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Samdhang Rinpoche Visits South korea for World Buddhists conference...

Interview with Richard Moore, the Dalai Lama’s Irish Hero

I n t e r n a t i o n a l

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A Message For The Voiceless

Vol. 02, Issue 67, 30 April 2012

B o d - K y i - Cha- Trin

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MP Peggy Urges Govt. to Take Action for Tibet

Fourth All India Tibet Support Groups Conference, 2012 Begins By: Anand, The Tibet Post International

Peggy Nash, a Canadian parliamentarian who supports the Tibetan Cause By: Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharsamshala: Following the brutal security measures in Lhasa, a Canadian Parliamentarian, Peggy Nash has brought up the current tense situiation of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet in the Canadian parliament. On June 1st, Peggy Nash highlighted the issue of the three self immolations that took place in May and the brutal security crackdown which followed.

She said, "Over the past two days, an estimated 600 Tibetans have been detained in Lhasa after two more young Tibetans See Page 5 ...

China Arrests Nine Monks In Tibet

Khedup Gyatso, Konchok Dhargye , Sangay Gyatso, Kalsang Shangsem, Damchoe Tsultrim , Kalsang Dakpa and Konchok Gyatso of Bhongthak monastery have been arrested after the self immolations in February By: Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: A monk named Tamchoe Sangpo of Bongthak Monastery from Sanga village had self immolated on 17th February 2012. Sangpo was a teacher at the monastic school and a member of the Democratic Management Committee of the Monaster,Themchen county, Amdho, north-eastern Tibet.

After his self immolation, nine Tibetan monks from the same monastery; Damchoe Tsultrim Khedup Gyatso, Sangay Gyatso, Konchok Gyatso, Kalsang Shangsem, Kalsang Dakpa and Konchok Dhargye have been arrested by the Chinese Police.

News has emerged regarding the situation of the monks and the state of Bongthak Monastery. A monk has been sentenced See Page 4 ...

Dharamshala: The Fourth All India Tibet Support Groups Conference began on the 9th of June in McLeod Ganj at the Tibet Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA).

The conference has set to hold sessions wherein eminent panelists will speak about a wide range of issues and problems that are currently being faced in Tibet. Among the people present at the conference were Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay, Mrs Chandresh Kumari, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The conference is being held from the 9th till the 11th of June.

The Panelists include Ms Dicki Chhoyang, Kalon for the Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration and Mr Lalit Mansingh, former Foreign Secretary of India.

Mr Vijay Kranti, master of ceremonies, began by outlining the Tibetan cause. He spoke of a need for the Tibetan people to emulate their leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Asserted a need for Indo-Tibetan Co-operation and hoped that this conference would do exactly that.

The conference was inaugurated the lighting of the Chhomey (lamp).

This was followed by speech by Mr Ajay Singh Mankotia, Head of the Indo-Tibet Friendship association who like Mr Kranti restated a need to have joint action by Tibetans and Indians to resolve the Tibet issue. He requested all the Tibetan people to educate all present about the repressive Chinese regime especially those who had limited knowledge about the Tibetan cause.

Dr N.K. Trikha, National Convenor, Core Group for Tibetan Cause spoke about the China's empty promises. He said this was especially true during the run up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He then briefly outlined the issues that are likely

Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay making his keynote address at the Fourth All India Tibet Support Group Conference as His Holiness the Dalai Lama looks on. Photo: TPI

to be discussed during the conference.

Mr Indresh Kumar was the next speaker and he was able to convey the methods used by the Tibetans against the Chinese regime. He said that the Tibet movement is moving into a new

Orissa Phuntsokling Wins Gyalyum Chemo Memorial Gold Cup

phase. He also spoke about how the cases of self-immolation were the greatest examples of self sacrifice for such a noble cause. He further emphasized a need to spread the movement more and recruit more people to help the cause.

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Kagyur Scripture March Of TCV School

By: Anand, The Tibet Post International

Protest To Highlight Situation in Tibet

Dharamshala: A march was held yesterday on the 8th of June led by the Student's of Tibetan Children's Village School in Upper Dharamshala. 185 students made their way from their school to central McLeod Ganj holding the 101 volumes of Kagyur, sacred teachings of Lord Buddha.

The student's chose the most sacred month in the Tibetan calendar, Saka Dawa to execute this march. They trudged up and down the hilly landscape to make their way to the main town. They often did not stop with their chants and shouts of protest.

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Commemorating Tiananmen Square Massacre By: Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Brussels: - The Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Society, the Tibetan Youth Congress and Chushi Gangdruk jointly organized a peaceful protest outside La Bourse in Brussels, Belgium on June 4, from 3pm to 5pm.

The protest aimed to highlight the current situation in Tibet as well as commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre 23 years ago, when Chinese students protested in Beijing, demanding reform in China. Shortly afterwards they were joined by 500,000 people from all strata of society. The government responded by sending in tanks and troops and killing several thousand protesters.

Last week, two Tibetan pilgrims self-immolated outside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa to protest against Chinese oppression in Tibet. A few days later, a young Tibetan mother of three, Rikyo, also self-immolated in the Ngaba region.

The Brussels was well attended by Tibetans living in Belgium and some Belgian supporter. A member of the Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Society made a speech explaining the current situation in Tibet.

There were also speeches from the Tibetan Youth Congress and Chushi Gangdruk. Flyers about the dire situation in Tibet were distributed and the protest ended with the singing of the Tibetan national anthem.

Report filed by Dennis Barbion, Brussels, Belgium.

Both the teams battling it out in TCV School, Dharamsala. Photo: TPI/Sangay

By Anand Katakam, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: Orissa Phuntsokling won their maiden Gyalyum Chemo Memorial Gold Cup in the tournament's 31 year history at the TCV School in Upper Dharamsala. They beat Tashi Phalkhiel Sports Club from Pokhara (Nepal) (4-2) on penalties after only 1-1 score in 120 minutes of play.

The tournament had been inaugurated by Baichung Bhutia, former Indian football captain, Mr. Penpa Tsering, speaker of the TPIE (Tibetan Parliament In Exile) and Tim Brown, a former News Zealand player on the 26th of May. The closing ceremony saw Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the political leader of Central Tibetan Administration as its chief guest.

He made a brief speech about how the game of football is good for the health of the youth as well as improving cultural ties among other communities. He expressed a need for the youth to stay away from social evils such as drugs and alcohol, instead involve themselves in sports such as football. A tournament like this will only provide greater interest.

With the completion of ceremonies, all the players were raring to go. A very attacking brand of football ensued. Orissa dominating the initial half of play, but Pokhara was able to create a counter attack which resulted in an own goal for Orissa. This shifted the

game in favour of Pokhara who were beginning to look like the dominant side.

In the 37th minute, a pass by the Orissa team opened up the Pokhara defence resulting in a relatively simple goal for Tsewang Namgyal.

The match had a few chances for both sides, but seemed evenly poised for the entire game and looked like it could go either way.

The scores remained the same for the rest of the match which was blighted with sporadic rainfall.

The penalty shootout was met with the sun piercing through the clouds, and with it returned much of the crowd who had chosen to shelter themselves during the downpour.

Orissa's goalkeeper Namdak was superb between the posts and was the difference between both the teams. The Orissa players were ecstatic after winning the GCM cup for the first time in their history.

The winning team was presented with the trophy and cheque of 1 Lakh rupees by the Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangay. The golden boot was awarded to two players, Norbu Dorjee of Pokhara and Jangchub Gyaltsen from Orissa.

The tournament was hugely successful and had been fairly well organized by the Tibetan National Sports Association.

A documentary exploring the Tienanmen Square massacre of 1989, screening in McLeod Ganj town of Dharamshala, India, on June 4 2012, over hundred people including Tibetans and supporters attended the event. Photo: TPI By: Hamsini H and Anand Katakam, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: Last evening, the 4th of June, the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress screened a film at the Tibetan Day School in Mcleodganj. The film ' The Tank Man' was a documentary movie on the civilian uprising in China during the summer of 1989. The disaster had taken place on the 4th of June 1989 and yesterday marked the 23rd year since the See Page 5 ...

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TPI NEWS INTERVIEWS AND RECAP

Interview with Richard Moore, the Dalai Lama’s Irish Hero, Part 1

15 June, 2012 Dharamshala

World Environment Day & 4th Environmental Conference

By Anand Katakam, The Tibet Post International

Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Richard Moore (L), the founder of the charity.

Photo: TPI

By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: Richard Moore told me in an interview a few weeks ago in Derry, Northern Ireland (May, 2012) that he sees himself as just an ordinary guy, from an ordinary loving family, who has had extraordinary experiences in his life.

Shot and blinded by a rubber bullet at the age of ten in Derry in 1972; his uncle was shot and killed by British paratroopers on Bloody Sunday* in the same year; a journey of forgiveness and compassion, he is now incredibly a friend of the soldier, Charles Innes, who shot him; and, at least in some senses, the most incredible experience of all, he is a personal friend of a world famous spiritual leader: the Dalai Lama.

In order to understand such an extraordinary story it is important to give some context, albeit limited, not only to Richard's personal story, but also to the times that he grew up in as a young boy: the political conflict in Northern Ireland in the 1970's and 80's.

Richard grew up in the working-class Creggan estate. It was, and still is, a predominately catholic area of the city-the conflict was, at least to some extent, delineated by a Protestant/Catholic divide, but there is also a political, cultural and to some extent a social divide as well. However, slowly and tentatively, those divisions are beginning to heal.

There were riots, shootings, bombings practically every day, it was normal Richard told me, and there was antagonism between the local Irish Catholic population and the British army. And, particularly after the events of Bloody Sunday, there was outright hatred and fear of the British army, and no doubt it was reciprocated by the soldiers.

The 4th of May, 1972 was a bright, sunny spring day. Richard was on his way home from school.

There was nothing particularly out of the ordinary going on that day, at least not by the standards of Derry at that time. A British soldier, who was inside a semi-permanent military installation, fired a rubber bullet into Richard's face from about ten feet; it hit him on the bridge of his nose. Richard has been blind ever since. In one traumatic event his life changed forever, and as he says himself, his journey began-and, forty years afterwards, he's still on that

journey.

Richard came to consciousness on a table in his school some time later. As Richard says himself, when he talks about the events of the day it's as if he's ‘'talking about someone else'', that is, he has a sense of detachment, as if he's looking at it from above or beside it. Despite the time that has passed the memories are still vivid in Richard's head, and so is the moment of acceptance of his blindness.

His brother Noel told him a few weeks later that he would never see again and ‘'right away I accepted it''. How, I asked him, can you accept such an unfair twist of fate, especially as a young boy? , Perhaps acceptance has to do with age he told me, that is, if he had been a bit older things may have been different, ten year old boys don't think too far into the future-perhaps they don't realize what they are going to miss. Also, importantly, Richard states that he was fortunate: he came from a loving family, a warm tight-knit community, despite everything he still had choices and opportunities, and finally and perhaps the most important reason for his sense of acceptance, he had no sense of residual anger or bitterness, a state of affairs for which he gives great credit to his parents. ‘'My parents were peaceful and non-violent people, my Mother lost her brother, my uncle Gerard McKinney, shot dead on Bloody Sunday, and then, a few months later her son was blinded by a rubber bullet''. Remarkably, despite the trauma of such experiences, Richard told me that he never once heard bitter or angry words from his parents. But of course, emotionally and psychologically his parents and family struggled, and worried for their son and brother's future. *Bloody Sunday was a massacre of ordinary civilians in Derry, Northern Ireland by the British army in January 1972. 26 people were shot, 13 died of their wounds almost immediately, and one man died a few months afterwards. In 2010, the British Prime Minister, after an extensive inquiry into the killings, apologized on behalf of the British Government. All the victims are now regarded as being innocent.

Interview with Richard Moore, the Dalai Lama’s Irish Hero, Part 2 Dharamshala: When Richard Moore heard His Holiness the Dalai Lama speak for the first time about conflict, forgiveness and compassion it was like hearing someone articulating his true feelings; what Richard had always thought and felt, "Forgiveness is a gift to yourself'' the Dalai Lama said, and that's what I had always thought too, said Richard.

Richard Moore first met the soldier who blinded him, now almost forty years ago, in 2007. It was, he freely admits in a very understated way, a bit of an awkward meeting. Since then they have become friends meeting on several occasions and actually travelling together to Dharamshala, India to meet the Dalai Lama and give a talk there to School kids on forgiveness and compassion. And, as Richard has shown through his actions, these are not abstract notions but his real life principles.

