Social media reunites families of Tibetans-in-exile
DHARAMSHALA: Social media is playing an exceptional
role in the life of the Tibetans-in-exile, with many of them virtually
reuniting with their kin. Social networking has been a bridge between Tibetans-in-exile and their homeland Tibet, perhaps which is why Tibetans have left almost no social webpages untried be it Facebook, Twitter or even blogs.
"My uncle left me in school with packets of chips and chocolates when I was just 12 years old. I have never been to Tibet since then but I am in touch with my relatives through social webpages. These online pages have deeply influenced my life," said Gangkar, a student of Tibetan higher studies of Buddhism. Many Tibetan associations have started a special drive to educate and encourage the Tibetan community to make use of cyber communication and keep in touch with their dear ones back in Tibet.
Many like him maintain that "this hope" to connect with "their loved ones" is the reason that most Tibetans, including monks, kids and octogenarians, can be seen carrying classy tabs, iphones while dressed in their traditional costumes across this hill destination.
"Life in exile usually resonates with losses of homeland, health, family, loved ones and political vitality. But social media has a greater role to play in our lives. It keeps hopes of reunion alive. We can share information, experiences of exile and life in Tibet through this," said Kun Gam, a young Tibetan writer and activist.
Some Tibetan activists who use internet to create international awareness have claimed that their online content is blocked, hacked and email repeatedly attacked by "Chinese hackers". To counter such threats, Tibet Action Institute in association with Student for Free Tibet India has started a campaign "targeting online threat in Tibetan community". Activists have complained that within China, websites relating to the Tibetan community are immediately taken down and web searches originating with the words "freedom" and " Dalai Lama" blocked.Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Social-media-reunites-families-of-Tibetans-in-exile/articleshow/20937598.cms
"My uncle left me in school with packets of chips and chocolates when I was just 12 years old. I have never been to Tibet since then but I am in touch with my relatives through social webpages. These online pages have deeply influenced my life," said Gangkar, a student of Tibetan higher studies of Buddhism. Many Tibetan associations have started a special drive to educate and encourage the Tibetan community to make use of cyber communication and keep in touch with their dear ones back in Tibet.
Many like him maintain that "this hope" to connect with "their loved ones" is the reason that most Tibetans, including monks, kids and octogenarians, can be seen carrying classy tabs, iphones while dressed in their traditional costumes across this hill destination.
"Life in exile usually resonates with losses of homeland, health, family, loved ones and political vitality. But social media has a greater role to play in our lives. It keeps hopes of reunion alive. We can share information, experiences of exile and life in Tibet through this," said Kun Gam, a young Tibetan writer and activist.
Some Tibetan activists who use internet to create international awareness have claimed that their online content is blocked, hacked and email repeatedly attacked by "Chinese hackers". To counter such threats, Tibet Action Institute in association with Student for Free Tibet India has started a campaign "targeting online threat in Tibetan community". Activists have complained that within China, websites relating to the Tibetan community are immediately taken down and web searches originating with the words "freedom" and " Dalai Lama" blocked.Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Social-media-reunites-families-of-Tibetans-in-exile/articleshow/20937598.cms
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