Dharamshala: In early March 1959, a series of events heightened anxieties among Tibetans in Lhasa. Suspicion arose over an alleged plot by Chinese Political Commissar T’an Kuan-san to kidnap the young Dalai Lama, reportedly orchestrated through an invitation for His Holiness to attend a theatrical performance at the Chinese military headquarters. The invitation stipulated that His Holiness should come without his customary retinue of officials or the escort of the Kusung Regiment, further fuelling Tibetan suspicions. This concern eventually mobilised the broader Tibetan populace—including residents of Lhasa, as well as Tibetans from the Kham and Amdo regions who had fled the harsh consequences of the so-called “democratic reforms” targeting spiritual leaders, religious institutions, and places of worship. Many voluntarily posted themselves as guards around the Norbulingkha Palace on 10 March and organised demonstrations in protest.

Feared by the resentment and continuous demonstrations over the following days, the Chinese PLA regiment stationed in Lhasa began bombarding Norbulingkha Palace. Concerned for His Holiness’ safety, the Cabinets, along with the prophecies of Tibetan state oracles, persuaded him to leave Lhasa. March 1959 has since become one of the most painful and dramatic periods in millennia of Tibetan history—a history that had witnessed the highs and lows of empires and kingdoms, but never the abject loss of independence to an outside power. In that tragic month, His Holiness began his perilous journey into exile, and at the same time, the Tibetan people endured widespread violence following the 10 March demonstrations.

To honour the martyrs and commemorate the day, Tibetans have observed 10 March as a solemn reminder of that tragic period and as a call for renewed determination to seek justice. In the decades following the complete takeover of Tibet and the forcible expulsion or dissolution of the Tibetan government in Lhasa, Tibetans have witnessed successive efforts to dismantle traditional institutions and systems. These actions have also impacted Tibet’s natural resources and wildlife. More recently, the destruction and cultural suppression have intensified, with the Chinese government implementing a Han-centric policy aimed at sinicizing ethnic minorities through state-run boarding schools that uproot younger generations from their heritage, under the pretext of safeguarding stability—threatening the survival of centuries-old Tibetan civilisation.

To condemn these suppressive and repressive policies, Tibetans in the free world continue to raise their voices and call on the international community to address this ongoing injustice.

This year, Tibetans in India held sporadic peaceful demonstrations across their settlements and regions to mark this painful day in history.

The Tibetan community in Leh commemorated the 67th Tibetan National Uprising Day with a peaceful procession from Men-Tsee-Khang to the Polo Ground, featuring prominent local leaders including Shri Tsering Dorjee Lakrook and Venerable Lobsang Tashi. The official ceremony commenced with prayers and a minute of silence for Tibetan martyrs, followed by the reading of the official statements from the Kashag and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. A key highlight was the Settlement Officer’s explanation of the symbolic white horse imagery, representing His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s historic escape into exile. The event, which included participation from TCV school students and the general public, concluded with solidarity speeches from Ladakhi dignitaries and the “Prayer of Truth,” reaffirming the collective commitment to the Tibetan cause.

The Tibetan Settlement Office in Herbertpur observed the 67th Tibetan National Uprising Day on March 10, 2026, with a high-visibility peace march from Lakhanwala to the Herbertpur Bus Stand. Led by the Abbot of Gongkar Monastery and attended by approximately 350 people—including students from STS Herbertpur and TCV Selakui the event combined spiritual prayers with a disciplined public demonstration of resilience. By marching through the busy Herbertpur Chowk with banners and flags, the community successfully drew public attention to the 1959 resistance, concluding the day with collective prayers for the preservation of Tibetan culture and a peaceful resolution to the Tibetan cause.

The Tibetan community in Kullu marked the 67th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day with a peaceful protest march followed by an official ceremony at Dhalpur Ground. Led by local Tibetan organisations and accompanied by students from Sambhota Tibetan School, the event featured the reading of official statements from the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and the Kashag. The Chief Guest, Mr Pema Namgyal of the Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society, emphasised the importance of global solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet and the preservation of Tibetan identity. The commemoration concluded with a formal appeal to the Government of India to confer the Bharat Ratna upon His Holiness the Dalai Lama in recognition of his lifelong contribution to peace