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A Message For The Voiceless

Vol. 02, Issue 74, 30 September 2012

B o d - K y i - Cha- Trin

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Swiss Government Adresses Situation in Tibet

Dr Sangay Signs Charter Amendment Now Becomes political leader By: YC. Dhardhowa, Tibet Post

Chambre De Parliament. Photo: File By: CTA Media: Tibet Net

Dharamshala: - The Swiss government expressed its concern over the situation in Tibet when members of the Parliamentary Group on Tibet raised during the question hour in the Parliament on 12 September, the Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association said.

The members of the Swiss Parliamentary Group on Tibet brought during the question hour the alarming situation in See Page 5 ...

Public Celebration to Mark Middle Way Day

By: Matthew Singh-Toor, Tibet Post A public forum held by the Central Executive Committee Of Dhomay, in Dharamshala, India, on September 16, 2012. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: On the morning of September 16, the Tibetan People's Movement for the Middle Way Approach held a ceremony for Middle Way Day, beside the statues of Tibetan heroes and heroines in front of the Tibet Musuem in McLeodganj, Dharamsala, northern India.

In the afternoon, the Central Executive Committee Of Dhomay (which represents Tibet's Amdo region) held a public forum to discuss His Holiness the Dalai Lama's recent speeches in Ladakh and Italy.

The event was attended by around 500 people, including Penpa Tsering, speaker of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, Dolma Gyari, minister of the Tibetan home department, Thupten Lungrig MP, former minister of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), together with other Tibetan MPs, students and members of the public.

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Dharamshala: - September 27, 2012, Dr Lobsang Sangay, the democratically-elected leader of the Central Tibetan Administation (CTA) ratified the recent amendments made to the Charter of Tibetans in Exile to change the official title of Kalon Tripa to Sikyong or Tibetan "political leader."

Dr Sangay signed the Charter amendment at a ceremony held this morning at the Kashag Secretariat, Dharamshala, India.

Members of the Kashag, Secretaries of Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat and Kashag Secretariat greeted Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay following the signing ceremony.

The charter amendment bill number 39 was introduced by Kalon (minister) of security Dhongchung Ngodup on the seventh day of the fourth session of the 15th Tibetan parliament-in-exile and it was endorsed by Kalon (minister) of home Dolma Gyari.

"The move to bring a motion on charter amendment to change the title of Kalon Tripa to Sikyong in the Parliament was discussed in the Kashag. The Parliament gave its unanimous approval to the charter amendment. We consider it as a historic transition and the need of the hour," Kalon Ngodup Dongchung told Tibet TV after the ceremony.

The 15h Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile unanimously approved the charter amendment during its fourth session held from 14-22 September.

The name change has been effected following His Holiness the Dalai Lama's speech on August 8, 2011. Following the devolution of his political authority to the democratically-elected Tibetan leadership, the Tibetan spiritual leasder had said that he was handing over the political leadership he inherited from "Sikyong Taktra Rinpoche" to "Sikyong Lobsang Sangay." Sangay was elected in the third direct elections for the Kalon Tripa held in March 2011.

"I took over the political leadership of Tibet from "Sikyong Taktra

Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay (Centre) signs the charter amendments at a ceremony in Dharamsala on 26 September 2012 Photo/TibetNet/Namgyal Tsewang

Rinpoche," when I was 16 years old. Today, in the 21st century, when democracy is thriving, I hand over the political leadership of Tibet to "Sikyong Lobsang Sangay," the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai lama said.

However, after this amendment, title "Kalon" or minister for the remaining seven members of the Kashag (Cabinet) the highest executive office of the CTA amongst the three democratic pillars will continue to remain the same.

Basic Human Rights in Tibet Denied

Tibet Activists Protest Against Chinese Minister of Commerce In Canada Mayor of Bouchemaine Mrs Anne-Sophie addressing the event being held on September 20 2012. Photo: Tibet Net

Documentary on Self-Immolations Released

By: YC. Dhardhowa, Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - On September 19, 2012, A French mayor (Mayor of Bouchemaine) Mrs Anne-Sophie expresed her "strong concern" to the Chinese government that Tibetans in Tibet are still denied basic human rights as well as fundamental freedoms.

China claims, its Central Chinese Government at all levels have made great efforts to safeguard and promote the progress of human rights in Tibet, however, no reasonable explanation has been given.

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TYC Hunger Strikers Hospitalised Information Secretary Tashi and Additional Secretary Tashi Phuntsok of the Department of Information and International Relations during a press conference held at CTA, Dharamshala, India, on 24 September 2012. Photo: TPI/Sangay By: YC. Dhardhowa, Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - September 24, 2012, the Central Tibetan Administration organized a press conference in Dharamshala, India, the heart of Tibet exile to release a documentary film about the tragic series of self-immolations by Tibetans inside Tibet, with more than 50 Tibetans including monks, students, a mother of two setting fire to themselves in response to Chinese regime's hard line policies.

The Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) released a documentary film titled "The Burning Question: Why are Tibetans Turning to Self-immolation?"

The 30-minute film depicts factual accounts of the spate of tragic self-immolations by Tibetans inside Tibet from 2009 till date.

The film puts spotlight on the underlying causes - the Chinese government's systematic repression of Tibetan language and religion, and forced resettlement of nomads in Tibet - which are pushing an increasing of number of Tibetans to set themselves on fire.

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SFT members Youdon and Tsundue outside the Hilton hotel during Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty's meeting with Chinese Minister of Commerce Chen Deming. Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

Toronto: - September 25, 2012, members of Students for a Free Tibet Canada protested inside the Hilton Hotel during a meeting between Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and China's Minister of Commerce Chen Deming. Youdon Tsamotshang and Tenzin Tsundue went inside the hotel but were stopped at the entrance to the meeting room.

When they were denied entry, they pulled out Tibetan flags and started shouting slogans. "Talk Tibet before trade," "Human Rights before Trade," they shouted as they were escorted out of the hotel by the police. In a video posted on YouTube, they can be heard shouting, "51 self-immolations and the world has done nothing."

"I was very emotionally affected when I started protesting, and it was hard to stop the tears. At a time when the China's atrocity against Tibetans is at its height, our Premier is talking about increasing trade ties with the Chinese Minister of Commerce," said Youdon Tsamotshang.

Urgyen Badheytsang, who was protesting outside the hotel, added that it was high time for the Canadian government to consider a strong stance vis-a-vis China.

"Nexen, a Canadian oil company, has a $15.1 billion deal looming with a Chinese state-owned company, and it's happening in the midst of one of the biggest upsurge of Tibetan protests against Chinese occupation.

The Chinese company has been involved in facilitating mass displacements of Tibetan nomads. If this deal goes ahead, Canada will be associated with an ongoing case of ethnocide in Tibet."

Students for a Free Tibet is an international grassroots network that works to advance the movement for Tibetans' fundamental right to freedom and human rights.

The organization is at the forefront of Tibet's non-violent movement and is known for its creative, strategic and dynamic campaigns and its commitment to training young people and students in the art of leadership and non-violent action.

On Sept 23, after 20 days of fasting at Jantar Mantar, in the Indian capital New Delhi, three Tibetans were taken to hospital by policemen after doctors described their physical condition as serious.

Photo: TPI By: YC. Dhardhowa, Tibet Post

New Delhi, 23rd September, 2012: The largest Tibetan NGO in exile, 'Tibetan Youth Ccongress' (TYC) Indefinite Hunger Strike faced one of its most difficult days, when around 1pm, Sunday afternoon the Delhi Police came with their medical officials to have a check up done of the three fasting leaders," TYC said in a latest statement dated September 23rd.

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2 EXILE TPI NEWS Students Send Solidarity Message Swiss to Highlight Tibet's Tragic Situation to TYC Hunger Strikers at UNHRC, TYC Fast Reaches Day 15 The Tibet Post International

30 September, 2012 Dharamshala

By The Tibet Post International

TYC Vice-president,Mr Dhondup Lhadar - a member of the TYC hunger strike campaign - receiving signed messages from students from Dhargyeling, 21September 2012. Photo: TPI

By Tibet Post International

New Delhi, 21st September, 2012--Days are becoming critical for TYC's Indefinite Hunger Strike.

Dhondup Lhadar, Penpa Tsering and Jigme Sholpa were nauseous and felt sick the whole day. Dhondup Lhadar's lips are dry and swollen, Penpa Tsering's back hurts badly and Jigme Sholpa has abdominal pains which makes him cry out sometimes.

RTYC Darjeeling's President, Tashi came to visit the Hunger Strikers and brought along with him the message of support and solidarity from hundred and more students who belong to different nationalities. They send their appreciation and hopes from the hunger strike campaign. The gesture definitely lifted the spirit and the heart of all those who are with the Hunger Strikers.

The representatives of TYC's Regional Chapter in Kathmandu met the United States and British embassy officials to discuss and submit the appeal letters concerning the TYC Indefinite Hunger Strike and urged the western countries to help in meeting the demands and appeal of the campaign.

They also submitted the appeal letters to the offices of the United Nations, European Union and embassies of several countries including France, Japan, Italy, Germany, Australia and Myanmar.

Media representatives visit the tent to hear more about our story and the reason for the Indefinite Hunger Strike. Lok Sabha Television( Parliament of India) interviewed Joint Secretary, Tenzing Norsang today regarding the Indefinite Hunger Strike and current situation inside Tibet.

Yet again, some Chinese observers were noticed watching the Hunger Strikers and the ongoings in the tent. On approaching them to ask about their identity and their purpose, they ran away from the site creating suspicion in the minds of the activists.

