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Vol. 02, Issue 55, 15 December 2011 Faith Alone Is Insufficient

B o d - K y i - Cha- Trin

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Tibetans in Tibet Are Our Boss, We are their Spokesperson: His Holiness By: YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet offering teachings of Nagajuna's Tantric text composed by Panchen Choegyal, over 10,000 devotees gathered at the Gyudmed Tantric University, Hunsur Rabgyeling settlement located near District Mysore, Karnataka State of South India, 5th December 2011. Photo: TPI/Sangay Dorjee

Karnataka, India: - His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet began a three-day visit to south India on December 5 and, during his teachings at Gyudmed Tantric University in .

Karnataka state, told followers that one should strive to become a 21st century Buddhist with both traditional values and a modern education.

See on Page 7...

Tibet’s Kalon Tripa Visits Britain

Kalon Tripa, Dr. Lobsang Sangay addressing The tibetan community in Britain, 1st December 2011.

Photo: TPI/Sam, London, UK.

Prague: - "Tibetan people inside Tibet are our boss, we [Tibetans in exile] are their free spokesperson," said the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama after meeting with senior and former Czech politicians, including Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg in Prague, the Czech capital.

During the meeting with the media on Monday, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that it was his moral responsibility to promote human rights and freedom.

His Holiness spoke about his first two commitments in life - inner value and religious harmony. Speaking on religious harmony, he said unity and harmony amongst all religions was important. He called on the media to play a greater role in promoting religious harmony and inner value. People must get more information that would lead to greater awareness.

In response to a question about dialogue between the Chinese and the Tibetans, His Holiness said that the Chinese say that there is no Tibetan issue but the issue of the Dalai Lama. However, he emphasized that the issue is not about the Dalai Lama but the future of six million Tibetans.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama said the Tibetan people in Tibet are our boss. "We are their free spokesperson. They have no freedom to express

His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the round table conference on Human Rights and Democracy in Asia at James university, Prague, Czech Republic. Photo: File See on Page 7...

themselves so we have to act on their behalf," he said.

The Peoples' Republic of China he said, belongs to the Chinese people. The 1.3 Billion people of China are the real rulers of China. They have every right to know the reality and judge what is right

Tibetans in Exile Across World

and wrong. Censorship of the media is wrong.

Recently, he said he received a letter from a Chinese individual who had met a Tibetan on a pilgrimage in China. The Chinese individual had told the Tibetan that the Dalai Lama was a good Buddhist but a splitist.

See on Page 4...

China Needs Respect Of The World

Commemorate Int'l Human Rights Day

London: Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangay concluded his tour of Europe in London today, to unprecedented success. During his first visit as the newly elected leader of the Tibetan people, Dr Sangay finished his trip in London, inspiring optimism among the exile community, and proving his credentials as a new See on Page 6... bridge between East and West.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Czech Foreign minister Karel Schwarzenberger, Prague, at a short private meeting on Sunday, 11th December 2011. Photo: TPI/

Exhibition On Nobel Peace Prize Day

Prague - Senior and former Czech politicians, including Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, met the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in Prague the Czech capital, on the first day of his three day visit (10-12, December), where he gave public lectures, talks and speeches on peace, democracy and Human Rights.

See on Page 3....

UK Urged to Act on Rights Violations in Tibet

(From left-right) Dr Wolfgang Zinggl, member of Austrian Parliament, Mr Penpa Tsering, Speaker of Tibetan Parliament in Exile and Mr Tsetan Samdup Chhoekyapa, representative of His Holiness in Geneva. Photo: Tibet Net

Dharamshala, India: - The 22nd anniversary of the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama's receiving of the Nobel Peace Prize was commemorated in the form of a photo exhibition in the Austrian capital, Vienna.

This photo exhibition illustrating the Tibetan spiritual leader's biography in 100 images was thrown open to the public on December 2 by Dr. Wolfgang Zinggl, Member of the Austrian Parliament (Green Party) and the Vice-Chairman of the Cultural Commission of the Austrian Parliament, according to the Tibetan official media: Tibet Net. See on Page 7...

Kalon Tripa, Dr. Lobsang Sangay addressing during the function, Dharamshala, India, 10th December 2011. Photo: TPI

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - Thousands of Tibetans in exile across the world celebrated the 22nd Anniversary of the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Nobel Peace Prize Day, and marked the 63rd International Human Rights Day after Twelve Tibetans self-immolated this year to protest against the Chinese Government's oppression in Tibet.

The main Tibetan temple was all lit up as thousands of exiled Tibetans including monks and nuns and their supporters assembled here to mark the anniversary. The political leader of the Tibetan government in exile, Dr. Lobsang Sangay

addressed the crowds followed by the deputy speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, making the final speech.

Officials explained that its decision to have a low-key celebration of the 22nd Anniversary was to remember the people of Tibet, those who suffered and are still suffering under Chinese rule and particularly so for victims of the self-immolations in 2011.

International Human Rights day was observed on Saturday, December 10, across the world including the Tibetan community under the theme of "Commemorate Human Rights' against abuse and violations of human values and to mark the anniversary of the presentation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

See on Page 5...

Photos depicting China’s brutality in Tibet and the Chinese security official’s high-handed and vulgar display of power over Tibetan monks and commoners have been leaked out of Tibet recently.

Photo: Photo: TPI

London, UK: - In the first adjournment debate on Tibet in three years at the House of Commons, the Members of Parliament called for the British Government to make a public statement regarding the recent series of selfimmolations by Tibetans.

See on Page 7...

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15 December, 2011 Dharamsala

TPI VIEWS & ANALYSIS

Tibet History; A Barrier for Negotiation Between Tibet and China?

The Tibet Post

Life in Exile, Tibetans in Dharamshala Waiting for Change

By: Denzi Yishey, The Tibet Post International

Photo taken on 6 June 2006, Historical stone pillars at the aain Tibetan religion and culture sites in the Tibetan capital Lhasa. Photo: TPI

Wyoming, US: - "I have no interest in history because it is a story about dead people" - A junior high Tibetan student.

Though I heard the above story several years ago, my memory of it is still vivid and fresh. I don't know the specific reason for its storage in my long-term memory. As a Behaviorist would say, the reason may lie in the reinforcement.

Once such reinforcement came last week when I presented to a group of undergraduate and graduate students at University of Wyoming on, "The U.S., China, and the Freedom of Tibet".

Many wars were fought on the historical facts (as if the fact is an absolute truth).

People died because of history. Women raped because of history. Individual tortured and imprisoned because of history. Citizen fought for rights because of history. Nation collapsed because of history. Further, nationalism created because of and based on history. However, many tend to ignore the fact that "history books were written by winners". To put it differently, history books may be biased or onesided. To support the existence of these biases, the United States recently acknowledge and starts to rewrite some of its history books concerning Native Americans and their struggle against the White domination. But all countries are not the United States. One such country, discussed in this piece, is China.

Like several countries, China has a number of unresolved tensions with its neighboring countries because of what it deemed as "historical facts". China continues to have historical disputes with Japan, Korea, Taiwan, India, Vietnam, and Philippines, among others.

As noted earlier, these tensions or disputes generally stem from two versions of history - one written by China and other by the respective country. In these political or boundary disputes, historical facts have been one of the key sticking points of failed negotiations. The existence of similar pattern could be seen along the line of Tibetan negotiations with China (or the United Work Forum) over its freedom struggle.

Understandably, the history of Tibet also has two versions: one taught in China and Chinese-controlled Tibet; and one taught in the Tibetan diaspora.

Undoubtedly, both claim their version to be true. A year ago, I asked a question to China expert at Hunter College, New York City on the chances of rewriting Tibetan history. There was (and is) no real answer to this complicated

question. However, the impact of two versions of Tibetan history is fairly evident (discussed later). Given Diana Wolff's description of six Tibets, I use two Tibets to discuss the differing versions of Tibetan history: China's Tibet and Diaspora's Tibet.

China's Tibet Tibetans in Chinese-controlled Tibet and Chinese in proper China were taught histories on China's Tibet.

Generally, these histories highlight China's suzerainty and sovereignty over Tibet since centuries and centuries ago.

As a Chinese student shared during my presentation noted earlier, "China helped Tibet fight against the British occupation in 1880s and 1904". They only knew that Chairman Mao liberated Tibet from its feudal system. For Chinese, Tibet is a socialist paradise represented on the Chinese flag as one of the four small yellow stars on a red background (Wolff, 2010). Many Chinese view Tibetans as ungrateful for what the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has done to them such as the benefits of modernity and material progress. For China, Tibet represents only the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR).

