Kalsang Rinchen
In his father’s footsteps, a young Tibetan is walking cross country to pay his respects to all those people who stood for Tibet’s independence.
Dharamsala, April 2 – A nephew of His Holiness the Dalai Lama has entered the 24th day of his “walk for Tibet” to pay tribute to his father and all those who fought for Tibet’s independence, a website dedicated to the walk said.
Jigme Norbu, son of late Takster Rinpoche, who stood by his commitment for complete independence for Tibet until he breathed his last on September 5 last year, started his “walk for Tibet” from Indiana on March 10 coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan people’s uprising against the invading communists forces. Along his walk, he talks to people about Tibet’s history, its ongoing struggle and Chinese repression while also distributing leaflets.
“My father was a big inspiration,” Norbu said. “He fought almost his whole life.”
Jigme’s legs and body have become sore and large blisters have formed on his feet, according to Wangchuk, a 66 year old former member of Tibetan parliament assisting Jigme on the walk. “My pain is nothing compared to what my brothers and sisters have suffered in Tibet, under Chinese oppression that has now lasted for over six decades,” said Norbu who walks about 25 miles everyday.
“It is really inspiring to see a member of Yabshi (His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s family) taking such an initiative. I did not know that he was son of Taktser Rinpoche until I read about his walk on the internet,” said Tenzin Tsering, a Tibetan college student.
Norbu is expected to reach Washington DC on April 4. He will then head for Boston and New York City where Tibetans and supporters will gather to conclude his walk at the Chinese Consulate in Mid May when he will have walked 900 miles.
