Nobel Peace Prize Day Vol. 03, Issue 146, Print Issue 70, December 15, 2015 Tibet is important to the world’s environment concerns
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His Holiness: Make 21st century an era of dialogue By Yeshe Choesang: December 07, 2015
Ms Dicki Chhoyang, at the sidelines of the COP21 climate conference in Paris, France. Photo: TPI By angchen Dolma: December 11, 2015
Paris, France — “Tibet is important to the world’s environment concerns because it is considered as the ‘Third Pole’ for its glacial coverage after the two poles,” said Ms Dicki Chhoyang, a Tibetan minister who lead the Central TibetanAdministration’s (CTA) Climate Action for Tibet campaign at the sidelines of the COP21 climate conference. Ms Chhoyang, Kalon or minister for Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), Thursday (December 10) met with members of the French parliament at the French Senate. Ms Chhoyang was in Paris to lead the CTA’s Climate Action for Tibet campaign at the sidelines of the COP21 climate conference in Paris. The Presidents of the Tibet Group in the Senate and National Assembly, Senator Michel Raison, Deputy Jean Patrick Gille and Noel Mamere along with 18 other parliamentarians and their representatives, as well as the secretaries of the groups attended the meeting, according a CTA report. Speaking during the session, Ms Chhoyang highlighted the purpose of her visit to Paris as to create awareness about the importance of Tibet’s fragile ecosystem to the environmental issues facing the modern world, and to urge the parties to treat Tibet as such, beyond politics for the betterment of the entire humanity. “Tibet is important to the world’s environment concerns because it is considered as the ‘Third Pole’ for its glacial coverage after the two poles, ‘Water Tower of Asia’ for it serves as the sources of Asia’s biggest rivers, and as the ‘Rainmaker’ for its huge part in regulating the monsoon in south Asia”, Kalon said. Workshop for Tibetan healthcare staff held in Dharamshala
Bangaluru, Karnataka — The spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness The Dalai Lama said warm-heartedness is essential if we are to live happy lives and called the 21st century an era of dialogue, seeking mutually agreeable solutions. Arriving in Bengaluru city from New Delhi Sunday, His Holiness was welcomed by Tibetan representatives, including a delegation of abbots and senior moinks while costumed dancers performed on the forecourt, Ling Rinpoche was also among the well-wishers. As Sunday marked Ganden Nga-chö, the anniversary of Je Tsongkhapa’s passing away 596 years ago, His Holiness had agreed to take part in prayers with a group of Abbots, former Abbots and senior monks. They sat before a thangka of Je Rinpoche in a room in the hotel named the ‘House of Lords’. Chanting in crisp unison, they recited Tsongkhapa’s ‘Praise for Dependent Arising’, ‘Destiny Fulfilled’ and his ‘Secret Biography’ by Jamyang Chöjey Tashi Palden, founder of Drepung Monastery, concluding with praises to Mahakala, Dharmaraja and Mahakali. His Holines explained his plans over the coming days. “Now we should follow the example Je Rinpoche set and shun the path of the eight worldly concerns.” His Holiness was also greeted by a group of Indian Guides and Scouts who presented him with a Scout scarf. He told them that whether the world in future becomes a happier, more peaceful place or not will be in the hands of young people like them. Afternoon, His Holiness attended the fourth meeting of the Indian Philanthropy Initiative at the invitation of Azim Premji, the noted entrepreneur who led Wipro to widespread success and who was the first Indian to sign up for the Giving Pledge initiative started by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and billionaire investor Warren Buffett. Introducing His Holiness to what he described as a larger turn out than expected, he said the theme was empathy and kindness and invited him to address them. “I always start my talks by greeting my brothers and sisters,” His Holiness began. “Basically we are all the same human beings.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the fourth meeting of the Indian Philanthropy Initiative in Bangaluru, Karnataka, India on December 5, 2015. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
We’re born the same way and whether we are religious leaders, kings and queens or beggars and AIDs patients we all go the same way. We all want to live a happy life; we wish to be undisturbed and we all have the same right to achieve happiness. “When we are young as children we are unconstrained. As long as children are surrounded by affection, they are content; they pay no attention to nationality, race, faith or social status. As we grow up, these things come to concern us more; we focus on such secondary differences between ourselves and others. Meeting someone influential we smile, but in a calculating way, banking on what we might gain. Children don’t behave like that.”
Chinese police arrest two monks from Kirti Monastery in Tibet
His Holiness spoke of the many man-made problems we face, citing the kind of violence he has witnessed throughout his life from the Sino-Japanese conflict of the 1930s through to the Vietnam War and other conflicts today. He said that in the interdependent, globalized world in which we live now, the notion that one side might win a victory marked by the complete defeat of the opposing side is a sign of old ways of thinking in the face of a new reality. He said we have to find another approach, proposing that the 21st century should be an era of dialogue seeking mutually agreeable solutions. “I’m committed to the idea that all 7 billion human beings are equal and that if they are happy, I’ll be happy. We need the determination that arises from compassion and respect for others’ rights. We have a responsibility to bring an end to the gap between rich and poor, in which context we have to recall that we are all the same as human beings.” P-2... What are Tibetan nomads doing in the Swiss Capital of Berne?
Dr Tsering Wangchuk addressing the opening of the workshop at the Tibetan Reception Centre, near Dharamshala, on December 1, 2015. Photo: CTA/DIIR By Tenzin Chemi: December 03, 2015
Dharamshala — The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) held a three-day workshop on Health Information System (HIS) for Tibetan healthcare staff at the Tibetan Reception Centre, near Dharamshala, on December 1, 2015. Over 18 Tibetan health staff from Tibetan settlements across India are attending the workshop conducted by Ms Tenzin Tseyang and Dr Lobsang Tsering from the Health Department, according to a report by the CTA media. Kalon Dr Tsering Wangchuk attended the opening and urged the participants to share and impart their knowledge to their respective colleagues. He claimed that the ‘workshop aims to enable the participants on data collection and health information system, making basic disease diagnoses by the health care workers, understanding and reporting notifiable diseases, data collection on paper registers as well as computer softwarethe processes to send the collected data for analyses and dissemination of information to the stakeholders.’ It further said that the workshop is one of the five prime programs of the department including Primary Health Care, Tibetan Medicare System, Capacity building for Health staff and Healthcare access for the settlements in remote areas. The Department said it will also conduct similar workshops on TB, Hepatitis and Tibetan Medicare System.
The Last King of the Amdo Ngaba, Tibet
By Yangchen Dolma: December 05, 2015
Dharamshala - An event was held at the Kirti Monastery in Dharamshala, on December 5, to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of the last king of Amdo Ngaba region, Meo Trinley Rabten who fought against the encroaching Mao’s Red army in 1935, and worked tirelessly to protect Tibetan culture and religion under Chinese rule in the 1950s. More than 300 people attended the event, including the Tibetan parliament Speaker Mr Penpa Tsering, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, and Kirti Rinpoche, head of the Kirti Monastery.
What are Tibetan nomads doing in the Swiss capital? Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: December 08, 2015
Drukdra and Lobsang Gephel from Kirti Monastery in Ngaba County of north-eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI By Yangchen Dolma: December 03, 2015
Dharamshala — Two Tibetan Buddhist monks from Kirti monastery in restive Ngaba County of north-eastern Tibet, were arrested by Chinese police on unknown charges on November 30, 2015. ‘The two were picked up by Chinese police in a separate arrest at the same monastery in Ngaba county in Amdo region of northeastern Tibet, (Ch: Aba County, Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in the north-west of Sichuan Province),’ Losang Yeshe and Kanyag Tsering from Kirti monastery in exile told the Tibet Post International. “Lobsang Gephel, 28, was arrested and taken away by police from his monastery on , Ven Tsering said, adding “he is being detained in the county town. No further details” were made available. He is a former political prisoner, previously arrested in May 2011, eventually sentenced to 3 years in prison after taken into police custody for a long period. He was released early, at the end of 2013. “Gephel is from division no. 2 of the Me’uruma pastoral district,
eldest of the 9 children of father Urgyen Tsering and mother Lhamo Kyi,” Ven Tsering said. He joined the monastery at a young age and is presently a manager at the medical college. The sources said that “another monk, the 49-year old Drukdra was also arrested and taken from his room by police, on Monday night November 30, 2015.” He is also a former political prisoner, arrested in 2008 and sentenced to 1 year and 4 months. He is from Soruma township. Hundreds of Tibetans, including writers, bloggers, singers and environmentalists, have been detained or are imprisoned since 2008, after attempting to express their views or share news of the situation in Tibet with the outside world, and provides further evidence of a widespread crackdown against free expression in Tibet. Sporadic demonstrations challenging Chinese repressive rule have continued in Tibet since widespread protests swept the region in 2008, with more than 140 Tibetans to date setting themselves ablaze to oppose Beijing’s repression and call for freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Berne, Decemeber 7, 2015 — The passers-by were flabbergasted when they saw Tibetan nomads with a big Yak in the streets of Berne, the capital of Switzerland. Members from Tibetan Youth Association in Europe (TYAE) called with a banner for climate action for the roof of the world. Tibetan activists dressed up as Tibetan nomads and walked trough the streets of Berne with a huge Yak-costume. Because of the consequences of global warming as well as the forced removal by Chinese authorities they are displaced far from their homeland. The young Tibetans therefore demand human rights for Tibetan nomads including their access to land, water and that their cultural identity needs to be preserved. Tibet’s grasslands hold around one fifth of the world’s soil carbon. In Tibet it is the nomads who have sustainably maintained the fragile grasslands protecting the soil carbon. As the world struggles to curb greenhouse emissions, the ability to sequester carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases will become an increasingly valuable service. Maintaining Tibet’s grasslands is essential to tackling global climate change. Tibetan nomads have been active stewards using traditional based knowledge for over 8,000 years. To preserve the unique eco-systems of the roof of the word which is Tibet as well as the impact on downstream nations that will feel the impact of the fast glacial melt, the activists urge their countries to put Tibet on the agenda of COP21. TYAE president, Tende Yundung, says: „Tibet as watertower of Asia needs to be protected and Switzerland as watertower of Europe has therefore a big responsibility.”
