A Tibetan tale of Love & War

‘WHITE CRANE, Lend me your Wings’, a posthumous novel authored by Dr Tsewang Yishe Pemba and published by Niyogi Books dramatizes the critical point in history when China invades Tibet, forcing it out of its isolation and is a historical fiction which also is a plaintive plea for the return of exiled Tibetans to their homeland.

The book was launched at the Sangeet Natak Akademi in the presence of Mr Tenzing Sonam, Director, White Cranes Production; Mr Vijay Kranti, Journalist, Author and Tibetologist; Ms Lhamo Pemba, Daughter of author Dr Pemba and Poet and Academic Ms Shelly Bhoil. The programme commenced with Lamp lighting by the Guests. It was soon followed by a show stopping dance and song performance in Tibetan tradition by Thangtong Lhugar Tibetan Performing Arts (TLPA). The book was unveiled by four panelist followed by a trailer on the book made by Sumit Sehgal. With vivid collation of images backed by an amazing background score the book came alive and was a visual treat, mesmerizing the gathering.

Ms Lhamo Pemba then presented a visual chronology on her father’s life and shared snippets from the past, reminiscing fondly of her memories and anecdotes on him.

While Mr Tenzing Sonam highlighted the historical legacy of Tibet that had bearing on the book, Mr Vijay Kranti discussed the book itself and its uniqueness. Speaking on Tibetans and their fight against the Chinese regime he made the following points: “We should not forget that when it comes to saving identity, Tibetans are as ferocious as anyone else and as big warriors like others”. He also stated against the general belief that China is responsible for the advent of modernization in Tibet.

‘White Crane, Lend me your Wings’ is a historical fiction set in the breathtakingly beautiful Nyarong Valley of the Kham province of Eastern Tibet in the first half of the twentieth century. Dr Pemba skillfully weaves a dazzling tapestry of individual lives and sweeping events creating an epic vision of a country and people during a time of tremendous upheaval. the novel delves into themes such as tradition versus modernity, individual choice and freedom, the nature of governance, the role of religion in people’s lives, the inevitability of change, and the importance of human values such as loyalty and compassion.