A DISPLACED COMMUNITY

The Tibetan Community will celebrate 60 years of its existence in India next year. While its arrival was dramatic — fleeing the Chinese invasion of Tibet — its existence in India has been a struggle for many. A brief history of the community and what defines its life in this country.

1950

40,000 troops from China’s People Liberation Army attack and defeat Tibet’s 8,000-strong army in 12 days.

1959

An uprising breaks out in Tibet in protest against the Chinese occupation; tens of thousands of Tibetans killed by Chinese troops. The Dalai Lama escapes to India along with over 80,000 other Tibetans.

The Tibetan government is established in Mussoorie.

1960

The first Tibetan settlement starts taking shape in Bylakuppe, near Mysore (Karnataka). The Tibetan government-in-exile moves from Mussoorie to Dharamshala.

1988

After insisting on independence, the Dalai Lama signals a big shift; proposes the ‘Middle-Way’, seeking full autonomy under Chinese rule

1989

The Dalai Lama is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

2011

The Dalai Lama relinquishes his political authority to an elected leader.