Intellectual-ization of Tibetan Protest

Look at any great freedom movements in the history of the world,

At first, you might be moved, inspired by the patroitism and sacrifice the martyrs made for what they believe to be a larger cause.

But stay there. Linger. Think. Observe.

You might get surprised by the rationale, the strategy and the mind game that goes behind many of these successful protests. One thing for sure, there are definitely more than shouting and slogans. Some one, some where, in a room has thought through this.

Someone has thought through the science of protesting this way. What will be gain out of this? What will be lose through this? Will this be effective? How will it help us achieve our goals?

Take for example Gandhi. Everyone knows him. Atleast in India, everyone knows and idolises Gandhi. His salt march, popularly known as Dandi March was not simply an act of walking to the sea to make salt. As much as it is a direct political action, it stands out for the strong symbolism and shrewd strategy. It ticked because Gandhi or someone behind him has found out the secret to make this work.

This might look easy. Taking a walk. Let me stop you right there.


Simplicity cannot be compressively translated to easiness. 

Someone has learned the science of locations, the people, the timing in history, a sense of the political climate, right publicity and what not.

Great Movements do not happen by accident.

Therefore, I knew, the Tibetan movement will not be a great movement. I do not go to the protests when I do not even know my own history well. When I do not see the point in shouting at a small town when there are other things we need to work at. Besides, shouting isnt exactly my forte. Thinking through everything is.

For the longest time in history, the Tibetan movement was starved by lack of original ideas. Lack of thinking. Many protests were carried out with shouts, cries, flags and surprised on lookers. I do not doubt their love for the nation. I respect them for what they have done.

BUT. The but always comes. Doesnt it?

But we must ask ourselves some uncomfortable questions so that we get honest answers. Its time to face the truth.

The truth to know one's own shortcomings. The truth that there was no intellect behind the movements. There was only hot blood, no cold thinking.

So to change this depressing mood, let me give you a good news. And the good news looks something like this.

Just when I felt like giving up, I saw SFT. The students for free Tibet movement is unique from others. There are strategic. They plan. They prepare. And They attack. Well, in some sort. The SFT campaigns are simple but eye catching. They hit the right target. Seeing their work makes me believe that a new wave is coming in our long struggle.

A new wave of thinkers. A new wave of activism.

Slowly through documentaries, books, music, artistry, an intellectualization of the Tibetan protest is occuring. It is a good sign. Things will change. I belive that even if I dont believe anything else.

But will it change for good or better? Looking at the pool of talents we have now, only optimism has space in my mind.

Lets usher in a new age of thinking. Lets not sit back. Take your part in this freedom movement. It seems like a journey worth taking.

Think about this.