By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, March 6: The funeral procession and last rites for the Tibetan teenager drew more than a thousand Tibetans here in Dharamshala. The emotional last journey of the 16 year old to the cremation spot was led by his bereaved family.
The venue for the prayer session and ceremony to pay the last respects to the deceased at Lhagyalri seemed apt as the marble busts of Pawo Thupten Ngodup and Pawo Jamphel Yeshi and the photos of each of the self immolators beginning from Tapey were at the background overlooking the proceedings.
The bereaved father spoke in pauses recounting the details of the incident and thanked all the people who helped and came forward to show solidarity towards his family during the difficult time. The TYC President Tenzin Jigme and Vice President Tamding Hrichoe spoke against the lack of support by international organizations like United Nations and international governments and also the lack of action by the Tibetans.
“But most of all, I am angry with myself and us Tibetans. We need to become a movement of action, not reaction. We all need to contribute to our cause in our own capacities so that the issue of Tibet can be resolved. And when we do that, we will do justice to the sacrifice of Dorjee Tsering, Kalsang Wangdue and all the Tibetans who gave their lives for our country. We want to send a clear message to the Chinese government that we will continue to fight for our country till our last breath,” said TYC President.
Member of Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok told Phayul, “The words of the 16 year old boy calling for unity among Tibetans and to follow the wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a weighty message. It serves a reminder for Tibetans of all ages. This incident has attracted a lot of feelings from the Tibetans but that feeling mustn’t be vanished like the rainbow. It should not just be a source of anecdotes but should be felt by each and be applied in their lives and towards the fulfillment of the ultimate Tibetan cause collectively.”
