Renowned Biographer Dr. Arvind Yadav to Release Landmark Biography of the 14th Dalai Lama Ahead of His 90th Birthday

Acclaimed biographer and journalist Dr. Arvind Yadav has authored a comprehensive and deeply researched biography of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. This monumental work, rich with rare facts and untold incidents, stands apart from any other publication on the spiritual leader’s life. The biography is set to be released this year in English, Hindi, and Telugu as part of the celebrations for the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, which begins on July 9, 2025.

Acknowledging the effort behind the book, the Dalai Lama expressed his heartfelt appreciation:

“I extend my appreciation to Dr. Arvind Yadav for his dedicated efforts in writing a five-part series of books on my life story. Through his meticulous research and insightful study of Tibetan history and Buddhist philosophy, he has created a valuable resource for those wishing to learn about my journey and the principles I strive to uphold.”

He further added:

“In documenting my life from my early years in Tibet to my time in exile, Dr. Yadav has helped preserve the story of the Tibetan people and our enduring commitment to non-violence and dialogue. He has also highlighted my dedication to promoting human values, religious harmony, the protection of Tibetan religion, culture, and environment, as well as my efforts to generate interest in ancient Indian knowledge. I sincerely thank him for honouring his promise, made during our meeting in 2022, to write a book on Tibet and bring greater awareness to its rich heritage and ongoing struggle.”

The foreword of the book has been written by the esteemed author, statesman, and philosopher Dr. Karan Singh, who writes:

“Not very much is generally known about the details of the Dalai Lama’s life and extraordinary achievements. What was needed was a full-fledged biography which, after extensive research, a Telugu journalist born in Hyderabad, Shri Arvind Yadav, has written in Hindi. The present book is a partial translation of that work. In a concise format, it presents the life and personality of the Dalai Lama, whom I have the privilege of calling a dear friend. I commend Arvind Yadav for this book, which I am sure will be widely circulated in India and abroad.”

Dr. Arvind Yadav is no stranger to chronicling greatness. He has previously brought to life the stories of some of India’s most influential personalities, including renowned scientist Prof. C.N.R. Rao, India’s first woman cardiologist Dr. Padmavati, legendary playback singer Hemlata, social reformer Phoolbasan Yadav, visionary entrepreneur Sardar Jodh Singh, doctor-entrepreneur Nimmagadda Upendranath, and renowned medical professionals like Dr. Nimmagadda Upendranath, Dr. Vemireddy Radhika Reddy, Dr. Pigilam Shyam Prasad and Dr. Pavan Addala.

Born and raised in Hyderabad, Dr. Yadav pursued his education at Osmania University, earning master’s degrees in both English and Hindi, while also exploring fields such as science, psychology, and law. His deep understanding of South Indian politics and culture, along with his extensive travels through villages and cities across the region, continues to shape his writing and journalistic pursuits.

With this latest work on the Dalai Lama, Dr. Arvind Yadav once again demonstrates his unmatched ability to blend rigorous research with compelling narrative, offering readers an illuminating portrait of one of the world’s most revered spiritual leaders. 

A few excerpts from the biography

1. On the night of 5 July, 1935, after completing all the household tasks, Diki Tsering joined her husband in bed. Their daughter, Tsering Dolma, and son Gyalo Thondup also retired to their respective sleeping areas.

On the morning of 6 July, 1935, Diki Tsering awoke early due to the distant rumblings of an approaching storm. Though the storm had yet to reach the village, the sound of the wind stirred her from sleep. Upon opening her eyes, she instinctively placed her hand on her slightly swollen abdomen, feeling a sense of contentment that brought a smile to her face. It was as if an inner voice whispered to her, suggesting that something significant was on the brink of happening.

Despite the stirring of labour pains, Diki Tsering continued with her morning routine. Her years of experience allowed her to recognize the onset of labour, yet she persevered with her chores. Just like any other day, she tended to the animals in the cowshed, providing them with fodder. Anticipating the impending storm, she took proactive measures, clearing a juniper wood drain to prevent rainwater from accumulating amidst the debris.

Diki Tsering’s proficiency in managing the household stemmed not only from her wealth of experience but also from her foresight and visionary approach to domestic affairs.

As Diki Tsering continued her work, she gradually went into labour, feeling the onset of contractions. Finding a moment of respite, she settled near a pile of straw, surrounded by the captivating view of the impending storm. The sky was shrouded in dense, dark clouds, resonating with the sound of thunder heralding the approaching tempest. The region had experienced rainfall for several days, punctuated by the occasional appearance of rainbows that captivated the village children, who eagerly sought them out.

