“I have only one wish in my heart. I just wish to raise the prestige of my people.”
Kedhup requested the Tibetan youth not to fight within Tibet but to stay united.
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On Front Page A Message For The Voiceless
Vol. 02, Issue 68, 30 june 2012
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RTYC Belgium Cycle Rally Calls For A Free Tibet
Let Us Try To Build A More Peaceful World: His Holiness The Tibet Post Inteternational
RTYC Belgium Cycle Rally Calls For A Free Tibet, Brussels, Belgium, Hune 23 2012. Photo: TPI By The Tibet Post International
Brussels: RTYC Belgium has organised cycle rally on Sunday, 23 June with 39 cyclist start 8:30 am from Antwerpen to brussel which is two biggest city in Belgium. The purpose of this protest is to show the world that Tibetans are still suffering under communist chinese and Tibetans are still continuously self immolating in Tibet, calling Returns of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Freedom in Tibet.We are the voice of those poor Tibetan in Tibet and we had shown their sacrifice on our way to Brussel by distributing 200 DVDs to the people we met during our way to brussel. We end our cycling at la bourse, Brussel and at la bourse,we had organised mass protest and many Tibetans has joined over there.we had started our mass protest with other Tibetan and Belgium around for 2 hours.
In Support of Victims of Torture
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture Photo: pema tso By: Anand Katakam, Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: 26th of June marks the 15th anniversary of the United Nations International Day in Support of the Victims of Torture. A commemorative was held yesterday at 6pm yesterday evening at Tibetan Day school. The chief guests were Sonam Choephel security of the Central Tibetan Administrations Department of Health and Dawa, a researcher from the Tibetan centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD).
Matera, 25th June 2012: - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is in Matera at the invitation of his friend and fellow Nobel Peace Laureate, Betty Williams, to support her work here to create a City of Peace, a place where refugees from war, hunger or social, economic, or political upheaval can be rehabilitated. Today, she escorted His Holiness to two of the sites where the work is going on. At the first, new buildings are under way and His Holiness said prayers for the success of the project. From there they drove to the Baronale Palace, Scanzano Jonico where they were welcomed by the Mayor and the President of the Region and took their seats on a stage overlooking the town square under the burning sun. In her speech, Betty Williams looked forward to the day when people understand that non-violence is a weapon of the strong. She expressed her appreciation of Aung San Suu Kyi's saying that war can be unlearned. She said it is time to listen to what children tell us and learn from them. They were joined on the platform by an old friend of His Holiness's, Marco Pannella the historic leader of the Italian Radical Party. His Holiness began his address with his customary greeting, "Brothers and sisters, we are all the same, none of us wants problems, we all want to live a peaceful life. And although that is what we want, we human beings tend to create a lot of problems for ourselves. Then, when we encounter those problems, anger develops and overwhelms our mind, which leads to violence. A good way to counter this and to work for a more peaceful world is to develop concern for others. If we do that, our anger, jealousy and other destructive emotions will naturally weaken and diminish."Like anyone else, I too have the potential for violence; I too have anger in me. However, I try to recall that anger is a destructive emotion. I
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking in the courtyard of an old restored monastery in Stan Arcangelo, Italy, on June 25, 2012. Photo: Tony Vece
remind myself that scientists now say that anger is bad for our health; it eats into our immune system. So, anger destroys our peace of mind and our physical health. We shouldn't welcome it or think of it as natural or as a friend"He explained that we need to understand how destructive emotions affect us and
Two Men Self Immolate In Tridu County, Eastern Tibet
See Page 5...
constructive emotions can help us, so that we can maintain our peace of mind."People in every part of the world are fed up with violence; increasingly people are looking for ways to create peace. Start a project like this and people support it See Page 2 ...
Man Arrested for Anti –Chinese Political Activity
By: Anand Katakam, Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: Sandhup, an activist in Sertha County of the Kanzi Tibetan Autonomous Region was arrested on the 13th of June after being accused of anti-Chinese political activities. He had been arrested by the local Chinese police.Sandhup (31) had been arrested according to a news bulletin from www.Tibet.net. No details have emerged as to the reason for his arrest as well as the location of his imprisonment.Since 2008, many protests have occurred in Sertha County. In the last two years, a Chinese crackdown has occurred in the region and unverified reports of police brutality. A few deaths have been reported with no conclusive evidence.Another Tibetan man Youdrang had also been recently arrested but no information has arisen as to his whereabouts and the charges that he is facing.
China Holds Military Drills in Tibet
Immolations: Expression of Freedom By: Anand Katakam, Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: Chinese army conducted a fire drill in the so called Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) for anti-tank units. This was in order to test precision strike capability of the units, according to reports. The so called People's Liberation Army (PLA) organized this drill on the 14th of June according to multiple media reports and the official PLA DAILY. This drill has followed a major air drill that had taken place in March within the Central Tibet. Drills by the Chinese military have been more than frequent in the Tibetan region over the past year. These drills have had the sole objective of testing the precision strike capability of their weaponry as well as raising the moral of the Chinese troops. These repeated drills have put India on alert. Analysts within the Indian fraternity feel that China might be preparing for some kind of military strike. In the past week, two men have also self- immolated, bringing a stronger Chinese security presence in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa. There have been skewed reasons for the expulsion of many Tibetans in the region. The TAR is under the control of the Chinese government and is fighting for independence through a government in exile based in Dharamshala India. In the past few months the situation has escalated in almost all parts of Tibet.
Ngawang Norphel (22) and Tenzin Kedhup (24). Photo: TPI/Sangay
By hamsini hariharan, Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: At 3.30 pm on 21st June, two Tibetan men have self immolated in Dsadhu Village in Tridu county in Kham region. They been identified as Ngawang Norphel (22) and Tenzin Kedhup (24). Norphel originates from Ngaba county in Amdho, northeastern Tibet, and his father has been identified as Lhakpa Dondhup and his mother as Tsering Yangkyi. He moved to Dsadhu village a few years back. Khedhup is from Nyatso Village in Tridu County, Kham region, eastern Tibet. His father has been identified as Lhakdup and his mother as Kyizom. He was a monk in Zalkar monastery. He left the monastery in 2006. They called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet, Free Tibet and had carried the Tibetan national flags. After the immolations, Kedhup was reportedly taken to Zalkar Monastery and the status of both men
are undetermined. But some local people have stated that one of the men have already passed away. 20 june 2012 004They are reported to have left a message stating that they have no ability their culture and religion and economically they could not contribute for Tibetans. They self immolated for the Tibetan people as well as for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the hope that he returns to Tibet. They also requested the Tibetan youth not to fight within Tibet, to stay united and hold up Tibet's strength for their freedom struggle. The police have reportedly taken over Dsadhu Village and have shut down all internet cafes. The source of this information, a monk from Sera Monastery in South India told TPI that the informants in Tibet were keen to spread the news of the self immolations wordwide.
Ex-Greens leader Bob Brown (R) criticised the foreign minister for not meeting the Tibetan PM (L). Photo: AAP By: Agence France-Presse
Sydney: Tibet's exiled political leader Lobsang Sangay on Tuesday said a spate of self-immolations in China was a strong message being sent by oppressed and desperate people who want to assert their freedom. The Harvard scholar, who was elected prime minister in April 2011, added he hoped a leadership transition in Beijing this year would bring a "new perspective" on Tibet.More than 30 people have set themselves on fire See Page 4 ...
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Tibet's Political Leader Meets Australian Parliamentarians
INTERNATIONAL
30 June, 2012 Dharamshala
Tibetan Parliament Will Start A Worldwide Flame of Truth Relay By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International
Kalon Tripa with Mr Michael Danby, MP, House Speaker Mr Peter Slipper, MP and former House Speaker Mr Harry Jenkins. Photo: tibet.net By Anand Katakam, Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected political leader of Tibet met with members of the Australian parliament including the current and former speakers in the Australian capital of Canberra. This has been great help to the Tibet cause as the Australian Parliament has sent a strong message by meeting the Kalon Tripa in numbers. Mr Michael Danby MP, Chairman of the Australian AllParty Parliamentary Group for Tibet gave Dr Sangay a warm welcome. Thirty members from both the houses of parliament came to meet the Kalon Tripa. Among the noteworthy members was Speaker of the House Mr Peter Slipper MP, former Speaker of the House Mr Harry Jenkins, Opposition whip and senior Liberal Party member Mr Warren Entsch, Greens spokesperson on Tibet Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Mr Ken Wyatt MP, the first Aboriginal MP and the co-chair of the Parliament Tibet Group. The Kalon Tripa has an hour long meeting about the current political climate with China and Tibet as well as Chinese leadership. The response from the parliamentary group was very positive. They showed a keen interest in the Tibet issue and pressed the Tibetan political leader
to give them more insight into the issue. He proceeded to address the members of the Federal Press Gallery along with Michael Danby and Ken Wyatt. In a speech in the House of Representatives, Danby said, "As democrats we should tell the truth, even if it is often not what some of our trading partners would like to hear. The truth is the Tibetan people have suffered enough under 60 years of Chinese oppression. Selfimmolation is an act of desperation. It shows the Tibetan people are at the end of their rope. In my view, it is an act that has hardened their resolve for their ultimate autonomy and cultural freedom." Kalon Tripa then took part in a roundtable discussion with Chinese scholars at the Australian National University. He then ended his day by meeting members of the Tibetan community. He has been able to meet nearly 45 members of parliament during his visit to Canberra. Lobsang Sangay has been the head of the Central Tibetan Administration since August 2011. He is making a series of visits to foreign countries to bring visibility to the Tibet issue and also support.
His Holiness Begins Italy Visit With Prayers At Quake-hit City
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is welcomed on June 8, 2011 in Christchurch, New Zealand. The Dalia Lama offered prayers and spoke to the public today at an open event at Canterbury Arena. The Dalai Lama requested the visit to Christchurch ahead of his Australian tour to see damaged caused by the February earthquake that devastated the city. (June 7, 2011 - Photo by Martin Hunter/Getty Images AsiaPac) By
Dharamshala: - The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPIE) at a press conference Wednesday, June 27 said it has decided to carry out a number of global movements, including a worldwide 'Flame of Truth Relay' for the current tense situation in Tibet. "Due to grave and worsening situation in Tibet, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE) has decided to carry out a number of activities as discussed during its closed door meeting held on 22 March 2012. Accordingly on 27 March, the Standing Committee of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile decided on the Flame of Truth Relay as one of its activities", according to a report published by Central Tibetan Administration media; tibet.net. "Over the last sixty years since the Communist China's brutal occupation of Tibet, Beijing has never changed its hard-line policies on Tibet. This has resulted in China exploiting not only Tibet's rich natural resources but also to kill, torture, imprisons and harass the Tibetan people continuously. However, we have held onto to our unique culture, spiritual tradition and identity to struggle for the truth. Since 2008 the Chinese security forces have particularly cracked down hard on Tibetans leading to numerous deaths and countless tortures. The situation is getting worse each day. Consequently, the Tibetan people have been setting themselves on fire one after another to demand a peaceful resolution of the Tibetan issue, return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and to let the UN and the international community know about the Tibetan people's aspirations and the sorrows hidden deep within their hearts. Tibet today is like hell on earth. Standing in solidarity with the courageous and selfless acts of our brave brothers and sisters inside Tibet and to make world aware of their By Tibet Post International
New York, June 23: World-renowned Buddhist master and author of the best-selling book; The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, Sogyal Rinpoche gave an exclusive public talk and teaching to a gathering of 300 Tibetans, Bhutanese, Sikkimese and other members of Himalayan community of New York and New Jersey. Rinpoche's two hour long talk dealt with topics ranging from practicing Buddhism in the modern day to heartfelt advices to the community about practicing lovingkindness and preservation of our traditional culture. He further reiterated the need for more compassion in the world today. Speaking in both Tibetan and English, the talk was well received by the audience, particularly by the younger once. 17 year old Tenzin Pesang, a Tibetan born and brought up in the US said, "Rinpoche's way of speaking was so clear and direct and with a great sense of humor that I really enjoyed the talk and learned a lot." Among the audience was American actor Michael Imperiolli and Prince Palden Namgyal of Sikkim. Organized by VajraTV, a Buddhist Television company based in New York and supported by individuals from the local Tibetan and Himalayan Community, the event followed other talks and teachings in other cities by the Buddhist master on his current US tour. Thupten N Chakrishar, the founder and CEO of VajraTV said, " I, along with my co-organizers felt that it was very timely and important to invite Sogyal Rinpoche for two reasons. Firstly, the Tibetans are passing through a very difficult time as there are self-immolations happening inside and outside of Tibet. So we felt that it is the right time to seek solace in Dharma and to harness our strengths to face and encounter the difficulties that our Tibetan community experiences. Secondly, we wanted to bring the Tibetans and the Himalayan Communities under one roof to enrich and
His Holiness the 17th Karmapa addressing the Conference. Photo: TPI
selfless acts and aspirations, the Tibetan Parliamentin-Exile will commence the worldwide Flame of Truth Relay on 6 July, the day on which our beloved spiritual leader His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama was born. The relay will begin with following demands: 1. The United Nations must discuss the issue of Tibet based on the resolutions that it has passed in 1959, 1961 and 1965, and continuously make efforts to fulfil the substance of these resolutions 2. An independent international fact-finding delegations must immediately be sent to investigate the ongoing crisis in Tibet 3. The United Nations must take special responsibility to ensure that the basic aspirations of
the Tibetans inside Tibet are fulfilled In order to meet the terms of these demands hundreds of thousands of signatures will be collected in different countries across the world, including India through which the Flame of Truth will travel. The historic relay will be concluded on 10 December with submission of appeal letters and signatures simultaneously to the UN Headquarters in New York City, UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and UN information office in New Delhi." The Parliament also has written a letter to the United Nations asking it to send an independent international fact-finding delegation immediately to investigate the ongoing crisis in Tibet.
