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Lhasa placed under lockdown during US delegation visit Vol. 03, Issue 145, Print Issue 69, November 30, 2015 Sikyong attends Halifax Int’l Security Forum 2015

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His Holiness shows faith in youth of 21st century

By Garima Pura: 20 November 2015

Dr Lobsang Sangay among over 300 world leaders and security experts from 60 countries took part in the Halifax International Security Forum, held in Halifax, Canada, from 20 – 22 November, 2015. Photo: Halifax International Security Forum

By Garima Pura: November 24, 2015

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada — Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the political leader of the Tibetan people, attended the Halifax International Security Forum, held in Halifax, the provincial capital of Nova Scotia in eastern Canada, from 20 – 22 November, 2015.

The annual conference usually covers a broad range of international conflicts. This year, with nearly 300 delegates from at least 60 countries discussing global security issues.

Top security officials from around the world, including military, government and business leaders, spent the weekend in the city attending the Forum.

At the forum, Sikyong participated in the panel discussion “From India to Japan: The Importance of Democratic Asia” along with experts on democracy and prominent leaders from Asia. Dr Daniel Twining, Senior Fellow for Asia, German Marshall Fund of the United States hosted the panel.

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Tibetans’ climate march in Australia

Phagwara — The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama honored the 5th Convocation of Lovely Professional University as the chief guest in Punjab, On Saturday, November 14, 2015.

Recipient of a grand traditional Tibetan welcome, including performances by Tashi Shoelpa and Yak dancers, he was also presented with a Guard of Honor led by a sword wielding Sikh officer before whom he took the salute.

Responding to attendees at the press conference, he mentioned his three commitments: the promotion of basic human values and an understanding of the oneness of humanity to further human happiness; the fostering of inter-religious harmony, the preservation of Tibetan culture and the protection of Tibet’s natural environment. Amongst several questions he answered one on the Paris attacks too, “Despite its many spectacular developments, the 20th century was also a period of unprecedented violence springing from the idea that problems can best be solved by force. Much of the violence of the early 21st century can be seen as spilling over from that. However, no wants to face problems.

We only want to live a peaceful life, but we need to pursue a systematic programme of education, from KG to university, to bring this about. If we can do this, the 21st century could become a period of peace and dialogue.”

Speaking briefly to the Tibetan and Bhutanese students, he emphasized on concentrating on “what we have in common, rather than dwelling on the secondary differences between us. As a child we do not care about status, faith, money etc., we only make friends with fellow human beings, this is what I always remind myself.”

He shared his journey from labor for Tibetan affairs when he was 16 to when he relinquished political responsibility when he retired in 2011. His Holiness advised that it is not necessary to be a monk or nun to study Buddhist philosophy and encouraged them to take an interest in logic and knowledge. Furthermore, he encouraged the students to cultivate warmheartedness and live an ethical life.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the 5th Convocation of Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab, India on November 14, 2015. Photo/ Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

His Holiness later joined the Governor of Punjab, Haryana & Chandigarh, Kaptan Singh Solanki to take part in the academic procession.

During his address to the audience, His Holiness said, “we are all the same as human beings, mentally, emotionally and physically, which is why it is important that we acknowledge the oneness of humanity. We all experience pleasure and pain. We all want to lead a happy life and indeed we all have a right to do so. We have to consider that we all belong to one human family. On that basis there is no ground for enmity between us, no room for killing, bullying or exploitation. There is no ground for looking down on

Tibetan arrested for calling long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

The climate march campaign at Brisbane, Australia. Photo: CTA/DIIR

By Garima Pura: November 30, 2015

Sydney — The eve of the UN Climate Conference in Paris, Tibetans and Tibet supporters were at the forefront of People’s Climate March in major cities across Australia from 27-29 November.

Walking alongside tens of thousands of Australians in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Hobart, members of Tibetan communities and Australia Tibet Council sent a strong message on the importance of Tibet to the global environment and showed solidarity for action on climate change.

In the national capital of Canberra, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Australia Mr Lhakpa Tshoko joined the march and was among those carrying the “Frontlines of Change” banner.

In the lead up to the UN climate summit, Australia Tibet Council released a new report Tibet – An Environmental Challenge to shine a spotlight on the global importance of Tibet. World leaders at the UN Climate Conference must recognize the strategic importance of Tibet to the global environment and pay closer attention to the environmental crisis unfolding on the Tibetan plateau.

Monks visit Moscow for exhibition on Tibet

By Garima Pura: November 30, 2015

Moscow — Monks of Gungru Khangtsen from Drepung Gomang Monastery based in South India visited Moscow from 7 − 22 November. During the visit, the monks prepared a sand mandala for exhibition.

The visit provided people in Moscow opportunity to learn about the ancient traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, attend tantric rituals, get spiritual advice from Gesha Lharamba Thupten Dhondup, and consult the traditional Tibetan doctor who came with the group.

On Sunday, November 22, around two hundred people gathered in the hall to watch the dispersal of mandala ritual. Telo Tulku Rinpoche, Honorary Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Russia and Mongolia, welcomed everybody and expressed his happiness to see many old friends and new people as well.

He gave a brief introduction of Drepung Gomang Monastery and its close connection with Russia.

others, because we are all equal as human beings. If we give in to our destructive emotions we only think of ourselves. We should feel fed up with the violence and killing going on around us. If a human being is killed by an animal, it’s sad, but if a human being is killed by another human being it’s unthinkable. We have to make a special effort to think of each other as fellow human beings, as our brothers and sisters.”

Sharing his times with text books and commending the completion of their degrees, he told the students,”I’d like to thank you for inviting me here and for bestowing on me this Honorary Doctorate, particularly as I haven’t done the study to earn it, P-2...

Career awareness program in North East, India

By Garima Pura: November 30, 2015

Dharamshala — The Head Career Consultant, Ms Namshey and Counsellor, Ms Jigme Dhamdol from Tibetan Career Centre (TCC) a unit of Youth Empowerment Support, DoH, CTA convened workshop on Career Awareness at ten different Tibetan Settlements in Northeast, India. The program started from 22nd October, 2015 and ended by 22nd November, 2015 at Tuting Tibetan Settlement.

The target group for the program was Tibetan Youths and Parents in and around Northeast Tibetan Settlements. The program aimed for three primary objectives as (i) to create awareness about the opportunities of skills trainings in Tibetan community in exile and the scopes of vocational trainings given. (ii) To update the knowledge of financial resources to assist as a self-employed individual. (iii) To educate the parenting styles and the importance of Parents’ role in Child’s career plan.

The settlements where workshops were conducted are Gangtok, Ravangla, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Sonada, Shillong, Tenzin Gang, Miao, Tezu and Tuting. In total, 464 settlers participated in this program. Among them, 312 were female participants and 152 were male participants.

Photo exhibition in Patiala, Ambala and Chandigarh Sangye from Karze County of Kham region of eastern Tibet and Chinese police cleaning after his protest. Photo: TPI

By Yangchen Dolma: 29 November 2015

Dharamshala — Source coming out of Tibet says a Tibetan man was detained by Chinese police in Karze County of eastern Tibet after staging a lone protest calling for “long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”.