People make a nation, and people make changes happen. Likewise, TYC Indefinite Hunger Strike has dedicated and persuasive Tibetans and Indians who contribute their time and effort into the cause of Tibet without any hitches. Most of them are not first timers in working on TYC campaigns of this kind, they have been doing it for quite a long time.

Like the TYC Central Executive Committee, they are old-timers.

Yeshi Choezom alias Rangzen Ama, Acha Kalsang Youdon, Palden la, Jorden, Tenzin Woeser, Yeshi Tenzing, Tenzin Wangchuk, Lobsang Dorjee, Tenzin Dolker, Tenzin Passang, Acha Tenzin, Tashi Nyima, Khentse, Tashi Topden, Sonam Palzom, Dorje Tsetan, Choezom, Tsering. These are the names of the helpers and supporters of TYC's Indefinite Hunger Strike, who are giving their time, effort and heart into the work for the cause of Tibet and Tibetans inside the country.

Most of the people named here are those who have participated in similar hunger strikes in the past, stayed without food for more than 30 days while some are new to working with TYC. All the work around the tent to maintain it and have everything functioning well is taken up as their responsibility and they do it well. The team functions well, each fulfilling their duties effectively.

Tibetan Administration Releases Documentary on Self-Immolations ...... Continued from front page "CTA request to use the documentary film as much as possible so that it can reach reach a wide range of audience - nationally as well as internationally.

The Tibetans who have set themselves on fire deserve all the attention of the international

Gangmingpa, a writer from inside Tibet and edited

by Mr Tashi Delek, a journalist from South India.

"Whether short or long, now there are so many video clips, images and letters from Tibet...; about Tibetans in Tibet who have sacrificed their lives for our

New Delhi, 17th September, 2012: -- The revelation of this 15th day of the Indefinite Hunger Strike came from the visit to the Embassy of Switzerland. TYC Joint-Secretary, Tenzing Norsang and Social Services Secretary,Yeshi Therchein went to the embassy today to meet Mr. Martin Strub, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland.

They went along with a complete package of information in the forms of photos, videos, the chronology of the self-immolators, an appeal letter, the details of the Indefinite Hunger Strike and sat down for a full discussion on the current situation inside Tibet, the atrocities committed against the Tibetans by the Chinese government and the 51 selfimmolations inside Tibet and the fearful rise of the numbers day by day.

TYC requested Mr. Strub to have the government and the people of Switzerland raise their voices in the 21st session of the Human Rights Council of the United Nations taking place in Geneva regarding the issue of Tibet and the undeclared martial law in Tibet by the Chinese government. TYC representatives explained the demands of the Indefinite Hunger Strike needing action from the United Nations and the European Union.

Mr. Strub's response at the end of the discussion was that, he appreciated the two TYC leaders to have taken the initiative to approach the Switzerland government with evidences and information and explaining the real situation as it happened that the Chinese government's propagandist attempts had been serving a lot of misinformation and unclear details about the situation in Tibet. He assures TYC that they would definitely do their best to highlight the issue of Tibet and hoped for the best to resolve the issue of Tibet.

The three hunger strikers, Dhondup Lhadar, Penpa Tsering and Jigme Sholpa woke up out of their beds at Jantar Mantar as a usual morning here now, with no food for the last 15 days hence a little light headed and needing help when going to the bathroom to ensure that they do not fall down and hurt themselves.

Their helpers are incredibly attentive and make sure that they have all the help they need during the course of the days and nights. The need to keep a sharp eye out for them increases as the number of days without food increases and their bodies weaken day by day.

Hopefully, the Tibetans all over the world know that sacrifices like these are being made by a number of leaders in our community and hence choose not to be left behind.

An organization called Sarvodayasamaj showed their willingness to support Tibetans by pouring their heart out for our cause on a piece of paper with their letter head on it. They issued us two such letters. This is a group of people who have been waging their own protest in a tent opposite to ours. TYC was quite touched by this experience.

Towards the end of the day, Delhi Police called upon the TYC staff to warn them yet again that they do not have the authorization to continue with the Hunger Strike during the night time, to which TYC explained that their campaign requires them to continue through out the days and nights as well and the fact that all the activities are peace-oriented, they would be no trouble caused to the Indian government.

In order to build pressure on the UN, EU and the government of China, we have to continue on with no halts in between. At the end, the police informed TYC that they will have to check and confirm if the

Mr. Dhondup Lhadhar, TYC Vice-president receiving a medical check-up after 15-days of hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, India, 17 September 2012. Photo:TPI

authorization will be given to continue in the nights by tomorrow. TYC had decided long back that they will continue with the campaign 24 hours, whether they get the authorization or not.

Then the Delhi Police came back with their Medical Officers, providing the first official medical check up to the three hunger strikers. On checking their conditions, the officers expressed concern over the medical results and offered treatment in the form of glucose and medicines but the three hunger strikers refused it with a smile.

TYC will be visiting the embassies of different

countries in the coming days and find the opportunity to hold discussions with their leaders and appeal for their support for the cause of Tibet.

The Global Solidarity Campaign commences tomorrow, and TYC has organized a Mass Candle light vigil at 6.30pm in Jantar Mantar. TYC requests all the Tibetans and our supporters to join us and take part in the campaign to pay homage to our martyrs and the three hunger strikers. We believe and hope that the UN, EU and government of China will pay attention to our efforts and take action to the path of truth.

Ex-political Prisoners Association in Exile Marks its 25th Anniversary

Gu Chu Sum's Vice-president Lhukhar Sham with chief guest Ama Adhe, Dharamshala, India, 27 September 2012.

Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: - In commemoration of the ‘Twenty Fifth Years in Exile’ since its establishment, Gu Chu Sum Movement of Tibet, a former political prisoners association marks its 25th founding anniversary in exile, pays heartfelt tribute to Tibetan martyrs for their sacrifices in 1987 which also continues to keep the struggle of Tibet alive.

The event ceremony held early morning at 7.30am with prayers followed by an elaborate incense burning ceremony at Lhagyal-ri in Dharamshala, India. The chief guest former political prisoner, Ama Adhe re-luanched its website.

Tibetans across Dharamshala gathered to honour those who perished at the hands of the Chinese during the peaceful 1987 Lhasa uprising and to remember those who lost their lives during the protest.

Past many years, the organisation has published many books related the biographies of ex-political prisoners as well as literature on political awareness and the plight of prisoners in Tibet. Ama Adhe also launched a new book, ex-political prisoner Tsering Dhondup's biography.

"This day marks an important anniversary in the struggle for Tibetan freedom. Twenty-five years ago on the 27th September 1987 Lhasa the capital of Tibet witnessed the beginning of the largest and most significant uprisings since 1959," the group said in a statement released on Spet. 27, 2012.

Tibetan Youth Congress Hunger Strikers Hospitalised ...... Continued from front page

Ms Dicki Chhoyang, Kalon for the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), launches the new book in Dharamshala, India, 24 September 2012. Photo: TPI/Mr Liu

community and leaders. said Mr Tashi Phuntsok Additional Secretary of DIIR. Despite repeated appeals by the Central Tibetan Administration to refrain from drastic actions, over 51 Tibetans have now set themselves on fire in protest against the Chinese government's repressive policies.

On the same day, Ms Dicki Chhoyang, Kalon for DIIR, launched a new book on the 2008 Tibetan national uprising movements, the largest protests in Tibet for 50 years. The new book called "Red Blood Of The Earth Mouse Year" was written by

freedom and Human Rights, all are very important, therefore, I feel deeply honored to be here today" said Kalon Dicki Chhoyang.

"Gangming's articles explain the Tibetans' protests, their struggle and the Chinese severe crackdown on Tibetans in Tibet. He had managed to send and safely reached them in India together, just two days before his arrest," Tashi Delek told reporters.

Gangming still remain in a detention center since he was arrested by Chinese police. The authorities did not informed anybody why he was arrested, where he is being held.

"On checking their vitals and getting the readings, the medical officials had a discussion with the policemen and concluded that the Hunger Strikers had to be admitted in the hospital as their conditions were getting very serious. Special concern was for Penpa Tsering whose blood pressure was at a dangerous point, 160/110 and hence needed to be admitted in the hospital immediately," TYC said in the statement.

"Without giving sufficient time to the team of the Hunger Strike, the Police started herding the three Hunger Strikers into the ambulance," the statement said. "They managed to drag Penpa Tsering screaming "Bhoe Gyalo "at the top of his weak lungs, he put up a hard fight and fainted away out of exhaustion. Dhondup Lhadar used all the strength he had to hang onto the bed where he had been sleeping for the last 20 days. He pleaded hard with the officials to let him be and continue the hunger strike for Tibet and the Tibetans inside Tibet."

In the statement, TYC Joint-Secretary, Mr Tenzing Norsang said that "when Dhondup Lhadar ebbed his strength, he cried bitterly and protested the Police forcibly dragging him away to the hospital.

The third Hunger Striker, Jigme Sholpa stole away from the side of the tent, trying his best to avoid admittance in the hospital and be able to continue the Hunger Strike until the UN and EU responds

with strategies of action to deal with the crises inside Tibet and serve justice to the 6 million Tibetans under oppression."

"That was the way the Police were able to drag the three Hunger Strikers away to the hospital where yet again, using force they would inject the glucose and the treatment that these men are not willing to subject their body to," it further added.

"Once the Hunger Strikers were dragged away with force, the police came back with a truck to force TYC to terminate the Indefinite Hunger Strike. TYC executives tried peddling with the Police Officer to let them stay on but deaf ears were thrown their way. They were not willing to budge which was quite evident from the huge number of police reinforcement. Tents were pulled down and bags packed. With a heavy heart the rest of the TYC team had to do something which they were totally against.

