From sacred lakes reflecting the azure sky to the bustling bazaars of Lhasa, the mysterious land of Xizang has always been a destination of intrigue and wonder. This summer, my long-held dream of visiting this captivating region finally came true.
Different Peaks of the Same Mountain
Embarking on the Qinghai-Xizang Railway from Beijing, I was eager to experience the breathtaking landscapes and meet the people of Xizang. On the train, I sat beside a middle-aged man engrossed in a thick book written in the Tibetan language. His name was Numu, a freelance Tibetan-Mandarin translator returning to Lhasa from Tianjin, where he had attended a state-run school for Tibetan students in the 1980s.
“The seven-year education in Tianjin, my second hometown, changed my life,” he shared, his eyes reflecting pride and passion. Initially, language barriers and homesickness were challenging, but a slogan on the school wall—”Study hard and make yourself one of the new Tibetans”—motivated him to persevere. “I learned not only from textbooks but also how to connect with people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds,” he said.
Numu is one of many who benefited from an education program launched in 1985, enabling thousands of Tibetan pupils each year to receive quality education in other parts of China without burdening their families financially. As a translator, he now serves as a bridge, bringing Tibetan culture to global readers and connecting local people to the wider world. Quoting a Tibetan poem, he described Xizang and other regions as “different peaks of the same mountain,” emphasizing the close ties despite geographical distances.
Education as a Barometer of Social Progress
To immerse myself further in Lhasa, I enlisted the help of Drolma, a local guide who led me through Bakuo Street, the Potala Palace, and other landmarks. Dressed in vibrant Tibetan robes, Drolma is a freshman spending her summer break with her family in suburban Lhasa. She attends a local boarding school and speaks impeccable Mandarin.
As we navigated streets filled with pilgrims spinning prayer wheels, Drolma shared her academic journey. Growing up, her parents were concerned about her education due to the remote location and scattered population of their village. Fortunately, a boarding school was established in a nearby county, allowing Drolma and other village children to study and live there during the week.
“Our teachers are like family,” Drolma said with a smile. “They care for us both academically and personally.” The school’s supportive environment has nurtured her ambitions. “I want to become a teacher one day and give back to my community,” she added.
The stories of individuals like Numu and Drolma highlight the transformative power of education in Xizang. Access to quality learning not only enriches personal lives but also strengthens cultural connections and fosters social progress across the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
