Dolma

Prayer Wheels

We spin prayer wheels and pray at His Holiness the Dalai Lama's temple. Our prayers help us decrease negative karma.

Tibetan National Flag

I took this photo to show that we have our own national flag and leader. I want the world to know that Tibet is its own country.

Remembering

The boy in this thangka shop reminds me of my younger brother, who is in Tibet. He is so cute and friendly that people often give him attention and gifts.

Temple Road

There aren't many jobs in India. Some of us sell things on the street to survive.

Prostrations

This monk lays down to touch his forehead to the ground. He is quite old but he never gives up.

Burning Bright

These butter lamps help us recognize the light when we cannot see.

Shopkeeper

Customers come here because he is so polite and keeps his shop very clean.

Hope

This image of a butter lamp, made out of students' bodies, represents our hope for freedom.

My Story

I am 24 years old and from the U-Tsang region in central Tibet. I escaped to India in 1999 with a guide and 20 strangers. The only people I knew in my group were my sister and two nuns who had been in jail for many years as political prisoners. There were many children in our group. The youngest child was 6 years old. We walked for 3 weeks through the Himalayas before we finally crossed the border in secret. The journey was expensive and dangerous. I came to India for an eduction. In Tibet, Chinese school fees were very high and the schools were not good. I wanted to learn about the world and the real history of Tibet. In Dharamsala I have had the phenomenal opportunity to study. I have realized that without education one's brain is like a bird without wings. Life is full of ups, downs and challenges that education helps me overcome.