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A chance for a new voice: The chocho who I know...

By Tenzin Youdon | Tibet Sun

Tenzin Youdon Photographer unknown

It is a critical time in the history of the Tibetan Diaspora as we choose a candidate for the position of Kalon Tripa (prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile). Being Tibetans, we were given the right to take part in the government by directly standing up for a candidate. I take this opportunity to introduce someone whom you may already have heard of, but I hope to offer a glimpse of my own perspective.

About 15 years ago, I remember being very proud and thrilled to have a tall, dark and handsome chocho (elder brother/cousin/relative) visiting my younger brother and me at our boarding school in India. He came with his beautiful, then girlfriend now wife, Kesang la. He brought us huge bags of Uncle Chips and took pictures with us.

Today, I’m even more proud that this chocho has emerged as a candidate to hold the highest post in the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, the Kalon Tripa position.

My chocho, to others, is known as Dr Lobsang Sangay, but to me he is just chocho Lobsang, who embodies only good intentions and a sincere motivation to serve Tibetans.

I do not intend to narrate the numerous conferences he has held or what he has done for Tibet, but I can say that, as far as I can remember, he has always been actively involved in Tibet issues. What I would like to share with you is that there is more to him than just his Harvard doctorate degree.

As much as he travels globally giving lectures and meeting influential people, when home, he is just another regular guy who speaks the language of the common people. He is a die-hard baseball fan and occasionally throws barbeque parties. He plays many different roles: a loyal husband, a reliable son, a supportive brother, a cool uncle, and a loving father to his cute little daughter Menda Reva. When at family gatherings, he is the life of the party, as he enjoys joking around, making everybody laugh and feel at ease and comfortable. He even tries to sing Tibetan songs, and I must say he has improved a lot over the years!

He is very engaging and competitive in every aspect. He can compete in many games from cards to volleyball, from table tennis to even — wouldn’t you know — dance moves.

Chocho Lobsang had high expectations of me and our other cousins. He expected all of us to go to Harvard, but in my defence, I always said, “I am not you.” I have my own individuality and I am content with having attended a small college and to be working for a company. I think eventually he has accepted me for who I am, and has realised that we are all not as gifted as he is.

Occasionally we have long late-night discussions, which sometimes turn into heavy debates on topics ranging from Tibet, politics, and religion, to family values and expectations. He tells me to read the Economist magazine when I have my hands on a People magazine. He tells me not to keep track of what Paris Hilton is up to, but instead see what Condoleezza Rice is doing. Had I listened to everything that chocho Lobsang says, I most probably would be a wiser and more knowledgeable human being, and perhaps be doing more meaningful things right now than running spreadsheets at my current job!

Our past leaders have shown us the right path, and most importantly, given us the education and foresight to face the ever-changing and challenging landscape of the modern world. Our forefathers would be happy to see the new generation take up the responsibilities and lead our people and government in the new millennium. Needless to say, as Tibetans, we have to work at the frontlines for the cause of Tibet. Chocho Lobsang has the confidence, courage, determination and willingness to serve His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet.

I am not saying chocho will better serve our people than our current leadership under Prime Minister Prof Samdhong Rinpoche. Rinpoche and chocho Lobsang are two different individuals, born and brought up and shaped by different experiences, fields of education, and schools of thought. I have heard Rinpoche speak only once in my life, at the North America University Student Conference held at Garrison Institute by the Office of Tibet a couple of years ago. I was truly impressed by his presence and great intellect. It will be hard to find someone who embodies such dignity and charisma, and garners such respect.

My dad remembers getting 31 lashes from Rinpoche on his buttocks when he was a young student in Darjeeling, India. But to this day my dad loves Rinpoche’s lectures and remains an ardent student. I often see my dad watching Rinpoche’s major talks on video, and writing down the words that he used either in Tibetan or English. Judging by the current Tibetan standard for elected office, I personally think that nobody can replace Rinpoche (precious one) or fill his shoes.

However, Tibetans today are asking for a fresh approach and a future-focused leadership. So why not give an opportunity to Dr Lobsang Sangay. There is growing admiration for his intellect, charm and wide appeal, and to many, he represents modern thought and approaches to the stagnant political situation we face today. If we fail to afford him this opportunity, then he will be just another Tibetan scholar in US. It would be remiss on our part as a society if we fail to exploit his full potential.

I am sure after prayerful consideration, he decided to undertake the challenge to stand for office, fully motivated to serve the Tibetan people. I know that if he becomes the next Kalon Tripa, he will definitely improve the education system in our Tibetan community. He will also work towards creating more jobs for recent Tibetan college graduates situated in India.

Chocho Lobsang knows how education has impacted his life, and sees the importance of excelling in different fields of education. I have personally seen him counsel youth, both new arrivals from Tibet and those from India, on a professional and personal level.

He has also held extended debates at his home for college students around Boston. He encourages them to work hard and makes them realise that it takes great effort and perseverance to accomplish their dreams. He is not only my chocho, but also a chocho to my friends, and treats everyone equally. He has inspired me and many other Tibetan youth, and I hope he prevails in this election so that he can continue to inspire the youth around the world.

Other candidates in this election are also very impressive, and I am sure each and every one is more than capable of serving as the next Kalon Tripa. As in all elections, we can only choose one and no doubt the best one.

I hope I am not wrong to say that chocho Lobsang started this grassroots Kalon Tripa campaign movement. If he cannot be credited for starting this movement, then he should at least be recognised as a driving force behind it.

Now, more than ever, people are showing greater interest in Tibetan politics. It is not just becoming a dinner table discussion, but has mobilized the youth in unprecedented numbers to participate in the dialogue and to vote.

It is said that experience comes with age. Although chocho Lobsang may not be as old as the other candidates, he does have experience under his belt and his resume is not short on meeting the criteria for serving in the capacity of Kalon Tripa. I would say the most important qualities a leader should have are sound judgment, patriotism, vision and passion for Tibet and its future.

If chocho Lobsang had asked me for my personal opinion about his participation in this election, I would have initially advised him not to run. Why take the stress of a campaign on yourself and your family? Why the pressure cooker, and why be a victim of critique on each and every word of your article when you are only trying to lay some examples and provide new ideas. Having an idea does not mean it will be implemented right away when you hold the office. Ultimately, it will be a decision made after much deliberation.

However, many Tibetans are supporting him and have urged him to seek the position. I support him in his decision not because he is my chocho, but because he is pragmatic, methodical and inclusive. We have to keep in mind that it is not possible for the new Kalon Tripa to suddenly change the whole system and shake things up. It is not a one-man show.

If chocho Lobsang gets elected, it will inspire many other young Tibetans to step up, and that’s what Tibet needs the most in our current situation. At this crucial point, when our culture, language, identity and the very existence of Tibet is in great threat, we need more participation from the young, educated Tibetans around the world. It would definitely inspire me to get out of my cubicle of the corporate world. But more than inspire, I will believe that the Tibetan government-in-exile is truly a democratic government.

With this I urge every Tibetans to make an effort to vote in the upcoming election. One of the most effective ways that individuals can influence governmental decision-making is through voting. Voting is a formal expression of one’s voice, a right that everyone has, and ensures equal access to public service in their government. So please do vote. I have cast mine. Have you?

Copyright © 2010 Tenzin Youdon

Published in Tibet Sun