“One of the saddest things about being a refugee is that you often dream of your homeland. Even in the dream, you wish it wasn’t a dream, only to wake up to a deep homesickness.”
By Sonsnow
Tag: Independence
Mr. Clean- “Born in Free Tibet, Served in Exile”
I have recently completed reading Kungo Tashi Wangdi la’s memoir, “My Life – Born in Free Tibet, Served in Exile.” The author’s lifelong devotion to the Tibetan cause is truly inspiring and edifying, exemplifying the unwavering commitment of the older generation. Kungo la’s narrative provides a candid and transparent account of his life, from his childhood memories in a free Tibet to the challenging initial experiences of exile. He recounts leaving loved ones behind in Missamari to pursue education in Mussoorie and subsequently dedicating himself to exile governance when his skills were most needed.
The memoir poignantly portrays the deplorable living conditions during their tenure at the Central Tibetan Administration, including the cramped, rat-sized rooms they shared. The countless times they traversed the distance between McLeod Ganj and Gangkyi, Gangkyi and Dharamshala on foot, even for the smallest tasks, demonstrate remarkable dedication and resilience.
Throughout his career, Kungo la served as a Kalon (minister) in various capacities across all departments except Finance. Notably, he held roles as a bureau officer and was responsible for accompanying His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on numerous international visits, providing detailed accounts of travel assistance and the leaders met during these visits. Kungo la’s involvement in the Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister) election, marked by his active engagement in campaign activities and unwavering commitment to democratic principles, is especially commendable.
His continued service in various capacities post-retirement further demonstrates his enduring commitment to Tibet’s cause. The detailed accounts presented in this memoir serve as a testament to the transparency and sincerity characteristic of elder Tibetan statesmen of Kungo la’s stature. His life story provides valuable insights into the Tibetan Freedom Movement and the dedication of those who have devoted their lives to this cause. There are life lessons to be learned by all Tibetans, especially civil servants in the Central Tibetan Administration.
Kungo la has graciously shared the humorous situations from his life in his memoir, with the intention of bringing joy and levity to the reader. Furthermore, he has demonstrated remarkable courage in addressing certain remarks made in the “Noodle makers of Kalingpong”, which pertained to him personally and required a bold response.
It is also important to note that, despite its thickness, the memoir is written in accessible language, rendering it an effortless read. The pages will unfold with ease, much like a flowing stream, once the reader embarks on this engaging narrative.
Kungo la, like many of his contemporaries, remains steadfast in his belief in the ‘good will and support of the Chinese people’. I earnestly hope that the Chinese people will meet the expectations of our esteemed elders and demonstrate moral integrity, thereby contributing to the welfare of Tibet and their own future. However, it is also important to recognize that, should this not transpire, the Tibetan youth will remain steadfast in our commitment to our cause. Our resolve and resilience will only intensify as the situation within Tibet continues to deteriorate with each passing day.
I had the privilege of meeting Kungo la during a recent former executive meeting of the Tibetan Youth Congress, held at the TYC office, and was profoundly inspired and encouraged by his visionary outlook and unwavering dedication to the cause.
By Sonsnow
མིག་ཆུ། Tears
Tears,
They have shed tears for too long,
If they were a glacier, it would eventually dry up one day.
The warmth of heart will wither away,
If they were a river, one day their flow would cease,
And hope would wither away, like a fading breeze.
If they were an ocean, even its vastness would turn into a dunes,
And happiness’s smile would set, like the sun in a distant land.
Tears are mere droplets, a symbol of our deepest longing,
But they cannot quench our thirst,
nor ease our heart’s tormenting.
Tears alone cannot sustain us,
nor can they quench the fire within.
Even our heart aches within
For the freedom we seek, let us march forward, undaunted and unbroken,
until we claim our victory.
By Sonsnow
A Fight
The weight of my parents’ grief in my absence far surpasses my own feelings of loneliness in a distant land. This longing for reunion serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for a free Tibet and fuels my determination to fight for our rightful independence so that one day we can reunite in a land where freedom and justice reign.
