On March 28, 1959, the State Council issued an order to implement democratic reforms in Tibet and completely abolish the feudal serfdom of "theocracy". Since then, a million serfs in Tibet have been liberated and have taken their fate into their own hands.
History, rolling forward.
Xinhua News Agency reporters went deep into the vast plateau, approached those turned serfs, and felt their happy life today.
Dawa, 84 years old this year
It is Naidong District, Shannan, Tibet Autonomous Region
Villagers of Kesong Community in Changzhu Town
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In old Tibet
Dawa is a chaba from the Château de Queson
- Those who take the land and send servants to the serf masters
Not enough to eat
No rights
△ Dawa receives running water at her home (photo taken on March 15).
In 1959
The village of Kesong took the lead in carrying out democratic reforms
The first rural party branch in Tibet was established
The Preparatory Committee of the First Farmers' Association in Tibet was elected
△ Dawa (center) poses with her daughter and son in front of her Tibetan-style courtyard (march 15).
now
In a spacious Tibetan courtyard
The elderly Dawa lived a carefree life
Enjoy your old age
"I just want to live longer
Take a good look at this new Tibet that has changed drastically."
△ On March 16, Dawa dressed in costume to participate in the spring ploughing ceremony in the village.
Only those who have experienced the cold winter
Only to know the warmth of spring
The turned-slaves of Tibet
It's long past
The happy life that ancestors dreamed of
Planners: Shen Hongbing, Rob Tsering
Coordinator: Cao Jian, Pubu Tashi
Reporter: Pubu Tashi, Jigme Dorjee
Editors: Zhang Yan, Liu Jinhai, Jia Haocheng
Produced by the Photography Department of Xinhua News Agency