At present, though many Chinese may not agree with the role and influence of CCP in the Chinese government, they are generally very supportive of both when it comes to the issue of Tibet. The creation of this nationalism may be a direct result of their version of history books.

Diaspora's Tibet Tibetan history in the exile Tibetan diaspora firmly supports the independence of Tibet and views the Chinese Communist Party as the colonizer. They knew the declaration of Tibet's independence in 1912 by the 13th Dalai Lama. The Central Tibetan Administration based in Dharamsala, India is a representative government for Tibetans in diaspora. Though the Dalai Lama is labeled a demon in China, he is the undisputed spiritual head for Tibetans in diaspora and majority in Chinese-controlled Tibet. For Tibetans, Tibet represents Ethnographic Tibet i.e., TAR and, Amdo and Kham (parts of today's Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan, and Yunnan).

Many exile Tibetans were taught Tibetan version of history in the Tibetan refugee schools in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and other countries. They respect their version as the ultimate truth. Because of two differing versions of Tibetan history, there are occasional conflicts between

Tibetans educated in exile and Tibetans educated in the Chinese-controlled Tibet. Like Chinese, Tibetans in diaspora have a strong sense of nationalism when it comes to the issue of Tibet.

Negotiations As of writing this piece, it is clear that both group of Tibetans (those who propose complete independence and those who propose middle way policy) adhere to the principle of non-violence for seeking Tibet's freedom. In other words, negotiation (talk and dialogue) seems to be the only viable option for resolving the issue of Tibet. However, the question is - with the existence of two differing versions of Tibetan history, how should one negotiate the issue of Tibet? Looking at the two opposing historical facts, the negotiation of Tibetan issue seems a daunting task.

In negotiation, the likely solution is a win-win proposition (resolution) for both sides: Tibet and China. However, what is a win-win proposition? Based on two representations of Tibet (TAR and Ethnographic Tibet), will China -- an emerging global power -- be willing to redraw its provincial borders OR will Tibetans be willing to compromise the Ethnographic Tibet? In a situation where questions are many and answers limited, the negotiation of Tibet issue may see a long journey in the future.

Conclusion The swiftness of negotiations may lie in the untangling of two opposing historical facts. It may not be possible in the short-run to rewrite Tibetan history but it may be feasible to create a favorable atmosphere between Chinese common people and Tibetans via mutual understanding.

Being born as a refugee in India, I may not be the right person to write about Tibetans in Chinese-controlled Tibet.

So, I will share my conclusion on mutual understanding between Chinese common people and Tibetans in diaspora.

Though Chinese in China and Tibetans in Chinese-controlled Tibet may not have a privilege to study the opposing historical facts, Tibetans in diaspora do have an option to include the opposing historical facts of China's Tibet in its school curriculum. With this understanding, Tibetans in diaspora may better accommodate the general feelings of Tibetans in the Chinesecontrolled Tibet as well as the Chinese common people. With a creation of mutual respect and understanding, Tibetans may be able to gain the heart and support of Chinese common people, which may soon lead to the ultimate resolution of Tibet issue.

To conclude, at the end of my presentation noted earlier, I emphasized, "History is a good tool to learn a lesson from past but not a good tool to define the future. Generally, history helped create hatred among peoples. The most important is to create a good and friendly relationship between Chinese common people and Tibetans because there are many existing differences on how they view the issue of Tibet". At the end, I may have partially supported the stand of a junior high Tibetan student on "history".

The views expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the views of The Tibet Post International (TPI).

Pema Gyaltsen talking with the Tibet Post International, Photo: TPI By: Viki Rey Eagle and Kyle Hanson, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala, India: - About halfway down Temple Road in McLeodganj, northern India, with about seven clothes shops on one side and countless street merchants on the other, you can find a small and irresistibly trendy café called Coffee Talk.

It is especially inviting to foreign tourists, with outside seating and stunning views of the Himalayan Dhauladhar range above and Kangra valley below.

Inside, customers are met with vibrant orange walls, bright lights, and a hip mixture of Indian, Tibetan and Western pop music - not to mention a tempting selection of fresh pastries.

Pema Guyaltsang, a 28-year old waiter at Coffee Talk, greets customers with a smile and a menu, having begun his shift early in the morning.

Guyaltsang is one of many Tibetan refugees who have made the long journey Dharamshala - the collection of small towns and villages to which

Pema Dorjee, talking with the Tibet Post International. Photo: TPI

McLeodganj belongs.

In his former life in Tibet, he was a Buddhist monk, and he came to India in search of a better life.

This entailed a 19-day journey on foot across Nepal before finally reaching the Tibetan Reception Centre in Kathmandu, where he registered to move to India.

"It was very difficult at first to adjust," said Guyaltsand, "because I first came to work in Bangalore, which does not have a substantial Tibetan community."

His main reasons for leaving Tibet were the opportunities to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to secure his own personal freedom.

"I left Tibet in 2007, which was a good time to leave. By 2008, it was very disastrous and many monks participated in demonstrations for human rights."

After three months working in Bangalore, Guyaltsang decided to move to Dharamshala. Since then, his life has revolved around working half days in the café then studying English and reading Tibetan poetry.

He sayes he enjoys the strong, visible

presence of Tibetan culture in Dharamsala, and also enjoys connecting with foreign tourists.

As for Tibet's political future, Guyaltsang has confidence in His Holiness the Dalai Lama. "I don't know what the future looks like for Tibet, but if the Dalai Lama's Middle Path approach and negotiations are successful, I think people will be happy."

His own hopes and goals are, he said, much like everyone else's - to find a better place to live.

Pema Dorjee, aged 28, also works at Coffee Talk. He relieves his co-worker at 2pm and works until the café closes at 7pm in winter, or 10pm in summer.

Sporting a black vest and camouflage pants, he is quick to greet foreign customers using his excellent English.

Dorjee's reasons for coming to India differ from Guyaltang's. He came to Dharamshala in 2005, but not out of a desire to escape the political situation in Tibet.

Rather, after 12 years of schooling in Tibet, he decided he wanted to see the world and experience how other people live. He also wanted to learn English and other languages, and find better work.

Upon his arrival, Dorjee joined the Tibetan Transit School near lower Dharamshala. There he learnt English, and three years later he moved to McLeodganj to work at Coffee Talk.

Outside of work, he attends a Germanlanguage class and also enjoys roller skating.

His favorite subject at school in Tibet was math, which he would like to study again if he can go back to school.

Dorje comes from a family of nomads and has two brothers, who still live in Tibet with his parents.

Though he finds things less difficult after six years in India, Dorjee still misses his family and hopes to be able to visit them one day. To this end, he recently applied for re-entry into Tibet, but he acknowledges that it is very hard to acquire the proper permission.

Despite his difficulties when he first arrived in Dharamsala - such as adjusting to the different accent of Tibetan speakers here - Dorjee said he is happy in McLeod Ganj.

Like Guyaltsang, he has faith that His Holiness the Dalai Lama's idea of a Middle Path is the best course for now, pointing out that complete independence would be difficult at present, especially as the Tibet issue is one problem in a world full of problems.

"Nothing, no living thing," he said, "can stand completely alone."

The Tibet Post

TPI H.H. THE DALAI LAMA

His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Address Prague Forum For Human Rights

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet addressing during a special event being held at the main Tibetan temple in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, India, 8th August 2011.

Photo: TPI/file By: YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala, India: -The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will visit Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic at the invitation of Forum 2000, the foundation jointly created by former Czech president VĂĄclav Havel, with the highlight of his trip a conference centered on human rights in China and other parts of Asia.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will speak at a round table conference being held at Prague's Charles University on Dec. 11, which is being regarded as a follow up to Forum 2000's "Peace, Democracy and Human Rights in Asia" conference staged in 2009.

Former President VĂĄclav Havel, Former French Foreign Minister Bernard Continues From Front Page

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

The Tibetan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate attended and addressed the Prague Forum 2000's "Peace, Democracy and Human Rights in Asia" event. The conference commemorated the first anniversary of a Nobel Peace Prize to the Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo and focused on the current state of democracy and human rights in Asia.

Tibet's environment is important for China: His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that the Tibetan spirit especially among the younger generation in Tibet was extremely strong. He called on governments and parliaments to send fact finding missions to Tibet to find out the actual situation in the Himalayan region.

