Refugee Stories

Revised May 31st, 2012

In the article The stories of Tibetan elders in exile, J.M. Brown writes about the oral history project work by clinical psychologist Marcella Adamski in recording the stories of Tibetan elders in exile. Adamski’s work was spurred directly from a request by the Dalai Lama, whom she met in Dharamsala in 1999. After reading this article I was reminded of some of the stories I have heard from my own “elders in exile” when I was younger. I thought I’d patch together and share some of these stories so that people can read them and then maybe share their own stories as well.

I can remember most clearly my mother’s account of why her family fled from Tibet in late 1959. My mother’s family lived in the  small farming village of Namdha, about a half hour walk from the town of  Khangmar in the district of Gyantse. Her family was the wealthiest of the village and her father was well respected for the kindness he had shown to the poorer villagers, and the loans he gave to those who needed it.

Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangay and Kalon Dicki Chhoyang Meet with Tibetan-Canadian Interns

Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangay, Kalon Dicki Chhoyang, and the Tibetan interns of the 3rd Parliamentary Friends of Tibet Internship Program

 On Tuesday, May 1^st, at the end of the Tibetan Representative’s meeting in Ottawa, Canada, from April 29^th to May 1^st, 2012, Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangay, and Kalon Dicki Chhoyang, met with the Tibetan-Canadian interns of the 3^rd Parliamentary Friends of Tibet Internship Program.

The Kalon Tripa spoke to the interns and explained the importance of representing the Tibetan people and the Tibetan cause on Parliament Hill, while stressing for interns to take pride in their rich cultural and historical background as Tibetans.

He also candidly shared his experiences serving as Kalon Tripa thus far and the challenges he faces in his new role as the political leader of the Tibetan people.

“He was able to show us that with strong will power and determination, we can accomplish anything we want. Most importantly, he reminded me of the things that I can be proud of as a Tibetan, and truly motivated me to work harder towards achieving the ultimate goal as a Tibetan – to see his Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama return to Tibet.” said intern Tenzin Kalsang.