This episode features Pema Taratsang, a Tibetan refugee who recounts her harrowing journey across the Himalayas at age seven, her life in exile, and her ongoing connection to Tibet. It explores themes of resilience, cultural identity, and the fight for Tibetan freedom.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & powerful opening reflections

01:00 Podcast intro: Tibet Unfiltered and context

02:25 Pema’s early life in Tibet & family background

04:24 Unique family structure & upbringing

06:13 The moment everything changed (leaving Tibet)

09:00 Arrival in Lhasa & preparing for escape

10:47 Crossing begins: river, hunger, and hardship

11:58 Tragedy on the journey (nun & snow mountain events)

15:40 Resilience, fear, and survival as a child

16:36 Arrival in Nepal & refugee experience

17:49 Life in India & schooling under the Dalai Lama

19:12 Reconnecting with family & emotional distance

21:26 Moving to Australia & new life opportunities

25:09 Contact with family & risks under CCP surveillance

27:46 Trauma, reflection & meaning of “home”

30:42 Final thoughts & message about Tibet

Producer: Sonam Gyeltshen

Host: Geraldine Nordfeldt

Location credit: Sonam Choedon

Learn more about Australia Tibet Council’s work https://www.atc.org.au/

Support Australia Tibet Council’s work with a donation https://www.atc.org.au/donate/

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Erscheinungs­datum: 7.4.2026, 11:59:04