Tibet Museum’s ‘Long Look Homeward’ Draws 7,000 Visitors, Highlights Tibetan Freedom Struggle

Dharamshala: The Tibet Museum’s traveling exhibition, “Long Look Homeward”, concluded its highly successful run across various venues in Bengaluru, captivating thousands of visitors and sparking meaningful conversations about Tibet’s history, culture, and its enduring connection with India. Through a series of interactive displays, educational talks, and cultural showcases, the exhibition explored key themes such as India-Tibet relations, the life and legacy of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, and the Tibetan struggle for freedom.

Launched in collaboration with local academic institutions, the exhibition traversed four key venues, reaching approximately 7,000 individuals, including students, faculty members, Tibetan community members, and visitors from all walks of life. Each event was designed to deepen understanding of Tibet’s rich cultural heritage and its ongoing journey in the modern world.

The traveling exhibition began with a launch event at the Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education’s (DLIHE) academic centre during the institute’s Tibet Week, where the exhibition attracted an eager audience of students, staff, and Tibetan scholars. A focal point of this event was a series of thought-provoking panels and documentaries on India-Tibet relations, the biography of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, and the Tibetan quest for freedom and justice. The exhibition offered an opportunity for students in the History Department and beyond to engage with Tibet’s unique history in an academic setting, while also sparking conversation among Tibetan research scholars who attended in large numbers. The event’s success was measured by the enthusiastic participation of 150 students, 30 staff members, and 25 Tibetan research scholars who engaged deeply with the exhibition’s content.

The exhibition’s next stop was Bangalore University, where it expanded its reach with a cultural collaboration between the Tibet Museum and the university’s History Department. Inaugurated by dignitaries Dr. Jayakara S.M. and Chief Representative Officer Jigme Tsultrim, the event showcased a rich blend of traditional Tibetan cultural displays alongside thought-provoking talks. One highlight of this event was an interactive session led by Tibet Museum’s Director Tenzin Topdhen, who delved into Tibet’s numismatic heritage and how it reflects Tibetan independence. This event not only engaged students but also attracted the attention of the local Tibetan community, with 500 students, 50 staff members, and 50 community members attending the exhibition, ensuring a diverse and engaged audience.

Following the university’s exhibition, DLIHE hosted a closing event, marking the end of Tibet Week. The event saw the participation of the Indo-Tibet Friendship Society (ITFS), with President of ITFS Gopi officiating the ceremony. As one of the major diplomatic organisations representing the Tibetan cause in India, the ITFS’s involvement lent the exhibition added significance, offering visitors a chance to engage with the political aspects of the Tibetan struggle. Around 150 visitors, including ITFS members, Men-Tsee-Khang representatives, and members of the Tibetan diaspora, attended the event, further solidifying the exhibition’s role as an important cultural and political dialogue platform.

Another significant exhibition was held at the Bangalore Tibetan Youth Hostel, coinciding with the global observance of Nobel Peace Prize Day. The exhibition here offered an intimate and culturally immersive experience, focusing on Tibetan traditions and values. It attracted around 450 visitors, including youth hostel students, members of the ITFS, and the Tibetan diaspora. The event provided a space for Tibetan youth to reflect on their cultural heritage, fostering a sense of pride and unity among younger generations.

The final leg of the exhibition was hosted at Dayananda Sagar University (DSU), where the interactive displays and animations captivated an even larger audience. The exhibition’s two-day run at DSU reached over 5,000 students and faculty members, who explored themes of Tibet’s political history, the process of identifying the reincarnation of the Dalai Lamas, and the long-standing relationship between India and Tibet. Through engaging multimedia, students were able to learn about the spiritual and political complexities of Tibetan identity, further expanding their knowledge of this rich and complex culture.

As the exhibition wrapped up its run in Bengaluru, it had successfully engaged a wide and varied audience across academic institutions, cultural hubs, and the Tibetan community, leaving a lasting impact on all who participated. The exhibition not only provided a deeper understanding of Tibet’s history and the life of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama but also ignited critical discussions about Tibet’s current political and cultural challenges. The event served as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of Tibet’s heritage and its ongoing significance in contemporary global dialogues.

Through “Long Look Homeward”, the Tibet Museum has not only brought Tibet’s past to life but has also ensured that its future remains an active part of the global conversation on culture, identity, and politics.

-Report filed by the Tibet Museum, DIIR, CTA