60 year anniv celebration of Dalai Lama stepping on Indian soil

Dharamsala, March 18: After cancelling events in the national capital, the Tibetan government-in-exile will now start the pan-India programmes to mark the beginning of the 60th year of the Dalai Lama stepping on Indian soil, from its headquarters here, organisers said on Saturday.

"The CTA (Central Tibetan Administration) will be organising a public event at the Tsuglagkhang temple (in Dharamsala) on March 31 to thank India," a government-in-exile spokesperson said.

He said the Dalai Lama has agreed to attend the event that will see dignitaries and guests, and celebrate Tibetan culture and spirit that thrives on the Indian soil.

The Dalai Lama escaped from Tibet to India in March 1959. The government-in-exile is about to complete 60 years in the country.

Amidst the recent tensions with China, the Indian government was reported to have cautioned its senior officials to stay away from events aimed at marking the start of the Dalai Lama's 60th year of exile.