Self-appointed sentry honored for diligence

In October 2017, Drolkar and Yangzom wrote a letter to President Xi Jinping while the Party was holding the 19th National Congress.

They told Xi about their experiences safeguarding the border and the development of their township over the years.

They received Xi's reply on Oct 28 that year. In the reply, he recognized their efforts to safeguard the territory and thanked them for their loyalty and the work they've done.

On June 29, Drolkar received the medal in Beijing.

"I was very pleased and excited to receive the award last month in Beijing," she said. "I am so glad that I was greeted with tashi delek (the Tibetan greeting during which best wishes are given) while I was presented with the medal by President Xi. I will never forget the moment.

"President Xi is very kind to us, and we are often told to do a good job safeguarding the border. Only if the border is stable, will Tibet be stable. I have been following in the footsteps of my father to patrol our motherland over the decades, and I regard the work as a big honor."

There are now more people living in the village supporting her efforts.

The "three-person township" expanded to one with 20 residents in 1999 and 30 in 2009. It is now a more well-off, beautiful place with more than 200 residents in 67 families. Villagers now take turns patrolling the border.

"The July 1 Medal is not only for me. It is for all the people of the area," Drolkar said. "We all feel proud."