Opinion
The Spirit of Tibet
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by Tenzin Nyinjey
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Wednesday, 25 June 2008, 9:51 a.m.
Last night I had an
appointment with a Polish journalist. We talked about Tibet, Tibet and
Tibet. In fact it was I who did all the talking. To have an objective
discussion on Tibet is one of the most difficult things to do in this
world. This is because the issue, especially for us Tibetans, is a very
emotional one.
Considering the precarious situation of us exiled Tibetans, the
only pragmatic thing we can do for Tibet is talk and debate on it. In
the process, we can hope to find a new way for Tibet. Some actions can
also be taken, and is being taken by courageous Tibetans – some
non-violent protests, every now and then.
Such campaigns have been initiated ever since we were driven
out of our homeland — way back in 1959. Its been a long time back
now. Fifty years might not be a long time for a national liberation
struggle. They say India fought for two hundred years before it became
independent. But this is the twenty first century. It would do well to
remember that it took just thirty odd years to completely change the
face of China. The country was one of the poorest in the world when it
was established in 1949. But now it is considered the next big thing,
the future superpower, overpowering even the mighty United States.
Sadly, no concrete solution has been found for Tibet. Tibetans
on both sides of the Himalayas continue to suffer severe repression and
humiliation. Democracy, human rights, economic development, global
warming, rule of law, freedom, dignity–these are luxurious items for
us.
We don’t even even have a secure base. We are not sure of what
will happen tomorrow. Despite such tough conditions, Tibetans have so
far kept the issue of Tibet alive. It has remained steadfast to its
struggle for freedom. China keeps on lecturing on “peace and stability”
in Tibet. This is a clear indication that so far it has not been able
to pacify Tibet.
Although China controls Tibet physically thanks to its
overwhelming force represented by the ‘People’s Liberation Army’ and
the ‘People’s Armed Police’, it has not been able to extinguish the
flame of freedom that burns in the heart of every Tibetan. Be they
communist cadres, monks, nuns, or common Tibetans, all of them know
that Tibet is an occupied country. They know that the identity of Tibet
can be secured only when the Chinese immigrants return to China.
And herein lies the significance. As long as the spirit of the
Tibetans last, as long as the will and aspiration to resist Chinese
rule continues, there is always hope for Tibet.
The views express
here are that of the author. They do not reflect those of the Central
Tibetan Administration. The author is the editor of Tibet Journal of
the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives