Dharamshala: â On 10 December Yeshe Choesang, editor-in-chief of the Tibet Post International (TPI), released his book âVoice of An Exiled Tibetanâ at the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Dalai Lamaâs receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize and the 66th International Human Rights Day.
The book is primarily a compilation of articles related to the modern issues facing all Tibetansâat home and in exileâand seeks to serve as a response to how Tibet is portrayed by China and other outlets.
âThese articles came up as a result of different events that affect Tibet or the perception of Tibet in the world. These articles and issues are important because we canât let go of whatever China or some of the worldâs leaders say. If you donât respond accurately, people think Tibetans are then just accepting the situation,â said Choesang.
The book addresses myriad issues from Tibetâs natural resources and keeping Tibetan culture alive within younger generations to the effect of the world economy on human rights. One of the most important themes for Choesang is that of immortalizing those who have sacrificed for Tibet. âThere are many Tibetans who have lost their lives under the Chinese gun. It is important to remind younger generations and the world of their sacrifice, of these events, and the history of Tibet,â said Choesang.
Choesang believes that, to a certain extent, many countries who have the power to act have been forced recently to choose between economical and human rights issues.
âThe economies of many countries who once prospered are suffering; China is economically strong, and unfortunately, many countries are choosing the economy over human rights and values,â Choesang said. âYet, so many people sacrifice for human rights and democracy, and thatâs why these things should remain important to them. Their reaction should not be this way because younger generations are watching them. Itâs not a good idea to lead that way.â
As the editor of TPI, Choesang is hoping TPI to reach international media standards, to remain unbiased, transparent, and to hold members of the Tibetan community and Tibet support groups more accountable.
âOne of the most important points of the book is that we may have different viewpoints, but weâre also trying to be a very open and democratic society,â Choesang said. Publishing articles like those in the TPI and in âVoice of an Exiled Tibetanâ is a key element to maintaining and promoting those democratic principles.
While Choesangâs dream has been to create a world history book translated into Tibetan, he believes that spreading the voice of Tibetans must be his priority; thus, âVoice of an Exiled Tibetanâ came to beâto continue shedding light on the daily struggles faced by Tibetans for the past half-century. Choesangâs book will be available soon at most bookstores in Mcleodganj, and information will be posted on TPIâs website on how to purchase a copy online.
If you would like to purchase the new book on Tibet, you can send an email directly to the author. Here is His Private Email: ychoesang[at]gmail.com