Comprehending Integration: A study of Tibetan Refugees in Eastern Himalayas

Abstract

Tibetan refugees are unlike other refugees in Indian soil as they are in the hope of returning to Tibet and reinstitute their rightful rule over the land. With the help of Indian government, the Tibetan people have formed their government-in-exile known as ‘Central Tibetan Administration’ (CTA), which is meant for “free democratic administration†of the Tibetan refugees. The CTA and functioning of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile (TPiE) is focussed on keeping all the Tibetan refugees together and bring solidarity among the people, particularly among those who are in India, however, such political determination of the CTA is not without issues concerning the question of integration of the Tibetan refugees. The main motif of the study is to see how much they are adapted and integrated into the culture and practices of the host society. Using the conceptual model developed by Ager and Strang (2008) the level of integration of the refugees is studied. Considering the question of integration, we have focused on the micro-sociological phenomena rather than macro-sociological perspective, as integration can only be successfully translated when participation of people is visible in the micro social trends and activities.