On a lazy afternoon I met Angela, a reporter from Germany. She wanted to do a report on a Tibetan guerrilla (Chu-shi-kan-dru) and she asked me to help. This made me inspired by another freedom fighter from Kham. His name is Thupten and he is a hero who contributed, sacrificed and did what he could do for Free Tibet. She asked me to interpret the conversation between them, and while I was translating; thousands of questions were pouring into my mind.
As his story unfolded, Angela began to ask questions about the incident that forced Tibetans to surrender their arms and ammunition to the Nepali Government. When he answered, Thupten’s story bore a feeling of patriotism and nostalgia. I could indeed empathise with him and sensed the sadness in his voice. As my friend continued with his story, the glow of his eyes changed. I began to wonder about the anger and hatred towards the Nepalese government that existed at that time. However he, being a true Buddhist practitioner and an ardent believer in His Holiness the Dalai Lama, denied having any kind of hatred or anger at that time. But I thought of the people who commited suicide after the surrender of arms, and felt the betrayal and frustrations of the Chu-shi-Gan-Dru soldiers of the time. Although many people had lost their lives by offering themselves in flames, Thupten la continued serving the Tibetan army special frontier force for some time. After that, he became the bodyguard of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and is still serving the community as a General Secretary of the organisation.
I have the greatest and most humble gratitude toward Thupten la. I feel the warmest respect for his generous contributions to our country. He is not only a man, but a patriot who provides an enormous betterment for our community. Part of me will always long for and bless the time we shared, listening to his stories and sharing a cup of coffee. On the day we walked into his office we met Ama Adhe, the longest-serving political prisoner, we came to know that the two were friends, two friends and patriots who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Thupten la never stopped loving and serving his country after the betrayal, chaos and unrest. He is the epitome of self-sacrifice and love for one’s own country, yet he does not hate the oppressor and the betrayer. Instead, he is compassionate towards his opponent. ‘NEVER GIVE UP’ is one of the most popular quotes by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Thupten la is a patriot who followed this creed and is still following it.
Tenzin Tselha is Grassroots Director of Students for a Free Tibet,India
Print
Email
