Fulfilling the Dreams of Tibetan Refugees is Every Indian’s Responsibility : Dr. Parvinder Singh

After the Tragedy of 1962, India Became Tibet’s Second Home

Report: Ravindra Arya

"Fulfilling the dreams of Tibetan refugees is not only the responsibility of the Indian government, but also a moral duty of every Indian," stated Dr. Parvinder Singh, Ambassador of the World Peace Institute, during a dialogue event held at the Thai Temple in Kushinagar, Gorakhpur.

He emphasized that the relationship between India and the Tibetan community is not merely about asylum and assistance, but about sensitivity, cultural unity, and spiritual partnership.

Dr. Singh said that India was the country which gave the Tibetan community a chance to overcome the pain of exile in 1959. When the Chinese army took control of Lhasa and the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was forced to flee to save his life, India not only provided him asylum but also dignity and identity.

The Dalai Lama’s Arrival in India: A Story of Peaceful Exile°

Recalling historical events, Dr. Singh said that after China’s occupation of Tibet in 1959, thousands of Tibetan citizens were forced to cross the Himalayas to seek refuge in India. He noted:

“The Dalai Lama was not just a leader of Tibet; he was its very soul. His arrival in India marked the exile of the Tibetan identity itself.”

The Indian government, particularly Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, settled the Dalai Lama and his followers in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, which remains the headquarters of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. In addition, over 40 Tibetan settlements have been developed across various Indian states, housing nearly 90,000 Tibetan citizens.

Revival of Tibetan Culture on Indian Soil

Dr. Singh stated that the Tibetan community did not see India merely as a provider of help, but rather embraced India’s constitutional framework, democracy, and diversity, making valuable contributions to Indian society.

“They consider Indian soil as their mother and deeply respect Indian law, culture, and values.”

Today, the Tibetan community resides in an organized manner across 12 Indian states—Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, and Karnataka. Their contribution to education, healthcare, Buddhist traditions, and cultural preservation is remarkable.

Symbols of Nonviolence, Self-restraint, and Service

Dr. Singh remarked that the Tibetan refugee community has shown the world that exile does not have to mean conflict and violence. They have consistently chosen the path of peace and self-discipline, reflecting their reverence for Gandhi’s India and the philosophy of the Buddha.

He added :  “Tibetans are not merely refugees, but partners of India — partners who have spiritually enriched this nation.”

Conclusion: A Living Example of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’

Dr. Parvinder Singh’s words and the journey of the Tibetan community reaffirm India’s foundational ideal of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — the world is one family. It° is not just about offering asylum, but about shared commitment to culture, tolerance, and service.

• Fact File: Tibetan Community and India
• 1959: Arrival of the Dalai Lama in India
• 40+ Settlements: Across 12 Indian states
• 90,000+ Refugees: Living across India
• Dharamshala: Headquarters of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile
• Institutions: Actively contributing in Buddhist education, culture, and community service

Report : Ravindra Arya