At the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, where the three Hunger Strikers were put away in the emergency ward, Dhondup Lhadar, Penpa Tsering and Jigme Sholpa had every intention to continue with the hunger strike from inside the hospital despite the sad condition of the wards of the government hospital. The Police did not let that happen and using coercion and injected glucose and the necessary fluids into their bodies."

Joint Secretary, Tenzing Norsang shared his feelings openly on behalf of the TYC team, " The Indefinite Hunger Strike was started from the 3rd September, 2012 and from day one the Hunger Strikers and the entire team working for the crises in Tibet and for the Tibetans inside Tibet have been facing hindrances one after the other.

Today when they forcibly took away the three fasting leaders to the hospital and got them admitted and medically treated unwillingly and packed us away from Jantar Mantar, means that the Indefinite Hunger Strike is only temporarily discontinued.

Our demands and appeal will see their daylight when actions are taken by the UN and EU to deal with the crises in Tibet and for that we will continue our activities as long as it takes. TYC has already met the UN, EU and heads of different embassies and we have standing appointments to meet the officials of many more countries' embassies.

The Indefinite Hunger Strike and all the effort put in through various activities seems to be yielding results when the issue of Tibet's current situation and the brutality on the Tibetans there, was brought up on the 17th September, 2012, at the UN Human Rights' Council's 21st session. To know that yesterday in Brussels, EU brought up the topic of Tibet's crises with the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is also of utmost importance. "

30 September, 2012 Dharamshala

TPI NEWS

His Holiness : “Ultimate Source of Happiness is Within Us”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama lighting a lamp to inaugurate the nine-day Ram Katha spiritual event held in Dharamsala, HP, India, on 22 September 2012. Photo: TPI

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, addressed an eager audience on the opening day of Morari Bapu's 9day Ram Katha, at Police Ground of Dharamshala, India.

The Ram Katha (the story of Hindu Lord Ram) commenced on Saturday, September 22nd. The stories are renowned for their religious approachability and message of compassion.

Speaking to the audience, and warmly welcoming Ram Katha to His community in exile, His Holiness the Dalai Lama re-iterated the message that: "The ultimate source of happiness is within ourselves", adding: "I am always telling different parts of the world, that India is a living example of where different religious traditions can live together".

"Our common aim is promoting compassion, nonviolence tolerance, honesty. Through that way, different people of different religious faith can live together; that I think is India's treasure".

"Usually I describe myself as a messenger of India.

Wherever I go I always talk about non-violence, about religious harmony. So...when religious spiritual leaders are together, I often appeal, or request, that I am advocating the message of India: for religious harmony".

His Holiness encouraged the audience to practice, and to develop inner peace. He stated that by drawing upon truthfulness, honesty, a sense of family and community, India can make significant contributions for the 7 billion human beings on this planet.

"We should learn how to develop inner peace. [The] ultimate source of happiness is within us", the revered spiritual leader added.

Morari Bapu, the renowned Indian religious teacher and advocate of the Ram Charit Manas, who has travelled widely and promoted a message of interfaith harmony, shall continue his Ram Katha for nine days.

The Nobel Peace laureate said to Morari Bapu, “I am happy that you didn’t confine yourself to the temples and came out to teach people the lesson of truth and honesty."

"It is now the time that the religious leaders of India should guide the countrymen to keep them away from corruption and injustice. Though the money is important for life, but without peace it too can’t help," His Holiness told the crowd gathering.

For the audience gathered in Dharamshala on Saturday, the guest visit by His Holiness the Dalai Lama was surely a perfect way to begin the teachings, and an inspiring example of religious harmony being practiced itself.

His Holiness Attends the Tibetan Homes Foundation Golden Jubilee

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with students and their family members during the Tibetan Homes Foundation Golden Jubliee in Mussoorie, India, on 17 September 2012/ Photo/OHHDL/Tenzin Choejor

By Thu Flower, Tibet Post

Dharamshala: From September 15 - 17, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave series of preaching at various schools in Mussoorie, India on how to tackle the emerging problems of 21st century by developing a peaceful mind that is attentive not only to one's country, but to humanity as a whole.

"We often forget that we are human brothers and sisters. Sometimes we pay more attention to the differences between us that are essentially secondary, matters of race, faith, nationality and rank. These are the sort of factors that give rise to conflict and war, which provoke us to divide people into "them" and "us"...just as in the global economy, we need to overlook the barriers represented by national boundaries. This is clear too in terms of the environmental problems we face, because they affect us all," His Holiness proclaimed at the Woodstock School in Mussoorie.

He further elaborated on consequences of environmental degradation, stating that most countries put their national interests ahead of global interests, but the rising sea level will not distinguish the difference between national boundaries.

On the following day, His Holiness visited the Wynberg Allen School in Mussoorie after attending the Tibetan Homes Foundation (THF) Golden Julibee celebrations. “Today, when we are celebrating the 50th anniversary, everything has gone very well and I’d like to thank all of you have contributed to this occasion.

The Homes Foundation has asked us all not to lose

hope, but to keep our homeland in mind, which is very good advice," His Holiness said.

"Time is always moving on and no force can stop it.

My own generation, people over 60 or 70 belong to the twentieth century, which is now over and gone.

People like these who are less than 20 years old truly belong to the twenty-first century. They will shape the future." - Those are the words of His Holiness as he addressed the students at Wynberg Allen School.

Upon looking at the crowd of eager learners, he mentioned that he enjoy meeting young people because they are the one who will guide the direction of the future; the path he hopes will lead to the cultivation of peace and prosperity.

Following the speech, one of the students asked how he can contribute to world peace in which His Holiness responded that not all 7 billion people living on the same planet will suddenly work for peace, but one can start on an individual level - an example he brought up is Buddha, who initially taught only five students, but his message gradually expanded.

"The twentieth century was an era of unparalleled bloodshed, during which some say 200 million died through violence. If we are to make this century more peaceful, we won't do it by prayer alone, we have to take action."

"These days, it seems a lot of people seem to think Buddhism is only about prayer, when it is actually about study and maturing the mind. In order to practise you have to take account of reality, both of the external world and especially the inner world. And today, while we learn from science, scientists are learning about the mind from us," stated His Holiness as he tried to explain to the crowd the Buddhist's philosophy of external and internal peace.

Drawing upon the teachings, a student asked a final question of what does it mean to have "inner peace" in which His Holiness responded, "To have peace of mind is to be not only physically relaxed, but completely relaxed on a mental level too; not dull, but fully alert.

When something negative occurs, if you focus on that alone, it seems to be entirely negative, but if you are sufficiently at ease to be able to look at it from a broader perspective, you may be able to see some positive side to it and this brings inner strength...the important thing is to deal with the trouble makers within our own minds."

H.H. THE DALAI LAMA

The Tibet Post International

3

His Holiness The Dalai Lama Meets Vietnamese Devotees Dharamshala: - A group of 102 visitors from Vietnam, about half from the North and half from the South, members of the Vietnamese CEO's Club, had a meeting with the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama today, during which he encouraged them to ask him questions.

They recalled that it is a year since His Holiness first gave teachings to interested people from Vietnam.

On this occasion, however, they said they were looking forward to hearing his advice on how to lead a meaningful life.

His Holiness began in his customary way, "I always have a feeling when I meet people like this that on a human level we are all the same, there are no differences between us. Whether we are Tibetan or Vietnamese, we are all born the same way and when the time comes we die the same way. We have the same kind of emotions, anger, attachment and jealousy, but we also have the same potential to develop love and compassion. Most important, both you and I want a happy life and we have the same right to achieve it. On this sort of level, there are no differences between human beings, so there is no point in our quarrelling with each other. " When we insist on emphasising differences like race, religion or ideology the result is divisions that can even lead to our fighting and killing each other, as happened during the war in Vietnam. It is this focus on secondary differences that I believe is why so many of our problems can be seen as man-made. I like to point out that our nature is basically compassionate because we are social animals. What brings us together is love and affection. So, stressing the oneness of humanity is my first commitment; but I don't want to be boring like a communist party leader going on and on. I'd prefer we have a discussion."

His Holiness answered a question about how to deal with life's struggles saying that struggle is part of our lives. However, it makes a difference if the struggle is for good not harm, is not only for personal gain to the neglect of others' welfare and is achievable. Once we establish that, we need to be determined and approach it from a realistic point of view, which means we have to employ our common sense and intelligence.

A mother of three children wanted to know how to make life easier for them than it had been for her at their age. His Holiness joked that he had no experience of bringing up children and was too old to start now.

He has learned from friends who have such experience that children need to be taken care of, they need affection and they need those who give it to be constant and steady.

With regard to dealing with those who obstruct what we are trying to do, His Holiness said that it is important to find out if they are acting out of ignorance or deliberately. If they are not aware of the problems they are putting in your way, you may be able to explain it to them. However, if they are being deliberately obstructive, you may have to take counter measures, but do so not out of anger, but with a positive motivation. He gave the example of Tibetans struggling for justice in Tibet, opposing Chinese actions, without cultivating anger or hatred for them.

Another questioner wanted to know how religious practice affects living a meaningful life. His Holiness replied that it is not necessary to be religious to live by positive human values, which are the basis of what he calls secular ethics. A simple illustration of this is that the key to family happiness is warmheartedness. Although there are those who believe ethics must be rooted in religious faith His Holiness feels that this is too limiting because the majority of

His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing a Vietnamese Group at his residence in Dharamshala, India, 25 September 2012. Photo: OHHD

By Office of HH the Dalai Lama

the world's 7 billion people don't have enough time to take religion seriously.

