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Laughter and sadness - An emotional farewell

By Tashi Wangyal

Thubten Samdup smiles during a farewell lunch hosted for him at Shambala, a local Tibetan Restaurant in Montreal, Canada, by the Tibetan community of Montreal, on 18 April 2009. Samdup has been appointed the new representative of the Dalai Lama in London, England. Don Loga/Canada

The small Tibetan community of Montreal, Canada, had gathered to host a farewell lunch for Thubten Samdup la at Shambala, a local Tibetan Restaurant in the city of Montreal. He has been appointed the new representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in London, England.

The event was organised by the Tibetan Cultural Association. President Mr. Gyurmey la opened the meeting with a brief introduction which was followed by an emotional speech by Samdup la.

In his heart warming speech, he expressed his deep appreciation and gratefulness for the entire community for supporting him for the last 30 years.

He also thanked his family and specially, his wife Carole Samdup la who had stood by him all these years, and rendered unwavering support by believing in his relentless efforts towards the Tibetan cause.

Most of the community members were very pleased at the news of his appointment to the new post, but for some, the reality of losing a proud figure from the community was not a perfect recipe for celebration (at least for the moment).

However, the mixed feelings and emotions did not stop the community from enjoying the last moments with Mr. Samdup la. Echo’s of infectious laughter’s reverberated within the small space of the restaurant with polas (grandpas) and molas (grandmas) queuing up to close up their final conversation by thanking him and wishing him good luck all the way.

Mr. Samdup was indeed very humbled and honoured by the huge turn out of people unveiling deep respect and support by individually thanking him for all his selfless contributions and hard work.

For the highlight of the speech, Mr Samdup la said, “We should at least have some sympathy and compassion for His Holiness the Dalai Lama for working so hard and now, it is our time to pay him back.”

Through out his life, Mr. Samdup la had not only been an inspiration to many local Tibetan youths but had also reached out and encouraged many non-Tibetans in contributing towards the Tibetan cause.

So, on behalf of all the Montreal Tibetans, i wish him all the best and we are very hopeful that he will not fail us in bringing some positive changes with his innovative ideas.

Copyright © 2009 Tashi Wangyal

Published in Tibet Sun