EQUITY MIC EP 04 | JIGME UGEN (Activist) | STORIES OF TIBETANS | INTERVIEW : 156

Jigme La, originally from Kalimpong, pursued his higher education at Delhi University and presently resides in Minnesota, actively engaged in the Labor Union. His school years were marked by a restriction on speaking Tibetan, with he and his classmates fined for using their native language and encouraged to adopt English instead. Until the seventh grade, their curriculum solely encompassed the Tibetan alphabet. It wasn't until the eighth grade that a new Tibetan teacher introduced advanced Tibetan, a subject that proved challenging for Jigme La to comprehend. During this time, someone he knew mentioned the availability of the book "My Land and My People" in English. Upon reading it, Jigme La experienced a profound enlightenment about the history and adversities faced by Tibetans living in Tibet. This knowledge deeply resonated with him, prompting him to recommend the book to those he encountered throughout his higher education journey. Through "Let's Talk," individuals from diverse backgrounds are invited to engage in insightful conversations that delve into the heart of matters affecting the Tibetan community. By embracing different perspectives, sharing personal experiences, and exchanging knowledge, participants contribute to a collective effort to address challenges, seek solutions, and deepen their understanding of each other.