What a sad and tragic irony. Only yesterday evening, I was introducing Gen Lhasang La to my uncle’s daughters. As we watched his interviews and read his poetry, they were struck by his commanding presence and his steadfast warrior spirit. It feels unbelievable that he has passed so soon after. But I find comfort in the fact that they came to know him and his legacy while he was still with us, rather than just through the memorial tributes to which we have become so accustomed. May he return in a swift rebirth and through many future incarnations, carrying that same indomitable spirit.
Not long ago, I wrote a poem on Gen Lhasang Tsering la’s commitment and character. Although I had read his poetry, I hadn’t seen any of his interviews or speeches. Initially, I thought my poem captured his essence well. However, after watching a video interview where he expressed his anger through non-verbal cues, I was struck by his depth. Upon re-reading my poem, I felt it fell short of doing him justice. My words seemed inadequate to describe his dedication, courage, and unwavering commitment to the Tibetan cause.
During my time working at Tibetan Youth Congress, I had the privilege of meeting him on several occasions. One notable instance was when he visited our office, seeking someone to type out part of his handwritten book. I agreed to help, and he was grateful, even offering me his laptop as a token of appreciation. However, I declined, suggesting he give it to someone who might assist him further in the future. This was shortly after the first COVID-19 wave, and he was planning to publish the book once restrictions were lifted. Although he visited Delhi to find a publisher, he returned disappointed. Despite my reminders, I didn’t hear about the book’s progress afterward. I also had the opportunity to escort him to the hospital on several occasions.
One day, I received a call from the Tibetan settlement officer regarding Gen La’s health condition, and we immediately rushed to his house. We found him lying pale and weak on his bed, likely having gone without food for a while. Fortunately, he was still breathing; otherwise, his condition might have been mistaken for something more severe. We carefully lifted him onto a sheet and transported him to the ambulance through the steep stairs of his house.
We rushed to Delek Hospital, with the TYC Vice President accompanying him in the ambulance while I followed on my bike. Upon arrival, the nurse administered an injection—something he would normally resist with all his strength. But this time, he was too weak. His body had deteriorated; he lacked the energy to fight back against the injection or any other medical treatment. His foot had lost its natural flesh tone, appearing dry and lifeless. He could barely speak. But once he regained consciousness, he softly murmured, “I want to return.” Someone beside him asked, “Return where?” Lying on his deathbed, Gen La responded, “I want to return… return to the country I came from.” This statement gave me a goosebumps, inspired me and made me reflect on his unwavering determination to return to a free Tibet. It was a dream that consumed his every sleepless night and a thought that never left his mind—even as he walked back and forth from McLeod Ganj to TCV and from McLeod Ganj to Dharamkot. His stomach skin was dry and loose, a sign of having gone without food for days.
He received treatment, and when I visited Delek Hospital the next day, his daughter had arrived. She was doing her best to care for him—massaging his frail body and gently feeding him spoonful of soup, though he could barely swallow.
On another day when I visited him, he had regained some strength—he was eating chopped fruits and could move his body again. At one point, he said something in Tibetan, but his daughter seemed to have missed it. She asked him to repeat it in English. Gen La grew furious, turned his back to her, and refused to speak for a while. He is a true warrior, one who longs for his daughter and all Tibetans to return to a free Tibet—not as outsiders who barely speak Tibetan or understand its unique culture and identity, but as proud Tibetans. His frustration wasn’t just with his daughter—it was with himself. Having studied in an English-medium school, he was angry at his own fluency in English while struggling with his Tibetan writing skills.
Gen La has always been vocal about the misuse of terminology when countering the CCP. Time and again, he would visit the office, meticulously pointing out technical errors in our statements or pamphlets, always arriving with his well-written pencil notes. He observe everything we do, often watching as he passed by the office. One day, while walking along Bhagsu Road below the TYC office, he noticed something that compelled him to come straight inside. He told us, “The Tibetan national flag on our pole is caught between the threads and isn’t flapping freely like the TYC flag on the other side.” Gen La had come specifically to ensure that the national flag flew as proudly as the TYC flag. His patriotism is unmatched, and his dedication has inspired many young Tibetans like myself.
Gen Lhasang la’s passion for Tibet is palpable when he speaks about our nation. He conveys his thoughts with conviction, speaking from both the mind and heart. This sincerity is a rare quality, especially among many younger generations. I’ve noticed that many Tibetan experts, despite discussing grave issues, often struggle to convey the gravity of the situation through their tone and facial expressions. They may smile or appear nonchalant, undermining the seriousness of the matters they’re addressing, such as the critical issues facing Tibet.
What strikes me about Gen Lhasang la is his ability to convey the gravity of Tibet’s situation through not only his words but also his tone, facial expressions, and body language. I’ve had the privilege of watching his interviews, and his emotions resonate deeply. He speaks his heart out, and his sincerity is inspiring and encouraging.
I admire Gen Lhasang la’s strength in expressing his outrage against the CCP’s atrocities, both verbally and through his non-verbal cues. His commitment to the Tibetan cause is a beacon of hope, and I don’t think I am the only one who aspire to emulate his conviction and passion.
Despite his wholehearted commitment to the restoration of Tibetan independence, Gen Lhasang la faced significant backlash and criticism from those who mistook his political stance for opposition to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In reality, he never stood against His Holiness; he simply disagreed with the Middle Way Policy. When it comes to pure loyalty and trust, none of us can match Gen la’s devotion.
I am reminded of an incident from his childhood at Wynberg-Allen, an English school. One of the sisters looking after the children saw news of the tragedy in Tibet and prayed aloud, ‘May God save the Dalai Lama and his people.’ Young Gen Lhasang la became furious and told her: ‘My God, the Dalai Lama, is not inferior to your God. He does not need your God’s support; he is capable of overcoming this tragedy himself.’
That was his instinctive response. Who among us has that level of fierce reverence and respect for our leader?
