The universally recognized Fourteenth Dalai Lama fought tirelessly for the freedom of Tibet, during and after the illegal occupation of the Chinese. His non-violence and political involvement for Tibet had brought him recognition and respect from the rest of the world. Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, was born in 1934 in eastern Tibet. He was hailed as the embodiment of his predecessor at the age of two and was enthroned in 1940. Traditionally, the Dalai Lama's role is that of the spiritual guide and leader of Tibet, creating a symbol of security and peace. The Dalai Lamas are rarely involved politically in Tibet. His Holiness fulfilled this traditional role until 1949, when he assumed full power, when the threat of a Chinese invasion became apparent. The Tibetan National Assembly has called an urgent meeting, a month after the first attack by the Chinese. At this session, the then 16-year-old Dalai Lama was implored to assume the title and total command of Head of State, abandon his home in Tibet's capital, Lhasa, and settle near Tibet's shared border with India in Dromo, in order to stay safe. His traditional role as a spiritual leader was dramatically stretched when he became Tibet's political leader on November 17, 1950. The Dalai Lama appointed prime ministers and sent aid and protection delegations to the United States and the United Nations. "I couldn't refuse, I had to take on my responsibilities, leave my childhood behind and immediately prepare to lead my country"*. The Dalai Lama made this statement referring to when his country had just been invaded in 1950. This statement shows the strong, fearless and compassionate leader that Tibet has been fortunate to possess. The Dalai La... in the center of the card. .....ina. The Dalai Lama has become an international figure for his never-ending struggle. He continued to fight using nonviolence and traveled the world educating others about Tibet's plight with China in an effort to gain support and ultimately liberate Tibet. (verbal)Internethttp://www.phayul.com/images/news/articles/0504020932525T.jpghttp://www.rangzen.org/history/views.htmhttp://www.factmonster.com/ce6/world/A0861546 .htmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/audiointerviews/profilepages/lamad1.shtmlBooksPeacock, John. "The Tibetan Way of Life, Death and Rebirth", Duncan Baird Publishers, 2003, London. Cutler, Howard C. “The Art of Happiness at Work,” Hodder Headline Australia, 2003, Sydney, Australia. Farrer-Halls, Gill. "The World of the Dalai Lama", Godsfield Press, 1998, London.