Welcome to the 50 Years in Exile website

This year, Tibetans around the world are commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan diaspora, the flight into exile of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and 85,000 Tibetans following a failed popular uprising against the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959.

While this historic passage marked a dark and painful chapter in Tibetan history, and the Tibetan struggle continues unresolved to this day, it also marked the beginning of an extraordinary story of cultural survival that has touched the hearts and lives of millions of people around the world.

Under the Dalai Lama’s visionary leadership, 150,000 Tibetans living in exile have succeeded in building a strong and vibrant community that stretches from India, Nepal and Bhutan to more than 40 countries around the world. They have formed a democratic system of government and established major institutions that have sustained the Tibetan way of life, language, cultural traditions, and identity for a half century outside their homeland.

The Tibet Fund is hosting 50 Years in Exile: a Celebration of Tibetan Culture to raise awareness about the Tibetan refugee community’s achievements and the impact of Tibetan culture and religion on the global community. This project supports and expands on the 50th anniversary program being organized by the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala, India. There will be other programs around the world as well and you will be able to learn about them here on the 50 Years in Exile website.

Tibet-related organizations that are presenting programs during 2009-2010 of special relevance to the 50th anniversary are invited to send their postings to [email protected]. Cultural programs—music, art, poetry—are especially welcome.