He expressed his deep concern about Tibet's environment. The environment is not a political issue he said. Tibet's environment is important for China as many rivers that start in Tibet flow through China. He said international environmental experts, including those from China, should investigate what damage has been done and what steps can be taken to prevent further damage.

Early on Sunday, His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed the round-table conference on Democracy and Human Rights in Asia: One Year After an Empty Chair in Oslo at Charles University in Prague. Former President Havel who couldn't attend the conference due to ill health said in his message that we are entering a rather dangerous period where human rights and civic freedoms

Kouchner and other dignitaries will also address on Democracy and Human Rights in Asia: One Year After an Empty Chair in Oslo round table conference in Prague on 11 December. His Holiness the Dalai Lama will arrive in Prague on 10 December.

The round table conference will also commemorate the first anniversary of Nobel Peace Prize to Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo. The conference will focus on the current state of democracy and human rights in Asia.

Nobel Laureate Dr Shirin Ebadi, Mr StĂŠphane Hessel, diplomat, co-drafter of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Dr Jianli Yang, dissident, president and founder of Initiatives for China based in Boston, USA, will also

address the conference.

"Human rights are universal. China, Myanmar (Burma) and other Asian countries are members of the United Nations and are therefore bound by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," said Forum2000 the organisers of the round table. "In fact, one of the declaration's authors, Peng Chun Chang from China, based many of the declaration's principles on Confucian and other Eastern teachings.

Nonetheless, the human rights situation in parts of the region is a cause for grave concern. The empty chair at the 2010 Nobel peace prize award ceremony remains a sad symbol of this."

The conference will be held at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University in Prague. Forum 2000 Foundation also organised Peace, Democracy and Human Rights in Asia conference in September 2009.

On Sunday afternoon His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give a public talk on Searching for Happiness in a Troubled World. The talk will be held at the Prague Congress Centre and the tickets were sold out in one day.

The round table conference and the public talk will be live broadcast on http:/ /www.forum2000.cz/en/web-tv/ His Holiness the Dalai Lama first visited Prague at the official invitation of President Havel soon after the Velvet Revolution in January 1990. President Havel became the first President after the communist rule. This will be His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 9th visit to the Czech Republic.

15 December, 2011 Dharamsala

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Tibet's Spiritual Leader Honoured With Dayawati Modi Award

His Holiness the Dalai Lama receiving the Dayawati Modi Award for Art, Culture and ducation in New Delhi,India, on 2 December 2011. Photo: OHHDL

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post

New Delhi, India: - In a ceremony held in New Delhi on December 3rd, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama received the Dayawati Modi Award for Art, Culture and Education for his contribution towards universal peace, tolerance and social justice.

Presenting a silver shield, a scroll of honour and a cash prize of Rs. 2.51 lakhs, Satish Kumar Modi, President of the Dayawati Modi foundation, said "It is our honour to confer this award upon His Holiness."

He stressed on the need for an education system that promotes inner values like affection and warmheartedness. "The modern education system is materialistic oriented, onesided, and concerned only about brain development and neglect warmheartedness and the sense of

responsibility," stated the spiritual leader of Tibet.

"It begins from the family level as lack of affection causes competition, which brings suspicion, distrust, and loneliness. We hence need more effort in the promotion of warm-heartedness from the society to the global level," he added.

"Women have more inborn potential to build a society on the foundation of love and compassion, as they are more loving and compassionate," said the Dalai Lama on receiving the award.

Speaking of women's power in building a peaceful and compassionate world, he said, "Those who receive maximum affection and love in their childhood tend to be much happier with more selfconfidence. On the contrary, those who lack affection and love, have deep inside some sense of insecurity. So in order to Continues On Page 4

.....China Needs Respect from Rest of The World; His Holiness were being sacrificed for material growth.

In his address, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that the 7 billion people share one home and the survival of this planet depends on us. We have to think about others' well-being. The Tibetan leader praised India for its democratic principles and said that there is accountability of governance.

Human Rights and the World Economy: Regarding China he said that with its recent economic developments, China has great potential to make a constructive contribution on the global stage. However, he expressed concern about the present system of government. His Holiness said China needs respect from the rest of the world.

Respect comes from trust, trust needs transparency. This he said was lacking in China. The Tibetan spiritual leader said China needs political reform. The Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has also called for such reforms in China.

In the afternoon, His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke about his three commitments in life during the public talk on Searching for Happiness in a Troubled World at the Prague Congress Centre. He said he has always tried to promote secular ethics which he said must be promoted through education starting from kindergarten level.

The ultimate source of happiness is within ourselves. A calm mind and concern for others' welfare will help towards happiness. Compassion he said, is not about having pity for others, but a sense of respect for others.

"Human rights issues faced with ever

growing economic might of a country like China are being trivialized and economic interests are being deliberately separated from those dealing with basic freedoms. And this is very dangerous, not only because solidarity with those pursuing freedom in different parts of the world is fading but also for the Euro-Atlantic area whose original identity is thus being lost," said the statement of President Havel. "We felt very intensely how important aid from abroad was for us, as well as the support and solidarity of people from various corners of the world who took interest in out activities," Havel added.

"It was a great encouragement when we saw that there are many people - often from very far away - who feel a similar responsibility for the world as we felt.

We have been attempting now, for more than twenty years already, to return that solidarity that we received and to express support to all those who are fighting for human rights and basic freedoms in Asia and elsewhere. For people like Liu Xiabo and the likes of him all over the world," Havel further said.

Oldrich Cerny, executive director of the conference, said the joint declaration was the aim of this year's meeting. "This is doubly needed at the time when the notion of human rights starts to be eroded, while economic interests have started to assume its place," Cerny said.

Mr. Bernard Kouchner, former French Foreign Minister said that China is economically doing well but at the same time, there are lots of people imprisoned.

The Arab Spring has worried the Chinese

leadership, as they fear it will come to them.

Dr. Jianli Yang, President and Founder of the Initiatives for China based in Boston said that China is afraid of Liu Xiaobo, a key author of Charter 08. The Charter 08 called for democratic changes in China. Over 350 Chinese intellectuals and human rights activists signed the charter.

Meeting with Top Czech officials: Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg talked to His Holinesss the Dalai Lama during his visit, at a short private meeting Sunday afternoon, Schwarzenberg said. It was "an inspiring conversation" as always and "a friendly private meeting," Schwarzenberg added without elaborating. Schwarzenberg is probably the only active supreme Czech politician who has met His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his current visit to the Czech Republic.

The meeting took place in a hotel in Prague centre where the Tibetan spiritual leader arrived with some officials and security guards accompanying him and a police escort at around 16:00.

Schwarzenberg arrived a bit earlier and left the hotel before 17:00. Before the meeting, His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave a public lecture entitled "In Search for Happiness in an Uncertain World," at the Prague Congress Centre.

The Dalai Lama said he was concerned about the health of Vaclav Havel. He has offered Tibetan medicine to the former president of the country. Havel, 75, suffers from serious health problems and due to trouble with his breathing apparatus he spends most of his time

outside Prague. His Holiness said since he was seriously concerned about Havel's health he recommended to him some Tibetan medicine. According to media reports, His Holiness said he had told Havel he was now his Tibetan doctor.

On Monday, Former president Vaclav Havel and the Dalai Lama signed an appeal to the international community asking it to support dissidents across the world at the conference Forum 2000.

The declaration said the world recently focused on Asia's economy, but not, unfortunately, on the state of human rights, among others in China, North Korea, Iran and Syria. The drafters of the appeal also said the state of human rights was stagnating or worsening. An opener, free China would be of vital importance for Asia and the whole world, they added.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama was invited to the Czech Republic by former Czech president Vaclav Havel. His three-day stay is organized by the Forum 2000 foundation. He arrived in Prague on Human Rights Day. He had a short meeting with president Havel after arriving. Havel thanked the Dalai Lama, his long-term friend, for arriving in the country where people love him.

The Chinese embassy in Prague is always closely watching His Holiness' visits. The embassy claims he is promoting Tibet's secession from China during his journeys. However, inter-nation communities and Human rights activists have criticized China for its tragic occupation of Tibet sixty years ago and the current oppression of Tibetan people.

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15 December, 2011 Dharamsala

TPI VOICE FOR TIBET

Tibetan Documentary Shines in Manchester Film Festival

Mr. Lobsang with bex -co ordinator & director john at Manchester film festival, UK, 8th December 2011. Photo: TPI

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post International

Manchester, UK: ‘Passport Photos,' a documentary on urban Tibetans was screened as a part of Insight Film Festival held in Manchester, United Kingdom on 3rd and 4th of December.

