Tibetans In Diaspora | FT Woeser | Ep 124 | Stories of Tibetans:204

"Fighting for dignity, not just identity.”

“I am a Tibetan and I am a law student in India. During an exchange program, I had a layover in Germany. Since I was travelling with an Identity Certificate (IC), a travel document for stateless persons, I was separated from the others and interrogated. The only reason was that I am a refugee. The immigration officers yelled at me, saying that people like me 'make this country dirty.' For the first time, I truly felt what it means to be a refugee. I was numb, unable to respond, standing there shaking, holding my travel document.

Meanwhile, my Indian friend, who was travelling for the same purpose, disappeared somewhere without any issues. It was heartbreaking to face such discrimination.
In that moment, I decided I would advocate for my fellow Tibetans who are denied citizenship, despite being born in India. Honestly, I could easily land a well-paying corporate job, but for me, this isn't about money. It’s about dignity.
I know many other Tibetans who have their own painful stories of facing discrimination, and it breaks my heart.
Currently, I have filed a case along with an Indian lawyer friend of mine, and I am awaiting the outcome. If it succeeds, it could open many doors for other Tibetans like me. I am prepared to appeal to a higher court if it doesn't. One way or another, I won’t give up.”

Interview by Kunsang Tenzing

Special thanks to Himalayan Coffee House (Delhi)
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