Photo shows the portrait of Sonam snapped at his home in the county of Xaitongmoin, Xigaze City, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Rufeng)
LHASA, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Sonam, 80, led an arduous life before the democratic reform in Tibet in 1959.
When he was born, his father passed away because of overwork. Sonam was then adopted as his mother could not afford to raise him.
He started grazing the animals for the rich at the age 11. "Being in rags and starvation was the most profound memory of my childhood," he recalled.
Sonam embraced a brand new life in 1959 when his family secured land and some livestock, something his ancestors had dreamed of for generations.
Living with his children and grandchildren, Sonam is enjoying a happy life.
Sonam and his wife wash vegetables at home in the county of Xaitongmoin, Xigaze City, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Rufeng)
Sonam's grandson helps him turn up the collar at home in the county of Xaitongmoin, Xigaze City, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Rufeng)
Sonam (2nd L) and his family pose for a photo at home in the county of Xaitongmoin, Xigaze City, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Rufeng)■
