Name: Hrithar Depom
(Alias: No)
Gender: Female
Interview Age: 84
Date of Birth: 1928
Birthplace: Chiplung - Tsang, Utsang, Tibet
Year Left Tibet: 1959
Profession: Farming, Nomad
Monk/Nun: No
Political Prisoner: No
Interview No.: 20C
Date: 2014-08-02
Language: Tibetan
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States
Categories: Culture and History
Keywords: childhood memories, customs/traditions, farm life, marriage practices, thamzing/struggle sessions, Utsang
Summary:
Hrithar Depom was born in Chuplung in the Tsang region. Her village consisted of around 12 families who earned their livelihood by growing barley, peas and wheat and raising animals as well. She shares her memories of helping her mother in household chores, farming and milking the cows.
Hrithar Depom recounts the story of how she lost her father and mother early in her life and how her grandmothers raised her. She talks about her arranged marriage. She moved to her husband's village which was a day's journey on horseback. She describes her new life in her husband's home.
Hrithar Depom speaks about the appearance of Chinese in the region and she witnessed the thamzing 'struggle session' of a local leader. She heard of many other Chinese atrocities due to which she and others of her village took flight to India. She explains that the fear of being caught by the Chinese was so great that she has no memory of feeling sad in leaving her home.
Interview Team:
- Marcella Adamski (Interviewer)
- Tomas Haywood (Videographer)
- Tashi Juchungtsan (Interpreter)
