Who is the Dalai Lama and why does he live in exile?

The Dalai Lama, a global symbol of peace and Tibetan culture, has lived in exile in India since 1959, fleeing Chinese troops who occupied Tibet. Despite facing challenges, he has worked to preserve Tibetan culture and advocated for autonomy, not independence, for Tibet. As he turned 90 in 2025, the Dalai Lama confirmed the existence of a successor, ensuring the continuation of his legacy and the 600-year-old institution of the Dalai Lama.