Tibet’s Silent Cry: How China is Erasing an Ancient Civilization

Every year on March 10, the world observes Tibet Uprising Day, a day that marks the courageous stand of the Tibetan people against oppression and their relentless struggle for freedom. This day commemorates the 1959 uprising in Lhasa, Tibet, against Chinese occupation—a pivotal moment in Tibetan history that continues to resonate globally. Decades later, the struggle continues, with Tibetans both in and outside Tibet fighting to preserve their heritage and freedom in the face of relentless Chinese oppression.

The Historical Context:

After China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) forcefully took control of Tibet in 1950, tensions simmered for nearly a decade as the Chinese government sought to erase Tibet’s autonomy. For nearly a decade, the Tibetan people endured increasing political and cultural suppression. The situation reached a boiling point in 1959 when tensions between the Tibetan population and Chinese forces escalated. On March 10, 1959, thousands of Tibetans took to the streets of Lhasa to protest Chinese rule and protect their spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama. The uprising was brutally crushed by Chinese troops, leading to the deaths of thousands of Tibetans and the exile of the Dalai Lama to India. This tragic event marked the beginning of a prolonged period of suppression, with Beijing tightening its grip over Tibet.

Also Read, Annexation Of Tibet

China’s Systematic Oppression of Tibet

Since the 1959 uprising, Tibet has been under severe repression. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has implemented policies that suppress Tibetan religious practices, control education, and restrict freedom of speech.

Religious Suppression: Monasteries, once the center of Tibetan life, are now heavily monitored. Monks and nuns are arrested for showing loyalty to the Dalai Lama, and images of him are banned.
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has intensified its propaganda efforts against the Dalai Lama, leveraging his profound influence among Tibetans and his global stature to target him as a means of undermining the Tibetan cause. Despite the Dalai Lama’s consistent advocacy for meaningful autonomy rather than independence for Tibet, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) persistently labels him a separatist to delegitimise his authority and international reputation. Since 1996, Chinese authorities have banned the possession and display of his images, even within private homes, making it a punishable offence. This measure is used to intimidate and detain Tibetans, further suppressing their cultural and spiritual practices. In a blatant disregard for Tibetan traditions, the CCP has also sought to interfere in the sacred process of identifying the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation. Claiming authority through the controversial ‘golden urn’ method, the CCP has established a committee comprising government-appointed Tibetan monks and Communist Party officials to oversee this process. Such interventions are not unprecedented; in 1995, after the Dalai Lama recognised Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, Chinese authorities detained the six-year-old child, who was never seen again. He was subsequently replaced with a CCP-selected nominee, exemplifying Beijing’s broader strategy of manipulating Tibetan Buddhist practices to consolidate its control over Tibet.

Mass Surveillance: Tibet has become one of the most tightly controlled regions in the world, with pervasive surveillance, censorship, and mass policing to curb dissent.

Forced Assimilation: Tibetan children are increasingly forced into Chinese-run boarding schools, where they are taught in Mandarin rather than their native language, leading to a gradual erosion of Tibetan identity. Notable examples include the partial demolition of the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Sichuan in 2017 and the closure of private Tibetan schools such as Gaden Rabten Namgyaling in 2021 and Gangjong Sherig Norling in 2024. These actions exemplify efforts to suppress Tibetan language, values, and cultural traditions. Alongside this, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and schools are being downsized or destroyed, while children are removed from their families and placed in residential schools designed to instill CCP ideology. According to Tibetan rights advocates, approximately 75% of Tibetan children aged six and above—some even younger—are enrolled in these institutions. These schools isolate children from their homes, language, religion, and cultural practices, aiming to stifle the development of a distinct Tibetan identity. The indoctrination is so pervasive that these schools celebrate March 28, 1959—the date when the Chinese government consolidated control over Tibet following the Dalai Lama’s exile—as “Tibetan Serfs’ Emancipation Day,” manipulating children into glorifying their own subjugation.

Environmental Destruction: China has exploited Tibet’s vast resources, leading to deforestation, mining, and forced displacement of Tibetan nomads, severely impacting the region’s fragile ecosystem.

A 2024 Human Rights Watch report revealed that since 2016, over 500 Tibetan villages have been forcibly relocated, affecting more than 140,000 individuals and disrupting traditional lifestyles. Simultaneously, the CCP has promoted Han Chinese migration into the TAR, increasing their share of the population from 8.2% in 2010 to 12.2% in 2020. During this period, the proportion of Tibetans in the region declined from 90.5% to 86%. This demographic shift aligns with warnings issued by the Dalai Lama as early as 2008 about deliberate attempts to alter Tibet’s ethnic composition.

Tibet Uprising Day is not just a remembrance of a historical event; it is a symbol of the Tibetan people’s unwavering spirit and their fight for cultural preservation, religious freedom, and self-determination. Despite decades of repression, Tibetans continue to resist efforts to erase their identity, language, and traditions.

The Tibetan struggle has garnered international attention and support. Human rights organizations, governments, and activists worldwide have condemned China’s policies in Tibet, calling for dialogue and respect for Tibetan rights. The Dalai Lama, a global symbol of peace and non-violence, has tirelessly advocated for a peaceful resolution to the Tibet issue, emphasizing autonomy rather than independence. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), based in India, continues to advocate for Tibetan rights on the international stage. Tibetan youth organizations, such as Students for a Free Tibet, actively organize protests, social media campaigns, and awareness drives to keep the Tibetan cause alive.

The Current Situation in Tibet:

Today, Tibet remains under strict Chinese control. Reports of human rights violations, including restrictions on religious practices, cultural suppression, and environmental exploitation, continue to emerge. Despite these challenges, the Tibetan people remain resilient, preserving their heritage and keeping their hopes for freedom alive.

Around the world, Tibetans and their supporters observe March 10 with rallies, cultural events, and prayers. It is a day to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for Tibet’s freedom and to renew the call for justice and human rights. Social media campaigns, documentaries, and educational programs also play a crucial role in raising awareness about Tibet’s plight.

A Call for Global Action

Tibet’s struggle is not just a regional issue but a global one. China’s expansionist policies and suppression of human rights in Tibet set a dangerous precedent. The international community must continue to press China to respect Tibetan rights and preserve their cultural identity. Governments, activists, and human rights organizations must stand together to demand justice for Tibet.

Tibet Uprising Day serves as a powerful reminder of the Tibetan people’s courage and determination. It is a call to the global community to stand in solidarity with Tibet and to advocate for a future where freedom, dignity, and cultural identity are respected. As we remember the events of 1959, let us also reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Tibetan cause and ensuring that their voices are heard. The fight for Tibet’s freedom is far from over, and the world must not remain silent. The voices of Tibetans must be heard, and their rights must be defended—before their unique culture and heritage vanish forever under Chinese rule.