Updated: 2025-08-27 By Palden Nyima and Daqiong in Lhasa (chinadaily.com.cn)
Print
Drolkar and Yangzom go on border defense patrol in Yumai township, Lhunze county, Xizang autonomous region, in June 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The family's service has been recognized nationally, with Drolkar and Yangzom awarded multiple honors, including the "July 1 Medal".
In 2018, Sangye Chopa's grandson, Sonam Dondrub, Yumai's first university graduate, returned home, giving up work elsewhere to help develop the township. He says his decision was shaped by his grandfather's words and his mother's reminder that "guarding Yumai is our duty".