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| Tibetans In Microcosm |
| 25-Oct-2003 |
A neighborhood of the city of Patan, which goes by the name of Tibetan Refugee Camp (TRC), is indeed a popular shopping paradise for the connoisseurs of hand-spun carpets et al. Located near Central Zoo, Jawalakhel, the place also goes by the name of Ekantakuna (a peaceful corner of the town).
In fact, it is so much so popular among the Westerners that Hollywood’s well-known figure, Richard Gere, had visited the place in what may be said to be in his bid to support the Tibetan refugee cause.
Handicraft products like carpets, pashminas, thangka paintings, khukuris and many more trinkets and made in different parts of the country are on sale here. And sale is brisk by the country’s standard. Carpets made in true Tibetan designs and woven by Tibetan workers (here since the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959) are something, which has made the locality popular among tourists as well.
This is not all. The visitors to the place can lay hand on Nepalese handicrafts products ad well as those from Kashmir. It is, however, the products turned out by refugees, which have won the heart of visitors as souvenir items. Buying from them is an expression of sympathy.
Although the entrepreneurs and the workers are still identified as refugees, they are, however, earning their bread and butter and hence self-dependent. Incidentally, it is the only place in Nepal where we see Tibetan way of life, their hospitality and culture. They can be said to be busy-bees since they are always seen weaving carpets or spinning the yarn. There are nearly 500 workers working as weavers. One of the outlet which goes by the name of Jawalakhel Handicraft Centre (JHC) was jointly set up by International Committee For Red Cross ( ICRC) and Swiss Association for Technical Assistance (SATA) (now called Swiss Development Corporation (SDC)) in 1960 with the kind cooperation of HMG/ Nepal in order to provide employment for the refugees.
Considering the odds the refugees generally face in this part of the world, one can imaging what would be the fate of the refugees had they not set up this work station is common refrain among those who visit this neighborhood.
Thinley Gyatso, General Manager/ Settlement Officer of JHC said that the Refugee Camp has won the heart of visitors.
The means of income generation and full display of Tibetan culture is something, which has pulling the crowd. Visitors from European countries like Switzerland, Germany, America, France, and UK flock to the camp.
In the meantime, Gyatso is elated that “refugees are earning their livelihood in the most dignified way.” |
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