I want to break free
April 12th, 2008 | Published in India, Living | 11 Comments
Post dedicated to the lovely Aqua
I first understood what it meant never to know one’s country when I met Aqua. Her parents are exiled Tibetans living in Darjeeling, who will never go back to their country again as long as it remains a Chinese territory. And the same goes for Aqua, who is Tibetan, but who might never get to see Tibet.
I want to break free
For me, this was a difficult concept to come to terms with. I go back to my home state when I want, I live in my own country wherever I choose to (at least as of now!) and travel where I please. Imagine not having this basic right. Imagine leaving the country one day and not being able to go back.
Lighting of the lamps: A glimmer of hope
Tibetans today are settled in large numbers in the North — Darjeeling, Dharamasala and in the South in Bylakuppe.
One young man who has been fighting for Tibet’s freedom is Tenzing Tsundue. I knew of him only from the news but it so happened that my sister had met him in Mumbai. His struggle has been documented and you can read more of his evocative writing. He was recently released after having been arrested for being part of the March 10 protests.
This post is dedicated to Aqua, Tenzin and all Tibetans who are fighting for the freedom of their land.
The young and the hopeful: Will he get to see his country some day?
- Bylakuppe Album: taken during a visit during the Losar (New Year) celebrations
April 12th, 2008 at 10:33 am (#)
I was in Mcleodganj and Bylakuppe last year — and I could sense their longing for their home country — the feeling of being in exile — being away… even though people went about their everyday lives as always…
love that first shot — saw it on flickr earlier :)
April 12th, 2008 at 10:37 am (#)
yes, true. it’s a difficult state to be in.
btw, my title was inspired by your suggestion only :) am sure you noticed!
April 12th, 2008 at 1:46 pm (#)
What a lovely thought. I really hope Aqua and all her countrymen in exile now get to go back to a free Tibet sometime soon.
April 12th, 2008 at 2:12 pm (#)
Awww! Anita…I am overwhelmed. Thank you for this beautiful post. The show of support for Tibetans from my friends means so much to me. You, Gee, Usha have always been so supportive and I hope someday everyone will feel the same.
It gives me hope that one day, Tibet Will Be Free!
p.s. I esp love the first pic. Enjoy yr trip and spk to y soon!
April 13th, 2008 at 2:54 am (#)
Hi,
Its sad to the plight of tibetans. But i feel there is more than sympathy that they need.
I have written a post on the same on my blog.
Do have a look when u have time…
April 13th, 2008 at 2:29 pm (#)
Anita,anita you are definitely a women i looked up to, you take gorgeous pictures, you adventerous,smart and you are a gorgeous person !
I really want to get a nice SLR camera but then again as if i don’t have enough hobbies/ambitions, already xoxo
April 14th, 2008 at 9:30 am (#)
Very true!
We are in the US for close to a year now and may be here till the end of this year. Yet, we long so badly to get back to our country. However luxurious it is here, there is something that pulls us back home.
Such being the case, I can totally understand how it is to be away from our own land! They deserve it, I say! They deserve it all !
April 14th, 2008 at 10:10 am (#)
yes, it’s really sad. i cant stop thinking about tibet these days.
i was in tibet last year, and could see it for myself. while we tourists were easily let in thru the visa checking counters, tibetans who were returning to their own coutry had to wait for hours n hours to get thru..
April 14th, 2008 at 5:35 pm (#)
Beautiful post.
April 16th, 2008 at 1:00 pm (#)
I read Aqua’s blog .
iTs very good that u have written abt her .
i linked her blog in one of my post on this issue
http://bakalamkhud.blogspot.com/2008/04/blog-post_15.html
.thanks Anita fr this post !
sujata
May 2nd, 2008 at 7:03 pm (#)
Those colors and those eyes claim for freedom, your pictures are wonderful. The running monk is like a flag in the wind, he is the wind himself and no one can stop him.
Thank You for those pictures.