Abstract: Lying geographically isolated from the rest of the world for thousands of years, the real story of development in Tibet Autonomous Region began only a few decades ago ever since the People‘s Congress started implementing its plans and ideas.

Amidst the scenic beauty of a picturesque highland, Tibetans lived a life of neglect, poverty and deprivation till civilisation reached them.

With an annual growth rate of 12.7 percent on average, a double-digit growth for 21 consecutive years is no mean task and speaks volumes on the commitment of the government.

As it is said that real development is the development of the people, a look at figures like maternal mortality rate, infant mortality rate, rate of literacy, etc only validates the growth story of Tibet.

The future however looks more promising than the present and the past as Tibet is gradually opening up with a slew of economic development and infrastructural projects which will build a bond between Tibet and its geographical neighbours. India is particularly important in this case because of centuries-old relations between the people of the two regions. India is a hold land for Tibetan Buddhists while making a trip to Kailash mountain and Mansarovar lake of Tibet is a pilgrimage for Hindus in India.

Going beyond data and statistics, Tibet has retained its old-world charm and yet is modern enough so that the aspirations of the youth are fulfilled and the region is in sync with the changing times.

The wave of change has blown away the miseries of the past but not the traditions which made Tibet unique from the rest of the world.

The People‘s Republic of China has fulfilled its commitment of protecting the fragile ecosystem of Tibet which is reflected in the fact that Tibet‘s forest coverage has increased from less than 1 percent of the land area in the 1950s to the current level of 11.98 percent. Protection of rare species like red deer and Tibetan antelope have been successful.

Introduction:

The history of Tibet dates back to over 20,000 years but perhaps never before the pace of development in the geographically-isolated region has been equivalent to being in sync with the rest of the world.

The original inhabitants of a place, which is known as the roof of the world, deserve to feel as if they are on top of the world. Already rich in culture and biodiversity, Tibet is now on its way to become economically and socially rich too. A large part of the goal seems to be realized already. As theocracy becomes a thing of the past, the success of the government in this autonomous region of the People's Republic of China remains a story little told before the rest of the world.