“Sangye, a 29-year-old Tibetan was arrested by Chinese authorities following a solo protest against China’s suppression of religious freedom and Tibetan culture, on November 27, 2015,” a former political prisoner currently living in Belgium with close contacts in the Tibetan region told the Tibet Post International.

“Sangye staged the protest at the main market square of Karze county in traditional province of Tibet (Ch: Sichuan Province), on Friday morning.” he said, adding that “the current condition and whereabouts of Sangye remain unknown.”

“Sangye distributed Tibetan payers flags and shouting slogans, calling for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Tib: Gyalwa Tenzin Gyatso Kutse Trilo Tanpar Shok). He was arrested immediately by Chinese police at the scene,” the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A rare video clip smuggled out of Tibet shows the Tibetan man throwing wind horse printed prayer papers into the air symbolising peace, fortune and harmony galloping like a horse and being spread everywhere.

“He took out a protest in a show of courage and valor on a busy street of Kanze county by throwing hundreds of Wind Horse prayer flags signifying a positive energy or life force and with good luck,” the source said, adding that “there is no information about his physical condition or location which has left his parents and family extremely worried.”

“We are hoping for some information about his present condition.

We want Sangye back in good health as he was during the protest,” it further said, citing a source close to his family.

Sangye was born in a small village called Tardo, located in Kham Dzakhok township in Karze County. He is currently settled at Rab-ka village in Dhartsedho township with his wife and infant child. His father’s name is Loga and mother’s name is Bhochak.

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.

Tibet Museum staff explaining the exhibit to the visitors. Photo: CTA/DIIR

By Garima Pura: November 30, 2015

Chandigarh — The Tibet Museum of Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, currently on a tour of 5 cities in Punjab and Haryana has completed the exhibition in 3 cities of its itinerary.

The exhibition which is aimed at reaching out to local Indians and educating them about Tibetan history, culture and the contribution and achievements of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was held with the cooperation and assistance from Tibetan Refugee markets in all the three cities.

The Exhibition in all the three cities were held in the Tibetan Refugee markets with the idea to attract the shoppers and visitors from nearby areas visiting the Tibetan market.

OPINION 2 TPI NEWS World leaders gather in Paris Human Rights situation for Tibetan refugees in Nepal for the UN climate summit?

The Tibet Post International

November 30, 2015

By Maximillian Morch: October 30, 2015

Clockwise from top left: Melbourne, Helsinki, Berlin, Amsterdam, Bogotá, Jakarta. Photo: TPI

By Yeshe Choesang: November 30, 2015

Paris, France — 195 countries and nearly 150 world leaders are gathering in Paris, the French capital, on Monday, for the UN climate conference known as COP21, aimed at forging a deal to limit global warming to 2C. The leaders will converge in the north of Paris for the talks in a venue bristling with tight security and protected by some 2800 police and troops.

Hundreds of Tibetans and supporters took part in the first ever climate rally in New Delhi, for Tibet coinciding with the global climate rally taking place across the globe on the eve of UN COP21 summit in Paris.

Scientists warn that unless action is taken soon mankind will endure ever-worsening catastrophic events, such as droughts that will lead to conflict and rising sea levels that will wipe out low-lying island nations.

Negotiations over two weeks involving nearly 150 nations and 25,000 delegates aim to limit global warming to 2°C. Tibetans beleive that “the impact of climate change in Tibet is harsh. As the world focuses on climate action at United Nations’ COP21 meetings, Tibet should be central to any progress made.”

They are urging the world leaders that “the Tibetan Plateau needs protecting, not just for Tibetans, but for the environmental health and sustainability of the entire world. As stewards of their own land, Tibetans’ expertise should be part of tackling climate change.”

Tibetans are not alone, thousands of environmental activists from all over the world hope that the images from the United Nations conference will send a powerful message of unity on the issue of global warming.

Each leader will give a speech about what their countries are doing to reduce emissions and slow climate change. After the leaders leave, negotiators have two more weeks to work on a deal before the talks are scheduled to wrap up December 11.

All members of the G-20 have submitted their own plans for addressing global warming.

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The Obama administration laid additional groundwork last year by securing an agreement with China to cut carbon emissions drastically by 2030 and a deal with Brazil to increase renewable energy production.

Activists expect that the plan that emerges from the Paris summit will address a decrease in fossil fuel emissions and increase financing to help the developing world reduce its dependency on nonrenewable energy.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama recently urged strong global action to limit global warming and to protect fragile environments, including the Himalayan glaciers and Tibetan plateau. Calling climate change a “problem which human beings created,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said all of humanity was now responsible for taking action. But instead, he said, “we are relying on praying to God or to Buddha. Sometimes I feel this is very illogical.”

America’s target is based on the plan already announced in China last year to reduce emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. Still, the warm glow over such steps can only last so long, environmental activists say.

Climate Action Tracker, which has analyzed all of the plans submitted, writes that “none of the G20 INDCs are in line with holding warming below 2 degrees Celsius, or 1.5 degrees Celsius,” which is the global goal of the climate talks. That is also the point at which climate experts say “severe drought, rising seas and supercharged storms as well as food and water security become routine challenges.”

The United Nations has hosted annual summits to tackle the vexed global warming issue since 1995, but all previous efforts have foundered, primarily due to deep divisions between rich and poor nations.

Many poor nations insist rich countries bear the most responsibility for tackling the problem because they have burnt the most fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution on their way to prosperity.

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Dr Franz Pahl Mr Thomas Kemeil Mr Shalinder Kumar Ven Thupten Yarphel

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Former speaker of South Tyrol, Italy A software engineer, Austria A professional graphic designer, India A Tibetan writer, India

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

Contributors to this editon Yeshe Choesang India Choenyi Sangpo India Keary Huang Taiwan Yangchen Dolma India Dawa Phurbu India Victor Reyes US Molly Lortie US Tsetan Dorjee India Garima Pura India Tendar Tsering US Maximillian Morch Nepal Himalayan Literacy Trust Room #, Top Floor, New Varuni House Temple Road, McLeod Ganj: 176219 Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra H.P., India

E-mail: editor@thetibetpost.com Skype: dhardhophonya1959 Mobile: +91-9882423566 www.thetibetpost.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/tpinews

Kathmandu — Nepal and Tibet straddle the Himalayas and for hundreds of years tradesmen have crossed high mountain passes to journey from one country to another. Due to the relatively high of traffic from salt traders coming from Tibet to Nepal there have long remained influences and examples of Tibetan culture flourishing in Nepal.

In the Mustang Valley, Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista, the last king of the former Buddhist Kingdom still looks down upon the Tibetan Plataea, albeit now in a ceremonial role. In Panauti on the edge of the Kathmandu valley lies Namo Buddha one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in Nepal and home to the stunning Tibetan monastery which dominates the skyline.

In Boudhanath the Stupa is surrounded by monastery’s and pilgrims. In many ways Tibetan culture is inextricably linked with Nepal, salt traders have been making their way through the country as part of the old trade routes for centuries. Many of Nepal’s ethnic groups such as the Sherpa’s can trace their lineage back to tradesmen from Tibet.

However now it is no longer salt traders making this arduous journey, but instead Tibetan Refugees.

