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IN MEMORIAM - TSERING GOMBO (c.1951-2006)

by Zara Fleming

Tsering Gombo was a remarkable individual, much loved and respected by all those who knew him. I first met him in 1976, when we were both involved with the Tibet Society, the only UK organisation working with and for the Tibetans at that time. Despite his disabilities, he was always cheerful and always smiling, a wonderfully kind and generous person who became a true and loyal friend.

Tsering came from a nomadic family in Western Tibet, susbsequently escaping over the Himalayas to freedom, but not without paying a price. His grandmother had been severely beaten up by Chinese officials after a re-education meeting, so the family decided to escape. Over the next year, they moved their yaks, sheep and goats from pasture to pasture, gradually making their way towards the Indian border. It was winter by the time they reached the Himalayas , several of his extended family died on the way, as did much of the livestock. When they finally arrived in Ladakh, they were a smaller family, with just one yak and two goats. The only survivors from this perilous journey.

The family (like other refugees) struggled to make ends meet, there was no international aid in Ladakh and many died from malnutition. Polio robbed Tsering's brother of his life, and Tsering (aged 8) was also paralysed by this crippling disease. His grandmother decided to take him to the Tibetan settlement at Mundgod in Southern India , in the hopes that the warmer climate might help his condition. Little is known about his next few years, but in his early teens he was spotted by an English nurse and social worker, Jill Buxton. Jill had left her livelihood and farm in England , in order to drive around India in her land rover helping those in need. In the years following the Tibetan exodus of 1959, she had worked as a volunteer teacher and nurse in various places. An indefatigable lady, who dedicated her life to helping others.

By this time Tsering was fifteen, he was totally crippled with polio and could no longer walk. Jill put him in her land rover and took him to Delhi , where he received medical assistance. Here she met her friend, Joyce Pearce, who had founded the Ockenden Venture, together with Margaret Dixon and Ruth Hicks. This admirable venture was set up to help vulnerable displaced refugees, offering them a home and a new start in life. Joyce agreed that Tsering should go to England , where Ockenden in Surrey became his home. Jill paid for his medical treatment and education, like she had done for many other Tibetans including the late Professor Dawa Norbu (who passed away in May this year) and his brother.

At Ockenden, Tsering gradually regained strength and in time managed to walk with the aid of a stick. He received an education and is said to have excelled in poetry. Before long he was to be seen in London , where he immersed himself in the Tibetan community and worked for the cause of Tibet . During the seventies and early eighties, he helped the Tibet Society, the Tibetan Community in Britain and the newly-formed Office of Tibet under Phuntsog Wangyal. Chio Norbu also helped him get an administrative position at the Nippon Club in Central London . He stayed with the club for five years, saving most of his salary to fulfil a dream.

In 1982 Tsering set off to India to find his nomadic parents, a task easier said than done. But after six months of travelling by bus, train and on horseback, he eventually tracked them down. They were at a trading post in Ladakh, where they spent three weeks every year, bartering wool for the necessities they needed. They had never forgotten their eldest son, but when they lost contact with him in Southern India they presumed that he was dead. It was a wonderful reunion and over the years that followed, Tsering went on to find other members of his extended family in Switzerland , America and elsewhere in India .

He was proud of his nomadic roots and never forgot his departure from Tibet , often encapsulating his thoughts in verse

Cross the border,

Looking down the winding path

Is the frontier of Ngari,

How can I slip away like this?

Behind my horse is this stem of blossom,

Before him stand bracing snowfield,

As I pass the border refuge

How can I bear to look back?

On his return to the U.K. , he became involved with the Tibet Foundation which started in 1985. For many years Tsering was the manager of the Foundation's cultural programme in Europe, organising countless events, exhibitions and talks on Tibet and Tibetan culture. He also arranged the visits of Tibetan doctors, scholars and performing artists, all of which generated tremendous support for the charity. Over the next two decades, he worked tirelessly for the Foundation and his contribution was invaluable. In his spare time he set up the Ealing Tibet Link, in order to educate people in the area about Tibet and to make them more aware of Tibet 's unique culture.

As well as serving as Secretary of the Tibetan Community more than once, Tsering was also awarded the “Best Tibetan Community Member” one year. He was a familiar sight, leading the annual march on the March 10 th Commemoration day for many years. A true patriot dedicated to his homeland and devoting his time to the Tibetan cause and to helping others. One of my last memories of him will be Westminster Hall on March 10 th , his cheerful smiling face clad in a woollen hat to hide his lack of hair, yet joking that his head was bare because he had become a monk.

Tsering was a delight to be with, a kind, generous, warm-hearted man with a wonderful sense of humour. He faced his disabilities with great courage, never letting them get him down. And even when he had been very ill, he was still cheerful and uncomplaining. Modest, humble and a true Buddhist, he embodied the four immeasureables of the dharma – loving kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity; bringing happiness to others, without expecting or demanding anything in return. An inspiration to us all, who will be much missed. Thankyou Tsering for enriching our lives.