In the cowshed, the Dzomos chewed cud while shaking its head and the chickens busied themselves in search of food. Some of the chickens even ventured near Choekyong Tsering. In this atmospheric setting, Diki Tsering brought a beautiful and healthy child into the world. The baby, weighing approximately eight pounds, was born silently, without crying. According to the Tibetan calendar, the baby was born on the fifth day of the fifth month of the year Shin-phag (One Varaha), corresponding to 6 July, 1935, in the English calendar.

After some time, Diki Tsering’s daughter, Tsering Dolma, arrived at her mother’s side. Upon noticing that one of her baby brother’s eyes was not fully open, Tsering Dolma gently used her thumb to assist in opening it.

It was Tsering Dolma who bestowed upon the new born baby its first nourishment, adhering to Tibetan tradition by feeding the infant the juice extracted from the bark of a plant.

As the new born baby was brought into the house, a neighbour rushed over, breathless with excitement, to inform Choekyong Tsering and his family, “A rainbow is touching the roof of your house.”

Another remarkable incident occurred: shortly after the birth of the baby, Choekyong Tsering, who had been previously bedridden due to illness, experienced a sudden and unexpected improvement in his health. His illness went into remission, much to the surprise of the family. However, none of them made the connection between the birth of the child and the father’s recovery at that time.

The arrival of the new member was celebrated in accordance with tradition, and the mother lovingly attended to the new born, harbouring hopes for its long and prosperous life. However, none of the family members were aware that an extraordinary child had entered their household. Though there were some peculiar occurrences and signs, they remained perplexing and beyond their understanding.

2. Kewtsang Rinpoche and his companions resumed their journey towards Taktser. Along the way, they encountered individuals carrying pitchers brimming with curd, milk, and water, which were regarded as an auspicious omen in Tibetan culture. According to local beliefs, encountering such scenes on the journey ensures success in one’s endeavours. Encouraged by this sight, the search team proceeded with renewed optimism. As they neared the house, the resonating sound of a conch shell from Monastery signalled the monks gathering for prayer. This further bolstered the team’s spirits, considering it a favourable sign. Subsequently, as the conch ceased its sound, the melodious call of a cuckoo echoed in the air, adding to their sense of auspiciousness.

After a short while, the group arrived in front of Choekyong Tsering’s house. Unfortunately, Choekyong Tsering was absent, attending to tasks at the watermill. However, the rest of the family warmly received the guests. Tea was promptly served to the visitors upon their arrival. Following tea, the guests requested permission to conduct the test, which was granted by the hosts.

In the bedroom, there was a raised loft with a long table atop it. It was decided that this would be the setting for testing Lhamo Thondup.

Kewtsang Rinpoche and Khenrab Tenzin occupied one side of the table, with the others positioned to their right. Lobsang Tsewang and Kheme Sonam Wangdu sat on the left side.

Kewtsang Rinpoche was determined to proceed with the remaining examinations without delay.

Kewtsang Rinpoche presented two rosaries before Lhamo Thondup and instructed him to choose one. The boy reached for a rosary and placed it around his neck. It was the very rosary that belonged to the Thirteenth Dalai Lama. Though the members of the search team were overjoyed, they managed to maintain their composure.

Following this, Kewtsang Rinpoche presented two dugugis, also known as the damarus, before the child. One was smaller while the other was larger and was made with ivory, adorned with a golden belt and brocade handle, exuding a captivating beauty. Lhamo Thondup reached for the smaller drum and began playing it. Remarkably, the way he played the dugdugi mirrored the prayer rituals. Much to the astonishment of the search team, the dugdugi he chose belonged to the Thirteenth Dalai Lama, which was often used to summon attendants. 

Next, two walking sticks were placed before the child, and he was asked to select one. Lhamo Thondup examined a stick with care, causing the hearts of Kewtsang Rinpoche and his companions to quicken. After a brief moment, Lhamo Thondup set aside the stick he was holding and chose another, proclaiming it as his own.

The first stick that the child held in his hand also belonged to the Dalai Lama. This stick was given by the Dalai Lama to a Lama, who later passed it on to Kels Rinpoche. The stick that the child claimed as his own was indeed that of the Dalai Lama.

Next, two cups were presented before the child. Lhamo Thondup instinctively reached for the very cup the Dalai Lama had once used to drink his tea. Following this, two ceremonial bells were set out. Lhamo Thondup, without hesitation, chose the same bell that had once resounded with the Dalai Lama’s prayers.

