National, 6th July 2026: On the occasion of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 91st birthday, Westland Books is honoured to announce the release of Eternal Light: The Life and Legacy of the 14th Dalai Lama, a new biography by senior journalist and author Dr Arvind Yadav. Published with the personal blessings of His Holiness, the book revisits the defining moments of his life while offering a nuanced account of Tibet’s modern history, the resilience of its people and the enduring relevance of the Dalai Lama’s reachings. The book is set to release on 30th July 2026.
Drawing on extensive research and historical records, Eternal Light traces the Dalai Lama’s journey from his early years in Tibet to becoming one of the world’s most respected spiritual leaders. Furthermore, the book also chronicles every significant chapter of his extraordinary life, from a quiet world of monastic study to the turmoil of global politics, shedding fresh light on historical events that are frequently misunderstood, misreported, or insufficiently documented. Besides, it examines the Tibetan community’s efforts to preserve its culture, identity and faith in exile, while bringing greater historical context to events that continue to shape the Tibetan narrative.
Speaking about the book, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama said, I am grateful for his efforts in making this biography available in English, Hindi, and Telugu. This allows more readers to gain insight into Tibetan history. It also sheds light on the ongoing challenges our people face. Most importantly, it shares the message I have always sought to spread one of love, compassion, tolerance, forgiveness, kindness, and the oneness of humanity.
It is my hope that this book will serve as an inspiration to all who seek to cultivate a more compassionate and peaceful world.
Dr Arvind Yadav, journalist and author of the book, said, By every measure, the Dalai Lama’s life is extraordinary. There is so much everyone can learn from his journey. My book brings many lesser-known facts about his life before readers for the very first time. Do read it, you may discover ideas and insights that can help you lead a more meaningful and fulfilling life
Minakshi Thakur, publisher and editor at Westland Books, said, It’s an absolute privilege for us to be publishing a new biography that has His Holiness’s blessings. This book provides fascinating details from the Dalai Lama’s childhood and early life, setting the record straight on many events described inaccurately in the past.
The book is now available for pre-orders and will be available across all major online and offline bookstores.
About Westland Books
Westland Books is an award-winning Indian publisher with a diverse list spanning popular and literary fiction, business, politics, biography, spirituality, popular science, health and self-help. Its key imprints include Context (award-winning literary fiction and non-fiction), Ekadā (contemporary Indian-language writing and translations), Tranquebar (new fiction from the subcontinent), Westland Sport, Westland Business, Westland Non-Fiction, and Red Panda (children’s books).
In 2023, Westland launched Indie Press, a self-publishing imprint, and in 2024 introduced IF, a list dedicated to speculative fiction. Westland also collaborates with Pratilipi Comics to bring compelling graphic narratives to readers. Most recently, it launched QD (Queer Directions), an imprint championing LGBTQIA+ voices across fiction, non-fiction and poetry.
