The Thangka Painter

On the way to village Bhagsu in Mcleodganj, Dharamshala, there are several small shops with beautiful artwork hanging in and out of the same. In one such shop I saw an old man working his skills on the canvas. His name is Tsewang Lhama. With a small pen like brush he was painting something very intricate. It was one of his Thangka paintings. Thangka is a fine art of Tibet. Thangka painting is so detailed and delicate that only a highly skilled artist can bring out the best of it. This Thangka artist is a Tibetan refugee and has been painting since he was 15 years old. His age is around 65 now; he couldn't remember the exact figure. The paintings he has at his shop are enormously beautiful. Every brush stroke is a hard work, not only of the hand but of the mind as well. Working with utmost concentration and dedication, Tsewang Lhama is a fine example of artistic excellence. While I was having a quick chat with him, he said, "I cannot see properly anymore. I have to wear these glasses to work now. This job has taken away my vision partially but I still work everyday." His smile while he said these words was one filled with satisfaction. This satisfaction surpasses the disappointment of getting a bare minimum remuneration for each of his paintings, that too with a considerable time lag. Though he has no country of his own and had to rebuild his family in India while losing most of the elderly members in Tibet, he is still contented and the credit for the same goes to the artwork that he is involved in. This is what keeps him happy. This has kept him going on without expectations of gaining 'freedom in exile'. 'Freedom in art' is his life's achievement. A salute to the Thangka Painter from a huge art-lover.