Former serf Migmar's new life in Tibet (2)

Migmar (C) poses for a group photo with his wife (1st L), daughter (1st R) and his grandson in front of his residence in Lhaya Village, Gyamco Township, Namling County of Xigaze City, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 18, 2021. The 79-year-old Migmar was born in Sa'gya County of Xigaze and now lives in Lhaya Village. When recalling his life as a serf before the democratic reform in 1959, Migmar said, "My family was heavily debt-ridden at that time, so I was sent to herd sheep for a serf owner to pay off the debts of my family when I was only seven years old." There he continuously suffered from punishment such as being slapped, whipped and locked in a small dark room. Migmar tried to run away for several times, yet his attempts always failed. Migmar embarked on a new life of dignity after the democratic reform in Tibet in 1959. In October 1959, Migmar was hired as a road maintenance worker in Xigaze. And he joined the Communist Party of China on Oct. 3, 1972. Having three daughters and a son, Migmar's present life is full of harmony and joy. (Xinhua/Zhang Rufeng)