FEATURE 2 TPI NEWS Dehradun – Another Home away from Home for the exiled Tibetans in India The Tibet Post International
December 15, 2015
By Dawa Dolma: December 14, 2015
Dehradun– It is well known throughout the globe that due to Chinese’s tragic and devastating invasion in Tibet, Tibetans are exiled and are scattered everywhere around the world. India, considering a worthy neighbor welcomed the major Tibetan refugees. Since from the leadership of the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1960s till today under the leadership of Sri Narendra Modi, Tibetans under the guidance and a radiant efforts from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama have been in hale and hearty without a bit of insufficiencies and difficulties to sustain and live our life to the fullest. Dehradun district which lies in the Uttarakhand – previously known as Uttar Pradesh state of India has been and is an another home away from home settlement or a colony for the Tibetan refugees. Having set many Tibetan settlements like Dharamshala, Bylakuppe, Mundgod, Shimla, Manali and Delhi. From the word of Mrs. Kunga, a resident there “Dehradun, where people from different religious and cultural background resides is a genuine homestay for Tibetans reminds us of our homeland back in Tibet which surrounds around by the hilly areas, cold winter days and scenic nature filled with forestry”. As per a mini survey work we undertook, Tibetans living there are scattered into many parts/regions of the district and three most populated of them are Deckyiling Settlement, Clemen Town Colony and Rajpur Settlement. 1. Deckyiling: Deckyiling is considered one the main Tibetan settlement in India. It is situated at the Sahastradhara road of the district and it was established in year 1981 for the Tibetans who are unsettled in Dehradun and also for the Bhutanese residing there. According to people staying there, “the upper and hilly parts of the housings or residents belong to Bhutanese and this areas are famously known as ‘Druk-yul’ and the rest other areas are
for the Tibetan people”. In the past, the settlers’ main livelihood depends upon the traditional handicrafts of the Tibetan carpet which is called ‘Sapten’, Tibetan women’s colorful apron known as ‘pangden’, shoulder bags and several woolen weavings like sweaters, socks, hats etc. However, with the passage of the time, development took place in the lives of the settlers and they initiated the bigger means of the employment like bigger sweater and jacket businesses transporting and selling at certain other cities and places of the India like in Jaipur, Kashmir, Gujarat, Delhi and Gurgaon etc. This kind of business is seasonal in nature and happens mainly during the winter season. Other seasons include other earnings like indulging into restaurants and many doesn’t work too much during such a season as summer. As per a source, 2 households are engaging into production of Tsampa (Tibetan Staple food) plough and raise crops and orchards yet there are fewer of them who plant and grow vegetables like Chinese cabbage around their vicinities. Educational Facilities: The educational facilities includes the prevalence of two mini schools in which one is for the Kindergarteners and another one an elementary school till 10th standard. Health Facilities: There are two hospitals in total in which one is traditional So-Wa-Rigpa based Men-Tse-Khang and another one a modern hospital. Monasteries: It is obvious that there is a monastery wherever a group of Tibetan settles into a certain places since religions, traditional customs and prayers are the inborn etiquettes of the Tibetan by nature. Hence, as per the field survey, there are three monasteries in Deckyiling colony as LhodhakDhinnyiand Thikche monasteries and a nunnery called SakyaTsun monastery. There is also a monastery nearby and at the same road as Deckyiling settlement called Drikung
He told the story of meeting with people living in Soweto, South Africa, after the end of apartheid, and speaking admiringly of the opportunities of their new found democracy. He was dismayed to hear a teacher lament that black Africans could never achieve what whites had done because their brains were inferior. His Holiness described arguing and cajoling him to understand that there were no such differences, that as human beings we are equal, and his relief when with a long sigh the teacher conceded that perhaps we are all the same. His Holiness suggested that to help the poor, the wealthy should create opportunities, providing educational facilities and equipment. However, he said that the poor in turn have to work hard and develop self-confidence. He remarked of Azim Premji: “He is already taking such practical steps through his educational foundations, while I only talk.” He said: “When there is a lack of concern for others, corruption and exploitation flourish. There is a growing consensus that in some aspects our current education systems are inadequate. We need to change that. In the past we relied on religious faith for ethical guidelines and human values. As a multi-religious nation, India drew up a secular constitution, secular in the sense of respecting all religions equally and even according respect to the views of those who have no faith. This is very relevant today, when out of 7 billion human beings, 1 billion declare they have no faith. They need ethical principles too. So we need to find ways of providing education and training in ethics that accord with scientific findings, common sense and common experience.” He continued: “If you live your life honestly and truthfully, you’ll be open and transparent, which leads to trust. And trust leads to friendship. This is something important to note, that the basis of friendship is trust not money. Warm-heartedness is essential if we are to live happy lives.” He explained that steps are being taken to draw up a curriculum to teach moral values from a secular point of
view, from kindergarten to university. He offered to share it with whoever is interested when it is completed in the New Year. He returned once again to his praise of India as a living example that people of different religions, different cultural traditions and speaking different languages can live peacefully side by side. While expressing admiration for India’s longstanding traditions of fostering inter-religious harmony and non-violence, His Holiness was also full of praise for ancient Indian psychology. He declared that it was highly developed and has much to teach us today; suggesting that studying it could lead to a map of the emotions that would contribute to an emotional hygiene to correspond with physical hygiene. Although he feels many modern Indians have lost touch with their ancient heritage he quoted a 15th century Tibetan scholar saying that although it was a land of snow Tibet was dark. Not until the light of knowledge came from India did Tibet become bright. In answering questions from the audience His Holiness mentioned the importance of a pride and self-confidence that is not arrogance. Similarly, he distinguished between the kind of healthy competition intent on success and reaching the top along with your competitors for the general good and unhealthy competition in which you want to defeat your competitors so only you succeed. Once again he commended honesty and truthfulness as ways to overcome fear and anxiety. Finally, asked to comment on the role of karma he replied that karma means action and action motivated by compassion is good. To complain that what happens to you is just the result of your karma is just lazy. Instead, recalling the Buddha’s advice that, “You are your own master,” we can change what happens by taking action. He ended: “When you help others, do so out of respect. Don’t look down on them. Serve humanity with compassionate intent. Thank you.”
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Editor in Chief Yeshe Choesang Chinese Editor Keary Huang Tibetan Editor Choneyi Sangpo Assistant Editor Dawa Phurbu Project Manager Molly Lortie Taipei Photographer Artemas Liu Layout & Design Choneyi Sangpo Circulation Tsering Samdhup
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Kagyu Institute known as Jangchupling monastery in kulhan and it has been inaugurated in year 1992. A senior monk working at the Institute said that His Holiness the DrikungChetsang Rinpoche was the personality behind this valuable initialization of re-naming and re-establishing the Drikung Kagyu monastery of Tibet in India. The monks from this monastery are mostly Ladhaki followed by Nepali and the least is Tibetan. There is also a big and an excellent library called “Songtsen Library” and a different monastery for the senior or college monks known as “Shelta Gonpa”. 2. Clemen Town: Clemen Town colony is another hub settlement for the Tibetans in Dehradun. It is away from the crowded city of the Dehradun and it is the town of the district. The town is a major tourist attraction place where there is presence of the beautiful and richly Buddhist monasteries, statues and stupas. With the accordance of the field survey, there are 3 major tourist engaging monasteries in Clemen Town as Mindrolling monastery, Drukpa Kagyu monastery and the Tashikyil monastery. The Mindrolling monastery is a Nyingma school of the Buddhist’s various sects. It was re-established in year 1965 of the Tibet’s Mindrolling monastery in India, Dehradun by His Eminence Khochhen Rinpoche. The 11th Trichen Rinpoche was well known and considered highly honorable by the Tibetan people all around. A young monk from the monastery said that the monastery educates young monks and nuns through scholastic Buddhist education and preserves Tibetan’s rich culture and traditional values and they are also educated with modern science and English. This tourist attraction monastery has many magnificent Buddhist arts and architectures like stupa, statues of Buddha and prayer wheels. The Great Stupa which inaugurated in year 2002 was constructed for prevailing peace and harmony to the world is considered an extra-ordinary where it holds several arts and shrine rooms. There is also Buddha garden where huge Buddha standing statue makes every visitor blessed and pious in nature. The garden is highly recreated and enjoyed by visitors and there is presence of canteen and various shops lined by selling certain precious Buddhist stuffs, normal clothes to various kind of necessity home goods and decorators etc.owned by the monastery. The staffs give constant care and attention to the infrastructures and areas cleanings and healthcare facilities and guest houses are provided. Another significant development in the monastery is taking where the standing Statue of the Guru Rinpoche is under the construction.According to the constructors of the statue, the complete building of the statue will likely to finish by coming 8 months and it is 110 feet long from the ground”. A laid shopkeeper there said that the statue is sponsored by the previous Director of the settlement, Mr. OrgyenDorjee and it is the 2nd largest statue of the Guru Rinpoche in India to prevail peace and harmony to the world. The Drukpa Kagyu monastery there is a Kagyu school and which presence its own statue of glorifying Buddha. The TashiKyil monastery is a Gyeluk school of sect. The livelihood of the people according to Tsekyi, an owner of an artic shop is the petty as compare to bigger cities and yet profitable enough business shops and restaurants. She also added that in the past, residents of clementown chose to have more restaurants but over a time people started to have more shops of any stuffs like variety of clothes and foodstuffs and edible truck shops. As a result, many although still exists yet fall down the number of restaurants comparing from the past few years. The town people also practices the handloom Tibetan Carpet handicrafts and production of the noodles and spicy chili famously known in Tibetan as “Thukpa and Sepen” are famous widely not in Town alone but throughout the colonies of Tibetan in whole India. For instance, KTenzinThukpa and Sepenare well known from Clemen Town Healthcare Facilities: Another Men-Tse-Khang in Dehradun is in Clemen Town colony and there is also prevalent of another modern Tibetan hospital too. Educational Facilities: There is one school along with a hostel residents and another one school under the construction. 3. Rajpur Settlement: As per Mr. Choeden, “the Tibetans in Rajpur settlement were mostly under rent in the past and their livelihood depends upon the traditional Tibetan Carpet factory established by the Tibetan Women’s Association. Since, many of them were under rent, Tibetan Government has set a new settlement for them as Raipur inside the Sahastradhara crossing road”. The famous Sakya monastery is located there in Rajpur road. SakyaCollege for higher education is at the Mussoorie road and nunnery at the Deckyiling colony. Beside these three mentioned colonies of Tibetan in Uttarakhand, there are also many Tibetans living at
The main gate entering Deckyiling (1), Clemen Town Shichak (2), Deckiling Men-Tse-Khang (3), The attractive Mindoling Monastery (4) and From the gate of Rajpur Tibetan Women’s Association (5). Photo: TPI/Dawa Dolma
Heberpur, Lakhandpur and Manduwala in Dehradun district. There is also S.O.S V.T.C centre at selakui where many Tibetan youths are bloomed through their half way from school to become a well-trained serving member to the society. Henceforth, the Dehradun district with its magnificent beauty and peaceful foothills of Himalaya is yet another home away home settlement for the exiled Tibetans in India.
According to Mr. kunkyab, “It is a grateful region where every settlers feel at home with blessings of every bit that we requires in our daily life. I genuinely feel the preciousness of such settlements all over the India without which we, as refugee might have been under severe troublesome”. Dawa Dolma is a final year BA Journalism student at Madras Christian College. He currently interns at the Tibet Post International.
