On an autumn afternoon last year, as the drizzling rain created numerous ripples on the surface of the Lhasa River in Lhasa, we visited a house close by.

OFF SPRING OF THE 7TH DALAI LAMA.

We paid a visit to Tangmei Gungjor Baimo, who was born in 1920 into an aristocrat family in Litang, Sichuan Province. The 7th Dalai Lama was a member of her clan, known as Sangzhub Phodrang. When the Sangzhub Phodrang moved to Lhasa, the clan became very influential in the city largely because of the influence of the 7th Dalai Lama. "I started to learn to read and write when I was six," said Tangmei Gungjor Baimo. "I was sent to a private school for further study at 11, although in those days most aristocrats were reluctant to let their daughters learn more. "I married at 17. My husband also came from an aristocrat family. We had two daughters and one son. Unfortunately, our son died young. My husband also later died. I remarried, and my husband, Tangmei Toindui Cering, had two sons. The six of us formed a new family."

TEACHING TIBETAN.

In 1951, Tibet won peaceful liberation and the 18th Army of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) entered Lhasa. The 18th Army organized a "cadres' school," and needed people to teach Tibetan. "I was invited to serve as a Tibetan teacher," said Tangmei Gungjor Baimo. "I hesitated because my husband was an official with the Gaxag, the local government of Tibet, but in the end I went. The officers and men of the 18th Army lived in tents, and students of the cadres' school studied in the open and also in tents when it rained. They ate black beans and qingke barley. In spite of the difficulties they faced, they studied very hard." Tangmei Gungjor Baimo's move aroused objections in Lhasa. In 1957, when a reactionary armed organization was formed, they cursed her in the street, and even threw stones at her. However, she persisted with her teaching.

JOINING THE WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION.

In 1953, when the Patriotic Women's Association was formed in Lhasa, Tangmei Gungjor Baimo joined and first served as the association's secretary, working hard to free women from the yoke of feudalism. The association organized parties and anti-illiteracy classes. Association members also gave information on everyday hygiene to Tibetan women.

RECEIVED BY CHAIRMAN MAO.

Tibet organized its first group of women to visit Beijing in 1956. Tangmei Gungjor Baimo was one of the 47 members of the group, which visited Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Wuhan. In Beijing, Chairman Mao met the group, and had a picture taken with them. Tangmei Gungjor Baimo was excited by these events.

ELECTED VICE-CHAIRWOMAN.

In June 1960, when the Tibet Women's Association was formed, Tangmei Gungjor Baimo served as its Vice-Chairwoman. In August 1982, she was elected Vice-Chairwoman of the CPPCC Tibet Committee and continued to work hard for the development of Tibet. She retired from the post in 1998. Now in her 80s, this famous woman enjoys the twilight of her life with her children and grandchildren, and the respect of the public.