Gonpo Sonam, aged 61, passed away on the morning of December 23, 1987, soon after his release from Drapchi Prison. He was best known for his strong-willed determination to preserve and promote Tibetan culture. His conviction was impenetrable even while in detention which won him admiration from the Tibetan people and antagonism from Chinese authorities. However, undeterred, Gonpo continued with his vocation.
Gonpo Sonam was born in Gyaltse Rabgang in Shigatse region, southwest of Lhasa. He married Dechen Dolkar and had four children. Gonpo was known as a keen scholar of Tibetan language and culture.
In 1959 Gonpo volunteered to serve in the Tibetan army headquarters to fight against thee Chinese. In 1960, Chinese authorities launched a campaign known as “Review Campaign” under which Gonpo Sonam was arrested and imprisoned for two years.
In 1996, during the Cultural Revolution, Gonpo was again arrested and this time he was sentenced to ten years. He remained in detention until 1977. From 1977 Gonpo served in the carpentry division of “Reform-Through-Labour Unit” No.5 which was attached to Sangyip Prison, Lhasa.
Realizing the importance of educating the younger generation of Tibetans, Gonpo Sonam found time to teach Tibetan language, literature and history to the younger inmates while serving in the work unit. His immense knowledge and strong personality won him the admiration of many people.
In 1982, after he was relased, Gonpo was appointed as a teacher at the school for the staff members of the Public Security Bureau. This was known as the School of Political Law. This allowed him to boost research on Tibetan cultural heritage and advance its restoration and preservation.
Gonpo was arrested for a third time in 1983, along with many of his friends, in association with a Chinese political campaign called “Punishment for the Guilty.” As with Gonpo’s prior two campaign related arrests, the charge against him was unknown.
He was arrested at his home on the night of 30 September 1983 and was immediately taken to Lhasa Tasun Khang Prison from where he was transferred to Drapchi Prison Unit 1. Gonpo suffered badly from stress while in detention and was struck by epilepsy in 1985 while in Drapchi. When prison officials saw that his chance of recovery was very slim, he was released from the prison on medical parole and sent home. Despite treatment, Gonpo’s condition did not improve. His health deteriorated steadily until finally, on December 23, 1987, he passed away.
Gonpo Sonam’s death is a great loss to the people of Tibet and he holds an important place in the history of the Tibetan struggle to preserve their culture.