Campaigners alarmed by opening of first KFC store in Tibet By Yangchen Dolma: December 11, 2015
Dharamshala - Campaign groups expressed alarm Thursday (December 10) over an announcement that KFC will soon open its first store in Tibet - more than a decade after the fast food giant’s last lambasted and abandoned attempt to enter the region. A KFC will be opened by a franchisee in the regional capital of Lhasa “to serve local consumers and tourists alike,” a representative for parent company Yum! Brand told AFP Thursday. “The restaurant will incorporate local design elements, provide employment opportunities, and support the development of the regional supply chain,” Yum! added. But the London-based group Free Tibet entreated Yum! to think beyond cosmetic issues of design. “There’s nothing in principle wrong with a Western company setting up shop in Tibet, but it’s always a source of concern because so far, very few companies have shown that they have any interest in bringing benefit to Tibet and Tibetans,” said campaigner Alistair Currie. KFC should ensure that Tibetans will be hired, trained and promoted fairly, and that the Tibetan language will be used in its store, he added, saying: “The onus is on Yum! to show that its commitment to the community is not tokenistic and superficial. They haven’t done that yet.” The new two-storey, 540-square-metre restaurant is scheduled to open as soon as January in a downtown Lhasa shopping mall, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. KFC also plans to build a 4.67-hectare frozen storage in the city’s suburbs “to prepare for further expansion in the region”, it added. DEVELOPMENT CONTROVERSY China, which has ruled Tibet since the 1950s,
has been accused of trying to eradicate its Buddhist-based culture through political and religious repression and large-scale immigration by Han Chinese. But Beijing insists that Tibetans enjoy extensive freedoms and that it has brought economic growth to the region. Foreign companies increasingly seek to tap into Tibet’s economic growth, with some such as the Intercontinental Hotel Group also stirring up controversy with their entry into Lhasa. Last year, the company opened its luxury “Lhasa Paradise” resort to the public despite the concerns of advocacy groups over human rights violations and religious repression in the region. KFC itself had planned to enter Tibet as early as 2004, but pulled the plug on the idea, saying it wasn’t yet economically feasible. The Dalai Lama, Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, wrote a letter of protest to Yum! at the time, declaring that the cruel treatment endured by chickens raised and killed for KFC “violates Tibetan values”. “It is quite natural for me to support those who are currently protesting the introduction of industrial food practices into Tibet that will perpetuate the suffering of huge numbers of chickens,” he wrote. Times have changed in the past decade. “Before KFC chose to enter Tibet, we already had some fast food restaurants such as Dicos,” Chen Biao, manager of the Lhasa Shenlishidai mall where the new KFC store will be based, told Xinhua, referring to China’s homegrown fried chicken chain. “The consumers in Tibet accept fried chicken and hamburgers well.” An online restaurant review penned by a visiting foreigner to Lhasa last month noted that a Dicos hamburger was a let down when “at a near by restaurant you can get a yak steak for the same price”.
Ancient Jokhang temple in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Photo: TPI
Human Rights 3 TPI NEWS Nothing to celebrate on Human China’s policy indicates a total absence Rights Day in Tibet: Sikyong of human rights in Tibet: TPiE The Tibet Post International
December 15, 2015
By Yeshe Choesang: December 10, 2015
Dr Lobsang Sangay addresing a crowd gathered, to mark the 26th anniversary of the conferment of Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama, at the main temple in Dharamshala, India, on December 10, 2015. Photo: TPI/Tsetan Tashi
By Yeshe Choesang: December 10, 2015
Dharamshala — Today is World Human Rights Day. “However, Tibetans inside Tibet have nothing to celebrate as the human rights situation inside Tibet is continuously deteriorating,” Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay Thursday said, here while addressing a programme to mark International Human Rights Day. Since 1950, December 10 has been celebrated as the Human Rights Day to create awareness of the Universal Declaration Of Human Rights as the common standard of achievement for all people in the world. Tibetans in exile across the world celebrated the 26th Anniversary of the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize Day, and marked the 67th Human Rights Day. Thousands of Tibetans and supporters assembled in the main temple to mark the anniversary. The political leader of the Tibetan people, Dr Lobsang Sangay addressed the crowds followed by Mr Penpa Tsering, the speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile. International Human Rights day was observed on December 10, across the world including the Tibetan community under the theme of “Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always” against abuse and violations of human values and to mark the anniversary of the presentation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In his statement to mark the day, the political leader of Tibetans Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay denounced Chinese authorities that “Tibetans inside Tibet have nothing to celebrate as the human rights situation inside Tibet is continuously deteriorating.” “The Chinese government’s white paper claims a ‘golden age for Tibet’ but in reality, neither economic benefit nor basic freedom is granted to the Tibetan people,” he said, adding that “Tibetan people continue to suffer political repression, economic marginalization, social discrimination, cultural assimilation and environmental destruction under China’s authoritarian rule.” “The self-immolation by 142 Tibetan men and women since 2009 is clearly a protest against Chinese government’s repressive policies and denial of the fundamental freedom of the Tibetan people,” Sikyong said. Responding to recent comments made by top Chinese officials, Sikyong said No rational person will accept such blatant lies. Mr Chen Quanguo, party chief of the so-called Tibet Autonomous Region recently said that the party members and cadres secretly practicing religion and following the “Dalai Clique” must be identified and subjected to severe punishment. Similarly, Mr Zhu Weiqun, an official of the self-declared atheist communist party of China claimed that Chinese government has the right to approve reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “The final authority based on both history and religious traditions in selecting the next Dalai Lama rests solely on the present Dalai Lama,” Dr Sangay said, “Neither the muscle nor money of the Chinese government will change the belief of the Tibetan people in His Holiness the Dalai Lama to appoint the next Dalai Lama.” The Middle Way Approach envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is aimed at the longterm benefit of both the Chinese and Tibetan
people and has galvanized support from governments, opinion makers, intellectuals including many Chinese writers and scholars, according to the statement. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has expressed its deep gratitude to the governments and peoples of the various countries which have raised the issue of Tibet with his Chinese government. “We would like to express our gratitude to both the US Congressional and EU delegation for standing up for the Tibetan people and supporting dialogue to resolve the issue of Tibet.” “Among the governments, the White House issued statements strongly supporting the Middle Way Approach. At the summit meeting, President Barack Obama this year publicly urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to engage in dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama or his representatives,” said Sikyong. He stated that “President Obama emphasised the importance and the need for dialogue to resolve the Tibet issue. On behalf of the Tibetan people, the Kashag would like to express our appreciation for such statements of encouragement and support.” “The US Congressional delegation led by Leader Nancy Pelosi to Tibet also urged the Chinese authorities for dialogue and expressed concerns regarding human rights situation in Tibet. The delegation also conveyed to the Chinese government the strong, bipartisan support His Holiness the Dalai Lama enjoys in the Congress of the United States and among the American people,” Dr Sangay said. “Similarly, Congressmen Jim McGovern, a member of the delegation, said that they had ‘some very heated exchanges’ with Chinese officials regarding issues related to Tibet. He has stated that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the solution, not a problem, to resolving the issue of Tibet,” he added. The CTA said that the “European Union delegation to China and Tibet also expressed concerns on the human rights situation in Tibet and the need for dialogue to resolve the issue of Tibet. The German Human Rights Commissioner, Mr Christoph Strasser, strongly rebuked the Chinese government for showing an incorrect reality of Tibet during their visit.” Speaking on the the recent meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Ma Yingjeou in Singapore, Sikyong said “It is also our considered view” that the meeting “will lead to peaceful resolutions of all outstanding issues between People’s Republic of China and Taiwan.” His statement also marked the 25th anniversary of Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “For decades, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has travelled to over 50 countries, published more than 100 books on the values of compassion, non-violence, universal responsibility and secular ethics,” Sikyong said, adding: “Deriving admiration and inspiration from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, more than 150 prizes and honorary degrees have been awarded to him.” “His Holiness the Dalai Lama advocates nonviolence and dialogue to resolve the issue of Tibet, interfaith harmony, human values and environment. For these extraordinary contributions, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1989,” he added.
Dharamshala — Chinese government’s strikehard campaign and failed hard-line policies in Tibet, “indicating in unmistakable terms the total absence of respect for human rights there,” the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in-Exile, Mr Penpa Tsering said, here while addressing a programme to mark International Human Rights Day. Tibetans in exile across the world celebrated the 26th Anniversary of the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize Day, and marked the 67th Human Rights Day. Thousands of Tibetans and supporters assembled in the main temple in Dharamshala to mark the anniversary. The day is observed across the world under the theme of “Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always” to mark the anniversary of the presentation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In his statement to mark the occasion, the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in-Exile, Mr Penpa Tsering denounced China for its lack of respect for human rights and the rule of law in Tibet. “In Tibet there is no end even to this day to the endless campaigns by such means as selfimmolations by the Tibetan people, indicating in unmistakable terms the total absence of respect for human rights there.” “In addition to the extremely poor human rights situation, restrictions on the Tibetan people keep on being tightened without any limit. For example, the Chinese government of Kham Driru Dzong has implemented various kinds of numerous controls and restrictions on the local Tibetans’ religious freedom,” Mr Tsering said. With great concern over the urgency of the situation, specially in Driru County of eastern Tibet, he said “the monasteries have been placed under controls and restrictions in all aspects of their functioning; monks and nuns have been expelled from their religious institutions, and bans and restrictions have been placed on the local lay-people’s practice of their religious faith. The monasteries have been turned into semblances of Chinese government offices while monks and nuns have been forced to act like members of the Communist Party of China.” Citing the recent reports on Tibet, the Speaker said the situation, “appealed to the international media and human rights organizations to pay attention and put pressure on the government of China to end the repressive practices.” Mr Tsering said that “the measures were designed to fundamentally destroy the traditional identity of the Tibetan people as well as their religion and culture with the sole aim to transform Tibet into a colony of China. Likewise, the campaign of investigating corruption in Tibet was ordered was to be used as a means to resolutely crackdown on officials and party members who follow the Dalai Lama.” “Thus party and government officials showing religious faith in His Holiness the Dalai Lama, people believing in religion, those receiving religious teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and those who had sent their children to study in schools run by the “dalai clique” have been ordered to be placed under investigation,” he stated, adding: “In the case of the situation in a place like Driru Dzong, the enormity of the tragedy resembles the period of the Great Cultural Revolution which had wrecked China in the past.” Speaking on the current situation in the Ngaba region of Tibet, the Speaker said “China very recently tried and jailed two Tibetan Buddhist monks for over three years. Other Tibetans continue to be arrested. Besides, even today, countless numbers of innocent Tibetans, including especially the young Panchen Rinpoche reincarnation, continue to remain disappeared after they were taken away or jailed. And under the violent repression of the Chinese government, they continue to endure untold suffering, including beating and torture.” “We therefore also take this opportunity to
