The Dalai Lama, Before, During And After The Chinese Invasion
The universally recognized 14th Dalai Lama has tirelessly fought for the freedom for Tibet, during and after the unlawful occupation of the Chinese. His non-violence and political involvement for Tibet had brought acknowledgment and respect from the rest of the world.
Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, was born in 1934 in Eastern Tibet. He was hailed his predecessor's incarnation at the age of two, and was enthroned in 1940. Traditionally, the role of the Dalai Lama is the spiritual guide and leader of Tibet, creating a symbol of security and peace. Dalai Lama's are rarely ever politically involved in Tibet.
His holiness fulfilled this traditional role up until 1949, when he assumed full power, as the threat of a Chinese invasion became evident.
The Tibetan National Assembly called together an urgent meeting, a month after the first attack from the Chinese. In this session, a then sixteen year old Dalai Lama was implored to take on the title and total command of Head of State, and abandon his home in Tibet's capital, Lhasa, and settle close to Tibet's shared border with India in Dromo, in order to remain safe. His traditional role of spiritual leader was drastically lengthened as he became the political leader of Tibet on November 17, 1950. The Dalai Lama appointed Prime Ministers and sent delegations of help and protection to the United States and the United Nations.
"I could not refuse my responsibilities. I had to shoulder them, put my boyhood behind me and immediately prepare myself to lead my country"*. The Dalai Lama made this statement referring to when his country had just been invaded in 1950. This statement shows the strong, fearless and compassionate leader Tibet was fortunate to be in possession of.
The Dalai Lama sent appeals to the United Nations for assistance in keeping Tibet free from Chinese entanglement, when the Chinese had began their invasion, but the document were not taken as official. The Dalai Lama...
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