Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, April 7: In a message to the 300 participants of the recently concluded ‘Freedom Trail’, Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed deep emotion as trekkers retraced his six-day journey from from Khen-dza-mani on the border between Tibet and India to Pungteng-tse at Tawang in 1959.
The trail, which ended Saturday at Tawang Monastery in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, commemorated the spiritual leader’s escape from Tibet 66 years ago.
“I am very moved to know that 300 people have embarked on a Freedom Trail, retracing the six-day journey I made in 1959,” the Dalai Lama wrote. “I clearly remember those days and the feeling of relief and freedom I felt as we reached India and how reassuring it was to be given such a warm welcome wherever we went.”
Organised by the Tawang district administration under Deputy Commissioner Kanki Darang, the trek attracted a diverse group of participants, including monks, local leaders, security forces, tourists, and volunteers. The trail began at Kenzamani with monks and villagers offering prayers for the Dalai Lama’s long life, accompanied by traditional Monpa performances.
In his message dated April 4, 2025, the Dalai Lama reflected on his life in India since those momentous days: “Since those six days travelling from Khen-dza-mani to Tawang, India has become my second home. Living here, I have been able to meet all sorts of people I would not otherwise have done.”
The trail featured several spiritual stops along the way, with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police presenting a ceremonial guard of honour to participants at Chudangmo. Trekkers journeyed through villages where the Nobel Peace Laureate had spent a night each during his journey in 1959, including Gorzom, Shardi, Lungla Tse, and Thonglek, before reaching Tawang.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu praised the event on social media, noting that while he wasn’t a participant, he followed the journey “with admiration and respect”. He expressed hope that the trail would develop into a meaningful destination for spiritual and cultural tourism.
The Dalai Lama concluded his message with gratitude: “I also take this opportunity to thank the people and government of India, especially the Mönpas of Arunachal Pradesh, for the deep friendship and support they have shown me and the Tibetan people over the last 66 years.”
Lungla MLA Tsering Lhamu praised the trail organizers and participants, describing the event as “a collective act of devotion and unity” rather than a mere commemoration. “This initiative holds the power to transform Tawang into a global spiritual and cultural destination,” she said, urging district residents to help “preserve this legacy and promote it for generations to come,” she added.
The original journey in 1959 saw the then 24-year-old spiritual leader and an entourage of eighty people flee Norbulingka Palace in Tibet, travelling day and night before crossing into India via the Ke-Dze-Mani mountain pass. Upon arrival, he was received by T.S. Murti, the Assistant Political Officer of Tawang, along with security personnel and local residents.
Congratulations to this march to highlight HH Dalai Lama’s escape from Chine-occupied Tibetan territory towards indian border.
It must have been very harrowing to a 25 year old new comer into India as a political leader exiled into India by evil China. But we have proven that barrel of gun will lose against the light of truth, as exemplified by the sheer determination of HH Dalai Lama in 1959 when he reached Indian border in 1959 and was supported by the generous Indian government.
Thank you India to support HH Dalai Lama when evil China was driving us away from our fatherland into other countries using guns and bombs instead of peaceful talks. Tibetan should never forget the kindness of Indian towards poor and helpless Tibetan refugees who had no food to eat and no clothes to wear. Please say thank you to india.