'Eternal Light': Dalai Lama's new biography to release in September
New Delhi (PTI): Marking his 90th birthday, publishing house Westland Books on Sunday announced a new biography of the 14th Dalai Lama.
Written by senior journalist and author Arvind Yadav, "Eternal Light: The Life and Times of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama", scheduled to be released in September, chronicles the pivotal moments of the Dalai Lama's remarkable life -- from his childhood in Amdo and recognition as the 14th Dalai Lama, to the Chinese occupation of Tibet, his exile, and his emergence as a global spiritual icon.
"I am grateful for Arvind Yadav’s efforts in making this biography available. This book will allow more readers to gain insight into Tibetan history. It also sheds light on the ongoing challenges our people face, and more importantly, it carries the message I have always sought to spread – one of love, compassion, tolerance, forgiveness, kindness, and the oneness of humanity.
"It is my hope that 'Eternal Light' will serve as an inspiration to all who seek to cultivate a more compassionate and peaceful world," said the Dalai Lama in a statement.
Born on July 6, 1935, into a farming family in present-day Qinghai province, the Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 along with many Tibetans following the Chinese military takeover of Tibet under Communist leader Mao Zedong. He later settled in Dharamshala, which he has since called his "adopted" home.
Over the decades, he has become one of the world’s most respected spiritual figures, earning a global following that transcends religious boundaries. In recognition of his steadfast dedication to peace, compassion, and nonviolence, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
According to the publisher, "Eternal Light" also captures the Tibetan people's persistent efforts to safeguard their culture, history, and religion while in exile under the Dalai Lama's leadership.
"This biography marks a turning point... Yadav’s biography is the result of years of research. He sets the record straight on the variances in the perception of the history of Tibet and by extension the Dalai Lama’s journey as a global ambassador of peace," said Minakshi Thakur, publisher and editor at Westland Books.
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Jharkhand Education Minister Ramdas Soren passes away at 62
Ranchi, Aug 15 (PTI): Jharkhand Education Minister Ramdas Soren died on Friday, JMM national spokesperson Kunal Sarangi said.
He was 62.
Soren was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Delhi, where he was admitted on August 2.
"State Education Minister Ramdas Soren, who was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Delhi, is no more," Sarangi told PTI.
Soren's condition was critical and he was on life support, Sarangi said.
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader was airlifted to the hospital in the national capital from Jamshedpur after he fell in the bathroom of his residence on August 2.
A multidisciplinary team of senior specialists was closely monitoring his condition and providing intensive medical care.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren condoled his death.
Hemant Soren, in a post on X, wrote, "Ramdas Da (brother) should not have left us like this. Last greetings to Dada..."
Ramdas Soren, born in Ghorabandha village in East Singhbhum district on January 1, 1963, began his political journey as the gram pradhan of the Ghorabanda panchayat, eventually rising to become one of the most influential ministers in the Hemant Soren-led cabinet.
He won the Ghatshila assembly seat for the third time in 2024 by defeating BJP's Babulal Soren, son of former chief minister Champai Soren.
ऐसे छोड़ कर नहीं जाना था रामदास दा...
— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) August 15, 2025
अंतिम जोहार दादा... pic.twitter.com/5cKZkpIe9Z
