Tibet Expo: True situations of Tibet´s past and present

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-30-2008 17:43

An exhibition on Tibet's history at Beijing's Cultural Palace of the Nationalities aims to help the public learn about Tibet's past and current situation.

CPPCC Vice Chairman, Du Qinglin, inaugurated the 3-month long exhibition on Tibet on Wednesday morning.

CPPCC Vice Chairman, Du Qinglin, inaugurated the 3-month long exhibition on Tibet on Wednesday morning.

Titled "Tibet of China: Past and Present," the exhibition covers the time of Tibet's Feudal Serfdom, the central government's administration of Tibet since the 13th century and the changing prosperous new Tibet of today.

Exhibits including pictures offer proof of the backwardness and darkness of Old Tibet's Serf system. Serfs were deprived of any human rights and were cruelly treated under the social mechanism then in place.

One Tibetan student said "This exhibition helps me know my own ethnic history and culture. It's the first time that I've heard that Tibetans used to live under the cruel serfdom."

Tibet was peacefully liberated in 1951.

Pictures show the time of Tibet's Feudal Serfdom.

And these pictures show the transformation of Tibet from poverty to wealth, from dictatorship to democracy.

Over the past 50 or so years, great changes have taken place in Tibet. The agricultural tax was waived. Children's education is now free. Democratic reform and elections have been implemented. And the central government's financial support of Tibet accounts for 90 per cent of the autonomous region's requirements.

Organizers hope visitors will learn all this background vital for understanding current events in Tibet.

Tongdrub Wangbun, Vice Minister of State Ethnic Affairs Commission said "The lack of true understanding of the real Tibet is the main obstacle to handling issues related to Tibet. Visitors from both home and abroad are welcome to come and learn more about Tibet's past and present."

The exhibition is free of charge and will last until July 25.