"Nowadays, people think the source of happiness is money and material goods, but it is also clear that in the US and Europe where the standard of living is high and many people are wealthy, too many of them are unhappy inside, racked by suspicion and jealousy. What's more, crime and suicide rates are remarkably high. The solution is not to become more religious, but to develop a warm heart. Happiness is based on trust, while the opposite of trust is fear.

We absorb affection when we are infants in our mother's care, which is why we have the potential to show affection to others. But if members of a family don't trust each other, how can they be happy together? A lack of trust leads to loneliness, depression and seeking solace in drugs and alcohol.

On the other hand if you have self-discipline and people are prepared to share, it's possible to build a happier society."

Admitting to an admiration for Marxist economics, particularly the idea of equal distribution of wealth, His Holiness made it clear that he was firmly opposed to totalitarianism, that while he might be a Marxist, he is not a Leninist. Continuing in the afternoon to discuss the compatibility of Marxism with Buddhism he agreed that Marxism is a materialistic doctrine with no talk about mind or past and future lives.

However, what it shares with Buddhism is the sense that destiny is in our own hands. A happy society must be created by people themselves, not through prayer alone, but by taking action. Action is the cause of happiness and the distinction between positive and negative action depends largely on our motivation. Buddhism teaches us to change our minds, to change our attitudes and so transform our actions. His Holiness laughed as he told his listeners what he recently told some visiting Chinese, "The Tibetan spirit comes from Buddhism which is a more than 2500 year old tradition in which interest is growing, your system, Chinese communism, is based on ideas that are barely 200 years old and whose influence is declining."

With regard to the relation between the mind and body, His Holiness explained that some scientists have begun to see that there are circumstances in which changes in the mind change the brain and have documented this. More and more scientists are

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Visits Tibetan Settlements In Dehradun Dharamshala: His Holiness arrived at the capital city of Uttrakhand, Dehradun on September 13.

Sakya Dagtri Rinpoche, representatives of the local Tibetan monasteries, Tibetan settlement officers and representatives of various other institutes and organisations were present at the airport to welcome him.

Several Tibetans lined the streets, as artists performed the auspicious Tashi Sholpa dance to welcome His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Dhondupling (Clement Town) Tibetan Settlement on the outskirts of the city.

He first visited the Mindrolling Labrang, where he offered special prayers for the late 11th Mindrolling Trichen Rinpoche.

The Dalai Lama spent his first night, of his five day trip, at Mindrolling Monastery.

His first engagement, on September 14, was to visit the Drukpa Kagyu Tongmonling Monastery.

Tibetans, staying close by, stood by the roadside to catch a glimpse of His Holiness as he passed.

From there he drove to Norling Park in the Dekyiling Tibetan Settlement, where he taught the first chapter of Nagarjuna's Precious Garland. His Holiness talked about the mind's contribution to happiness and how scientists are now tending to

His Holiness the Dalai Lama gives teachings at Norling Park, Dekyiling Tibetan Settlement, near Dehra Dun, India, September 14 2012.

Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

focus on the mind.

"Ancient Indian texts and traditions are a treasure trove of knowledge about the mind and its workings. Of all the Buddhist traditions in the world, Tibetan Buddhism seems to have the most thorough explanation of the mind, which makes it a good source." He stated that, "The important thing for us to know is how the mind works and how the emotions affect it; which ones disturb and which calm and assist the mind."

showing interest in the mind, in tackling the emotions.

In this connection their interest in what Buddhism has to say is growing. Buddhism describes different levels of mind, the sensory consciousnesses which depend on the brain, but also a more subtle level of mental consciousness.

Buddhism does not talk about a soul, but acknowledges the existence of a self that is designated on the continuity of the mind. His Holiness mentioned evidence of the existence of the subtlest levels of mind when accomplished meditators enter a subtle state of meditation after physical death has taken place, during which their bodies remain fresh.

He said that scientific investigation of this phenomenon has begun, but investigators are hampered by not knowing when or where the next case may take place for them to examine. He laughed saying, "We can't very well ask someone to die just so we can test what happens afterwards. And then what would we do if they did die but didn't manage to enter the subtle meditation state?"

His Holiness's advised, " We need to be 21st century Buddhists. Buddhist practice is to use our intelligence to the maximum to transform our emotions. For this knowledge is very important. Western scholars often suggest that Buddhism is not so much a religion, but more a science of mind. The concept of emptiness of intrinsic existence is also important. When we investigate reality, we cannot find something independently, intrinsically existent. Ignorance, our misconception about reality, is the basis of our destructive emotions. The counter force is reason, taking a scientific approach to correcting our view."

One of the Vietnamese group asked about current tensions between Vietnam and China over the Paracel and Spratly Islands off both their coasts. He wanted to know if Vietnamese anger and indignation would be effective in resolving the dispute and suggested that many people would like to invite His Holiness to come and establish a monastery or temple on one of the islands. His Holiness replied that anger would not help, anger would not affect the Chinese mind. It would be far better to try to influence them by friendly means, which is not to say that this can't be done from a position of toughness. He acknowledged that in 1979 when China sought to teach Vietnam a lesson they were faced by a tough, battle hardened Vietnamese army. He concluded, Turning to the Precious Garland, His Holiness explained that when he teaches in Dharamsala and elsewhere, he chooses texts found in the Tengyur,(the translated works of mostly Indian masters who came after the Buddha) as it is important to go back to the original sources.

After the teaching he went to lunch with Drikung Chetsang Rinpoche at the Songtsen Library. His Holiness then proceeded to the nearby Drikung Shedra or college. He appreciated all the monks and nuns for coming to "this place of study" and gave a brief talk.

From Drikung Shedra, he went to Ngoenga School for Children with Special Needs. The students of the school were already gathered in the temple with teachers, care givers and house parents. His Holiness took a seat, while the Principal presented his report. He was happy with the new ways the children were being looked after and inquired if there could be more technological developments.

He especially expressed his appreciation to the organization for taking in not only Tibetans, but also children from Ladakh and elsewhere.

His Holiness then walked among the children and acknowledged them as he left. He then drove to the Drikung Jangchub Ling Monastery, where he spent the night.

On the morning of September 15, he visited Tashi Khyil Monastery where he completed the Precious Garland teaching and give an Avalokiteshvara empowerment.

4

TIBET TPI NEWS China Arrests Famous Tibetan China Sentences Nine Monks to Two Actor-singer Sogtruk Sherab The Tibet Post International

30 September, 2012 Dharamshala

to Ten Years in Prison

By Thu Flower, The Tibet Post

Sogtruk Sherab in his nomad costume, with a wool tent made from yak hair, Amdho, north-eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI/ File

By YC. Dhardhowa, Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - To maintain its hardline policies toward Tibetans in Tibet, particularly the Tibetan intellectuals and spiritual leaders, the authorities of Chinese totalitarian regime detained a famous Tibetan actor-singer for his films and songs.

Sogtruk Sherab, a Tibetan actor-singer was detained Thursday morning around 7.30am (Tibet times), Sept. 20, 2012, in Sog county of Amdho Malho region, north-eastern Tibet on charges of allegedly acting and singing for a political purpose.

"Last couple of years,, Sherab sang many songs;...the meaning behind his songs explain about the situation in Tibet, including way of life in Tibet and the pride of being Tibetan," source said.

"Similar to his song, the importance of preserving the Tibetan culture, values of traditional lifestyle, language, and customs have been expressed by his acting careers," it said.

Sherab has acted in many films, including "Yesterday's Tales", a famous film directed and produced by Dodrak in 2008, "Hope Fortune Tellers". a short film on the 2011 direct election of Sikyong (Political Leader) and he played the main role of "The Mist", a film directed and produced by Banshul Sonam Bhumkyab, became very popular in Tibet.

However, in response security forces have further

tightened controls and increased arrests across Tibet. No further details about his arrest and whereabouts are available at the moment.

In early May this year, another famous singer of Tibet, Phulchung, who was hiding following reports that the armed Chinese authorities were after him for allegedly breaking national unity through his music was arrested. However, the sources to TPI News said that further whereabouts and the heath condition of the singer remains still unclear since his arrest.

"Tibetans and the Chinese authorities in Tibet have been engaging in a wave of protest and repression that erupted into violent crackdown in recent years, clearly amounts to another crime against humanity.

More than fifty Tibetans have separately set themselves on fire to protest against the regime," said Mr. Nyima T.J. a Tibetan political analyst.

"In desperation, the Chinese have been trying to prevent news of the sermons and activities of His Holiness the Dalai lama and exile Tibetans from reaching the Tibetans inside Tibet as well as Chinese in China. The websites including social media networks have been censored and blocked. Mobile, telephone services and other communication tools have been vigorously controlled," Mr. Nyima T.J. further added.

Tibetan Monk Shot Dead In Tibetan Capital Lhasa

Sonam Dorje. Photo: File

By The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: - On September 6, 2012, a Tibetan monk was shot dead by Chinese security guard in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, said sources from inside Tibet.

Sonam Dorjee, a 40 year old Buddhist monk from Gaden Monastery died in a hospital in the Lhasa city, central Tibet after a Chinese security guard accidentally open fire at arround 4pm,(Tibet time), on September 2012," the sources said.

The Chinese authirities described the incident as an "accidental shooting," but, Dorjee died in the hospital, after injuring his heart, later his family called by authorities to cover up the death body, the reports said.

Sources stated that some officials from the monastery urged to authorities to hand over the monk's body, however the authorities did not listern them and handed over his body to family members in Maldro Gungkar county a day after the shooting incident.

Sonam Dorjee originally came from Bang-nga town of Gungkar county, Maldro Gungkar, Central Tibet.

Jampa, his Father and Kalsang, is mother,

both aged 77.

Chinese authorities have given compensation to the family of a Buddhist monk. The authorities strongly warned his family members not to tell others, he has being shot by security guard, but he had died of suffering illness.

