"Wisdom of Women's Words" Essay Competition
Freedom for Tibet, Write Now!
In an effort to recognize and support talented female writers in the international community of Tibetans, TWA is sponsoring the Wisdom of Women's Words Essay Competition. Tibetan women around the world are invited to ponder the topic listed below and to submit their creative responses in the form of an essay in either English or Tibetan or Chinese. In recognition of the power and wisdom of the younger generation, the Wisdom of Words contest is comprised of two sections: one open to high-school students and the second, open to women beyond high-school age.
The topic given for the competition was "As the 50th anniversary of the illegal occupation of Tibet approaches, the number of Tibetans living in exile is constantly increasing. Additionally, the ancient customs and culture of Tibet are suffering greatly under the oppressive rule of China. How can Tibetan women in exile contribute to the preservation and perpetuation of sacred Tibetan cultural traditions?"
All the entries for the Essay Competition was first screened at TWA's office and all the promising essays were then sent to our distinguished panel of judges (names withheld). The results from the competition are in!!!
College Plus Essay Competition Winners
First Position: Nyima Tso
Educated persons usually worry about their language, script and traditional customs etc. Taking pride in being a Tibetan, today I would like to say a word or two on the topic of revival of lost qualities in our culture and further development of those good ones intact. [ full essay ]
Second Position: Ghang Lhamo
The natural order in this world is such that a whole ecosystem goes through a process of change and evolution, and finally degeneration. Human beings have been able to use their higher intelligence to reuse and reprocess things for the betterment and happiness of people. This is a source of both pride and happiness. Likewise, reviving the lost tradition, preservation and advancement of one’s cultural heritage should also reuse and reprocess to synchronize and take advantage of the international movement. [ full essay ]
Third Position: Dolkar Lhamo
It is understood that there are numerous countries in this world with its own national identity in language, culture and customs. So do we Tibetans also have our own language, culture and customs that can be proudly presented before other countries because of its uniqueness; this is also the Tibetan people’s soul. A nationality is defined by its language and culture that forms an indispensable tool. If language and culture can be prevented from degenerating so will Tibetan as a nationality not degenerate. [ full essay ]
High School Essay Competition Winners
First Position: Phurbu Tso
Tibet is a country encompassing all three regions and has history dating back thousands of years. In the land surrounded by ranges of high snow mountains, an extraordinary people and its culture has flourished. [ full essay ]
Second Position: Lobsang Choezom
Religion, culture and language are the identity of a race and country. They are an essential component of race. For Tibet in this desperate time, our religion, culture and language are more important than our soul. [ full essay ]
Third Position: Pema Youdon
I would like to begin by discussing what is considered to be Tibetan culture. Tibetan culture is the language that we speak, religion that we believe in, unique dress that we wear and the good nature of Tibetan people. In saying and in truth, culture is the essence of race. [ full essay ]