In 18th-century France, in the years leading up to the infamous French Revolution, a quieter revolution was taking shape—one that would transform the lives of the blind. At its heart was Valentin Haüy, a man not born into darkness, yet deeply moved by the struggles of those who were.

What began as a single act of compassion soon became a movement, igniting a flame that would change the course of blind education forever. In this two-part series, we explore the remarkable lives of individuals who moved heaven and earth to build a future for the visually impaired, empowering them through education, innovation, and relentless determination.

This is a story of struggle, perseverance, sacrifice, and the unbreakable human spirit.

If you enjoyed the show, consider leaving a rating on Spotify or your preferred listening platform—it really helps.

Edited by: Lokesh Nautiyal

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In this fourth and final episode of our series, we continue the story of Tibet’s relentless pursuit of independence, set against the backdrop of world powers repeatedly hesitating and dilly-dallying over their support for the land of Shangri-La.

We also cover the Manchu Empire and its unleashed general, Zhao Erfeng, who brought immense destruction to Tibet; the empire’s eventual collapse and its aftermath; and the new power struggle in China that not only turned the streets of Beijing red, but also introduced a fresh set of challenges for Tibet.

This series would not have been possible without the esteemed authors whose works provided the depth and clarity needed to bring Tibet’s history—its glory, tragedy, and enduring spirit—to life. I am deeply grateful to the scholars and explorers whose writings informed this journey:

• Purshottam Mehra – Tibet: Writings on History and Politics

• Francis Younghusband – India and Tibet

• Thomas Laird – The Story of Tibet: Conversations with the Dalai Lama

• Sam van Schaik – Tibet: A History

• Elsa M. Spencer – Escape from Shangri-La

If you’re interested in diving deeper into Tibet’s past and its ongoing quest for independence, I strongly recommend reading these works.

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As the British, wary of the Russian threat, began their military expedition to Tibet, they chose Francis Younghusband to lead the mission, a man of caliber, trusted by many, and backed by Lord Curzon. With a strong British contingent, they marched towards Tibet via Bhutan. But what awaited them? Would they uncover signs of Russian imperial ambitions in Tibet, or was it all just a hoax?

To know more, listen to this episode:

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