WATCH IT HERE : https://youtu.be/LhAA29L1qm0?si=kBu5OC-JrXpdtyzs
Conversation with Dr. Dickey Choedon La
Hosted by Tenzing Dhamdul, FNVA
In this episode Dr. Dickey Choedon la shares her meticulous research paper titled “Changing
Legal Identity: Tibetans View on Indian Citizenship”. She illuminates the profound paradigm
shift occurring within the Tibetan diaspora—a surge in applications for Indian citizenship
and the legal acquisition of Indian passports. With astute analysis, she delves into the
multifaceted realities confronting Tibetans in exile, deftly navigating the intricate web of
geopolitical complexities and socioeconomic imperatives that underscore their decisions.
Drawing from a rich tapestry of first-hand experiences and insightful interviews with
individuals from the Tibetan community, Dickey Choedon meticulously examines the
motivations and rationales driving this significant trend. Through the lens of her own
personal encounters and the poignant anecdotes shared by her interviewees, she unveils
the nuanced considerations shaping the trajectory of Tibetan identity in the contemporary
global landscape.
Dickey Choedon’s question on the continuity and cohesion within the Tibetan freedom
movement—a movement historically anchored in the steadfast preservation of Tibetan
culture, heritage, and autonomy, against the backdrop of burgeoning applications for Indian
citizenship. She calls upon more research into this topic especially in terms of the potential
ramifications on the unity and direction of their struggle for self-determination.
Dickey Choedon’s scholarly endeavour transcends mere academic inquiry, offering profound
insights that resonate deeply with policymakers, scholars, and stakeholders invested in the
Tibetan cause. By elucidating the complexities inherent in the evolving dynamics of Tibetan
legal identity, she contributes invaluable perspectives to the ongoing discourse surrounding
exile communities, citizenship, and the pursuit of justice in an increasingly interconnected
world.
