I learned many things, particularly about Europe, from him. “When I first met him in 1949, he was from a world I was not familiar with. I am particularly saddened because Heinrich Harrer was a personal friend and taught me English, an Austrian English teacher! I wish to convery you and your family members my deeply felt condolence. His Holiness the Dalai Lama said Heinrich Harrer Will Always be Remembered by the Tibetan Peopleĭharamsala: In a condolence message to the wife of Heinrich Harrer, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, “I am extremely sorry to hear of the passing away of my friend Heinrich Harrer. In his acceptance of the award, Harrer noted how his outlook on life was changed forever by living with the Tibetan people.įollowing is the full report published by the official website of the Central Tibetan Administration. Subsequently, Harrer organized expeditions to many other parts of the globe, becoming a champion for indigenous and occupied peoples’ rights. Harrer and his companion Peter Aufschnaiter lived in Lhasa after escaping from a British prisoner of war camp in India and provided the world with a final glimpse of life in an independent Tibetan state prior to the Chinese invasion. He was honored for his unparalleled mobilization of concern and sympathy for the people of Tibet, mainly through his 1952 book, Seven Years in Tibet. The award was presented to Harrer by the Dalai Lama on Octoin Graz, Austria.

Harrer was one of the the recipients of the International Campaign for Tibet’s Light of Truth Award for 2002.

We Tibetans will always remember Heinrich Harrer and will miss him greatly.” Carina Harrer, sent on Janufrom Amravati in South India where he is bestowing the Kalachakra Empowerments, the Dalai Lama said Harrer “had the unique opportunity to experience life in Tibet for seven long years before Tibet lost its freedom. Heinrich Harrer with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who presented him with ICT’s Light of Truth Award in Graz, Austria, October 15, 2002.The Dalai Lama has said with the passing away of Heinrich Harrer, the Austrian who spent years in Tibet, “We feel we have lost a loyal friend from the West.”

7 years in tibet heinrich harrer