"A Journey of Passion: From Tibet to India, Embracing Art and Creativity."

My Village back in Tibet 

As a child, I was filled with an intense passion for art. However, at the age of six, my life took a drastic turn when my family and I had to leave Tibet as political refugees and seek safety in India. In my homeland, I was always drawn to anything artistic, and our village, Damko, situated atop a grassy mountain with a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains and a serene river, only fuelled my love for creativity. 

My father, 

A few years ago, I had a heartfelt video call with my father, who still resides in Tibet. During our conversation, I mustered up the courage to ask him a question that held deep significance for me: "Do you remember when my fascination with drawing and art began?" His tender eyes filled with affection as he delved into a poignant memory.

He recounted a time when I had broken my leg, and the traditional healing methods involved wrapping it with wood and cloth. The pain was unbearable, especially at night, and I would often wake my father, seeking comfort and relief. However, amidst the turmoil, a spark of inspiration ignited within me.

I found the strength to ask my father for a drawing book and a pencil. Curious yet supportive, he asked, "Why, my child?" With determination in my voice, I explained that whenever I was in pain, I would disturb him in the middle of the night. But with a drawing book, I could channel my emotions onto the paper and momentarily forget the agony. Art became my sanctuary, shielding both of us from the torment of my suffering.

Me and my sisters and cousins in Tibet, Boy in the circle is me.

As my father shared this cherished memory, I marvelled at my younger self's profound understanding of the healing power of art. Despite the pain I endured, I considered my father's well-being, finding solace and strength through creative expression. As a child growing up in Tibet, I had a lot of dreams, each unique and captivating. I wanted to be a skilled carpenter because I was amazed by the beautiful wooden work in Tibetan houses and monasteries. I still remember being in awe of a ladder made from a single log of wood. It was a true masterpiece of craftsmanship. Besides carpentry, I also wished to become a tailor. I loved the intricately designed traditional Tibetan dresses and dreamed of creating such beautiful attire myself one day. 

On my way to school, I carried a simple bag my father made for me to hold my books. But I couldn't help but envy the other kids with their modern and stylish bags. In my heart, I made a promise to myself that I would create equally beautiful items with my own hands someday. 

In addition to these dreams, I had a profound desire to be an artist. Colours fascinated me, and I fell in love with the vibrant world of art. At the far end of my village, there was a talented Tibetan Thanka artist. His creations of Buddha and other sacred figures, like The Four Harmonious Friends and the Sage of Long Life, were truly breathtaking. One painting depicted a Mongolian Lama leading a tamed tiger, symbolising the supremacy of the ‘yellow-hats’ of the Gelugpa School of Buddhism. 

In my village, two photographers, Thupten Tashi and Thupten Phuntsok, were my idols, and my younger sister and I would playfully imitate them, pretending to be photographers ourselves. But all those dreams came crashing down when we had to flee Tibet due to political unrest and human rights issues under Chinese rule. My father, with immense courage and determination, arranged for our relocation to India, seeking better education opportunities and the blessings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. 

Though our journey was filled with hardships and uncertainties, my love for art never waned. I am forever grateful for the opportunities I have been given, and I cherish the profound memory my father shared with me. Today, I continue to pursue my passion for art, embracing it as a medium of healing, self-expression, and a way to serve others. Despite the challenges, my heart is set on a path of creativity, growth, and making a positive impact on the world through my artistic endeavours. 

Boy in red sweater in the circle

After arriving in India as a Tibetan refugee, I was grateful to be placed in a refugee school where I received all the necessary support to grow mentally and physically. Despite the challenges of my new life, my love and passion for art never faded. I eagerly looked forward to the weekly art class, where I was considered talented and often participated in various art competitions, even winning prizes. During my schooling, a fellow student named Tenzin Dhundup joined the prestigious Norbulingka Institute, dedicated to preserving and continuing Tibetan art through self-sustaining means. I desperately wanted to join, but unfortunately, appreciation for art and handicrafts was limited in my community, often seen as less important or even uneducated pursuits. My father, perhaps influenced by these views, denied my request, and I continued my regular studies. 

My first ever aqrilic painting, The Potala Palace. I was 13 or 14 years old then.

As I progressed with my education, my practice of art diminished, but my passion never waned. In secondary school, my friend and I discovered a new passion for sketching portraits of notable personalities, including political figures like Karl Marx, Lenin, and Leon Trotsky, as well as Bollywood actors like Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. This newfound passion began with our love for football and the excitement of Italy winning the FIFA World Cup. Our school was buzzing with football fever, and while others collected printed photos of their favourite footballers and celebrities, I couldn't afford such luxuries. 

So, my friend and I turned to our artistic skills, sketching footballers and famous personalities instead. We bartered our sketches for food or better quality photos, and that's how it all began. I still remember proudly creating a portrait of Marcel Desailly, the Chelsea player and captain of the France National team, during that time. 

