Touching Premiere: 'Amala' Honours Dalai Lama's Sister and Tibetan Struggle

A packed theatre in Vienna hosted the Austrian premiere of 'Amala,' depicting the life and efforts of Jetsun Pema, the Dalai Lama's sister. Organised by 'Students for a Free Tibet,' the event underscored issues of cultural genocide in Tibet while celebrating Pema's contribution to Tibetan education and culture.

A packed audience gathered at a local theatre in Vienna on Saturday for the Austrian premiere of 'Amala - The Life and Struggle of the Dalai Lama's Sister,' a documentary chronicling the life of Jetsun Pema, the younger sister of the Dalai Lama. The event, hosted by 'Students for a Free Tibet' and the Tibetan Diaspora in Austria, served as a heartfelt tribute to Pema's invaluable contributions to Tibetan education and culture.

Widely known as 'Amala,' which means 'mother,' Jetsun Pema is esteemed for her leadership in the Tibetan Children's Village (TCV), a network of schools she established to educate Tibetan refugee children in India. The film highlights her personal challenges and successes as she transformed the small Nursery for Tibetan Refugee Children into a flourishing educational institution for displaced Tibetan youth.

The premiere took on added significance amid growing concerns over cultural genocide in Tibet. Following the screening, Tibetan-Canadian activist Chemi Lhamo, a member of the International Tibet Network's Steering Committee, addressed the audience virtually. Lhamo's impassioned speech shed light on the Chinese government's systematic efforts to suppress Tibetan identity, revealing that over one million Tibetan children have been forcibly enrolled in Chinese-run colonial boarding schools that strip them of their language, culture, and traditions.

Lhamo's address emphasized the urgency of the Tibetan plight, while brochures and flyers detailing human rights violations in Tibet were distributed to ensure attendees left with a deeper understanding of the ongoing struggle. Despite inclement weather, the event turned into a powerful demonstration of solidarity, showcasing the resilience of the Tibetan community in the face of adversity.

Organisers stressed that events like these are essential for keeping the Tibetan cause in the international spotlight and resisting the erasure of their culture and identity. The Tibetan Diaspora in Austria remains committed to raising awareness, ensuring that Tibet's voice continues to be heard across the globe.

(With inputs from agencies.)