I asked Richard how it feels to be the Dalai Lama's hero. ‘' [I'm] overwhelmed by the Dalai Lama's compassion...and the significance he has given to me in his life''. He is frankly amazed that he has ever even met the Dalai Lama (they met in 2001 in Belfast and have been friends ever since) and he still appreciates his message. ‘'I've coped with blindness through peoples compassion and generosity'' and that, he says, has given him great energy to go on and do the things he has done in his life.

And, for a relatively young man, he was fifty one this year, he has achieved a lot. He has a third level university degree, has run two successful businesses in his home town, and closest to his heart; he started up an NGO in 1997-Children in Crossfire-to help children in Ethiopia, Tanzania and The Gambia achieve their potential in school and in their communities as much as possible, in much the same as he has.

He started up Children in Crossfire to help children in need in very difficult circumstances. Blindness has become, to some degree, a positive experience in Richard's life because of peoples help, support and kindness. And, moreover, he wants to make sure that that kind of support and care is given to children who are in need of it in order for them to make something of their lives too.

His holiness the Dalai Lama came to Derry, Northern Ireland, in 2007 as guest of Richard's, who had invited him to become patron of his NGO Children in Crossfire. ‘'Richard I'm here, your friend, you're my hero'', he said getting off the plane, and to judge

by Richard's expression when he told me this story, he still can't quite believe it's true. ‘'The Dalai Lama is one of the greatest people on the planet...and his message is more relevant today than ever'', says Richard. He also has warm words for the Tibetan people: they are a remarkable,

Dharamshala: Celebrating World Environment Day, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa and the Honorable Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament launched the 4th Khoryug Conference on Environmental Protection for Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries.

The five-day conference between the 5th to the 9th of June will focus on biodiversity, climate change, and natural disaster preparedness, and is attended by over sixty representatives from fortyfive monasteries from across the Himalayas and South Asia. It is being held at Deden monastery in Norbulingka, Dharamshala.

The aims and objectives of the conference are to provide environmental education on biodiversity and climate change, and to train the monastic representatives to learn climate adaptation strategies and to develop disaster preparedness plans for their monasteries.

The conference is organized by Rangjung Khoryug Sungkyob Tsokpa, an association of Buddhist monasteries working to protect the environment of the Himalayas and South Asia, which was founded by His Holiness the 17th Karmapa.

Partner NGOs such as the Centre of Environmental Education, the Wildlife Trust of India, the World Wildlife Fund, and the Environment and

preserve these ecosystems. Preserving the biodiversity and the ecosystems of our region should be like the effortless practice of dharma for us. Our basic motivation to protect the environment

need to bring a cohesive idea together so as to create a trouble free environment. He felt that dealing with ecological disaster was important part of preservation in South Asia and urged other

Development Desk from the Central Tibetan Administration, are also present to train the monastic environmental representatives.

His Holiness the Karmapa opened the conference by saying, "We should all try our hardest to protect the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas and

should come from the pure desire to benefit all sentient beings on earth."

He was followed by the Honorable Pempa Tsering, the Tibetan Speaker of Parliament, who spoke about how the world is currently at an environmentally dangerous point. It is important to recognize the

South Asian countries to come together.

With the establishment of Rangjung Khoryug Sungkyop Tsokpa by His Holiness the Karmapa in 2009, many monks and nuns have expressed the nature of ecological disaster and have been given practical training to deal with such problems.

His Holiness the 17th Karmapa addressing the Conference. Photo: TPI

Fourth All India Tibet Support Groups Conference .... ..... Continues From Front Page The guest of honour Mrs Candresh Kumari, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha gave a brief history of the mass exodus that followed after the Chinese government took over Tibet. She commended His Holiness the Dalai Lama for bringing the Tibetan issue to the world stage.

This was finally followed by the keynote address by the Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay. He thanked the people in attendance. He reiterated the support that India has given Tibet for the past 50 years. He quoted the Dalai Lama who

peaceful people and they show an example to [the entire world]. Perhaps an example that the world should listen to much more: the principles of nonviolence and compassion even for your aggressors.

With that we said goodbye and I wished Richard and his NGO luck for the future, and he wished me luck while working here in Dharamshala. Later I walked around Derry, once infamous across the world for conflict and trouble, and now a much quieter place largely free of tension and the trappings of war, largely I thought, due to people just like Richard, who work quietly and tirelessly to make it so.

considers India the teachers of Tibet. He said "joint movement with India will let us return to our homeland". His speech was littered with how India and Tibet is a partnership that needs to continue the way it always has. I beautifully crafted speech which subtly implied on how India should take a firmer stand against China.

Although India has done so, it needs to be more globally vocal.

The inaugural address by the Chief guest His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He was a little late to the conference as he was holding a prayer meeting at the Buddhist temple. He began his speech with his emphasis on how India is the teacher of Tibet.

Religion and Tibetan history was much part of his speech, despite this he was able to bring the subject into a modern understanding. Through this brief history lesson he showed how India and Tibet have been so close for centuries and this is not a recent friendship.

Lama Choepal Zotpa ended proceedings with a vote of thanks and declared the conference ready to begin.

The conference had set very clear cut issues. The deliberation in a public forum such as this will give an opportunity for many to create a constructive

system to improve the workings of the Tibetan movement. The sessions for the day were to deliberate on five issues; 1) The Present Situation in Tibet and exile 2) Tibet and Sino-Indian Relations 3) Current Human Rights Situation in Tibet 4) Tibet's Fragile Eco-System and its Impact on Neighbouring Countries 5) Review on the progress of activities of Indian Tibet Support Group Conference Since 2009 The second day on the 10th of June will consist of all the participants be divided into 3 separate working groups following certain allotted themes.

They will present and discuss their work the same day.

The final day will be sixth and final plenary session which will be the ‘Adoption of the Declaration and the Action Plan.'

The conference is aimed at bringing Indo-Tibet relations even closer. India also has a very negative view of China since many border incursions have taken place over the last few years. The conference aims to bring good policy making to the table as well as creating awareness among young Tibetans who have not seen their native land.

TPI NEWS H.H DALAI LAMA

15 June, 2012 Dharamshala

His Holiness To Speak On Non-violence and Compassion In UK

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the young members of the cathedral choir who performed during the 2012 Templeton Prize Ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on 14 May 2012/Photo/OHHDL/Tenzin Choejor

By Central Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

London: - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama will be arriving in Britain on 14 June for a ten day visit to share his beliefs of nonviolence, dialogue and compassion particularly with the young people of this country.

Specifically His Holiness will be talking to younger audiences at the Manchester Arena (16 June), University of Westminster, London (19 June), and the London School of Economics and Political Science (20 June). The Dalai Lama will also engage with young people at the events in Leeds (15 June), the Usher Hall, Edinburgh (22 June), Caird Hall, Dundee (22 June) and at the Eden Court Theatre, Inverness (23 June).

The 1989 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate will be presenting Youth Compassion Awards to a young person aged between 10 - 24 in Manchester (16 June), London (19 June) and Edinburgh (22 June).

Thubten Samdup, the Dalai Lama's London-based Representative, said: "The Dalai Lama has called for this to be a ‘century of dialogue and peace', urging the world's youth to realise their potential as catalysts who can bring about a better world which they avidly hope to inhabit. The Dalai Lama will

convey this message to those attending the Stand Up and Be The Change youth event (free for those 25 and under) in Manchester on 16 June.

The fact that the public talks at the Royal Albert Hall (19 June), Edinburgh, Dundee and Inverness sold out so quickly is a testament to the appeal that the Dalai Lama enjoys across the country.

Those interested in hearing this universally recognised symbol of peace and tolerance can still do so at the Manchester Arena from 16 to 18 June.

In addition the Dalai Lama will also be speaking on ‘Ethics in Business' to business leaders in Leeds (15 June), meeting Tibetan, Nepalese and Mongolian Buddhist communities, meeting with religious leaders and attending inter faith prayers in Westminster Abbey (20 June), and meeting with Parliamentarians at Westminster and in Edinburgh.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's last visit to the UK was in May 2012 to receive the Templeton Prize.

During the visit last month, the Dalai Lama also met with the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister.

Further information on the visit is available from: www.dalailama2012uk.org

His Holiness The Dalai Lama Meets Indian Foreign Secretary

By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama met the Indian Foreign Secretary, Ranjan Mathai, for closed door talks at his home on McLeod Ganj on Thursday last, the 7th of May. The talks lasted for approximately 90 minutes and it has been reported that ‘issues of mutual concern' were discussed; aides were also present at the talks, said a Tibetan official.

The office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama has described the visit as a ‘courtesy call'. Meanwhile,

Indian External Affairs Minister, SM Krishna, has been on a diplomatic visit to Beijing this week where he described India's ties with China as a top priority.

The External Affairs Minister conveyed a strong message about India's foreign policy objective of improving bilateral ties with Beijing; he stated that, ‘that India-China relations will be one of the most important bilateral relationships in the 21st century' and that it is ‘important...to maintain a strong and healthy relationship between India and China'.

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"We Have Made Good Development," His Holiness Tells Tibetan Students

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: - On the morning of June 1, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama started his three-day teaching to introduce Tibetan Buddhism to young Tibetans and students in Dharamsala. He taught primarily from two texts - Nagarjuna's Drops for Nurturing Beings and Tsongkhapa's In Praise of Dependent Origination.

Around 3,000 students attended the first day. In the morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama first introduced Buddhism and then he held a question and answer session with the students. The morning session with his Holiness was held in the big auditorium while in the afternoon the audience was split into smaller groups over each of which a Geshe presided. The Geshes were there to clear up any doubts expressed by the students.

Gefore His Holiness' teachings began, some old students of Dharamsala Buddhism Introduction Organization debated for ten minutes in front of him.

His Holiness began, "All of you of the young and new generation, you could see how this world is well educated. We have made good development. When we first came to India, schooling and education were our main priorities. Though we have not completed everything we first wished for, we have had a lot of success till now.

"I have always said that a country's development starts from an individual and his ability. Each of those individuals have an idea as well as a special ambition.

They realize the method of how to go about it. That is why the First World countries countries have developed."

His Holiness continued that no-one can say one religion is good and another religion is bad - that, Usually, religion is just like medicine and we have to prescribe it according to the conditions of each patient and each disease.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeting the students of Tibetan Children's Village (TCV) in upper Dharamshala, India, before his teaching on June 01, 2012. Photo: TPI

The 76-year-old Nobel Peace Laureate also recounted that he usually tells foreigners that changing one's religion is very complicated and difficult. It would be better to practice one's own religion and culture. He said, "I have a friend who had an idea to found a Buddhist center in France. But I told him that I didn't see it as suitable to start a Buddhist centre in France because the area there usually is Christian and the people there will not be comfortable with it. I also suggested that, if you can, spend the money to find a Buddhist Centre in a Buddhist area. Later I found that he founded a Buddhist center in Thailand. Just think, if a big Christian centre was founded in a

Tibetan settlement, how will you feel?"

His Holiness then quoted a Tibetan proverb which says you should put yourself in the place of others.

This introduction to Buddhism was started in 2007 and this is the sixth teaching of the course, and at young Tibetans and students.

At the end of the June 3 teaching, Kalon Tripa (political leader) Lobsang Sangay will address the students about Central Tibetan Administration policy and hold a question and answer session. Penpa Tsering, speaker of Tibetan Parliament, will THEN talk about development of Tibetan Democracy and hold a discussion with the students.

India Has More Reason To Claim Tibet Than China; His Holiness

By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: In a wide ranging, and at times humorous talk, at the all India support group for Tibet conference at the TIPA institute, McLeodganj, on 9th June, 2012 the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama touched on topics of both historical and contemporary interest concerning Tibet, India, Asia and indeed the World.

In particular, He thanked Indian monks for introducing Buddhism to Tibet in the seventh century (and later, by extension, the world). He also described the bonds between both countries as primarily philosophical and spiritual in nature, and that it has been a fundamentally unique relationship that has lasted over a thousand years.

The exiled spiritual leader cited the sixth century University of Nalanda (in modern day Bihar) as a place of real Buddhist teaching. Scholar monks travelled into Tibet and other areas in mid and south Asia spreading Buddhist logical philosophy and spiritual practices, and hence creating bonds between neighboring cultures that exist right up until today.

