Tibetans Supports India (File Photograph)
On April 20, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, claimed the lives of seven brave Indian soldiers, shaking the nation to its core. As India reels from this gut-wrenching tragedy, an outpouring of grief, solidarity, and prayers has swept across the country. Among those mourning deeply are members of the Tibetan community, who, once again, stand shoulder to shoulder with India in pain, as they have for decades - in every war, every attack, every tragedy.
For over 60 years, India has been a sanctuary for Tibetans in exile. But more than just a place of refuge, India has become their second motherland. Time and again, Tibetans have shown that their loyalty to India is not born of diplomacy - it is born of love, history, and a shared destiny.
A History of Standing Together
When the Kargil War erupted in 1999, Tibetan soldiers of the Special Frontier Force (SFF), also known as "Establishment 22," fought bravely alongside Indian troops in the icy, treacherous mountains. Few know that Tibetan commandos played a pivotal role in the covert capture of strategic peaks, scaling cliffs under moonless skies to secure victory. Their silent sacrifices were acknowledged years later - not with medals, but with the quiet gratitude of a nation that knew who its true friends were.
Decades earlier, during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, Tibetan soldiers were deployed to safeguard India’s borders and execute daring missions under the Indian Army’s command. In every conflict, these unsung heroes have risked their lives for the country that gave them shelter, proving their allegiance with blood and courage.
When terror struck Mumbai on 26/11 in 2008, Tibetans across India - from the snowy peaks of Ladakh to the serene settlements of Bylakuppe - held candlelight vigils, their flames flickering in the winter night. Monks chanted prayers, and communities raised funds for the victims’ families. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, condemned the attack unequivocally, stating, "Violence can never be the solution to problems. I offer my prayers for those who lost their lives, and for the bereaved families."
The Dalai Lama’s Steadfast Support for India
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has consistently expressed his deep respect and affection for India, often calling himself a "son of India." After the Pulwama terror attack in 2019, he wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
"I offer my prayers for the brave personnel who have lost their lives. I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have died and wish a speedy recovery to the injured."
The Tibetan spiritual leader has long noted that Tibetan culture, language, and Buddhism itself are deeply rooted in India’s ancient traditions. In times of crisis, he has urged Tibetans to pray for India and stand united with its people, reinforcing the India-Tibet solidarity that binds these communities.
Today, We Mourn with India Again
The Pahalgam attack has reopened wounds that never fully heal. Yet, amid the horror, the Tibetan community stands firm in solidarity with India. In Dharamshala, monks clad in maroon robes chant Om Mani Padme Hum under flickering butter lamps, praying for the departed souls. Across Tibetan settlements, from Mundgod to Dehradun, prayer wheels spin, carrying wishes for peace. Tibetan youth are voicing their outrage and sorrow online, condemning violence and calling for unity.
This is not new. This is not strategy. This is sewa - heartfelt service - rooted in gratitude and a sense of kinship that transcends nationality. Alongside Tibetans, communities across India - from Punjab to Tamil Nadu - are uniting in grief and resolve, weaving a tapestry of solidarity that strengthens the nation.
A Bond Forged in Struggle and Sacrifice
Today, as India battles external threats and internal divisions, the Tibetan community reminds us of an older, quieter alliance - one built on moral clarity, shared values, and mutual respect. Their contributions, often unspoken, are a testament to the enduring India-Tibet history of standing together.
Let us remember that Tibetans are not guests anymore. They are family. And in times like these, family stands together - not with words alone, but with prayer, action, and sacrifice.
As the flames of terror try to shake India’s spirit, the Tibetan community’s unwavering love stands as a quiet beacon. It tells us: You are not alone. Let us honor these sacrifices by fostering peace and unity.