By Sonsnow
Solo Cyclist for Tibet
I first encountered 64 year old Pa Jamyang Tenzin la during the TYC Indo-Tibet border bike rally organized by the Tibetan Youth Congress in 2020, soon after the COVID-19, Wuhan Virus outbreak. The rally aimed to expose Chinese expansionist policies and hold them accountable for the global spread of the virus. Among the 50 youth bike riders, Jamyang la stood as the oldest participant.
Later, Jamyang la embarked on his solo cycle rally campaign for Tibet. His inaugural cycle rally, “We Never Forget Tibet,” commenced from Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh to Bodh Gaya in Bihar, covering over 3000 km through various northern states, braving diverse climate conditions. Despite dusty roads and scorching sun, he persisted in raising awareness for Tibet and successfully concluded his rally in Bodh Gaya.
On December 1st, 2023, Jamyang la initiated his second solo cycle rally, aiming to raise awareness about the Tibetan cause among Indian masses. This time, he journeyed from Bylakuppe in Karnataka, a southern state, to Dekyiling in Uttarakhand, North India, covering over 3000 km and effectively spreading awareness about Tibet to a large audience.
During his journey, he consistently kept me informed about the challenges he faced, as well as the heartening updates regarding the warm receptions organized by TYC regional chapter members and other Tibetan associations. On numerous occasions, he recounted his encounters with Indian bike riders and cyclists, whom he enlightened about the purpose of his rally. Additionally, he expressed joy at meeting social influencers, whose platforms allowed him to effectively spread his message.
On March 5th, 2024, he embarked on his third cycle rally from Dehradun to Delhi, coinciding with the 65th Tibetan National Uprising Day. This rally aimed to raise awareness about the critical situation in Kham Dege and garner support from the Indian government and the international community for the Tibetan cause. Covering more than 250 km, he distributed pamphlets and stickers along the way.
Following the completion of his third cycle rally, Jamyang la visited me to share plans for his upcoming rallies, which left me deeply encouraged and inspired by his unwavering dedication to the Tibetan cause. Despite facing numerous challenges, he remains determined to raise awareness about Tibet’s plight and its significance to the Indian masses.
As he expresses his commitment to empowering and encourage younger Tibetans through his efforts, his eyes betray a profound sense of emotion, which deeply moves me. I hope his aspirations are realized, and he finds dedicated youth to accompany him on his future cycle rallies. While my full-time office commitments prevent me from joining him in campaigns, I assist him in preparing necessary pamphlets and documents to the best of my ability. I pray that he continues to uphold his spirit and passes it on to future generations.
By Sonsnow
It Pains Deeply,
It pains deeply!
The pain runs deep within
As I see my countrymen crying in despair
Pleading with hands folded
Kneeling before the oppressors
Prostrating before the perpetrators
It’s a pain that cuts through, raw and tight.
It hurts, oh it hurts so deeply,
This was never our norm
When our warriors commanded half the globe,
When emperors from China bowed to our spiritual guides,
When the Chinese trembled at the might of Sogtsen Gampo.
We were never this desperate,
We fought for what was rightfully ours,
We never begged, never pleaded,
We stood firm against intruders,
Our mountains, resilient and strong
Against the bombs , they never bowed
Never surrendered to the Great Wall’s shadow,
They stand tall, unwavering as ever.
Awaken, my warriors,
It’s time to rise and resist.
By Sonsnow
Happy Independence Day
As India celebrates her 75th Independence Day, I extend my sincere greetings to all the people of this country, whose forefathers fearlessness had freed this country from the shackles of the colonial rulers.
I pay my utmost respect to the leaders who led the movement and transformed their visions into action and made it possible to prevail in peace and prosperity, and unity in diversity.
I wish all my Indian brothers and sisters a very happy 75th independence day. I also seek the grace of the God and blessings of the Lord Buddha to see the celebrations of Tibets’ independence day very soon.