Today's World Needs More Compassion: Sogyal Rinpoche
Sogyal Rinpoche with the event organizers Thupten Chakrishar and Sonam Sherpa. Photo: TPI
strengthen our bonds through Tibetan Buddhism so that we can understand each other better and work together in creating a very vibrant and genuinely caring community."Besides the teachings, Sogyal Rinpoche also commented on recent events in Tibet and of the suffering of the Tibetan people inside Tibet. He said, that Tibetans should not lose hope and not feel disheartened despite the suffering. Sogyal Rinpoche has been teaching the Dharma
worldwide for over 30 years and is also the founder and spiritual director of Rigpa - a Buddhist organization with centers in more than 20 countries that strive to spread the teachings of the Buddha to the modern world. 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.
Central Tibetan Administration: Tibet Net
Milan, 23 June: - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama to pray at earthquake hit Mirandola on 24 June 2012, before visiting in Basilicata and Milan, Italy. His Holiness the Dalai Lama will visit Mirandola in Emilia Romagna tomorrow morning - 24 June and offer prayers for those who have died, injured, their families and thousands who have been made homeless. Mirandola is one of the epicentres of the recent earthquakes that struck Emilia Romagna in Italy. The powerful earthquake killed at least 17 people, left 200 injured and about 14,000 people homeless. When the first earthquake struck Emilia Romagna on 20 May, His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote to Prime Minister Mr. Mario Monti to express his sadness at the loss of lives and damages to properties as well as thousands of people directly affected. His Holiness donated US$ 50,000 to the Italian Red Cross for the Earthquake Emilia Romagna relief work. His Holiness will stopover for few hours in Emilia Romagna en-route to Matera, Basilicata Region in southern Italy, where he will visit the City of Peace for Children on 25 June founded by the Nobel Peace
Laureate Betty Williams and located in Scanzano Jonico and Sant'Arcangelo.Basilicata Region's President Vito De Filippo, Province President Franco Stella and Matera Mayor Salvatore Adduce will welcome His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 24 June evening on arrival in Matera. On 26 June morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will arrive in Milan. The Mayor of Milan Mr. Giuliano Pisapia will receive His Holiness at the City Hall. After their meeting, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be welcomed by Chairman of the Milan City Council Mr Basilio Rizzo. His Holiness will address the City Council. At the invitation of Ghe Pel Ling - Institute for Buddhist Tibetan Studies in Milan, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give two days teachings on The Three Principal Aspects of the Path by Tsongkhapa and a public talk: Happiness Beyond Religion in Milan. Tickets (10,000) have been sold out for the public talk and about 8,000 tickets for the teachings. For further details visit www.dalailama-milano2012.org <http://www.dalailamamilano2012.org> Ghe Pel Ling is head by Thamthog Rinpoche, the present Abbot of Namgyal Monastery in Dharamsala, India His Holiness the Dalai Lama will return to India on 28 June night..
...Try To Build A More Peaceful World: His Holiness ..... Continues From Front Page spontaneously."He said what we need is vision. Since the twentieth century was a period of great bloodshed we need to find ways of ensuring that the twenty-first century is an era of peace. Even if we are successful, that doesn't mean there will be no problems, but that we'll find new ways to deal with them, for this should be a century of dialogue. "Instead of this land being used as a dump for nuclear waste, it is being transformed into a city of peace. What a wonderful idea? In this part of Italy and in this part of the world, this project will be like a seed of peace. We need to plant such seeds elsewhere. This is the beginning of a way to create a happier world, something that cannot be done by passing a UN resolution, but by ordinary people becoming involved, by bringing up children to be peaceful, and equipped for peace. Our need is to eliminate anger, not in some future life, but here and now in this very life. Let us try to build a more peaceful world."Betty Williams, who was accompanied by
herdaughter and granddaughter, as well as her sister, invited His Holiness to lunch. Afterwards, the whole party drove up to Sant'Arcangelo, location of an old monastery that had fallen into disuse and disrepair, which Betty and her companions have restored. They were received by the Bishop of Lageonegro and the Mayor, Domenico Esposito. They visited the monastery's delightful church together and then stepped out into the courtyard where the public were waiting to hear them speak. "How good it is to see so many people from different backgrounds here together, smiling! A smile is a mode of expression unique to human beings, a sign of trust and affection that is the basis of friendship. I really enjoy this sign of warmth and hope - wonderful!" were His Holiness's opening words. "Here in the courtyard of this old monastery," he continued, "I remain a Buddhist monk. Since the 70s I have made it my practice to promote inter-religious harmony through pilgrimage to different places of
worship. And today I've had the opportunity to stop and pray before the images of Jesus and Mary that remind us of God's love. I've been very moved." "In conclusion, peace and religious harmony come about through taking action, not necessarily through making prayers and good wishes. In order to carry action out, enthusiasm is very important, and enthusiasm comes from being clear about our goal and the possibility of our fulfilling it. Here, we will educate young people about our ultimate goal, peace in the world, and how to fulfil it by cultivating inner peace within themselves. Thank you, that's all." A local priest offered spontaneous words of thanks and appreciation for what is being achieved and the benefits it is bringing to the community. The local authority provided a forestry department helicopter to take His Holiness back to Matera quickly in the summer heat.Early tomorrow morning he will leave for Milan where he is due to visit Ghe Pel Ling and give a talk to university students.
TPI NEWS
30 June, 2012 Dharamshala
H.H DALAI LAMA
The Tibet Post International
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama ‘Censorship is Morally Wrong, 1.3 billion Chinese Meets British Royal Family Have the Right To know the Reality’ By His Holiness The Dalai Lama's Office: www.dalailama.com
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Britain’s Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at Clarence House in London, England, on 20 June 2012. Photo: Ian Cumming By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: -The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, on his 10 day trip to Britain met Prince Charles and his wife Camilla. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall welcomed His Holinesss the Dalai Lama at Clarence House. The meeting was an informal one full of jokes and genuine warmth. His Holiness sang praises of Prince Charles who he had met four years earlier; 'I always consider him a very close, best of friends. Right from the beginning, I felt "very nice person, good human". He (has) proved a very wonderful, sensible, good human being.' While welcoming the Tibetan spiritual leader, Charles I said to have thrown up his arms, and then placed his hands together in a prayer sign before hugging the His Holiness and sharing a few words with him. Waiting next to the Prince was his wife Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall who kissed the exiled Buddhist leader before the group moved into the house's garden room for their informal chat. While the details of their talk have not been released, it is likely they discussed the latest
situation in Tibet and other spiritual matters. The trio walked around the Clarence House gardens and met around 80 of Charles' household staff who gathered to see His Holiness. Before leaving he touched foreheads with Camilla. Charles again clasped his hands in front of himself before the royal couple waved the spiritual leader off. The Tibetan spiritual leader is on a 10-day tour of Britain where he is giving public talks. Before meeting the Prince, the Dalai Lama addressed representatives of different religions at Westminster Abbey. According to the BBC, the 76-year old urged the spiritual leaders to "work together to serve humanity". "I am quite sure that religions still have an important role to make a better humanity," he had said. The day earlier, he met Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese leader who had spent two decades under house arrest. Since her internal exile she has campaigned for a democratic Burma and on April 1st of this year was able to successfully win a seat in the lower house of the Burmese parliament.
Inverness, Scotland: -The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said the Chinese government's censorship policy is morally wrong, emphasising that the country's 1.3 billion people have a right to know the reality of their situation. 23 June 2012 - A beautiful drive along the River Tay into the Highlands took His Holiness from Dundee to Inverness today, making a short stop at Blair Castle on the way. After lunch, he gave an interview to the International Network of Street Papers, publishers of the magazine known in Britain as The Big Issue, but whose material appears in 122 publications, in 40 countries, in 24 languages. He said that homelessness is a big problem, because it means you have no base from which to conduct your life. However, it is human nature to help others when they are facing difficulties. He said. Regarding the issue of Tibet, he said, he observed that totalitarian regimes like China’s have for several decades depended far too much on cruelty, so fear and distrust are part of their atmosphere. This is why they try to conceal reality. The 1.3 billion Chinese have a right to know the reality of their situation and they have the ability on that basis to judge right from wrong. For this reason, censorship and restricting people’s movements are morally wrong and limit their creativity. This approach is short-sighted and has to change. Prime Minister Wen Jiabao too has spoken about the need for change and even democracy in China. His Holiness was welcomed to Inverness by representatives of the Highland Council, the Provost of Inverness and representatives of the Inverness Inter Faith group. In the lobby of the Eden Court Theatre he met a group of school children who, emulating the Tibetan tradition had created their own prayer flags. They showed him a short video of their expedition to fly them from a nearby mountain top. Loud and warm applause greeted him as he stepped out onto the stage of the theatre. “Brothers and sisters,” he began “this is the last engagement of my current visit to Britain. You and I are the same kind of human beings; there are no differences between us. Mentally, physically, and emotionally we are the same. Each of us wants to live a happy life, and each of us has a right to do so.“There’s nothing special about me, I’m the same as you. Now I’m nearly 77 years old. I lost my freedom at the age of 16 and lost my country at the age of 24. These days the news from my homeland
H.H. The Dalai Lama Speaks On Secular Ethics For the 21st Century
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing an audience of thousands from ‘the world's most famous stage': the Royal Albert Hall, London, June 19 2012, Photo: Tenzin Tsephel for the Tibet Post International. By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post International
London: -19th June 2012, addressing an audience of thousands from ‘the world's most famous stage': the Royal Albert Hall, London, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama made a profound impact upon arrival in the British capital, focusing on the key theme, how real change ‘happens in the heart'. As part of a series of public talks across the UK, His Holiness engagedwarm-heartedly with the London audience, speaking in depth on secular ethics for the 21st century. He spoke particularly on how women have an enormous role as upcoming leaders; highlighting candidly
His own mother's kindness and compassion as an example. Aside from the spectacular 19th century grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall itself, the audience were greeted upon their arrival with a stunning performance by dancers and musicians of the Tibetan community in Britain, who warmed up the stage.The revered leader had earlier in the day addressed an intimate audience at Westminster University, re-acquainting with the Tibetan community based in London. His Holiness was greeted with a standing ovation and, before his speech, in an act of
genuine warm-heartedness greeted His friend Richard Moore. As a wonderful example of compassion and forgiveness, Moore befriended the soldier Charles Innes, who shot him with a rubber bullet in Northern Ireland, immediately blinding him when he was just aged ten. He has since set up the organisation ‘Children in the Crossfire', and His Holiness has become the patron. The Dalai Lama gently guided Moore's hands to his face during the embrace, highlighting the equality the Tibetan leader feels among His audience and fellow people. Dalai-Lama-19-June-2012-tpiTowards the end of the speech, His Holiness answered questions from the audience. Upon being asked about how to raise children, His Holiness joked: ‘I think you are asking the wrong man'. He added: ‘My mother, however, would know very well, if she were here'. Among interviews for the TPI, members of the Tibetan community in Britain highlighted the success and appreciation of His Holiness' visit to Britain, and the engaging talks at both the Royal Albert Hall and Westminster. Active members of the Tibetan community greeted the speech at Westminster with a banner stating: ‘Welcome His Holiness the Dalai Lama'. The event was concluded with a final performance by the musicians and dancers of the Tibetan community in Britain, who entertained and endeared the appreciative audience. The poignant significance of both Her Majesty the Queens Diamond Jubilee, and the 2012 Olympic Games in the capital, was acknowledged by His Holiness. The next leg of His visit to Britain will be to Scotland, with public talks in Edinburgh, Dundee and Inverness.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama being interviewed for the International Network of Street Papers in Inverness, Scotland, on June 23, 2012. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL
is mostly sad. So my life has had its difficulties, but it has still been possible for me to keep my peace of mind. Every one of you has the potential too to find and keep their peace of mind, which is why, whenever I have the opportunity I try to share what I know about how to do it.” He explained how important affection and a calm mind are to us. A calm mind enables us to use our intelligence properly and affection too is important because it counters anger, hatred and suspicion that can prevent our minds from functioning clearly. A calm mind is good for our physical health, but it also enables us to see things more realistically. “Developing concern for others, thinking of them as part of us, brings self-confidence, reduces our sense of suspicion and mistrust, and enables us to develop a calm mind. This is important, because, while physical comfort does little to dispel mental sadness, a calm mind can help us cope much better with physical discomfort and other problems.” This, His Holiness said, is why we need to pay more attention to our inner values, for in order to reshape our minds, we need to know more about how the mind and our emotions work. Too much attention to material values leaves us not much different from animals, dependent on sensory pleasure and unable to employ our intelligence properly. We are prepared by biological factors to
develop compassion, but by using our intelligence we can enhance it and extend it to include strangers and even enemies. During a question and answer session after his talk His Holiness was asked about Mahatma Gandhi whose aphorism “Be the Change You Want to See” continues to inspire young people today. He said, “I never met Mahatma Gandhi in person, although I dreamt of doing so. I admire him because he was a great thinker who put what he thought into practice. Although he had received a thorough Western education as a lawyer, when he returned to India he dressed and conducted himself like an ordinary and traditional Indian. He showed how powerful change can start with one individual and spread to others. “Lastly, because I leave for Italy tomorrow, I can tell you my problems are with me wherever I go and yours will remain with you. You have to solve and cope with them yourselves. Use your intelligence and common sense. Don’t be too sensitive, at the sway of various ups and downs. Keep a steady mind and it will become calmer. Thank you.” When the applause had subsided, the audience joined singers on the stage is seeing His Holiness off with rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne. In the street outside, in the gentle Scottish rain, a full pipe and drum band played him on his way.
