Motivational speaker Nyima Wangdu: Blindness is not a defect but a trait

Nyima Wangdu was born in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. In the Tibetan language, his name means "powerful sun." He lost his sight at three months old due to an eye disease. This could have defined his life, but he has shown through action that darkness is not the end.

In 2002, Nyima entered a school for the blind run by the Xizang Disabled Persons' Federation. There, he learned Braille and became fluent in Tibetan, Mandarin and English. He also found a lifelong companion: his trusty white cane. Nyima says the white cane is a friend, a brother, a lover and eyes for a blind person. "The moment a blind person learns to use a white cane," he said, "they gain the possibility of standing on their own feet." In 2005, Nyima's strong academic performance earned him a chance to study at Tones International Language School in the UK.

After returning to Lhasa, Nyima first worked as an English teacher and later became the principal of the same school for the blind. Under his leadership, the school has continued to help visually impaired children gain education and life skills.

Nyima is a public speaker. He became the first visually impaired Tibetan TEDx speaker, sharing his understanding of "what it means to be blind." He has spoken in nine countries, including at community events, universities and other venues. Before a speech in the US, he decided to tell the real-life stories of himself and his blind friends. "Many people have deep misunderstandings about China," he said. "They don't know China, and they don't know today's Xizang. Since I have the chance to stand before a microphone, I must speak the truth as I have experienced it – and tell the real, happy lives of blind people."

In addition to speaking, Nyima is also a sports enthusiast. He has climbed snowy mountains and run marathons. In his autobiography, I Don't Want Three Days of Light, he wrote: "I don't want three days of light. I want eternal hope – the unquenchable fire within."

When asked if he would choose to regain his sight, Nyima replied: "Blindness is not my defect. It is my trait." May 23, 2026, marks the 75th anniversary of the peaceful liberation of Xizang. Over the years, with government support, blind people in Xizang have gained greater access to education, rehabilitation and job opportunities. On this anniversary, his story is a reminder that with continued support, more people like Nyima can turn challenges into possibilities – and that progress, though gradual, is real.