Dalai Lama's Older Brother Dies at 97

Gyalo Thondup, the elder brother of the Dalai Lama and a key figure in Tibetan diplomacy, died at 97, leaving behind a legacy of international advocacy and negotiation with China. Thondup passed away at his home in Kalimpong, West Bengal, on Saturday. The spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, conducted a prayer session the following day at a monastery in Karnataka, expressing gratitude for Thondup's "immense" contributions to the Tibetan struggle and praying for his "swift rebirth" per Buddhist traditions. The Dalai Lama said: "His efforts towards the Tibetan struggle were immense and we are grateful for his contribution."

Thondup, one of six siblings, was the only brother not dedicated to religious life. He settled in India in 1952 where he facilitated early connections with Indian and US governments, including interactions with then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru during the Dalai Lama's escape to India. Thondup's major diplomatic shift occurred in 1979 when he initiated talks with Chinese leaders, moving away from armed resistance. He chaired the exiled Tibetan government from 1991 to 1993, and Tibetan media lauded his role in garnering US support for their cause. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)