For over six decades, thousands of Tibetans have sought refuge in India following the Dalai Lama's flight in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. These refugees, now a community tens of thousands strong, have built lives in exile, cherishing a longing for their homeland and a distinct Tibetan identity. However, they face numerous challenges related to their legal status, economic opportunities, and the preservation of their culture in a rapidly changing world.

India has played a crucial role in providing refuge and support to the Tibetan diaspora. The Indian government, under Jawaharlal Nehru, agreed to provide settlements for Tibetan refugees. These settlements, notably in Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh) and Karnataka, have become centers for Tibetan culture, religion, and education. India's support has allowed the Tibetans to revive their civilization, rebuild Tibetan Buddhism, revive Tibetan culture, and preserve and promote Tibetan identity. Monasteries like the Namgyal Monastery in Dharamsala and the Sera, Drepung, and Ganden monasteries in Karnataka, have become centers of religious study, attracting academics and monks from around the world. Educational institutions such as the Tibetan Children's Village and Sambhota Tibetan Schools provide education in the Tibetan language, history, and culture, ensuring that younger generations remain connected to their heritage.

Despite India's support, Tibetans in India face several challenges. One of the most significant is their uncertain legal status. India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol and lacks a national refugee law. As a result, Tibetans are considered foreigners under Indian law, regardless of how long they have resided in India. This status limits their access to fundamental rights, including the right to vote, own property, obtain government jobs, and receive public benefits. They also face restrictions on their ability to travel freely, either domestically or internationally.

Economic uncertainty is another major concern. Tibetans in India are often barred from government jobs and face difficulties in accessing bank credit and buying property. These economic constraints have led many Tibetans, including younger generations, to seek opportunities in other countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany, and Switzerland. The Tibetan refugee community in India has decreased by 44 percent between 2011 and 2019.

The desire to preserve Tibetan identity and culture remains strong within the community. Young Tibetans are growing up on stories and memories of their homeland. They strive to keep their culture and identity alive, even as they hear stories about the systematic wiping away of their customs by Chinese authorities. The Dalai Lama's presence and teachings in Dharamsala help young Tibetans stay connected to their ancient culture and inspire them to raise voices for a free Tibet. However, the younger generations, born and raised in India, grapple with questions of identity, belonging, and the reality of being stateless. Some feel a sense of deprivation at not having the right to live in Tibet and worry that their land, culture, and language have been taken away.

Looking ahead, the Tibetan diaspora faces demographic challenges. The number of Tibetan refugees in India, Nepal, and Bhutan has shrunk from roughly 150,000 in the 1990s to just above 100,000 today. The decline in the number of students enrolled in CTA-affiliated schools in India and Nepal is also a concern. From 2000 to 2023, enrollment fell by 39 percent, leading to the closure of several schools in settlements in India. Despite these challenges, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) remains the moral and political center of the diaspora, advocating for the rights and aspirations of the Tibetan people. The preservation of Tibetan culture and identity in exile remains a testament to the resilience of the community and India's role as a guardian of their heritage. As Tibetans continue their struggle for autonomy, their longing for their homeland and their efforts to maintain their unique identity remains strong.