Space of Memories Exhibits at Tibet Museum

December 9, 2022

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Sikyong Penpa Tsering inaugurates exhibition of Space of Memories at Tibet Museum. Photo/Tenzin Phende/CTA.

Dharamshala: The Tibet Museum, in collaboration with AREF International Onlus inaugurated Space of Memories- an exhibition featuring an interview-based document between young Tibetans and elderlies at Jampaling’s old age home in Dharamshala. An initiative commenced by Marilia Bellaterra is aimed to shrink the widening gap between the two generations through the exchange of oral stories and experiences gathered from the faint memories of the elders who had gone through exodus and their subsequent beginning of new lives in exile.

Marilia Bellaterra, President of AREF International Onlus explained in her address that the project’s core objective is to render the continuity of the Tibetan movement by encouraging the involvement of young Tibetans to carry on the enduring legacy of the older generation.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering, who was invited as the chief guest, lauded Marilia and her organisation for the project’s viability and relevance particularly now that China relentlessly uses fabricated self-serving narratives to claim authority over Tibet, and urged the productive usage of oral data shared by those in the project for the greater benefit of the Tibetan cause.

“ While It is important for the older generation to share their stories, it is even more vital that these stories cultivate a sense of responsibility in youngsters,” added Sikyong Penpa Tsering.

Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang asserted the importance of oral history in advancing the Tibetan movement while emphasising its documentation for strategising future course of actions.
She appreciated Marilia’s efforts in sustaining the Tibetan national and cultural identity through this initiative.

Apart from Sikyong, Deputy Speaker, and Marilia Bellaterra, the event was attended by Dr Federico Petrozzi (Vice President of AREF International Onlus), Security Kalon Dolma Gyari, Home Secretary Palden Dhondup, DIIR Secretary Karma Choeying, Tsultrim Dorjee (Director of Tibetan Children’s Village School), and the participants of the documentary comprising both elderlies and the Tibetan youngsters.