His holiness described the Buddha Dharma as ‘'an ancient Indian science'', a science that emphasized reason rather than faith. He referred to the historical Buddha as '' the first Quantum Physicist''. A theme close to the spiritual leader's heart as he has a keen interest in the links between Quantum physics view of reality and consciousness and Buddhist teachings on the same subjects.

In the 11th century another Indian monk, Padmasambhava, came to Tibet and transmitted Vajrayana Buddhism and to this day he is known as Guru Rinpoche in Tibetan culture. ‘'Indians are the Tibetans gurus'', the spiritual leader said, and the relationship is still strong, he added.

In addition, the Tibetan translation of Buddhist texts from Sanskrit is widely regarded by scholars as the most authentic form of Buddhist translation in the world today.

In a humorous aside, the spiritual leader ‘thanked’ Beijing for their ‘actions’ because it has focused media attention on China and Tibet, at the forth All India Tibet Support Groups Conference 2012 held for 3 days in Dharamshala, India, June 9, 2012. Photo: TPI

His Holiness elaborated on other themes mentioning that China may physically and politically control Tibet; but that mentally never [in the peoples minds], and that ironically, given all the spiritual and emotional ties,'' India has more reason to claim Tibet than China!'' ‘'The preservation of Tibetan Buddhist culture is important for the world'', His holiness the Dalai Lama said, as it is a culture that practices compassion and non-violence. Therefore, he emphasized, a critical aspect of the Tibetan issue is the preservation of Tibetan culture, and Tibetan's view of the environment.

He later touched on the subject of ecological sustainability within Tibet's borders and further afield.

He said that we all have a responsibility to preserve and protect the environment as, crucially; hundreds

of millions of lives in Central and Southern Asia are affected by many of Asia's major rivers which have their source in the Tibetan plateau.

The Tibetan plateau has been described as the Earth's ‘third pole' such are the water reserves currently there.

In conclusion, His holiness suggested that it is not just enough for people to pray to Buddha, but that they must also gain knowledge and moreover take action based on that knowledge. That is, holistic action based on holistic thinking.

Finally, in a humorous aside, the spiritual leader ‘thanked' Beijing for their ‘actions' because it has focused media attention on China and Tibet, with that he thanked the conference for their attention and patience.

Kagyur Scripture March by TCV School, Upper Dharamshala ..... Continues From Front Page In a statement released by the students, they have clearly indicated three goals that they wished to achieve. Essentially they wanted to give thanks and prayer to the martyrs of the Tibetan cause as well as show support for the Tibetans who have received and are still receiving the brutality of the Chinese regime. They also prayed for the long life of His

Holiness the Dalia Lama and hoped that he could return to Tibet in his lifetime.

The children despite their youth showed maturity beyond their years. It wasn't a movement of mass hysteria nor was it a case of the blind following the blind. Yes, perhaps a little prod in the right direction by the teaching staff, but to fight for a cause with

such conviction requires more than just simple obedience.

As they walked through the town their chants brought many of the people out on to the streets.

Fighting for a country that many have never set foot in themselves shows what belief the Tibetan cause has instilled.

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TPI NEWS

Thirty Year Old Tibetan Dies In Prison Under Physical Duress

TIBET

15 June, 2012 Dharamshala

Tibetan Filmmaker Wins International Acclaim At Brooklyn Film festival

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: Through our sources, news has arrived that recently in a Tibetan man named Karwang was arrested by the Chinese police in Nyagrong County in Kham, eastern Tibet. He was arrested, physically tortured and killed eventually.

He was 36 years old and his father's name is reported to Jega. Before his arrest, he hosted a fair about Tibetan's country and the Dalai Lama's return to Tibet.

In Nagrong County, the Chinese Government was planning to construct new buildings on farming land and Karwang wanted to protest against them. He stuck fliers on walls with slogans such as 'Tibet is a free county', 'We need freedom', 'His Holiness the Dalai Lama should return to Tibet'.

When he heard news of the Chinese Hovernment wanting to arrest him, he ran away from home. A Khampo nearby was giving teachings and he hid

there for two days and then went back home.

But immediately after his return, the Chinese Police came to arrest him. They didn't explain their reasons for arrest to his family members.

They took him to a prison in Nagrong County and under physical torture due to which he died. After eight days, the police called his family and told them to come and collect his corpse. Even after his death, the Police went to house and questioned his family and relatives.

Human Rights Watch in its 'World Report 2012' noted that China, despite of its human rights plan, continues to be an "authoritarian one-party state that imposes sharp curbs on freedom of expression, religion; openly rejects judicial independence and press freedom; and arbitrarily restricts and suppresses human rights defenders and organisations, often through extra-judicial measures."

Residents Of Lhasa Detained And Sent Back To Native Villages

Dharamshala: The Brooklyn film festival was held between the 1st and the 10th of June 2012. From over 100 films from 30 countries all over the world, a Tibetan film called Old Dog, directed by Pema Tseden won The Best Narrative Feature Award and a cash prize of 57,000 dollars.

The main subject of the film is the difference in views between the older and younger generations in Tibetan society. It shows the change in Tibetan society. Christopher Bell from IMbD said, "There's some true passion behind this work, and Tseden is a director with plenty to say on all topics, ranging from the younger generation's lack of connection to their heritage to the troubling relationship between Tibet and China."

The cast of the film includes Yanbum Gyal, Drolma Kyab, Lochey, and Tamdrin Tso. Sonthar Gyal, is the cinematographer and Sangye Bhum served as the editor.

Pema Tseden was born in Trika county in Qinghai province. After his schooling, he carried out research at Lanzhou North Western Nationalities University. In his second year as a research student he received a scholarship from the Trace Foundation to pursue cinematography at the Beijing Film Academy.

His first film, Grassland, was released in 2004. In 2005, he made a film called The Silent Mani Stones.

In 2009, his film, The Search, was sent to the Bangkok Film Festival (where it won The Special Jury Prize) and the Shanghai National Film Festival (where it won The Grand Prize) In an interview with the Trace Foundation, Pema

Tseden recounted how he had loved films as a child.

He read a lot of Tibetan folk lore and his film stories have drawn a lot influence from stories like King Gesar's epic and the Eight Great Tibetan Operas amongst others.

Indiewire, a blogging site, reported that he will start working on his new film entitled "America" and the main subject is a Tibetan family who bought an expensive cow from a foreign country because they heard that it would give more milk. But they don't

know how to care for the cow and it dies. The main point in the film lies in the fact that in this chain of events, the relationships between people in this particular tight-knit village change.

Pema Tseden represents a brand of new Tibetan film makers who are local in their roots but also possess international exposure. The blog, Indiewire quotes, "mark our words, Pema Tseden is a name you'll be seeing in contention for the Palme d'Or in the not-too-distant future"

Internal Strife With Tibetan Weapon Possession

By Anand, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: Over the past few weeks, a huge amount of weapons were seen to be used by the Tibetan nomads in the region of Amdo, Tibet's north eastern region. Many of the nomads were seen to have concealed their weapons under their traditional Tibetan costume.

A lot of internal strife has seen violence in the area as well as a number of deaths. This is resulted in a few cases of detention for the Tibetan nomads of Amdo.

Many friends and families of these rebellious Tibetan nomads have publicly appealed to them asking them to lay down their weapons in fear that this on going battle will cost them their lives.

Recently Lama Ngawa Lodhu is trying to find a different resolution to the problem. He is using the power of religion to bring the Tibetan nomads part of the non violent struggle.

The Dalai Lama has also recently advised the people to surrender their weapons to the monasteries. The Lamas of these monasteries have advised many of the nomads to stop with their violence as well as their thievery.

The extent of how successful the Lamas have been is unknown, however according to the Central

Tibetan Administration website a vast number of weapons have been surrendered.

TAR Not Accessible To Foreign Tourists Under An Indefinite Ban

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: The former president of Gu Chu Suum (an organization of ex political prisoners), Ngawang Weobor received information from Tibet of an unidentified Tibetan who was earlier living in Lhasa and was sent back to the Qinghai province. This is the case of many Tibetans following the two self immolations that took place in Lhasa at the end of May 2012 as the crackdown in Lhasa continues.

Many Tibetans from Kham and Amdo who were living in Lhasa are reportedly being sent back to their native regions by the Chinese Government even though they were residents.

The Chinese Police reportedly went around towns, questioned any young Tibetans and have even arrested them and sent many homeless people to the detention centre, Tsel Gungthang.

The Tibetans were detained there and were repeatedly questioned. People from the same provinces were then grouped together and sent them back to their native towns and villages through railways or buses.

Residents of Lhasa from TAR were made to produce five different types of documents; a supporting letter, birth certificates, family certificates, introductory letter from regional government office as well as the permissiary document that allows one to live in Lhasa. Only if they can produce all the five documents, they will be allowed to work and conduct business in

Lhasa. But again, these documents are difficult to procure due to government red tape.

In March 2012, families in the Tibet Autonomous Region who had members outside China were called to the Police Station and questioned about their whereabouts and their contact details.

The crackdown in Lhasa follows the Chinese Government's decision to shut off the Tibet Autonomous Region to tourists and visitors after the three self immolations which took place in May, bringing the total count of Tibetan immolators to 38.

Dharamsala: On 6th June, Chinese travel agencies announced that foreign travelers are no longer allowed to visit Tibet. This ban is Beijing's response to the recent self immolations in the region. Major travel agencies said they were told

by Tibetan tourism authorities in late May that travellers from other countries would not be allowed into the region and said they had no idea how long the ban would last.

The ban precedes the peak season for travel to the troubled region - the month-long Saga Dawa festival began on Monday. The festival which began on June 4th 2012 ( a date that coincided with the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Protests), usually attracts hundreds of Buddhist tourists from all over the world to celebrate the

festival.

"It was halted in late May. People said it was because of the... festival," an employee at the Tibet China Travel Service was reported saying by AFP. Another agent from the Tibet China Youth Tour Service was reported saying that the ban might

.... China Arrests Nine Monks In Tibet After Self Immolation Protest ..... Continues From Front Page to one year in prison and another has been served a sentence that could last between two months and six months. A third monk is currently at prison in Nagormo while the whereabouts of one monk are unknown.

The Chinese Government had arrested the monks on charges of having "contacts" outside Tibet as all of them had studied at Lhasa and had exposure.

After the Sangpo's self immolation, monks who

were not yet 18 were sent back to their homes by the Chinese Government. The rest of the older monks were detained at the monastery for three months. After 3 months, they were sent back to their homes for a holiday for a period of 15 days.

When they came back, a "patriotic reeducation" campaign was conducted for them by the Chinese authorities.

Now, all the monks have again been sent on a holiday and though they will return shortly, the

monastery is now occupied only by cleaning staff and workers as well as the Chinese authorities.

During the detention period of three months, all the monks' mobile phones were confiscated. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) reported that Bongthak monastery, which has around 80 monks, was cut off from the rest of the area with checkpoints to monitor and prevent anyone from entering and leaving. Security restrictions were tightened and phone lines were been cut.

also be linked to the "recent social order problem".

Even in normal times, overseas tourists need special permits to travel to the remote region as well as their visas for China, and have to travel in tour groups. Even when foreigners are permitted into Tibet, tours are closely monitored, travellers must apply for a special visa and they will be accompanied by a government-appointed guide.

All foreign tour operators must make their arrangements through Chinese firms only.

China has banned foreign tourists from visiting the so called Tibet Automonous Region (TAR) before, usually during periods of unrest and during religious festivals. Overseas tourists were prevented from travelling to the region in 2008, following violent protests in Tibet's capital Lhasa, before the ban was lifted ahead of the Beijing Olympics. While region has been to closed to foreign visitors in the past, doing so during peak tourist season is not common as the Tibetan economy relies heavily on tourism.

The "recent social order problem" could be a reference to the protests and self immolations that have recently taken place leaving Lhasa under a heavy security lockdown imposed by the Chinese Government.

On May 27, two Tibetan men set themselves alight in front of the Jokhang temple in the centre of Lhasa.

On the 30th of May, a young mother of three also set herself on fire in front of the Zamthang Monastery, Ngaba County. The Chinese government had retaliated by detaining hundreds of people- especially from the Ngaba regionmonitoring the internet cafĂŠs and phone booths and had even checking the mobile phones and cameras of everyone who had witnessed the immolations on the 27th.

5 TPI NEWS INTERNATIONAL Spice Global Chairman BK Modi Zhang Yijiong replaces Zhu Weiqun as Chinese Meets His Holiness The Dalai representative in Tibetan talks.

