I still miss Tibet.

“I still miss Tibet.” I don’t remember exactly which year I arrived in India, but people told me it was in 1961. Since then, I have lived in exile. With His Holiness the Dalai Lama in exile, I felt there was nothing left for me in Tibet and no reason to stay. On top of that, Tibet was under Chinese occupation, and there was always a sense of fear and uncertainty. Today, I live in an elders’ home, where I feel happy and safe. Everything I need is provided for, and I am deeply grateful for the kindness and care I receive through the grace of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Yet, the feeling of longing never leaves me. Tibet will always be my country, my homeland. But at this age, I know I am too old to return and live the life I once knew. Even if I could go back, I would no longer be able to live freely as the nomad I once was. This is one of the many stories of Tibetans living in exile, carrying their homeland in their hearts, no matter how many years have passed. This episode is made possible with the support of The Tibet Fund, as part of a series of 20 podcast episodes sharing the stories of Tibetans living in the diaspora.