Scepticism about Independence clouds young Tibetan minds

Bhandara: Britishers ruled India for 200 years before presenting it the crown of liberation; the Tibetan fight for Independence is only 49 years old, says Lobsang Dhonyoe, a retired Tibetan army man in Maharashtra’s lone Tibetan settlement. His neighbour Nima Tsering shares his view, adding that a free Tibet will serve as a wall between India and China.
The Indian struggle for Independence may not prove to be a relatable example with the Tibetan independence movement. The refugees today are faced with China’s growing clout as a super power, slim chances of political separation, and a weakening freedom movement. The story of Tibetan refugees in Norgyeling Tibetan settlement in Bhandara is much like their counterparts in the country.

“His Holiness (Dalai Lama) is with us, and so is everyone else. We should be free in a couple of years,” says Tsering Wangomo, 68, one of the oldest inhabitants of the settlement, who fled Tibet during her 20s, leaving her family behind. The reason of her confidence is her faith. “We pass on feelings of independence in youngsters, and will win freedom through non-violence,” she adds.

A large part of this settlement is bereft of youngsters, who have moved to either Himachal, Dharamshala or Karnataka for higher education and job opportunities. Born and raised in India, an estimated 5% of these refugees have accepted Indian citizenship, eversince such a provision was made last year. This move has stoked fears of a weakened spirit in the fight for Tibetan Independence.

Tenzin Pasang, 37, is the executive member of Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), who finds employment only during the annual winter market. While members of TYC still wish to see democracy in Tibet, the group has witnessed paradigm shift, he says. “The group has changed a lot; there has been a change in thinking. History has seen Tibet as an independent country, and we are working for the cause, whether or not the outcome favours us. We are less hopeful about Independence. Our protests, hunger strikes have reduced manifold. Instead, we are focusing more on social welfare of the people,” he says.

For 35-year old Tenzin Youten, who’s into farming and takes part in Tibetan protests in Nagpur, has no idea about how long the fight for liberation will continue. “Dalai Lama says that people of China are good. It’s only the government that has created problems. A change in the government might prove supportive of our fight,” he says.