The two-day film festival focuses on films of faith, offering a platform where faith can be explored, discussed and understood and Passport Photos battled 300 documentaries from across the world to receive an official selection award.

Produced by Black Coffee Productions and Think Tibet, ‘Passport Photos' is a short documentary film comprising of a collection of conversations with young urban Tibetans named Tenzin.

Directed by Preetam Koipillai in collaboration with Tenzin Jangchup Lingpa and Lobsang Thardoe this short documentary is set against the milieu of the Tibetan passport of Tsepon Wangchuk Deden Shakabpa that was revealed in Nepal in 2003.

In a set of several short interviews, the characters speak about their lives, families, dreams and what it means to be living in exile and how almost all of them share the same first name - Tenzin.

This 15-minute documentary was first premiered at the IBN Arabi Film Festival

in Murcia, Spain on January 31, 2011.

Following the rave reviews and critics' thumps-up for this niche film, it was screened at seven other 2011 International Film Festivals.

After touring Vientianale International Film Festival in Laos, Dawson City International Short Film Festival in Canada, MCM International Short Film Festival in Netherland, Outbox International Short Film Festival in Lebanon, Kimera International Film Festival in Italy, Australian Refugee Film Festival in Australia and I've seen Films International Film Festival in Italy, it finally arrived in Manchester, UK. As a part of an interactive exercise, Lobsang Thardoe, Program and Project Manager of Think Tibet, took active part in the scriptwriting workshop by Frank C. Boyce and a screenwriting workshop by Henry Swindell post the screening on the first day.

The second day had Mr. Thardoe speaking to an enthusiastic audience about the movie and on Tibet. "It was wonderful to be here at the Insight Festival. I had the opportunity of meeting the Lord Mayor of Manchester, who was the Chief Guest, and speak briefly about Tibet," he stated.

The Tibet Post

Tibet Groups Urge Japanese MPs to Put Diplomatic Pressure on China

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Tokyo, Japan: - In a press release dated December 7, Tibetan and Support groups in Japan states that they have spearheaded a campaign of lobbying to Japanese members of parliament in the light of the recent crackdown in eastern Tibet. In a long day effort the groups have appealed to several Japanese officials and members of the Parliament urging the Japanese Government to exert diplomatic pressure on China.

Five-member representatives of Tibetan Community of Japan and Students for a Free Tibet - Japan Tuesday, 6th December visited 13 offices of the Japanese Members of Parliament (MP) and met with six of them personally.

They briefed the members on the current dire situation inside Tibet and asked for their support for a campaign to raise international support for the tragic situation in eastern Tibet where, since March this year, twelve young Tibetans have set light to themselves in protest against China's repressive policies. At least six of these have died, including two nuns. The recent spate of self-immolations followed a monk called Tapey, who set himself on fire in 2009.

In their letter to the MPs, the visiting Tibetan delegation requested for a coordinated and swift diplomatic action that can stop the crisis, and urged parliamentarians to call on the government to make a public statement of concern about the situation in Tibet. Such a statement they believed would strengthen the impact of similar statements made by other governments, and encourage China to take those concerns seriously. It would also be a source of hope to Tibetans in Tibet, and give them reason to hope, and to live.

"Considering the situation inside Tibet and the recent spate of selfimmolations, we had to do this lobbying work within very short

Members of Tibetan and Tibet support groups in Japan with members of the Japanese Parliament, Tokyo, Japan, 6th December 2011. Photo: TPI

period of time. Nevertheless, we are very happy for what we have done.

We'll definitely be more strategic next time and try and meet more MPs for sure", said Lobsang Yeshi, President of the Tibetan Community of Japan after their visit to the parliament house.

Those Tibetans resorted to selfimmolations are acts of desperation - often calling for the Dalai Lama's return and for freedom or independence for Tibet as they do so - as a cry for help about the current crackdown and continued oppression in Tibet. China's response to these acts of protest to crack down even harder on these communities, disappearing monks and beating elderly Tibetans to death - is exacerbating tensions and deepening the anguish Tibetans feel. This view is shared by the US and German governments and a number of United Nations Special Rapporteurs.

Mr. Tsering Dorjee, National Director of Students For a Free Tibet - Japan said, "This is the first time Tibet groups in Japan have undertaken this pathbreaking journey which will surely not end with this visit to the parliament. We are more determined and committed to follow suit.

Therefore, we have decided to

continue this in the future - at least once or twice a year."

Expressing her excitement on the visit to the parliament house, Dolma Tsering, Vice-President of the Tibetan Community of Japan said, "Initially I had mixed feeling on how things would go once we will be at the parliament house, however, much to our delight, all the parliamentarians showed keen interest on Tibet issues. Some even advised us to visit the parliament house often to update them on Tibet news. I was really thrilled that we managed to pull it off!"

The team also convinced four of the MPs to sign a Pledge to Stand Up for Tibet (seewww.StandUpforTibet.org).

As you will see, this pledge already has the support of Nobel Laureates and parliamentarians from around the world.

Following two ministers-cumparliamentarians and two house of representatives also signed pledges to Stand Up For Tibet.

1. Mr. Seishu Makino, Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry 2. Mr. Fumihiko Igarashi, Vice Minister of Finance 3. Mr. Hideo Yoshiizumi, A member of the House of Representatives 4. Mrs. Tomoko Abe, Representatives of Social Democratic Party

.....Tibetans in Tibet Are Our Boss. .......Dayawati Modi Award Continues From Front Page However, when the Tibetan explained the Tibetan issue, the Chinese individual wrote that he fully supports the Middle Way Approach which does not seek separation from China but calls for genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people. The writer said that if all Chinese citizens knew about the Middle Way Approach, 100 percent of the Chinese would support the Dalai Lama.

"China needs human rights, democracy and the rule of law because these values are the foundation of a free and dynamic society. They are also the source of true unity and stability.

It is clear and obvious that many Chinese have been carrying on a life and death struggle for democracy in China," said the signatories.

"A more open, free and democratic China is of great importance for Asia

Continues From Page 3 and the world as a whole", said the Prague Declaration signed by the six speakers of the Democracy and Human Rights in Asia: One Year after an Empty Chair in Oslo, December 12.

The Declaration was signed by former President Havel, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Former French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, Nobel Laureate Dr. Shirin Ebadi, Mr. Stephane Hessel, Co-drafter of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Dr. Jianli Yang Dissident, of Initiatives for China based in Boston, USA. They called for international efforts to promote awareness and improve progress in human rights across the globe. The Declaration affirms that all human beings have the right to freedom from want and freedom from fear. These rights are indivisible and

universal.

With this spirit they said, we have come together to mark the first anniversary of the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo, who - together with many other prisoners of conscience - remains imprisoned by the Chinese authorities.

The declaration said expressions of concern, support and solidarity are of immense importance in sustaining and strengthening the spirit and hope of the people who are engaged in the struggle for human rights and democracy even at the risk of imprisonment and endangering their own lives. It is these people who represent the forces that ultimately will achieve freedom, democracy and human rights.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will return back to Dharamshala from Prague tomorrow morning.

build a happier generation, mothers have an immensely important role to play."

Describing mothers as a source of affection and foundation of a happier family, the Dalai Lama stated that females in general have more potential for kindness and are more sensitive towards others' pain.

The spiritual leader then accredited his mother to have sown the original seeds of compassion and said, "Although illiterate, my mother never showed an angry face to us. My Buddhist training immensely helped in strengthening my altruism but, my mother's warmheartedness started it all."

Advocating the power of women's leadership, the Dalai Lama said, "Under a more matured female leadership, there is less danger of violence."

"Time has come to make real effort in the promotion of compassion for which

women should take a more active role," he concluded.

Later that afternoon, His Holiness spoke on the Art of Happiness as a part of the Penguin Annual Lecture Series at the India Habitat Center.

This award was instituted by the Dayawati Modi Foundation for Art, Culture and Education in memory of late Mrs. Dayawati Modi who was a philanthropist, an educationist and wife of Bahadur Gurjar Modi, Founder of the Modi Group.

Over the years, the foundation has established schools, colleges, libraries and hostels for students apart from its endeavours to promote Indian art and culture.

Other recipients of this award are eminent personalities like philanthropist Mother Teresa, actor Amitabh Bachchan, singers Jagjit Singh and Asha Bhosale.

The Tibet Post

TPI TIBET IN EXILE

.......Int'l Human Rights Day Continues From Front Page The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted between January 1947 and December 1948. The formal establishment of Human Rights Day occurred on 4 December 1950, when the General Assembly declared resolution inviting all member states and any other interested organizations to celebrate the day.

