Tales from Tibet
TELLING STORIES, ONE BOOK AT A TIME
I grew up well-versed in commercial mythologies — from the Mahabharata and Ramayana to Norse and Egyptian legends — all thanks to popular books like the Percy Jackson series and Dan Brown’s thrillers. But if someone had asked me then about folktales from my own homeland of Tibet, I would’ve had nothing to say. That silence is what sparked my journey into creating comics based on Tibetan folk stories. Because if we don’t tell our own stories, who will?
Why Comics?
It all began from a very personal place. I’ve always found myself learning better through visuals than words. And I know I’m not alone—studies have shown that images help people, especially children, absorb and retain information more effectively. Strong visuals tend to stay imprinted in the mind, and even if the details fade over time, the essence of the story often lingers.
In today’s world, where an overload of content constantly surrounds us, I realised that if I can’t beat the wave, I should ride it. Comics are my way of contributing to this visual age by telling the stories that matter, stories from our culture and roots. My dream is to ensure the younger generation remembers who they are, where they come from, and why our traditions exist—not through textbooks, but through engaging, memorable visuals that can stay with them for life.
MY DEBUTE COMIC
Khando Drowa Sangmo was not only my debut comic but also a deeply personal project. Growing up in Tawang, I was surrounded by stories, traditions, and cultural heritage that shaped my identity. Many of these stories were passed down through generations, yet I felt they were becoming less accessible to younger audiences.
As an artist, I wanted to preserve these narratives in a format that feels engaging and relevant today. Comics allowed me to bring the characters, landscapes, and spirit of these stories to life through visual storytelling.
Because Khando Drowa Sangmo is rooted in the cultural landscape of Tawang, the project became a way for me to celebrate the richness of Himalayan heritage while sharing a local story with a wider audience. To make the story accessible to more readers while preserving its cultural authenticity, the comic is also available in Tibetan.
More importantly, I hoped it would serve as a bridge between generations—honoring the traditions of the past while inspiring younger readers to connect with their cultural roots. As my first published comic, it marked the beginning of my journey to use art as a tool for storytelling, cultural preservation, and connection. Click the link below to check them out
NEW COMIC ON THE WAY
Gyasa Belsa is my comic adaptation of one of the most cherished stories in Tibetan culture. It tells the legendary tale of King Songtsen Gampo and the arrival of his two queens, Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal (Belsa) and Princess Wencheng of China (Gyasa), a story that reflects diplomacy, wisdom, and cultural exchange.
What fascinated me most was the journey of Gar Tongtsen, the king’s brilliant minister, whose intelligence and determination drive much of the story. Through his adventures, readers discover an important chapter of Tibet’s history and cultural heritage.
By adapting Gyasa Belsa into a comic, I hope to make this timeless story more accessible to younger generations while honoring the traditions that have preserved it for centuries. For me, the project is both a celebration of Tibetan storytelling and a way to keep these cultural narratives alive for the future. This comic book will be coming out soon in my Gum Road account which you can find in the link below.
Recognition & Support
I am deeply grateful that my work has been recognized and supported by a growing community of readers, organizations, and media platforms. My projects have been featured by publications such as Firstpost, The Print, and The Times of India, as well as platforms including High Peaks Pure Earth and FNVA World, helping bring greater visibility to the stories and cultures that inspire my work.
I have also been honored to receive support through the Tibet Eco Awards 2025, the Schrucker Fellowship for the Arts 2026, and the Chödak Care Fund 2026. These opportunities have enabled me to continue exploring storytelling through murals, comics, and community-driven art projects dedicated to preserving and celebrating Himalayan and Tibetan cultural heritage.
None of this work would be possible without the encouragement of my family, mentors, collaborators, and the communities whose stories continue to inspire me every day. Learn more about them by clicking the link below.