In 1959 following the Chinese invasion and occupation of Tibet, thousands of Tibetan sought refuge in Nepal. Due to political oppression and lack of religious freedoms, refugees have continued to make the arduous journey across the Himalayas into Nepal.

However when crossing the border into Nepal they are no longer accepted with open arms and are now facing increasing hostility and oppression as well as increasing numbers not being allowed to reside and settle in Nepal. Pre-1989 all Tibetan refugees were granted refugee cards and allowed to settle freely.

However post-1989 the legal status of Tibetan refugees has deteriorated and as a result they are undocumented and then can no longer legally work, own property, businesses or even vehicle’s.

In recent years there have been growing cases of oppression and curtailment of basic freedoms for

A Nepali police repatriating Tibetan refugee monk in Kathmandu, Nepal. Photo: TPI

Tibetan refugees living in Nepal with clampdowns on their ability to protest as well as claim asylum.

In 1989 Nepal signed the informal ‘Gentlemen’s agreement’ which states that Nepal working alongside the UNHCR and the Government of Tibet in exile, will allow Tibetans to travel through Nepal while awaiting authorization to travel to Tibetan refugee communities in India. However in recent years there have been several claims that Nepal has violated the terms of this agreement and repatriated Tibetan refugees back to China, where it is widely understood they can face repression, imprisonment and even torture.

There are currently around 20,000 refugees living in Nepal, however according to UNHCR they have no legal status since the government has not signed the 1951 Refugee Convention. As the lack of documentation means working legally becomes very hard for Tibetan refugees, they often require aid or donations to survive. Yet the overwhelming majority would much prefer to work. While there are numerous welfare groups where Tibetans make

Sikkim declares His Holiness’ Birthday as restricted holiday

By Sikkim Express: November 26, 2015

Dharamshala — The state government of Sikkim led by Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling has declared 6th July, the birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a restricted holiday, according to a note of gratitude published by the Tibetan settlement office in Sikkim Express newspaper.

“On behalf of the followers of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and Tibetans in and outside Tibet, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Pawan Chamling and the Government of Sikkim for declaring Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, 6th July to be observed as one of the restricted holidays in all Government Offices, Public Sector Undertakings and Educational Institutions under the Government of Sikkim,” the Tibetan settlement office wrote.

“Further acknowledge your profound reverence and solemn respect towards His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and your efforts towards preservation of essence of Buddhism by establishing Buddhist University in the State in near future which will surely benefit humanity in many more years to come,” it added.

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling paying respects during the Long Life Offering Ceremony to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Ravangla, South Sikkim on March 26, 2013. Photo: file

Sikyong attends Halifax Int’l ...

During the panel discussion, Sikyong laid stress on the universality of democracy and China being “the new frontier”. He emphasized on the need for like-mindedpolitical constructs in Asia to cooperate for a common objective of freedom and mutual respect.

President of the Halifax International Security Forum, Peter Van Praagh, was joined by Canadian Minister of National Defence, The Hon. Harjit Sajjan, to officially close the 7th annual Forum on November 22 in Halifax.

“I thank Minister Harjit Sajjan and all of our panelists and participants for their important contributions to this year’s Forum. The Halifax International Security Forum is indispensable – especially in the face of the attack on Paris,” said Peter Van Praagh. “We offer an opportunity for defense leaders from around the world to come together in thoughtful and provocative discussions about our shared interests in promoting global security and democracy.”

Participants at the 2015 Halifax International Security Forum tackled a wide range of issues, from taking the fight to Daesh on the ground and on the web, to China’s growing military aggression, and the need for the world to accept its collective responsibility to

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welcome refugees fleeing conflict zones.

“This weekend we explored every problem set, we shared new and innovative ideas, and – most importantly – we established and renewed productive relationships,” said Minister Sajjan.

“As a result, I think we are all better equipped to deal with the challenges of tomorrow.”

On November 20 to 22, 2015, Halifax, Nova Scotia, hosts the prestigious ‘Halifax International Security Forum’ (‘the Forum’), a gathering of thinkers, policy-makers and practitioners from like-minded nations around the world.

The Forum will bring together key players from the fields of security and defence to discuss issues and challenges that face nations from across the global landscape today. In its seventh year, the event has established itself as a major international security event on the world stage.

Halifax International Security Forum is a non-profit, non-partisan organisation based in Washington, D.C. It brings together informed leaders and engaged decision-makers from governments, military, business, academia, and the media to consider international security threats and build democracy, creating opportunity and promoting peace.

handicrafts and carpets, the overwhelming majority of avenues for income are closed off.

Politically they have a chronic lack of representations and avenues for justice. The Tibetan Youth Congress based in Dharamshala is banned in Nepal and manage to exist semi-secretly in Kathmandu.

Boudha, the home for the majority of Tibetans in Nepal, is an area crawling with CCTV and informants. Reports from Human Rights Watch and the Human Rights Organization of Nepal have documented numerous infringements on people’s freedom of speech, freedom of protest and freedom of assembly. The influence from Beijing is also growing, in line with huge investments in Nepal

by China.

These funds for development and infrastructure have simultaneously led to clampdowns in the activity of politically active Tibetans. The Chinese embassy in Kathmandu both on the Dalai Lamas birthday and on March 10, which marks the date of the Tibetan uprising in 2010, have a huge security presence and no protests are allowed in the vincinity.

What makes these issues worse is Nepal has international obligations to look after and improve conditions for these refugees. While Nepal has not signed the 1951 UNHCR Refugee convention, it is a signatory to the International convention on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention on rights of the Child and the Convention against torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment of punishment.

These treaties establish the legal obligation for Nepal to respect the principle of non-refoulment which states that refugees should not be forcibly returned to a country where the lives or freedoms would be threatened what this means is that there is a clear legal precedent for Nepal to look after and not deport Tibetan refugees. These refugees are at high risk of repression therefore legally and ethically should be granted the right to stay in Nepal. Nepal’s treatment of Tibetan refugees therefore is forbidden by its own international legal commitments.

Nepal is currently facing a barrage of issues that are not limited to post-earthquake reconstruction, on-going political crisis and the fuel blockade.

All of these are pressing issues for the Nepali government to deal with. In this context the conditions for Tibetan refugees are not a top priority for government officials. However by allowing documentation, the Nepali government would remove a major obstacle for Tibetans and allow them the opportunity to be self-sufficient and independent. This would cost very little for Nepal yet the changes and new opportunities available for Tibetans would be immense.

Maximillian Mørch is a post-graduate student living in Kathmandu writing about disaster management, politics and current affairs.

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unlike your degrees that you’ve earned as a result of your own efforts. Of course, I have studied in my own way. I began to memorize texts at the age of 8, but I am something of a lazy student and I only studied because my teacher kept a whip to impress me with. I began to study out of fear, but as I studied more I eventually developed a genuine interest.

We have this marvelous brain and it is immensely important that we learn to use it to the full.

“What we need,” His Holiness declared, “is a sense of secular ethics. Secular in the sense that it is understood here in India of respect for all religious traditions and even for the views of those who have no faith.”

Reinstating his faith in the carriers of baton of the 21st century, he suggested students to channelize negative emotions for constructive and well intentioned tasks. He ended by suggesting the audience to lend his words a thought and “remain warm-hearted, always”.

