ABout Tibet

Tibet, with its distinctive and rich culture and traditions largely rooted in Buddhism, has been isolated from the rest of the world for centuries, making it a mystical land for outsiders. The Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959 resulted in the destruction of over 6,000 monasteries and the death of over a million Tibetans. In the early 1960s, along with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, many Tibetans fled to India for exile. Currently, around 120,000 Tibetans, or 12% of the six million Tibetans, live in exile across the globe.

The situation in Tibet continues to deteriorate daily. Basic rights are denied to Tibetans, and even possessing a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is illegal. Tibetan culture and traditions are being systematically eradicated, with Tibetan children now being forced into colonial boarding schools. Around one million Tibetan children between the ages of five and fifteen are compelled to attend these schools. In 2024, Tibet was once again listed as the world's least free country by Freedom House. This grim assessment is reinforced by the tragic reality that over 160 Tibetans, most of them in their 20s, have self-immolated in protest against the oppression in Tibet.

China's occupation of Tibet is driven by several strategic and resource-related factors. Tibet is rich in natural resources, which are crucial for China's industrialisation. The region possesses vast reserves of minerals, including lithium, copper, and gold. Furthermore, Tibet's size and strategic geographical location enhance China's influence across Asia. Tibet is also known as the "Water Tower of Asia," as it is the source of major rivers such as the Brahmaputra, Yangtze, and Mekong, which provide water to millions of people in downstream countries.

China has constructed numerous dams in Tibet, which have significant implications for the region's environment and the water supply of neighbouring countries. The Zangmu Dam on the Brahmaputra River, for instance, is a major hydropower project that has raised concerns about water security in India and Bangladesh. The construction of such dams disrupts local ecosystems and displaces Tibetan communities, further contributing to the cultural and environmental destruction in the region.

Tibetans in Exile: A Legacy of Activism

Tibetans born after the 1960s are born activists. The history of Tibetan exile began in 1960 when His Holiness the Dalai Lama fled to India as a refugee. Along with him, over 80,000 Tibetans crossed the border, leaving everything behind. Although India hosts the largest population of Tibetan refugees, the Tibetan diaspora extends far beyond its borders. Tibetans are now scattered across the globe, from Nepal to the US, Europe, Canada, Australia, and beyond. Despite enjoying full human rights in their host countries, these refugees have not forgotten their compatriots in Tibet. Consequently, every individual is involved in the Tibetan cause, directly or indirectly.

The initial steps taken by His Holiness to safeguard religion, culture, tradition, and language were critical in the resistance. He initiated the establishment of monasteries modeled after those in Tibet and built separate schools for Tibetan children with the help of the Indian government and support from many other countries, organizations, and individuals. These initial setups are key reasons why Tibetan Buddhism, culture, tradition, and language continue to thrive.

The resistance is not limited to monasteries and schools. The Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala, along with numerous NGOs, Tibet support groups, and dedicated individuals, all play crucial roles. They tirelessly work to bring the Tibetan issue to the forefront on the international stage, including at the UN and other relevant organizations and governments worldwide.

Tibet’s Resistance:

In the face of these challenges, the Tibetan resistance continues to persevere, with exiled Tibetans working tirelessly to raise awareness and advocate for their homeland. The legacy of Tibetan Buddhism, culture, and the struggle for freedom endures, symbolising hope and resilience in the face of oppression. Tibetans in the diaspora have become the voice of those inside Tibet. 

Right in the early years of exile, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has focused in established imitation monasteries in exile to preserve Tibetan Buddhism and separate schools for Tibetan children to learn about their culture and traditions and not disperse the into the largely populated Indian community and in the World. 

Inside Tibet, resistance has grown as resilient as the Himalayas that surround the region. Thousands of Tibetan individuals from various backgrounds have raised their voices through songs, poems, and demonstrations, often resulting in imprisonment and disappearances. Additionally, over 160 Tibetans have self-immolated in demand for freedom, marking the highest number of self-immolations in world history.