addresing a crowd gathered, to mark the 26th anniversary of the conferment of Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama, at the main temple in Dharamshala, India, on December 10, 2015. Photo: TPI/Tsetan Tashi
make a strong appeal to the international human rights organizations and others to bring urgent pressure on the government of China to release these innocent Tibetans forthwith and also to put an immediate end to its unrestrained atrocities on the Tibetan people which are not only inhuman but in gross violation of all norms of international law,” the statement said. “With a view that the aspiration of the Tibetan people in Tibet who with indomitable courage and a selfless sense of brotherhood towards fellow-Tibetans continue to protest against the government of China, as well as with the hope that their immediate suffering may be seen come to an end,” he added saying, “the Tibetan Parliament in Exile has continued to carry out a series of campaign action.” “These have included carrying out various kinds of appeal actions directed at governments across the world, parliaments, prominent public figures, the news media, and the general public; and our campaigns continue without end,” Mr Tsering said. The Tibetan Parliament in-Exile has expressed its deep gratitude to all those in the international community who have given us support and emphatically urge them for continued support in future too. He further stated, “From the international community too there has been continuing support with showing of understanding, active displays of concern, and showing of sympathy and solidarity.” Just recently, a delegation of members from the United States House of Representatives led by former House Speaker Ms Nancy Pelso – who is also the current House Democratic and Minority leader – was able to visit China and Tibet and we offer them our congratulations. The members of the delegation discussed the issue of Tibet with the Chinese leaders both in Tibet and in Beijing. “Mr Christoph Straesser, the Human Rights Commissioner of the German government, visited China and parts of Tibet to investigate the human rights situation there and also discussed the issue of Tibet with Chinese leaders. We offer our thanks to him too. We remain hopeful that in future too, delegations like these from other countries as well as journalists will also make efforts to undertake visits to Tibet.” “We also call on the government of China to allow delegations, journalists, and others from other countries to undertake their visits without any orchestration or stage-management of events or concealment of the real situation in Tibet,” he further stated, saying “the issue of Tibet is such that there is no other way to ensure its resolution but only by undergoing the trials and tribulations of exposing oneself to the fires – and risking the burns – of dealing with the Chinese government.” It was for this reason that since 1974 His Holiness the Dalai Lama held a series of discussions with the top officials of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) on the subject of his proposal for a Middle Way Approach to dealing with the Government of China. Explaining the Middle Way Approach (MWA)
is the fundamental policy of the CTA, Mr Tsering said: And in keeping with the opinions of the general Tibetan public, he explained his proposal in his speeches before the US Congressional Human Rights Caucus and the European Parliament at Strasbourg. The opinions of the general Tibetan public were again sought thereafter and more than 64 percent of the Tibetan people expressed their support for the proposal. Hence, it was with the highest standard of democratic support that the MWA was adopted by the Tibetan Parliament in Exile in keeping with the democratic process. However, there are still a fair number of those who, failing to give in-depth consideration to the imperatives underlying the adoption of the MWA, give all sorts of interpretations to this policy, the Speaker said, adding: “The reality is that the Tibetan people are today faced with a dire situation marked by crippling hardship, with the dangers being obvious that it will not be long before the identity of Tibet and the Tibetan people, their precious culture and religious traditions, and their noble traditions and customs could disappear. “ “From the side of the leadership of the Chinese government too, there should be an actual implementation of the approach of seeking truth from facts, which is something they talk about all the time, instead of adhering stubbornly to their currently rigid hard-line policy. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has offered a MWA which does not seek “victory for oneself and defeat for the other side” but is mutually beneficial to both the Chinese and Tibetan sides and which is, in particular, fully within the framework of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China. The MWA therefore offers a basis for a solution to the problems on both the Chinese and Tibetan sides. It will enable China to see the fulfillment of its desire that Tibet should not secede from it. The desire of the Tibetan people not to see their traditional identity, religious traditions, culture, and environment disappearing or destroyed will also be fulfilled. We therefore reiterate our appeal to the leaders of China to pick up the requisite amount of substantive courage to realize in a timely manner the imperative to work for the fulfillment of these aspirations.” Speaking on the International Himalayan Festival, organised by the local host community to honour His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his noble deeds, Mr Tsering said that this occasion is also symbolizing “the bond of unassailable friendship between the Tibetan people and the local Indian people.” “These are highly laudable objectives,” he continued, expressing his thanks to all participants and organisers of the festival. The gratitude we owe for the friendship and help the government and people of India both in the centre and the state could never be forgotten,” he said, while reiterating with his appeal to everyone to continue to jointly contribute towards strengthening the existing fraternity between the two communities.
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The Tibet Post International Tibet News China jails two monks for staging peaceful solo protests in Tibet UN findings on torture is “vindication” “Chinese security personnel arrived at the site of reports says rights group of the protest shortly after,” they said, adding
December 15, 2015
Lobsang Kalsang and Dedhun Phuntsok, both monks from Kirti monastery in Ngaba County of North-eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: December 03, 2015
Dharamshala — Chinese authorities have jailed two Tibetan monks from Kirti monastery in Ngaba County of Tibet, for staging peaceful solo protests, both of which involved raising the banned portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “A court in Sichuan province sentenced Gedhun Phuntsok, 18, to four years in prison, while Lobsang Kalsang, 19, to three years and six months after it convicted them for peaceful protests against the Chinese regime in March,” Losang Yeshe and Kanyag Tsering from Kirti monastery in exile told the Tibet Post International. The trial against Phuntsok was held in Li county (Tibetan: Tashiling Dzong), Ngaba prefecture. “He was immediately taken to Mianyang prison near Chengdu where most of the political prisoners in Sichuan are held. No more details of the trial are known,” they said. “Phuntsok walked about for few minutes in the street (About 1:30 pm local, March 8, 2015) while raising a portrait of the Tibetan spiritual leader with a yellow Tibetan scarf, shouting
slogans such as “Equal rights for Tibetans in Tibet” and “the Return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet,” the source said citing contacts in Tibet. “Chinese security personnel arrived at the site of the protest after few minutes,” they said, adding “after that he’s disappeared. The sources said that “after the arrest his condition and whereabouts remain unknown. “Her father’s name is Tagya, and her mother’s name is Rig-go. Phuntsok is a native of Chayultso Chukley Gabma village, Ngaba County in Amdho Region of north-eastern Tibet Tibet (Ch: Aba County, Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in the north-west of Sichuan Province). He became monk at a young age at Kirti Monastery where he studied Buddhist philosophy and culture, and Tibetan language. “Kalsang also walked around for several minutes [at approximately 3.40pm local time, March 17] while carrying a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in his left hand and distributing wind-horse prayer flags while chanting “Freedom for Tibet!” Kanyak and Yeshi added, citing contacts in the region.
Human Rights abuse in Tibet: Missing Panchen Lama remembered By Yeshe Choesang: December 10, 2015
Dharamshala —As the whole world commemorate the 55th Human Rights Day on 10 December, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Thursday said the enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama remains the most prominent case of human rights abuse in Tibet over six decades of Chinese military occupation. To mark Human Rights Day, a book entitled “The Panchen Lama Lineage: How Reincarnation is being Reinvented as a Political Tool”, was released by the Department of Information and International Relations of the CTA. “The book documents events surrounding the disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama, condemnations by governments, parliaments and coverage by the world media. Insightful analysis by prominent China watchers and human rights defenders on the issue are also included in the book,” the CTA said in a statement to mark Human Rights Day. In the statement, the CTA said “Twenty years ago, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was recognized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of Tibet’s 11th Panchen Lama. Within three days of the announcement, he was abducted making him one of the youngest political prisoners in the world.” “The enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama remains the most prominent case of human rights abuse during the entire 65 years of Tibet’s occupation by the Communist China,” The CTA stressed, adding: “Even after 20 years, no significant progress has been made in this case and Chinese leadership has
continuously refused to reveal any information about him or his family’s whereabouts.” “This book is especially useful for those who have no or little knowledge about the enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and events surrounding his disappearance,” the statement further said. Highlighting the current human rights situation in Tibet, the statement said: Tibetans are arrested arbitrarily, detained and sentenced to imprisonment under guise of different name tags, such as “separatist”, “leaking state secrets”, and “Dalai Clique”. “A simple act of peaceful demonstrations against the denial of basic rights brings more arrests, prison sentencing and torture,” the CTA added, saying “At least 30 known Tibetans have died as a result of torture during detention, and more than 40 Tibetans have been sentenced to imprisonment for 10 years and more, since 2008.” The CTA has criticized China’s repressive policies that are the root-cause of these self-immolations in Tibet. “Tibetans of all ages and walks of life across the Tibetan plateau have resorted to tragic acts of self-immolation protest in the last few years. Since 2009, 142 Tibetans have self-immolated in Tibet.” The CTA repeatedly said the international community should press China to open up Tibet to independent fact-finding missions and the international media to probe the root causes of the crisis. Today, the Chinese government continues to rule Tibet with an iron fist, with policies designed to restrict and deny basic human rights, such as freedom of expression and freedom of religion.
that “Nothing had been heard of him since the time of his arrest that day.” Kalsang is a native of Chukle Gupma village, Charuwa Yultso, Ngaba County in the Amdho region of north-eastern Tibet (Ch: Aba County, Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in the north-west of Sichuan province). He joined Kirti Monastery at a young age to become a monk where he trained in Buddhist studies. His father’s name is Tsering and his mother’s name is Dechen. They have three children; Kalsang is the middle child and he is a cousin of Gendun Puntsok. In March 2008, Tibet witnessed a peaceful demonstrations in Tibetan capital Lhasa, which broke out in widespread protests all over Tibetits biggest protest in 20 years. China responded to the unrest with a deadly military crackdown. Human rights activists say China tramples on religious freedom and culture in Tibet, which it has ruled with an iron fist since Chinese troops invaded the region in 1949. The regime recently imposed severe restrictions on internet and phone connections throughout Tibet in a greater attempt to prevent information reaching the outside world.
Genocide in the 20th Century: Massacres in Tibet, 1966-76. Photo: Files By Steve Shaw: December 10, 2015
London — A UN body has found torture and ill treatment of prisoners to be widespread in China and Tibet and calls for broad legal reform.