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Tibet is central to environmental discussions: Sikyong at Indian summit

Dr Lobsang Sangay speaking during the panel discussion on “Mother Earth, Mother Nature – The Eastern Wisdom” at the 2nd India Ideas Conclave at Goa. Photo: CTA/DIIR

By Molly Lortie: November 18, 2015

oa – Sikyong Dr Lobsang, the democratically elected Prime Minister of Tibet, spoke on November 17th at the 2nd India Ideas summit in Goa. The three day conference was themed ‘Learnings from Civilization,’ aimed at understanding contemporary India and its

global context.

The summit was organized by India Foundation, an independent research centre focused on issues, challenges and opportunities of the Indian polity. Over 350 intellectuals including Union Ministers, professionals, journalists, politicians and social activists participating,

The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa reaches out to displaced children

and Bhutan Prime Minister attended as chief guest and keynote Speaker was Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev.

The Sikyong’s panel was titled ‘Mother Earth, Mother Nature – The Eastern Wisdom,’ and in his remarks, Sikyong stressed on the importance of the fragile Tibetan plateau and the global impact of Tibet’s ecological destruction. With the UN’s upcoming COP21 summit on climate change, he implored the world to commit to a strong climate change agreement for the health and sustainability of the entire world.

“The Tibetan plateau is going through a disastrous experience of illegal mining, deforestation, damming of rivers, etc. This is harming the environmental health of not only Tibet but also of its neighbors, particularly the countries lying downstream,” Sikyong said.

“Tibetans, as Buddhists, are peaceful and maintain harmony with nature. So much so that mountains and the soil are considered sacred and revered as the abode of gods and deities.

We are governed by a concept of Mahakaruna: that you need to have Karuna (compassion) for everything including nature as well as sentient beings,” Sikyong explained.

However, Sikyong cautioned that the modern man with science as a weapon is moving on a self-destructive mode. “The modern man thinks he can dominate everything including Mother Nature. They say they want to win the battle with nature. But if you think carefully, if humans win the battle with nature, they are actually on the losing side because if nature loses, you lose,” he said, stressing the need for respect to nature in order for humanity to survive.

“Most of the natural calamities including tsunami and global warming are created in part by man. The recent heat wave across Europe, for instance, was caused by melting of glaciers in Tibet according to some environmental experts from China,” Sikyong noted.

Emphasizing the need for recognition of the Tibetan plateau’s global significance, Sikyong said: “Tibet is not only the largest and highest plateau in the world; it is home to the thirdlargest store of ice and the largest source of accessible fresh water on the planet. It is also the head source of Asia’s six largest rivers, flowing into the 10 most-densely populated nations. Therefore, Tibet should be central to the environmental discussions.”

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November 30, 2015

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Climate Action for Tibet rally staged in New Delhi

India Week of Climate Action for Tibet concludes with a Climate rally in New Delhi, to Spotlight Tibet Third Pole, November 29, 2015. Photo: TPI

By Yangchen Dolma: November 29, 2015

New Delhi — The week-long advocacy campaign calling for climate action for Tibetthe earth’s third pole concluded today in India’s capital city of New Delhi with a massive climate rally.

Hundreds of Tibetans and supporters took part in the first ever climate rally for Tibet coinciding with the global climate rally taking place across the globe on the eve of UN COP21 summit in Paris.

On November 27, Tibet activists staged a bold street play outside the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in New Delhi demanding Climate Action for Tibet in the upcoming UN COP21 climate talks.

“We performed a street play to demonstrate the very real water security issues downstream countries like India and Bangladesh will face if China continues its reckless hydropower projects on Tibet’s rivers,” said Jyotsna George, Campaigns Director, Students for a Free Tibet-India. “The Tibetan people and Tibet’s fragile environment deserve a voice at the UN COP21 summit, and we want the UN to take urgent climate action for Tibet: Roof of the World”, she said.

“To address its internal water crisis, China is building mega-dams and water diversion

projects at an unprecedented rate”, said Norzin Dolma, Environment Officer, Tibetan Women’s Association. “These projects will not only disrupt already-over-stressed water supplies of millions of people in south and southeast Asia, but will see the uprooting and displacement of thousands of Tibetans and destruction of the region’s river ecosystems.”

“In the last five days we have met with political officers of the Embassies of Nepal, United States, Australia, the UN Information officer and with Shri Jairam Ramesh, former Minister of Environment and Forests, to stress the need for a multilateral forum of downstream countries to pressure China for responsible water usage and sharing”, said Dhardon Sharling, Member of the Tibetan Parliamentin-Exile. “The highlight of our week-long advocacy campaign was lobbying all of the 11 downstream nations of Tibet including China”, she said.

The Tibet Third Pole Coalition comprising of Tibetan Women’s Association, Students for a Free Tibet-India and International Tibet Network have organized India Week of Climate Action for Tibet, with lobby activities with embassies of eleven downstream countries, staging of a street theatre at the UN office and culminating in the climate rally for Tibet.

the country’s political arrangements and policies towards Tibet are effective and the leadership of the Communist Party which has stabilised Tibet’s situation for 50 years is strong.

In 1980s, Hu began to visit more poor regions, such as Yunnan, Guizhou, Inner Mongolia, and Tibet Autonomous Region.

In April 1980, the CPC’s Central Committee called the first ever high-level meeting on work in Tibet. In May the same year, a delegation composed of a five-member working committee on Tibet under Hu Yaobang, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, visited the “Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR)”.

During his visit to the region, Hu Yaobang expressed astonishment at the level of poverty in Tibet. He demanded to know “whether all the money Beijing had poured into it over the years had been thrown into the Yarlung Tsangpo River.”

Hu also said the situation reminded him of colonialism. Hu sacked General Ren Rong from the post of the “TAR” Party Secretary and replaced him with Yin Fatang, a Tibetan-speaking Chinese.

During a meeting with the Tibetan delegation in Beijing early June 1980, Ling Tao, Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference told the delegation that “Comrade Hu Yaobang has taken a special responsibility to groom Tibetan cadres to provide real autonomy to Tibet. Tibet and other nationalities are different.

Therefore, we have developed and implemented a separate policy for Tibet.”

Hu’s death sparked the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. The number of students killed when red army tanks and troops entered Beijing on the night of June 3-4, 1989, remains a mystery.

Solders opened fire and killed up to 1000 student protesters but the Beijing authorities have never issued an official toll or list of names.

After the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949, he became head of the Communist Youth League. When Deng was purged in 1966, Hu shared the same fate. When Deng was restored to power in 1973-1976, Hu again shared the same fate. The pattern was repeated again in 1976-1977.

Hu Yaobang: Reformist leader and critic for way of ruling Tibet Gyalwa Karmapa Rinpoche at the Tong-len Charitable Trust, Sarah, Dharamsala, India November 19, 2015. Photo: TPI

By Molly Lortie: November 20, 2015

Dharamshala — The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee attended the 11th Thanksgiving Day of Tong-len Charitable Trust to inaugurate its new building.

Situated on the forested ridge of a valley below Dharamshala, the Trust’s major project is to provide health care and education to the children of the nearby Charan slum camp.

