Tibet alive
- Pema dhondup
- Los Angeles
- UNITED STATES, Jan-5-2005
- 44
I am a Tibetan or should I say, Tibetan-American like other minorities that are identified by their origin. This maybe my story but in reality it is the story of my entire community.
The number of Tibetans living in this country is just about 20,000 and out of that only about 300 lives in Southern California. Compared to any demographic statistics this number is surely obscure. However, please don't be fooled. The community is vibrant and as active as any. An association with elected representatives and service term of two years keeps the members connected involving them and keeping them busy with social, cultural, religious and political activities. I was the President for two years myself. Every Sunday children meet at Culver City Park to learn language, cultural dance and religion. Parents commute from as far as Orange County to make sure their children don't miss this opportunity. My wife looks forward to this day all week. Her educational job does not end every Friday, I say, working for a school district but rather begins every Sunday. She laughs. Every religious and social festivity is arranged and coordinated by the elected board members of the community organization that brings the community together from time to time. The community strives to preserve and promote its traditions and culture through various means and avenues including holding Tibet festivals whenever it can. There will be one this September when the Dalai Lama visits Southland.
In short, as Tibetans living in California we hope to be proud, healthy and contributing members of the society. If our culture and tradition can contribute to the already colorful California, we will be really proud. As an immigrant I feel my dreams have been realized just by being here, but as a new American, I hope to contribute to the American dream of its founding fathers, and I know this is not only my story it is the story of all Tibetans who are now part of this melting pot called America.