Born: 1977 (Lhasa, Tibet)
Biography:
Ngawang Sangdrol was born in Lhasa, Tibet in 1977. At the young age of 13, she became a political prisoner after peacefully demonstrating against the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1992. This act of courage and defiance against the oppressive regime would shape Ngawang’s life and turn her into a symbol of resistance and hope for the Tibetan people.
Initially, Ngawang was held without trial for eight months before being sentenced to a three-year prison term. However, her determination and unwavering commitment to Tibet’s independence led to repeated extensions of her sentence. Over the course of several years, her prison term was extended to a staggering 23 years for what the Chinese authorities deemed as committing counterrevolutionary crimes in prison.
Despite the harsh conditions and physical and emotional abuse she endured, Ngawang remained steadfast in her belief in the cause for Tibet’s freedom. One notable act of protest that led to an extension of her sentence occurred in October 1993 when Ngawang and 13 other nuns secretly recorded songs and poems in tribute to their homeland and the 14th Dalai Lama from inside Drapchi prison. The recordings, titled Seeing Nothing but the Sky…, were smuggled out of Tibet and made available through the Free Tibet Campaign in London.
Tragically, the Chinese authorities learned of the recordings, leading to the extension of the nuns’ sentences for a further three years. The nuns were also reportedly beaten for refusing to sing pro-China songs during a flag-raising ceremony. The brutal beatings resulted in the deaths of some of the protesters, including Ngawang Lochoe and novice nun Sherab Ngawang, who suffered multiple organ damage.
Throughout her imprisonment, Ngawang remained resolute in her determination to fight for Tibetan independence, despite the immense personal sacrifice. Her firm belief that their objective was worth the suffering echoed in the lyrics of the songs recorded by the nuns.
Ngawang Sangdrol’s resilience and unwavering commitment to her cause have made her an inspiration to many around the world. Her story serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for Tibetan independence and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.