Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the Twenty-First Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day, 10 March 1980
Every year on this day, the anniversary of the Tibetan National
Uprising, I greet all my compatriots both in Tibet and in exile.
Twenty-one years have unfolded a shocking experience, which has never
had any parallel in the history of Tibet. Never has there been so much
systematic and extensive destruction of the religious, cultural, social
and educational values of the Tibetan people. The frightening picture
of abject poverty, wretched and helpless general conditions, persistent
starvation and famine, had never been experienced in Tibet for
centuries.
In the past few years, the fluid international political scene has
witnessed rapid new developments; the internal situation in China under
the present leadership who are “seeking the truth from facts” is also
undergoing changes. We hear of the repeated calls by the Chinese
government requesting us to return to our homeland. We also hear that
the so-called wave of moderation has begun to creep into China and, to
some extent, into Tibet. However, it is still too early to predict the
outcome of what may happen in the future. In response to these changes,
as well as to the request by the Chinese government, I have despatched
a fact-finding delegation to visit Tibet through China. It is for the
first time in nearly twenty-one years that we have established contact
with the Chinese government, as well as our beloved countrymen.
In view of the present situation and development in Tibet we exiles
have a tremendous obligation and responsibility to fulfil the hopes and
aspirations of the 6,000,000 Tibetans in Tibet. We should make full use
of the wonderful opportunity provided by the government and the people
of India, for educating thousands of our young Tibetans as well as
enabling us to preserve our religious and cultural identities.It is for
the future that we must prepare ourselves. Even though China, during
the Manchu Dynasty had constantly tried to exploit and divide the
Tibetans, the present adversity has unified all our people. Never in
the history of Tibet have the people been so united as they are today.
It is up to us, the Tibetans in India and elsewhere, to work hard and
take inspiration from our compatriots in Tibet. Any failure in our
duties would be a mockery to the memory of those who have sacrificed
their lives for the cause of Tibet, while undergoing tremendous
hardship, but who have remained steadfast to the ideals for which we
have left our country.
There is no doubt, despite the current leniency, that we in exile are
much better off than our friends and relatives in Tibet. Here we have
absolute freedom to go wherever we like, do whatever we like and
practice every aspect of our religion and traditions without fear of
censure from any quarter. Most important of all, our younger
generations have at their disposal all the modern educational
facilities of the free world. They can learn whatever they are
interested in or whatever they feel will contribute something
worthwhile to their community, whereas what passes for education in
Tibetstill to this dayis what the authorities decide is good for
them. This, I feel, is one of the worst aspects of the Chinese rule in
Tibetthis lack of real education. Children of today are the makers of
the future society. If the future of our society is in any way to be
meaningful in terms of our being a member of the world community, then
they must have a modern education, conducive to a cosmopolitan outlook
of life, as well as being familiar enough with their own culture and
tradition in order to retain their distinct identity.
The present policy of leniency favoured by the Chinese in Tibet, I
think, has also room for our contribution towards overcoming this
educational discrepancy of the youth in Tibet. There are some Tibetan
refugees visiting Tibet now. Why do not some of our youth, who have
received decent educational opportunities, offer their service to take
up teaching posts in Tibet on a temporary basis, in schools there? And
I see no reason, given the present situation, the Chinese authorities
should put any objection to this. So on this 21st anniversary of our
fight for truth and justice, I hope our youth will seriously consider
this suggestion of mine.
In conclusion, once more I would like to remind everybody that the core
of the Tibetan issue is the welfare and ultimate happiness of six
million Tibetans in Tibet. The limited leniency that the Chinese have
introduced is a welcome first step. But we are still nowhere near being
satisfied that the Tibetans in Tibet are content. What the future holds
in store only time will tell. The course I favour is to wait and watch
to what extent the Chinese leaders are going to improve the conditions
in Tibet.
The Dalai Lama
March 10, 1980