The early history of TCV, especially during the turbulent years of the 1960s, must have been very difficult and different from today. We are so fortunate that many of the older staff members are still with us today and can share with us that part of TCV's history. On many occassions I've interviewed them and listened to their incredible tales of adventure, sacrifice and dedication like a child glued to a TV set watching his or her favorite show. Their stories are invariably spiced with interesting anecdotes that were deeply moving and, at times, downright hilarious and amusing. Their stories never failed to fascinate me and to hold my interest. I have the deepest appreciation for those staff that have contributed so much to TCV and, even so, have remained largely unknown and ordinary throughout their lives.
As one example, I remember, among many illustrious TCV teachers, the late Gyen Samten la. He was quite a unique gentleman. This humble and kindhearted teacher had a long association with TCV as he was there almost from the beginning. Highly knowledgeable and creative in the performing arts, he was often called upon to teach songs, dances and drama in addition to his regular teaching duties. With typical humility, Gyen Samten la would carry out his duties to the best of his abilities never expecting any recognition or reward. His teasingly mild expressions and humorous gestures in front of the class always made children laugh and eager to learn. Even during the last days of his life, Gyen Samten la could be found worrying about his work and duties.
Of the many great home-mothers at TCV, Ama Tsering Wangmo was a very special and remarkable old lady. Known to many by her nickname of Ama Indira because of her uncanny resemblance to the popular cartoon caricature of India's late prime minister, this wonderfully robust lady was an untiring mother figure to many destitute children. Coming from a nomadic family, Ama Indira had all the qualities, like kindness, hard work, love and concern, which go into the making of a great mother. One would often see her scurrying here and there attending to the never-ending needs of the children. Though unschooled, Ama Indira was a born educator with an inexhaustible knowledge of Tibetan talk about Tibetan nomadic life. Many a times I have seen children sitting huddled together in her cramped room listening to her stories. I will never forget the scene when, one day, I found her playing hide and seek with some of her flock. While chasing one of the boys, she tripped on a round pebble and went tumbling down a stairway exposing her legs and buttocks! The children had a good laugh that day and she also enjoyed seeing the children laugh at her. Like Ama Indira, many other very dedicated staff members, like Acha Gamo, nurse Penpa Kyipa, Acha Samdup, Ama Phuchung and scores of others, have left a big mark on the history of TCV.
The memories of people like Shingsoe Topgyal remain fresh in my mind to this day. This gregarious lanky carpenter has become a kind of hero in the minds of the smaller boys and girls. Children feared him as much as they enjoyed his countless funny antics that made them laugh and cry. Agu Topgyal loved to use his resonant voice and threatening gestures in front of the indolent and wayward children go to class without any further problems. During the early years, when TCV was faced with shortages of human resources, the skill and dedication of people like Agu Topgyal had come as a blessing. He carried out countless physically demanding jobs. It is said that during his younger days at TCV, Agu was so skilled in climbing trees that he could even put monkeys to shame. In addition to his physical agility, Agu possessed an insightful knowledge of native Tibetan culture and history. Gifted with incredible memory power, Shingsoe Topgyal was a great narrator of long forgotten events down to the last detail. Over, innumerable cups of tea and chang (Tibetan beer), I learned so much more from him than I could ever have learned in school. A great lover of animals, especially dogs, Agu's heart would weep if he spotted an animal in distress. He would always find some way to ease their suffering.
My journey down memory lone always takes me to some of the most fulfilling times I have spent at TCV. For me, the greatest pleasure of working at TCV came from the children themselves who are, after all, the focus of all our efforts and our hope for the future of Tibet. I have taught and worked with thousands of children over the years and have enough sweet memories to last a lifetime. TCV is the home to thousands of children and its work will never end as long as the suffering in Tibet continues. For the children in Tibet, TCV will always be a beacon of hope. Thousands of them will escape and find salvation and a future through the efforts of TCV.
One day in 1995 when I was going for an afternoon stroll, I saw a middle-aged man snugly holding a little girl on his lap near the TCV gate. The man and little girl were both in tears as they sat talking to each other. I stopped to see what was going on. Sensing my curiosity, the gatekeeper came from behind the gate and whispered the story into my ear. The man had escaped with his daughter from Golok region in northeastern Tibet. After a grueling month-long journey crossing countless tortuous rivers and hazardous snow-covered mountains, they had finally made their way to Dharamsala. Now, after admitting his little daughter to TCV, this father had to return back to his home in Tibet to care for his ailing wife. I could not hold back my tears upon seeing this heartbreaking moment of separation. My throat constricted to see the little girl lean on the chest of her father. She placed her tiny hands against the huge palms of her father's hands never knowing if she would ever see her father again. Great distances would separate these parents from their daughter with little chance of ever hearing from each other. But for this father, the whole effort was a lifetime achievement for his little daughter would receive a good education and a future. Thank you TCV for being there!
