Tibetan Youth Leaving India- Identity and Belonging
Since 1959, India has become a second home for a large group of Tibetan refugees. These Tibetans are led by our and worlds respected spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The Dalai Lama has always shown deep love for India, and he has often said that if he cannot return to Tibet, he would like to live and die in India.
However, many young Tibetans, who have been born and raised in India for two or three generations, are not very interested in participating in Indian elections or other government activities.
This situation makes us wonder: Why do these young Tibetans feel disconnected from India? Are they less loyal to their Tibetan community, or is there a deeper reason behind their reluctance?
Citizenship and Identity Concerns
By law, Tibetans who were born in India between 1950 and 1987 are automatically Indian citizens. However, many Tibetans are afraid that if they accept Indian citizenship, they might lose their Tibetan identity.
Tibetans born after 1987 are considered foreigners and must renew their registration certificates regularly with the local Foreigner Regional Registration Office.
The Citizenship Act of 1955 originally allowed anyone born in India to claim Indian citizenship, but an amendment in 1986 removed this provision.
The issue of Tibetan citizenship became serious in 2010 when Namgyal Dolkar Lhagyari, a Tibetan born in India in 1986, was denied an Indian passport.
She went to court, and in 2011, the Delhi High Court ruled that those born before July 1987 should still be recognized as Indian citizens unless they choose to give up their citizenship.
The question of whether to accept Indian citizenship has caused much discussion within the Tibetan community. In 2013, the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamshala announced that it would not stop Tibetans from seeking Indian citizenship.
However, some people in the Tibetan community worry that accepting Indian citizenship could weaken their Tibetan identity and make it harder to fight for Tibet’s autonomy.
The hesitation among young Tibetans to embrace Indian citizenship also reflects a bigger worry about the future of the Tibetan cause.
They are concerned that becoming too closely connected with India might make it harder for them to focus on the struggle for Tibetan independence and keeping their culture alive.
Challenges in Government and Private Sector Jobs
Tibetans are often considered one of the most successful refugee communities in the world. Despite this success, they still face challenges in keeping their cultural traditions while living as refugees in India.
The debate over citizenship is also connected to the broader challenges of fitting into Indian society. Many young Tibetans feel disconnected from India because of limited opportunities, especially when it comes to government and private sector jobs.
Without Indian citizenship, they are often excluded from government jobs, and even in the private sector, opportunities can be limited.
This lack of job security and career prospects adds to their sense of frustration and makes them question whether India can truly offer them a promising future.
Skill Development and Career Prospects
Another important issue is skill development. Many young Tibetans find that the education and skills they acquire in India do not always lead to good job prospects.
They may feel that their talents are not fully recognized or valued in the Indian job market, especially in fields like technology, business, and the arts.
As a result, they look for better opportunities abroad where they believe their skills can be better utilized and appreciated. The struggle to find meaningful and rewarding work is a major factor pushing young Tibetans to leave India.
Experiences of Racism and Social Integration
Young Tibetans also face challenges related to social integration. Some have experienced instances of racism and discrimination in India, which makes it difficult for them to feel fully accepted and comfortable in society.
These negative experiences can lead to feelings of resentment and dissatisfaction. In some cases, young Tibetans may express their frustration by openly criticizing or scolding India for not providing a more welcoming and inclusive environment.
These sentiments stem from their daily struggles and the obstacles they face in trying to build a stable and secure life in India.
Increasing Trend of Leaving India
In recent years, more and more young Tibetans are leaving India to find better opportunities abroad.
The combination of limited job prospects, challenges in skill development, and experiences of discrimination contribute to their decision to migrate.
Many of them feel unsure about their future in India and believe that moving to countries like the United States, Canada, or European nations can offer them better education, employment, and quality of life.
This trend raises concerns about the sustainability of the Tibetan community in India and the preservation of their rich cultural heritage within the country.
The Bond Between India and Tibetans
Despite these challenges and frustrations, it is important to recognize that India has provided refuge and support to Tibetans for many decades.
Many Indians hold deep respect and admiration for the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan culture. There are strong cultural and spiritual connections between the two communities, and efforts have been made to foster understanding and cooperation.
However, addressing the legitimate concerns and grievances of young Tibetans is essential to strengthening this bond and ensuring that they feel valued and supported in India.
Conclusion: Navigating the Future Together
The relationship between young Tibetans and India is complex and multifaceted. While there is gratitude for the refuge and opportunities provided, there are also genuine concerns about identity, opportunities, and acceptance.
To address these issues, collaborative efforts are needed from both the Tibetan community and the Indian government and society.
Providing better access to education, employment, and social integration can help young Tibetans feel more connected and satisfied with their lives in India.
At the same time, respecting and preserving their unique cultural identity is crucial.
By working together to overcome these challenges, both communities can build a stronger and more harmonious future.
Thug-je-che (Thank you).