His Holiness Meets Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi
By Anand Katakam,The Tibet Post Internarional.
Dharamshala: The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the 'daughter of Burmese democracy' met in London yesterday, June 19, 2012. The 76-year- old Nobel Peace Prize winner was holding his annual Buddhist teachings in the British capital and Aung Sung Suu Kyi was returning 'Home'. She made a private visit to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the morning. The two Nobel laureates spoke for about half an hour. The Dalai Lama spoke confidently that like her father she would do humanity a great service. He was quoted saying "I have real admiration for your courage. I am very happy we've been able to meet."His Holiness continued onward to the University of Westminster to deliver his CR Parekh lecture. During the lecture he brought about the contrast in the policies of China and India.
Aung Sun Suu Kyi was travelling to Oxford. It had been where she started her family with her late husband, Michael Aris. She hadn't been there in nearly 24 years. It was a bittersweet occasion as she was unable to attend his funeral in 1999 because of her house arrest. She had been under house arrest within Burma by the military junta for 15 years. Her victory in the elections in 1990 was considered void by the military regime. Since her internal exile she has campaigned for a democratic Burma and on April 1st of this year was able to successfully win a seat in the lower house of the Burmese parliament. Many draw comparisons with the Tibet and Burma. Some have declared Suu Kyi and Dalai Lama as part of the Trinity which includes Nelson Mandela. Unlike Mandela, they have not been to realize their goals as yet.
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Latest Self-immolation Protest: 65-year-old Tibetan Man Dies
SELF-IMMOLATIONS
30 June, 2012 Dharamshala
New Video Footage of Latest Tibet Self-Immolation Incident By Central Tibetan Administration: Tibet Net
By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: This morning at 6.15 a.m. Tibet time, a sixty five years old Tibetan man, Tamding Thar, self-immolated in front of police station in Tsendha country, north-eastern Tibet. In line with other selfimmolations the man drank the Kerosene and doused his body as well and after a few minutes he became unconscious. After a prolonged period of time the police force came and put out the fire on the man's body. The man who self-immolated was from Tangshang Lowa village in Tsendha country, in Qinghai province. This morning many local Tibetan people went to the police station after the incident were
the man burned himself and requested that the police either release him. Currently many members of the local community are waiting outside the police station in an increasingly tense situation, later it was confirmed that the man had succumbed to his injuries and died.15june2012-002The police said that at eleven o'clock this morning they would release him, but so far they haven't released him and the people of the area do not know if he is alive or dead. Since the incident the area has been saturated by security forces-military trucks and soldiers, and they have cracked down on the area, a tactic that the Chinese military are now increasingly using after self-immolations in Tibet.
Situation Remains Tense After Self-Immolations in Tibet
Dharamshala: On June 20, 2012, two Tibetan m e n s e l f - i m m o l a t e d i n Tr i d u , Yu s h u l : N g a w a n g N o r p h e l ( a g e 2 2 ) a n d Te n z i n Kedhup (age 24). The latter succumbed to his i n j u r i e s o n t h e s a m e d a y. T h e f o r m e r, Ngawang Norphel, survived and was taken to a nearby monastery. The following graphic video footage of seriously burned Ngawang Norphel was recently obtained by the Central Tibetan Administration, based in India. Despite his heavy injuries, he articulates the reasons for their self-immolation: the survival of Tibetan culture, language, and identity. The English translation of what is being said is as follows: The following text is the transcript of an exchange between Ngawang Norphel (attempted to self-immolate on 20 June 2012) and the monk by his side. The person he refers to as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Khedup' and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tenzin Khedup' is the other man who self-immolated with him and died on 20 June 2012. (0:00-0:09) Ngawang Norphel (N.N): My people have no freedom of language. Everybody is mixing Tibetan and Chinese. (04:02-04:15) N.N: There is no hope of my recovery. I have only one wish in my heart. I just wish to raise the prestige of my people. According to the latest update, Ngawang Norphel has since been admitted into a
Video image, On June 20, 2012, two Tibetan men self-immolated in Tridu, Yushul: Ngawang Norphel (age 22) and Tenzin Kedhup (age 24). Photo: TPI
military hospital in Xining, the provincial capital of Qinghai Province. The two monks who were sent from Silkar Monastery to help him have been forbidden entry into the hospital. They are now said to be at the hospital gate where soldiers stand guard. Tridu, the place where the self-immolations took place is reported to be under heavy
military surveillance and presence. Friends and relatives of the two self-immolators are said to be taken into police custody for interrogation. Monks from Silkar monastery, where Ngawang Norphel was tended to immediately after the self-immolations are also reported to be under heavy police surveillance and their movements restricted.
By Anand Katakam, Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: On 18th of June, Phelden an accused Tibetan activist was arrested by Chinese security forces in Valwen village in M a c h u C o u n t y. H e w a s a r r e s t e d b y authorities who came in four state cars suggesting that he is very much a wanted man. The family wasn't informed under what charges he was detained. He has been detained in Machu County jail since his arrest. On 20th of June, his family and friends gathered and decided to approach the authorities to explain why Phelden has been arrested. His family also concerned about his physical condition wished to find out more about the situation. Reports suggest that 20 people went right to the gates of Manchu county jail. Chinese authorities let five people from the protest party into the detention centre. The accusation made by the Chinese authorities is that Phelden was the leader of the 2008 antiChinese protest in Machu County. The Chinese authorities said that the investigation would take one month. If Phelden was found innocent of the charges he would be released. Since 2008, the Chinese government has had a warrant to arrest Phelden (34). He had fled Machu four years ago and has been evading capture. He had recently returned home and was subsequently arrested after his whereabouts reached the local Chinese police.
Chinese Authorities Arrest Man in Machu County, North-eastern Tibet
On 18th of June, Phelden an accused Tibetan activist was arrested by Chinese security forces in Valwen village in Machu County.
...Immolations, Expression of Freedom: Tibetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Political Leader ..... Continues From Front Page
By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: Lobsang Sangay, a monk here in India, explained that on 20th of June when two more young men self-immolated in Tibet, Nagwang Norphel and Tenzin Kedhup, they were surrounded by many people who looked and did not touch them out of respect for their protest. The people who were there shouted slogans: long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama, we want freedom for Tibet and how they supported the two men who self-immolated and their demands. One of the men died instantly at the scene and his body was taken to a local monastery nearby. The second man, was initially taken to hospital were he stayed for a few hours and then afterwards he too was taken to the same monastery by the monks.
After approximately one hour the Chinese police arrived at the monastery and they said to the monks that they should hand over the man who was still alive to them for treatment. Firstly, the monks refused the Chinese police demand, but later the Chinese police talked with the head of the monastery and after lengthy discussions they later handed over the man, two monks decided to go with him to the hospital. The man is now in the army hospital of Xining city looked after by the two monks and three policemen. After the self-immolation incident a large number of Chinese army personnel arrived in Zathok County and interrogated the relatives of the two men and also the two monks who brought them to the monastery.
in Tibetan-inhabited areas of China since the start of March 2011 in protest at what they say is religious and cultural repression by the Chinese authorities. "It means the situation is not bearable," Sangay, 43, told the Sydney Morning Herald on a visit to Australia. "It's not just that it's a desperate act, but also a political act," he said."Peaceful protests, peaceful rallies are not allowed. The statements they leave behind consistently say they want freedom. "The self-immolations are somehow an assertion of freedom -- 'you can restrain my freedom but I can choose to die as I want'." China blames spiritual leader the Dalai Lama for inciting the self-immolations in a bid to split Tibet from the rest of the nation, and insists Tibetans now have better lives due to Chinese investment. In an address to the National Press Club, Sangay said the spark for self-immolations was 2008 anti-government riots in Lhasa -unrest that subsequently spread to other Tibetan-inhabited areas of China."Since then, instead of responding positively or liberally, unfortunately the Chinese government has clamped down more," he said, adding that the
Tibetan capital was essentially closed to the outside world."The military walk up and down the streets andthere has been an intensifying of the campaign to demonise the Dalai Lama," he said."How would you feel if you revered someone and you were asked to denounce him by standing on his picture or badmouthing him?"These are the reasons why Tibetans are taking these drastic actions."Most of the self-immolations have occurred since Sangay was elected, four months before he took office to assume political duties being relinquished by the Dalai Lama at the head of the India-based exiled government.Asked if this showed that Tibetans feel more hopelessness as the Dalai Lama restricts his political activism,"Most of the self-immolations have occurred since Sangay was elected, four months before he took office to assume political duties being relinquished by the Dalai Lama at the head of the India-based exiled government.Asked if this showed that Tibetans feel more hopelessness as the Dalai Lama restricts his political activism, or whether it was an effort to push Sangay to take a harder line against China, he replied: "It's too early to tell."Sangay added: "We have repeatedly
asked them not to take drastic actions, including self-immolation, but they continue to do so."Despite China's consistently hardline stance on Tibet, the exiled minister said he was hopeful that change could occur with a new leadership."Given the past 50 years of experience, we haven't had much reason for optimism, but as a human being I remain hopeful about the new leadership led by Xi Jinping," he said.Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen and five other leaders are due to relinquish their positions on the nineman Standing Committee at a congress later this year that will also announce their replacements.Vice President Xi and Vice Premier Li Keqiang are expected to be the only current members of the standing committee w h o w i l l s t a y o n r e p l a c i n g H u a n d Wen respectively."Hopefully with new people, there will be a new perspective on Tibet and hopefully we'll have better days ahead," said Sangay.But Xi has previously appeared to dash the hopes of anyone hoping for a change of course from China's leadership. In a speech last year he vowed to fight "separatist activities" in the region and said Beijing should "smash any attempt to undermine stability in Tibet".
