Local Debate Commemorates the Life of Bawa Phuntsok Wangyal

By Tsering Wangdue / April 24, 2014;

“The Life of Bawa Phuntsok Wangyal and Tibet’s fate” conference
Photo: Lha

“The Life of Bawa Phuntsok Wangyal and Tibet’s fate”, a discussion celebrating the life of Bawa Phuntsok Wangyal, or Phunwang as he was affectionately known, took place on April 19 at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamsala. The event, which debated Phunwang’s lifetime achievements and contribution to Tibetan society, was organised by the Bawa Association which was formed to look after the welfare of people from Kham Bawa in Tibet.

Professor Samdhong Rinpoche
Photo: facebook

The former Prime Minister of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, started the debate by talking about Phunwang’s lifelong struggle for equality among ethnic groups, and unity for the Tibetan people, and said that it is very rare and hard to find someone with such a comprehensive knowledge of Marxism, not only in Tibetan society but also in China and Russia.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Special Envoy to Europe, Mr Kalsang Gyatso, said that he met Bawa Phuntsok Wangyal several times and found him to be a very calm, peaceful person; a good listener who always spoke after careful thought. He added that if we look at Phunwang’s life story it is clear that his intention was not for the personal gain of power and wealth, but for the benefit of Tibetan people.

Tibetan writer Mr Chung Tsering said that he does not consider it fair to call Phunwang a communist, as the Chinese considered him to be one. The core principle of his life was to support oppressed people and he dedicated his whole life for the betterment of the life of the Tibetan people under Chinese oppression.

There were around forty people gathered at the debate, including many members of the CTA, scholars, writers, directors and the staff of the many non government organisations. Following the debate, many people engaged in a discussion, sharing their knowledge and opinions about Phunwang’s life and his choice of political lifestyle.

Other debates were held at Tibetan Children’s Village day school and the College for Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah; and in addition the CTA organised a mass prayer at Tsuklakhang, the main Temple in Dharamshala, in honour of Phunwang on April 6.