DHARAMSHALA, May 28: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama returned to his exile home of Dharamshala today in the morning to a grand reception.

More than three thousand Tibetans, Indians and foreign tourists here in the town lined up the streets carrying traditional Tibetan scarves to welcome the Dalai Lama.

Returning from a hectic five-nation Europe tour, the 76-year old Tibetan leader was received at the local Gaggal Airport by Gyalwang Karmapa, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay, and Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, Penpa Tsering.

Following the Dalai Lama’s arrival at his residence, Tibetans held a formal felicitation ceremony at the Tsug-la Khang, the main temple, celebrating the Tibetan leader’s successful trip.

Beginning his tour from London, His Holiness had met with British Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and also received the 2012 Templeton Prize.

According to reports, both the British leaders expressed concern for the situation in Tibet and interest in other developments in China.

The exiled Tibetan leader was awarded the Templeton prize, the largest annual monetary award given to an individual, for his work in encouraging scientific research and harmony among religions; the latter being one of the Dalai Lama’s three main commitments.

The Tibetan Nobel Laureate donated $1.5 million, the largest share of the prize to Save the Children, India, an organisation, which is at the forefront of the fight against malnutrition - one of the biggest causes of deaths of young children across the globe.

"Our real hope (is the) younger generation. If we properly educate them then they will change the whole world," the Dalai Lama had said announcing his decision.



On the last leg of his trip in Austria, the Dalai Lama met with Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann, Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger.

In Vienna, His Holiness also addressed the European Solidarity Rally for Tibet, which was attended by over 10,000 people from all over Europe.

In the coming weeks, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to give his annual Buddhist teachings to Tibetan youngsters followed by a special introductory Buddhist teaching at the request of Indian Buddhists in Dharamshala.