30 June, 2012 Dharamshala
TPI NEWS
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...International Day in Support of Tibetan â&#x20AC;&#x153;Flame Of Truthâ&#x20AC;? Relay Held To Seek Victims of Torture UN Intervention ..... Continues From Front Page The movement was organized by a section of the Department of Health and Gu Chu Sum movement of Tibet. This is the health office's first bit of involvement with the movement. 200 people attended the memorial. T h e s p e e c h e s k i c k e d o ff w i t h t h e Vi c e President of the Gu Chu Sum movement Lukar Sham. Since the day was to remind the world of torture he proceeded to shed light on the Chinese methods of torture. He said that the Chinese government had been using electrical torture devices which inflicted serious wounds on many political prisoners. In recent months however the Chinese have used forms of torture that did not leave any visible scars. He was clear in stating that many political prisoners were often found dead after their release. The world he felt needed to know about these atrocities. He was followed by Sonam Choephel, he highlighted how the Tibetan health office has helped with money for political prisoners
since much earlier, but they didn't hold ceremony on this day.27june 2012-003He mentioned how it was the department's first venture with the GU CHU SUM movement which held this annually. The health office felt that it is important to be part of the movement. Dawa then gave a speech about the Chinese governmental practices. Many prisoners have been incarcerated on baseless charges. A performance followed the speeches about Tibetan protests in Tibet and also the crackdown by the Chinese authorities. It portrayed the trials that prisoners and protesters have undergone. They give lifetime sentence for a long time by members of GU CHU SUM movement.sentence for a long time by members of GU CHU SUM movement. The TCHRD had been prompted many years ago to bring up this issue. It seems to be relevant more than ever. 40 self-immolations and counting seem to suggest that the internal strife within Tibet is getting worse.
UN Human Rights council Takes Up Discussion on Tibet Issue ment-in-Exile Karma Yeshi and Pema Jungney at the press conference. Photo: TPIE By Amanda, The Tibet Post International
Dharamshala, June 28: The "Flame of truth" Relay, an outcome of the discussion held by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on 22 March 2012, was proposed to seek the United Nation's (UN) intervention regarding the worsening human rights situation inside Tibet. The global torch relay will begin on 6 July, the 77th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from Leh, Ladakh, (Northern India) and travel across hundreds of cities around the world. It will go on till December 10, World Human Rights Day, with the submission of appeal letters and thousands of signatures simultaneously to the UN Headquarters in New York City, UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and UN information office in New Delhi. The Tibetan parliament on Wednesday issued a release stating that the Relay will be carried out in "solidarity with the courageous and selfless acts
Tenzin Samphel Kayta from The UN Human Rights Council at their 20th session held in Geneva from 18 June till 6 July. Photo: tibet.net By Anand Katakam,The Tibet Post Internarional.
Geneva: The UN Human Rights council is holding 20th session in Geneva from 18 June till 6 July. This council will discuss on number of reports submitted by UN Special Procedure mandate holders on thematic and country visits. In preparation for the above HRC session, Tibet Bureau had met senior diplomats from 14 different countries. They were thoroughly briefed on the present grim human rights situation and presented recommendations for consideration. They all expressed concern over what's happening inside Tibet with no international monitoring observer on the ground. And also assured their continued support in protecting fundamental rights of Tibetan people. During interactive dialogue with report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of p e a c e f u l a s s e m b l y a n d a s s o c i a t i o n , M r. Tenzin Samphel KAYTA on behalf of Society for Threatened Peoples took the floor and said "we welcome the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association's report in which he expresses utmost concern on peaceful assemblies that were either not allowed or violently dispersed in a number of countries, including China. He further said that the human rights situation in all Tibetan regions have been deteriorating following the March 2008 widespread protests by Tibetan people. He informed the Council that after more than 300 peaceful protests by Tibetans, it has now been documented that the Chinese authorities had sentenced over 549 Tibetans from 6 months to 20 years imprisonment, 2 executed, 12 given life sentence, 5 received suspended death sentence and many disappeared for taking part in protest." While referring to the six UN independent
experts' statement in November last year on the situation at Kirti Monastery and China's violent suppression of Tibetan protests in Luhou, Seda and Rangtang, he said many Tibetans including monks and nuns have resorted to self-immolation protests "calling for freedom" and "return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet". Xinhua news agency reported today that a Tibetan herder died and another one was seriously injured after self-burning on Wednesday in northwest China's Qinghai Province. So far 41 Tibetan monks, nuns and laypeople set themselves on fire to protest against Chinese repressive policies and demanding their basic rights and over 30 selfimmolators reportedly dead.He concluded by refuting Chinese delegation's statement to label Tibetan protests as "criminal" despite predominantly peaceful. He urged the Chinese authorities to consider appropriate approach to solve ongoing human rights crisis by adhering to "seeking truth from facts" as advocated by Deng Xiaoping. He called upon the Chinese authorities to "provide as soon as possible detailed responses to all the concerns raised in the other communications due to the grave nature of the allegations received with respect of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association to the SR on right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association." A Chinese diplomat who reaffirmed the Article 35 of the Chinese Constitution which guarantees freedom of speech, of the press, of assembly, of association, of procession and of demonstration for its citizen. He challenged by saying for the past more than five decades, the Tibetan people, like the Mongolians and Uyghurs and Chinese have struggled to exercise their rights to freedom
of assembly and of association. This struggle continues despite the Chinese authorities continue to bar and restrict without hesitation any form of peaceful public assembly of dissent. He refer to the last week incident where thousands of Tibetans gathered at the funeral of a Tibetan nomad who self-immolated on 15 June but China responded to cremation by displaying force and deployed more troops. Such action can be termed provocative and intimidating the Tibetan people. He echoed the Special Rapporteur's call for the Chinese authorities to refrain using force during peaceful demonstrations and call upon the Chinese authorities to positively respond the Special Rapporteur's request for a visit made last year. He concluded by refuting Chinese delegation's statement to label Tibetan protests as "criminal" despite predominantly peaceful. He urged the Chinese authorities to consider appropriate approach to solve ongoing human rights crisis by adhering to "seeking truth from facts" as advocated by Deng Xiaoping. UK diplomat expressed concern over situation in the Kirti monastery stated in the report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. At the side line of this Council session, three UN NGOs had organized a side event to discuss on the recent report of the International Campaign for Tibet titled "60 years of Chinese Misrule - Arguing Cultural Genocide in Tibet. At the request of Tibet Bureau based in Geneva, Four ECOSOS Non-governmental organizations had submitted written statements on China's denial of Tibetan children's rights to education, religious freedom, right to developments and suppression of freedom of expression e.g., attacks on Tibetan intellectuals to the 20th session of the UN Human Rights Council's attention and necessary action.
of our brave brothers and sisters inside Tibet and to make the world aware of their selfless acts and aspirations." The central aim of the Relay and signature campaign is to urge the UN to discuss the Tibetan Human Rights issue based on earlier resolutions, send a fact-finding mission to investigate the ongoing situation in Tibet, and lastly the for the UN to take special responsibility to ensure that the basic aspirations of the Tibetan community living within Tibet are fulfilled. The release also stated that since China's invasion of Tibet, Beijing has never changed its hard-line policies on Tibet. This has resulted in China exploiting not only Tibet's rich natural resources but, gruesome killing, torture, imprisonment and harassment of the Tibetan people continuously. As a result of the constant torment, "Tibet today,
is like hell on earth."Referring to the ongoing wave of self-immolations within Tibet, the parliamentin-exile said that since 2008, Chinese security forces have cracked down hard on Tibetans, leading to the current situation. "As a result of this, the Tibetans have been setting themselves on fire to demand a peaceful resolution of the Tibetan issue, return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and to let the UN and the international community know about the Tibetan people's aspirations as well as the sorrows hidden deep within their hearts."US Undersecretary of State, Maria Otero stated, "Clearly these self-immolations are not only desperate acts, but desperate acts born of frustration" rejecting China's notions that these are works of outcasts or troublemakers and that the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan exile groups are encouraging the fiery protests.
Updates On the Aftermath of the Adu protests of April 2012
By Hamsini, The Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: -On 14th April 2012, in Adu villiage in Ngaba County had staged aprotested against the Chinese Government. They had peacefully prayed for the martyrs who had self immolated but the police entered the scene, resulting in arguments between the police and the people. As a resort, many Tibetans were arrested but then they were slowly released. Kanyak Tsering and Lobsang Yeshe from Kirti Monastery, Dharamshala spoke to TPI and spoke about the aftermath of the protests. On 2nd January 2012, Phalten, aged 40, was sentenced to 3 years by the community court of Ngaba County. Although the community court said that they would check his record again, he is still in prison. Phalten's family consists of his wife and four children. On 2nd June, aged 37, from Adu Gyalde village was sentenced to 2 years in prison. The Chinese Government
was constructing a house for every family in the village and Gurkho and said that they did not want a government house. When they refused the keys, they were arrested. Athird man from Adu village, named Pema, was detained in Ngaba county for unknown reasons but was not sentenced. A monk from Kirti Monastery, Lobsang Phenchuk, aged 29, was sentenced to 8 years in Barkham and has been denied political rights for an additional four years. Lobsang Phenchuk was arrested on 17th October 2011 and his status and reasons for arrest are unknown. On 27th May 2012, two Tibetan men, Dorjee Tseten and Dhargye self immolated in front of the Jokhang Temple, Lhasa. Dorjee Tseten passed away while Dhargye was reportedly taken to the hospital. Dhargye's father went to Lhasa but was not allowed not meet his son and was not even sure if Dhargye was alive or in Lhasa.
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His Holiness The Dalai Lama Gives aTalk To The Youth of Britain
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to over 10,000 strong audience at the Youth event "Stand Up and Be the Chnage " in Manchester, England, on June 16, 2012. Photo: Jeremy Russell/OHHDL By James Dunn, The Tibet Post International
Manchester: The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama Saturday, June 16 hosted a free event for anyone under 25, in Manchester, aimed at inspiring the next generation to make an impact. The talk, entitled 'Stand up and be the change', covered many topics ranging from forgiveness to truth. The event was compered by controversial British comedian, Russell Brand, which had raised many concerns prior to the event. Mr Brand, well known for his drug addiction and sexual exploits, shrugged off the sceptics and provided humour and intellect in a side of Russell Brand not many people of the world have seen. There were videos provided by Rigoberta Menchú and Desmond Tutu, two fellow Nobel Peace Laureates as well as a collection of short clips provided by celebrities reiterating the theme of the address, to be the change. The Dalai Lama began this series of addresses under the title of, Century of Dialogue, in Manchester because of what he and his officials had seen following the riots that took place in the town last summer. He stated that the clean up by people of similar of age to those who had caused so much devastation was very moving.His Holiness reiterated his retirement from political aspects of Tibet and slowing down of his attendance at events, "The 21st
Century belongs to you". "My generation belongs to the 20th Century, it has already gone so my generation are ready to say bye bye,” he added. Jack Ellis, a 18 year old student from Manchester told TPI, “I hadn’t heard about Tibet or the Dalai Lama before today, it was a free event so I thought I should come”. Adding, “I brought one of his books at the end and took a lot of what he said to heart, it was powerful stuff”. The talk was aimed at the under 25 years olds and His Holiness referred in part to his experiences from when he was of a similar age to those he was addressing, "At the age of 16 I lost my freedom. At the age of 24 I lost my own country. During these 50 or 60 years I have faced a lot of problems but I never give up hope. Hope based on truth, hope based on reason."Russell Brand, who has been a long-term supporter of the Tibetan cause, concluded the talk by thanking His Holiness, "I have found it very inspiring and helpful," he said. "We need to look within ourselves."His Holiness the Dalai Lama will also address young audiences at the University of Westminster, the London School of Economics and Political Science, Edinburgh Usher Hall, Caird Hall in Dundee and the Eden Court Theatre in Inverness during his 10-day tour of Britain.
China's Pressures: Scotland’s First Minister Will Meet His Holiness?
