InXizang | Life of former serf Padma Tashi ushers in brightness after democratic reform in 1959

ZHANANG, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Padma Tashi, an 84-year-old resident in Zhanang County of Xizang, has a miserable childhood during old Xizang that he can't bear to recall.

Looking back on those days, the old man said he worked day and night, but remained hungry. At harvest season, he was required to hand over most of his newly-harvested grain to serf owners whose highland barley stockpiled in granaries was wormed. He lived without enough to eat, a life even worse than the serf owners' dogs that could enjoy fresh beef and tsampa mixed with yak butter.

"I was whipped by serf owners just because there were few weeds mixed in the highland barley I delivered to them," recalled the 84-year-old. He said he also saw many serfs tortured at private prisons run by serf owners.

It was not until the democratic reform in Xizang in 1959, when millions of serfs were emancipated, that Padma Tashi's life had ushered in brightness and hope. The serfs rose up and became their own masters, and so did Padma Tashi. He actively devoted himself to the construction of his hometown, witnessing its development and changes.

Today, tremendous changes have taken place in Xizang, and the elderly's life has also been completely transformed. Padma Tashi sighed sincerely that happiness does not come easily.

Padma Tashi strolls at home in Zhanang County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Padma Tashi (R) gets a bowl of butter tea at home in Zhanang County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Padma Tashi (L) sits on a new electric tricycle bought by his son-in-law at home in Zhanang County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Padma Tashi dries apple slices at home in Zhanang County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Padma Tashi (R) hands a piece of butter used to make tea at home in Zhanang County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Padma Tashi feeds cows at home in Zhanang County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Padma Tashi (C) sits for a group photo with his daughter and son-in-law at home in Zhanang County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Padma Tashi poses for a portrait photo in Zhanang County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)