Lama The Tibet Post International

15 June, 2012 Dharamshala

By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post International

The Spice Global Chairman, Bhupendra Kumar Modi met the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama earlier of Monday, June 11, 2012. Photo: TPI

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: - The Spice Global Chairman, Bhupendra Kumar Modi addressed members of the press on 11th June at Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. He met the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama earlier in the day.

On his meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he said, "I met Dalai Lama for around two hours this morning and discussed lots of subjects. Dalai Lama told me that he shall spend next 10 years to work on all the religions of the world". It has also been decided that all the spiritual leaders of India, including Dalai Lama shall meet at Prayaag between December 31 and January 3.

He agreed with the Tibetan spiritual leader on the issue of secularism and said that countries like India and Singapore (of which he is a citizen) were only of the very few secular countries in the world where all religions were accepted.

He spoke of the Kumbh Mela Festival which will take place from 31st December to 3rd January at Prayaag.

A conference organized by the India Council of Religious leaders will take place then. The Dalai Lama will attend it along with leaders of all religions. There is a program in it called “Holistic, High Tech and Heritage” which focuses on spirituality in today’s age.

The global media will be invited and it will also be

webcast live. The program will be conducted in many languages through continuous translations. As His Holiness is widely accepted by people of all religions and nations, it will symbolize the secular nature of the conference.

Modi also spoke about His Holiness’ wish to contribute to Nalanda University as he has a lot of literature. The four sects of Tibetan Buddhism come from people who studied at Nalanda University. It was earlier planned that the Indian Government with the help of Singapore, China, Japan and Thailand would rebuild the Nalanda University at Bihar based on the ideals of the original university. Now it is decided that it will be a private University.

From His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s belief, a spiritual thinking will be imparted to it. And Samdhang Rinpoche, the former Prime Minister of the TibetanGovernment-in-exile will also be a part of it.

Modi, a citizen of Singapore is reportedly going to request The Indian Government to offer citizenship to His Holiness the Dalai Lama to lead India to become a global leader. He should accept Indian citizenship and in the case of political reasons, if not India, then the citizenship of Singapore.

In his recent book, Hinduism- The Universal Truth, Modi has sought to explain the connection between Buddhism and Hinduism and has also explored the scientific vision and foundation of philosophies of Hinduism.

.....Commemorating the Tiananmen Square Disaster ..... Continues From Front Page disaster.

The image of the revolution was an ordinary citizen standing in front of the Chinese military tanks protesting to leave the people alone. A great degree of care has been taken by the Chinese government to omit large details of the uprising, for example the number of people killed. The Tiananmen Square disaster has been completely removed from any form of Chinese history.

Speaking with Tenzin Tsundue one of the main organizers of the event and the President of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, who mentioned the significance of the disaster with relation to the movement for a free Tibet. He said that it was a barometer for public opinion of China.

A very articulate and well read man, he asserted that the international media needs to be made aware of the existent Chinese oppression. He says that it isn't only restricted to Tibet, but areas such as Mongolia and Manchuria have been subject to the autocratic rule of the Communist regime.

He went on to say, "We Tibetans are not the sole sufferers of Chinese rule, and need to see the bigger picture as well." A man committed to Tibetan cause, he seemed to show not only grit, but also a great amount of composure and understanding.

After the screening of the film, a discussion was held on the topic, "Change in China, Opportunity in Tibet?" and questions were put to both Tenzin Tsundue and Lhadon Tethong, the director of The Tibet Action Institute.

They explained that the Tiananmen Square protests had failed because there was no key planning. It was a spontaneous movement with different set of goals and they had lacked unity, discipline and planning. The Xinai Revolution of 1911 and the Communist Revolution of 1949 had been nursed and planned for a few years whereas the protest at Tiananmen Square grew and multiplied without a real seed. But the fact that it happened itself represents a success.

They pointed out how for the past few years, there has been an inheritance of power. There has been no new thinking or change in leadership.

Meanwhile, there is a growing restlessness amongst the people of China and even the Tibetan

people are becoming more aware and unified.

The Bo Xilai incident has proved that there are fractures and divisions both at the highest and lowest levels of the CCP and it confirms that the corruption in the government is endemic and beyond all control.

Speaking about the self immolations in Tibet which have now reached a total number of 38, Tsundue talked about how Chinese people were finally seeing that people protesting and their level of conviction. The Chinese Government is paranoid that the protests may spread or inspire others to do the same.

The last question referred to the resignation of the His Holiness' special Envoys and the message it sends to the next generation of Chinese leaders.

Lhadon Tsethong pointed out that negotiations are not the goal and the goal is for Tibetans to live in freedom peace.. Tibetans have undermined and questioned the Chinese power and the key is not to see it as a failure. Our negotiations and talks will happen at the right time with the right people because right now, we are clearly not dealing with the right people.

Tenzin Tsundue pointed out how His Holiness the Dalai Lama had said that the Middle Way has

Dharamshala: Zhu Weiqun, part-time director of the Office of the Central Tibet Work Coordination Group and Vice-Minister of the United Front work Department since 2009, has been replaced by Zhang Yijiong. Zhang, 67, is Han Chinese by nationality, as Zhu was.

Both men have been long-time members of the communist party. Zhang will effectively take over Zhu position as the Chinese governments' representative in talks with the Tibetan government in exile based in Dharamshala.

Zhu had a long career with the communist party in China. He joined in 1970 as a 33 year old after getting a degree in journalism in the Chinese academy of Social Sciences and a master's degree in the same college.

Zhu worked his way up the administrative ladder and fulfilled many positions of influence and power in the intervening years. In June 2004 he was elected Vice- President and Secretary General of the China Tibetan Culture Protection and Development Association.

In 2008 Zhu became Vice Minister of the CPC Central Committee United Front Work Department (chair the executive work of the ministerial level), a position that Zhang Yijiong has just replaced him as.

The position, amongst other duties, negotiates with the envoys of the Tibetan government in exile in regard to talks on Tibet's future within China Zhang is a native of Shanghai and joined the

Zhang Yijiong, Former Deputy Secretary of Jiangxi Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China. (L) and Zhu Weiqun, Former executive vice minister of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee.(W) File photo/People’s Daily/China

Communist Party of China (CPC) in 1976. He was Deputy Secretary of CPC Tibet Autonomous Region Committee from 2006 to 2010.

On June 1st, 2012, two of the special envoys of His

International Parliamentarians call for solidarity with Tibet on June 20

By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: An international group of parliamentarians have called for solidarity with Tibet, on June 20, 2012 as a means of highlighting the ongoing human rights abuses taking place within Tibet.

The International Network of Parliamentarians on Tibet (INPaT) issued a press release on June 8 urging lawmakers across the world to stand in solidarity with Tibet by observing the day in their respective parliaments.

The group have urged democratically elected members of parliament to ‘' [raise] points of order, [ask] questions in parliament'' and further, to use their democratic mandate by ‘' delivering speeches, making members statements [and] proposing motions with or without notice.'' In effect, shine a spotlight on Tibet's current political situation.

INPaT have also called on parliamentarians to wear the traditional Tibetan white scarf ‘Khatak' on the day as a sign of solidarity with the Tibetan cause, and to hold press conferences to further information and knowledge on the human rights violations taking place there which they hope will further the global reach of the initiative The group see the ‘'Parliamentary Solidarity Day for Tibet'' as an opportunity for democratically elected parliamentarians to utilize their privileges and ‘'highlight the plight of the people of Tibet.

The call by INPaT takes place within a context of a deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet. In early June China closed Tibet's borders to the outside world and cracked down on dissidents following a spate of self-immolations in Lhasa and in particular in Amdo.

In light of these actions by the Chinese authorities, the network of parliamentarians in addition have called on respective governments to raise human

failed, primarily because the Chinese Government is unreasonable and does not accept the reality of the situation. But, if we are all united in seeking independence, we can work with the people from Mongolia, East Turkistan (who also have their own grievances) and even Western Corporations to get independence.

As Tense Situation in Tibet, MP Peggy Urges Govt. to Take Action

rights concerns at the upcoming United Nations Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva on 18th

Nash then said, "After years of repression, Tibetans have reached a breaking point. Young monks and nuns are acting out of sheer frustration.

Canada must act to end the suffering and work to improve the lives of the Tibetan people."

Nash is the New Democratic Party (NDP) Member of Parliament (MP) for the Parkdale in Toronto, and was the Official Opposition's Finance Critic, in Canada's 41st parliament.

In an interview with Georgia Straight in 2011, Nash said she was optimistic there could be a solution found to the impasse surrounding China's

of June, as part of the process of solidarity with Tibet.

Health Kalon Attends International Symposium in Poland

Health Kalon Dr Tsering Wangchuk with senior officials at the international symposium at Warsaw Medical University in Warsaw, Poland, on 26 May 2012/Photo/ Health Department/CTA

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet.Net

Warsaw: The Health Kalon of the Central Tibetan Administration attended an international symposium of alumni of Polish medical universities in Warsaw on

..... Continues From Front Page joined those who have self-immolated in protest of religious and cultural oppression by the Chinese authorities. This Wednesday, a mother of three selfimmolated in protest."

After the self immolations, the Chinese people have arrested many natives of Ngaba County. The mobile phones and cameras of all the people in the vicinity were checked to make sure that there has been no documentation of the event. Internet Cafés are being monitored and hundreds of people are being detained.

Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari and envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen resigned citing frustration and a lack of positive response from their Chinese counterparts in recent talks.

continued occupation of Tibet, which has been going on officially since 1959, though it started in 1951 with initial Chinese incursions into eastern Tibet.

On June 1st, she echoed this sentiment in light of the recent self immolation, "During his visit to China, the Prime Minister promised a good and frank dialogue on fundamental principles. The Government of Canada must now reach out to the Chinese government and urge a peaceful and quick resolution to the current situation. We can and must save innocent lives."

May 26. The symposium was attended by former students of medical universities in Poland, including the host, Warsaw Medical University.

Warsaw: The Health Kalon of the Central Tibetan Administration attended an international symposium of alumni of Polish medical universities in Warsaw on May 26. The symposium was attended by former students of medical universities in Poland, including the host, Warsaw Medical University.

In his address, Kalon Dr Tsering Wangchuk gave an overview of the health-care system of Tibetans in exile, and the health department's top priorities to improve the system.

The Chancellor of the University, Professor Dr Marek Krawczyk, presented Dr Tsering Wangchuk with an honorary medal. The medal was incepted in memory of famous Polish doctor Tytus Chalubinski for his outstanding merit in fostering knowledge and popularisation of Polish medical university in the world.

On May 27, Dr Tsering Wangchuk was interviewed

by TVN 24, a popular Polish TV channels. He responded to questions on the Chinese government's repressive policies in Tibet, and the workings of the Central Tibetan Administration following the devolution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's political authority to Dr Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected leader of the Tibetan people.

Later in the afternoon, he met with the Polish Tibetan community in in Warsaw. He spoke about the policies being initiated by the present Kashag (cabinet) following the far-reaching reform carried out by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in devolving his formal authority to the elected Tibetan leadership. He also briefed the Tibetan community about the Tibet Corps initiative and the different health care programmes initiated by the health department.

6

The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS

EXILE

15 June, 2012 Dharamshala

Tibetan Cultural Society of Tibetan Women's Association Celebrate British Colombia to Sponsor World Environment Day Migrant Tibetans

By Anand, The Tibet Post International

By Anand,The Tibet Post Internaltional

Dharamshala: The Tibetan Cultural Society of British Columbia (TCS of BC) based in Vancouver have voted at a membership meeting to sponsor the Tibetan resettlement program. They are the only Tibetan Cultural Society in Canada till date to do so.

Tashi Tsetan, the Society's President said, "We are extremely fortunate that our membership has decided to support this very important program.

As Tibetans we are indeed fortunate to help facilitate an initiative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama."

The Tibetan Resettlement Program was announced

by The Honourable Mr Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration in December of 2010.

Under this program the Canadian government will facilitate the safe immigration of 1,000 Tibetans from Arunachal Pradesh in India. This was done at the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibetans groups within Canada.

The 1,000 immigrants will be moved to Canada over a five year period. A number of people from the Tibetan community within Canada have undertaken sponsorship of the migrants. They have gained support from other groups as well.