Tong-len (tong meaning “to give to others” and len, the empathy that wishes to alleviate their suffering) was started in 2004 by Ven Lobsang Jamyang, a Tibetan monk who felt a special sympathy for the young children of the camp, who affectionately call him Guruji. He started out helping 10 children and now their number has grown to 250.

The school wall is decorated with a statement created by the children together: “The objective of interfaith dialogue is to bring religions together to work in harmony, to live in peace and tolerance respecting each other’s views and beliefs, and to show compassion to all.”

The Karmapa, along with two other guests, lit an offering lamp to begin the ceremony. After a speech by the founding monk and director, Lobsang Jamyang, the Karmapa was invited onto the stage to give a talk.

He began by noting that after eleven years of study, some of the students have been able to enroll at universities, which delights and inspires everyone. The Karmapa expressed his thanks to “the parents who gave their children a chance to learn by sending them to school.

“Education brings them a real benefit they can use their whole lives. I would also like to thank the students,” he said, “who took advantage of this opportunity and achieved the good results we can see here today.” He encouraged them to keep up their efforts and not lose heart.

Through their experience with Tong-len, the Karmapa remarked that both parents and children can develop the sense that they are similar to others. He observed, “The children can study and not only that, they are also motivated to become good people with strong

inner values and the wish to help others.”

“The desire is to help not just one person but many, especially those who come from a similar underprivileged background.” The Karmapa emphasized, “Developing compassion and loving-kindness is the main goal of the Tong-len Charitable Trust, and actually the goal of us all.”

He thanked everyone who supported Tonglen—the parents, sponsors, teachers, and staff—and encouraged them all to continue their important work.

The Karmapa then praised the founder Lobsang Jamyang for his dedication. “In the beginning he went through great hardships when the only support he had was his altruistic motivation and strong sense of purpose.”

He paid tribute to him as “an inspiring Tibetan, who is practicing Buddhism, and in particular, the path of a true bodhisattva. He is a fine role model for us all.”

In closing the Karmapa remarked, “The Tibetans have been fortunate in enjoying the kindness of India for over fifty years. It is important that one of us Tibetans is returning that kindness and showing our gratitude to the Indian people, and especially the displaced communities, by supporting and serving them.”

The Buddhist monk expressed the wish that in the future more Tibetans would come forth to start projects like Tong-len to benefit their host country and its people. With this encouragement to follow the path of a Bodhisattva, the Karmapa ended his talk to the Tong-len community.

Afterward, on behalf of organization, he presented the Tong-len Awards to three people: Tsering Dolkar, who helps all the Tibetans who come to Chandigrah for medical attention; the leader of the Jagori Charitable Trust working to help women and build an equitable society; and to Mario Fontano whose foundation funded the new building.

Tong-Len has helped more than 250 students with education, sheltered around 100 in the hostel, and assisted over 3000 people from three districts in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh with health care.

By Yangchen Dolma: November 25, 2015

Dharamshala — President Xi Jinping and all top seven officials gathered Friday (Nov. 20) to commemorate Chinese reformist leader Hu Yaobang, whose death catalyzed the 1989 prodemocracy protest movement that was brutally crushed on Tiananmen Square in Beijing.

Hu Yaobang was known as a dedicated reformer and one of late Deng Xiaoping’s most important associates, openly denounced the “colonial” way of ruling Tibet during his visit to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, in 1980.

Hu, who was in many ways his opposite in temperament and politics, ordered the withdrawal of thousands of Chinese cadres from the region and tried to increase Tibetan representation in the government. He also apologised to Tibetan people for China’s mistakes of past policies and looked into allowing His Holiness the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet.

“Comrade Hu Yaobang devoted his entire life to the party and the people,” Mr. Xi said at the meeting in the Great Hall of the People, the grandiose home of the national legislature in central Beijing, China Central Television reported.

“His pioneering achievements in socialism with Chinese characteristics are immortal.”

Party mouthpiece People’s Daily also reported the publication on Thursday (Nov. 19) of a collection of Mr Hu’s speeches and works, ranging from 1952 to 1986. The People’s Publishing House, which released the book, said Mr Hu’s works highlight his “noble character” and “just and clean work style,” according to Xinhua, the state-run news agency.

“During the 1980s, all of society was vibrant and alive, a scene of thriving energy,” Hao Huaiming, a former aide to Mr Hu, wrote recently in Yanhuang Chunqiu, which roughly translates as China Annals, a beleaguered monthly magazine in Beijing that airs the views of party moderates.

“The economy was developing, intellectual life was lively, the ideological sphere was relaxed, there was clear progress in freedom of expression and freedom of the press,” Mr. Hao wrote.

“There are valid reasons why people look back nostalgically on that time.”

Unlike Mr Hu, many Chinese hard-liners say

The Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution organised a discussion in McLeod Ganj, on Monday, November 30, 2015, in the series of “Coexisting and Flourishing” brings local Indian and Tibetan leaders, strengthening the friendship that the two have shared for decades. Photo: TPI/Dawa Phurbu

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TPI NEWS

November 30, 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.

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TPI NEWS

China is urged to allow UN Rapporteur to investigate torture in Tibet

ICT UN Advocacy Team led by Kai Müller (R) and former Tibetan political prisoner Golog Jigme (C) at the United Nations in Geneva.

Photo: ICT UN Advocacy Team

By Garima Pura: November 20, 2015 his family members and monks had arrived at

Geneva — Concluding a recent discussion on the folds of Chinese oppression on Tibet, the United Nations Committee against Torture underlined the irresponsible treatment of the Tibetans under lack of judicial protection in China.

The Chinese Delegation was shot at by several concerns raised by committee members regarding deaths in custody and allegations of torture. “The Chinese delegation largely denied the existence of issues related to torture, and even appeared to apply different standards with regards to what constitutes torture according to international law. This is inacceptable”, said Head of the UN Advocacy Team at the International Campaign for Tibet, Kai Müller in Geneva.

A number of such cases were brought to the committee’s attention, among them Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and Khenpo Kartse’s cases were the most debated upon.

Relatives of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche in exile in India said that since the past two days on learning about his death after 13 years in prison,

Chuandong Prison, together with some officials from the area. They sought to liaise with the Prison Management Bureau officials over the return of the body of Tenzin to his monastery and family; in Tibetan culture it is important that the body is accorded proper respect and prayer rituals, particularly in the case of a much-loved religious teacher.” The death of Tenzin under suspicious condition in a high security prison was also a matter of concern.

After more than 10 months in detention, Karma Tsewang, also known as Khenpo Kartse, a respected Buddhist teacher and Tibetan community leader was tried and sentenced to two years in prison in Chamdo (Tibet Autonomous Region) by China according to reports on October 15th, 2014.

He has been a prisoner of the Chinese state simply for his commitment to the well-being of the Tibetan people.

The CAT committee conclusively stressed on the need for the Chinese delegation to provide information on allegations on torture against Tibetans which they flatly refused to provide due to “unverifiable nature of information”.

Amnesty: China uses medieval torture techniques against opponents

By Garima Pura: November 20, 2015

London — The Amnesty International published a report - ‘No End in Sight: Torture and Forced Confessions in China’ based on 40 interviews with Chinese Human Rights Lawyers documenting brutal treatment of those taken into police custody.