The following is the full statement from Dr. Lobsang Sangay, newly elected political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration based in the hill town of Dharamshala, India.

"Today, we have gathered here to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1989.

On this auspicious occasion, the Kashag extends warm greetings to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet and all friends of Tibet and supporters of human rights around the world.

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in the name of scientist Alfred Nobel to honor leaders who have made outstanding contribution to "fraternity between nations, abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace." His Holiness the Dalai Lama was recognized by the Nobel committee for his "consistent resistance to the use of violence in his people's struggle to regain their liberty." This recognition enhanced, in an unprecedented way, the international visibility of the issue of Tibet and for this reason we remain eternally grateful to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and reaffirm our steadfast commitment to nonviolence.

This year His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in his own words, "voluntarily, happily and willingly" devolved all his political powers to a democratically elected leader, thereby fundamentally transforming the 369-year-old institution of the Dalai Lama. His Holiness the Dalai Lama's vision is of a secular democratic Tibetan society, which can stand on its own feet, strengthening and sustaining the movement. This magnanimous decision to separate political and spiritual authority sends a strong message of true leadership. This gesture of the great 14th Dalai Lama is all the more respected around the world and has further strengthened his place among the pantheon of world's great leaders.

The Kashag fully supports the historic statement issued by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his reincarnation on 24th September 2011. The Kashag believes, in the eyes of Tibetan people and the world, the Chinese government has no legitimacy, credibility and authority with regard to reincarnation. Tibetans have absolute faith and loyalty to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and we believe he alone has the right and authority to determine his reincarnation, which is reinforced by the resolutions adopted during 11th Bi-annual Conference of Buddhist leaders in September 2011.

Today, as we also mark the 63rd Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is unfortunate that conditions in Tibet have significantly worsened in recent times. The Chinese government continues to violate the most basic human rights of Tibetans enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Due to the occupation of Tibet and the crackdown that ensued the 2008 peaceful protests, civil and political

rights of Tibetan people are repressed, not to mention economic marginalization, social inequality, cultural assimilation and environmental destruction. The human rights situation in Tibet has deteriorated so significantly that Tibetans are resorting to desperate and unprecedented acts. In 2011 alone, twelve Tibetans are known to have committed self-immolation out of which seven have died.

Kalon Tripa in his first official visit to the USA and Europe briefed prominent leaders and officials about the tragic situation in Tibet. They were greatly disturbed and expressed deep concern for the suffering of the Tibetan people and the urgent need to resolve the Tibet issue through peaceful dialogue.

Accordingly, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that USA was "alarmed by recent incidents in Tibet of young people lighting themselves on fire in desperate acts of protest."

During these visits, Kalon Tripa reiterated His Holiness the Dalai Lama's unequivocal and long-standing position that as a Buddhist, life is precious and thus, he has always discouraged drastic actions inside and outside of Tibet, as he did during the peaceful protests in 2008 and several unto-death hunger strikes in exile. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is also deeply concerned about these tragic developments. Similarly, Kalon Tripa appealed Tibetans to end their untodeath hunger strikes in May this year in India, because we need to live and lead our movement. In the long-term interest of the Tibetan cause, we urge Tibetans to focus on secular and monastic education to provide the necessary human resources and the capability to strengthen and sustain our movement.

As a gesture of mourning for the selfimmolators and their families, the Kashag organized a day-long prayer on Wednesday, October 19, which was graced by the presence of His Holiness Dalai Lama and other important lamas.

The Kashag urges Tibetans everywhere to recite mani or other prayers every Wednesday for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the victims of human rights violations in Tibet, including the self-immolators and their families. On Wednesday, January 4, 2012, during the Kalachakra teachings in Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha attained enlightenment, the Kashag will also organize a mass prayer so that the truth may prevail in Tibet.

Human Rights Day is a time for people and governments to reflect about the meaning, importance and need for basic rights. To the government of China, we want to say that the only way to bring about real peace and stability in Tibet is by respecting the fundamental human rights of the Tibetan people. We call upon China to release all political prisoners who are sentenced under various pretexts without fair trial and to stop all repressive policies currently being implemented across Tibetan areas, and to resolve the Tibetan issue peacefully through dialogue.

We would like people and governments everywhere to recognize and reward the long-standing and genuine commitment of Tibetans in democracy and nonviolence. Such expression of support will go a long way in encouraging other movements and freedom struggles to follow suit, thereby paving a path to a

15 December, 2011 Dharamsala

5

Best Selling 'Arhat' a Wonderful Way to Introduce Tibet

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

Dharamshala, India: - The English edition of Arhat, a best selling novel by Kyrgyz writer Kazat Akmatov was launched by Kalon Dicki Chhoyang, Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration, at the DIIR hall Thursday, December 08.

"I am pleased to launch the English edition of the book. Although its a novel, its a wonderful way to introduce the issue of Tibet and Tibetan culture to the people of Kyrgyzstan," said Kalon Dicki Chhoyang.

She also said that she firmly believes that, Kyrgyzstan being a part of the former Soviet Union, the people of Kyrgyzstan, will naturally feel a sense of empathy with the hardship that the Tibetan people are currently living inside Tibet under communist China.

Thanking Kalon Dicki Chhoyang and the DIIR for hosting the launch of his book, Kazat Akmatov told a brief biography of his life and how he stumbled upon the idea of writing "Arhat".

He said that its impossible to access Tibetan literature during the Soviet era.

His first association with Tibet was in 1968 when he was able to visit Lhasa for one day through Nepal. Since then he has always been an admirer of the

Information Minister of the Tibetan administration, Dicki Chhoyang at the book launch with author Kazat Akmatov, Dharamshala, India, 08 December 2011.

Photo: TPI/Pema Tso

rich Tibetan culture and heritage.

'Arhat' is an intriguing tale of adventure and tragedy set against the extraordinary natural beauty of Tibet. It is the story of an unusual Kyrgyz boy name Adilet who discovers that he is the reincarnation of the great Tibetan yogi,Milarepa.

Since its first publication in 2007, Arhat has received a number of prizes and awards including the International Ruhaniat prize (2007) and the Kyrgyz government's best-seller of 2009 among many others.

The book has been translated into many different languages including Kyrgyz, Russian and Bulgarian while the book's Farsi, Turkish and German language edition are coming out soon.

Kazat Atmatov is an author and playwright from Kyrgystan. While serving as a member of the USSR Writers Union in the 1970s ,he was repressed by the Communist party for his outspoken books and novels. His other works include The Night of the Formation (1983), Earth Time (1978) and Years Around the Sun.

“I Cannot Farm Alone,� Says Tsering Lhamo, A Tibetan Mother By: Kyle Hanson, The Tibet Post

Bylakuppe, South India: - In a series of special features, The Tibet Post International journalist, Mr. Sangay Dorjee reports from India's largest Tibetan settlement, Bylakuppe, in south India.

Tsering Lhamo, 61 years old, is currently living in the third camp of the Tibetan settlement in Bylakuppe, India, the largest settlement of its kind. In 1959, when she was ten years old, she came to India with her parents and here, attended school until fourth grade.

Her mother died when she was forty, but her father, who is now ninety-one years of age, is living with her in Bylakuppe.

Her husband died some while ago, leaving her with two sons, one of whom died three years ago while travelling about selling sweaters to support the family. Her other son has a wife and two children of his own. The six of them currently all live together.

Before 1999, there were about one

more democratic and peaceful world for the 21st century.

Lastly, we urge the United Nations and the international community to send fact-finding delegations to Tibet and assess the gross human rights violations and ground situation firsthand. Independent media and liberal Chinese intellectuals should also be allowed access.

As always, we take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to the government and people of India for their hospitality and generosity to Tibetans for more than five decades.

May His Holiness the Dalai Lama live long and may all his wishes be fulfilled."

Tsering Lhamo, a Tibetan mother from Bylakuppe, the second largest Tibetan settlement in South India. Photo: TPI/Sangay

hundred Tibetan families living in Bylakuppe, but there was no room for so many people. So with the help and approval of the Indian government, the Tibetan government provided the refugees with housing (enough to fit five people to a room) and land to farm, creating the camps that exist today. In one camp, there could be around five hundred people.

In the past, Tsering and her family farmed on the land they were provided in Bylakuppe, so they have no family restaurant or shop. They have five acres, but they no longer farm it themselves.