The program is also trying to branch out into two other cities, Toronto and Calgary. Tashi Tsetan hoped that the regional Tibetan Cultural Societies would help in sponsoring the migrant Tibetans in order for the project to be a complete success.

Cutting Off Tibet To Outside World Will Not Ease Tensions In Tibet

Dharamsala: A writing competition as well as a green marathon was organized by the regional Dharamsala Tibetan Women's Association and Central Tibetan Women's Association (TWA) today on the 5th of June. It will start from the main square in McLeod Ganj to the Hindu temple on Bhagsu road and will come back to the Dalai Lama temple.

The presentation ceremony was held in front of the Tibetan memorial statue. Fifty people will attend this competition including students of upper and lower TCV as well as people from McLeod Ganj.

Prizes were awarded in three categories, the winner received 1000 rupees, and the first runner up 750 rupees and the second runner up were awarded 500 rupees.

President of Women's association explained why they take have this competition in Dharamsala on this particular day. Loosely translated she said 'We come to these places by walking and not by using any other transport as a show of support to the environment.'

A clean up campaign will take place not only Mcleod Ganj but by the global network of the organization, whose various chapters will have a similar clean up campaign in their local regions.

Part of the crusade will involve holding a signature campaign for the world environment day. According to Tenzin Woebum, head of TWA's Women's

Environment and Development Desk (WEDD), " The petition campaign was officially started in January during the 32nd Kalachakra prayers and it will be a year-long campaign aimed at urging the 11 downstream nations that receive water from Tibet's rivers, to protect Tibet's fragile environment. People

are urged to sign the petition titled 'Nomads for Planetary Third Pole.' An online signature campaign is underway as well.

The movement will definitely gain a lot of exposure to World Environment Day as well as exposing some hard truths about environmental issues in Tibet.

Final Day of Student Campaign to Express Solidarity for Tibetan Cause

By Anand, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: Since 2009, The Tibetan movement has seen 38 cases of self immolation and 25 since January of this year. The escalation of the movement has resulted in many more peaceful tangential movements to bring awareness to the cause.

In the last week, Tibet has seen 3 cases of self immolation. There has seen a surge in public awareness about the movement.

Speaking at the Tibetan Children's Village (TCV) School in Suja, the Dalai Lama expressed his sadness with these events, but gave a lot of encouragement to the students who had organized the solidarity campaign.

After conclusion of the of the hunger strike and the painting exhibition on the 31st of May and the 2nd of June respectively, the campaign moves into it's final and perhaps most important day.

At 6pm on the 3rd of June, the same class 10 students who sat for the hunger strike will hold a candle light vigil from TCV School in Suja to the McLeod Gunj square and are planning to circle the town on its two main streets.

It aims to generate huge awareness as many are out on McLeod's street every Sunday. The

students are hoping to attract a lot of support as His Holiness the Dalai Lama will hold a prayer after the candle light vigil.

A lot of time and energy has been invested by teachers and students alike who are showing a united front for the Tibetan cause.

'What About Justice?': A Simple Question Asked By An Emotional Book

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Diki Chhoyang, the minister of department of information and international relations. Photo: File

By Central Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

Dharamshala: - The Central Tibetan Administration is deeply concerned over the Chinese government's measures to shut Tibet's door to the outside world amid its crackdown on Tibetans in capital Lhasa after the self-immolation protests spread there for the first time on 27 May. Besides imposing ban on foreign travellers to Tibet for an unspecified time, the Chinese government has deployed thousands of troops in capital Lhasa. The Wall Street Journal yesterday reported that "Lhasa resembled an armed camp with the deployment of over 3,000 troops."

In the crackdown following the self-immolations in Lhasa, Chinese authorities arbitrarily arrested hundreds of Tibetans by mainly targeting those from Amdo and Kham provinces. Amnesty International said in its 1 June statement that many of those arrested are being held at Tsel Gungthang prison and other sites in Lhasa. "Massively cracking down on the population in Lhasa is not

a solution to the broad unrest we are seeing among Tibetans. The recent string of self-immolations

by Tibetans has been fuelled by years of repressive policies that violate fundamental freedoms in the region," Amnesty International stated.

"Closing Tibet's door to the outside world and stifling the voices of Tibetans through force will not bring an end to the deepening crisis in Tibet.

Instead, the Chinese leadership must address the root causes of Tibetan grievances through dialogue," said Kalon Dicki Chhoyang of the Department of Information & International Relations.

Since February 2009, nearly 40 Tibetans have set themselves on fire to protest the Chinese government's repressive policies. They have called for freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to his homeland. (Fact Sheet on Tibetan Self-Immolation Incidents)

Dharamsala: The book, 'What about Justice?' was launched Tse Khang Hall on the morning of 2nd June. It is authored by former political prisoner Ven Bagdro. The main chief guests were Deputy Speaker, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and the history professor of Sara Institution. Members of important organizations and NGOs were also present.

First, Bagdro spoke about hoe the Tibetan issue is misinterpreted and falsified by the Chinese Government. Even First World countries are not taking action with respect to the Tibetan cause.

He said that he wrote the book to tell the people what had really happened in Tibet because people easily forget what has happened and he wanted to make sure that the history of Tibet is remembered.

'What About Justice' explores the Chinese cultural, religious and political repression in Tibet, the various methods used by the Chinese to cover up the true situation in Tibetan areas, the role of International organizations and it also includes rare photographs and the will of Jampal Yeshe who self immolated at delhi in early 2012. Heartfelt and deeply emotional, the book echoes the feelings of many Tibetans who feel helpless at the situation in Tibet today.

Bagdro who does not have any sponsors is self publishing his book. A friend of his gave him a 100 pounds and he has used all the money to print and launch the book.

He plans to go to all the 50 Embassies in Delhi, send the book to International court of Justice as well as the United Nations. He said that he had not

come to India to study or to start a new life. During his imprisonment, some political prisoners gave him 1500 in cash and they asked him to give their message regarding the reality of the Tibetan issue to the Dalai Lama.

It is said that the Chinese Government had forced his parents to go to Nepal and bring back their son to Tibet. So his parents called him again and again, to urge him to come back with them, as they were in Nepal. But he said that he belonged to a larger family of Tibetans and was working for their good and he could not go back until his work was done.

He said that he would never give up his struggle with Hu Jintao because 10th Panchen Lama was

poisoned by Hu Jintao and the 11th Panchen Lama was abducted by the Hu Jintao Government and is till now, the youngest political prisoner in the world.

The Deputy Speaker, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, commended Ven Bagdro for publishing the book and also noted that Bagdro was born in Tibet and he knew the true suffering of people in Tibet.

Bagdro, in conclusion said that the Tibetan youth should take up the Tibetan issue of justice and help clarify the reality of the Tibetan issue to entire world. He also explained the importance of justice for all humans, especially in china. If Chinese respects justice, Tibetan struggle too will get the support of the fairness of justice.

TPI NEWS

15 June, 2012 Dharamshala

Former Prime Minister Samdhang Rinpoche Visits South Korea

INTERNATIONAL

The Tibet Post International

7

Resolve Tibet issue Through Sincere And Meaningful Dialogue: TSGs

By Central Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

By By Hamsini, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: Samdhong Rinpoche, a former prime minister of Tibet's government-in-exile, has arrived to South Korea to attend the World Fellowship of Buddhists conference in the southern city of Yeosu, in a rare visit by a leading Tibetan official.

Lobsang Tenzin,known to Tibetans as the 5th Samdhong Rinpoche, was the previous Prime Minister (officially Kalon Tripa, or Chairman of the Cabinet), of the Tibetan government-in-exile, which is based in Dharamshala.

This visit came as a surprise to many as the Seoul government has several times refused to grant a visa for the Dalai Lama himself, apparently out offear of offending China.

Organisers initially sought to invite the Dalai Lama but later ditched the plan out of consideration for China which promised to send some 100 delegates, said the spokeswoman.

"Now 16 Chinese delegates are to take part in the event... we are very nervous about how they would react," she said.

Rinpoche, the highest-ever Tibetan official to visit South Korea, will meet Buddhist delegates from other nations during what is planned as a low-profile trip, she told AFP. "We nearly gave up hope until Friday when authorities suddenly said the visa would be granted... we were so surprised," she said, calling the visit a "precious opportunity" for more exchanges with Tibetan Buddhists.

The foreign ministry declined immediate comment on the visit.

About 400 delegates from some 30 countries will take part in the two-yearly event on the sidelines of the Expo 2012 Yeosu.

Expo 2012 Yeosu, Korea is an International Exposition held in Yeosu, South Korea which opened May 12, 2012 and will run for 93 days until August 2012. The theme of the Expo is the "Living Ocean and Coast", with a special focus on seeking the sustainable development and preservation of ocean resources.

Dr Lobsang Sangay Accepts Resignation of His Holiness' Envoys

Special Envoy Gyari Lodi and Envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen.Photo:TPI

By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: - Special envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari and envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen have resigned citing frustration and a lack of positive response from their Chinese counterparts in a series of talks and discussions reaching back to 2002. Their resignations were effective as of June 1.

It is now two years since they have had any formal meeting with Chinese representatives and, since then, they say they have been trying to reach out in a constructive manner. On the face of it, their resignations are a sign of their frustration and lack of hope at getting any meaningful dialogue initiated.

In their formal resignation letter to Kalon Tripa (political leader) Dr Lobsang Sangay they stated,

"Given the deteriorating situation inside Tibet since 2008 leading to the increasing cases of selfimmolations by Tibetans, we are compelled to submit our resignations. Furthermore, the United Front did not respond positively to the Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People presented in 2008 and its Note in 2010. One of the key Chinese interlocutors in the dialogue process even advocated abrogation of minority status as stipulated in the Chinese constitution thereby seeming to remove the basis of autonomy. At this particular time, it is difficult to have substantive dialogue.''

Dr Sangay expressed regret at their resignations and paid tribute to their hard and diligent work over the years. He said they have tried hard to move dialogue forward in often trying circumstances and their leadership has been invaluable. He added, "The Kashag (cabinet) will continue to rely on them for their wise counsel. They will remain as senior members of the Task Force team.

"Further, the Kashag urges Beijing to accept the Middle Way approach, as it endeavors to find a peaceful and harmonious autonomy for Tibetans within the People's Republic of China. The Tibetan authorities are committed to non-violence and the Middle Way approach and believe that dialogue with China is necessary and vital. Moreover, they are ready and willing engage anywhere and at any time."

Panel Discussion Held On Himalayan Environment And Security

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: A panel discussion, held on the 5th of June, was chaired by Mr. Shyam Khosla, Director of the Indian Media centre. The topic was "Testing

Himalayan Environment and Threats to India's Security" The keynote speakers for the seminar included the Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh; Mr. Sudripta Roy, Health Minister; Dr. Rajeev Bindal, noted journalist and photographer; Mr. Vijay Kranti and Mr. Tenzin Norbu, Director of the Environment and Development Desk of the Central Tibetan Administration.

The event was attended by more than 100 participants comprising of Himachal state government diplomats, intellectuals, lecturers from HP University, settlement officer Mr. Tsering Tashi and his colleagues, representatives of the Tibetan freedom movement in Shimla and the media.

Prof. Chamman Lal Gupta, convener of Panchnad Research Institute (HP) and former Director of the Himachal Education Board, introduced all the

Dharamshala: - Indian Support Groups from different corners of India today concluded their three-day extensive deliberations on strengthening its movement on the issue of Tibet, strongly urging the Chinese government to resolve the Tibet issue through sincere and meaningful dialogue with the Tibetan side.

"Meaningful and sincere negotiations with a sense of urgency between the representatives of the Dalai Lama and democratically-elected leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Chinese leadership is the only way to resolve the issue of Tibet, and there is a need for immediate resumption of stalled talks," say the support groups in their declaration.

The 4th All India Tibet Support Groups Conference, convened by Core Group for Tibetan Cause in Dharamsala, adopted a 10-point Action Plan to strengthen and redouble the efforts of support groups in the cause of Tibet.

The Action Plan says Tibet Support Groups will celebrate in 2013 the centenary of the 13th Dalai Lama's successful return to Tibet from exile and fervently hope for the return of 14th Dalai Lama to his homeland.

It says the TSGs will impress upon the Indian government to confer the Bharat Ratna - India's highest civilian award - on His Holiness the Dalai Lama in recognition of his great services to India and the humanity.

The TSGs will make efforts to arrange a meeting of the standing committee of Indian Parliament on foreign affairs with Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay, the democratically-elected political leader of the Tibetan people, it says.

