1959, a year every Tibetan remembers with sadness and regret, was a turning point in the history of the ‘Roof of the World’. With the Chinese Communist occupation of their country and the genocidal destruction that followed, peace and freedom came to an end for the six million Tibetans. The only ray of hope in this bleak outlook was the safe arrival of his Holiness the Dalai Lama in India. Here is an account of His Holiness the Dala Lama’s escape, told by one of those most closely associated with it. Risking his life and the safety of his family, Kunga Samten Dewatshang, a leader of the Chushi Gangdrug guerrillas, escorted the Dalai Lama from the Norbulingka summer palace, right under the Chinese army’s nose, on the first lap to freedom. This is the story of a courageiuos man, a typical Khampa, a native of eastern Tibet, who recalls a way of life that is now gone forever. And yet there remains hope. This is also a story of resilience, of people who, having lost almost everything, managed to recreate their lives and pass on their faith and values to their children. Crucial to this success has been the abiding inspiration of the Dalai Lama’s presence. And thereby hangs the importance of his having been able to escape.
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