Celebrating 60 Years of Exile – A Cheery Rally in Dharamsala
In the sleepy hill‑town of Dharamsala, a small crowd gathered on Saturday to toast the six‑decades‑old political asylum that Tibetans enjoy in India. The event, originally slated for the bustling streets of Delhi, was moved to this quieter spot because India wanted to keep the peace with Beijing, who sees the Dalai Lama as a “dangerous separatist.”
Who Showed Up?
- Only one Indian minister made a cameo – the culture minister.
- No big‑name political leaders, no extra pomp.
Dalai Lama’s Big Message
With a twinkle in his eye, the Dalai Lama reminded everyone that, “We’re celebrating 60 years in exile and we’re confident about the future. Our bond with India is strong, and we share a deep cultural and literary connection.”
History Quick‑Takes
- China seized Tibet in 1950 under the guise of a “peaceful liberation.”
- In 1959, a then‑young Dalai Lama – 23, that is – escaped to India with his followers.
- Prime Minister J.N. Nehru welcomed him and set Dharamsala as his temporary seat.
India’s Stretch‑and‑Smile Policy
India’s diplomatic game has always been: stick to a single‑China policy while keeping its heart open to Tibet. Bharatiya Janata Party secretary Ram Madhav summed it up: “We’ve moved from Nehru to Modi, sticking to one‑China, but our connections to Tibet are mostly spiritual, religious, and cultural.”
Earlier this month, India put a dent in the plan to hold a big rally with the Dalai Lama in New Delhi. The ban was a bit of a bold move to avoid a potential military standoff that last year lasted 73 days along the disputed border.
Dalai Lama’s Cancelled Trip
He had also postponed a trip to Sikkim, a state near the Indian border, to avoid rubbing elbows with China. Yet he’s free to roam throughout India, even to Arunachal Pradesh – a region China claims as its own.
Criticism from Lobsang Sangay
Meanwhile, Lobsang Sangay, the head of the Tibetan government in exile, took a hard line at the rally:
“It’s been 60 years since China illegally invaded Tibet. 60 years of destroying our culture, civilization, and identity. Thank you, India, for your unwavering support.”
So, there you have it – a celebration that’s simple, spirited, and a little snappy. Dharamsala may be small, but the vibe was mighty, and the message? Keep united, keep hopeful, and keep that deep bond alive.
