Soinam Wangchen: 81-year-old former serf recalls harsh life in old Xizang

LHASA -- Wangchen is an 81-year-old villager living in Lhunzhub county. As an elder in the village, he just finished organizing young villagers to conduct the ritual marking the start of spring farming with his vigorous voice several days ago.

However, Wangchen's childhood memory is full of darkness and desperation. "No words can fully describe the hardship we endured in old Xizang," Wangchen recalled. "We wore worn-out clothes full of patches, and starvation was the norm for the serfs' family at that time."

In March 1959, people in Xizang launched the democratic reform that ended the region's feudal serfdom. The democratic reform freed a million serfs.

Now, with 18 family members of four generations living together in harmony, Wangchen and his family enjoy an abundant life.