Kewtsang Rinpoche and his companions were now immersed in an ocean of bliss. Not a single doubt lingered in their minds. Lhamo Thondup had successfully passed all the examinations, confirming every indication provided. With certainty, Kewtsang Rinpoche and his companions realized that the quest for the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation had been fulfilled. Lhamo Thondup was indeed the fourteenth Dalai Lama.

Everyone bowed before Lhamo Thondup, tears of happiness flowing from their eyes. These were the most joyous moments of their lives, each feeling blessed beyond measure. This was not a trivial event; the members of the search team had discovered the “ocean of knowledge and compassion” incarnate. The new Dalai Lama had been found.

The Dalai Lama holds immense significance in the lives of Tibetans. More than just a political leader, he is the foremost religious and spiritual guide. He is revered as a living Buddha, embodying Chenrezig, the bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteshvara. Bodhisattvas are realized beings, inspired by the wish to attain complete enlightenment, who have vowed to be reborn in the world to help all living beings.

3. The Potala Palace was a bastion of Buddhist principles, where the sanctity of life was paramount, leading to a strict ban on meat and animal products. However, during visits to his parents’ home, the Dalai Lama encountered a more lenient atmosphere. There, he relished the chance to experience a slice of everyday life and occasionally indulged in meals that defied the palace’s strict dietary rules. He would sneak in bites of fish, eggs, and even pork—foods typically shunned at the palace due to their ties to living beings, which clashed with the Buddhist tenet of non-harm. These secret culinary escapades offered him a rare taste of freedom and a brief respite from the rigid constraints of his royal existence.

One day, the young Dalai Lama sat beside his father during mealtime, his eyes fixed intently on him. As his father savoured some crispy pork crackling, the Dalai Lama watched with eager anticipation, hoping for a taste. Sensing his son’s longing, his father handed him a piece. The moment the young Dalai Lama bit into it, the crackling was everything he had imagined—crisp, flavourful, and utterly satisfying, making the experience all the more memorable.

One day, the young Dalai Lama was caught in the act of eating eggs by the Gyop Kenpo, a senior official of the palace. Both were taken aback by the unexpected encounter. Overcome with surprise and embarrassment, the Dalai Lama instinctively shouted, “Go away!” Despite the situation, the senior official, recognizing the boy as the Dalai Lama, had no choice but to bow his head in respect and quietly retreat.

4. While traditionally, a Dalai Lama would take full control at the age of eighteen, the urgency of the situation could not be ignored. Tibet, fractured by internal divisions and struggling with a deteriorating administration, needed a leader who could unite the country in the face of a grave external threat.

Despite his initial hesitation, the young Dalai Lama recognized that the country’s future depended on his leadership. With the National Assembly’s support, he reluctantly accepted the mantle of responsibility.

On the morning of the 17 November, 1950 the Dalai Lama rose hours earlier than usual, signalling the beginning of an important day in Tibetan history. At just fifteen years old, he was to formally assume both the spiritual and temporal leadership of Tibet. As part of the ceremony, the Dalai Lama was instructed to tie a piece of green cloth around his waist, a gesture guided by the astrologers, who deemed the colour auspicious for the occasion. The auspicious nature of the day was underscored by his decision to grant a general amnesty, declaring the release of all prisoners in Tibet. This act marked a significant shift, symbolizing a new era of governance under the young Dalai Lama.

The official enthronement ceremony took place in the Glories of Samsara and Nirvana hall within the Potala Palace. The ceremony was both a spiritual and political event, symbolizing the end of the Dalai Lama’s childhood and the beginning of his rule. He was ceremoniously handed the Golden Dharma Wheel, an emblem of his temporal power. In his name, a general amnesty was declared, leading to the release of all prisoners. The prison at Shol, once a symbol of confinement and hardship, stood empty in the wake of the proclamation. This act, although symbolic of compassion, left an unexpected void.

Though the decision to release all prisoners was in line with the Dalai Lama’s compassionate leadership, it was not without its complexities. The Dalai Lama’s reflections in the years that followed indicate a certain sense of loss. The absence of the prisoners from the Shol compound, once so familiar, brought an inexplicable emptiness. Through his telescope, the Dalai Lama observed the compound, now barren, save for a few dogs scavenging for scraps. This desolation, while intended as a step toward mercy and renewal, left a sense of incompleteness. The connection, however tenuous, that he had felt with those who had been confined there was now gone, marking a subtle but profound shift in his perception of leadership.

