As Dalai Lama turns 90, Congress recalls his historic meeting with Nehru in 1959

The Dalai Lama, widely regarded as a global symbol of peace and compassion, remains the foremost spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists.

As Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama marks his 90th birthday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Sunday reflected on a pivotal moment in modern Indo-Tibetan history, the Dalai Lama’s first extended conversation with then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1959.

Taking to social media platform X, Ramesh noted that the two leaders had a four-hour-long discussion on April 24, 1959, in Mussoorie. Present at the meeting were only Foreign Secretary Subimal Dutt and interpreters. This conversation came just weeks after the Dalai Lama began his life in exile in India following the failed Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule.

"The iconic Dalai Lama turns 90 today," Ramesh wrote. "He first visited India between November 1956 and March 1957 during the 2500th birth anniversary celebrations of the Buddha. His permanent refuge in India began on March 31, 1959."

The iconic Dalai Lama turns 90 today. He had come to India first during Nov 1956-March 1957 for the 2500th birth anniversary celebrations of the Buddha. His permanent refuge in India began on March 31, 1959. On April 24, 1959, Jawaharlal Nehru and the Dalai Lama had a… pic.twitter.com/0bJkJ8JYBQ

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) July 6, 2025

Following his arrival, the Dalai Lama embarked on an extensive tour across India, meeting leaders and visiting various regions, Ramesh said. Soon after, his base was established in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, which has since become the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile. Tibetan settlements also came up in other parts of the country, including Bylakuppe, Mundgod, and Hunsur in Karnataka.

Ramesh also highlighted the Dalai Lama’s recent reflections published just four months ago in his book Voice for the Voiceless, calling it a revealing account of his spiritual journey, personal struggles, and the Tibetan cause.

Alongside his post, Ramesh shared a rare photograph of the 1959 Nehru-Dalai Lama meeting, a moment that would go on to shape India's enduring support for the Tibetan people.

The Dalai Lama, widely regarded as a global symbol of peace and compassion, remains the foremost spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists. His 90th birthday is being marked by followers and admirers worldwide.