FROM MONASTERY TO MELODY – ANI CHOYING DROLMA’S BOLD JOURNEY BREAKING BARRIERS AND HEALING HEARTS IN MALAYSIA

By Naveen Prabu

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- Ani Choying Drolma, the singing nun, is far more than just a spiritual figure or musician, for she is a bold voice against oppression and unafraid to challenge societal norms.

This very voice, which has echoed through the hills of Nepal and travelled the world, has arrived in Malaysia, where she is performing at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC) from September 20 to 22.

In an exclusive interview with Bernama, Drolma, who was born to Tibetan refugee parents in Nepal, reflected on her extraordinary journey, from her turbulent upbringing, to becoming an internationally recognised artist and activist.

“Reflecting on my childhood, I feel somewhat conflicted about whether to label it as unfortunate or fortunate.

"I grew up in a somewhat violent domestic environment, which left me with the impression that the only way to escape was to become a nun,” she said. 

She described the gender discrimination her mother faced at home at the hands of her father, where her mother's interests and desires are treated as unimportant or secondary, simply because she is a woman. 

“Growing up, I saw how my father, and others in the neighbourhood, treated women as if they were second-class citizens; and even as a child, I found this deeply unfair and couldn’t accept it.

In search of solace, Drolma found refuge in Nagi Gompa, a small monastery that became her sanctuary. 

“I realised that by becoming a nun, I would never have to get married, which became the strongest reason for my decision – not because I was particularly religious,” she said.

A Guiding Light

It was within the monastery that she encountered a transformative figure: her Guru (teacher), whose kindness and wisdom stood in stark contrast to her father's tyranny. 

”He was the best example of a man; and today, whatever goodness people see in me, whether in my music or my service to society and those in need, is a direct blessing from my Guru.

“The fact that I am in the musical world is also thanks to my Guru, who encouraged me; not necessarily to become a professional singer, but to participate in performing ritual ceremonies at the monastery,” she said.

The Birth of a Musical Career

A life-changing moment for Drolma arrived in 1993 when American record producer Steve Tibbetts visited the monastery and discovered her singing.

”He found my singing interesting and wanted me to record something for him, so I agreed without fully understanding his intentions, assuming that because he was interested in Buddhist meditation, he wanted to learn those prayers as well and simply did it to help him.

”But later, he returned with a proposal to collaborate, and when I consulted my Guru about it, he encouraged me to go for it, saying that my music could benefit everyone, regardless of their beliefs. So, that’s how my musical journey began,” she said.

A Heart for Philanthropy

While Drolma’s musical journey blossomed, she deepened her commitment to uplifting young girls by founding the Arya Tara boarding school in Kathmandu in 2000.

”My journey began with a focus on educating young girls in Nepal, starting with the nuns, by offering them both traditional religious education and modern schooling, ensuring they are well-prepared for life beyond the monastery.

Today, the school continues to nurture young nuns from disadvantaged backgrounds, all overseen and guided by female mentors.

“Education is key to their empowerment as it prevents exploitation and ensures they can make informed choices about their futures,” she said.

A Compassionate Voice for Nature: Drolma's Role with WWF

Drolma’s dedication to compassion extends beyond education. In 2021, after serving as Nepal’s first UNICEF national ambassador for four years, she embraced a new role as a goodwill ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

”To prevent environmental crises, it's essential for human life and nature to coexist harmoniously alongside wildlife.

“Our goal is to foster a balance that ensures humans do not harm, destroy, or damage the natural world or its species, recognising that animals have an equal right to live in harmony with nature just as we do,” she said.

A Dream Collaboration: Drolma's Musical Journey with A.R. Rahman

In 2013, during the third season of the Indian music television series Coke Studio @ MTV, Drolma had the incredible opportunity to collaborate on the song "Zariya" with India’s two-time Academy Award winner A.R. Rahman – a moment she proudly attributes to her own manifestation.

”Whenever I visit India, journalists often ask me who I would love to collaborate with if given the chance. Without hesitation, I always say, "Of course, A.R. Rahman!" I truly believe I manifested that dream into reality.

She explained that since the song "Zariya" centers on motherhood, A.R. Rahman inquired during its creation if there were any cultural or linguistic elements that embody a mother’s qualities. In response, she conveyed that in her culture, the essence of a mother is defined by compassion.

“To illustrate the concept of compassion, I mentioned the Buddha's mantra, which perfectly encapsulates a mother's qualities. He loved it and we spent three days rehearsing before finally recording it in the studio,” Drolma said.

Redefining Feminism: A Call for Compassion and Joy

When asked about her perspective on feminism, she emphasised that it should be a topic to celebrate and a means to cultivate greater compassion.

”However, in today’s Western discourse, feminism is often redefined in ways that emphasise aggression and domination, which ironically mirrors the very oppression it seeks to combat; this represents a fundamental misunderstanding of true feminist principles.

“Feminism should be celebrated and embraced as a source of confidence in one’s existence, encouraging joy and self-revelry, rather than serving as a platform for opposition, oppression, or aggression,” she said.

A Heartfelt Connection: Drolma’s Gratitude for Her Malaysian Fans

Speaking about her Malaysian fans, she shared her gratitude for the chance to serve them through her music.

”I recall receiving heartfelt comments from various individuals in Malaysia. One young man, a 25-year-old  Malaysian, shared with me that every night before he sleeps, he listens to my music, and it brings him a sense of peace.

“I am truly grateful for the love and enthusiasm my Malaysian fans shower upon me each time I'm invited to perform, and having had the opportunity to perform multiple times at Istana Budaya, I’ve always felt warmly embraced by the kindness and support of everyone here,” she said. 

Besides that, she expressed her gratitude to the Malaysian government for providing valuable job opportunities for Nepali workers, acknowledging that these opportunities not only empower individuals to support their families but also strengthen the economic ties between the two nations.

--BERNAMA