freedom of speech continues to be a major issue.
The extension of the railway network by the Chinese authorities deep into Tibet is now an authoritative stamp of Chinese control over the Tibetan plateau. It remains one of the wonders of the world and an engineering marvel. During President Hu Jintao’s visit to India in November, 2006, the Tibetan students once again made an abortive effort to lodge protests and demonstrations against the Chinese occupation of Tibet.
He has been bestowed the highest American award by the United States in October, 2007. The ceremony, amongst others, was attended by President Bush and Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. Dalai Lama was also felicitated by the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, and the former Australian Prime Minister, John Howard.
In November, 07, the Cabinet Secretary, Government of India, issued a directive to the Union Ministers not to attend a gathering presided over by Dalai Lama in order not to ruffle the Chinese sensibilities. The Government of India has been bending backward to acquiesce to the Chinese government. The chances of Dalai Lama entering Tibet have diminished considerably on account of the Chinese total control over the affairs of Tibet.