Tibet is the home of the Dalai Lama, then why does he live in India? Read the painful story behind it:

News Topical, Digital Desk : Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama will turn 90 on July 6. Preparations for his birthday are underway. Let us tell you that the Dalai Lama lives in McLeodganj in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India. His residence is also called Tsuglakhang. But do you know why the Dalai Lama, born in Tibet, lives in India? Why did the Dalai Lama have to leave Tibet and how did he reach India? Let us know the whole story.

Who is the Dalai Lama?

The Dalai Lama is the supreme spiritual leader of Tibet. He was born on 6 July 1935 in northern Tibet. The real name of the Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso and he was chosen as the 14th Dalai Lama at the age of just 4 years. He is recognized as the reincarnation of the thirteenth Dalai Lama Thubten Gyatso. Buddhists consider the Dalai Lama as a guide or guru. He also guides all Buddhists around the world.

When did the Dalai Lama leave Tibet?

In the year 1950, China attacked Tibet. After this, on 23 May 1951, China formally occupied Tibet. This move of China was strongly opposed in Tibet and many countries of the world. In the year 1959, there was a movement against China in Tibet. This movement was brutally put down by China and thousands of Tibetans died. The Chinese army occupied Lhasa where the Dalai Lama's palace was. It was believed that China could arrest him. After this, on 17 March 1959, the Dalai Lama left Tibet.

When and how did Dalai Lama reach India?

On 17 March 1959, the Dalai Lama left his palace in disguise along with his mother, younger brother, sister, personal assistants and bodyguards. After leaving Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, the Dalai Lama headed towards India. After a journey of about 13 days, the Dalai Lama reached India on 31 March. The Dalai Lama reached the Indian border with many of his disciples. He used the Khenzimmen Pass to reach India safely.

The Dalai Lama crossed the Himalayas and the Brahmaputra River to come to India. The Dalai Lama and his people stayed in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. The responsibility of bringing the Dalai Lama safely was entrusted to the Assam Rifles. The 5th battalion of the force was given the task of bringing the Dalai Lama and his team safely to Assam through the North East Frontier Agency (presently Arunachal Pradesh). After this, the Indian government gave refuge to the Dalai Lama on 3 April 1959. Even today, thousands of people from Tibet live in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.