Dharamshala — <<My Life: Born in Free Tibet, Served in Exile>>, a book by former Tibetan Minister Tashi Wangdi launched in Dharamshala, recounts his happy childhood in independent Tibet, China's illegal occupation of Tibet and his escape into exile, as well as his 40 years of service in the six departments of the Central Tibetan Administration and visits to various countries with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the chief guest, along with Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang and Geshe Lhakdor as special guests, launched former Tibetan Minister Tashi Wangdi's autobiography "My Life: Born in Free Tibet, Served in Exile" at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamshala on June 7 ,2024. The book launch was attended by former Tibetan ministers, former officials of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma of the Department of Information and International Relations, Secretaries of the CTA, as well as Secretaries of the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Geshe Lhakdor moderated the event and introduced the book by saying how important it was for the younger generations of Tibetans to read the history book of a former Tibetan minister who lived in a free Tibet and then escaped into exile and served the CTA and Tibetans and His Holiness the Dalai Lama for over 40 years.
The author then explained his aims in writing the book, and saying: "I have written this account of my life for two reasons. Firstly, to fulfill the advice His Holiness had given to all retired civil servants of the Gaden Phodrang administration of Tibet to write a full account of their life including the years spent in the administration. I believe these will serve as important archival materials for future researchers and historians to have a fuller and more objective understanding of the past society in general and work of the administration. Secondly, this is also for my two children. I've never been able to spend much time with them while they were growing up. They were away in boarding school and college for most of the time. Even when they came home for their vacation, I did not have much time to spend with them. This will be the only memory they will have after I am gone. Hopefully, through this they will also have something to remember their mother by, who they lost when they were very young."
"I have not written this account for publication, although a few of my former colleagues and friends encouraged me to do so. I will give this manuscript to the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamsala. I would like to title this manuscript <<My Life: Born in Free Tibet, Served in Exile>> to show a glimpse of my early childhood in free Tibet, events that led into exile, hardships, struggles and the indomitable spirit I shared with millions both in and outside Tibet to regain our inalienable rights as a people, in accordance with the visions and guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he added.
Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang gave a detailed account of the author's life, beginning with his early days as a senior clerk in the early days of the Tibetan government, formerly known as the Gaden Phodrang government. She also highlighted his journey to becoming a Kalon (Minister) in the service of the CTA departments. In addition, she acknowledged the significant sacrifices made by the former Kalon's family in supporting him in his duties, paying particular tribute to the contributions of his late wife Dikyi and his children, which she found equally remarkable and commendable.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering recounted his first meeting with former minister Tashi Wangdi. He praised Tashi Wangdi for his more than four decades of service to the Tibetan people. Sikyong stressed the importance of the younger generation of Tibetans learning about the hardships and sacrifices of the former ministers who supported His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the difficult times of the Tibetan freedom struggle. Sikyong concluded his speech by urging Tibetan elders to document their own history in accordance with the wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He also advised Tibetans to cherish historical evidence and research materials, stressing the importance of preserving them.
