AMA KARLO'S BIOGRAPHY

Tsering Tsomo, born in Kham Dege in the eastern part of Tibet, is the youngest among her 10 siblings, most of whom did not live long after birth. Being born a fair-skinned child, her mother fondly called her Karlo and since then she has been known by that name. Karlo, at age 12 lost her mother to illness and later in exile in India she also lost her father. One brother and a sister who accompanied her into exile also passed away a few years ago.

Karlo-- never married, never ordained, never schooled--dedicated her whole life to social services. In her words, "There are so many things that need to be done for our country and its cause, but I am an illiterate and I can't do much mentally. I just do what I like the most i.e. keeping the surroundings clean". She adds, "I've spent many good years of my life sweeping floors, collecting trash, and doing dishes at the regional offices of the Tibetan Women's Association and the Tibetan Youth Congress in Kalimpong. I feel proud that I was at least able to do such tasks because the people who work in those offices were working very hard for Tibet".

For the last ten years, Karlo has been living in the Elderly Peoples' Hostel in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala. It was there that TEAM spotted her as the most unusual old lady and the most helpful of all. Unlike all other elderly Tibetans who are busy chanting prayers the whole day long to prepare for a better next life, Karlo is seen sweeping, picking up trash around the temple and always ready to give a hand in our cleanup drives. Karlo is so busy in her cleanup work that she often misses her meals at the Hostel. It is no wonder that this free-spirited woman is considered quite a rebel at the hostel, as she never abides by the hostel rules, which require her to be present at all meals. All her life, she bypassed the conventions and norms and totally enjoyed her freedom. She looks back at her life with a smile, without any regrets. When asked what is her inspiration for such hard work, she says, “His Holiness the Dalai Lama"! With eyes welled-up, she says, "His Holiness works so hard for us Tibetans, then why can’t we do the same in our own ways.”

From looking at the frail figure, with gray hair, wrinkled face and worn-out hands no one would have guessed at her inner strength. She is a woman who has given so much to others in her life yet never expected anything in return. Already in her seventies, she still has that free spirit that has held sway throughout her life and she never succumbed to any worldly or cultural pressures. She was her own person.

For her dedication in keeping the temple area clean and also for her previous selfless work in Kalimpong TEAM would like to present Karlo with TEAM's first ever Khoryuk Shapshu Solray (Environmental Service Award). May she live long and may she inspire many more to join her path in keeping a healthy Planet.

Tesi Environmental Awareness Movement