Dharamsala, Dec 2 : Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama Wednesday greeted the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) for completing 50 years of existence.

The TIPA is entrusted with the responsibility of preserving and promoting Tibet's unique tradition of performing arts.

"On this occasion of our 50 years in exile, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of TIPA, I would like to offer my greetings to all the members of this institute," the Dalai Lama said in his message from Australia.

"The Tibetan performing arts symbolises the essence of our identity, and all the members of the institute have bravely faced hardships and firmly held to the root of this art, which they displayed not only within the exile communities but also across the world."

The Dalai Lama Monday reached Australia for a series of lectures. He will then go to New Zeland.(IANS)