However, there is still no clear indication of how this shooting incident was happened in the capital Lhasa, a place which knowns as one of the most sensitive areas in Tibet.

Chinese shooting at Tibetans in Tibet is not a new case. The incident-- made international headlines when security forces open fire on fleeing Tibetan refugees in 2006, Kelsang Namtso, a 17 years old Buddhist nun was shot dead just before the Nangpa La Pass, border of Tibet and Nepal.

"There have been several incidents in the Hiamalayan nation like 2006, villages to cities, and counties to provinces, even Tibet's borders to India and Nepal, the true concerning situiation in Tibet has been hidden, because the Chinese authorities have thoroughly blocked all means of communication about it," said Nyima T.J, a Tibetan political analyst based in India.

Dharamshala: On February 17, 2012, a monk named Damchoe Sangpo of Bongthak Monastery self-immolated in Sanga Village of Amdho Region in Eastern Tibet. As a response to the incident, Chinese police and army came to Bongthak Monastery and arrested numerous monks who may be related to Sangpo.

Although there are no sufficient basis for the arrest, polices claimed that all the monks had "contacts" outside Tibet since all of them had studied at Lhasa and had "outside exposure".

Roughly one month after the arrest, several monks were release at different time; however nine monks were given prison sentences.

The followings are the names of the monks with their corresponding sentences: Damchoe Tsultrim - 2 years and 6 months,Khedup Gyatso - 10 years, Sangay Gyatso - 9 years, Konchok Gyatso - 1 year and 9 months, Kalsang Shangsem - 8 years, Kalsang Dakpa - 1 year, Sherap Gyatso - 1 year and 6 months, Jamyang Weoser - 3 years, and Dargye Gyatso - 2 years.

In addition, a lay-person named Damchoe was sentenced to two years at the same time.

Soon after Sangpo self-immolated, monks who were not yet 18 were sent back to their homes by the Chinese Government. The rest of the older monks were detained at the monastery for three months, and afterwards, they were sent back to their homes for a "holiday" for a period of 15 days.

When they came back, a "patriotic re-education"

Chinese Police Sentenced Nine Monks to Prison.

campaign was conducted for them by the Chinese authorities.

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

entering or leaving. Security restrictions were tightened and phone lines were cut.

While the monks were sent home, police shut down the monastery and prohibited anyone from entering.Usually there are daily chants and prayer meetings in the monastery, butit is nowoccupied only by the cleaning staff, workers, as well as the Chinese authorities.

Recovering Tibetan Buddhist Monk Faces Uncertain future

By Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy

Dharamshala: - Less than a year after his selfimmolation protest, Tibetan monk Dawa Tsering is now making good recovery from his burn injuries, but his future remains uncertain, a source with contacts in Tibet told TCHRD Monday, September 17, 2012.

"Dawa Tsering has got his life back and his health condition is quite well," the source says. "And he longs to return back to his monastery."

"But his future remains unknown and uncertain because he might not be allowed to return back to his monastery. Instead, he could be jailed at any time," the source adds.

Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy (CHRD) has received two recent pictures of Dawa Tsering and his father at their home as he recovers from injuries he sustained during his selfimmolation protest. The pictures show a gaunt Dawa Tsering with his chin and throat shriveled up and the area around his throat showing dark patches.

Dawa Tsering, aged 38 at the time, set himself ablaze on 25 October 2011 shouting slogans calling for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet, during a religious ceremony at Kardze Monastery in Kardze (Chinese: Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.

Dawa Tsering was a monk at Kardze Monastery for seven years before his self-immolation protest.

Dawa Tsering with his father at home. Photo: TCHRD

He now wants to return to the same monastery to continue his studies. His family, including his father, is taking care of him at their home in Kardze.

But the family is facing financial problems as they struggle to meet Dawa's medical expenses. There is no information as to whether the Chinese

authorities have offered any help in terms of free subsidized medical treatment.

"I heard that his Dawa's family is having financial problems, as they have to bear the medical expenses for Dawa at home," the same source said.

One Monk Sentenced In Eastern Tibet, Another Presumed Dead

By Thu Flower, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - Shonu, a monk as well as a staff member of Drakgo Monastery, Drakgo county, eastern Tibet whose whereabouts remained unknown since his arrest in February 2012, is in Mianyang Prison (Sichuan Province), according to Dharamshala based Tibetan Human Rights group.

According to Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy (TCRD), Shonu, 42, was sentenced in June 2012 to 18 months in prison for charges unknown at the moment.

In February 2012, security officers detained Shonu and four other staff members of Drakgo Monastery at an Internet café in Tridu (Chinese: Chengdu) city, capital of Sichuan Province. The whereabouts of the four monk officials: Tulku Lobsang Tenzin, a reincarnated lama; Geshe Tsewang Namgyal , a teacher and a staff; Thinlay, manager; and Tashi Topgyal aka Dralha, accountant, remain unknown to this day.

Shonu was born in 1969 in Garwa village in Drakgo County. In 1987, he joined Drepung Loseling Monastery in south India to study Buddhism. He

Tsering Gyaltsen. Photo: TCHRD

returned and began working at Drakgo Monastery.

He was arrested soon after the 23 January 2012 protests in Drango (Chinese: Luhuo/Chaggo).

The case of another ‘missing' monk, Tsering Gyaltsen of Drakgo Monastery, has taken a curious turn. In May 2012, less than four months after his arrest and subsequent ‘disappearance', Tsering Gyatsen's family and relatives held necessary rites and rituals to observe his ‘death' after sustained efforts to know about his whereabouts failed, the same source told TCHRD. Although he is presumed

dead by his family members, they have yet to receive his 'body'.

On 9 February 2012, Tsering Gyaltsen, 40, was severely beaten and detained by Public Security Bureau personnel. He was born in Norpa village in Drakgo County. At a young age, he became a monk at Drakgo Monastery.

An unspecified number of Tibetans had been detained or ‘disappeared' soon after the 23 and 24 January 2012 protests in Drakgo, Sertha (Chinese: Seda) and Ngaba County. The protests themselves were violently suppressed by security forces who fired upon unarmed Tibetan protesters in Drakgo, injuring over 36 and killing six known Tibetans.

On 22 March 2012, Xinhua, the Chinese governmentowned news agency reported the sentencing of seven Tibetans to 10 to 13 years imprisonment for their participation in the protest in Drakgo. On 26 April 2012, the Intermediate People's Court in Kardze (Chinese:Ganzi) Prefecture sentenced 16 Tibetans, including both monks and laymen, for their alleged involvement in the 23 January 2012 protest in Drakgo.

5 Delegates From Around the World Attend the Members of European Parliament Join Tibet's 'Flame of Truth' Relay Second Tibetans' Special Meeting 30 September, 2012 Dharamshala

TPI NEWS

The second Tibetan special meeting, held at upper TCV school, Dharamsala, northern India, on 25 September 2012.

Photo: TPI/Sangay

By YC. Dhardhowa, Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - September 25, 2012, over four hundred delegates from 26 countries, including top officials of the Central Tibetan Administration, gathered in Dharamshala to discuss the increasing tragic self-immolations in Tibet and how to seek a strong support in the worldwide community for solving the Tibet problem.

Fifty-one Tibetan national flags hung from the surrounding balcony in the auditorium of the TCV school as a mark respect for the self-immolators

led hundreds of Tibetan people were reported to have been killed by Chinese security forces.

In his opening speech, Mr Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, said: “The main reason for holding this Second Special General Meeting of the Tibetan People is how and in what ways the Tibetans living in exile should respond to the tragic situation in Tibet today.”

“Over the past sixty years, the Chinese government has continued to pursue a policy of assimilation

Over 400 delegates from 26 countries, including top officials of the Central Tibetan Administration, gather in Dharamshala to discuss the increasing number of self-immolations in Tibet, September 25 2012.

Photo: TPI/Y.C. Dhardhowa

while the four day long meeting is being held. This special meeting follows the first which was also held following the spring 2008 Tibet protests which

designed to obliterate the ethnic identity of the Tibetan people,” he said.

He said the Chinese government has pursued a

Basic Human Rights in Tibet Denied: French Mayor Anne-Sophie

INTERNATIONAL

policy of massive Chinese population transfer into Tibet and the systematic repression of Tibetan people’s political freedom and their language, religion and culture. “Because of it, the situation in Tibet became so severely unbearable that to our knowledge, 51 Tibetans have been driven to sacrifice even their lives by setting themselves on fire. Fortyone have died,” he added.

“A state of undeclared martial law continues to remain in force in Tibet, he said adding, “China has converted Tibet into a territory resembling a prison camp, denying permission for visits by independent journalists as well as by governmental and nongovernmental delegations seeking to investigate the real situation in the Tibetan areas.”

He said the tragedy of the situation, under which Tibetans suffer in immeasurable sorrow and misery today is also an opportunity for us to come together, consolidate our capabilities and respond to the challenge that confronts us.

In his opening remarks, the Tibetan political leader, Dr Lobsang Sangay spoke about the efforts made by the Kashag (excutive cabinet) to highlight the grim situation in Tibet and the tragic self-immolations

by Tibetans in the international community. He said statements and resolutions of support came from governments and parliaments of different countries such as Australia, Canada, Taiwan, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, South Africa, Poland, Switzerland and the US. The issue of Tibet was raised and resolution adopted in the US and EU parliaments, he added.

The Kashag has made every possible efforts to get the international community’s support to end the tragedy in Tibet, Dr Sangay said, expressing hope that the four-day meeting will come up with new and concrete action plan. He expressed hope the delegates will discuss ways to fulfil the aspirations of the self-immolators for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans.