Chinese hard-liner says reincarnation issue is a political power in Tibet By Yeshe Choesang: December 02, 2015
Dharamshala — The “reincarnation” of the Dalai Lama had never been a “purely religious matter” and the search for reincarnation is part of China’s “sovereignty” over Tibet, a hardliner in the Communist Party of China claimed, saying China will never give up, the right to decide the question of reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. An article written by Zhu Weiqun, the Director of the CCP’s United Front Work Department who was known for his hardline position against the Dalai Lama and Tibetan culture in the “China Tibet Online,” did not make a religious comment about reincarnations of Mao and Deng Xioping, but reiterated the CCP’s determination to choose the reincarnation of all Tibetan trulkus, “in order to ensure victory in the anti-separatist battle “ in Tibet. “In recent years the 14th Dalai Lama has talked more proactively and frequently about his own reincarnation. Although the Dalai Lama adopts a “playful” attitude toward such a serious issue,” said Zhu. “However, historical facts show that determining the existence of the Dalai lineage and reincarnation of the Dalai Lama had never been a purely religious matter, neither the individual rights of the Dalai Lamas themselves,” Zhu claimed, saying “it is an important political affair of the Tibet local government and an important manifestation of the Central Government’s exercise of sovereignty over Tibet.” The “title of the Dalai Lama first appeared in 1653 when Qing Emperor Shunzhi of the Qing Dynasty(1644-1911 A.D.) conferred to the Fifth Dalai Lama and the status was officially confirmed from this point,” Zhu continued, “The 14th Dalai Lama himself was chosen through approval from the National Government at the time to exempt the drawinglot ritual and sending an official to preside over the enthronement ceremony.” “Even in the case of the Tenth Dalai Lama, the authentic reincarnation had already been found and in reality this procedure was not followed, but in order to humour the Manchus it was merely announced that this procedure had been observed,” according to His Holiness’ official website. “The Golden Urn system was actually used only in the cases of the Eleventh and Twelfth Dalai Lamas. However, the Twelfth Dalai Lama had already been recognized before the procedure was employed. Therefore, there has only been one occasion when a Dalai Lama was recognized by using this method,” it said. The article further claims that the Dalai Lama was originally also the political leader of Tibet, Zhu continued, “anyone who has the title of Dalai Lama will have the political power in the region. For this reason, from long ago, the central government has never given up, and will never give up, the right to decide the question of reincarnation of the Dalai Lama”. The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has repeatedly commented about his reincarnation, saying only the Dalai Lama
Zhu Weiqun, chairman of the ethnic and religious affairs committee of the top advisory body to China’s parliament. Photo: Staterun Media Xinhua
has the authority to decide and no one else has the right to decide. “As early as 1960, I have made it clear – ‘officially’ that it is up to the Tibetan people whether Dalai Lama institution should continue or not.” His Holiness has commented that “he is not in a hurry” to decide on the reincarnation issue, the Nobel peace laureate pointed out that the Communist Party of China was seemingly more concerned about his reincarnation. “Today, Chinese government considers religion as a poison and they consider me as a demon. So, I would be a demon reincarnation. This is nonsense,” His Holiness said, adding: “If Chinese government believe in rebirth and religion, then they should start it from the reincarnation of Mao and Deng Xioping’s reincarnation.” Zhu like Zhou Yongkang, former Public Security Minister, is one of CCP hard-liners, who openly criticized His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the real source of peace and happiness in the hearts and minds of Tibetan people. Zhu who is also a hardliner creating an atmosphere of pervasive hostility to the Tibetan cultural identity once said, “The fact is that the fate and future of Tibet are in the hands of the Chinese.” Zhou was previously the Party chief of Sichuan province (1999-2002), presiding over the sentencing to death of a well-known and respected Tibetan lama, Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche and gaining a reputation for his hardline approach against dissent and Tibetan culture. He also engaged in a comprehensive cover-up of the torture, disappearances and killings that have taken place across Tibet. In 2008, Zhang Qingli, then the Party chief of the TAR, called the Dalai Lama “a wolf in monk’s robes, a devil with a human face but the heart of a beast”— which worsened the relationship between Chinese and Tibetans while creating more distrust, more fear and more problems in the Himalayan region. Many critics, including Chinese intellectuals say Beijing is beginning to realize, that its hardline policies in Tibet — whether they have generated economic growth or not — have failed to win the hearts and minds of the Tibetan people. The regime in Beijing may even be coming to the realisation that its hard-line policies in Tibet are making China less secure both internally and externally by creating fear and anger among Tibetans and others around the world.
The UN Committee Against Torture’s (CAT) “concluding observations” document has been issued following a two-day hearing, which questioned a large number of representatives of the Chinese government. “The Committee remains seriously concerned over consistent reports indicating that the practice of torture and ill-treatment is still deeply entrenched in the criminal justice system, which overly relies on confessions as the basis for convictions,” the committee said. The panel of 10 independent experts highlight particular concern over the Chinese government’s reluctance to provide information on 24 out of 26 Tibetan cases, each involving allegations of torture, deaths in custody, arbitrary detention and disappearances. Concerns are also raised over allegations of deaths in custody as a result of torture or from lack of medical care, calling for an independent investigation into a number of cases including the death of Tibetan monk, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. The Buddhist teacher died in a Chinese prison in July after his health deteriorated as a result of harsh prison conditions. His death sparked international condemnation and protests. He is just one in a long line of Tibetans to die in Chinese prisons. Written and oral evidence for the committee’s investigation was submitted by a number of rights groups, including Free Tibet. The group’s director, Eleanor Byrne-Rosengren called the conclusion, “vindication of everything we’ve published relating to torture in Tibet.” “In describing torture as ‘deeply entrenched in the criminal justice system’ the Committee makes clear their finding that torture is institutional in China and cannot be dismissed as the unauthorised action of over-zealous individuals,” she said. “The Committee opens and closes the document with their concerns about Tibet. The first paragraph of the recommendations notes that China has still not accounted for ‘events in the Tibetan Autonomous Region and neighbouring Tibetan prefectures and counties’ dating back to the previous review in 2008. The document goes on to criticise a number of failures, noting that many of them are repeat failures, and highlights all of the key issues raised by Free Tibet, Tibet Watch and Gu Chu Sum in our joint reports.” Their report titled Torture in Tibet contained graphic testimonies from torture survivors, which reflected CAT’s findings, including records of deaths in custody and details of continued degradation, abuse, and methods of physical and psychological torture. International human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch also reported on detainees being subjected to electric shocks, physical assaults and the use of interrogation chairs, commonly referred to as ‘tiger chairs’. Commenting on the findings, Sophie Richardson, China director at Human Rights Watch said: “China has shown no serious willingness to adopt the independent experts’ recommendations to eradicate torture and ill-treatment in detention. In doing so, the Chinese government rejects the core purpose of UN reviews, and deepens the pain of torture survivors.” She added: “These extraordinary recommendations reflect the UN Committee’s deep commitment to ending torture and providing support to torture survivors in China. But the question remains: Does Beijing share that commitment?”
December 15, 2015 INTERNATIONAL 5 Tibetans and supporters celebrate on Nobel Peace Prize Day
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The Tibet Post International
MEPs: Address the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet
By Yeshe Choesang: December 10, 2015
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addresses the European Parliament. Photo: File By Yeshe Choesang: December 11, 2015
Brussels — As the world observes Human Rights Day on December 10, the members of the European Parliament expressed strong concerns over the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet and urged China to resume dialogue with representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. International Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10, to commemorate the day on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “As the world celebrates Human Rights Day today, we, Members of the European Parliament, would like to express our concern regarding the deteriorating situation of human rights in Tibet,” MEPs said in a statement marking the special day. “Today, the oppressive crackdown on freedom of religion by the Chinese authorities and the shrinking environment for practicing Buddhism in Tibet are particularly alarming,” the statement said. The MEPs stressed that “China’s criminal law is being abused to persecute Tibetans and Buddhists, whose religious activities are equated with ‘separatism’, and the Chinese government has adopted a more pervasive approach to ‘patriotic education’, including measures to micromanage Tibetan Buddhist monastic affairs.” The condemnation by the EU came a few days after two separate delegations from the United States Congress and the German Federal Government’s Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid visited the Tibet Autonomous Region. “We are deeply worried by the endemic use of torture in Tibet and by the denial of access to medical care for prisoners, including late monk Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, who died in Chinese captivity,” the statement said. “Despite Chinese official assertions that China’s has adopted measures against torture, there are no indications of investigations into allegations of torture and mistreatment, let alone into cases of Tibetans who have been subjected to arbitrary detentions,” it added. The MEPs’ statement further says: “The recently drafted law on ‘counter-terrorism’, which facilitates the declaration of resistance to Chinese authorities as an act of terrorism, is just another expression of the broad range of suppression and human rights violations the Tibetans have to face in their own lands.” “This deterioration of the human rights situation in Tibet has led to the self-immolations of at least 143 Tibetans since 2009. We deplore that the Chinese government, instead of addressing the causes which led to these extreme acts of political protest, has recently responded with even more pervasive actions by punishing those allegedly ‘associated’ with self-immolators, including friends, families and even entire communities.” The statement has reiterated the EP’s strong support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s “middle way approach” as “the policy and means to achieve a genuine autonomy for all Tibetans living in the three traditional provinces of Tibet within the framework of the People’s Republic of China.” “The Chinese authorities are continuing their hardline policies against the Tibetan people, rejecting the Dalai Lama’s ‘Middle Way Approach’ which seeks neither independence nor separation but a genuine autonomy within the framework of the Constitution of the PRC,” it said. They continued, saying “We believe that this hardline approach, including the rejection of political dialogue between the parties, can only be counter-productive and damaging in the long-term, as it undermines chances of achieving a genuine stability and peaceful cohabitation.” The MEPs further urged China to respect the freedom of expression, association and religion of the Tibetan people, and release all those detained for the mere reason of having exercised these rights; conduct impartial investigations on all allegations of torture and illtreatment, in particular those resulting into deaths, and bring those responsible for such acts to justice. The MEPs have also urged China to restart a meaningful dialogue with representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The statement said: ‘Reenter as soon as possible into a meaningful and result oriented dialogue between representatives of the Chinese government and of the Dalai Lama.’ The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has launched a 12 month campaign under the slogan
“Our rights. Our freedoms. Always” to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the adoption of two of the most significant texts at international human rights law: the Universal Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Universal Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights that are the birth right of all human beings.
Dharamshala — Tibetans, locals and foreign tourists gathered at the main temple courtyard, in Dharamshala, India, on December 10, 2015, to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Sarween Chaudhary, former minister and BJP MLA from Shahpur, was the chief guest. Other dignitaries included Dr Lobsang Sangay Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), speaker of the Tibetan parliament-in-Exile Penpa Tsering, chief justice commissioner of the CTA Kargyu Dhondup, and other senior Tibetan officials. Describing His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the Messenger of Peace, Chaudhary said His Holiness the Dalai Lama kept alive the struggle for Tibet and the conferment of the Nobel prize on the Dalai Lama in 1989 was a victory of the peaceful approach of the Tibetans in resolving the Tibet issue. “His Holiness exerted constant efforts to maintain peace and harmony even in the face of extreme adversity caused by Chinese brutalities in Tibet. It is due to this peaceful spirit of reconciliation that Tibet enjoys the fervent support of India and the whole world,” Chaudhary said.
