Tibetan students form cultural association at Harvard University

By Choekyi Lhamo

DHARAMSHALA, Feb. 15: A five-member group currently enrolled at Harvard University’s Undergraduate program formed a cultural association in January to highlight Tibetan culture and tradition in one of the most vibrant academic spaces in the United States. The all-women members registered the club with the administration in hopes to bring about more awareness on Tibet on the campus and highlight ongoing repression of Tibetans by the Chinese government.

Tsering Yangchen, one of the co-founders, told Phayul that one of the factors in forming this club was to make space for Tibetan representation in academia. “I didn’t see any Tibetans growing up in these academic spaces, and I strongly felt the need for that. It almost encouraged and emboldened me to further exemplify my Tibetan identity due to lack of representation.”

The celebration of Tibetan heritage is one of the top priorities of the association, focussing on annual events like Losar (New Year) and a potential talk series through which prominent Tibetans or Tibet supporters could discuss Tibet. “I think this is largely based on our experiences like even applying to Harvard in the first place, but Harvard seems extremely inaccessible to Tibetan students that are first generation,” said Tseyang, adding that the group attempts to solidify Tibetan presence at Harvard and would hopefully serve as a source of comfort for future generations.

The initial goals of the club would entail organizing social events to attract students and faculty on campus that are not familiar with Tibet. The group hopes that both Tibetans and non-Tibetans alike could participate in the club for its future sustenance, “I think when forming the club in the first place the premise was to spread awareness to non-Tibetans in addition to holding an affinity space for us.”

“At least for me growing up, I feel like all stateless Tibetans who grew up in the West around the world have this added responsibility of being in touch with the culture not only as immigrants but also by having this multifaceted identity that you have to navigate around in this new space that tries to assimilate you and change your priorities in terms of your culture,” the 18-year-old event coordinator said when asked about her personal motivation to work on such an initiative.

Tenzin Choetso, Tenzin Dadak, Dekyi Tsotsong, and Pema Choedon co-founded the Harvard Undergraduate Tibetan Cultural Association in January.