A young Tibetan flees his homeland – and reveals how China is eroding his culture
Young Tibetan Fleeing Homeland Shares Cultural Loss Story
First Steps Beyond China’s Borders
Goldlaner.com – A young Tibetan flees his homeland with tears in his eyes after seeing the Dalai Lama’s portrait for the first time in years. Cheogyal Dawa, 25, described being overwhelmed when he encountered the large image at a refugee center in Kathmandu, Nepal. The portrait, banned from public display inside China, became a symbol of freedom for the young man. “I was so excited I burst into tears,” he recalled. “Then I felt that I had reached a safe place, that I was free.”
This emotional moment marked the beginning of Cheogyal’s journey beyond China. His experience provides insight into growing up in Tibet during President Xi Jinping’s era of significant change. His story comes at a time when concerns are growing about the eventual succession of the 91-year-old Dalai Lama.
Xi’s Policies Reshape Tibetan Identity
Since taking power in 2012, Xi Jinping has pushed for the “Sinicization” of religious practices. Critics point to increased efforts to suppress opposition and strengthen control over ethnic minorities, particularly in Tibet and Xinjiang. China recently formalized this approach through a comprehensive ethnic unity law that took effect on July 1. According to Beijing, these regulations seek to “forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation.”
However, human rights organizations argue that these measures accelerate forced assimilation and diminish minority languages. The law’s implementation coincided with a dramatic event: a Tibetan activist performed a self-immolation in front of United Nations headquarters in New York, an unusually rare protest demonstrating growing anxiety within the Tibetan exile community about Beijing’s policies affecting future generations.
“The older generation can’t communicate with the younger generation now. If grandparents want to tell some stories about Tibet or their own stories, the younger generation can’t understand them,” Cheogyal said. “They’re completely cut off.”
Why Fewer Tibetans Are Leaving Today
Historically, thousands of Tibetans departed their homeland annually, but experts note that departure numbers have declined considerably. Between 2020 and 2025, the Central Tibetan Administration, Tibet’s government-in-exile, reported receiving fewer than 90 refugees in India. Several factors contribute to this trend: Chinese authorities have made passport acquisition increasingly difficult, while land borders that became highly secured over a decade ago remain nearly impenetrable or too dangerous for many. Additionally, improved economic conditions within Tibet may reduce the incentive to leave.
Digital surveillance systems have further restricted Tibetans’ ability to share information with the outside world. These monitoring efforts extend beyond the Tibet Autonomous Region to include portions of neighboring provinces such as Sichuan, where Cheogyal originates.
Reaching the Heart of Tibetan Exile
Earlier this year, Cheogyal successfully departed China by air using travel documents. He first arrived in Kathmandu, where he noted feeling noticeable due to his Tibetan appearance, though he entered without complications. With assistance from a reception center, he subsequently traveled to India, eventually reaching Dharamshala. This city has served as the heart of the Tibetan movement since the 14th Dalai Lama established his government-in-exile there more than six decades ago following his departure from Tibet.
Cheogyal’s departure was not his initial attempt to leave. During the widespread 2008 protests against Chinese governance across Tibet, he was merely eight years old. At that time, he tried to follow his father and uncle, who had departed around the period of the unrest.
Preserving Culture for Future Generations
Cheogyal chose to share his story with CNN under his real name to provide a comprehensive account of the transformations he has witnessed throughout his life. He expresses concern that his generation may be the last in China with access to formal education in Tibetan history, language, and culture. This educational shift, he believes, is already creating a significant generational gap.
His observations align with research showing declining Tibetan language proficiency among younger generations. Cheogyal hopes his journey will help preserve Tibetan identity and raise awareness about cultural erosion under Chinese rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cheogyal Dawa’s story significant?
Cheogyal’s story is significant because he provides firsthand testimony of cultural changes in Tibet under Xi Jinping’s leadership. His experience of seeing the Dalai Lama’s portrait after years of prohibition symbolizes the broader struggle for Tibetan cultural preservation.
How many Tibetans are leaving their homeland today?
Between 2020 and 2025, the Central Tibetan Administration reported receiving fewer than 90 refugees in India annually. This represents a significant decline from historical numbers, attributed to stricter passport controls, secured land borders, and improved economic conditions in Tibet.
What is the ethnic unity law and when did it take effect?
The ethnic unity law is a comprehensive regulation that China formalized to strengthen control over ethnic minorities. It took effect on July 1 and aims to “forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation” while critics argue it accelerates forced assimilation.
Where is Dharamshala and why is it important to Tibetans?
Dharamshala is a city in India that has served as the heart of the Tibetan movement since the 14th Dalai Lama established his government-in-exile there more than six decades ago following his departure from Tibet.
