What is Dalai Lama to the Tibetans?

By Bruce K. Thangkhal *

The 74-year-old monk, Dalai Lama is considered as the 'Godfather' and 'Great leader' by the Tibetan people. Ask any Tibetans, the answer may not differ.

Tears of Silence

Tibet's freedom is shrouded in mystery under the tyranny of Chinese guns. Surprise raids are frequently conducted on the homes of Tibetans. Six million Tibetans are languishing in their ancestral home. Many died in martyr for Tibet. Today, more than 150,000 odd Tibetans in exile sought for FREE Tibet.

A veteran social worker and visionary woman leader, Rinzin Wangmo, President of Tibetan Women's Association Delhi exclaimed, "His Holiness Dalai Lama is our godfather and political leader of the Tibetan Government-in-exile. He is the only influential leader we have. He taught us to follow non-violence, peace, love, and taught us to do good things to others. It's really like a God, to me."

Mrs. Wangmo who is also a mother of three child, narrated that her parents fled to India with an empty hand way back in 1959. It was, indeed a sordid day, in which thousands of Tibetans fled for shelter and peace. She was born and brought up in India. Completed her graduation in Shimla and also obtained a diploma degree in Tourism. At present, two of her brothers were doing management course in England.

FOR THE CAUSE OF TIBET : Our reporter with some Tibetan leaders at Tibetan's Samyeling Colony. Tibetans donated for the earthquake victims. PHOTO: Dollar Mahesh Gupta

"Many Tibetans in Tibet were force to learn Chinese script by the Communist Government. And many of them did not get good education. Everything is pre-set and followed as per the wishes of the Chinese Government. Getting education is not easy for the Tibetans. First, you have to leave your home and go abroad for studies. Returning back to Tibet is dangerous at this situation," said Mrs. Wangmo.

The Dragon's Law in Tibet

The cruelest law, where on earth not found except only in Tibet. To get job in Tibet is not easy! You must be proficient in Chinese language as much as the Chinese or better than them is absolutely mandatory. There were incidents, being a Tibetan; jobs were not given. Parents who send their children to Tibetan schools in India are accused of holding the wrong political ideology. They faced several harassments and penalties from the Chinese.

It is considered illegal for Tibetans to patronize or show loyalty to their religion, culture, tradition, and language. Possession of Dalai Lama's photograph is considered criminal. The Chinese government gave rewards to the one-child couple. On the other hand, those with more than one child were penalized. To such child, residential permit is denied. Unbelievingly, a Tibetan does not have right even to be born in their land. In Tibet, the Chinese government counts the eggs before they hatch!

The Soft Corner

India recognised Tibet's independence in 1948 after the Asian Relations Conference held in Delhi in 1947. In this conference, Tibetan delegates hoisted the Tibet's National Flag and Tibetan representatives gave their speeches. During this conference, countries like US, UK, France and Italy acknowledged and honoured the passports of Tibetan delegates. This is a historical event for them.

Tibet's political turmoil began when China captured her in 1959. Since then Dalai Lama and his associates, and the Tibetan Government-in-exile stationed at Dharamsala in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Dharamsala is a permanent home for His Holiness Dalai Lama. While India is listening to the tales of woefully Tibetans and the eyeballs of world powerful leaders casts on the atrocities faced by the Tibetans under the iron hands of Red Chinese army, still the Tibetans has no option but to bear the brunt of the dragon's claws.

Getting education or continuing education is one of the greatest difficulties faced by the Tibetans' students. In this regard, the Tibetan Government-in-exile provides financial assistance to the qualified students. A young beautiful girl, Tenzin Dhazay, B.Sc nursing student in Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia University told this reporter, "Our government, the Tibetan Government-in-exile is providing scholarship to Tibetan students who had secured 65% in Science and 75% in Arts stream of 10+2 examination. Fifty percent of the total cost is borne by our government. This helps many Tibetan students in their higher studies. I am really grateful to our Government." She says her course fee costs Rs. 1.5 lakhs annually.

In memory

On April 24, the Tibetans here in Tibetan's Samyeling Colony at New Aruna Nagar had observed the 49-days customary service of Candlelight Vigil in memory of the victims in Tibet's earthquake, which will last till June 2. "An earthquake measuring 6.9 on Richter scale hit the Tibetan province of Kham Kyegudo on April 14 which resulted to the death of 10,000 Tibetans. The Chinese government denied the fact. Thousands injured and trapped beneath the rubbles of the collapsed buildings," said Karma, Accountant, Samyeling Youth Welfare Association Delhi.

FOR THE LOST SOULS: Candlelight Vigil in memory of earthquake victims in Tibet held at New Aruna Nagar, New Delhi. PHOTO: Dollar Mahesh Gupta

The great mystery

On April 25, in memory of the XIth Panchen Lama - Gedhun Choekyi Nyima - the youngest political prisoner of the world's 21st birthday anniversary celebrated under aegis of Regional Tibetan Women's Association of Delhi. Panchen Lama and his family mysteriously disappeared at the Chengdu Airport in Sichuan Province on 14 May 1995. In 1996, the Chinese government proclaimed that the boy and his parents were taken into 'protective custody'.

The boy has not been seen or heard of, since. According to Tibetans, Nyima is the reincarnation of the Xth Panchen Lama, recognised officially by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and he is an integral part and sacred part of the Buddhist religious tradition. By definition, Panchen Lama is responsible for protecting and enlightening the Tibetan people and is thought to be one of the emanations of Amitabha Buddha, meaning 'Great Scholar'. Second only to the Dalai Lama, he is a primary spiritual guide of the dominant Gelugpa Sect- 'The Yellow Hats'. On this day, thousands of Tibetans and RTWA members strongly urged upon the Chinese government to release the XIth Panchen Lama.

According to Mr. Karma, Dalai Lama is a great leader and an exemplary figure for the Tibetans. "His Holiness Dalai Lama is a godsend man, a man of truth and non-violence. We are deeply touched by his principles. So I regarded him as my godfather and spiritual guru," says Karma.

The Joint Secretary of Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Delhi, Mr. Sherab, who dealt with the relief funds expressed: "We extended our deep sympathy and prayers to the families of the victims and we had collected donations which shall be sent to the earthquake affected regions in Tibet." He further said, "His Holiness Dalai Lama is our spiritual leader and we respect him like God. We are always following his teachings."

Another Tibetan leader with his warm greetings, Mr. Tenzin Nyima, President, Samyeling Youth Welfare Association Delhi said, "His Holiness is our spiritual leader, political leader and non-violent leader. He is the real father of Tibetans. I pray for his long life and good health. He's the only renowned Tibetan leader. I wish him to live 1000 years to save Tibet from the hands of Chinese."

On the other side, the Chinese government vehemently called 'Dalai Lama' as a 'Butcher', 'Wolf in monk's clothing', 'Counter Revolutionary' and a 'Splittist'. However, these derogatory remarks could not alter the minds of the Tibetan people. But it gives more strong, pure and deep 'bond of faith' between Dalai Lama and his people.

The 51-year exiled monk, Dalai Lama is emerging out as a powerful magnet for the young and old. Today, the world admires Dalai Lama in some way or the other.

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* Bruce K. Thangkhal (a resident of New Delhi) contributes to e-pao.net regularly. The writer can be contacted at khaalnou(at)yahoo(dot)com
This article was webcasted on May 17 2010.

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