The Tibetan Artists Festival, spanning three days, commenced on Friday in the hill town of Dharamshala in North India. More than 30 Tibetan artists, musicians, and writers from the United States, Canada, Australia, and India have gathered here to take part in the event.
The festival additionally acts as a platform for Tibetan artists to convey stories about their struggle for freedom and Chinese propaganda.
According to Bhuchung D Sonam, a writer and the organizer of the festival, sharing stories is essential. He highlighted that storytelling is particularly important for Tibetans, who have many stories based on their real-life experiences.
He mentioned that the Chinese are investing a significant amount of money in propaganda materials, while Tibetan narratives are rooted in human experiences.
He highlighted the significance of storytelling for their group, pointing out that artists, being the best storytellers, play a crucial role. He believes it is essential to collaborate to grasp the impact of art, improve their storytelling skills, and amplify their voices.
Tenzin Tsundue, a Tibetan activist and writer, expressed that art, when profoundly grasped and executed, wields significant power, even greater than that of dictatorship. He asserts that art inherently strengthens the community and propels its fight for freedom. This, he proposes, is what currently offers leadership for Tibetans in Tibet, instilling fear in Chinese authorities.
He observed that numerous singers and writers from Tibet naturally recount their homeland's tales, while those born in India also address the current situation and their endeavors in promoting the freedom movement.
Tsering Yangzom Lama, a Tibetan writer based in Canada, shared with ANI, 'My book 'We Measure the Earth with Our Bodies' tells the story of a Tibetan family that chooses to leave Tibet at the onset of the Chinese invasion and go into exile. It spans 50 years of their life in exile.' He further mentioned, 'We have always used art to express our identity. It is not a tool against oppressors; instead, it aids us in living and connecting with ourselves and one another.'
Tenzin Choegyal, a Tibetan musician residing in Australia, expressed his emotions through his music. His album 'Songs from The Bardo' was nominated at the 63rd Grammy Awards in 2020.
In an interview with ANI, he expressed, 'For me, it's like a homecoming because I grew up here. I spent my childhood in Dharamshala, making it my playground and the birthplace of my passion for music. This place holds significant importance for me, especially since the Dalai Lama resides here, making it feel like visiting one's parents. The art festival exemplifies inclusivity through art, welcoming not only Tibetans and Indian friends but also foreign visitors who come to participate, exchange ideas, and strive to become better human beings.'