The political leader also underlined the need for deliberations on how to garner support from Asian countries such as India and China by raising awareness on the significance and impact of Tibet, its stability and conservation of its environment on Asia.

Dr Sangay thanked governments and parliaments for expressing concern over the prevailing situation in Tibet by issuing statements and adopting resolutions. He also appealed to them to take concrete action to press the Chinese government to open up Tibet to fact-finding delegations and the international media to assess the real situation in the Tibetan areas.

He stated the Central Tibetan Administration is committed to the Middle-Way policy to resolve the issue of Tibet through dialogue with the Chinese government. Echoing similar position, Tibetan Parliament Speaker Penpa Tsering also said that there would no discussion during the special meeting on adopting new policies other than the Middle-Way policy.

Dividing the delegates into ten groups will come up with a final action plan on the final day of the meeting.

On Friday morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will attend a long life prayer service to be offered by the Kashag and Parliament on behalf of the Tibetan administration and its people.

“The fact that Tibetans after fifty plus years are still protesting and in the drastic form of self-immolation clearly indicates that they are protesting against the occupation of Tibet and repressive policies of the Chinese government,” Dr Sangay, told reporters during a press conference.

...... Continued from front page According to several reports of Human Rights and media watchdogs, Basic Human rights conditions in Tibet remain dismal. Under the Chinese occupation, the Tibetan people are denied most rights guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of human rights and fundamental freedoms including the rights to self-determination, freedom of speech, assembly, movement, expression and travel.

Bouchemaine, a small town along the Maine River in the district of Angers in France became yesterday (September 19, 2012) the 50th municipality to adopt a Tibetan village. Bouchemaine is also knowns a commune in the Maine-et-Loire department in western France.

The municipality had decided to adopt JhadoNamtso (Lake Namtso at north west of Lhasa) in Tibet, to symbolize its support for the Tibetan people and preservation of its unique tradition and culture.

A ceremony was held at the Boites a Culture, the public auditorium of the municipality in the presence of the Mayor of Bouchemaine Mrs Anne-Sophie HOCQUET DE LAJARTRE, the Deputy Mayor for Culture Ms Marie-Aimee MERCIER, two elected members of the town municipality, President of France Tibet, Ms Marcelle Roux, local Tibet activists Mrs Simone LE GALLE and members of a Ladakhi tour group along with 50 odd local people.

The Mayor spoke about the decision to support Tibetan people's fundamental human rights through this initiative of "adoption", as based on the universal values of democracy and human rights,

which the Tibetan people are being denied.

On behalf of CTA and the Tibetan people, the Secretary, Bureau du Tibet, Paris Mr Tsering Dhondup thanked the Mayor and members of the municipality as well as the people gathered there for the concern and gesture of support shown.

Mr Tsering informed the gathering of the current situation in Tibet, which described as "terrible and repressive" with 51 Tibetans having resorted to selfimmolation calling for freedom and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.

The Tibetan Secretary of Bureau du Tibet made it a point that Tibetan resistance has been completely peaceful and non-violent, which these selfimmolations have amply attested to: by not harming Chinese even at the cost of their own lives. A plaque symbolizing the "adoption" was also unveiled with the monks rendering a "auspicious prayer".

A massive wave of tragic self-immolations have swept the Himalayan region of Tibet, with more than 50 Tibetans including monks, nuns, students, a mother of two setting fire to themselves in response to China's hard-line and oppressive policies in the region, more than forty of them have died due to self-immolations. They demand more freedom and for return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to home.

"China's consistent use of excessive military force to stifle dissent has resulted in widespread human rights abuses including multiple cases of arbitrary arrests, political imprisonment, torture and execution," said Nyima T.J, a Tibetan political analyst based in India.

Swiss Government Expresses Concern Over Tibet Situation ...... Continued from front page Tibet to the Federal Government's notice.

MP Martin Naef from the Social-Democratic Party asked if the Swiss Federal Council shares the point of view that the human rights situation in Tibet has deteriorated once again and whether the Federal Council is willing to express its concern over the current human rights situation in Tibet at the 21st Session of the Human Rights Council taking place from September 10 - 28 in Geneva.

MP Maya Graf, Green Party, First Vice President of the Parliament, stated that the Society for Threatened People in their statement of 14 August 2012, expressed concern over the grave human rights situation in Tibet by appealing the international community to take the cry for help of the Tibetans serious and to urge China to review its Tibet policy.

Mrs Graf asked the Swiss Federal Council which efforts it made for the defence of human rights in Tibet.

Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter, in his response on 17 September, said: "You are expressing

The Tibet Post International

The Tibetan flame of truth relay reaches Brussels, Belgium. MEPs including Mr Thomas Mann participate.

17 September 2012. Photo: Tibet Net

By CTA Media: Tibet Net

Brussels: The Tibetan flame of truth torch relay led Ven. Thupten Wangchen, member of Tibetan Parliament, reached Brussels from London yesterday.

The president of Tibetan community and the executive members of Tibetan organisations in Belgium received the torch relay at Bassillique de Koekelberg, located outside the city of Brussels.

It then moved on to the reception programme organised by the local organising committee headed by the Office of Tibet, Brussels, at the Place du Luxembourg in front of European Parliament.

On its arrival at the Place du Luxembourg, the torch relay was received by MEP Mr Thomas Mann, the president of Tibet Intergroup in the European parliament, Mr Tunne Kelam MEP, Mr Ngodup Dorjee, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, members of local Tibet Support groups and local Tibetans.

In his introductory speech, Ven Thupten Wangchen spoke on the reasons behind organising the worldwide flame of truth campaign and the worsening situation inside Tibet. He called upon the European Union, the national governments of member states and the international community, to stand in solidarity with Tibet.

He expressed his gratitude to the members of European Parliament for their steadfast support for

Tibet over the years. He also thanked Mr Thomas Mann and Mr Tunne Kelam, office bearers of Tibet Intergroup MEPs, TSG members and Tibetans for their presence and show of support for the campaign.

Mr Thomas Mann welcomed the flame of truth relay to Brussels and reiterated his support for the cause of Tibet. He recounted the efforts being made by the members of European Parliament to raise Tibet's issue within EU and said that Tibet Intergroup would continue to work towards appointment of an EU special coordinator for Tibet.

During one and half hour long reception function, Mr Tunne Kelam, MEP, Mr Ngodup Dorjee, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Mr Vincent Metten, the executive director of ICT, Brussels, Mr Dennis Barbion President Tibetaans Vlaamse Vriendenkring, Belgium, Mr Thupten Phegyal, President of Tibetan community, also spoke on a wide range of issues surrounding the critical situation inside Tibet.

The reception function was attended by local Tibetans, Belgian friends of Tibet, and media persons in large numbers.

During the four-day flame of truth relay in Belgium from 17 - 20 September, the local organising committee will hold rallies, processions and signature campaigns in Brussels and Antwerpen.

Report filed by Office of Tibet, Brussels.

TYC Members Visit India’s Prime Minister on 12th Day of Hunger Strike

By Thu Flower, Tibet Post

Dharamshala,14 September, 2012. Despite the heavy rain that drenched every corner of Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) campsite, the Indefinite Hunger Strike continued at the infamous protest area of Jantar Mantar in Delhi, India.

Perhaps the highlight of the day was the meeting between TYC representatives and India's 13th Prime Minister, Mr. Manmohan Singh.

During the campaigns on the previous days, TYC members visited the United Nation and European Union offices stationed in Delhi and spoke with their representatives. Memorandums were forward to the officials on both days. Likewise, today they are destined for the India's Prime Minister Office, hoping to directly speak with the PM himself.

Upon reaching the Prime Minister building in Rashtrapati Bhavan, TYC's Joint Secretary, Tenzing Norsang and RTYC Sameyling's President, Tenzin Wangchuk were escorted by police officials to meet the Prime Minister. Thereafter they briefed Mr. Manmohan on the worsening conditions in Tibet and the increase of human rights violations by Chinese government. In addition, they handed him the memorandums which list the demands and petitions of TYC Indefinite Hunger Strike. They hope to appeal to the Indian government in standing for the Tibetan cause.

The late monsoon shower leaked through the tents of the TYC demonstrators, causing the staff to patch up the area to prevent their belongings from being ruin. One of the upside of the monsoon is a cooler temperature in the heated Delhi. The pouring rain

and the gloomy weather did not diminish the enthusiasm of the event today as many visited the hunger strikers.

One of the visitors, National Convener of the Core Group for Tibetan Cause, Dr. N.K. Trikha expressed his thoughts that the Tibetan cause is the cause of India as well as the entire humanity. He is a firm believer and even stated that he will stand by the cause as long he lives.

Another visitor is a patriot and former TYC executive, Lhakpa Tsering, who offered his moral support to the strikers. A few years ago Lhakpa committed partial self-immolation in protesting Chinese oppressive authority in Tibet.

With each passing day of the campaign, the hunger strikers are noticeably losing body weight and gradually becoming weaker. However, the supports and encouragements from the visitors make the pain bearable at this critical moment.

today your concerns. The Swiss Federal Council is also concerned about the situation in Tibetan regions in China, notably about the increasing numbers of persons who are self-immolating.

"Switzerland places its focus on the respect of fundamental freedoms in China, including the Tibet Autonomous Region. A set of problems is continuously being discussed with the Chinese authorities, notably through bilateral consultations on human rights of which the rights of minorities and the freedom of religion are thematic priorities.

The last round of this dialogue took place in March 2011 in Berne. The issue of human rights is being discussed during bilateral meetings on a ministerial level as well, so done during the political

consultations led by the State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs few weeks ago in July 2012.

