PROFILES IN COURAGE: Day 25 – February 14th

Dhondup Gyal (1953 – 1985)
Acclaimed scholar, writer & poet

Dhondup Gyal was born in the village of Guong Phuba in eastern Tibet. His birth came at a very tulmultous time and many of his family members were scattered in the aftermath of  China’s invasion. Although he did not receive a formal childhood education due to the chaos caused by the Cultural Revolution, he was hired by the Qinghai Radio station. In the 1970s, he was accepted at the Central Nationalities Institute in Beijing. Upon completing his studies, he returned to Amdo and resumed his work at the Qinghai Radio Station. He also began writing for the Qinghai Tibetan News under the pen-name Radio Victory.

His writings also started to appear in the Nationalities Publishing House in Beijing. Drawing from Tibet’s rich literary past, Dhondup Gyal incorporated modern literary elements into his unique writing style and he is widely regarded in Tibet as the founder of modern Tibetan poetry.

When his poem, Lang tsh’i rbab chu (Waterfall of Youth) was published in 1983, it had a profound impact on young Tibetans. His unconventional writing style was widely attractive to this new generation and his deep patriotism was reflected beautifully in his poetry.

Below is an excerpt of his poem,  Lang tsh’i rbab chu, which pays tribute to the indomitable spirit and will of Tibetan youth and exhorts them to believe in themselves. It is also an appeal for Tibetans to protect their language, which was under attack by the Chinese government. It is incredibly empowering and has been attributed as a politicizing influence within his generation of Tibetan activists.

This is not an ordinary waterfall-
It possesses a majestic quality,
a fearless heart
incomparable in its pride,
a strong body
adorned in finest jewels,
most melodious music,

This!

The torrential waterfall,
the glorious young people of the Land of Snows,

This!

In the year 1980,
the heartfelt power and creativity of the youth of Bo,
The dignifying struggle,
the music of youthfulness,

Kyi! Kyi!

Youthful waterfall,
Waterfall of youth,

Where did you obtain
the fearless heart,
immeasurable confidence,
unbending pride,
limitless strength?

Yes!

Click here to read the complete poem.

While Dhondup Gyal faced backlash and in some cases outright hostility from more conservative Tibetan literary circles, he was an incredible source of inspiration for many and is considered one of the most accomplished Tibetan writers. Like many artists, the stifling atmosphere of Chinese occupation took a heavy toll on Dhondup Gyal. In November 1985, he committed suicide in his room in Chabcha. He was 32.

His writings, however, are immortal and his creative spirit of resistance continues to live in his emotionally charged words.