Portraits of Exile Series
by Aaniya Asrani
“Portraits of Exile” series by Aaniya Asrani. Published by Katha. A series of three creative non-fiction books based on the lives of the Tibetan refugees living in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India.
In 1959, Tibet was occupied by China. Around 1.5 lakh Tibetans including their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama sought refuge in India. The three main settlements where they were put up were Bylakuppe in Karnataka, Dharamshala and Mcleodganj in Himachal Pradesh and Darjeeling in West Bengal. This series has three books named “Homebound”, “Homeland” and “Homecoming”. Each of these books is narrated by a refugee living in Bylakuppe. They talk about their life, how they came to be here and what does home mean to them.
The scenes that their narration paints in front of our eyes is quite powerful and moving. Being away from one’s homeland isn’t easy. Especially when one doesn’t know when or if at all they will ever get a chance to return there in their lifetime. Not an easy exile this one is. Yet they wait in peace hoping for the change that they yearn for. Violence isn’t something they have resorted to and they don’t intrude in India’s matters. They have made India their home for now. At the same time, they have not forgotten their culture and traditions. They create beautiful artworks in stone, wood and textiles working closely with the handicraft sector of India.
“Homebound” is the story of sixteen year old Jampa who left her home when she was eight. “Homeland” is the story of twenty four year old Lobdorjee who moved to India to fulfill his mother’s wish of making him a monk. “Homecoming” is the story of seventy six year old Kizom who was one of the first few refugees who helped set up the settlement in Bylakuppe. Each of these narratives provide us perspectives from people at different stages of their lives. They give us a rare glimpse into their homeland through the recollection of their time there.
My seven year old was moved by this thought provoking series. He already knew about Tibetans from having read books like ‘The Snow King’s Daughter’, ‘Treasures From Tibet’ and ‘The Seed of Compassion’. It made him think what home means to him. He wishes to see Tibet restored to its former status in his lifetime. Just loved the idea of coming up with a series like this. Thanks a ton Vidya Mani of Funky Rainbow for recommending these brilliant books! The books are apt for children aged 7/8+.
Where to buy from?
An independent indie bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.
The publishers Katha here.