As I grew older, I began to realise the importance of education, and I made the tough decision to set aside my love for art in pursuit of academic success. As a refugee, my primary focus was on getting an education through scholarships, which were the only means available for further studies. Since my tenth grade, I became deeply concerned about achieving good grades and securing scholarships for higher education. I never had the luxury of contemplating what I truly wanted to become; practicality and financial considerations were at the forefront. 

  

One day, a senior and former student of my school came to give a talk. I was intrigued because I had heard that he was the only Tibetan to have successfully gained admission to the prestigious National Institute of Design (NID), renowned for nurturing artists and designers. Attending his session left me awestruck, and I felt an earnest desire to join NID too. His inspiring story about the admission process, which prioritised creativity over conventional tests or English proficiency, filled me with hope and excitement. 

Third from the bellow left was me

However, my enthusiasm took a hit when I heard him mention the cost of some pencils at NID, which was around 50 Rs. At that time, 50 Rs felt like an unattainable sum to me. Disheartened, I convinced myself that such an esteemed institution was not meant for someone like me. Looking back now, I realise how unaware and self-doubting I was at that moment. I allowed my current reality to cloud my dreams, dismissing the possibility of achieving something greater for myself.

During my 12th-grade year, I travelled to South India to pursue further studies. In my class, there were two students who were always engrossed in discussions about NID (National Institute of Design) and NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology). I would listen to their enthusiastic talks, but deep down, I felt that such prestigious institutions were not meant for someone like me, given my financial constraints. None of us, including those two students, had the opportunity to attend NID or NIFT. Despite my love and passion for art and design, I convinced myself that this path wasn't meant for my life. I closed the chapter of my artistic aspirations and continued with my regular studies. 

Throughout my graduation, I rarely indulged in art or drawing, except for a few occasional instances. Life moved forward, and as time passed, my appreciation for art also started to wane. While initially, I found joy in observing South Indian ladies creating beautiful Rangoli designs early in the morning, that interest slowly faded away. 

During my colledge time, Top right was me

As life progressed, I found myself feeling lost and unsure of my direction. I tried various pursuits, but nothing brought true satisfaction. Financial concerns added to my uncertainties. After college, I felt deeply adrift, until I encountered Initiatives of Change (IofC) and joined a program called IFL. IofC provided a transformative experience, encouraging introspection and action. During a session at Asia Plateau, I heard someone speak about the purpose of life. They emphasised that true purpose lies in aligning our passion, skills with the world's needs. 

This struck a chord within me, and I realised that my love for art and design could indeed be a powerful force for good. I began to see how I could develop my skills and use them to serve others. The journey to pursuing my passion became clearer; I needed to hone my artistic talents and invest in my creativity. 

Since then, there has been no turning back. I immersed myself in various art forms and expanded my horizons. Zentangle art and stone art, inspired by my travels in Northeast India, became especially close to my heart. Meeting Dilip Patel, the first Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT) in India, was a defining moment. Under his guidance, I practised diligently, and I now hold deep love and respect for him. Today, I am the only CZT in the Tibetan community and one of around 100 in India. 

  

In addition to my artistic pursuits, I studied social work and discovered the power of art as a therapeutic and healing tool. I pursued art therapy certification and now I am also a  practising art therapist. I have travelled extensively across India and even to other countries, conducting Zentangle workshops and witnessing the benefits it brings. I've worked with diverse groups of people, from the elderly to kids, prisoners, and many others, using art to uplift and support them. 

I now firmly believe that when you love what you do and passionately serve others with your skills, it can take you far and wide. My journey is still ongoing, and I am committed to pursuing my passion, continually serving others, and learning along the way. 

I am well aware that my journey in the realm of art is an ongoing process of learning and growth. Although I have taken those initial steps to pursue my passion, I now recognise the true value of art in my life. Along this path, I have encountered moments of self-doubt, feeling inadequate when comparing myself to others who may seem more skilled or accomplished. However, I have come to realise that comparing oneself to others serves no purpose on this artistic journey. 

Instead, I have learned that there should be no compromise when it comes to nurturing and cherishing the love for what I do. It is crucial to embrace my passion fully and work on honing my skills over time. It is through this dedication and commitment that I find a sense of accomplishment from within and witness my growth as an artist. 

Ultimately, my journey in art is not just about reaching an endpoint, but about embracing the journey itself and relishing the growth, joy, and fulfilment it brings. I am excited to see where this artistic adventure will lead me, knowing that each step I take contributes to the beautiful masterpiece that is my life as an artist. 

 

Art Workshop in the slums of Delhi

Zentangle Workshop in Vietnam

Workshop in Pune

Workshop in Meghalaya

One of Zentangle Art

One of my stone art

One of my old art, I was in class 12

Way before  the movie was released, 2012

Ball pen sketching, 2012