New Delhi, Mar 30 : The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Monday landed the support provided by the Indian Government and public to the Tibetan cause.

The Dalai Lama, who was in national capital to kick start the year-long 'Thank You India' Festival, which begins on March 31, said: We are expressing gratitude to this country. From last 50 years, Indian Government and public have been very helpful for us. I think India extends maximum help and maximum care for the Tibetan community. Tibetan issue is basically a Indian issue, something very closely linked," he added.

The Dalai Lama marked his 50 years in exile on March 10 by demanding 'meaningful autonomy' for Tibetan.

Tibet also celebrated the "Serfs' Emancipation Day" for the first time on March 28, which the Tibetan government-in-exile said was provocative and based on a distorted reading of history. (ANI)