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 | Thursday, April 20, 2000, updated at 13:49(GMT+8) | ||||||||||||
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Scholar Suggests Accelerated Urbanization in TibetA Chinese Tibetologist said on April 19 that urbanization should be accelerated on the roof of the world.Dr. Li Tao, a sociologist with the Sichuan-based Tibet Studies Institute, points out that urbanization is a worldwide trend that can greatly push an economy, and it will help the Tibet Autonomous Region narrow the gap between itself the prosperous coastal region. Li denounced the allegations made by some people that Tibet is a "special region" which should maintain its old image as a " living fossil," and that a modernization drive will damage traditional culture and violate human rights there. In many visitors' eyes, Tibet is a mysterious and unchanged land with endless snowy mountains and thousands of lamaseries. However, after years of field investigations, Li notes that in the globalization process, maintaining a primitive and isolated lifestyle is not the proper choice for the Tibetans. "Many case studies have shown that the living standard of poor villagers improved greatly thanks to factories and markets in nearby cities, and they have obtained more access to medical care, schools and other social services," she said. Investigations also show that the majority of Tibetans prefer a city life. Li said that the strategic decision to develop western China will put Tibet on the track toward urbanization. Her new book, "Say Farewell to Gyabala: a Study of Tibetan Urbanization," was published by the Tibet People's Publishing House. The book reveals that Tibetans are happy to see talented people, technologies and funds flowing in from other parts of China. However, Li points out that Tibet's urbanization will differ from the coastal model, because the vast region has fewer people, and thus Tibet's traditional culture and religion will be protected during the process. Professor G.E.Guldin of the United States said the book is the first of its kind on Tibetan urbanization, and will have a positive influence on urbanization theory and practice worldwide.
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