Details of using medieval torture techniques against government opponents, activists, lawyers and petitioners including spiked rods, iron torture chairs and electric batons was documented in the report.

Patrick Poon, the report’s author, said that despite government’s pledge to reform, Amnesty had recently documented cases of torture in virtually every corner of the country. “From Beijing to Hunan to Heilongjiang to Guangdong – there are cases of torture in many, many places.

The problem is still very widespread in different provinces. It isn’t just concentrated in a certain area of China,” he said.

Poon said most of those targeted were human rights lawyers, Communist party officials taken into custody by anti-corruption investigators, and practitioners of the banned spiritual movement Falun Gong by a Taoist-Buddhist sect.

One of the most shocking cases described in the report was of Cai Ying, a 52-year-old human rights lawyer from Hunan province. Cai claimed that after being detained in 2012 he was forced to sit on a “hanging restraint chair” – a contraption that immobilizes a prisoner by dangling them in the air with their hands and chest strapped to a board.

In a recent interview with Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post, Cai recalled excruciating torture sessions. “I was humiliated so badly I thought of ending it all, but then I thought of my daughter,” he said. “The humiliating experience filled my heart with hatred.”

Yu Wensheng, another lawyer, said that after being detained last October for protesting outside a detention centre where a client was being held, he spent more than three months in custody suffering torture.

Yu claimed he was held with death row inmates for 61 days, during which he was questioned about 200 times. At one point officers handcuffed him to an iron chair with his hands behind his back.”My hands were swollen and I felt so much pain that I didn’t want to live,” he was quoted as saying. “The two police officers repeatedly yanked the handcuffs. I screamed every time

they pulled them.”Yu described the despair of his time behind bars. “I felt helpless and lonely,” he said. “It is both physical and psychological suffering. I don’t think I could bear going back to jail for a long stretch again. If I get sent back to jail again, I will go on hunger strike – I would rather die than face a long spell in jail.”

Poon said the Chinese government had taken some steps over the past five years to tackle the problem of torture. In 2012 Beijing vowed to “enforce preventive and remedial measures to prevent extortion of confession by torture and collecting evidence through illegal methods”. Xinhua, China’s state run news agency, has reported on plans to introduce real-time monitoring and control management of interrogation sessions using audio and video equipment.

However, Amnesty said such reforms had “in reality done little to change the deep-rooted practice of torturing suspects to extract forced confessions”. Chinese law outlawed only certain acts of torture and did not cover acts of mental torture, the group informed. Lawyers trying to investigate or seek redress for such cases were “systematically thwarted by police, prosecutors and the courts”.

Human rights activists believe the situation has deteriorated since President Xi Jinping took control of the Communist party three years ago. Xi, who some describe as China’s most authoritarian ruler since Mao, has tasked the country’s security apparatus with countering any potential source of opposition to the party.

Political prisoners in occupied Tibet suffers equally inhumane if not graver means and methods of torture while in custody such as electric shocks and ice beds as recounted in former political prisoner Ven. Bagdro’s autobiography ‘Hell on Earth’ and attested by a long list of Tibetans who have had similar experiences.

A renewed crackdown on human rights lawyers has been under way since July, and at least 12 people – including the prominent rights lawyers Wang Yu, Li Heping and Zhang Kai – are still being held in undisclosed locations on state security charges. Activists fear those prisoners are likely to be suffering psychological and possibly physical torture.

Asked to comment on the Amnesty report, a foreign ministry spokesman said China was working to bring “fairness and justice” to all.

5 Tibetan capital Lhasa placed under lockdown during Pelosi visit

INTERNATIONAL

Furthermore the Chinese delegation claimed that there was neither politically motivated imprisonment, nor discrimination against Tibetans on the pretext of the recent laws that were passed in China to prevent the same. The committee dismissed the existence of these and stressed on the need for subsequent practice of these laws too. The Committee also asked the Chinese delegation to allow a trip of the UN Rapporteur on Torture to China.

Kai Müller, recognizing the inhuman treatment of Tibetan community said, “Torture and illtreatment are widespread and endemic in Tibet.

There is a climate of fear and repression that affects every aspect of life. Tibetans know that they are likely to be subjected to torture upon detention, and they know that in the current political climate even a moderate expression of their own culture and identity, or mild dissent, can lead to arrest. We are concerned about the lack of responses by the Chinese government to the questions of the Committee and the outright denial of issues with regard to Tibet and China. China must turn around its grim record on torture and truly prove that there is rule of law and due process in China” In advance of this week’s meetings in Geneva, the International Campaign for Tibet submitted a report on torture in Tibet. In February, ICT had published a report that highlights the cases of 29 Tibetans, detailing evidence that these Tibetans had suffered from torture and ill-treatment. The report documents 14 cases of Tibetans who have died in prison or immediately after their release.

By Yeshe Choesang: November 23, 2015

Dharamshala —Sources coming out of Tibet say that repressive measures undertaken by the Chinese government to silence Tibetan voices and obfuscate the real situation inside Tibet ahead of the US Congressional Delegation’s visit which concluded recently.

The Capital city of Tibet, “Lhasa was placed under a severe lock-down in late October and early November,” the Central Tibetan Administration said, citing a letter it received from inside Tibet.

“Lhasa was placed under extreme repression and the people were being constantly indoctrinated in political thoughts, using both violent and softer approaches. Free speech was also severely curtailed. So much so that people felt it difficult to even move their bodies,” the letter said, describing the anguish and torment the Tibetan people went through in the days leading to the visit.

“Moreover, the usual entrance gates to Barkhor which were constantly guarded by security personnel were all of a sudden removed and replaced with new doors and lesser security,” the letter said. “We were confused at first for the cause of these replacements. However, we realised their intent after learning about the US delegation’s visit,” the letter said, underlining the authorities’ attempt to depict a relaxed environment in Lhasa to the visiting delegation.

Sikyong of Tibet extends condolences to France following Paris attacks

By Yeshe Choesang: November 17, 2015

Dharamshala — The political leader of the Tibetan people, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay expressed his condolences to the people of France in the wake of Friday night’s deadly attacks in Paris, the capital of France that has left more than 100 people dead.

“I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims and strongly condemn the attacks undertaken by a few misguided fanatics,” Sikyong said a statement on Sunday.

“Terrorism is an attack on mankind and those who perpetrate such attacks do not represent any faith or community. It is a scourge and cannot be justified in any way through moral, political or religious affiliations,” he added.

“This tragedy once again reinforces the need for coordinated and collaborative international approach to combat terrorism and restore security and stability in the world.”

“The Tibetan people stand united with the people of France in this painful time,” the Tibetan leader said.

World leaders from across the globe weighed in on the tragedy with shock and expressed their sympathies for the people of France.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker: “I am deeply shocked by the events in Paris. We stand in full solidarity with the people of France.”

US President Barack Obama: “Outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians.”

French President François Hollande: “Faced with dread, there is a nation who knows to defend

himself, known to mobilize its forces and, once again, will defeat terrorists.”

British Prime Minister David Cameron: “Deeply shocked... Our thoughts and prayers are with the French people. We will do whatever we can to help.”