EXILE
30 June, 2012 Dharamshala
London Visit Brings up Memories Of Tibet-Britain Historical Ties By Central Tibetan Administration: Tibet Net
Dharamshala: The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit the Westminster Abbey in London yesterday brought memories of Tibet's historical ties with Britain before it was invaded by the People's Republic of China. Welcoming him to the Jerusalem Chamber, the Very Reverend John R Hall, the Dean, commented on the rich history of the room itself. It was a significant location for His Holiness to meet British people who had lived and worked in Tibet prior to the Chinese invasion. The son of Robert Ford, the radio operator who served in Kham and was later imprisoned by the Chinese, read a message from his father who was indisposed. He spoke of being a witness to a free Tibet, a country the size of France and Germany, an independent country with its own government, language, customs and way of life. He said the Tibetans he encountered were honest, gentle and joyful, devoted to their religion and to their leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Holiness recalled that on his first visit to Europe in 1973 he had been impressed to discover people in England who could speak a little Tibetan, which he took as evidence of the links that had existed between Tibet and Great Britain. These were people who as a result of their stay there understood what Tibet was. He said, "I am very happy to be here. Our struggle is between the power of truth and justice and the power of the gun. In the short term the power of the gun seems stronger, but in the long term the power of truth will prevail. We are determined that our struggle remains non-violent and as a result we have a strong base of support and solidarity here and in other countries, and even among increasing numbers of informed Chinese."Please keep Tibet in your thoughts and tell other people what you know about Tibet, her people and environment" His Holiness said. Later, the Speaker of the House of Commons, John
John Bercow, the Speaker of the House of Commons, welcomes His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Houses of Parliament, London, UK. Also seen in the picture is Tibetan Parliament Speaker Penpa Tsering (1st right in second row)/Photo/Ian Cumming / Office of Tibet
Bercow, hosted a lunch for His Holiness and he escorted him to the Speakers quarters, passing through the arches, corridors and yards of the Palace of Westminster, greeting parliamentary colleagues on the way. His Holiness said, "It is indeed a great honour for me to receive such a warm welcome here in Britain which has had historical links with Tibet. Thank you." Addressing the All Party Parliamentary Group on Food and Agriculture His Holiness mentioned the importance not only of food for the body, but also of food for the mind. He explained that if our minds are disturbed,
material comfort does little to put us at ease, but if we face physical hardship with a calm and peaceful mind we can easily cope and overcome it. He elaborated his concern to find ways to foster a true sense of inner values, secular ethics, appropriate to the twenty-first century and the interdependent world in which we live. From the Houses of Parliament, His Holiness drove to Clarence House to a private meeting with HRH the Prince of Wales, where they had a warm conversation about matters of mutual concern.
European Union Calls Upon China To Respect Human Rights In Tibet By Anand Katakam, The Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: The final debate in the European Parliament's plenary session on Tuesday the 12th of June was the current situation in Tibet. The European Union (EU) has expressed a concern with the growing unrest and the frequency of cases of self-immolation in the past few months. This has come under the EU radar mainly because of the closure of Lhasa to tourists and foreigners. Lady Ashton, Vice-President of the European Commission of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy made a statement with regard to the selfimmolations. She revealed that the EU was very concerned about the arrests and detentions which have been taking place in the TAR area, moreover the incarceration of many eminent Tibetans.She said that the commission has become worried over the settlement policy of the Tibetan nomads. The commission has felt the traditional culture of Tibet diminish with these resettlement issues caused by the governing body of the TAR. "We are concerned by the compulsory resettlement of all nomads which has the potential to destroy the distinctive Tibetan culture and identity."She further stated that the compulsory usage of Mandarin as the medium of instruction in schools would be extremely detrimental against preserving the Tibetan language.The commission in a statement to Chinese authorities urged a need to respect the Tibetans and their cultural practices, as well as a need to maintain good Sino-Tibetan relationsFollowing these statements by the Commission, Thomas Mann, President of the Tibet Intergroup in the European Parliament said that the EU should have a spokesperson for Tibetan affairs. He wished that from these discussions, support could be drawn from the rest of the Union.MEP Kristina Ojuland said that the EU council on human rights should
European Parliament. Photo: File
try move from rhetoric and dialogue to a genuine commitment within the Tibetan issue. She made suggestions that special posts should be appointed in order to create constructive dialogue with the Peoples Republic of China and the Central Tibetan Administration.MEP Ana Gomes was more critical of China and felt as it was a permanent member of the UN Security Council it was duty bound to respect the human rights of the people of Tibet. She felt that the closure of Tibet to outsiders was a reflection of China's continuing poor policy on Tibet. She raised the issues of the whereabouts of the Panchen Lama and the political
climate within Tibet.MEP Eva Lichtenberger did not take an aggressive stand however she touched upon the worsening condition of the Tibetan people and the aggressive retorts by the Chinese when they were under any international pressure. The resettlement of the Tibetan nomads not only had a political ramification but an ecological impact as well.The plenary session concluded after the words of their members. The High Representative thanked its members and has decided to raise the issue at all important political forums where the issue would be applicable.
The Skaters At Berlin Show Off Their Skills In Support Of The Tibetan Cause By Hamsini H, Tibet Post International Alex Salmond, the First Minister of Scotland By Anand Katakam, Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: Alex Salmond, the First Minister of Scotland has been urged by many to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his visit to Edinburgh. Edinburgh is the second stop on the Dalai Lama's ten day visit to Britain. There have been no formal plans for Mr. Salmond meeting the spiritual leader. The strong reasoning for the both parties to meet is because of the growing tension with China. Foreign policy experts claim that western support could dampen Chinese aggression. Tibetans living in Scotland have appealed to Mr Salmond saying that he try enforce Scotland's
stand on human rights. The Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Willie Rennie felt that "The suspicion is growing that the First Minister has been nobbled or gagged by China."It has also been stated that the Dalai Lama is no longer politically active and has relinquished that role. The Dalai Lama is set to meet Lord Provost Donald Wilson and give a lecture at the Usher Hall. He will meet other leaders at the Scottish Parliament. Alex Salmond is currently Scotland's First Minister. He has been in office since May 2007 and is also the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP).
Berlin: On June 17 2012, Berlin saw Germany's first and largest skateboard-demonstration. Around 300 skaters jumped on their boards in support of the rights of the Tibetan people. "With FreeRide Berlin, our intention was to use the passion for our sport to serve a good cause", said Tubbs Oparaugo who initiated the project. "These days young people are far from being apolitical, they just use different and new ways to express themselves". The organizers said they chose Tibet as this year's cause because the human rights situation there had been deteriorating in recent years. The Skater-Demonstration's 8-kilometer-long circuit set off at 3pm from Berlin's famous
Hundreds of Tibetans and supporters in Berlin, the capital of Germany participating in a mass demonstration, 17th June 2012. Photo: TPI
Alexanderplatz and passed by the Brandenburg Gate. Around 5pm, there was a concert with bands and DJ's from Berlin and a Graffiti-
Spraying-Action in Alexanderplatz. "FreeRide Berlin is a great example of how young people continue to fight for the rights of the Tibetan people", said Tsewang Norbu, board-member of Tibet Initiative Germany (TID). "The skaters' commitment is a long-standing tradition with the world-famous Tibetan Freedom Concerts of the 1990s." Back then famous bands and artists had played a huge part in ensuring that commitment for Tibet became a part of popular youth culture. FreeRide Berlin was founded in 2011 to bring attention to social and political ills. Skateboarding as an expression of freedom and urbanity can become a symbol of support for those whose voices and cultures are being suppressed.
TPI NEWS
30 June, 2012 Dharamshala
Parliamentary Solidarity Day for Tibet in Hong Kong
INTERNATIONAL
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Brazilian Parliamentary Friends of Tibet: Formally Launched Central Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net
By Anand Katakam,The Tibet Post Internarional.
Dharamshala: Today evening in Hong Kong the United Nations for a Free Tibet (UNFFT) will gather with representatives from Vietnam, China and other nations to show solidarity in the action of a "Parliamentary Solidarity Day for Tibet". Members of the UNFFT will gather in front of the Chinese Liaison office to protest against the deepening crisis within Tibet. With the cases of self-immolation becoming increasingly frequent, the UNFFT has declared that China has put a security blanket over Tibet. It is still unknown the actions of the Chinese authorities but telephone and internet access seem to have been cut off in areas where protestors have been killed. The appeal by the Parliamentarians is for all their counterparts from around the world to take action on Tibet. The organization has
been clear that it wants to use peaceful means and is pushing for the following demands; 1. Encourage the Chinese leadership to hold substantive dialogue with the Central Tibetan Administration to resolve the issue of Tibet. 2. Allow the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct a fact-finding mission to Tibet. 3.Ask their respective governments to include human rights protection as an agenda item in all their bilateral and multilateral engagements with China.The UNFFT has tried to also dominate the social media spectrum hoping that their message will go viral and bring the media's attention to Hong KongThe United Nations for a Free Tibet has been actively working for the ultimate goal of a free Tibet.
First Exile Conference for Independent Tibet Held In Dharamshala
Special Envoy Gyari Lodi and Envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen.Photo:TPI
First Independent Meeting for Tibet Held at Dharamshala. Photo: TPI
By Anand Katakam, Tibet Post International
Dharamshala, June 27: The first exiled Tibetan Conference for an independent Tibet held at the hall of Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamshala, India. The conference was coordinated by four Tibetans who are working in different field; Dorjee Tseten, director of Students For Free Tibet I n d i a ( S F T- I n d i a ) a n d Te n z i n Ts o n d u e , president of regional Tibetan Youth Congress Dharamshala, Shigsa Rinpoche, editor of woekar; a Tibetan langauage website and Choenyi Woeser, assistant-Editor of The Tibet Express. The one-day meeting will conclude with a press statement this evening. At the meeting the main speakers were Sonam Topgyal, former Kalon Tripa of the Central Tibetan Administration, Jamyang Norbu, eminent writer and Lhasam Tsering, freedom fighter. All are appealing for an independent Tibet. Around 100 people from different parts of the world have attended the meeting. Around 10 members of the Tibetan Parliament in exile and some journalists also attended the one-day historical conference. Attendees were being asked to conform rather than truly discuss with main topics and articulate their new ideas for the independent struggle.
Highlighting the present tense and desperate situation in Tibet, the one-day conference will also focus on how their future movements for a Tibet independent will be carried out in a safe, respectful and effective manner. At least 40 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in Tibe since last March to protest against Chinese repressive policies toward Tibetans. Sources from Tibet said two young Tibetan men set themselves alight in Kham region of eastern Tibet on Wednesday, June 20, carried Tibetan national flags and called for Tibetan independence and the return of the spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The main topics of discussion will be;1) How to improve the independent struggle and movements in future? 2) What form of protest and memorial should be done in 2013 as it will be the centennial anniversary since the 13th Dalai Lama declared Tibet independent? 3) How to challenge the Chinese Government who has cut off communication to many parts of Tibet? 4) How to unite all organizations and individuals with ability, which will fight for an independent Tibet?
New York: -The Brazilian Parliamentary Friends of Tibet was formally launched on 13 June at the National Congress of Brazil by the initiative of Deputy Mr Walter Feldman and with support signature of 215 parliamentarians. It is an all-party group of deputies and senators which will make an effort to generate real support for the resumption of dialogue between the leadership in Beijing and Dharamsala to guarantee a genuine and meaningful autonomy for the Tibetan people. Deputy Feldman said: "This fight does not belong only to Tibetans, it belongs to us, to government and nongovernmental organisations, acting on behalf of human rights to contribute to world peace and the culture of peace."Every nation has its history and tradition that should be worshiped and remembered. Without this, little by little, people may lose their identity and become a group with no interest, no sense of homeland and without a soul."Cultural identity is the dignity of a nation. Therefore, I am with the people of Tibet in their struggle to maintain its identity, recognition and enforcement of equal rights," he said.Mr Feldman further said: "Brazil as a country of great importance in the world cannot stand indifferent to the problem. Our weapon is essential to combat all violence and we must put into practice the Culture of Peace.""As a propagator of the Culture of Peace, theParliamentary Group invites the citizens of the world to establish an individual commitment in favor of human dignity and that peace is established
Mr Walter Feldman meeting with His Holiness the Dalai lama in 2006. Photo: TPI
throughout the world. We introduce a new effective method of transformation towards a new awareness for the third millennium."The newly formed group also endorsed the Ottawa Declaration, a resolution adopted by the participants of the 6th World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet held in Ottawa from 27 - 29 April 2012 and the Convention where
Deputy Walter Feldman attended.As highlighted in Ottawa, the group called attention to China's repressive policies in Tibet and the pattern of serious human rights violations-the destruction of the identity of the Tibetan people, as evidenced by the attacks against Buddhism, the Tibetan language and culture.