She found that her son and daughter-inlaw could not work well in the fields.

Instead, her daughter-in-law went last year to sell sweaters as her deceased son had done, but she did not continue to do so this year.

Due to her age, Tsering herself is now unable to continue the level of manual labor required on the family's farm.

Without anyone in the family to work their land, she has had to rent it out to local Indian farmers. Last year, she rented the land for 3500 Rs. per acre, and this year for 4500 Rs. per acre, but she is not sure what the prices will be next year and so does not yet know what she will do.

She has never been able to return to Tibet, and in fact, has never travelled anywhere else after settling in Bylakuppe, not even to Dharamshala. But she does still have hope that she may yet see her homeland again, and she is also very hopeful that His Holiness the Dalai Lama will one day be able to return to Tibet. It is her conviction that although the Chinese government has offered to allow the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet freely, she cannot believe this to be true.

Interviewed by Sangay Dorjee, report of The Tibet Post International.

Translated by Pema Tso and Kyle Hanson.

6

15 December, 2011 Dharamsala

TPI INSIDE TIBET

Man Dies After Latest Self-immolation Protest in Eastern Tibet

Rongtsa Tenzin Phuntsok, 46, who set himself ablaze on December 1 in Chamdho, Tibet.

Photo: TPI/File By: Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala, India: - Rongtsa Tenzin Phuntsok, 46, who set himself ablaze to protest against Chinese rule over Tibet on December 1, in Kham Chamdho, eastern Tibet, succumbed to his injuries at the Chinese military hospital, he was admitted to on Tuesday, December 6.

Owing to heavy security around the hospital and official restrictions in Chamdo, the news of his death came out in the open only yesterday. Reports also indicate that Phuntsok's wife Dolma who went missing after the selfimmolation, has been arrested by Chinese officials.

News of Tenzin Phuntsok's death has come about exactly 6 days after the Chinese state media, ‘China Daily' reported that the former monk was in a stable condition. His body is yet to be handed over to his family.

"This morning, when contacted, we came to know that the family has not yet gained possession over Tenzin Phuntsok's body to conduct the final rituals," said Ven. Monlam Tharchin, a member of the Tibetan Parliament in exile.

Accusing China of drumming up fake stories concerning the causes of Tenzin Phuntsok's self-immolation, Tharchin said, "Even in his final

moments the deceased's family members were barred from visiting him in the hospital."

"Chinese officials are faking stories in the media by saying Tenzin Phuntsok committed suicide for individual interest but the fact is that he burned himself calling for freedom in Tibet," he added in anguish.

"Those who witnessed the self immolation clearly heard him shout freedom slogans while the fire consumed his body," he concluded.

Tenzin Phuntsok is survived by his wife and three children.

THE STORY IN BRIEF On December 1, Tenzin Phuntsok, a former monk at Karma Monastery located in Chamdo, Tibet doused himself in gasoline and set himself on fire protesting China's continued occupation of Tibet.

Eyewitnesses later confirmed that Tenzin Phuntsok was in a very serious condition with one of his arms nearly torn apart.

The entire Chamdho region, especially Karma monastery has been facing increased repression after unconfirmed reports of a bomb blast at a Chinese government building in Chamdho on October 26 emerged.

Although no casualties were reported following the blast, Karma monastery was locked down and strict restrictions were placed on its monks.

Reports say that 70 monks of Karma monastery were detained, while over 40 monks escaped from the monastery into the hills. The current whereabouts of the detained monks remain unknown.

Before setting himself on fire, Tenzin Phuntsok had distributed leaflets expressing his solidarity with the detained monks and criticizing Chinese rule. "When monks and nuns suffer so much under detention with beatings and excruciating interrogations, I would prefer to die than remain alive," read one leaflet.

"How can we trust this totalitarian regime who forbids us from practicing our Buddhism? Mere thinking about those monks is futile. We should rise up."

MEANWHILE IN EASTERN TIBET The situation in eastern Tibet still remains tense. In another case of Chinese repression, Thapkay Gyatso, a Tibetan monk from Labrang monastery, serving 15 years sentence in a Chinese prison in Gansu Province, is feared to be in critical condition due to years of torture.

According to a report of India based Tibetan human rights group (TCHRD), Thapkay's friend who visited him in July this year reported that the former is imprisoned in a place called Dianxin, 100 kilometers away from Lanzhou city in Gansu Province. The friend also stated that Thapkey is half-paralyzed and is suffering from weak eyesight.

Thapkay was arrested in the evening of 18 March 2008 by the People's Armed Police and Public Security Bureau police from Labrang Monastery.

For around a year, Thapkay went 'missing' without any whereabouts until his hearing. On 19 May 2009, Kanlho Prefecture People's Intermediate Court charged him for 'causing harm to national security' and sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment.

MPs Urge UK Government To Act On Human Rights Violations in Tibet Continues From Front Page

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post

As a mass of Tibetans and Tibet supporters from the London area rallied outside the House of Commons to express support for today's debate, MPs spoke in favour of speaking out in concern of the well-being of Tibetans within Tibet.

Simon Hughes, MP and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, acknowledging a petition by the online advocacy organization ‘Avaaz', said "I hope the government will strongly take up the issue of the self-immolations with the Chinese authorities, and make a robust statement of concern."

Interventions were made by a number of MPs who shared Mr Hughes' concerns one of whom was MP Jeremy Corbyn who urged the government to take strong action against China's systematic destruction of the Tibetan

culture.

Agreeing to Mr. Corbyn's statement, MP Nic Dakin said, "Everything must be done to cease the crackdown."

"Tibetans in Tibet need to hear very vocal expressions of concern about China's intolerable oppression that has led to these tragic self-immolations," said Pema Yoko, National Director of Students for a Free Tibet UK. "Our government, and governments around the world, must listen to the call by over 700,000 people to immediately take bold, multi-lateral diplomatic action to press China to end the crackdown before more lives are lost," said a member of International Tibet Network.

Responding for the government to these urges, Foreign Minister Henry Bellingham said, "The government is seriously concerned by the reports of the self-immolations by Tibetans and follows these and other developments very closely indeed."

He also assured that the government had responded by calling for restraint and will continue to urge China to allow access to Tibetan areas by diplomats and journalists."

The petition, directed at Prime Minister David Cameron and other world leaders has been signed by 665,000 people so far and urges governments to send fact-finding missions to Tibetan areas and speak out about the recent spate of despair in the third pole.

Overview Total 13 Tibetans since 2009, most of them monks or former monks and In the past nine months, 12 Tibetans living inside Tibet have set themselves on fire protesting the Chinese repressive policies and tyrannical rule.

Six of them succumbed to their wounds.

The most recent self-immolation was

by Tenzin Phuntsok who set himself on fire after protesting the Chinese policies that restricted freedom of speech inside monasteries.

The Tibet Post

Latest Video Shows Brutality During Chinese Police Raid in Tibet

Chinese police brutal repression on Tibetans in 2008. New Video. Photo: File

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - The latest footage to be smuggled out of Tibet shows Chinese officials raiding Tibet's Dogde town using brute force and violence.

The footage was filmed when the Chinese police, SWAT teams and paramilitary troops conducted household raids in the region following Tibetan protests in March 2008.

This video filmed discreetly during the raids show the heavy intensity of the scale of police operations to hunt down protesters and is an explicit evidence of terror tactics used to subdue any signs of unhappiness with China's rule in Tibet.

Scenes from the video show villagers being pulled out of their homes at gun point some dragged out of bed and most looking panic-stricken and terrified.

Conversations in the video take place in Tibetan and Mandarin.

The individuals shown arrested in a huge show of force in the video are allegedly suspected of having taken part in the protest of 11 March 2008 led by monks of Sera monastery and nuns from Chusang monastery, both of which are located in the outskirts of Lhasa.

To the outside world, this is the first glimpse that reveals the fear and

intimidation tactics used to keep Tibetans from protesting against the Chinese rule.

The Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration who received the video made it available to the public.

The contents of the video have stirred numerous discussions regarding the grim state of affairs within Tibet.

This video evidence can be viewed on www.tibetonline.tv. Subtitles have been added to the same wherever the audio is comprehensible.

OVERVIEW On 10th of March 2008, large scale demonstrations took place across the Tibetan plateau.

The largest protest since the uprising in 1959, 300 places saw mutiny and many a protester was killed, thousands more injured and arrested.

The following day, on 11th March 2008, monks from Sera monastery and nuns from Chusang monastery led protest marches against the Chinese rule in Tibet.

