A few days before his death, Pema Tashi told his best friend, Leki Dhondup, that “Tibet has given me so much and I want to give back to the cause. If necessary, I will contribute my life to the struggle.” On May 10th, Pema drowned in the Kosi River at Kakri Ghat, Uttarakhand, during the March to Tibet.
Born in Arunachal Pradesh to non-Tibetan parents, he decided to become a monk by the age of six. Pema delighted his parents with his decision and journeyed down to Sera Mae Monastery to take his vows of monkhood. When he saw the announcement about the March to Tibet, he said, “I was happy because I had always wanted to see Tibet. I have lived in a Tibetan community for a long time and have always viewed Tibetans as compassionate people and this motivated me to join the march. Since I have made up my mind to go on this march, I am fearless.”
When arrested with the other 100 Core Marchers at Dehra, Himachal Pradesh, Pema said “I felt the agony and the status of a homeless refugee.” Once released from house arrest, Pema rejoined the march only to develop problems walking. They allowed him to switch to the tent building crew where he earned the reputation as a hard worker and a joker. In fact, everyone knew of Pema’s infectious joking and his friend Leki said, “he couldn’t be quiet for a minute.” He eventually got the nickname “Man of the March.” Other marchers would never refer to him as Pema. In fact, most didn’t even know that name. They simply called him “the Man.” It was said that without him on the march, there would be no joking.
As they approached what was to be Pema’s last campsite, he marveled at “the beauty of newly entered hills and felt a sensation of coming to his homeland.” After building the tents at the campsite, Pema jumped into the cold and cloudy water of the river, apparently hitting his head on a rock. He spent too long underwater and passed away a few hours later at the Almora Hospital. The entire march spent several hours in prayer for his soul and a team of monks stayed up all night praying over his body. His body was cremated the yesterday morning with a mountain of khatas.
The news was so unexpected that it has shocked us all. Pema’s passing threw me into an emotional tailspin, renewing my worries about the marchers and what awaits them as they get closer to the border. While his death was a horrible accident, Pema had said that he would be willing to sacrifice his life for the struggle for independence. It has made me think a lot about what determination means and the significance of martyrdom in a non-violent movement. I am deeply moved by the sacrifice of Pawo Thubten Ngodup, whose self-immolation still makes me cry every time I see footage of it, and the willingness of many of the marchers, including Pema Tashi, to give their lives for what they believe in. However, I must admit that I disagree with martyrdom as a tactic. The March is an amazingly patriotic and inspirational gesture that is succeeding in raising awareness about the Tibetan cause, but I personally don’t want any more of the marchers to die for it. I believe strongly that every single marcher is more of a contribution to the Tibet movement alive than if they died trying to cross the border. Unfortunately, such decisions are out of my hands.
To a hard worker, a lover of jokes and a warm person with a brave heart who died before he reached his home, everyone on the March to Tibet sends our prayers with you, Pema.
No comments:
Post a Comment