On Friday 4th May 2007, at a reception held in London in honour of Mrs Adhe Tapontsang, commonly known as Ama Adhe, by the UK Tibetan Women’s Association and the Tibetan Youth UK, Ama Adhe gave an inspiring speech to some 80 Tibetans and their supporters.
The reception began with Tibetan butter tea and a short introduction of Ama Adhe by Riga on behalf of UK Tibetan Women’s Association and the Tibetan Youth UK.
Ama Adhe gave a short description of her life in Chinese prisons and the enormous suffering that she and other prisoners endured. She said, “I suffered 27 years in Chinese prison. Millions of Tibetans still continue to suffer under the Chinese occupation. Chinese illegal occupation must end. Tibet belongs to Tibetans and we shall continue to fight for the restoration of independence of Tibet.” At times she shed tears. Her speech was thought provoking – emotional and inspiring.
She said, “I am an old woman, illiterate and fragile but I am determined to share my personal experience of suffering and speak on behalf of thousands of Tibetans who did not survive to speak to you. Wherever I speak I see large number of young Tibetans. I am encouraged that they are taking initiatives and joining the movement to fight for our cause. We must all continue to struggle for the freedom of our people from occupation.”
In a Foreword to Ama Adhe’s book, “The Voice that Remembers”, His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote, “I am happy not only that people will be able to read Ama Adhe’s story, but also that she survived to tell it. Hers is the story of all Tibetans who have suffered under the Chinese Communist occupation. It is also a story of how Tibetan women have equally sacrificed and participated in the Tibetan struggle for justice and freedom. As she herself says, hers is the “voice that remembers the many who did not survive.”
The reception was concluded with many thanks, and token presents and offering of scarves by Karma Chura-Tsang and Riga to Ama Adhe and her interpreter – Tsering Ngodup, followed by homemade food and drinks.
Contact:
UK Tibetan Women’s Association – uk_twa@yahoo.co.uk
Tibetan Youth UK – www.tibetanyouthuk.org
(Submitted by UK Tibetan Women’s Association & Tibetan Youth, UK)
