His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama stands as the foremost advocate for the Tibetan people, despite living in exile in the Himalayan foothills of India since 1959. As a Buddhist monk, his life’s focus has been the spiritual well-being of his people, leading them in exile, ensuring their survival, and preserving their unique Buddhist culture. He continues to appeal to the world to stop the destruction of their homeland and the oppression of the six million Tibetans still living under Chinese rule.

From 1961 to 2011, every March 10th—marking the anniversary of the Tibetan people’s historic uprising against Chinese occupation—the Dalai Lama delivered an impassioned address to the world. These speeches are a heartfelt plea to recognize the truth of Tibet’s history, a cry for justice, and a declaration of unwavering resolve. Through these addresses, he began to fully express his profound call to humanity.

This book collects the Dalai Lama’s March 10th speeches, presented at their most poignant and eloquent. Each is introduced and historically contextualized by Sofia Stril-Rever, an expert on Tibetan history and Buddhist spirituality, and long-time French translator for His Holiness.

Here lies his enduring appeal to the world. While the global community has listened, governments have yet to take effective action to support justice for the Tibetan people or uphold the fundamental human rights we all deserve.

The question remains: Who will finally answer this call in time to prevent the looming disaster on the roof of the world?