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A review by thebookdog
Kora by Tenzin Tsundue
challenging
dark
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
It is quite a coincidence that I read Tenzin Tsundue’s ‘Kora’ just a couple of days before the anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day. On 10-March-1959, Tibetans revolted against the People’s Republic of China, and the uprising resulted in many deaths, and the exile of the Dalai Lama. It’s been 62 years since the uprising, and it’s been more than 21 years since the first edition of this collection of poems, and essays was published, but any progress made toward the cause of ‘Free Tibet’ is not substantial.
In his poems, Tsundue laments. His words shed tears of blood for Tibetans’ statelessness. But what makes Tsundue’s work different from other Tibetan literature I have read is Tsundue’s refusal to be knocked down by hopelessness, and resignation. He is angry, restless, and asserts that Tibetans and their allies should develop a political consciousness, and actively fight for their cause.
While Tsundue has deep admiration for the Dalai Lama, he opines in his writing that the Tibetans’ freedom struggle lost its momentum after the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Known for his unconventional yet powerful protests, Tsundue reports that the identity crisis amidst the young Tibetans needs to be addressed, and that they need support to feel rooted, and to dream for a nation that is free, and that belongs to them. From his essays, I understand that asylum, solace, and the space to practise the endangered culture could only provide temporary relief, and what every Tibetan deserves is a path that will take them home.
The vein of violence that pops up here and there, in his writing, in the revolution that is long due, makes me uncomfortable. But who am I to say how the oppressed should resist! What do I know about being a Refugee, as Tsundue says, with a big R on my forehead!
My wish for Tibetans is that the big R in Refugee should grow into the big R in Rangzen.
In his poems, Tsundue laments. His words shed tears of blood for Tibetans’ statelessness. But what makes Tsundue’s work different from other Tibetan literature I have read is Tsundue’s refusal to be knocked down by hopelessness, and resignation. He is angry, restless, and asserts that Tibetans and their allies should develop a political consciousness, and actively fight for their cause.
While Tsundue has deep admiration for the Dalai Lama, he opines in his writing that the Tibetans’ freedom struggle lost its momentum after the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Known for his unconventional yet powerful protests, Tsundue reports that the identity crisis amidst the young Tibetans needs to be addressed, and that they need support to feel rooted, and to dream for a nation that is free, and that belongs to them. From his essays, I understand that asylum, solace, and the space to practise the endangered culture could only provide temporary relief, and what every Tibetan deserves is a path that will take them home.
The vein of violence that pops up here and there, in his writing, in the revolution that is long due, makes me uncomfortable. But who am I to say how the oppressed should resist! What do I know about being a Refugee, as Tsundue says, with a big R on my forehead!
My wish for Tibetans is that the big R in Refugee should grow into the big R in Rangzen.