German Chancellor Angela said she was “deeply shocked” by the attack and conveyed her sympathy and solidarity.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “News from Paris is anguishing and dreadful. Prayers with families of the deceased. We are united with people of France in this tragic hour.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin also expressed his condemnation following the “horrible terrorist attacks”, sending his condolences to the French people.

Justin Trudeau, the recently elected Canadian prime minister, said his government was offering its help to France and that he had discussed the security situation in his own country with officials.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang expressed “strong outrage and condemnation” and said Beijing firmly opposes all forms of terrorism.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon denounced “the despicable terrorist attacks” and extended “his deepest condolences to the families of the victims”.

Almost 130 people were killed in the French capital as a result of a series of co-ordinated gun and bomb attacks. At least 180 people are wounded, 80 of whom are in a critical condition, according to media reports.

U.S. Congresswoman to share Tibet trip story with Tibetans in MN

By Tendar Tsering: November 27, 2015

Minnesota, US — Congress Woman Betty McCollum, one of the U.S. congressional delegation members who visited Tibet early this month is scheduled to share her journey’s story with the Tibetans in Minnesota some time January 2016.

Briefly speaking to the board members of the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota on Wednesday at her office in St. Paul, the U.S. congresswoman said that she particularly urged the Chinese leaders not to “interfere” in the Tibetan religious tradition of reincarnations.

“I told them not to appoint the religious leaders, because even as a ‘Christian,’ I don’t want anyone to appoint my pastors,” said Betty McCollum.

The congresswoman said she will come up with a date some time in January and share her Tibet trip story with the Tibetans in the twin cities.

“I would like to speak about the trip and I also have some photos to share,” McCollum said.

McCollum and six others including Nancy Pelosi, leader of the opposition Democratic Party in the House of Representatives visited Tibet and Hong Kong early this month as a part of their official trip to China.

According to the delegation, the trip was meant, “to deepen understanding, increase mutual respect and further strengthen U.S.-

November 30, 2015

China ties,” but the group also said that they had heated discussions with the Chinese leaders on several issues including the “religious and human rights issues,” in China.

Pelosi, a long time friend of the Dalai Lama and a strong critic of Beijing’s Tibet policy who was denied permission to visit the region six years ago, wasn’t afraid to speak out about her experience in Tibet to the world immediately after the rare visit.

Following the rare trip, the leader of the opposition Democratic Party in the House of Representatives aired a statement in which the leader said that she conveyed to the Chinese government officials “the strong, bipartisan support the Dalai Lama enjoys in the Congress of the United States and among the American people.”

Many Tibetans on social media expressed their gratitude towards Pelosi for her timeless support and making effort to visit Tibet, and the Tibetan American Foundation particularly visited the Congressman Betty McCollum at her office in St. Paul Wednesday and thanked her and her delegation for making the rare trip to Tibet.

Tendar Tsering is a Tibetan journalist based in Minnesota, U.S.A. Previously he worked for several U.S. A. and Canada based news portals from India.

US delegation led by Nancy Pelosi was greeted by student monks at the Sera Monastery in Tibet. Photo: Leader Nancy Pelosi’s Office

Welcoming the US delegation’s fact-finding visit to Lhasa, the letter expressed the Tibetan people’s desire to meet the US delegation. It, however, acknowledged that it would be difficult for the delegation to ascertain the genuine aspirations of the Tibetan people given the fact that the visit was being guided by the Chinese authorities.

The letter further conveyed the Tibetan people inside Tibet’s staunch devotion to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and urged Tibetans in exile to follow the advices of His Holiness and preserve the rich cultural tradition of Tibet.

“Tibetans inside Tibet are going through a difficult time. However, we will never betray the country under pressure. Therefore, under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibetans residing in the free world should exert concerted effort with renewed vigour for the Tibetan movement,” it said.

“Our final hopes and aspiration rests upon the two jewels of Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration,” it added.

In addition, the party chief in TAR, Chen Guoquan also warned his party members and cadres, to avoid any appearance of any wrongdoing, just ahead of the US delegation’s visit to the region, a report published by the party’s central anti-corruption and discipline agency, on November 9, 2014.

“We must severely punish those party members and cadres who don’t have firm beliefs and ideals, who don’t share the same mind with the party and the people, who have ‘two faces’ when it comes to the important question of what’s right and wrong,” Mr Chen said.

“It was important to go after party members who “pretend not to be religious but indeed are” and those who “follow the clique of the 14th Dalai Lama,” Chen emphasized that party investigators should seek out members who have gone to India, where the Dalai Lama lives, to “worship” him or ones who send their “children” or “other relatives to schools” run by him.

‘On the eve of House Democratic Leader Nancy’s visit to the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, Chinese authorities in the capital ordered 10 members from each division of each township, and six members from each neighborhood, to participate in staged religious activities,’ source told the Tibet Post International, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Tibetans were summoned from all sectors of the Lhasa city government jurisdiction and forced to circumambulate around the religious sites. “The monasteries in the city were also directed to organize religious activities during the three days.”

Many people were paid for their participation in religious activities,’ sources said, adding, it would have been very difficult for US delegation led by Nancy Pelosi to see the real situation inside the city, including status of religious freedom.’

He explained that ‘before the arrival of the US delegation, all of the metal-detector gates used to scan people entering the Jokhang Temple and the police tents regularly pitched in the central Barkhor area, were removed from the area. “The U.S. delegation might have got a false impression of peace and calm in the area and in reality, the situation is very different.’

The delegation was shown a “Potemkin Lhasa City” where religious freedom and economic progress is enjoyed by all,” he explained, adding that “they likely did not see any of the darker aspects of Tibetan life in the city.”

Congressman James McGovern said, “ I think it’s fair to say that I think the Chinese government wanted to control as much of our visit as they could. And we saw what they wanted us to see.

We also saw things that they didn’t want us to see. we went to the meetings that the Chinese government wanted us to go to. We also visited places that we thought were important to the Tibetan people, to our constituents and to a lot of the people who have expressed concerns about human rights over the years. I think we got a good exposure.”

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November 30, 2015

TPI NEWS

Back Page Focus

U.S. Congressional delegation sees hope for common ground on Tibet

US Congressional delegation led by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi meeting with Tibetan monks at the SeraMonastery during the historic visit to Tibet last week. Photo/Leader Nancy Pelosi’s Office

By Victor Reyes: November 18, 2015

Washington, D.C. — After meeting with top Chinese government officials in China and Tibet, the delegation of US Congressional Democrats led by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said on Tuesday an opportunity exists to find “common ground” with Chinese authorities on Tibet.

The Democratic Minority leader of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, held a press conference on November 17, 2015 in Washington D.C. detailing the congressional delegation trip to China and Tibet earlier this month. Flanked by the other members who formed the delegation, Representatives Jim McGovern of Massachusettes, Betty McCollum and Tim Walz of Minnesota, Joyce Beatty of Ohio and Alan Lowenthal and Ted Lieu of California, Pelosi detailed the trip and dispelled some of the statements attributed to her by the Communist Chinese state controlled Media.

