Dalai Lama to undergo treatment in Delhi, then travel to Ladakh
Dharamsala, June 4
Nearly two years after undergoing knee replacement surgery in the United States, the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, will travel to Delhi on Friday for further medical treatment on his left knee, his office said on Thursday.
After recovery, he is scheduled to visit Ladakh toward the end of June for an extended stay, his office added.
The 90-year-old Tibetan monk lives in exile in McLeodganj, a small and quaint hill station in the suburbs of Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh.
The spiritual leader, a symbol of Buddhism, loves travelling across the remote mountainous Ladakh region, bordering Tibet, to give an audience to people of all faiths, 'riling' China.
One of his aides told IANS that the Dalai Lama has been visiting Ladakh for over 50 years, as locals have a special bond with him based on their faith and loving-kindness. His last visit was in July 2025.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will also attend a public program in honour of his 91st birthday on July 6, likely in Leh. In 2024, the Nobel Peace Laureate had undergone a successful knee treatment and spent two months recovering in the US.
During the spiritual leader's New York visit, where he underwent surgery, US Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues, Uzra Zeya, had met him to convey then-President Joe Biden's wishes. She discussed the United States' ongoing efforts to address human rights abuses inside Tibet.
Zeya had welcomed the Dalai Lama's lifelong dedication to promoting non-violence and compassion. The Under Secretary also had taken the opportunity "to discuss with His Holiness Tibetan cultural preservation, the United States' ongoing efforts to address human rights abuses inside Tibet, and support for resuming dialogue between the PRC and His Holiness and his representatives".
The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in March 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, believes in a "middle-way" approach, meaning greater autonomy for Tibet rather than outright independence.
Beijing regards the Dalai Lama as a "separatist". It is sensitive to him meeting international leaders, attending official functions or visiting places at the invitation of the Indian government.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I admire his dedication to non-violence and compassion, truly. But I'm concerned about the political implications. Why does the US always have to get involved in our region's affairs? China will see this as another provocation.
Ladakh is so beautiful, especially in June. I hope he has a peaceful stay there and doesn't face any disruptions. It's amazing how he connects with people of all faiths, including Hindus like us. 🙏🏽
Honestly, while I respect his spiritual stature, it feels like his visits are always used for political messaging. Our government should focus on development in Ladakh rather than hosting events that might upset our neighbors. Just my opinion.
What a remarkable man! At 90, still traveling and sharing wisdom. I've met Tibetan refugees in Dharamsala and they speak of him with such love. Hope his treatment goes well and he enjoys Ladakh. 💙
China will naturally be concerned, but I think India has every right to host a spiritual leader who has been here for decades. The Dalai Lama's message of peace is universal and should be welcomed, not politicized. Let's keep it about compassion rather than conflict.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.