"Moreover, Switzerland will address this human rights issue during the meeting of the Human Rights Council, which just started last week. Furthermore the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs will observe the situation very carefully through the Swiss Embassy in Beijing. In the last 12 months, exactly in September 2011 and June 2012 representatives of the Swiss Embassy in China visited regions in Tibet to have a better comprehension of the circumstances. The Federal Council is paying great attention to the ongoing developments," Mr Burkhalter said.

Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) Joint Secretary Tenzing Norsang on his way to India Prime Minister’s office.

Photo: TPI/TYC

6 TPI NEWS EXILE Tibetan PEN's Fourth Conference Tibetan Parliament Amends 'Kalon Tripa' Held in Dharamshala, India to 'Sikyong' (Political Leader) The Tibet Post International

30 September, 2012 Dharamshala

By YC. Dhardhowa, Tibet Post

The fourth conference of the Tibetan Writers Abroad PEN Center at the Norbulingka cultural institute near Dharamsala, northern India, 21 September 2012. Photo: TPI/Sangay

By Matthew Singh-Toor , Tibet Post

Dharamsala: The fourth conference of the Tibetan Writers Abroad PEN Center began on September 21 at the Norbulingka cultural institute near Dharamsala, northern India, the heart of Tibet in Exile. The opening session was attended by around 40 people, including chief guest Kirti Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin and other PEN Center members.

The Rinpoche lit butter lamps and the crowd observed a minute's silence for those who have died for the Tibetan cause, including those who have self-immolated in Tibet.

Buidha Kyab, external relations secretary of the PEN Center, gave a short talk on PEN, and general secretary Gangsi reported on the center's last three years of activity.

Lhamo Kyab, the center's president, explained that the conference would include the election of its fourth executive committee and discussion of the Tibet issue.

On the subject of self-immolation, he said it is enacted in the name of peacefully saving other Tibetans from harm, and that it places higher importance on others than on the self. He continued that self-immolations are carried out in protest against the People's Republic of China (PRC) and its policies, that many Tibetans dislike the Han Chinese because they comprise the majority of the military and the communist party, and because many Chinese officials regard Tibetans as simply being there for their own 'use'.

Mr Kyab added that many Han Chinese belittle Tibetans and rarely support their struggle.

In his speech, Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin said that Tibetan writers should be ambitious but also consider whether what they write is helpful to the community and society, just as journalists should, and that their discourses are powerful tools in influencing people's opinions which, unlike some other political activities, will remain powerful into the future.

The Rinpoche continued that the more than 51 Tibetan who have self-immolated since 2009, and the many Tibetan writers, singers and environmental activists who have died, have all taken responsibility for the Tibet cause, and that Tibetan writers have a duty to further that cause by explaining why people self-immolate.

Those people who criticise the act of self-immolation, he added, do not understand that the enactors have no choice - that it is the Chinese communist party that pushes them in that direction, and that if it continues to do so violence may result.

90% of Tibetans support His Holiness the Dalai Lama's middle-way approach, he said, but if the PRC does not engage with it, one day Tibetans may support independence instead.

The Rinpoche concluded that, in reality, under Chinese rule Tibetans do not own their own land, culture, traditions or even lives.

The conference will continue until September 23.

Indefinite Fast for Tibet Goes on Despite Police Termination Notice

TYC indefinite hunger strikers at Jantar Mantar in the Indian capital New Delhi 19 September 2012.

Photo: TPI/Tenzin Dolsel

By Tenzin Dolsel, The Tibet Post

New Delhi, September 19 - Despite the termination notice from the Delhi police yesterday, the Tibetan fast till death goes on in solidarity and support with the people inside Tibet.

Following a medical checkup by the Delhi police, the three Tibetan hunger strikers are noticed to terminate the indefinite hunger strike. However, the three Tibetans; Dhondup Lhador, vice president, Penpa Tsering, Organisational Secretary, and Jigme Sholpa, Cultural Secretary of the largest pro Tibetan independence organization TYC (Tibetan Youth Congress) are in high determination to die for Tibet by fasting until the UNO intervenes the ongoing critical situation inside Tibet.

"We are afraid that Indian police might terminate the fast at any time," Sonam Palzom, a TYC staff who is at the indefinite hunger strike in Delhi said.

"The health of the three hunger strikers is deteriorating day by day as they even don't drink

juice, only plain water," Sonam added.

According to medical checkup, the health of the vice president is in a more deteriorating than the other two.

The three Tibetans began their indefinite fast on September 3 and after 17 days, they are still determined to carry on. "This time, TYC will not end the fast until UNO intervenes the wave of selfimmolations inside Tibet," a Tibetan at the fast venue said.

This is the second time in a year that TYC is holding the indefinite hunger strike seeking UNO's help to address the grievances of Tibetans inside Tibet.

The hunger strike in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York ended last March on the 30th day of their fast, after the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights promised to take up their demands about assigning special rapporteurs to look into the ongoing crisis inside

Dharamshala: - The 15th Tibetan Parliament-inExile Thursday, September 20, 2012 amended the title of Kalon Tripa to Sikyong (Political Leader) in Article 19 of the Charter of the Tibetans in exile and relevant articles.

However, after this amendment, title Kalon (minister) for the remaining members of the Kashag (cabinet) will continue to remain the same.

The landmark charter amendment motion, tabled in the floor of the House was unanimously approved after deliberations by members of the Parliament.

The charter amendment bill number 39 was introduced by Kalon (minister) of security Dhongchung Ngodup on the seventh day of the fourth session of the 15th Tibetan parliament-inexile.

The name change has been effected following His Holiness the Dalai Lama's speech on August 8, 2011.

Following the devolution of his political authority to the democratically-elected Tibetan leadership, the Tibetan spiritual leasder had said that he was handing over the political leadership he inherited from Taktra Rinpoche to Lobsang Sangay, the first democratically-elected Sikyong.

Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the elected leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, delivers a speech at the launch of Tibet Policy Institute at Kashag Secretariat, Dharamshala, India, 15 February 2012. Photo: TPI

"I took over the political leadership of Tibet from Sikyong Taktra Rinpoche, when I was 16 years old.

Today, in the 21st century, when democracy is

thriving, I hand over the political leadership of Tibet to Sikyong Lobsang Sangay," the Tibetan leader had said.

Keep Up Campaign for Tibet to Educate Indian public: Sondhi

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - Friday, September 21, 2012, addressing over 200 staff members and secretaries of the Central Tibetan Administration, and MPs, Madhuri Santanam Sondhi, director of the M. L. Sondhi Institute for Asia Pacific Affairs gave an insightful speech regarding India, China and Tibet: Realities and Opportunities.

Drawing upon a wealth of experience and knowledge of the relationship and history of Tibet, India and China, MadhuriSantanamSondhi, who is director of the M. L. Sondhi Institute for Asia Pacific Affairs, spoke at the CTA in Dharamshala encouragingly and with great insight.

"It is my great joy to be with you during this 4th Session of your 15th Parliament - Professor Sondhi and I have watched with great interest the evolution of your democracy in exile", she stated; referring to her late husband who was also heavily involved in the relationship between Tibetan democracy in exile, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and India.

Highlighting the path to democracy in exile, Sondhi highlighted: "Much has been written by historians and political scientists about why Nehru and the Government of India took the ambiguous stands they did - remaining passive bystanders when the PLA entered Tibet in 1950, urging HH to return to Tibet in 1956, then welcoming him and the Tibetan ĂŠmigrĂŠs in 1959".

Colourfully, she added: "However as my husband was fond of telling His Holiness - it is not for nothing that India has chosen the elephant as her national animal. This huge beast is difficult to get moving - it resists at first -digs in its feet with various parts ears, tail, trunk - moving and flapping in different directions:- but once the mahout succeeds in goading it - it runs fast and direct in the direction you want. So with India one has to have faith, perseverance and patience".

She then drew upon the India, China Tibet triangle's present situation: "Firstly we all know that at present most of the world is engaged with China - the economic rewards are too enticing, what with the globalisation of industry and finance. This includes India despite our very serious strategic problems with China". However she then highlighted the growing instability in the region, highlighting how experts question if China constitutes as a stable government.

She urged for Tibetans and their supporters to keep up a campaign to educate the Indian public and officialdom on the importance of the Tibetan plateau to India-"strategically, ecologically, ideologically and culturally".

"The MLSIAPA [ML Sondhi Institute for AsiaPacific Affairs] in collaboration with the TPPRC [Tibetan Parliamentary and Policy Research Centre] organised a roundtable in Delhi last month to elicit suggestions as to what possible policy options exist

Madhuri Santanam Sondhi, director of the M. L. Sondhi Institute for Asia Pacific Affairs, addressing Tibetan officials at the CTA staff mess in Dharamshala, India, 21 September 2012. Photo: TPI

for both Indians and Tibetans, at the official and unofficial levels, to address the current situation".

The approach highlighted encouragingly measures that could be taken to address the situation in Tibet: drawing upon history between the regions, and practical implementations. Many points involved greater dialogue with China, an increased interest

by Indian delegations in Tibet, as well as solutions

in exile for Tibetans and their future options.

The speech was co-hosted by Karma Choephel: Tibetan parliamentary and research centre member in Dharamshala. MadhuriSantanamSondhi is Director of the M. L. Sondhi Institute for Asia Pacific Affairs. Sondhi is a former Senior Fellow of the Indian Council of Philosophical Research, a columnist for the Asian Age, and Editor of Shakti.

EU Expresses Concern About Tibet Situation to UNHRC

European Parliament. Photo: File

Tibet.

"UNO's promise in March to do something for Tibet has proved nothing but a lip service," a Tibetan activist said, signaling that Tibetans might hold a mass indefinite hunger strike sooner than later.

