Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, returned to his home in Dharamsala on Friday after a month-and-a-half winter sojourn in southern India, his aides confirmed. During his visit, he led prayer services, performed ordinations for 303 monks, and met with over 8,000 people across Bylakuppe and Hunsur in Karnataka.

Upon his arrival at Gaggal airport, the Dalai Lama was warmly received by Gyari Dolma, Central Tibetan Administration’s Department of Security Minister, alongside members of the Tibetan Parliament and representatives from various faiths including Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism.

Local Tibetans, many dressed in traditional attire, joyfully lined the streets with white silk scarves and incense as the Dalai Lama made his way to the hilltop Tsuglagkhang temple near his official residence in McLeodganj.

McLeodganj, often referred to as “Little Lhasa,” has been home to the Dalai Lama since 1960 when he fled Tibet amid Chinese persecution. The town is also the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile and houses around 16,000 Tibetans. His teachings on non-violence, peace, and religious harmony have made him a revered figure globally, and he remains a symbol of Buddhism and a respected guest in India.

As the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday in July, he continues his mission of promoting peace and religious tolerance. A Nobel laureate, he will release a new book in March titled Voice for the Voiceless: Over Seven Decades of Struggle with China for My Land and My People. The book offers personal insights into his lifelong struggle with China and his efforts to protect Tibet’s distinct culture, religion, and history.

The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 following China’s occupation and has since been an advocate for Tibet’s freedom, negotiating with successive Chinese leaders. His new book will provide the first detailed account of these negotiations and reflect on Tibet’s ongoing fight for autonomy, nearly 75 years after China’s invasion.

(With inputs from IANS)