Tibetan Women mark the 'International Mother's Day' with Unfeigned Fervor
On May 10, Tibetan Women across the globe will mark and celebrate 'International Mother's Day'; a day that signifies peace and unity.
Fifty years ago, Tibetan Women created history by wearing the political armor and resisting a brute force that ravaged and challenged the history of Tibet. Fifty years thence, wearing a strong valor, Tibetan Women have continued with the struggle and this time the struggle is two-fold; inside and outside of Tibet and dons a mature outlook and a heightened significance.
Since its inception in 1959 in Lhasa, Tibet, Tibetan Women's Association has made unwavering efforts in mobilizing the political struggle, in the preservation and promotion of Tibetan religion and culture and essentially in sustaining and building the identity of Tibetan women. As mothers of the family, Tibetan women have generate d a stronger will in nurturing and inculcating in the next generation, the spirit to contribute to the Tibetan struggle. Following TWA's reinstatement in exile India, in September 1984, Tibetan women have shouldered a pivotal role in carrying the Tibetan freedom struggle to the forefront.
Therefore on the occasion of the International Mother's Day, TWA honors the brave Tibetan mothers who are not only the heart of the family and the scion to generate another life, but is also the bastion of our Tibetan freedom struggle and significantly the crusader of Humanity at large. TWA has arranged for a screening of the Documentary film Gyalyum Chemo 'The Great Mother.' Part of a unique film trilogy known as WOMEN OF TIBET, Gyalyum Chemo 'The Great Mother' is the compelling life story of Dekyi Tsering, the mother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The film is an inspired hour-long journey into the spiritual power of motherhood. The storytellers provide a universal link to an ancient philosophy that continues to have a profound impact on today's world.
Suiting the occasion of 'Mother's Day,' TWA has also organized a 'Women's Friendly Basketball Match'. Women players from Sherabgatseling School, Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute, Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts and Tibetan Women's Association (Central and Regional) constitute the four participating teams for the sports event that celebrates the essence of womanhood and strengthens the fervor of female fortitude.
Tibetan Women have, despite suffering contraction owing to the worsening political situation inside Tibet, resisted the Chinese repression and risen beyond the horizon. The heart rending struggle of Tibetan women is palpable and commendable. TWA has made every effort in realizing the emancipation of Tibetan women inside Tibet, the empowerment of Tibetan women outside Tibet and significantly in garnering international leverage on the issue of Tibetan women.
Tibetan Women's Association (TWA) has 49 regional chapters and over 15,000 members outside Tibet. Today, TWA is the second largest Tibetan NGO and the only women's NGO in exile that advocates human rights for Tibetan women in Tibet and works to empower Tibetan women in exile, in particular the newly arrived refugees from Tibet.
About the film
Gyalyum Chemo; The Great Mother is the compelling life story of Dekyi Tsering, the mother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The Tibetan people call her "Gyalyum Chemo" or "Great Mother." During the course of her extraordinary life, she gave birth to sixteen children, seven who survived, two of whom were recognized as incarnate lamas, and one who has been recognized by millions around the globe as one of the world's leading ambassadors for peace.
Dekyi Tsering's story embodies the generosity and wisdom of the "Great Mother" archetype in action. By following the journey of her life and times, we can see the gifts that mothers can and do give when there is nothing left to give; how a mother's love survives regardless of loss; and how simple gestures of encouragement and support can profoundly impact the course one's life. These are the qualities of motherhood that not only keep a family together, but have also helped to keep a nation together as it faced cultural genocide and exile. They are also the qualities that helped inspire the strength to preserve culture, family and tradition while in exile. The film weaves together a rich life history of anecdotal threads and personal reflection from her children, grandchildren and friends who share the details of her long and full life. We are guided and inspired by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who speaks candidly of his admiration and respect for his mother and the powerful impact she had on him.
The film also explores the mythic stories of the Great Mother archetype throughout history with commentary from three acclaimed storytellers including Marion Woodman, Alice Walker and Angeles Arrien. They each describe how the Great Mother archetype manifests in all aspects of our lives and in the art and iconography from all religious traditions and cultures to inform our sense of a mythic and mystical realm.
Dekyi Tsering's story, as seen through the larger lens of the universal Great Mother, powerfully conveys how the greater forces of love, generosity, and mercy are constantly called into being.
The film is also the Recipient of 29th Annual Telly Awards in the following categories; Silver award for Best Cultural documentary, Bronze award for Best Editing, Bronze award for Best Cinematography
About the makers;
Frame of Mind Films, based in Albany, California, is a collective of film and television professionals dedicated to the investigation and communication of stories and ideas that make a difference. Their projects portray remarkable life stories within the context of social and cultural change.