The celebration to mark the 26th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize Day at the main temple in Dharamshala, India, on December 10, 2015. Photo: TPI/Tsetan Tashi
In his statement to mark the day, Sikyong said Holiness the Dalai Lama advocates nonviolence and dialogue to resolve the issue of Tibet, interfaith harmony, human values and environment. For these extraordinary contributions, the Nobel
European Union raises human rights issues in Tibet with China By Yeshe Choesang: December 05, 2015
Dharamshala — The European Union raised with China the issue of human rights in Tibet during the 34th round of the EU-China Dialogue on Human Rights. The EU-China Dialogue on Human Rights in Beijing, on 30 November and 1 December 2015. “Both sides consider human rights to be an important part of their bilateral relations, as recognised in the Joint Statement adopted during the 2015 EU-China Summit,” said a press statement released on December 2, 2015, by the EU delegation following the meetings. The Summit “celebrated the 40th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic relations. For the past 20 years, human rights dialogues have provided an opportunity for the EU and China to engage in in-depth discussions on human rights,” the EU statement said, adding that the “dialogue allowed the two sides to have a detailed exchange of views on a wide range of human rights issues.” ‘The EU raised, in particular, concerns about recent developments in China, such as pending legislation on national security issues and the right to adequate housing and reform of the Hukou system,’ it added. The EU also raised “the rights of persons belonging to minorities, especially in Tibet and Xinjiang, freedom of religion or belief, off-line and on-line freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, the due process of law, arbitrary detention, torture and the death penalty.” It said that the “EU also articulated its concern at the ongoing detention of a number of human rights lawyers and activists who were arrested in July and August 2015. “ “Furthermore, some 20 individual cases were raised in the context of the discussion about China’s human rights situation to illustrate EU concerns, including those of Liu Xiaobo, Ilham Tohti, Hada, Pu Zhiqiang, Xu Zhiyong, Gao Zhisheng, Wang Yu and her son, Bao Zhuoxuan,” said the statement. The exchange about recent developments in the European Union began with an introduction on the 2014 European Commission report on the implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The EU delegation said that “the Chinese side raised the issues of migrants’ protection, xenophobia and religious discrimination in the EU. Cooperation in international fora and the implementation of recommendations from international bodies, in particular those made during China’s recent review by the Committee Against Torture, were also raised.” “Two further issues specific to this dialogue were discussed, namely the social integration of migrant workers in China and refugees and asylum-seekers in Europe and, secondly, environmental protection and human rights, with a special emphasis on the role of civil society organisations, the importance of freedom of expression and unimpeded access to information,” the statement added. Beijing also claimed that China “asked the EU side to fully and objectively look at China’s achievements in human rights and conduct human rights exchanges with China on the basis of equality and mutual respect.”
China and EU hold the 34th Human Rights Dialogue in Beijing, on November 30, 2015. Photo: PRC Foreign Ministry
The delegation of the European Union was led by Mr Ugo Astuto, Acting Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific in the European External Action Service. The Chinese delegation was led by Mr Li Junhua, Director-General for International Organisations and Conferences, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. Just a few days after the dialogue in Beijing, Chinese authorities have jailed two Tibetan monks from Kirti monastery in Ngaba County of Tibet, for staging peaceful protests, both of which involved raising the banned portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A court in Sichuan province sentenced Gedhun Phuntsok, 18, to four years in prison,
while Lobsang Kalsang, 19, to three years and six months after it convicted them for peaceful protests against the Chinese regime in March this year. In March 2008, Tibet witnessed a peaceful demonstrations in Tibetan capital Lhasa, which broke out in widespread protests all over Tibetits biggest protest in 20 years. China responded to the unrest with a deadly military crackdown. Human rights activists say China tramples on religious freedom and culture in Tibet, which it has ruled with an iron fist since Chinese troops invaded the region in 1949. The regime recently imposed severe restrictions on internet and phone connections throughout Tibet in a greater attempt to prevent information reaching the outside world.
What perceived in Tibet was a small reality: German rights chief By Yeshe Choesang: December 05, 2015
Dharamshala — German Human Rights Commissioner Mr Christoph Straesser who has led a delegation to Tibet, said what his delegation perceived was surely only a small part of reality in Tibet. Straesser’s comment came after Beijing said China and Germany held “candid” and “indepth” talks during their 13th Human Rights Dialogue in Beijing. During an interview with German newspaper Deutsche Welle, Mr Straesser rebuked the Chinese government for showing an ‘incorrect perception of reality’ during his recent visit to China and Tibet as part of the EU-China human rights dialogue. The Chinese State-Run Media Xinhua reported on November 25 that the dialogue was attended by top officials of the CCP, holding that the “dialogue was candid, comprehensive and deep and promoted mutual understanding.” “Both sides exchanged views on new progress and cooperation in human rights area, human rights and environmental protection, social integration and human rights and other issues,” it claimed. However, responding to a question on the freedom of religion and language in Tibet, Straesser said: “What we perceived was surely only a small part of reality in this region.” “But given the decades-long discussions held in Germany, there is also the impression that
Dalai Lama supporters aren’t allowed to freely practice their religion given that the Dalai Lama is seen in China as someone who is allegedly seeking state autonomy for Tibet.” “His supporters are in constant danger of having their rights infringed because of their affiliation. This also leads to more arrests and very unpleasant situations for these people,” he added. Describing the current situation in Tibet as a clear violation of the right to religious freedom, he said, “ However, we must take into account that only through persistent dialogue can we achieve that the Chinese government views the Dalai Lama as someone who is not seeking to divide the country.” “We also have to point to the fact that the Dalai Lama is also seen in our region – when he comes to Germany – as a religious leader and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who says he has no intention whatsoever of disentangling Tibet from the People’s Republic of China,” he said. The German Human Rights Commissioner also discussed the issue of political prisoners and other Chinese dissidents including the case of Gao Yu, an outspoken former journalist who was granted medical parole after she was sentenced to seven years in prison in April 2015. The Germany delegation paid a visit to Tibet. Beijing said it “hopes the tour will help the German side get a correct and objective understanding of the region.”
Peace Prize was awarded to him in 1989. Sikyong recalled that this year – 2015 – was being celebrated by Tibetan people and the CTA as the year His Holiness the Dalai Lama attained eighty-years of age. He said that the contribution which His Holiness the Dalai Lama made to the political cause of Tibet and the revival of Tibetan culture outside Tibet will forever be etched in the memories of the Tibetan people and in history. “The Middle Way Approach (MWA) seeks for a genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people within the framework of the Chinese constitution. The Chinese government always allege that Tibetans aim to split the nation, which is why we have taken into consideration not to challenge the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China,” Sikyong explained, adding that this proposal is as reasonable and moderate as one can get to resolve the issue. “The Chinese government’s white paper claims a ‘golden age for Tibet’ but in reality, neither economic benefit nor basic freedom is granted to the Tibetan people,” he said, adding that “Tibetan people continue to suffer political repression, economic marginalization, social discrimination, cultural assimilation and environmental destruction under China’s authoritarian rule.” Calling His Holiness as the champion of world peace, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament Penpa Tsering in his speech said, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has shouldered hundred-fold hardships, traveling repeatedly to many places in countries both in the East and West to bring peace and happiness to the world. Mr Tsering quoted a recent remark by His Holiness on MWA to elucidate his point. “Today you have told me that you follow the Middle Way Policy with a genuine sense of commitment and belief in it and that there is no change in your stand. This had made me feel enormously happy. The Dalai Lama is a person with concern about Tibet. He will think only about what is beneficial to Tibet. He has shouldered responsibility as the temporal head and spiritual leader of Tibet for nearly 60 years. Today, when I have reached 80 years of age and am in retirement and am being told that what I had done was improper, sometimes I feel a little disappointed. I have worked with a genuine sense of commitment. If instead of being thanked I am now told that there has been a shortcoming on my part, I feel upset. Do you understand? Hence, being told that you are wholeheartedly committed to the approach that we have adopted as our fundamental stand and are working diligently for it has made me feel very happy. I want to express my thanks to you for it.” The Speaker stressed that “His Holiness himself felt driven to express such a feeling of disappointment in his speech is a cause of unbearable concern in our hearts.” He urged his fellow Tibetans, to show concern for the greater good of the collective merits of the Tibetan public in general on the basis of the approach of “no mistakes, no regret”. Mr Ram Swaroop from the Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association, in his speech, applauded the contributions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to bring peace in the world and for affirming brotherhood among diverse peoples. The Department of Information and International Relations of the CTA released a book entitled “The Panchen lama Lineage: How Reincarnation is being Reinvented as a Political Tool”. The colorful cultural performances by local Indian and Tibetan dance troupes, marked conclusion of the official ceremony.
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TPI NEWS
December 15, 2015
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Horoscopes for the Month of December, 2015 Sorces: Always Astrology ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Don’t let your emotional partner upset you this month. Romantic relationships could be under pressure. Opportunities will come through behind the scenes activities. Your own small business on the side sounds pretty lucrative. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Avoid getting involved with married individuals. Responsibilities with respect to older relatives may be a burden. Travel will be on your mind, but you should be sure that you’ve got all your work up-todate. Get involved in sports groups or hobbies that attract you. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Don’t let situations get out of control. You have made an accurate assessment of the situation and have come up with ideas that will save money. Find out more, if you want to start your own business. Your best efforts will come through investments concerning your home. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Your ability to help others will win you points. Try to understand their point of view. Your outgoing charm and obvious talent will be admired. Problems with your mate will develop if you don’t let them have their way. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Use your quick wit to win points with friends. Make the necessary changes that will enable you to advance financially. You’ll feel much better when your slate is clean again. You can make career changes that may put you in a much higher earning bracket. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Home improvement projects will go well if you delegate work to all your family members. You will find it easy finalizing personal papers if you make an effort. If it can make you extra cash, it will be even better. Show what a dedicated person you can be. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.
CANCER (June 22-July 22) You will be emotional about money matters. You have a lot to offer. You may have difficulties at an emotional level with mates. Your partner may push buttons that infuriate you. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You need an outlet. You will drive your emotional partner crazy this month. You will enjoy the interaction with youngsters and take great pride in the projects you’ve completed. Job changes are in order. Go for interviews or send out resumes. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Your attitudes at work will open new avenues for you. You should consider submitting some of your written work for publication. Jealous colleagues may try to undermine you. Someone may not be thinking of your best interests. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Business and emotional partnerships will run smoothly. Your partner may not understand your mood swings but if you are willing to communicate, a lot of grief can be avoided. Consider applying for a job in another part of the world. Put something away in case of an emergency. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Your attitudes are changing rapidly. Elders may get you going this month. Females may put demands or added responsibilities on you. Put your plans into motion by presenting your intentions to those who should be able to give you financial support. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Make sure that new mates live up to your high standards. Overindulgent people will cause disruptions in your life. Try to be considerate in your personal obligations. You can clear up important legalities and sign contracts this month. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
TPI NEWS
December 15, 2015 Exile 7 Tibetan EC declares preliminary election result, current Sikyong leads Tibetan language most accurately expresses knowledge of mind
The Tibet Post International
Chief Election Commissioner Mr Sonam Choephel Shosur (C) with Additional Election Commissioners; Geshe Tenpa Tashi (R) and Mr Tenzin Choephel (L) holding a press conference in Dharamshala, India, on December 4, 2015. Photo: TPI/Dawa Phurbu By Garima Pura: November 04, 2015
Dharamshala — The Election Commission of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) announced the results of the preliminary elections of the16th Tibetan Parliament-inExile that took place on 19th October, 2015. Dr Lobsang Sangay, the current Sikyon maintained a lead by bagging 66.71% of votes. The second most voted candidate, Penpa Tsering, TPiE Speaker got 23.47% votes. Lukkar Jam followed with 5.59% votes, Tashi Wangdu with 4.11%, Tashi Topgyal with 0.083% and lastly former Kalon Tripa received 0.039. A total of 45,733 votes were recorded. Tibetans from India, Nepal and abroad participated in the voting. The voter turn out was approximately 53% of registered voters”, said Tenzin Norbu, Deputy Secretary of the Election Commission of the CTA. The Tibetan election commission, as per the electoral rules, has shortlisted a total of top six candidates for the final round of Sikyong election due to be held on March 28, 2016.Estimates show that some 90,000 of the approximately 150,000 Tibetan exiles worldwide are above the age of 18 and are eligible to vote. Article 67 of the electoral rules and regulation states that the election commission, after giving opportunity to withdraw candidature, should shortlist not more than six candidates for Sikyong from the preliminary election and not less than two candidates for the final election. “However, if the vote margin between the second and third candidate is less than 20% in the preliminary election, three candidates shall be shortlisted for the final Sikyong election. If two candidates poll equal highest votes in the final election, the decision as to the winner will be made then,” said Mr Sonam Choephel
Shosur, Chief Election Commissioner who presided over the conference. “Although, if the votes counted for the 3rd candidate are less than 20% of 2nd, then only top 2 will participate in the elections”, he added. The election commission (EC) has also shortlisted 40 candidates each from the three traditional provinces of Tibet, 8 candidates each from four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon religion, North & South America, and Europe. Four candidates are shortlisted from Australasia. The EC is yet to announce a final candidate list from 180 people, who will compete for the 45 seats in the exile Tibetan Parliament.