Dogde town, where the video was filmed is a rural area located near Sera monastery.

The individuals being arrested by Chinese forces are allegedly suspected of having taken part in the protest that shook the nation.

Tibet’s Political Leader, Dr. Lobsang Sangay Visits Britain Continues From Front Page

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

During his tour, he met with European Parliament delegations, expressing gratitude to the European parliament for their support of Tibet's non-violent struggle. The 11 day tour also consisted of a series of successful interviews with international news channels and the media, as well as dignitaries and members of Parliament.

The Kalon Tripa stressed the need to address the human rights issues in Tibet, particularly in light of the wave of self-immolations that have fanned across the region. He urged the EU to remember rights in China, and emphasised Chinas global economic position was no excuse.

The Tibetan diaspora were also an enormous priority for the visiting leader.

In a heartfelt speech to the community in Britain on December 1st, Dr Sangay discussed to an audience in Westminster Hall the progress, goals and achievements of the Government.

The Kalon Tripa highlighted that, though Tibetans may face many problems, they must never lose courage.

He stressed that to get success, ‘we must work hard', then you can have no regrets. He emphasised that ‘we have to believe'.

He discussed issues such as his three point education agenda, and optimistically about the direction of his agenda.

Dr Sangay concluded the evening by answering questions and issues from the audience. Most were struck by how eloquent and positively he answered, and the atmosphere upon leaving Westminster Hall was delight.

The Kalon Tripa began his visit to Europe in Switzerland, on November 21 and concluded in Britain on December 2nd. The tour also included France, Germany, Sweden, Norway and Belgium.

Lobsang Sangay has certainly proved his worth as a dynamic, inspirational leader of the Tibetan people. In his measured approach towards the Tibetan cause, the Harvard scholar has taken the first steps in personally putting the Tibet issue back on the table in a genuine manner in Europe, and his first term in office has begun with great acclaim.

The Tibet Post

TPI INTERNATIONAL

China Blocks BBC TV Interview of Tibet's Political Leader Dr. Sangay

The BBC's Mishal Husain interviews Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay in London.

Photo: BBC TV

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post

London, UK: - In what looked like a desperate attempt to keep the Tibetan opinion from being heard inside mainland china, television screens in Beijing and possibly beyond went blank on Wednesday, November 30th.

The blackout happened seconds into a broadcast of the live BBC TV interview of the Kalon Tripa (political leader) of Tibet, Dr. Lobsang Sangay by presenter Mishal Husain for the show titled ‘Impact Asia.'

Broadcast at prime time in Beijing, the viewers got to see a brief glimpse of Dr. Sangay during the introduction to the interview before their screens were blacked out.

In the interview that was made unavailable for the Chinese citizens to hear, Dr. Sangay addressed issues like the transfer of power, the current situation in Tibet, the likelihood of the

resolution of the Tibetan situation and much more.

"It is a sad situation. 12 self immolations of which 6 have died shows how desperate people resort to desperate measures," said the Kalon Tripa addressing the current situation inside Tibet.

"People are choosing death over life inside Tibet. This proves how repressive the policies of the Chinese government are," he lamented.

In a wide array of questions fired by Ms. Husain, Dr. Sangay accused china of lacking moral power. "The way the Chinese government is treating Tibetans, it will never gain the respect of the international community," he said.

"If it wants to become a super power, respect from the international community is what it needs most," he added.

On being asked about the increased presence of good infrastructure in Tibet

Exhibition to Mark His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize Day Continues From Front Page

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post

The Speaker of the Tibetan Parliamentin-Exile, Mr. Penpa Tsering, Member of The Tibetan Parliament-in-Europe, Venerable Thupten Wangchen and The representative of the Dalai Lama in Geneva, Mr. Tseten Chhoekyapa were also present for the occasion.

Mr. Peter Neuwirth, a Member of the Social Democrats Party and the Representative of the Chairman of the 5th district in Vienna where the exhibition was being held attended the event as well.

Dr. Zinggl opened the event by expressing that despite him never having been to Tibet, his heart, mind and spirit were very much with the Tibetans.

The Tibetan community in Austria stated that they hope to achieve the promotion of peace in humanity and give insight into the Dalai Lama's deeds to the general public through this exhibition. They also said that it would help visitors get a better understanding of the situation inside Tibet.

Addressing the members of the community the next morning, Mr. Tsering spoke about the Tibetan spiritual leader's devolution of political powers to a directly elected leadership

in an detailed manner. He also shed some light on the current political, cultural and educational situation inside Tibet.

Tibet's connection with Austria is a story that began before the Chinese occupation of Tibet.

Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian mountaineer who spent seven years in Tibet tutored the young Dalai Lama (An eleven-year old boy when they met) on subjects ranging from geography to English till he left for his homeland in 1952.

The Dalai Lama and Heinrich Harrer remained friends until the latter's death in 2006.

A book and a movie of the same name based on the book, ‘Seven Years in Tibet' authored by Harrer speak about the time he spent in Tibet.

Registered under the Austrian Society's Act, The Tibetan Community of Austria, now a 250-member organization was founded in 1990 to preserve the identity and culture within the Tibetans in the diasporas, launch freedom movement for Tibet and speak up for rights and issues of the Tibetans living within the troubled land.

The community has five member directly elected by the community, six board executives and four local representatives.

due to Chinese presence, Dr. Sangay stated that it isn't what is present that matters but what matters is the who it benefits.

Quoting statistics he stated were from 2002, he said "70 % of private sector jobs are controlled by Chinese, 50 % government sector jobs are communist party jobs, which are again given to Chinese. 40% of Tibetan graduates are unemployed."

He stressed that despite infrastructure provided, if studying barely benefits them, and Tibetans within Tibet are being left unemployed, there is no morale left to continue.

When asked about how different his way of functioning will be from that of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dr. Sangay quickly responded saying "I will be more forthright and active in speaking about the situation in Tibet. I will also be maintaining the basic principles of non violence and democracy as I do so."

He stressed that even though being outright about the situation in Tibet might affect the dialogue with the Chinese government; he would prefer a dialogue based on reality and that he does not have any grudge against China.

He maintained that the Tibetan leadership-in-exile is demanding genuine autonomy within the framework of the Chinese constitution and that they do not challenge the Chinese sovereignty or integrity.

When contacted over the broadcast blackout incident that took place in China, Dr. Lobsang Sangay remarked that "This action is an indication of the fear that the Chinese authorities have about the truth of the Tibetan issue, truth that they are prepared to go to any length to hide from their own people."

15 December, 2011 Dharamsala

7

Faith Alone Is Insufficient Be a 21st Century Buddhist: His Holiness Continues From Front Page

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Whilst delivering teachings on the Commentary on the Five Stages by Nagarjuna, His Holiness underlined the need to understand Buddhism in order to develop a higher faith.

"I always say that study and practice are both very important, but they must go hand in hand," he said. "Not merely belief - faith alone is not sufficient.

"Faith needs to be supported by reason. Whatever we learn from study we need to apply sincerely in our daily lives."

Addressing a crowd of over 10,000 people, including monks and nuns, the Buddhist spiritual leader and Nobel peace laureate also emphasized the need for peace and compassion in the modern world.

He pointed out that the nearly 300 volumes of Gautam Buddha's teachings should not only be the object of prayer and prostration, but that we must engage in the study and analysis of the Buddha's teachings, instead of simply relying on faith.

Speaking on education, His Holiness said the "study and practice of the Buddha's teachings is necessary to preserve and promote them. Therefore, it is very important that these days have seen a growing interest among the Tibetan Buddhist institutions, nunneries and monasteries India and Tibet."

Addressing a group of new arrivals from Tibet, His Holiness continued that China has stepped up religious restrictions inside Tibet.

"Today, there are about 500 new arrivals from Tibet [here]," he said. "In actual fact, there is no real religious freedom in your homeland - no opportunity to listen to Buddhism as a religious practice - considered political matter...

"All of you have reached here after passing through a difficult journey.

Therefore, I would like to offer my special greetings to you all."

On the morning of December 7, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will conclude his teachings, and a public ceremony offering prayers for his life will also be performed.

In the afternoon, he will open the new School Of Snowland Tibetan Studies, and perform a ritual (rabney) consecration.

70 lay students from the Tibetan Children's Village Schools will study Tibetan language, Buddhist philosophy and Buddhism there, during their winter vacation from January 19 next year.