Eighth Annual Conference of Tibetan Settlement Officers Begins By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet.Net
Dharamshala: The 8th annual conference of the Tibetan settlement officers organised by the Central Tibetan Administration's Department of Home began today. 41 settlement officers and 3 co-ordinators from Tibetan settlements in India and Nepal are attending the fourday conference in Dharamshala. Home Secretary Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang said the conference would take up discussions on a wide-range of issues, which include how to sustain Tibetan community in exile; make Tibetan settlements self-reliant; protect and preserve lands legally-owned by the settlements; formulate an all-round sustainable development projects; and promote harmonious relationship with the Indian community. In his opening address, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay urged the settlement officers to make a concerted effort to build sustainable Tibetan settlements in exile in case the issue of Tibet remained unresolved for another fifty years.Kalon Tripa urged the settlement officers and the general public to shoulder greater responsibility towards making our community self-reliant and developing sustainable projects based on Kashag's guiding principles of self-reliance and innovation. "Even after achieving freedom, people in Africa still faces problems as they could not ulitise their resources due to their failure to remove their dependencey mindset. In our case, we are afflicted by dependency syndrome and it is undermining the courage, determination and creativity of our present and future generations. I noticed the negative impacts of such mindset on the younger generation during my recent visits to the Tibetan settlements," Kalon Tripa said. "For the long-term interest of our cause, we must strive to become selfreliant and nurture this mindset in the mind of our posterity," he added. Kalon Tripa also underlined the political implication of Central Tibetan Administration'sperformance in the next five years. "Having confidence in the present Tibetan generation, His Holiness the Dalai Lama devolved his political powers to the democratically-elected Tibetan leadership. As the world particularly China, is watching our performance, we have to demonstrate to the world, including China, that we are capable of fulfiling the visions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama," he said. Kalon Tripa also announced the Kashag's plans to organise a grand celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's birthday this year in recognition of his historic
devolution of political powers to the democraticallyelected leadership. "We are not telling Tibetans to have lavish parties andgambling, but to celebrate His Holiness's long-term vision behind devolution of his formal authority and the honourary awards like Templeton Prize received by him. It will also be an occasion to foster harmony and co-operation with the local Indian community by inviting the local leaders and showcasing them our culture," Kalon Tripa said. Kalon Tripa also spoke on the Kashag's policy to involve overseas Tibetan community in assisting the development of settlements in India. "The Tibetan Associations based in foreign countries are willing to support our sister shichag project," he said. Kalon Tripa underscored the need to maintain utmost caution to combat attempts from outside to undermine the efforts and unity of the Tibetan people.Kalon Tripa assured the settlement officers of wholehearted support from the Kashag.Earlier addressing the conference, Kalon Dolma Gyari urged the settlement officers to legalise and protect entities such as lands owned by the settlements. "We must preserve and protect the lands provided by the Indian government so as to return it in good condition," she said.Kalon Dolma Gyari also emphasised that more efforts should be made to increase agricultural produces and explore markets to sell them. She expressed concerned over the lack of co-operation
from some settlements in the youth empowerment support (YES), a visionary project initiated by the home department to make unemployed Tibetan youths selfreliant through providing vocational trainings and microcredit loans. "Some settlements have not yet formed YES committees, but also failed to inform the general public about the project," she said. In his address, Health Kalon Dr Tsering Wangchuk called for the settlement officers' co-operation and support in effectively implementing various healthcare policies such as clean drinking water programme, mother and child health programme, disease control programme (TB, Malaria, Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, etc), health information system, control of drug addiction programme, Tibetan torture survivors programme among others.Ms Dicki Chhoyang, Kalon for the Department of Information & International Relations, spoke on how the settlement officers could play a vital role to engage the local Indian community in the Tibet Support Groups movement through maintaining good relations with them. "For this reason we had specially arranged a meeting between the Indian supporters and our settlement officers during the TSG conference here," she said. She also emphasised the importance of rectifying at once the false and misleading media reports about the Tibetan people and issue of Tibet.
Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay First Official Trip to Australia By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay arrived in Melbourne yesterday to start his one week visit. This is his first official visit to Australia since being elected the head of the Central Tibetan Administration in August of last year. He will be speaking to Australian political leaders about the situation in Tibet. Sangay believes that a resolution exists for Tibet.Dr Sangay will be doing a series of interviews with the Australian media. Following these interviews he will also take part in a round-table discussion with eminent Chinese scholars at Deakin University in Victoria.He said â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Berlin Wall came
Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing a media conference on the first day of his visit to Australia in Melbourne on 24 June 2012.
down, Nelson Mandela, spent 27 years in prison, noone thought he could be freed â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;. He tried to bring in a comparison among other struggles and how they have succeeded historically with less support. He was also quoted saying that "The situation inside Tibet is so oppressive that Tibetans are choosing to die." He was referring to the cases of self-immolation which have recently taken place in Tibet.His request to meet the Australian Foreign Minister has not been granted as of now. Dr Sangay felt that he just needed to bring a balanced view about Tibet. He did not disagree with Australia's decision to listen to Chinese leaders, but to hear both sides of the story.Dr Sangay will be in Canberra and Sydney during the week.
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TPI NEWS
Tragic Self-immolations Continue, CTA Reiterates Appeal to China
IN SUPPORT FOR TIBET
30 June, 2012 Dharamshala
My Internship Experience With The Tibet Post International By hamsini hariharan, Tibet Post International
Video grab showing Ngawang Norpel and Tenzin Khedup engulfed in flames during the self-immolation incident in Yushul in eastern Tibet on 20 June 2012 By Central Tibetan Administration: Tibet Net
Dharamshala:As the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) was holding a prayer service to mourn the tragic self-immolations in Tibet yesterday, reports came out from Tibet that two more Tibetans have set themselves on fire in Kyegudo (Yushul) region in eastern Tibet. Ngawang Norpel, 22 and Tenzin Khedup, 24, set themselves on fire yesterday afternoon in Tridu in Kyegudo (Yushul).A video footage coming out of Tibet shows both the self-immolators carrying Tibetan national flag when they set themselves on fire. They shouted slogans, calling for freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to his people. Tenzin Khedup died on the spot, while Ngawang Norpel was critically injured and his whereabouts is not known. The Embassy of Denmark in China on 19 June stated
that Danish Parliament's Foreign Policy Committee delegation will visit both Beijing and the Western Province Qinghai to discuss China's environmental, social, economic and political challenges, foreign policy and growing role on the international stage. The delegation will visitYushul Tibetan Prefecture People's Congress and local villages in Yushul."We hope the Danish Parliamentary delegation be allowed by the Chinese authorities to carry out independent interviews with members of local community in Yushul," said Dicki Chhoyang, Kalon for the CTA's Department of Information & International Relations.Since 2009, 42 Tibetans have set themselves on fire demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to his homeland.
Youth Group Creates Awareness On Current Tense Situation in Tibet
By Anand Katakam, Tibet Post International
Dharamasala: The Joint Secretary Tenzin Norsang and Information Secretary Tenzin Yangzom of Tibetan Youth Congress, visited various Tibetan Settlements including Mungod, Hunsur, Bylakuppe, Kollegal, Bandhara, Mainpat and Orrisa and met with the general masses in all the settlements as well as addressed gathering in some of the major monasteries and schools in the settlements. These visits are an important aspect of TYC's activities to create awareness on the current situation inside Tibet and also inform the masses on the functioning of TYC and sensitize them towards our freedom struggle. These visits to the Regional Chapters provide Centrex members with the opportunity to assess the activities of the chapters as well as examine their accounts. While addressing the gathering of Tibetan settlement, Ms Tenzin Yangzom spoke about the functioning, relevance and importance of TYC to stand resolute for the Tibetan Independence Struggle. To this effect she reminded members as well as the people of the inaugural speech given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the 7th of October 1970 where he said, "...you should establish your present will and determination like a mountain.We should make clear to ourselves that to achieve our common goal is not an easy task and our path is strewn with difficulties and problems, and that despite these obstacles we must set our mind firmly to continue in our quest to achieve our goals...". This was followed by a talk by Mr Tenzin Norsang who spoke on why it is important to maintain and restore our struggle for Tibetan Independence and how it is possible
to achieve our independence. Norsang gave a detailed account on the achievement of TYC in 43 years of its commitment for Independence struggle and services to the Tibetan community.He further urged the people to be ready to sacrifice anything for the cause of Tibet and stand united to respond to the dire situation inside Tibet. He also stressed on how activities in exile help Tibetan political prisoners in Tibet and affect the overall morale of the Communist Party of China. In Hunsure Rabgyaling Tibetan settlement, TYC and Regional Chapter honour its 9 member to engage in the longest legal battle with Delhi High Court to took protested at the Chinese Embassy in 1992 and tried under the Indian Penal Code section 307, 436, 427, 148, 149, 186 and 353. The case was finalized after almost two decades and sixty court hearings While in settlements, they also met with every Tibetan settlement officer, Tibetan Co-operative society, Regional members of Parliament, abbot of various monasteries, Government and Non-Governmental Organization and expressed gratitude for their hospitality and urged them to strengthen mutual understanding amongst organizations especially while organizing campaigns and activities for Tibet. TYC representatives also visited old-age homes, Monasteries, Schools, Handicraft Centers to better understand the conditions and express appreciation for all their efforts and good work. TYC has a significant role to play as the bridge between the government and general masses. A service it has rendered for the last 43 years in exile.
Dharamshala: I had decided that I would intern with the Tibet Post International ever since some volunteers of Students For A Free Tibet came to my college to raise awareness about the Tibetan Cause last year. Through a few contacts who highly praised The Tibet Post, I took the decision to intern with them at Mcleodganj. The Tibet post International office had a multicultural, global feel to it. There were two volunteers; Mark Kernan (from Ireland) andAnandKatakam (from Banglore) along with the permanent staff; Matthew Singh Toor( British Punjabi), Sangay, Pema and Yeshe (Tibetans). Every now and then, volunteers of all nationalities would drop in. The first day at the TPI Office will always remain one of my fondest memories of the summer. I had learned more about the Tibetan situation in a day than three months of Internet research. It was also very cute to see Sangay and Pema struggle over the pronunciation of my nameIt was only when the Irish volunteer Mark Kernan, called me 'Ahimsa' that I decided to start correcting people. I will always think that Mcleodganj is more Tibetan than Indian. The town has an essence; a sort of undiminished light. I don't know if this has emerged from its Buddhist belief or if it is a state of freedom for the Tibetan people who've come so far from their homes, but there is a definite presence of a sense of a belonging that envelopes you. At the TPI office, it was amazing to think about how so many of us came from different backgrounds and different worlds but we still managed to understand each other, crack jokes and have fun. We had TPI's first ever staff dinner, as well as a staff picnic. For the first time, I came to terms with Tibetan food and it was delicious.I had the opportunity to attend one of the speeches of His Holiness. Even though I was waiting outside and I didn't have a radio to translate for me, the last part of His Holiness' speech was in English and it is one that I shall never forget. I also managed to catch
fleeting glimpses of him at a few other instances and I was beyond happy- after all it is more than what many people manage in a lifetime.My work included copy editing articles and I also interviewed and helped cover events. I attended a couple events like film screenings, discussions, marches and other events. Mcleodganj is always hustling and bustling with some activities or events. From participating in candle light marches to watching the Lion Man Dorjee's performance, Mcleodganj is lively and deep rooted in the sense of community.My favourite part in the work at The Tibet Post was the translations. Usually, either Pema or Sangay would receive the news in Tibetan or Chinese and they would translate it into Basic English. Spellings, which are hard enough for native English speakers, were especially hard when it came to Tibetan Proper nouns. But I think, the fact that we could come up with decent articles even after particularly hard translations proved
that language barriers are not as large as we think they are.I think that we got involved with some of the news on a personal level, such as those of self immolations. And it helped to know that we were contributing to the Tibetan Cause in some way. And I met a variety of people from over the world during my stay at Mcleodganj; artists, travellers, monks, ordinary people with daily jobs and so many more who I was somehow destined to meet here.At the end of this internship, I really hate the idea of leaving the place that has become my home for the summer. I have learnt so much in a short while related to journalism, culture, politics and other subjects that include life skills. I can never really find the right words to express how much this internship and the past six weeks have meant to me but I know that when I go back to my "other life", I will no longer look at it in the way I used to before.
