The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born Lhamo Dhondrub, 6 July 1935, in a peasant family in Takster, Tibet. Aged 2, he is recognized as the reincarnation of his predecessor - Dalai Lamas are the manifestations of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, who reincarnate to serve the people, "Dalai Lama" meaning "Ocean of Wisdom". 

  

He completes the Doctorate of Buddhist Philosophy with honours, and in 1950, he starts assuming political power in Tibet. But the country is threatened by China. In the 50s he meets Chinese & Indian leaders, but in 1959 he is forced into exile in India, in Dharamsala, after the Chinese invaded Tibet.

 He appeals many times to the UN on the question of Tibet, and he has been working ever since to promote democracy, education, culture and religion to preserve Tibetan identity and restore fundamental human rights and freedoms. 

He visits many countries all over the world and meets with many religious leaders, incuding Pope John Paul II, promoting better understanding and respect among the different faiths, and the importance of universal responsibility, love, compassion and kindness: "Universal responsibility is feeling for other people's suffering just as we feel our own. It is the realization that even our enemy is entirely motivated by the quest for happiness.". He is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.