While praising the willingness of the government to entertain a dialogue on the future of Tibet and some advances on climate changed intellectual property, the Minority leader was blunt in her assessment of the willingness of the Communist Chinese to have an honest discussion on the future of the Tibetan people and their culture. Pelosi said,” In Tibet, really actually starting with the meeting of President Xi Jinping when he was here, what I was concerned about was the attitude of the Chinese government to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. When I said, and Senator Feinstein also said, that His Holiness is about autonomy not about independence.

That idea was rejected by the President and so it was also on this trip. It’s something that gives me some hope because we know that for decades – the first time I saw His Holiness was here in 1988 – and his whole message was about autonomy. So if they think it’s about independence, he says it’s about autonomy.

We only support autonomy. We believe Tibet is a part of China. Then I think there is an opportunity to find common ground.”

Furthermore Pelosi stated,” Because of course in addition to the reverence we have for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and faith that we have in his commitment to autonomy, we also want to see a perpetuation of Tibetan culture. And again, another different perspective was that it’s beautiful if the Chinese government spends a lot of money to guild the temple roof, the roof of the temple, but we’re interested in what’s happening in the minds of children and the education and the perpetuation of the culture there.”

Representative McGovern, Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, gave the delegation’s assessment of the situation in Tibet and the attempt by the Communist Chinese to control what, where and how the delegation had access to reliable information to the Tibetan people’s plight. McGovern described a security detail of 25-30 officers, not counting people on walkie-talkies who tried to guide the seven Americans and interfere with

their access to people and sites.

McGovern said at the press conference: “I want to thank Leader Pelosi for organizing this trip, and for allowing me to be part of it. Everywhere that Leader Pelosi or the delegation and I went in Tibet and Beijing, we talked about Tibet; we talked about His Holiness the Dalai Lama; we talked about human rights and the importance of respect for people’s culture and religion. We had a very good exchange with Chinese officials and, especially, with university students, both in Tibet and Beijing. I saw this trip, and especially the delegation’s visit to Tibet, as an important gesture by the Chinese government. I think we were the first Members of Congress to be granted a visa to travel to Tibet in many years.

So this is an important gesture.

But more needs to be done. And we must find ways to build on this visit, and make the reforms needed for meaningful change, such as: one, allowing the United States to open a consulate in Lhasa, Tibet; two, allowing more Members of Congress, journalists, members of parliament from other nations, and more people in general – including Members of the Tibetan community here in the United States – to travel freely to Tibet; lastly, renewing the dialogue with the Dalai Lama to resolve longstanding issues of Tibetan autonomy, religious practice, culture and heritage. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is part of the solution, not the problem, to resolving the issues confronting Tibetan autonomy. One of the things that concerned me – we heard too often from some, not all, but some Chinese officials, we heard language and characterizations of Tibet and the Dalai Lama showing that people’s minds and imaginations are stuck in the past, in old prejudices. The issue is not the past. The issue is the future of Tibet and its people.

Renewing dialogue must be genuine and productive, and it cannot be just another guise for wasting time or going through agendas – but a dialogue based on good faith and the mutual need to resolve outstanding issues in a way that is acceptable to all parties. Undertaking such initiatives would be a positive reflection on the capacity of Chinese authorities to engage in constructive dialogue, and increase confidence that the government is committed to reconciliation and ending abuses in Tibet. The Chinese government has invested a great deal in Tibet, and that was very clear to us. But that investment should not come at the price of an entire culture. You cannot confine a people’s culture and heritage – their very sense of identity – to a museum or a market of handicrafts. The human rights of the Tibetan people must be strengthened and protected.

McGovern further said that the Communist Chinese who were escorting the delegation did not foresee Pelosi’s tenacity in demanding to view religious sites. McGovern said, “ it’s fair to say that I think the Chinese government wanted to control as much of our visit as they could. And we saw what they wanted us to see.

We also saw things that they didn’t want us

to see. And I think what they didn’t count on was the tenacity of Leader Pelosi, who wanted to visit religious sites, who wanted to visit monasteries, and who insisted and insisted and kind of wore some of these officials down so that we were able to see what we wanted to see as well. So, I felt like we got a wide perspective of life in Tibet. And we went to the meetings that the Chinese government wanted us to go to. We also visited places that we thought were important to the Tibetan people, to our constituents and to a lot of the people who have expressed concerns about human rights over the years. I think we got a good exposure.”

Pelosi also said, “And right from the start with all this – I think 30 is probably a conservative estimate because there were people who – shall we say – had walkie talkies that may not have been identified as security who are part of the mass movement through the – down the path and through the old part of Tibet. But, those same people, right from the start, kind of complained that there was too much ‘tashi delek’ going on between us and the people who were standing around. They were like: ‘She wasn’t supposed to be doing that.’ ‘You weren’t supposed to be doing that.’ But, we did.”

As to the Communist Chinese willingness for future conversation, McGovern stated,” As I said – I’ll just repeat it. We continue to be concerned about the human rights situation in Tibet and about religious freedom issues and about people’s abilities to be able to live a life that they want. We had some very heated exchanges with Chinese government officials over a whole range of issues involving Tibet, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Some were more heated than others. Some drew a line in the sand. Some discussions I felt there was an openness to constructive dialogue.

And I think that’s how we come to this issue at this point. Is that we can’t – we went, we learned, we appreciate the opportunity to be granted the opportunity to visit, but we want to move beyond the past, and we want to see whether or not the Chinese government is willing to engage in some constructive dialogue that can help promote reconciliation that can help resolve some of the issues that have torn families apart for many, many years.

I can’t tell you with certainty that the Chinese government will agree to doing ‘x,y and z,’ but I don’t think any of us came away feeling that the door was entirely closed on anything. And so our challenge is to work with our colleagues in a bipartisan way to see what can be done.

And we are hopeful. And we’re hopeful, as I said, we can open up a consulate in Tibet which I think would be an important step. We’re hopeful that they’ll allow others to visit. And we’re hopeful that we’ll begin a more formal dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to resolve a whole range of issues.”

Another issue raised was more access by journalist, Pelosi said,” Leader Pelosi. No – well, we didn’t travel with journalists. In other words, the Chinese press was covering the trip.

Now, I think – it’s specific, I mean, because there are many journalists in Beijing, but, you know, Tibet is a – Lhasa – it’s a different story, whether it’s opening an embassy, they talked about – I mean, a consulate. They talked about exchange students – more exchange students between our two countries. Well, that would speak to having a consulate there to address the needs of families visiting or students going there. So we think there are some openings that could happen. That would be very wholesome.”

Asked about the quote contained in the Communist Chinese controlled newspaper the Tibetan Daily praising the Chinese government for its actions in Tibet and protecting religious freedoms, Minority Leader Pelosi simply responded, “Well, I think that you consider the source.”

Pelosi went on to say “So, it was a wonderful trip. I had on my bracelet that was given to me by the Dalai Lama’s sister on his 80th birthday last summer. I don’t know if they knew what that was, but I mentioned it a few times.”

The Tibet Post International

Cafes in McLeod Ganj- where Tibetan culture converges

By Garima Pura: November 27, 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 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

A brief moment with Tibetan culture and foods in McLeod Ganj, the Himalayan town of Dharamshala, India. Photo: Sushant Bhat

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.