Re-imagining identity through direct democracy: Collective constructions of Tibetan refugees in Bylakuppe, Karnataka

Abstract

This paper focuses on one of the most proactive and successful refugee communities - the Tibetan refugees in India. It attempts to show, how through concerted and sustained efforts, the Tibetan refugees in India have used their time in exile to usher in a new cultural revolution. Usually the refugee communities have no other choice but to integrate with the host community. However, ever since their arrival the Tibetan refugees have always insisted on retaining their distinct identity. Perceiving their exile as being temporary, their concern is using their time in exile as a preparation for their eventual return to a free Tibet. Hence, maintaining their identity through ideology of nonassimilation assumes paramount importance.