Gyalo Thondup, Dalai Lama's Brother and Key Tibetan Leader, Dies at 97

Thondup, a pivotal figure in Tibet's struggle against Chinese control, played a crucial role in diplomacy and resistance efforts over decades.

Gyalo Thondup, elder brother of the Dalai Lama and a prominent leader in the Tibetan exile movement, passed away at his home in Kalimpong, India, at the age of 97.
Thondup was instrumental in forging international support for Tibet, including facilitating CIA-backed resistance efforts in the 1950s and later leading peaceful negotiations with China.
He served as chairman of the Tibetan government-in-exile in the early 1990s and was a trusted emissary for the Dalai Lama, advocating for a resolution to Tibet's political status.
Thondup's efforts included establishing diplomatic ties with global leaders and institutions, though his attempts to negotiate with Beijing for Tibetan autonomy were ultimately unsuccessful.
The Dalai Lama led prayers for his brother, emphasizing Thondup's dedication to the Tibetan cause and expressing hope for his spiritual rebirth in future lives.