Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay (L) launches the book, LTWA Hall, Dharamshala, India, April 29, 2016. Photo: TPI/Dawa Phurbu
Dharamshala — Dr Lobsang Sangay, Sikyong or the democratically elected political leader of the Tibetan people released a new book written by late Mr Gonpo Dorjee, a former Tibetan parliamentarian, at a function in Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala, India, on Friday, 29 April.The book titled ‘The Old and New Century of Tibet’ documents the history of Tibet from Nyatri Tsenpo, Tibet’s first king in recorded history, till 1986.
The two-volume book is a culmination of a decade-long effort by the writer to record Tibetan history as well as his personal experience of escaping into exile, following His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advice to elderly Tibetans to write about their personal experiences of Tibet for future references.
The function was attended by senior officials and MPs, including Rinchen Khandro former Kalon and Director of Tibetan nun’s project, Dongchung Ngodup former Kalon for Department of Security, Sonam Choephel Shosur Chief Election Commissioner, Tashi Tsering Director of Amnye Machen Institute, Ngawang Yeshe LTWA General Secretary.
Addressing the book release function, held at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA) in Dharamshala, The chief guest Sikyong Dr Sangay said: “Some of my staff at the Kashag Secretariat have read the book and they told me that the book is very well written, easy to understand and contains a lot of vital information on Tibetan history.”
“Therefore, I applaud the hard work put in by the writer as well as by the staff of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives to publish this book,” Sikyong said, while urging the younger Tibetan generation to read the book.
He also urged the younger generations to study the hard work of the elder generation of Tibetans and the real situation in Tibet, by reading the books written by those elder generations.
Mr Dorjee, passed away on 26 April, just three days before the launch of the book. Sikyong also expressed his profound condolences at Mr Gonpo Dorjee’s demise and prayed for his swift rebirth.
A Brief Introduction of Gonpo Dorjee’s life history and his works made by Ngawang Yeshe, LTWA General Secretary.
Tashi Tsering extended his deep sympathy and sincere condolence to Dorjee’s family. ‘We recently planned it well that he will join us in Dharamshala, after completing the book publishing process. But unfortunately he passed away on Tuesday morning, April 26, at 6.am,’ said Tsering.
He said that the book documents the history of Tibet from Tibet’s first king, Nyatri Tsenpo to history of Tibetans, inside and outside Tibet, till 1986. The book also has a foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.’
Mr Dorjee served his community as a MP, an journalist, and then an author, till 2016. He had served as MP from U-Tsang province in 1972. However, he resigned and returned to his home in Darjeelingtwo years later due to health issues. But, he continued working for the “Tibetan Freedom” newspaper till 1992.
The publication of the new Tibetan history book came at a significant time as the Chinese government has further strengthened its sovereignty claims over Tibet.
A group of the Chinese Communist party puppets from Tibet recently visited few countries, include the United States and during their meetings with the foreign officials, they said that “Tibet has always been part of China, and there is no basis for Tibet issue.”
