Ten Phun, Dharamshala

I was born in Lhasa. I am a city boy. I came to India as my aunt encouraged me to go to India and study here. I came to India in the year of 1999. That time, I was only 10 years old. It took around two weeks to reach Dharamshala. The journey was light as compared to other people but the border patrol was something which always scared me.

Since 1999, I have been living in India. The biggest difficulty being in McLeod Ganj is that I live alone. Thus, there were many times where I was home sick, I felt lonely, I felt alone but it is something, which I have to adapt with. 

Yes, you are right. McLeod Ganj is changing a lot. It used to be clam and peaceful as well as clean. Now look at this town! Yes, we can say that it has grown up from a small town to a city! But people who come here for travel; they are not taking care of this place. Garbage is everywhere, so much noise of car! It is unbelievable! I wish and hope that people who come here to visit should take care of this town! 

Beside from that, it is very true that Indian government has given us shelter and support. Therefore, we are in Dharamshala. I know that even this little piece of land, McLeod Ganj belongs to India. Yet, I believe that we should have more understanding, more unity within the local community. You know what I mean, not like we are Tibetan or we are Indian, it is more about we are McLeod Ganjian! But, I am not saying that we don’t have understanding and unity among the local community, there is no borderline for being good to each other.

Ohh, this book. I am publishing this book on the 3rd of this month! You should come! The title of this book is Sweet Butter Tea. It is a collection of poems. I have been writing for past 3 years. I never dreamed of putting them in a book. Yet, I met this generous person Kerry. She was so fond of my writings. She pushed me to publish them and she is willing to fund me. So that is how this book came out! 

How would I describe my self? Ahhh.. I am a lazy artist! Ha ha ha ha. I like acting, I like singing, I like writing, I like all these kind of art! 

Thank you for the interview and thank you for posting it on the same date of my book’s launch! It means a lot for me and for my friends! 

Tenzing Phuntsok, Dharamshala

Interview and Photo by Kunsang Tenzing