Tibet's Political Leader Praises EU Support for Tibetan Cause

Kalon Tripa (2nd left) delivering the key note speech at the Tibet Intergroup Conference on Genuine Autonomy in Brussels, Belgium, on 29 November 2011

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

Brussels, Belgium: - The poliitical leader (Kalon Tripa) of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay was invited to address the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament at its extraordinary meeting immediately after the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia on 29 November.

Dr Sangay expressed his gratitude to the European Parliament for it's consistent support to the non-violent freedom struggle of the Tibetan people and reiterated his commitment to the Middle Way Policy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for resolving the issue of Tibet.

He also spoke of the recent wave of selfimmolations in the Tibetan community and the democratic transition of the

Central Tibetan Administration.

Kalon Tripa emphasised the importance for international bodies such as the European Parliament to support those following non-violence and democracy and thus sending the right message to the authoritarian regimes.

Kalon Tripa also met with the Chair of the Greens, MEP Daniel Cohn-Bendit and the head of cabinet of the President of the European Parliament.

Earlier in the morning, Dr Sangay attended the Tibet Intergroup Conference on Genuine Autonomy in the European Parliament where he was the key note speaker. The conference was organised by the President of the AllParty Tibet Intergroup of the European Parliament, MEP Thomas Mann. The panelists consisted of MEPs, sinologists and experts on autonomy. Over 300

participants from EU institutions, national Parliaments, embassies, NGOs, journalists and individuals attended the conference yesterday.

The President of the Tibet Intergroup, MEP Thomas Mann in his opening speech said, "We have to realise that the situation in Tibet is getting worse. InApril 2011, Chinese armed forces surrounded Kirti Monastery.

As a consequence, a large number of monks committed self-immolation. This drastic form of protest shows their hopelessness and desperation.

"The Tibet Intergroup of the European Parliament urged the European Commission to intervene. The answer from High Commissioner Lady Ashton was that the European Union is alarmed about the reports of detention, beatings and the deaths of monks," Mr Mann added.

MEP László To"kés, Vice-President of the European Parliament and Member of the Committee on Human Rights, emphasised in his speech: "The ongoing human rights dialogues between the European Union and China need urgent reassessment as they have failed to deliver the desired results. The human rights situation in China is worsening, with tighter control on society, as reflected by the recent tragic cases of self-immolation of Tibetan nuns and monks. Europe needs to respond appropriately and effectively and hold the government accountable to live up to its international obligations, as well as to urge China to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights."

Kalon Tripa, after concluding his threeday visit to Brussels, left for London

by Eurostar on Wednesday, 30 November.

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15 December, 2011 Dharamsala

TPI WEB TECHNOLOGY

Tibetan Political Leader Launches New Version of Tibet Net

Dharamshala, India: - During a press conference in Dharamshala, northern India on December 14, Dr Lobasang Sangay, the Kalon Tripa (political leader) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), relaunced the CTA's official website, www.tibet.net.

The website was dedicated to Lhakar - a spiritual movement in Tibet that aims to promote Tibetan culture, language, and solidarity.

The newly designed site offers the latest in local and international Tibetrelated news, and information from the CTA's various departments, independent bodies, Tibetan communities in exile, and selected news from other websites internationally.

"I am very glad to see the new website of the Central Tibetan Administration," said Dr Sangay. "All members of the team worked very hard." He added that he was very happy with the site's re-

launch, as this was one of the promises he made during his inaugural address as Kalon Tripa.

Namgyal Lekshed, director of the Tibetan Computer Resource Centre (TCRC) said "The official website of CTA, it was first launched on January 5th 2001. In terms of visitors, it receives over 35 lakhs [3.5 million] hits for a month. We have visitors from 145 countries, and US, Canada, India, Europe and China were among the top 25."

Mr Tenzin Lekshed of the CTA Kashag (cabinet) briefly introduced the relaunched website and explained the importance of the Tibetan official media's dissemination of information, especially via social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

Tibet.net has been redesigned by a group from TCRC.Officials told reporters that the changes being that it hopes readers will be impressed by

Tibet.net Tibet.net on Facebook www.https:// www.facebook.com/kalontripa Tibet.net on Twitter https:// twitter.com/drlobsangsangay.

Association of Tibetan Journalists (www.associationoftibetanjournalist.org) Outlook Tibet on Twitter http:// twitter.com/outlooktibet www.outlooktibet.com Potala Post www.potalapost.com Potala Post on Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/groups/tibettalks/

Outlook Tibet www.outlooktibet.com

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

NEW

Dr. Lobsang Sangay speaking to reporters during a press conference held in Dharamshala, India, 14th December 2011. Photo: TPI

the site's professionalism sleek design.

On December 10, two other Tibetan websites were launched in Dharamshala, marking the 22nd Anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize, and the 63rd of the International Human Rights Day. The first was launched by the Association of Tibetan Journalists (ATJ), who's site was designed by Mr Lobsang Sither, a Dharamshala-based web developer, who donated his services free of charge.

The second was launched by the Himalayan Literacy Trust (HLT), publisher of the Tibet Post International. Outlook Tibet, and English-language site, is a broadbased publication, that will deliver Tibet-related news and current affairs, as well as reports on social, cultural, religious and scientific developments.

Earlier this year, HLT also launched its simplified Chinese-language website, the Potala Post, which aims to introduce Chinese readers to Tibetrelated political, social and cultural issues, and also hosts a blog page.

Links to the new sites and social network pages:

The Tibet Post

Obituary: A Retired Civil Servant, Kunling Tenpa Soepa

Late Kunling Tenpa Soepa. Photo: file

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

Dharamshala, India: - Mr Tenpa Soepa, a retired civil servant of Tibetan government, who later underwent twenty years of untold suffering after the Chinese invasion of Tibet, passed away in New Delhi on 13 December 2011. He was 78.

Born in 1933 at Taktse district in Tibet, he began his formal studies at a Tibetan school and later pursued his monastic education at a government-run school in Lhasa. At the age of 19, he joined the civil service of the Tibetan government as a Tsedrung.

He served as a supervisor of the entourage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's first visit to Beijing in 1954.

Later, he worked in the office of the Reform Committee established by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in his remarkable effort to reform and democratise the Tibetan society.

As the security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama came under threat from the Chinese army in March 1959, he was posted as the guard at the yellow gate of the Norbulingka palace. He also actively participated in all the political meetings during that time.

He successfully arranged the horses to take His Holiness and his entourage on the night of 17 March 1959, with the whole entourage safely ferried across from Ramakhang to Neu Dzong.

Upon reaching Neu Dzong,Kunleng Dzasak Woeser Gyaltsen, told him that an important official document of His Holiness had remained at the Norbulingka palace and asked him to fetch it. Without

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Advicer Advicer Editor in Chief Chinese Editor Project Manager Tibetan Editor Assistant Editor Circular Publisher Editor, Tibet Post Europe Designer

thinking of the dangers involved, he returned to Norbulingka palace.

Since China was in the middle of the crackdown on the year's national uprising against its rule, he was captured after getting wounded in a battle with the Chinese forces. He was forced to undergo hard labour in a prison in China, and later sentenced to 20 years in prison.

After his release from a long and harsh prison term in 1979, he got the opportunity to visit India in 1980 during which he received an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

He joined the Central Tibetan Administration on 1 June 1981and he was posted in the Department of Security.

On 18 July 1989, he was promoted to the post of deputy secretary and transferred to Doeguling Tibetan settlement, Mundgod as the settlement officer.

After that he was transferred to the Department of Home where he extended his retirement and served for two more years.

He formally retired from the Tibetan civil service on 1 July 1995, after serving the Central Tibetan Administration for 14 years.

Since then, he has wholeheartedly dedicated his service to the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed deep sadness at the demise of Kunling Tenpa Soepa, a senior retired civil servant who dedicated his lifelong service to the well being of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the cause of Tibet.

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Mr. Thomas Keimel Dr. Vincent Brucel Mr. YC. Dhardhowa Ms. Keary Huang Mathew Singh Toor Mr. Sangay Dorjee Ms. Pema Tso Ven Phuntsok Dhondup Mr. Sonam Sangay Mr. James Dunn Mr. Sangay Dorjee

Contributors for this Editon Keary Huang Mathew Singh Toor Viola Hong Xin Chen Viki Rey Eagle Carly Selby-James Rajeshwari K Samuel Ivo Colleen McKown Brionie Pereira Kyle Hanson, Danzi Yishe YC. Dhardhowa Sangay Dorjee Pema Tso The Tibet Post International Himalayan Literacy Trust (Head Office) 1st Floor, Exile House Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, Distt.

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