11th September 2026: Westland Books formally launched Eternal Light: The Life and Legacy of the 14th Dalai Lama, an extensively researched biography of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, written by renowned journalist and biographer Dr Arvind Yadav, at an evening gathering at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi.
The launch celebrated the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of His Holiness, tracing his journey from his early years in Tibet to becoming one of the world’s most revered spiritual leaders and a global voice for compassion, peace and non-violence. The evening commenced with a Long-Life Prayer led by Geshe Chopa Tenzin Lhadron, followed by reflections from Padma Shri Prof. Ngawang Samten, Pavan K. Varma, Guest of Honour, and Dr Arvind Yadav. The book was released in the presence of renowned philosopher, statesman, author and former Union Minister, Padma Vibhushan Dr Karan Singh, who delivered the Presidential Address.
BLESSED BY THE DALAI LAMA HIMSELF, ETERNAL LIGHT IS A MOVING TESTAMENT TO HOPE, HUMILITY, COMPASSION, AND THE ENDURING STRENGTH OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT.
Born in a remote village in eastern Tibet in 1935, Lhamo Thondup was recognised at the age of two as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. From the quiet world of monastic study to the turmoil of global politics, his life has been marked by extraordinary challenges met with remarkable courage, wisdom and resilience.
At just sixteen years of age, the Dalai Lama assumed full political authority over Tibet following China’s invasion of the country in 1950. By the age of twenty-four, after the failed civil uprising in Lhasa against communist China’s occupation of Tibet in 1959, he sought political asylum in India. Resettling in Dharamshala in northern India, he established the Tibetan government-in-exile and rebuilt the Tibetan community. At the same time, he worked tirelessly to preserve the spiritual, cultural and philosophical heritage of Tibetan Buddhism.
Yet the Dalai Lama’s influence extends far beyond Tibet. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, he has become a global symbol of compassion, non-violence and dialogue. His enduring message-‘World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not merely the absence of violence; it is the manifestation of human compassion’-has inspired millions across cultures, religions and continents. Through decades of relentless advocacy, he has also brought the plight of Tibet and its people to the conscience of the world.
In this compelling new biography, senior journalist Arvind Yadav traces the life of the 14th Dalai Lama in vivid detail, shedding fresh light on events often misunderstood, misreported or insufficiently documented. Blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself. Eternal Light is a moving testament to hope, humility and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Arvind Yadav, author of Eternal Light, said, “ I have written Eternal Light because the life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is not only the story of Tibet, but a lesson in compassion, resilience and humanity. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is not merely an individual, but a force. Through truth, compassion and non-violence, he has shown the world that preserving one’s identity does not always require a fight; sometimes, simply holding on to oneself is the greatest victory”
Former Union Minister, Padma Vibhushan Dr Karan Singh, while delivering the presidential addresses says, “Today, the one thing the world is missing is compassion. The message of His Holiness the Dalai Lama reminds us that compassion means feeling the pain, poverty and suffering of others. We must recreate that sense of compassion and understanding in our own lives and in the world.”