The final rounds of the elections to be held on March 28, 2016 will elect the third directlyelected prime minister of Tibet’s government in exile and the members of the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. On being asked about the expectations of the voters and the probability of Dr Sangay being re-elected, Mr Tenzin Norbu replied, “Tibetans only want peace and re-election of Dr Sangay, only time will tell. Loosening the grip of the Chinese is also one of the agendas of the CTA as of now. Our envoys are placed and dialogue is most welcome”. Mr Choephel said that Sikyong candidates should confirm their candidature between December 5 - 24, 2015 by submitting a letter of confirmation to the EC through the local Commission. This should include the candidate’s name, age, date of birth, Green book number, brief biography in Tibetan Himalayan font 16 (not exceeding 18 Lines) with a recent passport-sized photo in colour. Candidates of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile should submit their letter of confirmation from December 5, 2015 and not later than January 18, 2016. The letter of confirmation should contain the candidate’s name, age, date of birth, Green book number, brief biography in Tibetan Himalayan font 16 (not exceeding 18 Lines) with a recent passport sized photo in colour. Those who would like to withdraw their candidature should do so by writing to the Election Commission. Withdrawal of candidature won’t be allowed once the final list is announced. If a candidate fails to confirm their candidature before the due date, the candidate would be considered unwilling to contest the election. Additional Election Commissioners; Tenzin Choephel and Ven Tenpa Tashi were also present at the occasion.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and special guests during the celebration the 26th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize in Hunsur, Karnataka, India on December 10, 2015. Photo: Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL By Greg Davis: December 13, 2015
Dharamshala — Youth in city is always on the hunt for an escape that is rooted in character and personal in essence. A cozy escape that as soon as stepped into, swoons them away with pocket friendly food, a peaceful read and music that makes nostalgia smile ear to ear. McLeod Ganj is a delight for an audience of this kind. Not just because food here is delicious and that the Tibetan owners will accept you as their own. More so, because they are a smiling bunch of ‘Tashi-Delek’ (Tibetan for Namaste) speaking people, who’d make you feel welcome even if its 30 minutes over their closing time.The interior and seating of the cafes here is very aesthetic and
Tibetans and supporters hold cleanup event in McLeod Ganj By Tenzin Chime: December 10, 2015
Dharamshala — Tibetans, Indians and supporters Wednesday held a mass cleanup around the McLeod Ganj town in celebration of the 26th anniversary of Noble Peace Prize to Holiness the Dalai Lama. The cleanup event was organised by the Clean Upper Dharamshala of the Tibetan Settlement Office (TSO) based in Dharamshala, on December 9, 2015. The cleanup are held twice in a month with individual volunteers. But the organiser is also working for the same on daily basis. With several announcements, today’s cleanup event was participated by around 60 volunteers, include Tibetans, Indians, foreign tourists and members of the Regional Tibetan Womens’ Association, Handmade Recycle Workshop, and Tibetan Shoppers’ Welfare Society. The participants were divided into two groups,
Tibetans, Indians and supporters hold a cleanup event in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, India, on December 9, 2015. Photo: TPI/Tsering Norbu and Tashi Dolma
covered different locations, including the Main Square of McLeod Ganj, Temple Road and the Jogiwara Road. The organiser said that the solid waste is also becoming a critical problem where people still illegally throw garbage. “Today is eve of the 26th anniversary of Noble Peace Prize to Holiness the Dalai Lama and we
want to show a sense of care to the environment in Dharamshala, while trying to bring a change in garbage disposal,” said Mr Ngawang Sonam, working committee member of the Clean Upper Dharamshala. “The Himalayan town is a place where His Holiness the Dalai Lama lives and the base of the Tibetan government-in-exile where many Tibetans live, I think it is our responsibility to keep the environment clean,” Mr Sonam stressed. Sonam thinks people should aware of the ways to maintain the environment clean. He urges others to join the Clean Upper Dharamshala for upcoming events. “We would like to extend the plead for support of more people to join us in creating more awareness on the environment and how to fix the garbage disposal,” he added. Tenzin Chime is a final year BA Journalism student at Madras Christian College. He currently interns at the Tibet Post International.
Journey of teaching Tibet: Educating a Tibetan life in exile By Garima Pura: December 08, 2015
Dharamshala — Deep in murky waters of neglect, here’s an account of one of the brave heart Tibetans who among many risked her life in the hope of leading a better one when undertaking the journey from Tibet to India. Among a dozen volunteers who arrive from across the globe and help Tibetans, Sehr Raheja (19 years), a media student from Pune shares her journey with one of them. “My maternal lineage is from Dharamshala. I had been exposed to the Tibetan struggle for far too long to not do anything about it. As a part of the volunteering, I have gotten the chance to understand the intricate folds of this community so rooted in culture and unpolluted in their hearts” Sehr has been undertaking English conversation classes for monks since a month now and also personally teaches basic Hindi to one. She is also a personal tutor (English language) for Akee (23 years) who escaped from Tibet in 2005. “The motive of language is expression. From Akee’s writing exercises I have inferred that she derives them from her thoughts on her Life before India, Life in Exile and all her aspirations that she has for her future.” Turning the dated pages of her notebook for home assignments, Akee arrives at Sehr’s favourite prose by her. “She describes her dream. She talks about
being chased by a bear and the fear of the same souring the dream. Her only respite from this nightmare is her vision of her father, who makes it a memorable one. Hence she calls it ‘both good and bad,’ in the concluding line.” Akee’s last memory of her father is from the time when they were attempting to escape Tibet. She hasn’t heard from him since except irregular and unpredictable phone calls. Her father couldn’t escape the Chinese. He was released after 3 months of imprisonment. In the Tibetan colony, she has found home with her cousin brother who works at a culinary outlet. A humble shelter, her home of a room is also the most warm place to snuggle in her chirpy company. Meanwhile, her brother ensures that you’re fed enough pancakes and peach tea! “Her brother pointed towards a kettle and asked me if I wanted to take it until my stay here in McLeod Ganj. she offered the only heater in the room. This underlying generosity and ability to put other before the self in Tibetans, is very overwhelming”. Sehr proceeds to teaching Akee whose syllables are tumbling over each other attempting to pronounce a word that was taught to her 7 days ago. It is a word of 4 syllables for ‘keeping both sides happy by clever use of words and strategy,’ Akee tries to recall. “Dee-maa-ci?”, Akee inquires sheepishly from Sehr, looking for approval “Di-plo-ma-cy”, Sehr corrects her.
Sehr Raheja with Akee in McLeod Ganj. Photo: TPI/ Garima Pura
They break into a fit of laughter post which I hi5 Akee on her perfect diction of the word ‘Diplomatic’. Sehr asks Akee what the hi5 means pointing towards my hand, to which Akee responds, “Motivation!”, almost instantly. “My small ambition is to learn English, get education and become a good hairdresser” Akee’s hairdressing has already been tried upon Sehr’s close-cropped hair, now, shorter than I can recall. Sehr very promptly then advertises Akee’s salon skills by swinging her head with no hair to follow and exclaims, “Pe Yakpo Duk!”, Tibetan for ‘very good’. I leave the teacher-student duo to make the most of their 2nd hour of the day together, “Akee has English to learn,”says Sehr. Garima Pura is a second year journalism student at the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (SIMC) in Pune.
intimate, each personally inspired by the locals. They literally invest a quintessential part of themselves in their cafes. Also, as much as your favorite café serves well for an escape into wonderland with plenty to read and feed on, in McLeod Ganj, it doesn’t feel isolated as soon as you step out, as it might seem abandoning when bidding your favorite café goodbye in the palace of concrete, the city. So, while you rest in your comfort launch pads that stuff you with enough good food, books, space and feels to prepare you for the rest of the day, here’s where you can nestle when in McLeod Ganj! Mr. Tenzin will mostly greet you in Four Season’s café. You can find yourself a cozy corner at Four Seasons. The sun will filter through the glass walls from the side of the street, anyway. “Thukpa and Tibetan butter tea would be my favorite picks any day”, says Sehr Raheja, who has stayed in Mcleod Ganj for 15 days now and credits her happy mornings to the regular breakfast she has here, on most days. “My parents fled from Tibet, we have since then been brought up in India, the Dehradun colonies of Tibetans”, says Tenzin, who has also been a student of Buddhist Philosophy. “Buddhism originated in India. We do not relate to the Buddhism of China. The culture- more inclusive and less interruptive, the language- derivative and shared sometimes, we belong more to India.” says Tenzin while pointing towards the flags with the famous chant ‘Om Mane Padme Om’ and explaining its similarity to Sanskrit. “We just want to live in peace”, simplifies Lhamo, who runs Lahmo’s Croissant with her husband. Walking into Lhamo’s Croissant is like passing the threshold of your bedroom to enter the dining hall after a fresh nap from the cradle. Full-size pictures of members of a family adorning the walls, almost kissing the low ceiling will make you question if your descent is Tibetan and the people in the posters, yours. “They are in a happy place”, she tells about her husband’s family in the pictures. “I’d rather choose my family’s nomadic way of life. Things are easier there. Here we have rent, staff, ourselves to pay for”. A pethora to choose from the French Cuisine on her Menu, Lhamo is the host you’ll order to while she smilingly shoulders the faith to make your afternoon! She fled Tibet with 6 of her friends and left behind her family, still traversing Tibet as nomads. “I went to Madras for 2 and a half months, in the French Colonies there, I learnt how to cook!” she shares the story of her culinary origins. “I have been running restaurants since 10 years in McLeod”, says a confident Dorjee, who runs Norling café with her husband. “The café business is not that rewarding anymore. They are a hundred of them on this road only! There’s a lot of competition and we don’t get much to ourselves in the end”, she shares as her 7 year old daughter dances to a number by Bruno Mars. “The best thing about Norling is that a hearty smile awaits me from Ajit before my tomato soup and American chopsuey arrives.”, recalls Sushant Bhat, a regular customer. Just in case you make it, get yourself the corner seat behind the counter beside the window. You’ll then have to yourself the back of a momo-seller whose braided hair in an artsy assembly, with Tibetan jewelry hanging off the hedges of a roadside vendor’s in the background and the some-what busy street will suffice as company for rest of the meal.
