Tibetans-in-exile mark 50 years of Dalai Lama's stay in India

Dharmasala (Himachal Pradesh), Apr 30 (ANI): Tibetans-in-exile living in Himachal Pradesh are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama's arrival in Dharmasala town.

The 14th Dalai Lama arrived in Dharamsala on April 30, 1960, from Mussorie, after fleeing his homeland in Tibet in the wake of a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959.

To mark the occasion, the Central Tibetan Administration is organising a two-day event "Thank You Himachal" from April 30 to May 01, to express the Tibetan people's gratitude to the people and the government of Himachal Pradesh.

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), officially the Central Tibetan Administration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is a government in exile headed by Tenzin Gyatso, which claims to be the rightful and legitimate government of Tibet. It is also commonly referred to as the Tibetan Government in Exile.

Scores of Tibetan monks and civilians gathered at Dari Ground, about three kilometers away from Dharamsala at a special function organised by the CTA.

Dalai Lama and chief of Himachal Pradesh Prem Kumar Dhumal graced the occasion.

The CTA had organised a similar event last year also.

On Saturday Union Steel Minister Virbhadra Singh will preside over the function to be held in Mcleodganj.

Samphel also added that Dalai Lama in his address urged the Tibetans that the best way to thank the people and Himachal Pradesh Government is to abide by the laws of the state.

The Dalai Lama has lived in Dharamsala with thousands of his followers ever since they fled their homeland after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959.(ANI)