It further says efforts will be made to organise an international conference to highlight the catastrophic impacts on south and south east Asia in view of the Chinese government's detrimental policies on Tibet's environment.

The TSGs resolve to expand its network in India through enhancing participation of women, youths, teachers and NGOs among their leadership at state and district levels. Efforts will be made to establish branch units of Students for Tibet and Teachers for Tibet.

The TSGs will urge the Indian government to encourage the Chinese leadership to conduct meaningful dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama

From left: Mr Penpa Tsering, Speaker of Tibetan Parliament, Mr J P Urs, regional convener of Core Group for Tibetan Cause in South India, Mr Satya Prakash Malviya, MP, Mr Bashisht Narain Singh, MP, and Dr N K Trikha, National Convener of Core Group for Tibetan Cause during the closing session of the 4th All India Support Groups Conference in Dharamsala on 11 June 2012. Photo: TPI/YC.Dhardhowa

and the Central Tibetan Administration to bring a mutually-beneficial solution to the issue of Tibet.

They resolved to undertake nationwide campaign to impress upon the Indian government and other Asian countries to press the Chinese government to abandon its ecologically disastrous plans such as indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources and damming and diverting rivers originating from the Tibetan plateau.

They also resolved to raise moblilise awareness on the struggle of the Tibetan people in Indian schools, colleges and universities.

Addressing the closing session of the conference, Tibetan Parliament Speaker Penpa Tsering urged the Indian supporters to implement the action plans after they returned to their respective regions.

He also announced that the Tibetan Parliament would lead a month-long "Flame of Truth" event in Europe and North America. "The flame of truth will travel through different states of India and Tibetan settlements. We appeal to our Indian supporters to lend their support to the movement in working with coordination with the Tibetan settlements based in their respective localities," he said.

He urged the Tibet Support Groups to apprise the Indian parliamentarians from their respective regions

about the Tibet issue and encourage them to join and strengthen the Parliamentary Group for Tibet in the Indian Parliament.

He also urged them to organise regular programmes for inviting Indian students to Dharamsala to know about the Tibetan struggle.

He said Mr Bashisht Narain Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP, who was present at the conference as the chief guest, has invited Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay to address members of Bihar legislative assembly.

Mr Bashisht Narain Singh, a long-time supporter of Tibetan cause, said the time has come to give new meaning and dynamism to TSGs movement on the issue of Tibet. "Steadfast efforts should be made through literature, peaceful demonstrations, debate, photography etc support Tibetans in their struggle for truth and justice. We will succeed if we sustain our firm determination and committment to fight in support of the Tibetan people," he said.

Another member of Indian parliament and steadfast supporter of Tibet, Mr Satya Prakash Malviya, in his address said the Indian government should review its policies on Tibet in view of the changing circumstances. He said India should urgently make strong representation to the Chinese government on its egregious human rights violations in Tibet.

Conference on Tibetan Civilization Held in Ukraine

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet.Net

Moscow: - The International Conference on the Tibetan Civilization and Nomadic (Mongolian origin) Peoples of Eurasia: Cross-Cultural Contacts was held in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, from May 24 to 26. It was jointly organised by the Institute of Oriental Studies of Ukraine National Academy, Institute of Philosophy of Ukraine National Academy, Ukraine National Museum of Arts and Buryat Culture Society in Kiev.

Around 40 research scholars and academics, representing Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Hungary, Buryatia, Tuva, Tatarstan, Kazakhstan, Japan and Tibet, participated in the three-day conference. The scholars presented research papers on various topics under four sections: (1) Tibetology, (2) Buddhism, Shamanism: Historical, Religious and Philosophical Aspects, (3) Buryat Studies, and (4) Mongolian Studies: Cross-Cultural Contacts.

The representative of the Dalai Lama to Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Dr Nawang Rabgyal, participated in the conference, presenting a paper entitled Tibet and the Dalai

Lama: The Nature of Tibetan Struggle for Freedom.

The paper was on the historical background of independent Tibet, Chinese invasion and misrule

speakers and gave his views on the importance of the Himalayan environment.

Mr. Vijay Kranti spoke about his personal experiences and views from his last visit to Tibet and stressed on how Chinese have destroyed the land. He also touched on topics related to environment and development issues inside Tibet and how it could jeopardize the security of India.

Mr. Tenzin Norbu spoke about the ongoing environmental destructions inside Tibet and how it could impact India and the rest of the Asian countries. In his speech, he also talked about the water diversion and the pace at which Chinese are constructing dams on major trans-boundary rivers that originates from Tibet. He also mentioned about the impacts of Climate change on the Hindu-Kush region focusing on the glacial meltdown, permafrost degradation and mining in Tibet.Mr

Sudripta Roy and, talked about the geology of the Himalayan region and the upliftment of the Tibetan Plateau. He also talk about his concerns regarding the environmental degradation especially on water related issues and touched other related topics as well.

Dr. Rajeev Bindal besides speaking on other interesting topics also spoke about the environmental movement in Himachal from plastic ban to afforestation.

Vote of thanks was delivered by Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, a senior TPPRC official and member of Tibetan Parliament. On behalf of TPPRC and PRI he thanked the speakers, the audience and the organizing team for making the event a grand success. He also mentioned organizing similar intellectual discussions and talks in other parts of India and the importance of the same.

of Tibet, Middle Way Policy, Tibetan-Chinese contact and dialogue situation, the current situation in occupied-Tibet, the vision of future Tibet and the transfer of political power from His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the democratically elected leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, Kalon Tripa (political leader) Dr Lobsang Sangay. He also touched on Tibetan cultural heritage, which has been attracting interest from many parts of the world and has much to contribute to the modern world and civilization.

The conference was concluded with a book presentation by several scholars, including Dr Olena Ohnieva, Dr Yuriy Zavhorodniy and Dr Natalia Zhukovskaya. This was followed by farewell party hosted by the Buryat Culture Society in Kiev, with traditional songs. Tibet and Buryat have had long historical and spiritual contacts and connections since the 17th century. The Buryat scholar, Avang Dorjief (Nawang Dorjee), who studied in Drepung Gomang monastery, had served as the great 13th Dalai Lama's Envoy to Russia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Russia was the first European country to have diplomatic contact with independent Tibet.

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The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS

TIBET

15 June, 2012 Dharamshala

More Information Surfaces Tibetan Woman Self-immolates Bringing Regarding Brutal Crackdown Total to 38 in Lhasa

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: - On May 27, two men from Ngaba county - Tseten Dorjee and Dhargye - self-immolated in Lhasa. While Tseten Dorjee succumbed to his injuries, Dhargye's whereabouts are unknown, even though the state media has reported that he is in hospital recuperating. Now fruther information has surfaced regarding Dhargye, the aftermath of the self-immolations and the brutal crackdown in Lhasa.

Dhargye, who is around 25 years old, is from Sorima village, Ngaba County. His father's name is Lode and his mother's is Chekyi. He has six siblings of which he is the youngest.

When he was younger, he attended Kirti monastery in Ngaba. A few years ago, he went to Lhasa to work at Nyimi Ling restaurant, where he served as cashier.

After Dhargye's self-immolation, the owner of the restaurant, Chukal, and his wife were arrested by the Chinese police. It is reported that the restaurant has been shut down and all the workers detained.

In a security crackdown, the Chinese Police have arrested many natives of Ngaba who live in Lhasa, including Chepa Dormajyab, Nyer Jok, Tazen Gyab and Sang Dhar.

People from Amdo and Kham were questioned and their papers and documents checked. Whenever

people from other regions move to Lhasa, they are required to state their duration of stay, job status, place of residence, etc. All people found to lack the correct documents have also been detained.

Most of these people's cameras and mobile phones were checked to see if there were any photos or videos of the self-immolations. Since then, controls have been enforced on internet cafes and phone booths to keep the news from spreading. Phone calls are not permitted to Ngaba or any of the nearby cities.

Residents of Kham and Amdo now face problems acquiring the necessary documents to move to Lhasa. Three of the largest monasteries in Lhasa used to house monks from Kham and Amdo.

Following the protests in 2008, these monks were required to return to their native villages.

Recently, a 49-year-old businessman from Gomang village in upper Ngaba was arrested by Chinese Police. He was charged with serving as a guide for those escaping from Tibet to India. He has been sentenced to four years imprisonment and is serving his sentence at Drapchi prison in Lhasa.

Information sournce by Lobsang Yeshe and Kanyak tsering from Kirti Monastery in Dharamsala, northern India.

Tibetans Come Together To Pray For Tsering Gyaltsen And Others

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: - Local Tibetans and monks from all monasteries in Drango county, Kardze region, Tibet, recently came together to pray for Tsering Gyaltsen, Yeshe Samdrup, Yeshe Rigsel and Yonten Sangpo and others who were killed on February 9 during a brutal crackdown by the Chinese police.

On January 23, two Tibetans were shot dead and 34 others shot and wounded when Chinese state security forces opened fire on protesters in Drango during a peaceful protest demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom for Tibet.

Immediately after the incident, the Chinese detained hundreds of civilians and monks who they suspected of taking part in the protest.

Tsering Gyaltsen, a 40-year-old monk at Drango Monastery, was also arrested on February 9 and taken to an undisclosed location. His Parents, Sangdor and Tsemo, together with other family members, repeatedly asked the police about his whereabouts and conditions but given no answers.

Yeshi Rigsel, a monk from Drango monastery, attended the January 23 protest and took photographs. Students For A Free Tibet reported

that three units of Chinese state security forces approached Yeshi Rigsel's family home in Norpa village very early on the morning of February 9.

Yeshi Rigsel and Yeshi Samdup were shot dead and their brother Yonten Sangpo was shot in the neck. Teir mother was shot in the left hand. Three of Yonten's daughters and his two nieces were also injured.

It is reported that the mother of the three brothers, Sang Lha, the five children, and Tsering Gyaltsen were sent to Kardze County hospital to be treated for their injuries. Unfortunately, it is believed that Tsering Gyaltsen succumbed to his injuries there.

The Chinese Police still choose to remain silent about the issue of Tsering Gyaltsen's whereabouts but his family, after hearing the accounts of Sang Lha, have accepted that he has indeed passed away.

According to Tibetan custom, after a person's death the body is usually taken to a nearby monastery and prayers are offered. As the Chinese Police did not give the family any information about his body, they took his picture to Sera Monastery and prayed for him. Hundreds of people also came

Dharamsala: - The afternoon of May 30 saw the self-immolation of a Tibetan woman, Rikyo, in the Ngaba region of Tibet, which has been the epicenter of the spate of burnings which began in February 2009. By the time the Chinese Police arrived, the fire was too strong to be doused and she immediately passed away.

Local Tibetans took her corpse to Jonang Zamthang Gonchen Monastery in Dzamthang County. Around 1,000 monks from all three houses gathered in the monastery and prayed for the departed soul.

Immediately afterwards, the Chinese authorities are reported to have ordered the corpse to be cremated and threatened to take it away.

At around 11pm, the body was taken to a hill near the monastery and cremated there. Monks of Zamthang monastery and local Tibetans - numbering around 5,000 - are said to have gathered for the funeral. Although it started raining heavily, they prayed till 3am.

Rikyo (36), born to Chuglo and Rinlha, was from Tsang village in Zamdang county of Ngaba region.

She lived a nomadic life and tended to animals. Local sources recounted that, before her self-immolation, Rikyo prayed and prostrated for a whole day and night, leading them to think that she had planned this in advance.

Rikyo is survived by her husband, Nangthong, and

three small children, aged nine, seven and five.

Locals described her as a humble and religious person.

This is the third self-immolation in the past week, after two young men set themselves on fire in Tibetan capital Lhasa on May 27. The state media reported that one of them passed away immediately

while the other is said to be recuperating in hospital.

Since then, a severe crackdown has been imposed on the city. 80 Tibetans were detained on May 27 and 28 as they were suspected to have documented the burnings on their phones. Radio Free Asia reports that the number of detainees has now increased to around 600 people.

TWA Mourns The Death of a Mother Who Died In Self Immolation Protest in Tibet

By Anand, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala, May 31st, 2012: Tibet Women's Association (TWA) grieves the death of Rikyo (aged 36), mother of three children who died after setting herself alight outside the Jonang Dzamthang monastery in the town of Barma, in Dzamthang in Amdo Ngaba on May 30. It marks the 6thth case since 2009 and 25th since January 2012.