In preparation for the ceremony, the Dalai Lama refrained from eating breakfast, anticipating that the ritual would be long and demanding. However, the astrologers had insisted that he consume an apple before the proceedings, a ritualistic requirement that he reluctantly followed. The fruit was not to his liking, and the Dalai Lama struggled to eat it, finding the tradition uncomfortable and unnecessary. Despite this, he adhered to the instructions, a reflection of the extent to which he trusted the astrologers’ guidance, even when their directives seemed burdensome.

As the ceremony commenced at dawn, the atmosphere in the chapel was thick with formality. Dignitaries from across Tibet and foreign officials from distant lands were in attendance, all dressed in vibrant regalia. The lighting, however, was poor, and the Dalai Lama found himself surrounded by shadows. The vast assembly of officials seemed distant, blurred by the dim light, and the Dalai Lama’s focus remained fixed on the proceedings, though the discomfort in his stomach grew.

The Golden Dharma Wheel, handed to him during the ceremony, symbolized the full extent of the temporal power he was assuming. Yet, as the ritual continued, the Dalai Lama began to experience a growing physical discomfort. The apple, though consumed reluctantly, seemed to be the source of his distress, creating an uncomfortable and increasingly urgent need to relieve himself. This physical discomfort, contrasting with the solemnity of the moment, was a source of growing frustration for the Dalai Lama.

As the ceremony continued, the Dalai Lama’s discomfort intensified. In desperation, he sent a message to the Lord Chamberlain, urging him to expedite the proceedings. However, the traditional rituals could not be hastened, and the ceremony dragged on, each step bound by centuries of custom and tradition. The Dalai Lama, despite the physical distress, had no choice but to endure.

At just fifteen years old, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama became the undisputed leader of six million people, facing the threat of a full-scale war. 

5. In the monastery, the Dalai Lama kept a small Bush radio receiver powered by a six-volt battery. Every evening, he tuned in to the Tibetan language broadcasts from Radio Beijing. Often, he listened in the company of one or more officials, but just as often, he found himself alone with the broadcasts. Most of the programming was dedicated to propaganda extolling the virtues of the “Glorious Motherland,” emphasizing China’s industrial progress and the equality of its citizens. The Dalai Lama was struck by the contrast between the idealistic promises of material and spiritual progress and the reality of the situation. Yet, despite his reservations, he couldn’t help but be impressed by the power of the Chinese propaganda machine.

Then, one evening, as he sat alone listening to the radio, he heard something that left him stunned. A harsh, crackling voice announced that a “Seventeen-Point Agreement” for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet had been signed by representatives of Tibet with the Government of the People’s Republic of China and what was referred to as the “Local Government of Tibet.” At first, the Dalai Lama could hardly believe what he was hearing. The announcement was filled with references to Tibet’s so-called “enslavement” under foreign imperialists, followed by a declaration that Tibet would now “return to the big family of the Motherland, the People’s Republic of China.”

To Dalai Lama, these words seemed like a cruel mockery. The Dalai Lama believed that the last foreign army stationed in Tibet had been the Manchu army, and that was in 1912. In the years since, Tibet had functioned as a de facto independent state, with its own government and customs. The very idea of Tibet “returning” to China was a brazen fabrication. He believed that Tibet had never been a part of China, a fact supported by historical records and legal documents. As the International Commission of Jurists later pointed out, Tibet’s position in 1912 could be described as one of de facto independence, a sovereign state in law and fact, free from Chinese control.

What was most troubling, however, was the fact that Ngabo Ngawang Jigme, the Governor of Chamdo, had been sent to negotiate with China but had not been authorized to sign any agreement on behalf of Tibet. The Dalai Lama had kept the seals of state with him in Dromo specifically to ensure that no such agreement could be made in his absence. This meant that Ngabo had likely been coerced into signing the agreement. The implications of this betrayal would not become fully clear for several months, but the radio broadcasts repeated the same message over and over: Tibet had been “liberated” and its people were now part of the “glorious” People’s Republic of China. The Dalai Lama listened in disbelief as these self-congratulatory broadcasts praised the wisdom of Chairman Mao and the supposed prosperity that awaited the Tibetan people under Chinese rule. It was, in the Dalai Lama’s eyes, a mixture of lies and unfounded optimism.

The news was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Dalai Lama was left feeling both betrayed and helpless. His fears had been realized, but the gravity of the situation was only beginning to sink in. Despite the official proclamations of unity and peace, the reality of the Chinese occupation loomed large, and the Dalai Lama knew that Tibet’s future had been irrevocably altered by the events unfolding in Beijing.

The details of the Seventeen-Point Agreement were chilling all the same.