News and Views on Tibet

Education is the solution

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In exile, people see a lot of virtue in saying out their political stand publicly, as if it were a great thing to do. But not many clearly understand the background, issues and the scopes of what they happily say. I neither understand anything grand when it comes to the issue of a political resolution on Tibet. But it is to learn and learn and then to decide and not to roar out when you just know something. There is no prestige in declaring whether you stand for autonomy or independence or a third way. We have been doing this for the last many years but done very little. And now we see where we stand, without any headway but only so much confusion and troubles on the table. The problem is that we have little political knowledge to a big political problem. That’s how we are losing the game.

It is a sad that 127 of our compatriots have set their bodies ablaze in protest against China, calling for freedom and the return of our His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to Tibet. That is the extent to which our people are curbed under the Communist Party of China. And this is what these great people saw they could do to express their sadness and despair since they could not find another channel. There is no need of any further comments so as to explain how much suppression and torture are part of our people’s life in Tibet. These many self-immolations are the answer, and the antiques of a burial under colonial brutality. In exile, everybody is dreaming about going back home, but we still have not been able to choose a way that works in our favor. The demand for higher level of autonomy is our official stand, which we have failed after over ten times of dialogues with our Chinese counterparts. But the CTA is adamant, still sticking to the process of a middle way approach which may or not realize its ultimate purpose any day. Then the independence seekers and idealists hit back on the CTA’s stagnancy of things, blaming their soft and compromising diplomacy with the Communist Party of China. The CTA’s mantra is to state that the independence optimists don’t have a process by which to justify their stand.

The Dharamshala administration sometimes attacks the independence counterparts of being disloyal and creating havoc. In fact, both parties are clueless and helpless as when it comes to the eventual cause and solution of our political dilemma. Neither approach is as effective as it is needed to stand against an unrepentant regime. But unfortunately, the culture of cynicism and blame game in our community is taking a toll on public mood, hope and unity of our struggle. The difference in what CTA say and the independence seeking NGO’s like that of TYC and SFT is itself a matter of confusion to the Tibetan masses and foreign sympathizers. There’s a lengthy psychological gap between our struggle and people, no matter how hard we sweat and protest on occasions. And it is the side effect of the conflict and contradiction between the MWA Independence followers. How would we mend this and bring all hearts together for a united cause is the question.

But this nonetheless doesn’t mean that we have to pick a third policy, a wise choice is to stop chanting independence and autonomy and studying everything from the beginning to the end. There’s no merit in repenting on how the dialogues failed, there’s no merit either in criminalizing Mr.Jamyang Norbu and Mr. Karma Choephel. Either way is a freak’s job. But if you really care about what should be done to having a strategy upon which we all have consensus and one that also bears substantial outcomes, we should be trying to educate ourselves. Yes, it is hundred percent not my founding, but given the performance of our own policy and the overall situation inside Tibet, it is no time to be cynical but to fundamentally change our mindset when it comes to our political issue. It should not be seen that there’s a lot good in vomiting your stand, whether middle way approach or independence. That’s not having a minute contribution, but it even worsens everything. It is inspiring that a growing number of youngsters are starting t heir journey in the political struggle; such is of great necessity in the future too. We need to break out from the monotonous routine of occasional outbursts on the streets, mere statements and candle light vigils. These are simple gestures of solidarity and spreading public awareness about our issue. But it can’t bear the required results. What is more that we can do is to grab political circumstances in China, in Tibet, and in our own community. It will help us to have sound and resourceful debates and dialogues in the public sphere, we do have intellectuals who write and speak but that’s only a few numbers and the engagement of the rest is discouraging. We are not seeing anything beyond our nose if we are to say anything about a struggle for the freedom of a nation. If somebody says he believes in the approach of the CTA, it is understandably easy to assume that he has chosen it from an emotional rationale but beyond that he knows little about the approach itself. In the same case there are the huge numbers of TYC branches all over the world under whose activism there are hundreds of students and youngsters who call for independence, but it is not known how many of them really do believe in what they stand for or process through which they see possibilities. Yes, few really are as knowledgeable and right-minded as they are emotional but the majority matters even more.

Our cause can’t be resolved through mere cacophony and symbolism alone; there is the need of examination, research and analysis not only from a selected few but from the people all over. The inspiration however is the keenness and strength of the growing youngsters who are all the way willing and aspiring to do something for our cause. But it would be commendable if they (including myself) do anything through an uncompromising and critical understanding of the political arena in which we are. It can divert the public energy on a more positive discussion through which we may find recommendable solutions. Right now, we are not here, but everywhere and the focus is not concentrated. We are stuck here, with no clear path ahead. The solution is absolutely awareness, action, knowledge and education of us on the issue itself and its surrounding factors. I also believe that there should be a free environment for political opinions and ideas and that should not be stifled by any institution. The stronger is the level of public participation and articulation; we will be far nearer to a conscious, sensible and righteous public that plays a vital role in the formation of a unanimous political decision that is credible and that draws everyone’s heart into action. It is not at all cool when there is that uncomfortable conflict of approach in our society, it would be better if we could come together than see as too irreconcilable parties. It would be more appropriate in case there is greater responsibility toward a collective policy than scattered ideologies. Our ultimate goal is the same whether you stand for one thing or the other, and there is no need of to be possessive of anything you follow. I am not referring to either middle way approach or independence. But such is an ideal way, and we need to reach this point through thorough education.

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