Public statement from Ngawang Sangdrol la given at a reception organized in her honor by International Campaign for Tibet (ICT)
10 April 2003: Message to Fellow Tibetans and Friends of Tibet (Translated from the original Tibetan)
Ever since I set foot on the soil of the United States I have been
overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from my fellow Tibetans in
the free world as well as from friends of Tibet.
In the past few days my immediate concern has been my health and doctors
have started the process of my examination. I appreciate the assistance that
the International Campaign for Tibet has been rendering to me on this.
It is taking me time to adjust to this new atmosphere of freedom. This is
because I have been brought up under an authoritarian system since my
childhood and I lived without total freedom for over 11 years, while in
prison. I am moved by the interest that the international community is
showing in my case. I don’t consider myself as anyone special. I did what
any individual who considers himself or herself a Tsampa-eating Tibetan
would do when his or her community is deprived of its dignity and respect.
No Tibetan can stand the denunciation of our peerless leader, His Holiness
the Dalai Lama, or the denial of our fundamental rights. However, the
political situation in Tibet and the suppressive rule there are not
permitting the Tibetan people to come out with their true feelings.
My foremost desire is to have an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama
at the earliest opportunity. I am filled with joy to learn that His Holiness
is in good health. I was pleased to receive messages of good wishes from the
officials of our Tibetan Government-in-Exile as well as Tibetan
organizations and individuals.
I am deeply touched to learn that several individuals, organizations, and
governments, particularly the United States, France and Switzerland, have
worked towards my release. It is very clear to me that I have been released
and allowed to come out to the free world for medical treatment and to enjoy
my freedom because of international concern. Even as I enjoy this freedom I
am concerned about the many more Tibetan political prisoners, including my
fellow nun Phuntsok Nyidron, languishing in Chinese jails. I am presently
compiling information about the conditions of these Tibetan prisoners. I am
committing myself to doing everything possible so that they too can be
released and can enjoy freedom, just like me. I appeal to the international
community to help give them freedom.
I pray that His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s efforts towards the resolution of
the Tibetan problem will have early results. I will abide by any advice His
Holiness may have so that I can best contribute towards the fulfillment of
his wishes for a solution to the just cause of Tibet. The Tibetan people in
Tibet are eagerly waiting for the day when they can see the return of their
beloved leader to their homeland, with dignity, freedom and respect.
Ngawang Sangdrol
Washington, D.C.
Royal Tibetan Year 2130 seventh day of the second month
April 9, 2003