Essence Of Refugee’s Identity With Particular Reference To Tibetan Refugees In The Indian Himalayas

Abstract

Everyone has a different identity based on multiple aspects. So, this paper attempts to study Tibetan refugees in the Indian Himalayas and what identity and essence of Tibetan really is. Being a Tibetan does not necessarily mean speaking their language, following a specific religion or belonging to a specific place. What binds them to the Tibetan identity even after being in a foreign land? To find the answers, open ended interview schedule was used with some in-depth case studies. Respondents were chosen from Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and West Bengal. The case studies analyse the shared experience of the refugees who made their escape from Tibet. The identity for them is not tied to many things, keeping their goals and loyalty is the main priority their identity is based on the values and teachings of His Holiness. Many refugees risked their lives and came to India just be close to their leader. Tibet before had different dialects from different regions but now they have made a simple language that all the Tibetans can understand. Keeping intact to the Tibetan identity is the key to survival and unity of the refugee population which is scattered all over the world.