All Must Work Together for Tibet's Struggle for Freedom: Tashi By Hamsini H, Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: The TPI reporter in Taipei, taking advantage of the Tashi Tsering's presence Taiwan after his tour of United States, United Kingdom etc interviewed the man who is firmly rooted for the Tibetan Cause. Tashi, who came to Taiwan for 14 years before, talked about his brothers and sisters in the United States, while he alone came to Taiwan. Exiled Tibetans generally believe that Taiwan is not a good place, because of the relationship between the Chinese Nationalist Party and the Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission. Tashi is currently serving as a member of the board director of Amnesty International Taiwan Branch (AI TAIWAN http://www.amnesty.tw/). He has also served as the President of the Tibetan Youth Congress in Taiwan Council. Tashi talked about how many Taiwanese people and international tourists, including Chinese tourists in Taiwan, participate in the many events that take place there. In a single day, around 3000 Chinese tourists pour into Taiwan and they see the Tibet freedom movement conveying the true situation which is contrary to the Chinese Government propaganda about Tibet. Many Chinese tourists had in fact expressed their admiration and support for him. Since 2004, Tsering has launched 310 processions and was not affiliated f any organization. Once, while applying for demonstration permits to the Taipei Police Department, the police asked him how many people would attend; Tsering stated that around 50 people would attend. On the day of the protest at 228 Peace Memorial Park site, only seven Tibetan participated while 26 officers had been dispatched to maintain security. Police officers saw only seven individuals and did not think them capable of creating any law and order problem and left. After they left, the procession started with people holding pictures of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and waving the Tibetan Flag. In 2006, Tashi began to visit universities in Taiwan to give speeches on the poor human rights situation of the Tibetan people to college students in Taiwan. Tashi founded the Tibet Taiwan Friendship organization with only seven people attending the movement which has grown to the support of over 3,000 people and the assistance of eight nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) has given the Free Tibet struggle more support. Now, in all the eight Taiwan NGOs, the Tibetan flag has been displayed. He had heard of Tibetans born in India, describe Tibetans in Taiwan as a disgrace as Taiwan was once a part of China and the situation there is
Tashi Tsering, director of Amnesty International Taiwan Branch (AI TAIWAN http://www.amnesty.tw/). Photo: TPI
complicated. This was proved true in 2008 when Mr Jane Yu Yan of the Taipei Parliament launched the Tibet Movement. That afternoon, Tashi Tsering received a phone call from a political party Kuomintang (KMT), which threatened him saying that Tibetan Movements were impossible as Tibet is a part of the Republic of China. Tsering then realized that the superstitions of the Tibetan in India were true; the situation in Taiwan was complicated. On World Human Rights Day, Ma Ying-jeou, President of Taiwan gave a speech. While giving the speech two men from Amnesty International displayed the Dalai Lama's picture and Tibetan flag asking the President to support the Tibetan issue. After the ceremony both men were arrested. In a separate movement for support in Burma, speakers from NGOs interrupted the speeches with chants of free Tibet. On the other hand, all the people who have attended his processions support the Tibetan Cause. The people of Taiwan do not think that Tibet is a part of the People's Republic of China, and even support the independence of Tibet. During the 2009 uprising in Tibet, a number of NGO co-sponsored Solidarity March activities, headed by Tashi Tsering and the Secretary-General of the Taiwan Labour Front. Even the Chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party, Tsai Ing-wen Ms. also joined the parade prompting live coverage of more than 3,000 people walking in the streets of Taipei in solidarity with the Tibetan people.
When Tashi asked the Tibetan Buddhist center of Taiwan, Tibet, Rinpoche, Geshe and Tibetan, for support for Campaign for Tibet, few claimed that they did not want to be involved in political problems. They believed that the Buddhist centre was to promote Tibetan Buddhism and nothing else. Tashi then explained to the Rinpoches and the Geshes, the plight of Tibet and the origins of Campaign for Tibet. Campaign for Tibet is not a political movement but a movement to fight for Tibet's religious and human rights and freedom. When one's own country was in such a miserable situation, it did not matter if the problems were political or religious. However, no matter which country they reside in, the people of Tibet should be a good humans and not harm others. Tashi spoke in gratitude for the people of Taiwan. When CTA launched The Tibet Blue Book, the assistance from Taiwan let him feel the goodness of the people and the defence of democracy freedom and courage, made him feel that Taiwan is one pair of options. Tashi is culturally Taiwanese. He likes traditional Taiwanese food such as Braised Pork Rice, Beef Noodles, and Bitter Gourd Rib Soup (Ribs stewed with balsam the pear). However, this is the era of global citizens, so regardless of the Taiwanese or Tibetans, we are all human family of brothers and sisters, family members when there is suffering.
TPI NEWS
30 June, 2012 Dharamshala
The ''Burning Man'' of Tibet Challenge China, Via Los Angeles
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Beijing Is Responsible for the Tibet SelfImmolation Protests By Colleen McKown, The Tibet Post International
HH The Dalai Lama greets followers at the Tsuglagkhang Temple, Dharamsala By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: ''Flames of Freedom'' is a daring, dramatic and thought provoking concept based on the current escalation of self-immolations in Tibet, initiated by a group of Tibetans, and others, in California. The ' burning man' concept incorporates elements of artistic and political protest which will be aimed at the Chinese consulate in Los Angeles, and perhaps more importantly, at American and World public opinion. To date, forty two Tibetans, mostly within Tibet itself, have self-sacrificed their bodies in order to protest Chinese rule in Tibet. To burn one's body is seen within the Tibetan Buddhist cultural tradition as the ultimate form of self-sacrifice; and the ultimate form of nonviolence. The Buddha himself, according to the Buddhist historical canon, gave his body to a starving tigress and her cubs in one of his reincarnations. Taken within this context, Tibetans burning their bodies is seen by the organizers of the event, and Tibetans in general, as a ''daring political defiance'', and crucially given the socio-religious context a ''choice that emphasizes peace.''
Furthermore, the pertinent question they ask at the moment is: if the world and China in particular ignores the issue of Tibet and the message of these martyrs, [is there] a chance that the movement may eventually turn violent? The truthful answer is of course no one really knows. Yet, that is the question the organizers of the event urgently feel the need to ask. And, in a sense, the burning man solidarity event is symbolically asking that question of China. The event itself will be held at the end of this month and will be performed by a Hollywood stuntman. The point they will try to make is that people are actually self-immolating for real in Tibet, and that the 'drama' of a staged event in California will mirror the real events in a very unfree and different society 'within China's borders'.The organizers hope to enlist the help and support of well known Bollywood and Hollywood personalities including Whoopi Goldberg, Pooja Batra and Harrison Ford to highlight the campaign. If you want to learn more about organization and their principles and philosophy check out http:// tibetburning.com/los-angeles-lhakar/
Indian media delegation meets His Holiness the Dalai Lama By Trinolda Colaco, The Tibet Post International
Mumbai: -Journalist Trinolda Colaco meets board member of Students for a Free Tibet Mumbai, Passang Tashi, to discuss refugee life and the struggle for a Free Tibet. P a s s a n g Ta s h i l i v e s a n d w o r k s i n a n apartment in Ve r s o v a , northern Mumbai."When I first came to Mumbai two years ago," he tells me, "I was intimidated by the city. I felt lost. "Usually, when a Tibetan travels to certain parts of India, there is Tibetan settlement somewhere and fellow Tibetans help you to settle in. But with Mumbai having very few Tibetans, scattered in different parts of the city, I had to find my own way. Honestly, it was exciting." A neatly framed poster of The Lost Country a film by Kargyur Rinpoche and his wife Mandakini - adorns his living-room wall. A small picture of the Tibetan flag also catches my eye. I remember seeing it in Imitiaz Ali's recent movie Rockstar. "We are not offended by the fact that the scene with the Tibetan flags was later banned from the movie," says Tashi. "In fact, we feel happy to know that Indians are aware about Tibet's current situation and are trying to portray it in the media. " We a l s o m e t t h e c e n s o r b o a r d ' s C E O , P a n k a j a T h a k u r, a n d s h e e x p r e s s e d h e r concern about the Tibet issue." Tashi's work for Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) involves participating in protests, seminars and workshops in Mumbai and in Dharamshala, northern India. So what is it like to be a Tibetan in Mumbai? "I really like it here," Tashi tells me. "I have learnt a lot. I believe that if one faces a problem, one just grows with experience. Most Tibetans have a similar positive attitude and believe that soon Tibet will be a free country." More and more Tibetan youth are leading the struggle for Tibet's freedom, and finding new ways to demonstrate. Tibetans in Mumbai protested outside the Chinese consulate in March this year, to mark
SFT Pasang Tashi with his supporters in Mumbai, India. Photo: TPI
the 53rd anniversary of the Tibetan uprising that forced the His Holiness the Dalai Lama to flee to India. SFT Mumbai also organised an action to mark the global Stand Up for Tibet protest on 2 November 2011, at which demonstrators tried to hand over a list of demands to Chinese Consul General Niu Qingbao. It was not accepted. Tashi himself studied animation at FX School and intends to use film as a medium educate society about Tibet. He is currently working on an idea for a film and also plans to organize a Tibetan arts festival in Mumbai, highlighting Tibet's distinct culture and arts. In the face of harsh media and communications censorship in Tibet, SFT struggles to try to connect Tibetans in Tibet and Tibetans in exile, via the internet and cell phones. "They [Tibetans in Tibet] are an inspiration for all of us who live in exile," Tashi says. "They give us the hope and courage to believe that one day His Holiness the Dalai Lama will return to Tibet and that we will live in a free Tibet." Finally, when asked if he really would go back to Tibet if it gains its freedom, Tashi explains, "Tibet and its freedom has always been the first priority for all the Tibetans in exile. The movement to free Tibet is so crucial for us. But at the same time, I love India. It has given me so much. Yes, I would love to go back to Tibet, but I will come to Mumbai as well!"
Dharamshala: -On March 26, the Central Tibetan Administration released a statement entitled "At Least Seven Reasons Why Beijing is Responsible for the Self-Immolations in Tibet." The statement rejects Beijing's claims that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is encouraging acts of self-immolation in Tibet. The Chinese government seeks to portray the self-immolations as a political plot used by those calling for Tibetan independence. A spokesman for the Chinese government told the Associated Press recently that the Dalai Lama and his associates have single-handedly planned the self-immolations of Tibetans. CTA states that, on the contrary, His Holiness discourages drastic actions, and that the Kashag has called repeatedly for Tibetans to refrain from extreme measures in official statements on January 26 and March 10. The self-immolations, according to the CTA, keep occurring against the wishes of His Holiness and the Kashag because of the Chinese government's occupation and harsh actions against the Tibetans. Since 2009, 30 self-immolations have occurred in Tibet. The Tibetans who have committed such acts were protesting Beijing's repressive policies and calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. In response, the Chinese government has stregnthened their repressive measures and deployed more military forces. CTA claims, "responsibility for the present tense situation lies entirely with Beijing and so does the solution." His Holiness the Dalai Lama has advocated only for peace, says CTA: "He has repeatedly stated that the Tibetan struggle is not against the Chinese people or China as a nation. Furthermore, he has openly expressed his admiration for Chinese civilization and praised Chinese work ethics."
A Tibetan man screams as he runs engulfed in flames after self-immolating at a protest in New Delhi, India, ahead of Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to the country Monday, March 26, 2012. The Tibetan activist lit himself on fire at the gathering and was rushed to hospital with unknown injuries, reports said. Photo: TPI
Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangay stated, "His Holiness the Dalai Lama is an internationallyrecognized statesman for non-violence and peace who is also the most revered leader of the Tibetan people. He is part of the solution to the current impasse in Tibet and not the problem. The sooner Beijing finds the wisdom to recognize this, the quicker it can address the tragedy in Tibet thus serving the mutual interests of both Chinese and Tibetan people."In 2008, CTA states, His Holiness the Dalai Lama issued a Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for Tibet, and added a Note on the Memorandum in 2010. His Holiness presented these to the Chinese government in hopes to find a resolution to the Tibetan question through dialogue. In the Memorandum, His Holiness advocates for Tibetan areas to remain a part of
China. His Holiness calls for greater autonomy and rights for the Tibetan people within the context of Chinese rule. The approach is called the Middle Way Policy, but, CTA claims, "the Sino-Tibetan dialogue process has come to a halt due to a lack of response from Beijing." The seven reasons given by CTA for Beijing's responsibility for the self-immolations are as follows: continuing occupation of Tibet, political repression, patriotic re-education and demonization of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the shooting and killing of peaceful Tibetan protesters, the economic marginalization and making of Tibetans as second-class citizens in their homeland, the cultural assimilation and denial of Tibetan as a medium of instruction, and environmental destruction.
