The Indian government's expectation that Tibetas refugees not indulge in political activity is a somewhat oxymoronic idea because India had promised to help Tibetans in acquiring education and has fulfilled its promise. Today, according to Prime minister in Exile Professor Rimpoche, the literacy rate of Tibetans is 100% and in Dharamshala one finds young Tibetans with impressive degrees, fluency in English and a stable source of income.
In their survival instincts, the Tibetans are quite like the Gujaratis in US and Rajasthanis who have migrated into hinterland of India.
They are worldly wise, clever and have sharp commercial instincts.
In addition, they have the mystique of Buddhism to retain their distinct personality.
A Tibetan women's association, led by B Tsering, the spirited and untiring biology teacher of the Tibetan Children's Village school is active in the current political activity.
She told rediff.com, "What does India want to do with us? Why are we facing resistance from the Indian government? This is not fair. We are foreigners here. We have to go back one day. We are asking Indians to help us to go back."
She echoed strong sentiments prevalent amongst Tibetans in Dharamshala when she said, "It is high time now. India has to stand up on the Tibet issue. Your sympathy is not enough. Tibet can provide you security on the border and we have resources like minerals and water."
However, during his press conference on Saturday, Dalai Lama while reacting to India's stand on Tibet said, "India is over-conscious." It seems that it will remain so.
Image: B Tsering, president of the Tibetan Women's association.
Also read: The border no longer dominates the show
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