Gyalo Thondup, who passed away at 97, experienced a profound transformation after his brother became the 14th Dalai Lama. The Thondup family rose to prominence, moving from a farmhouse to a grand home in Lhasa. Thondup's political engagements included meetings with Chiang Kai-shek, reflecting Tibetan nationalism and efforts to navigate relations with China. Following the communist takeover, he influenced the direction of Tibetan politics in exile and collaborated with the CIA to support Tibet against Communist forces in the 1950s and beyond.
In 1940, the boy was installed as the 14th Dalai Lama, catapulting the Thondup family to prominence in Tibet, shifting their life dramatically.
Gyalo Thondup's life intersected with major political shifts when he became the de facto leader of Tibetan exiles after the Communists took power in China.
The CIA sought Thondup's help in building relationships with the Tibetan government, where his anti-communist stance played a significant role.
Thondup's journey led him through significant historical moments, including meetings with Chiang Kai-shek and involvement with the CIA amid Tibetan exile.
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