Dharamsala, July 31 – Communist China’s liberalisation policy of the late 1970’s opened the gateway of the ‘Forbidden Land’ to the outside world for the first time since it assumed full control over Tibet in 1959. This was a turning point in the history of the Tibetan people’s struggle. This gave many foreigners the opportunity to unveil for themselves the ‘Roof of the World’ with more and more people visiting Tibet. And among these visitors were people who smuggled out tapes, photographs, and eyewitness stories which flashed across Television screens, magazines and newspapers around the globe.
Articles and travelogues describing the poor human rights situation and deplorable political condition in Tibet came to the notice of the world. These written materials proved helpful for the Tibetans to highlight their plight and seek support to their fight of words against the People’s Republic of China. ‘Travellers to Tibet’, a 315-page collection of articles by various people who have visited Tibet is the latest in the line of publication by the Department of Information and International Relations.
Mr. Thubten Samphel, the Secretary of the department, said that he is very happy to bring out this publication at a time when there is a growing number of people across the globe taking keen interest in Tibet and being more sympathetic to the just cause and suffering of the Tibetan people.
“This book is a compilation of 26 articles on a wide range of issues concerning life in Tibet from the late 1950’s till today”, says Mr. Samphel.
“We sincerely hope that this publication will help create greater awareness about the Tibetan situation, thus leading to the fruition of the aspirations of six million Tibetans to enjoy genuine autonomy within the existing constitutional framework of the People’s Republic of China.”
On payment of delivery charges, the book can be ordered free of cost from the department by writing to diir@gov.tibet.net
Department of Information and International Relations
CTA, Gangchen Kyishong
Dharamsala, 176215
Distt. Kangra (HP)
Phone-+91 1892 222510, 222457
