Zhaxi Wangdui, male, was born in 1923 in Lhasa. A lama with the Sera Monastery, he followed the 14th Dalai Lama to India in 1959. In 1985, he returned and is now a deputy to the Lhasa People's Congress and a member of the Lhasa Chengguan District People's Political Consultative Conference.

　　My parents came from Qoingyai, Shannan. But I was born and brought up in Lhasa. In 1959, when I was 36 years old, those on the upper ruling class staged an armed rebellion, which was soon suppressed. I followed the 14th Dalai Lama to India and lived overseas for a score of years. I was a lama while I was in Tibet. Driven by poverty, however, I built and repaired roads for three years or more while I was in India. I was a platoon leader ofthe guards of the "government in exile" of the 14th Dalai Lama. In 1985, when I was 62, I returned and settled down, because of three reasons: First, I was old and emaciated. Moreover, I didn't have a job. I was a lama, so I didn't marry. Second, I was homesick. I was fed up with my life abroad. Third, I was excited to see changes taking place in Tibet and other parts of China. The Central Government follows a lenient policy toward overseas Tibetans. I was very confident in my life when I was back.

　　Facts prove I am right. I don't have any relatives in Lhasa. However, I received due care from the Tibet Office in Charge of Returned Tibetans and the Lhasa Chengguan District Office in Charge of Returned Tibetans. They gave me money and found a house and a job for me now. I enjoy a monthly allowance. During holidays, leaders at various levels visit me and bring along with themselves buffer and black tea. I am satisfied.
Governments at various levels in the Tibet Autonomous Region pay high attention to people like me. I am now a deputy to the Lhasa People's Congress and a member of the Lhasa Chengguan District People's Political Consultative Conference. This gives me chances to discuss government affairs within the power organs in the interest of the Tibetans. Many of my suggestions were adopted. For instance, I proposed efforts to protect wildlife by banning random hunting with a view to balancing ecology, and that the Regulations Concerning Protection of Wildlife be publicized and implemented in urban, farming, forestry and pastoral areas in a prolonged period of time. This suggestion of mine was adopted, and the situation has been much improved.

　　The government offers me and others returned Tibetan compatriots loving care for my life. Some are arranged to live in the Homes of Respect for the Aged, and others are given jobs. I wish my fellow folks would be able to strike a rich under the government policy which encourages people to work hard for riches. So far as I am concerned, I do my best to reduce our burden on the State.

　　Many Tibetans residing abroad fail to have a good understanding of the facts. They believe in rumors and follow the 14th Dalai Lama to work for "Tibetan independence". Any people with knowledge about history will know that Tibet is an inseparable part of China, and it is absolutely wrong and unrealistic to engage in "Tibetan independence". Tibet is experiencing flourish, which is also the aspiration of the Tibetans who live outside China.

　　It has been more than 10 years since my return in 1985. I am deeply impressed by the changes taking place in Tibet and the motherland at large. When compared with what was like in Tibet at the time I left Tibet for India, Tibet is a paradise today. The autonomous region enjoys peace and stability, and a flourishing market. We owe all these to the Party's policy and selfless aid and support from the Central Government and fraternal provinces, municipalities directly under the Central Government and autonomous regions.

(Recorded by Hu Bo)