Kalsang Lhamo
Coverage of Kalsang Lhamo in the Nexus archive.
- A rare glimpse into Tibet, where some hope to preserve language and customs despite China’s new law
A new Chinese 'ethnic unity' law implemented in July 2023 has sparked concerns among Tibetans about cultural preservation, as seen through the efforts of retired nurse Kalsang Lhamo to learn Tibetan calligraphy. Critics argue the law erodes minority rights, while China dismisses foreign criticism as ideological bias.
- In Tibet, some embrace their native language even under China’s sweeping new ‘ethnic unity’ law
Tibetans in China's Tibet autonomous region are practicing their native language despite a new 'ethnic unity' law mandating Mandarin in schools and government. The law, criticized as a tool for cultural assimilation, requires institutions to promote national unity, while some Tibetans like Kalsang Lhamo learn Tibetan calligraphy to preserve their heritage. The Chinese government dismisses foreign criticism as 'ideological bias,' and the law has drawn comparisons to policies in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia.