Dharamshala — His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written an appreciation letter to the organiser and participants of the event entitled "Freedom Trail" in Tawang, which commemorates the 66th anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's flight to India in 1959. The event aims to honor His Holiness's journey to India, but also to spread his message of peace, non-violence and compassion.
On March 31, 2025, over 300 participants in the “Freedom Trail” began their walking from Khen-Dze-Mane, in the district of Tawang, in Arunachal Pradesh, where His Holiness the Dalai Lama first set foot on March 31, 1959, after the illegal and forced occupation of Tibet by the Chinese Communist Party in 1959. The “Freedom Trail” is organised by the Tawang District Administration.
They retraced the path taken by His Holiness the Dalai Lama when he entered India 66 years ago, by walking from Khen-Dze-Mane to Thonglek, Tawang, passing through Gorsam, Jeymeythang, Shakti, Lungla, and concluding at Thonglek on April 4, 2025.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote on April 4, 2025, "I am very moved to know that 300 people have embarked on a Freedom Trail, retracing the six-day journey I made in 1959 from Khen-dza-mani on the border between Tibet and India to Pungteng-tse at Tawang. I clearly remember those days and the feeling of relief and freedom I felt as we reached India and how reassuring it was to be given such a warm welcome wherever we went."
His Holiness said, "I understand that as they walk and visit the places we stopped on our way the trekkers will reaffirm India's enduring ties of culture and civilisation with Tibet, a bond that is alive and unwavering."
The spiritual leader of Tibet said, "Since those six days travelling from Khen-dza-mani to Tawang, India has become my second home. Living here I have been able to meet all sorts of people I would not otherwise have done. I have learned to regard disasters, such as losing your country, less as setbacks and more as opportunities to develop courage and renew our resolve to help others."
"As the trekkers reach Tawang Monastery on April 5th, I will pray that their efforts contribute to the thriving of compassion, non-violence and human values and that this may lead to a more peaceful harmonious world. I also take this opportunity to thank the people and Government of India, especially the Mönpas of Arunachal Pradesh, for the deep friendship and support they have shown me and the Tibetan people over the last 66 years," His Holiness concluded his letter.
