These stories need to live, grow and be remembered. Of their memories of everyday life and the moments of joy and sadness. Of their great loss but also of their great hope. They are the richest treasures, the roots of where we come from.

Nothing in life is coincidence. I am here for a reason and as they say in the three important Indian Vedas, to strive towards truth, light and immortality. I don't know about eternal life but I do believe that this given life is just, but one milestone in that journey and I need to press on towards truth and light. By 'Tapas' (striving) I shall triumph.

More then 10 years ago I started a journey, which came a full circle, when I first stepped into 'Lhasa Bhakor' a Tibetan handicraft boutique at St. Denis last August. Kesang, the boutique owner gave me one name, Thubten Samdup. I still vividly remember my first meeting with Thubten-la, who met with me, despite his pressing hectic schedule. He led me to Phurbu-la, the master artist and teacher and through him to the small Tibetan community of Longueuil and Montreal. The rest is history.

The story of Tibet was retold, by its people who were born and raised there. Their memories of their beloved nation. Meanwhile another thing astounded me. The spirit of collectivity in their colorful songs and dances. Also, there are several Ex-TIPAs* including Thubten-la living here that need to be acknowledged in the active artistic mosaic of Montreal. What can be a better way to tell the story, if not by its own children. 

Nothing is coincidence. The stage was set, the elements were at place. Imagine two adult women jumping up and down with joy in a crowded cafe as we opened the letter from the Canada Council for the Arts, the grant was granted!  Now the sky was the limit. Many sojourns since then, one will be most cherished. The coming together of many selfless and motivated people, who had but one motive. How to tell a beautiful story that needs to be to told.

Even though Thubten-la is sorely missed (he presently resides in London, being the Ambassador of the Tibetan Government-in-exile for Northern Europe) and so is Gyamtso, a very dear friend and active member of 'dung-dkar', whose conviction has been my cornerstone. Even though he is away, his melodious voice makes me and others aware of his presence and his selfless spirit.

And so here I am, almost there.

Deepali Lindblom
Project Leader

*Artists who have studied and performed with the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), that was established in 1959, by HH Dalai Lama to preserve the Tibetan performing arts.