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December 15, 2015
TPI NEWS
Back Page Focus
His Holiness says, Let China build Tibet but protect its ecology
His Holiness the Dalai Lama responding during his meeting with press and his talk at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India on December 7, 2015. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL By Victor Reyes: November 09, 2015
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, 7 December 2015 — During interviews this morning with Elizabeth Jane of the Trans Asia News Service and BD Narayankar , His Holiness addressed a wide range of subject including historical missteps on the handling of the Communist Chinese. In response to questions about relations between Tibet, China and India, His Holiness said that while there is no formal Sino-Tibetan dialogue currently taking place, informal links with informed businessmen, retired officials and so on exist. He said it is hard to say how things will work out. There have been reports that when President Xi Jinping seemed to be about to take a more conciliatory view of Tibet, hardliners strongly opposed it. He regretted the fragmentation of Tibet that took place after the 9th century assassination of the Tibetan Emperor. He speculated that things might also have been different if the 13th Dalai Lama has remained in Lhasa when the Younghusband expedition reached there in 1904. He noted several other lost opportunities such as when the advice of a high Tibetan official, who visited India on pilgrimage in 1946 and witnessed the Indian drive for independence, was ignored. He had recommended making contact with Indian leaders, but nothing was done. Similarly, in 1948 the Government of India sent a message to the Government of Tibet warning of the impending Communist victory in China and its potential ramifications. This too was ignored. Once Chinese troops occupied parts Eastern Tibet in 1950/51, the Tibetan Government tried to raise the issue at the UN, without success. “I don’t feel Nehru made big mistakes over Tibet. The Government of India tried to warn Tibetans, who didn’t respond. Narasimha Rao pointed out to me that India didn’t recognise Tibet as a part of China, but as an Autonomous Region of China. The Shimla agreement is regarded as valid.” Asked whether the Middle Way Approach remained a practical option, His Holiness said, “Let China build Tibet, but protect its ecology and natural resources. We should also be allowed to preserve our culture and language.” Asked if His Holiness has suggested the next Dalai Lama could be a woman. He agreed that it is possible and cited the established precedent of Samding Dorje Phagmo, a line of female reincarnations almost as old as the line of Karmapas, the first reincarnate Lama in Tibet. He also reiterated his stance that the use of violence by Buddhist monks in Myanmar and Sri Lanka never be justified. As to whether there are ways to counter the radicalization that is taking place, he suggested that generally speaking the human mind not only resists being told what to do, but is curious about what is forbidden. A better approach may be to explain that if people behave in one way, this will be the result, whereas cultivating harmony, another approach, will yield a different result. “One of the features of Nalanda University,” he said, “was that a wide range of views were expressed and explored. People were able to study and compare them, drawing their own conclusions, without having to follow any rigid line of thought.” His Holiness also said India’s image has improved so far under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and contrasted the freedom of expression in India along with access to information in the United Staes with totalitarianism and restrictions on information in China. His Holiness added that the Chinese judicial system needs to be raised to international standards so that ordinary people can also
obtain protection. He mentioned Chinese writers he met a couple of years ago in New York saying that China was now at its lowest point, morally speaking, for 5000 years. His Holiness then spent the afternoon at the National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS) attending a conference conference on Integrating Scientific and ContemplativeApproaches to Explore the Mind was held in conjunction with the Garden of Samadhi Mind Centre. Addressing the conference, His Holiness said, “I always make clear that we all the same as human beings, physically, mentally and emotionally. I too am just a human being. I’d like to tell you about some things I’ve learned that are helpful for maintaining a calm mind. One is that the practice of altruism gives rise to inner strength. Another is that because of the dependent arising of all things, looking at them from different angles enables us to better assess reality, so our approach is realistic. Many of the problems we face are actually our own creation. This is not because any of us want problems, but because, despite our wish to
live a happy life, we act out of ignorance and short-sightedness. “We have a marvellous brain, but we have to use it properly. A scientific approach is to be skeptical, to research and experiment. This is a method I admire and which I believe accords with the stance of the Nalanda masters of the past. Ancient Indian psychology is highly developed, while modern psychology has not yet caught up. We need to examine and analyse this to see what is relevant for us today. Modern science has thoroughly examined the material world, while Buddhist science possesses profound understanding of the working of the mind and emotions.” His Holiness drew an important distinction between appearance and reality and its role in combatting destructive emotion, for example, he shared how Aaron Beck pointed out to him that when we are angry the object of our anger appears to be very negative, but 90% of that is mental projection. During the audience questioning, His Holiness discussed the similarities and differences between Hinduism and Buddhism, stating that although ethics, concentration and wisdom are a focus of each, the main difference surrounds the Buddhist believe that there is an absence of the existence of an independent self. Another question related to validation of modern psychology through research, His Holiness responded that “Modern scientific research depends on the use of instruments to see and measure the object of investigation. This can’t easily be done with the mind. However, not being able to see something doesn’t necessarily mean it doesn’t exist. It is also the case that insufficient attention has been paid so far to the distinction between sensory consciousness and conceptual consciousness and the differing effects they have on the brain.” In closing His Holiness said “We all have a responsibility to ensure the welfare of humanity, let’s all try to make this a happier more peaceful world. We have to find ways to promote an acceptable, universal approach to ethics or human values. Open hearts encourage a sense of security and trust that is the basis of genuine friendship, which is to everyone’s benefit “
Himalayan festival marks Nobel Peace Prize day
The 20th International Himalayan Festival at Hotel Bhagsu in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, on December 10, 2015. Photo: TPI/Dawa Phurbu By Jampa Nyendak: December 11, 2015
Dharamshala — A two-day 20th International Himalayan Festival held McLeod Ganj, India, to mark the 26th Anniversary of Nobel Peace Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The event was attended by hundreds of Tibetans, local Indians, and foreign and domestic tourists. The crowd who came to witness the grand performances of traditional folk dances and songs that were on display at the Hotel Bhagsu Hotel ground, to honor His Holiness for his noble deeds. The annual festival, organized by the Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association (ITFA) of Dharamshala, was attended by chief guests; Dr Lobsang sangay, Sikyong or head of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and Mr Balbir Thakur, Additional District Magistrate of Kangra. Addressing the event, Dr Sangay underlined the strong bonds of friendship and affinity shared by the people of Himalayan regions particularly the Tibetans and Indians. He called for the need to maintain these bonds and expressed the wholehearted participation and cooperation from the CTA for the same. Sikyong also expressed gratitude to the state and central government of India for hosting the Tibetan people and His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the last over five decades. “Since the occupation of Tibet by China in 1959, the Indian government has graciously hosted the Tibetan people in India. We are deeply grateful for the help and hospitality provided by India in our time of trial and tribulation,” he said. Dr Sangay praised His Holiness the Dalai Lama for choosing the Himachal Pradesh as a place for Tibetan
refugees to live. He also urged Tibetans to work for the peace, while making the community, to ensure that making environmentally friendly. Sarween Chaudhary, former minister and MLA from Shahpur, who was the chief guest at the official event the main temple, explained that the two countries share religious, cultural and linguistic connections, and described Tibet as a sacred place for Indians. Emphasising the centuries-old bonds of friendship shared by Tibet and India, Chaudhary also encouraged the twocommunities a mutual respect for each other’s traditions and languages. Explaining the Tibetans are became part of Himachal Pradesh, Mr Thakur said will support the Tibet and its cause. He also expressed his hopes that Tibetans will be able to return to their home one day soon. Speaking on the festival, the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in-Exile, Mr Tsering in his speech said this festival is also symbolizing “the bond of unassailable friendship between the Tibetan people and the local Indian people.” The festival was started in 1995 to commemorate the international recognition of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s peace initiatives with the prestigious Nobel Prize for peace on 10 December 1989. The organizers say “it is aimed at bringing different cultures and people across the Himalayas on a common forum, and foster understanding, appreciation, exchanges and dialogue among the people of the region.” Jampa Nyendak is a final year BA Journalism student at Madras Christian College. He currently interns at the Tibet Post International.
The Tibet Post International
Tibetan Parliament luncheon offers thanks to HP
Hon Chief Minister, Sri Virbhadra Singh, Speaker of Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Sri Butailji, Speaker of Tibetan Parliament Mr Penpa Tsering, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay and Representative of CTA and TPiE at the Vidhan Sabha in Dharamshala, HP, India, on December 4, 2015. Photo: CTA/DIIR By Garima Pura: December 07, 2015
Dharamshala — As a special tribute to the Himachal Pradesh Government and its people, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile hosted a luncheon banquet for the Ministers and Members of the 12th Legislative Assembly of Himachal Pradesh yesterday. Over 700 guests were invited for the ceremony at the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha. The Honorable Chief Minster Sri Virbhadra Singh, Irrigation & Public Health Minister Smt. Vidya Stokes, Speaker of the Parliament Sri Brij Bihari lal Butailji, Deputy Speaker Sri. Jagat Singh Negi, Representative of the BJP party Smt. Sarveen Chaudhary, Honorable Ministers and Members of Himachal Legislative Assembly and staff were among those invited. Speaker of Tibetan Government-in-Exile, Penpa Tsering said that the lunch was a part of the celebrations of 80th Birthday of Dalai Lama and thanked the members of the State Legislative Assembly for accepting their request to honour all. On behalf of Central Tibetan Administration, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political leader of the Tibetan people, Standing Committee Members, Kalons of Central Tibetan Administration, Secretaries of Department of Information and International Relations joined the banquet. Addressing the event, Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Mr. Penpa Tsering said, “On behalf of all the Tibetan people, Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile is delighted to host today’s lunch at Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha. We remain forever grateful to the Government and people of India for taking care of the Tibetan
refugees. Especially the consecutive Governments of Himachal Pradesh, leaders and people who have been very generous in making it possible for His Holiness the Dalai Lama to live here and the Central Tibetan Administration to function from here.” He went on to say, “This year we are celebrating the 80th Birthday of our esteemed leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama. As a part of this celebration, we are organising this luncheon with the kind permission of Honorable Speaker Sri. Brij Bihari Lal Butailji.” The Speaker was seconded by Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay who thanked India and ‘especially Himachal Pradesh for their kind and generous support.’ Prime Minister of Tibetan Government-in-Exile Dr. Lobsang Sangey also joined the Chief Minister along with his other Ministers including Home Minister, Garry Dolma along-with Parliament Standing Committee Members. They thanked the Chief Minister for honouring the occasion and also the people of the state for taking care of Tibetan community. The Hon. Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Himachal Pradesh Sri. Brij Bihari lal Butail expressed his appreciation of the ideals of peace and harmony upheld by the Tibetan administration and its people. Speaking on the shared culture by India and Tibet, Sri. Butailji said, “India and Tibet share a unique culture of peace and harmony, which can be traced back to centuries. The Tibetan Buddhism was born in India and evolved in Tibet . We as Indians, are therefore, very happy that our government has been able to preserve a little Tibet in Dharamshala.”