#China #Sichuan #Long March #Lhalung Dorje #Tibetan villages

Lhalung Dorje: The Heart of the Long March Mail Route

In a world often fast-paced and technology-driven, Lhalung Dorje serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of connection and community. For nearly twenty years, he has trekked through the rugged terrains of Sichuan province, known as the 'Long March mail route,' delivering mail to isolated villages that commercial couriers often overlook.

This odyssey not only involves navigating rocky mountains and icy paths but symbolizes a deeper historical connection to the sacrifices made by Red Army soldiers during the Communist Party of China's famous Long March. "Our hardships cannot compare with what the Red Army endured, but the spirit is the same," Dorje reflected. His commitment illustrates the military-civilian bond emphasized repeatedly by President Xi Jinping, signifying loyalty, truth, and unity.

During a recent ceremony in Beijing commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Long March’s victory, President Xi highlighted that the spirit of the Long March remains a cherished treasure that motivates the nation to tackle challenges and strive for progress. For Dorje, this same spirit, passed down through generations, fuels his daily challenges on the mail route.

While commercial courier services focus on profitability, often limiting their reach, Dorje and his team, bound by China Post’s universal service obligation, ensure that even the most remote hamlets and nomadic pastures receive their correspondence. Danger is a constant companion on these treacherous paths. One particularly harrowing experience saw him stranded overnight in his vehicle after landslides blocked both directions, facing the brutal cold without any mobile phone signal.

In another incident, a massive boulder collided with his delivery van. These challenges, however, have not deterred Dorje but instead inspired him to evolve in the ways he serves his community. Embracing modern technology, he began hosting free public welfare livestreams in 2021, aiming to connect plateau farmers with broader markets. These initiatives have proven successful; one livestream promoting locally grown green plums generated an impressive 800,000 yuan in revenue.

Despite initially battling nerves in front of the camera, his desire to help has driven him to learn and adapt. Recently, he earned a civilian drone pilot license, envisioning a future where drones might deliver mail to regions hindered by winter snow or landslides, while also transporting highland produce to larger markets.

Dorje's vision aligns with the national trend of rejuvenation as outlined by President Xi, who encourages the youth and contemporary citizens to contribute actively to the modern development of China. The postman views himself as part of this movement, committed to serving rural routes until his retirement.

"My goal is simple: to serve ordinary local people and to bring them convenience," he says, underscoring his dedication to the communities that depend on his efforts. By keeping these connections alive amidst challenging conditions, Lhalung Dorje not only embodies the spirit of the Long March but also stands as a beacon of resilience and community spirit in contemporary China.