In the last few years, I have written two dissertations on Tibet’s education and then later on regarding the policies and practices of the Chinese government on its ethnic minorities and the autonomy of Tibet. Although I am a Tibetan and have always been in either a minority or in the situation of victim of many injustices in this world, I strive to be optimist and look for hope.
Regarding Tibet, I try to be very objective and look out for solutions for the problems in Tibet. In fact, as a Tibetan, I strongly believe in non-violence movement against any power especially against “giant China” that never dared to choose that resort until now (I will never forget the sad episodes of Tiananmen square), multiculturalism, dialogue and respect between Tibetans and Chinese who live in Tibet and a genuine autonomy that protects and promotes ethnic diversity in Tibet.
I believe that more than ever before, Tibetans in Tibet need proper schools, good education, freedom of religion, socio-economic rights, and the right to preserve their own distinct language and culture. If we look at the statistics provided by the government of China, Tibetans in Tibet (I am saying Tibetans because in Tibet there are many other ethnic groups who live in Tibetan cities and they dilute the statistics) has one of the highest illiteracy rate and poverty among all the Chinese regions.
The protests that are spreading in all Tibetan lived areas besides Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), in these days, is the deep rooted resentment of Tibetans from being neglected in all these fifty years by their government in development policies and for committing constant human rights abuses to them. Therefore, we should remain focused to the main issues despite the propagandas of the Chinese Government these days in the media.
Interestingly, the government is blaming Dalai Lama for being the main cause of the protests. But such statements are well known in the history of China and in the countries of dictatorships. The Government of China always needed a scapegoat to whom they can blame when the “people” start resisting publicly against their practices. I believe it is time for the government to make a good reality check and address the deep rooted problems of Tibetans.
Therefore, the issue of Tibet is centred on Human Rights and we “the people of open and free society,” must not hesitate to condemn China for its human rights abuses and to urgently call on the Chinese government to show responsibility by engaging in “genuine and official” dialogue with Dalai Lama.
We, Tibetans, have chosen to struggle with non violence means. So, information, objective information is one of the strongest weapons we have. So, I strongly believe in the strength of international public opinion to make change in Tibet.
Dekyi Dolkar
Sannita 