Bridging East and West with Dorjee Tsering, and helping others with compassion By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: Dorjee Tsering is a man who believes that caring for the elderly and the infirm is a mission to be exacted with kindness and compassion. The Tibetan expression Nying-Jay Yul (the name of the NGO he helped to start) means roughly, it's always difficult to literally translate a word from one language into another without loosing some of its essence, giving kindness and care to others. This, Dorjee Tsering does. His ideas have come to fruition, and along with Judith Moritz, an Austrian teacher from Vienna, he has worked to support elderly and disabled Tibetans living in exile in the Dharamshala area. Dorjee was born in 1963 in Dharamshala; his family was amongst the first batch of refugees to flee Tibet in the wake of the Chinese invasion. His parents had thirteen children and Dorjee was the only child to survive. This in itself is an extraordinary story, yet despite this very difficult start in life Dorjee has found it within himself to help others. The basic idea of the NGO is to give practical help to people in dire need of it. For example, for people who suffer from the effects of Polio, prostheses are supplied and, in an act of foresight and imagination, the NGO has collected glasses in Austria (then sorted and graded them) and finally delivered them out to old people in the general area of Dharamshala. A practical act of kindness that makes a differencesimple, effective and capable of changing lives for the better. Judith, for her part, works in Austria to raise funds and also to raise awareness about the needs of those less fortunate in Dharamshala, holding Christmas Markets and workshops for children, for instance. The partnership between Nying-Jay Yul and Bridging East-West is an example of cooperation and trust between very different cultures and societies. In other words, those who can give (their money, time and kindness) to those whose needs are great. However, it is not a one-way show. All ultimately benefit on practical, emotional and personal levels. Then again perhaps the difference is not so great between Austria and Tibet after all they are both mostly mountain people with a strong independent streak in them!If you want to help these good people in order for them to help others here is their website: givingkindness.org. It can only be good for your Karma too help those who selflessly help others. www.giving-kindness.org
Bridging East and West with Dorjee Tsering, and helping others with compassion
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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 Mrs. Pema Tso
Contributors for this Editon Keary Huang Mathew Singh Toor Amanda Peters Mark Kernan Samuel Ivo Liz Delehant Dennis Barbion Rajeshwari K Garima Sharma YC. Dhardhowa Sangay Dorjee Pema Tso
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Lone Youth in Ngaba Protests for Tibetan Rights and Freedom
TIBET:GENERAL
30 June, 2012 Dharamshala
China's Hidden 'Cultural Genocide' in Tibet; Crimes Against Humanity? By Mark Kernan, The Tibet Post International
Tsering Dhondrup, Photo: TPI By Garima Sharma, Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: June 11th, 2012. Tsering Dhondrup, 23, held a public protest in Hongyuan County between June 11th -13th at Ngaba (Eastern Tibet). At 12 pm Beijing time. Dhondrup raised slogans for the release of political prisoners and against the Chinese autocracy in Tibet referring to human rights violations, freedom for Tibet and freedom of movement, as well as the release of Tibetans from the Ngaba region who were arrested in Lhasa following an increased crackdown in Tibet's capital. Dhondrup carried a banner with pictures of Tibetans who had self-immolated in Tibet. The
protest lasted for nearly 25 minutes until Dhondrup was arrested by the Chinese police in Hongyuan. Dhondrup is being held near Hongyuan County. It is believed that he will be released this week. The reason for his unusually short detention is not known. Local residents in Hongyuan have speculated that Dhondrup may have sustained serious beatings, in captivity and the authorities are avoiding responsibility by releasing him. A native of Amo township of Hongyuan County, Dhondrup is an orphan. His late mother's name is Kangkar and he is said to have lived for some time in central Tibet.
Interview with Tenzin Jamyang, Director of Rogpa Charitable Trust
Dharamshala: In 2011, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama reiterated his belief that China is committing a form of 'cultural genocide'* in Tibet: consciously, d e l i b e r a t e l y a n d w i t h i n t e n t . H o w e v e r, totaliatarian states, or even democratic ones for that matter, rarely signal their intent to commit genocide-cultural, economic or otherwise in actual overt policies. Even Nazi Germany did not (the Nazis were careful in using appropriate euphemisms'evacuation' 'resettlement' 'final solution'), and China, which has learned the value of how mass communication can also deceive and manipulate, is no different. Of course, in retrospect, we can discern the true intent of genocidal actions-the well organised massacre of Tutsis by Hutu miltia groups in Rwanda in 1994 is the most modern and horrific example. Yet even that Genocide was preceded by Hutu power ideologies; in other words, it was being flagged covertly, if not overtly. That is, if the world bothers to look, the warning signs are often there. As a working and functional definition Cultural genocide can be defined as: the deliberate destruction, with intent, of an ethnic, religious or social group. For example, the elimination of indigenous languages, customs and beliefs.Interestingly, cultural genocide as a concept is 'missing' from the 1948 UN Convention on Genocide, and this has beeen a source of some controversy ever since, it is notoriously difficuilt to prove ' ' i n t e n t t o d e s t r o y ' ' - t h e n a n d n o w. F o r instance, cultural distinctiveness can be eradicated, yet the group still survives. The contemporary Tibetan story is a case in point.In Tibet, Buddhist Monasteries have been destroyed, or more recently severely curtailed as places of religious freedom; intellectuals, writers and cultural figures have been silenced, tortured, and often worse; and,
By Garima Sharma, Tibet Post International
By hamsini hariharan, Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: "I want to inspire people. I want people to see that nothing is impossible. " says Jamyang, the director of Rogpa Charitable Trust. In 2004, he and his wife had set up Rogpa by initially starting a free baby care centre for Tibetans in Mcleodganj. At first, they took in six babies who had both working parents. Although he was not as "professionally" qualified, he made up for it through hard work and innovative ideas. And now, they have 35 babies and they have downsized once already, in order to provide better care rather than build up the numbers. Rogpa takes care of all the children's needs; they even maintain nutrition balance, fruit time, temple walks and so on. "Rogpa Charitable Trust tries to make Tibetan people live better and then give back to the community. Money can't buy a mental Revolution. It can only buy power or ego", he says. From its humble beginnings, Rogpa has expanded with the establishment of a vocational training institute for single mothers. The products they make are then sold at the Rogpa Shop and Cafe (on Jogiwara Road),which currently provides them with nearly 70% of funding. A second Rogpa Shop and Cafe was opened in Korea and is now completely run by volunteers. They're planning to open a library to interest and inspire children to read Tibetan books. Rogpa has also executed several fundraising projects, fests and festivals in India as well as Korea. Jamyang smiles when I ask him about the roots of
Rogpa. The idea goes back to his childhood, when he was ten years old. The whole problem for sponsorship for education had a very deep impact on him. "Why should only rich people sponsor. Why can't poor people sponsor?" He had asked himself then and the thought had stuck on. If everyone could put in a little effort, irrespective of their financial status, then everyone could contribute towards making the community a better place. Jamyang is very deep rooted in his idea of community. Rogpa is not his, he says. He'd rather be assigned to the role of a volunteer instead of serving as the director but is waiting for matters to stabilize. He explains that Rogpa belongs to the community as a whole and is not his own. " I don't do charity here. When the [number of] charitable trusts increases in a community then the community has more problems. If the charitable trusts reduce, then it means that the problems have decreased." " Its all about how you think. For me, Rogpa Charitable Trust is a revolution. But the Government does not register revolutioners. But I want revolution; in the Tibetan community. I want brain revolution tin the Tibetan mentality." Jamyang surprises many when he speaks of his other passion: music. He is a disc jockey and he plays at Korea whenever he has the time. The director of a charity by day, a reggae loving, DJ by night, this man who wanted to inspire people has certainly done his part whether he realizes it or not.
Dharamshala: June 24th, 2012. A young 17 year old, girl named Jigmey Dolma was arrested at 9:30 pm, for protesting against the brutalities within Chinese-occupied Tibet . The young girl shouted slogans such as ‘Free Tibet', ‘The Dalai Lama Must Be Returned To Tibet' and ‘All the Political Prisoners Must Be Released - Including Panchen Lama', in her native language. She continued to protest for approximately four minutes, after which she was taken into custody by the Chinese police. Early in the morning on June 24th, Jigmey told her parents Nyima (father) and Solhamo (mother) that she was going to the nearby farm for some work. However, she had been careful not to alert her family or friends about her intention to protest, as they would have discouraged her. Upon her arrest, Jigmey's father was not allowed to see her. Subsequently, on June 28th, her family was informed that their daughter was to be taken to a hospital for examination. When Nyima arrived at the hospital to wait for Jigmey he noticed that his daughter's hand was covered in cloth and that she could not stand straight. He also noticed that she was unable to walk properly, and inferred that she had been tortured during the arrest. On 29th June Nyima was finally allowed to see his daughter who told him, that she was very frightened during her detainment as she was alone in prison and had been tortured harshly. Jigmey has two sisters and her aunt, who is a nun named Bomo Taga participated in a proTibet protest in 2008 leading to a subsequent arrest. She was given a 2 year prison sentence
perhaps more worryingly for the future of Tibetan culture, most of the education system is conducted in the Chinese language. Tibetan singers routinely sing saccherine pop songs on Tibetan and Chinese TV stations. Is this authentic Tibetan cultural expression or a cynical 'disneyfication' of Tibetan culture for outside consumption by others?.In April, 2012 the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), a Tibetan support group in the US stated that ''Chinese policies and practices of cultural repression and destruction are so systematic and persistent in Tibet, and their effects are so serious, that they contain elements of cultural genocide.'' Professor Ben Kiernan of Yale University, and the Director of Genocides Studies Program, states that motivation is often hidden for Genocide by states, and couched in the language of progress and development, ancient notions of racial purity, and/or saving
a designated ethnic or social group-for example, serfs in Tibet in the 1950's during the Chinese invasion.In reality however they are conquering territory, seizing wealth, appropriating resources and expanding living space. The rest is, in effect, mostly propaganda to justify aggressive state actions.To conclude, it is worth asking the question: is there some form of 'cultural genocide' taking place within Tibet? For sure their is a good argument for cultural destruction and the imposition of Chinese cultural hegemony upon the Tibetans. The evidence suggests that even if we think that it is not 'cultural genocide' now, the warning signs are most definitely flashing. *Cultural genocide' in quotation marks because legally, under International Law, it is not yet a fully recognised legal norm. Meaning, it is not codified under law as for example Crimes against Humanity are.
Young Tibetan Girl Arrested and Tortured for Shouting “Free Tibet”
and upon her release, was not allowed to return to Dakhar Nunnery, which had been her home, after she had taken her celibacy vows. Bomo took to becoming an ascetic in the mountains due to this and upon her return, fell very sick. She was taken to a hospital where doctors examined her and found that her stomach had
become damaged after undergoing torture in prison. Currently, she stays at home due to her deteriorating health. Every time she tries to access healthcare facilities at the local government hospital, she has to bear the social stigma of being registered as a former criminal.
Indian Parliamentary Delegation Visits Tibetan Parliament By hamsini hariharan, Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: An Indian parliamentary delegation, who were on an official trip to Dharamsala, visited the Tibetan Parliamentin-Exile in Dharamsala on 26 June. The members of the delegation, which composed of ten Rajya Sabha (Upper House) MPs, were Maya Singh, Dr Bharat Kumar Raut, Dr K P Ramalingam, Rabinarayan Mohapatra, Bhupender Yadav, Ahmad Saeed Malihabadi, Shantaram Naik, Jesudasu Seelam, Ali Anwar Ansari and Dr Janardhan Waghmare. The Tibetan Institute of Performing of Arts hosted a cultural performance for the
Indian Parliamentary delegation with members of the standing committee of the Tibetan Parliament in Dharamsala on 26 June 2012. Photo: Tibet Net
delegation on the evening of 25 June. They were welcomed by Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, the deputy speaker of Tibetan Parliament. The delegation praised the vibrant Tibetan cultural songs and dances. On 26 June, the standing committee of the Tibetan Parliament accorded a warm reception to the delegation during their visit to the Parliamentary Secretariat. The delegates were briefed about the issue of Tibet, following which they held deliberations with the Tibetan MPs. The delegation's visits to the Tibetan Parliament and TIPA were co-ordinated by Punjab National Bank.