DANGEROUS CROSSING: - International Campaign for Tibet

INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR TIBET
Wangmo, another refugee from Pokhara explains: “If they can
depend on their family because of foreign country sponsorship,
they do not feel the urge to work, since the salary is so low.” 179
But most young Tibetans are keen to do something for themselves,
the alternative being to hang around the settlements beside
the empty houses of those who have left and the school
yard where they studied for an imagined future that looked very
different.
“I often find myself depressed while thinking of my future. I’m
not satisfied with my income, and music brings me no earnings.
I wanted to open a restaurant on the lake side [tourist area
of Pokhara], but I didn’t have enough financial means. Finally,
I opened a restaurant in the Tibetan settlement but I left after
a few months because it was an unhealthy environment – too
much drinking and playing cards.” 180
A combination of factors, including Nepal’s deteriorating political
situation, the worldwide economic crisis and particularly China’s
growing influence in Nepal leads many Tibetans to doubt the viability
of a stable economic future in Nepal. Many expressed that
their ideal desire was to remain in Nepal, given its cultural and
geographical proximity to Tibet, but that current conditions leave
them no option but to look to a future elsewhere.
vi. The immigration dream
“I would rather stay here in Nepal, near my family and relatives
and be successful, instead of washing dishes in a foreign country,”
said Tenzin Namdhak, a 30-year-old teacher from Tashiling
settlement, Pokhara. His view was echoed by many, but other interviewees
argue that because the odds are stacked high against
Tibetans being successful, overseas employment is the only option
left.
“If I would get the chance to go abroad, I would do it,” said Karma
Dorjee, a young man from Paljorling settlement in Pokhara,
“It will be much easier to support my family.” Another young
man, Tsewang Tamding also noted that, “with a passport or
green card Tibetans can enjoy more freedoms and even go and
visit Tibet.” 181
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