11 people have survived these self immolations, but TWA is unable to gather information about their whereabouts as Chinese authorities have kept this information to themselves denying families visitation rights.

On October 17th, 2011 nun Tenzin Wangmo (20) from Dechen Chokorling near Ngaba town called for religious freedom in Tibet and the return on the Dalai Lama as she set herself on fire and died outside of the nunnery.

On November 3rd, 2011, in Tawu, Kardze, 35-yearold Palden Choetso of Gaden Choeling Nunnery died after she self-immolated and shouted "Tibetans will reunite soon" and "long life for His Holiness the Dalai Lama," and called for basic human rights in Tibet.

On February 11th of this year, a nun from Dechen Chokorling,Tenzin Choedron (18), died after setting her body on fire near the nunnery while shouting slogans of protest against the Chinese government.

On March 3rd this year, Tsering Kyi, a student from the Tibetan middle School in Machu, set herself ablaze at the vegetable market in Tro Kho Menma Shang village in Machu.

On March 4th this year, Richen, a widowed mother of 4 children from Ngaba, died after setting herself alight in front of a Chinese police surveillance station at the main gate of the Kirti monastery and calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom in Tibet.

Rikyo, a nomad by profession is survived by her husband and three children. TWA pays tribute to her sacrifice and deem her act as the ultimate form of non-violent protest.

All of them called for freedom inside Tibet and for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.

In recent months both the geographical spread and scale of Tibetan unrest has grown, with selfimmolations now encompassing the Tibetan areas of Sichuan and Qinghai and the Tibet Autonomous Region. Several protests have ended with Chinese police forces openly firing at demonstrators-the extrajudicial murder of innocent Tibetans.

In April this year, TWA launched a report titled *'A Study of Tibetan Self Immolations: Its history, motive and reaction.' *The report provides a brief summary of the 34 self-immolations that took place between February 27th, 2009 and March 30th, 2012 and an overview of the international response to these acts of self-sacrifice. It also provides a perspective on the new heightened form of non-violent protests inside Tibet which continue to alarm the world.

TWA requests global intervention to save

to offer prayers for those others who were killed or have been taken away during the crackdown.

Tibetan lives:" we ask world governments to apply multilateral pressure and take action against China to end the crackdown and allow free press inside Tibet. We call on the honorable Navanethem Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to visit the troubled areas in Tibet and assess the situation with a fact-finding mission."

The subsequent self immolations this past week since March 27th comes few days ahead of the 23rd anniversary of the June 4th Tiananmen square massacre that killed thousands of

democracy activists mostly students. The spate of self immolations inside Tibet and the growing dissent amongst the Chinese people indicate the failed policies of the repressive Chinese Communist Party.

TWA urges the new Chinese leadership who is scheduled to take over early next year, to review the existing hard-line policies of the Chinese government and pave way for the immediate restoration of peace and freedom inside Tibet through dialogue with the Tibetan leadership in exile.

Prayer Meeting by the CTA for the Martyrs of the Tibet Cause

The political leader of Central Tibetan Administration, Dr. Lobsang Sangay addressing during an official prayer ceremony which held at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, India, on June 1 2012. Photo: TPI

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: On 27th May two people self immolated in Lhasa, capital of Tibet. On 30th May, a mother of 3 children self immolated in Zamthang.

On the afternoon of 1st June at 4 pm, the Tibet Administration held a prayer at the main temple of Dalai Lama for the solidarity of the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for the Tibet cause including the three recent cases of self immolation.

Kirti Rhinpoche, Kalon Pema Chinjor, Kalon Ngodup Drongchung and Kalon Tripa Dr.Lobsang Sangay were among the thousands that attended

the prayer meeting. The main service was presided over by Kirti Rhinpoche.

At the prayer Kalon Tripa Dr. Sangay addressed the people saying that under the Chinese crackdown policy many Tibetans have chosen the route of self immolation. He further mentioned the concern of the Tibetan government due to these extreme policies.

He spoke of the recent cases of self immolation by Dorjee Tsering (19) and his friend Darjee( 25) in Lhasa, Tibet on the 27th of May. Dorjee Tsering succumbed to his injuries the same day and Darjee suffered from serious injury. He then spoke of Rikyo (36), a mother of three from Zamthang who self immolated. In brief he spoke of the sadness that the events had brought with them and hence they were holding a prayer for the three victims, their familes and the Tibetan people who are still suffering under the oppressive Chinese regime.

He further expressed that many Tibetans have self immolated to protest against the harsh Chinese policy and are specially demanding that His Holiness be allowed to return to Tibet. The people, he felt need freedom now more than ever to express themselves without an authority curbing their views and actions. The news of these atrocities by the Chinese needs to be broadcasted around the world and he stated that it was the Tibetan people's responsibility to do so.

TPI NEWS

15 June, 2012 Dharamshala

"Indians Are Not Senior Students But Gurujis": HH The Dalai Lama

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The Tibet Post International

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His Holiness, Dr. Lobsang Sangay And Penpa Tsering Speak At TCV School

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

HH The Dalai Lama greets followers at the Tsuglagkhang Temple, Dharamsala

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: - The spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama started his teachings today, the 7th of June at 9.30 a.m. at the Tsuglagkhang Temple., Dharamshala. Of the 6000 people who have registered, 1100 are Indian Buddhists. The three days of teachings on 'Introductory Buddhist Teachings' which will include Kamalashila's 'The Middling Stages of Meditation' (gomrim barpa).

First His Holines the Dalai Lama greeted all the guests with a special mention for the Indian Buddhists from the Himalayas. He said that India is the source of Buddhism and so Indians are not senior students but 'gurujis' ('teachers' in Sanskrit) and he respects them.

"I always say that we're 21st century Buddhists and so everyone who practices religion should not just chant and pray. They should know the ideology of the religion and how to practice the religion. If one does not understand the religion and how to practice and just says that this is the religion of my ancestors then he cannot be a perfect practitioner."

His Holiness said.

76-year-old Nobel peace prize laureate talked about how nowadays when people are asked about their faith, they state one religion but they do not practice it. It's just physical and not from your heart.

When they do practice, they lie, threaten and bully other people. This shows that people don't understand the real religion and they don't feel it at heart. They just follow customs.

He then talked about Buddhism. One should know how and why they practice Buddhism. Then he is free to follow Buddhism. If you want to follow Buddhism, you need to know exactly how to practice. If you want to know, you have to listen to the teachings from Lamas and other teachers.

Without listening to them, one cannot truly understand the religion.

Buddha had many different teachings all his speeches include his books. You have to practice and train your mind according to his teachings and books. Without practice and training your mind, even if you do see the real Buddha, you cannot attain enlightenment.

Dharamsala: The 3rd of June was the last day of His Holiness the Dalai's lama's teachings at TCV School. His Holiness also conferred 28 nuns and monks with science degrees. The nuns and monks belonged to the three Buddhist nunneries and monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism.

The Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama also stressed on the respect and tolerance for all religions. He spoke of his book, "Ethics beyond religion". He said that secular ethics is the basis of all religions. The Buddhist way of thinking is very similar to secular ethics as the Buddha also respected people from different backgrounds and dispositions. He cited India as an example because India has a 1000 year old concept of secularism.

He also said that his generation belonged to the 20th century whereas the students and the youth belonged to the 21 century and they had to take care of themselves, their families, their countries and finally the world. He urged them to take this duty seriously.

After the teachings of HidsHoliness, the remains of the two Lamas, Lhadang Trulku Rinpoche and Geshe Lama Kunchuk were displayed and people were allowed to pray to them.

At 1 p.m. the Kalon Tripa, Dr Lobsang Sangay gave a speech. He explained the founding of the Tibetan Government in exile and their functions.

Since the Dalai Lama handed his over his political right, the Tibetan political situation has improved both in exile and all over the world. He spoke about the awards given to the Dalai Lama such as the Nobel Prize and the Templeton Prize and how leaders all over the world have commended him for his efforts.

On 9th of June, the teachings will be completed.

The translations of the teachings are available in Japanese, English and Hindi. A live webcast of the teachings is also available in English, Tibetan and Russian on www.dalailama.com.

Please see more photos of the event today: Link of the gallery

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to thousands of Tibetan students from the Tibetan Children's Village (TCV) schools in upper Dharamshala, India, during the last day of his 3-day teaching, on June 03, 2012.

Photo: TPI/Pema Tso

Then the students of TCV posed many questions and he answered them. He explained about the Registration Certificate. When asked about his earlier promise to raise the number of professors to 10,000, he said that it was a tough job but it could still be achieved. He then explained the educational reforms and how the school textbooks and curriculum has been changed. All the Tibetan school Principals met and some days back, they had a meeting, so they are progressing slowly.

After his speech, Dr.Lobsang Sangay gave the prizes to the students who won essay competitions (Tibetan and English), Art competitions and

3 Day Campaign To Express Solidarity For The Tibetan Cause

Indian media delegation meets His Holiness the Dalai Lama

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet.Net

Dharamsala: Nearly 50 reporters of India's major news agency, Press Trust of India, today received a special audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala.

Interacting with the reporters at Tsuglagkhang, the main temple, His Holiness the Dalai Lama explained his commitments to promote secular ethics and religious harmony in this world.

"Even though the world has made tremendous development in education, science and technology, there is still corruption, exploitation, bullying, crime, which is a clear indication that the world lacks moral principle," His Holiness said.

He said "India is a living example of secular ethics as it is the only country in this world where all the major world religious traditions live in peaceful co-existence."

"India should pay more attention about the promotion of secular ethics and moral principles," he said, adding, "these innate values and sense of concern for others well-being and compassion should be further nurtured and developed.

Through this we can develop compassion, which is universal, irrespective of whether one is believer or a non-believer," he said.

"The promotion of secular ethics is my number

one commitment, and where ever I go I always described myself as a messenger of the ancient Indian traditions of Ahinsa (non-violence) and respect for all people," he said.

He further said, the India media has the responsibility to educate people about the country's millennia-old ethical values as it faces serious corruption.

Recounting his meetings with Indian religious leaders and former deputy prime minister L K Advani, His Holiness said the religious leaders should take more active role in promoting ancient Indian values. They should educate the younger generation about the thousands of year old traditional values, and its relevance to the today's world not only in India but through out the world, he added.

He said the media should make clear to the public the wrongdoings by politicians, economists and religious leaders and others, and also their positive deeds, in a truthful, honest and objective manner.

On being asked what good things he has learnt from India which help him in teaching the entire world about spirituality, His Holiness said he feels proud that his mind is filled with ancient India's Nalanda thoughts and his body is built with

Indian rice and dal.

His Holiness, however, expressed disappointment that India degenerates by not giving sufficient efforts in studying the ancient Indian traditions and philosophies taught by great Nalanda masters. "Now time has come for the Indians, especially Indian Buddhists, to pay more attention on the study these teachings rather than just recite these as mantras," he said.

Replying to a query on his views about Anna Hazare's crusade against corruption in India, His Holiness said "such movement is useful in reminding people how much serious corruption is. Such movement alone can eliminate corruption, I doubt." As a long-term solution to the problem, he said "we must introduce in the education system to teach our posterity right from their childhood that honesty and truthful are very very essential to lead a happy life."

Suffering disciple in need of teacher's help His Holiness the Dalai Lama said Tibetans are reliable chela (disciple) of Indian guru (teacher) because we have kept alive the ancient India's Nalanda traditions through many millennium. "So I may mention here, though it is little bit politics, that logically when the reliable chela faces some problem, the guruji should pay more attention to the fate of the chela," he added.

"In reality, the Tibetan problem is also India's problem. So the India media should inform and educate the public, especially youths, about the real situation in Tibet, its culture and the unique Indo-Tibetan relationships, through articles and discussions," he said.

His Holiness recounted that the generation of Indian leaders, such as Jayaprakash Narayan and Sardar Patel, show real foresightedness and serious concern about Tibet. The next generation could not catch up in their spirit, but recently, more and more people from the younger generation are really showing genuine concern about the issue of Tibet, he added.

"The Tibetan culture, which is actually India's culture, is facing so much destruction in Tibet.

So our guru, India, should show your concern.

So long the Tibetan culture remain alive, it will act as the first defence line of India. Once that culture is gone, it poses an additional problem.

So far, even if Tibet is physical controlled by the communist China, but mentally and spiritually, it is very close to India," he said.

