Dalai Lama Flees to India for Asylum
March 31st, 1959
March 31st, 1959

How Long Ago?
65 years, 11 months, 15 days ago
Location
Dharamshala, India
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Dalai Lama
Links & References
Tags
Dalai Lama Flees to India for Asylum
The 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet for India due to escalating tensions following the Tibetan Uprising. After a perilous journey across the Himalayas, he crossed into India and was granted political asylum by the Indian government. This marked a significant moment in Tibetan history, as the Dalai Lama sought refuge and the opportunity to lead his people from exile. His arrival in India was welcomed by many exiled Tibetans and signaled the beginning of a new chapter for the Tibetan struggle for autonomy.
Dalai Lama fled to escape Chinese control.
Arrived in India after a dangerous journey.
His arrival led to the establishment of an exile government.
Brought international attention to the Tibetan issue.
What Happened?
As unrest grew throughout Tibet in early 1959 following the failed uprising against Chinese rule, the 14th Dalai Lama found himself facing imminent danger. On March 10, 1959, anti-Chinese protests erupted in Lhasa, prompting fears for the safety and autonomy of Tibetan leaders. In the ensuing chaos, the Dalai Lama, who had been identified as the focal point of Tibetan identity and resistance against Chinese control, decided to flee. He and a small entourage undertook a perilous trek across the treacherous Himalayan terrain, navigating harsh weather and the risk of interception by Chinese forces. After a grueling journey lasting several days, the Dalai Lama crossed the border into India, where he was ultimately granted asylum by the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Upon his arrival in India, the Dalai Lama and his followers were welcomed warmly by several Tibetan communities. In subsequent months, he established a Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamshala, which became a hub for Tibetan culture, religion, and political activities. The Dalai Lama's escape not only marked a new chapter for Tibetans, who found themselves in a struggle for their cultural preservation, but also drew international attention to the Tibetan plight under Chinese rule, a matter that continues to resonate globally today.
Why Does it Matter?
The crossing of the 14th Dalai Lama into India is significant as it not only highlighted the plight of Tibetans under Chinese control but also represented a pivotal moment in the fight for Tibetan autonomy. The Dalai Lama has since become a symbol of peaceful resistance and has gained international support for Tibetan rights. His presence in India has helped raise awareness of the challenges faced by the Tibetan people, making this event an essential milestone in the broader context of human rights advocacy.
Discover More Historic Events from March 31st
Severe Tornado Outbreak Strikes Midwest and South
A severe tornado outbreak swept through the American Midwest and parts of the southern United States, causing extensive damage across multiple states. The outbreak produced several significant tornadoes, with some reaching EF3 and EF4 ratings. Areas such as Arkansas, Indiana, and Illinois experienced the brunt of the destruction, resulting in downed power lines, damaged homes, and uprooted trees. Emergency responders were deployed, and rescue operations commenced to assist affected residents. The atmospheric conditions leading to this outbreak were particularly conducive to severe weather, prompting numerous tornado watches and warnings.
Continue ReadingBeginning of the Velvet Revolution in Armenia
Thousands took to the streets of Yerevan to protest against the government. The demonstrations began as a response to Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan’s decision to extend his term despite widespread public discontent. Protesters rallied for democratic reforms and demanded the resignation of Sargsyan. The peaceful protests marked the start of a significant political movement known as the Velvet Revolution.
Continue ReadingReturn of Scott Kelly and Mikhail Kornienko
NASA astronaut Scott Kelly and Roscosmos cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko returned to Earth after a yearlong stay at the International Space Station. Their mission was pivotal in studying the effects of long-term spaceflight on the human body, providing valuable data for future deep-space missions. The duo landed in Kazakhstan aboard a Soyuz spacecraft, greeted by a team of specialists ready to assist them after their extended mission.
Continue ReadingDiscovery of the Dwarf Planet Makemake
A team of astronomers led by Michael E. Brown at the Palomar Observatory detected Makemake, a new dwarf planet in the Kuiper Belt. This discovery added to the list of known celestial bodies beyond Neptune and piqued interest due to its unique characteristics and distant orbit. The team used advanced imaging techniques to identify Makemake, which is recognized for its brightness and size, providing valuable data about the objects that inhabit the outer regions of our solar system.
Continue ReadingFour Blackwater Contractors Killed in Fallujah Ambush
In Fallujah, Iraq, four American private military contractors working for Blackwater USA were killed during an ambush while conducting a convoy mission. The contractors were on their way to deliver supplies when they were attacked by armed insurgents, leading to a violent firefight. This incident underscored the dangers faced by private security firms operating in Iraq during the ongoing conflict.
Continue ReadingNetscape Releases Mozilla Source Code as Open Source
Netscape Communications Corporation made a significant contribution to the software community by releasing the source code for its browser, Mozilla, under an open source license. This decision aimed to foster collaboration and innovation among developers, allowing anyone to modify and distribute the software. The release marked a transformative moment in web development, enabling a broader range of contributions and advancements in browser technology. Netscape's decision was pivotal as it encouraged the growth of the open-source community and influenced the future of web browsers and software development practices.
Continue Reading