ABSTRACT
The chapter examines how the nature of representation of Tibet undergoes a radical change in recent years. Tibetan activist writings in the transnational space have flourished. These works project how the Tibetans under the Chinese rule suffer in ‘real’ Tibet and how dedicated groups of Tibetans-in-exile in India and elsewhere launch movements to free Tibet from the clutches of colonial China. Besides the written works, they also resort to political activism and global networking. Through the latter, they not only disseminate information and sensitise the global communities but also consolidate their nationalist feelings and pan-Tibetan identity. This chapter briefly discusses some contemporary Tibetan activist works (written by Tenzin Tsundue, Bhuchung D Sonam, Tsering Namgyal Khortsa, Thubten Samphel and the like) and explores the significance of Tibetan political movements. It analyses how the Tibetan activists explore the possibilities of fully utilising the virtual space to further the Tibetan cause. With the help of several websites (e.g. International Tibet Network Campaign), blogs (e.g. Free Tibet), Facebook groups (e.g. Tibet.Net, United Nations for Tibet) and TV Channels (e.g. Tibet TV), they have been engaged in ‘maximis[ing] the effectiveness of the worldwide Tibet movement.’