Caption competition organized by the school. The students recieved a cash prize and a scarf.

Then, the Speaker of the Parliament, Penpa Tsering, spoke on the policy of democracy that is being followed by the Government and how it has evolved over the past few years, especially after the Dalai Lama's complete retirement from Politics. He said that the situation of democracy in exile has improved. He spoke about the Tibetan Parliament's rule, the members and their duties etc.

From June 7th to 9th, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will teach at the Main Temple, Dharamsala on Introductory Buddhist Teachings.

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: Two more Tibetan men have gone through the act of self immolation in Lhasa on the 27th of May bringing the total cases of self immolation to 37 in Tibet alone since 2009.

The area was quickly swarmed by security forces who managed to douse the fire. One man is believed to have succumbed to his injuries and the other has suffered severe burns, this is has not been verified by the media as both men were whisked away by local Chinese authorities.

Class X students from the Tibet Children's Village (TCV) School at Suja have set aside 3

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days of their summer break to bring attention to the ongoing crisis in Tibet. In light of recent events this campaign is garnering a lot of attention.

The 3 day protest began earlier today morning with a hunger strike. 150 students sat at the main temple at Dharamsala. 59 boys and 1 girl have shaved their heads showing greater support to the cause.

They have clearly meted out a show of support for their Tibetan brothers and sisters who have self immolated for the Tibetan cause. In addition to this they have made an appeal to the international community to put pressure on the Chinese government to stop indulging in a neo holocaust of the Tibetan people.

The protest will continue on the 2nd of June with a painting exhibition by children from Tibet, expressing in their art the nature of the Chinese repression. This will be followed by a candle light vigil and a prayer by his holiness the Dalai Lama on the 3rd of June.

This protest campaign has been stimulated by teachers and students alike who are showing immense support for the martyrs who have set themselves on fire for the Tibetan cause.

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

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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

Contributors for this Editon Keary Huang Mathew Singh Toor Hamsini Mark Kernan Samuel Ivo Liz Delehant Dennis Barbion Rajeshwari K Anand Katakam YC. Dhardhowa Sangay Dorjee Pema Tso

The Tibet Post International Himalayan Literacy Trust (Head Office) 1st Floor, Exile House Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, Distt.

Kangra H.P 176219 India

Taiwan India India Ireland UK US Belguim India India India India India

Tele: 0091-1892-224641 Moble:+91-9882423566 E-mail: editor@thetibetpost.com www.thetibetpost.com

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Media Watchdog Calls For Release of Liu Xiaobo On Tiananmen Massacre Anni.

Best known Chinese dissident and Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, who is serving 11 years in prison from 2010. Photo: File

By Reporters Without Borders

Twenty-three years ago, on 4th June 1989 at about 5 am, Chinese army tanks rolled into Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Hundreds of demonstrators, possibly more than a thousand, were killed and thousands were shot and wounded.

Economic liberalization instigated by Deng Xiaoping in the 1980s did not produce lasting political liberalization or lead to any relaxation of the Communist Party's monopoly of power. Many brave citizens who tried to expose what took place during the massacre and demanded justice for the victims or called for convictions to be reconsidered, lost their jobs or remain in prison today.

The father of one demonstrator, reduced to desperation after the victim's families received no response to their repeated appeals to the authorities, hanged himself on 26th May. The Chinese state tolerates no criticism and has banned Chinese civil society from expressing itself freely. Human rights abuses occur daily, such as re-education through labour, arbitrary detention and torture of dissidents, psychiatric internment, crackdowns on dissidents from ethnic or religious minorities through imprisonment or execution, control of the Internet, harassment of lawyers who campaign for civil rights, house arrest with no legal basis. It should be noted that the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Liu Xiaobo, was sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment.

On the 4th of June in Paris, Hong Kong, London, New York, Frankfurt and major cities throughout the world, thousands of demonstrators will gather to express their anger and to ensure the date is not forgotten.

They will be supporting demands for an end to the persecution of the most courageous figures in Chinese civil society, and of their families.

These include Liu Xiaobo, Hu Jia, Gao Zhisheng as well as many others who are often overlooked.

The demonstrators will also be demanding that protesters who went into exile more than 20 years ago be allowed to return, and will be calling for political reform and the establishment of a democratic constitution for China.

A demonstration honouring the victims of the Tiananmen Square massacre will take place on the 3rd of June between 6 pm and 8 pm at the Trocadéro Human Rights Plaza in Paris, organized by the Chinese pro-democracy movement and supported by Reporters Without Borders, the Human Rights League, China Solidarity, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM), Act for Human Rights (ADH), Catholic Action for the Abolition of Torture, Amnesty International, France-Tibet and the Tibetan People's Support Committee.

A press conference organized by the Liu Xiaobo Support Committee will be held on Monday 4th

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15 June, 2012 Dharamshala

Situation In Tibet Is “Very Grim And Tragic:" Tibetan Political Leader

By Anand Katakam, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: The political head of the Central Tibetan administration, Dr. Lobsang Sangay was perhaps the crowd favourite with his speech which was often sprinkled with Hindi. He welcomed each of the guests as well as the group of people who had come to participate in the conference.

He thanked India and its people for being generous hosts for the last 50 years. “Over the last more than 50 years, the Indian people have stood for justice and freedom of Tibetans,” Even with a new Kashag we still appreciate the help we have given. The Kashag (Cabinet) was now into a new phase being run by Tibetans born in India.

He quoted the Dalai Lama by saying that “India is our guru.”A strong bond with India has been existent from his childhood, even being taught

by Indian teachers as well. He speaks fondly of his Hindi Teacher ‘Guptaji’ and the initial learning of his now not fantastic Hindi.

“The bilateral ties between India and China will be the most important relationship in the 20th century.” So he asserted the precarious position that Tibet had put India in. “India’s security is very tight with Tibet.”

He was quick to say that the environmental issue that is affecting Tibet has further ramifications than just affecting itself. “Tibet is being exploited of its rich mineral resources, and ten major rivers of Asia originate in Tibet and flow through Southeast and South Asia.” It’s resource as a rich source of water is threatened by the exploitation of its rivers. He explained further that deforestation of the “pristine” Tibetan forests is affecting the many people within Tibet.

The situation he said in Tibet is “very grim and tragic” and he hoped that through this conferences India would fully reveal its policy on Tibet. He went on to describe the cases of self-immolation that have grabbed the headlines for the past three years. People are giving up their lives in a tragic form for a greater good. People can’t bear the thought of occupation and are resorting to such measures. “39 Tibetans have drank petrol and set their bodies on fire. These acts have demonstrated that occupation of Tibet

June at 10:30 am in the offices of Reporters Without Borders, 47 rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris. It will be opened by the dissident Zhang Jian, who was wounded by three bullets, fired by troops during the massacre, and will be followed by a statement by members of the Liu Xiaobo Support Committee.

From Reporters Without Borders

Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing the fourth All India Tibet Support Groups Conference 2012 being held in Dharamshala, India for three days, from June 09 2012. Photo: TPI/YC. Dhardhowa

is unacceptable and repression is unbearable,” he added.

The troubles of leadership he explained especially in his position were very hard because there isn’t much one is able to do from a position of exile.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived at the TIPA; Kalon Tripa went outside of the Hall to receive His Holiness.

After His Holiness the Dalai Lama entered and the crowd settled down, he restarted his address by saying on how His Holiness has always had a vision of democracy and Tibet modeled itself on Indian democracy. The Indian constitution and its parliamentary system have been the models and framework that the Tibetan government in exile is based upon.

As each decade has passed His Holiness has been able to bring in various political reforms since the 1950s. In 2011 he continued that His Holiness had achieved in building a fully functional Tibetan administration in exile.

He stated that it was the responsibility of the Tibetan people to carry forward the movement from this point. The Kashag are fully functional and hence should work towards a better world for the Tibetan people.

The political legitimacy of the Dalai Lama is of paramount importance he said. The institution of the Dalai Lama of being the political head of Tibet has been existed since the 5th Dalai Lama. To hand over political authority to a government was a monumental action in the history of Tibet.

“We are now expected to carry forward the Tibetan cause on our own, but we are fortunate and blessed to have the presence of His Holiness to move forward.” He looked towards the future of the cause which he said would be “made in India”, hence India has played such an important role in the Tibet issue to spreading the Tibetan cause. He asked India to continue the support that they have already given, and together one day they could march together into Tibet.

The Dharamshala Film Festival Kicks Off With A Bang: Excellent Film?

Film Festival Ends: Each Films Have Their Own Unique Interpretation

One of the festival volunteers announcing details about the films and briefing the audience. Photo: TPI/ Anand

By Anand, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: The inaugural Dharamshala film festival came to end late yesterday evening at the Tibet institute of performing arts (TIPA). The festival was held between the 29th and 31st of May showcasing a wide array of films from around the world.

The brainchild of yoga, meditation and dance instructors Monika Natraj and Julien Balmer who have invested a lot more than just their time to

realize this dream. It has taken a better part of a year to get the project on its feet. Poor sponsorship has meant that Monika and Julien have spent a considerable amount of their own money to give the festival its impetus.

This year's festival focused on 'Celebrating consciousness and creativity in film', a much localised theme according to the organizers. The submissions for the festival have been close to

about one hundred however only sixteen films made the cut.

The crowds for the most part have been relatively sparse perhaps brought on by the non central location of TIPA. The festival however found a fairly large non Indian audience which was very surprising because the tickets for Indians/locals were only a third of the price of which was paid by foreign nationals.

A brief introduction was given for each of the films, and then followed by a few instructions.

The screening hall did not seem likely to be full, however many late comers began to trickle in well into the first movie. The screening suffered a slight delay with a loss of power, but the generator kicked in and so began the next movie.

Thursday evening saw the screening of 6 films, L'Appel (Belgium), Fierce Light: When Spirit Means Action (Canada), Ubuntu (USA), Dalai Mongol (Mongolia/USA), Living the Love (Malaysia) and Beads on One String (USA/ UK).

Each of the films had its own unique interpretation of the festival's theme.

At the end of the festival, the audience members were asked to fill in the ballot for 'The Viewers Choice Awards'. The winner will be announced in due course.

The 1st Dharamsala film festival was like any other film festival except it was under the scenic backdrop of the hills. The added spice of an unusual location made it much more, but unfortunately it was not well received. It is a festival still in its infancy and is likely to be a go to event in the future.

By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: The Dharamshala Film Festival, the first of its kind to be organized in Mcleodganj, kicked off yesterday with a collection of splendid, thought provoking films. The films are being screened at the 500-seat auditiorium of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts on TIPA Road in Mcleod Ganj.

The Film festival which centers around the theme "Celebrating Consciousness and Creativity in Film" showcases five films each day over the course of three days; the 29th, the 30th and the 31st of May. The 29th of May, saw the inauguration of the film festival with tickets promptly going on sale at 4.30.

The first film, ‘What Would It Look Like?', was a visual treat which reflected on the state of the world, the consumerist attitude of people and it posed a very simple question: What if the world embodied our highest potential? What would it look like?

The second film, 'Brilliant Moon: Glimpses of Dilgo Kyentse Rinpoche' was a biopic on one of Tibet's most revered 20th-century teachers, Dilgo Khyentse.

This gifted Vajrayana master, scholar, poet, teacher, and head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism had served as a spiritual guru to the Dalai Lama and the royal family of Bhutan.

The next film, ‘Jaadu', explores the musical collaboration between Titi Robin, a French guitarist,

oud and bouzouki player and Faiz Ali Faiz, the renowned Pakistani Qawwali master. Through this musical experiment which transcends beyond emotion and spirituality, the movie explores Sufism and the main ideology behind it.

After a short ten minute break, the film ‘Crossing Over: The Art of Jeremy Down' was screened. It captured the near death experience of artist, Jeremy Down and the impact it has had on his painting.

The last film to be screened was ‘City of the Dawn', a film about the Internal community set up at Pondicherry, South India. The film traced the transformation of the major aspects of this human experience called Auroville as they continue to unfold dynamically.

All the partcipants were asked to vote for their favourite films in order to recognize excellence in films through ‘The Viewers Choice Awards'.Two additional workshops are also being organized in conjunction with the fest: a Tibetan Thangka Painting Workshop (May31) and a Music Meditation Concert (June1).

Overall, the first day of the 1st Annual Dharamsala Film Festival can be described as profound and entertaining, with a good selection of films and an even deeper thought process behind them all.