ATMA filming documentary on life and legacy of Dr. Norboo

60 Years in the Clouds: The Life and Work of Dr. Tsering Norboo

At 83 years old, Dr. Tsering Norboo is more than a physician; he is a foundational pillar of the Himalayan medical landscape. Over a career spanning six decades, he has navigated the shifting borders and extreme altitudes of Ladakh to provide care where none existed. From leading the region’s first polio vaccination drives to his quiet role as the personal physician to the Dalai Lama, Dr. Norboo’s life is a testament to the power of a single, dedicated presence in the most remote corners of the earth.

This summer, ATMA is documenting Dr. Norboo’s journey as he returns to the high-altitude settlement of Karzok. In a region currently transformed by climate change, geopolitical tension, and urbanization, Dr. Norboo remains a steady, humble archive of Ladakhi history and resilience.

As he nears the end of his clinical career, our documentary project aims to preserve his story before the "Land of High Passes" loses its most tireless advocate. This film is a tribute to a life lived in service to those above the clouds, and an urgent look at the future of healthcare for the people who remain there.
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