Office of Tibet, Washington DC host a virtual discussion on ‘Tibet in Agony – Lhasa 1959’ on 19 December 2020.
Washington DC: The Office of Tibet, Washington DC hosted a virtual book talk on “Tibet in Agony – Lhasa 1959” on 19 December. The book written by Li Jianglin and translated in English by Susan Wilf was published by Harvard University Press. It is also translated in Tibetan by Mr. Jampa Tenzin and published by the Library of Tibetan Works and Archive.
Representative Ngodup Tsering gave a short remark on the book and expressed his appreciation to the author and translator for accepting the invitation.
Representative Tsering also highlighted the source, the author, language, publisher and the story, all of which make the book very unique. He also encouraged the young Tibetans should read the book and find out who you are and what really happened to Tibetans during the 1959 massacre.
Representative Ngodup Tsering, Office of Tibet, Washington DC speaking at the discussion.
Author Li Jianglin discussed the book in detail followed by questions from the audience. Mrs Susan Wilf shared her experience and her life changing journey from translating the book and described it as a meticulous scholarship with very vivid writing. Major part of the talk was occupied by the question and answers.
Given the stories of many surviving Tibetans from March 1959 and research on semi classified information of PLA members who were involved in the massacre, Li Jianglin explained in great detail how Tibetans in Amdo and Kham were forced to escape to Lhasa. What happened to Lhasa before and after His Holiness the Dalai Lama escaped from Norbulingka, Tibet to India. Questions were raised on varied contents of the book and each were answered.
Moderator Tsultrim Gyatso thanked the speakers for their contribution on truth finding research and concluded by recommending everyone and especially, Tibetan youths to read the book as it’s available in Chinese, English and Tibetan.
-Filed by Office of Tibet, Washington DC
Author Li Jianglin discussing the book ‘The Tibet in Agony – Lhasa 1959’.
Susan Wilf speaking at the book discussion.
Chinese Liaison Officer Tsultrim Gyatso moderates the session.
