Dharamshala May 30 – The Tibetan community lost one of the most prominent intellectuals yesterday. Professor Dawa Norbu yesterday breathed his last after a prolonged illness. Sources say that the death was caused by brain hemorrhage.
Professor Dawa wrote internationally acclaimed books on Tibet such as Tibet – The Road Ahead and China’s Tibet Policy.
One of the frontrunners of the Tibetan intellectual circle, Dawa often had to face the wrath of the Tibetan community for his openness and outright criticisms in his writings. Dawa worked as the editor of the Tibetan Review, a leading English journal of the exile Tibetan community.
Dawa was educated at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. His first book Red Star over Tibet was published in 1973. In 1976, he went to the United States to study at the University of California, Berkley. He then finished his Ph.D in 1982 from the same university. He was working as a Professor at the Centre Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
He had submitted scholarly papers in such reputed journals as China Quarterly, Asian Survey, Royal Central Asian Society Journal, etc.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
One Response
It’s sadness for all the Tibetans for the loss of one of the most prominent scholar among us. His acclaimed articles and books such as the China Tibet policy among others has significantly contributed in bringing more awareness about the Tibet on the world stage.
His honest intellectual analysis and courageous expression were reflected in his extensive writings though lots of criticism from others within our community in the past. In my mind, every Tibetan can contribute in a various ways based upon our different abilities, educational level and capabilities by keeping focused on the cause of Tibet with the united stand irrespective of whether it hurts or appeases to others.
His legacy he has left behind through his intellectual as nd constructive writings in publishing the articles or in the form of books will go a very long time to come in the future, in educating us about the struggle of Tibet by presenting the justifiable and legal approach why Tibet stills remain as occupied country!