"Tibetans inside Tibet are setting themselves aflame, and its high time for us (Tibetans in exile) to organize indefinite mass hunger strikers in order to get international help and attention," the activist said.

By The Tibet Bureau Geneva

Geneva: The European Union expressed its concern about the situation in Tibet at the ongoing 21st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Under General debate, the governments and NGOs discussed human rights situations that requires the Council's attention.

Cyprus, speaking on behalf the EU, said: "EU remains seriously concerned about ongoing

reports of human rights violations in China, particularly with regard to freedom of expression and freedom of religion and belief, and the situation of minorities, including in Tibet and Xinjiang. The EU continues to discuss these concerns with the Chinese leadership at multiple levels and through various channels."

...... Continues On page 7

TPI NEWS

30 September, 2012 Dharamshala

Top Indian Politician Tells Tibetans, “We Are at Your Beck and Call"

Mr Yashwant Sinha (centre) addressing senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala, 15 September 2012. Photo: TPI

By Y.C. Dhardhowa, Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - On September 16, 2012, Mr Yashwant Sinha, Member of Indian Parliament and former union minister for finance and external affairs, said that people of Tibet are dealing with the Chinese government, a regime which lacks humanism and believes only in authoritarianism and repression, during his first day of 3-day visit to the Tibetan community in Dharamsala to express solidarity with Tibetans in view of the prevailing current critical situation in Tibet. The senior BJP leader, also met with representatives of six Tibetan NGOs on the same day.

Addressing the official crowds gathered at the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala, the heart of Tibetan people in exile on Saturday, Mr Sinha said he has come to Dharamsala to share the pain and the hope that Tibetans have. He suppressed his sentiment with heary wishes said "keep-up the struggle."

"I am here to give whatever little strength to that hope and your cause," said Mr Sinha, who is the convener of the All Party Parliamentarian Forum on Tibet in the Indian Parliament. Mr Sinha told the crowd that he just had "a private conversation with the honorable prime minister," Dr Lobsang Sangay.

"The manner in which the Tibetan people in and outside Tibet have continued their struggle for so many decades is a tribute to that indomitable spirit of courage, faith and determination, which cannot be put out by any power on earth. There is no power on earth to put out that flame which is burning in all your hearts," he said.

"It is the responsibility of the friends like me of the Tibetan cause to co-operate with you, to join, and to share the struggle that you have waged. I have come here on behalf of my Party and All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet, to tell you that the government of India's policy may be different, dictated by geopolitical considerations, but the parliamentarians and people of India are being guided by only one feeling, the feeling of brotherhood for the people of Tibet," he said.

"We have perhaps failed in the sense that the kind of support which should have demonstrably come has often been wanting. Therefore, there is a need for all of us to strongly project in India and the people in rest of the world what exactly is happening to the people in Tibet," Mr Sinha said.

"Because of, with all the censorship and blackout that the regime imposes, much of that news doesn't come-out. It has been strongly projected, in India and rest of the world, what exactly is happening inside Tibet," the member of the Lok Sabha told the gathering.

"And anyone who hears or look-side the tragedy of Tibet, will no doubt of my mind become a strong supporter of Tibetan cause, so we need to continue to work in that direction," he added.

"The Tibetans are dealing with the Chinese government, a regime which lack of humanism and believes only in authoritarianism and repression.

We need to marshal international public opinion as much as we can, which is being very ably done

by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Kalon Tripa, in future with greater determination," he said.

"I have come here to tell you on behalf of all friends in Indian parliament, that we are solidly with you; that solidly with the cause of Tibet and the Tibetan people. We are willing and ready to co-operate with you in all your endeavours. At any point of time you feel if anyone of us can contribute, please do not feel hesitate, we are at your "beck and call," he added.

Expressing his deep appreciation for the unwavering support of Mr Yashwant Sinha to the non-violent Tibetan struggle, Kalon Tripa said his support is very crucial as Tibet is passing through an extremely difficult time. He said Tibet's Buddhist civilisation and democracy are products of India, adding that the Tibetan struggle is part

of Indian struggle and its success will also be because of India.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, Mr Sinha said he had detailed discussions on the current tragic situation in Tibet with senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration, members of Tibetan NGOs and Tibet support groups in Dharamsala. He said a new strategy would soon come out of these discussions to deal the critical situation in Tibet.

During his three-day visit from 15-17 September, Mr Yashwant Sinha met senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration, including members of the Kashag and the Parliament. He also met members of the Tibetan NGOs. The Tibetan Parliament hosted a dinner reception in honour of his visit to Dharamsala.

Representatives of six Tibetan NGOs based in Dharamshala met with Shri Yashwant Sinha and urged him to write to the Indian Foreign Minister to address Tibet's issue at various International fora including the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting. He signed a pledge to stand up for Tibet and called for Global Diplomatic Intervention to resolve the current crisis in Tibet.

He stated the visit was long overdue and expressed his appreciation to the courage of

INTERNATIONAL

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Tibet's Spiritual Leader to Visit US for Peace And Spiritual Events that day with fondness.

He will participate in The 'Forum for Peace' at the Goldstein Auditorium, Syracuse University on October 8, 2012. On the next day, His Holiness on give a public talk on 'Resolving Conflict in One World Community Through Global Consciousness' at the Carrier Dome, Syracuse University.

"The event, which is being produced and sponsored by the One World Community Foundation, will bring together international thought leaders, the SU campus and the greater Syracuse community in critical conversations about how to shift global consciousness toward matters of peace," said the organisers.

By YC. Dhardhowa, Tibet Post

Dharamshala -The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will visit Medford, a city in Jackson County, Oregon, United States, on Oct. 16. A Center called Kurukulla held a meeting on Thursday, September 20 to answer questions by residents and neighbors.

According to media reports, His Holiness will visit United States of America from Sept. 8 to Oct. 16, to participate in various peace and spiritual envents in the country.

The organisers stated that on Sept. 20 at the Kurukulla Center, 68 Magoun Ave, Medford neighbors and friends were attended a community meeting hosted for Tibetan Buddhist Studies, to find out more about the visit of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to the county.

The community meeting was an opportunity to hear about the plans for the day, to ask questions, express concerns and offer suggestions.

The event organizers and community leaders were attendees, including Mayor McGlynn, Rep. Paul Donato, Medford Police Department and members of the Medford clergy and event coordinator Sean GonzĂĄlez.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is one of the world's foremost religious and moral leaders, sharing a message of peace, tolerance and universal responsibility.

In exile from His homeland of Tibet since 1959, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. He views himself as a simple Buddhist monk and travels around world giving private & public talks on a wide range of topics.

The Nobel Peace laureate visited Kurukulla Center in 2003 and many neighbors and others remember

On October 10, His Holiness will give a public talk on 'Human Compassion' in the afternoon at the Kaplan Arena, The College of William & Mary.

Before heading to the US tours of Spiritual and peace events, His Holiness will give four days of teachings from October 1 to 4, on 'Atisha's Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment' at the request of a group of Taiwanese at the Main Tibetan Temple.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, smiles in greeting to thousands of followers and supporters during the 52nd Tibetan Democracy Day in Dharamshala, India, 2 September 2012. Photo: TPI

His Holiness' Representative Meets Former Zambian President

Tibetans inside Tibet and the hard-work Tibetansin-Exile put in to amplify their voices. He also assured to raise the issue of Tibet in the next Indian parliamentary session.

During the meeting he highlighted the urgency for more concerted international actions on the issue of Tibet and the need of keeping the public opinion better informed on Tibet. Moreover, he emphasized the significance of sensitizing the Indian policy makers, the members of Indian parliament which therefore would help put more pressure on the Indian Government to take a more proactive stance on Tibet.

EU Tells UNHRC Its Concern About Current Tragic Situation in Tibet ...... Continues from page 6 The Czech Republic expressed its "deep concern about the deteriorating of situation in Tibetaninhabited areas where increasing restrictions on religious freedom have led to a series of selfimmolation cases. A number of Tibetan intellectuals and cultural figures have been recently imprisoned for exercising their right to freedom of expression, such as Mr Yonten Gyatso, who was reportedly sentenced over sending information to the Human Rights Council."

Swedish diplomat "called on China to ensure that the rights of persons belonging to minorities including in Tibet and Xinjiang are fully respected."

US ambassador said that "China silences dissent through arrests, convictions, forced disappearances, and extralegal detentions; has tightened controls on the Internet; persecutes human rights lawyers; intimidates activists' families; impedes civil society; harasses journalists; and limits religious freedom.

Government policies undermine the linguistic, religious, cultural, and livelihood traditions of its minorities."

Switzerland expressed regret over continual tensions in areas of national minorities. The Swiss called upon China to ensure that fundamental rights are respected in implementation of this new law on criminal procedure.

German delegate supported the EU statement and expressed its concerns on ongoing reports of human rights violations in China.

Speaking on behalf of Society for Threatened Peoples during the debate, Mr Tenzin Samphel KAYTA expressed grave concerned at the deplorable human rights situation in China particularly in Tibetan populated regions and Xinjiang.

He said that it is heartbreaking and alarming to witness increasing number of Tibetan selfimmolations in China. 51 Tibetans have selfimmolated since February 2009 in protest against injustices and to draw international attention to their tragic plight. They have called for "freedom in Tibet" and "return of their spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama".

The Tibet Post International

41 self-immolators have died from their injuries and 5 of them were either shot at or beaten by the Chinese security forces. 38 self-immolations happened in the last eight months alone. The Chinese officials' response toward Tibetan protestors has been repressive and brutal.

He said "the Chinese officials have been targeting Tibetan monasteries. In August five young monks were detained during night raids at Gyalrong Tsodun Monastery in Barkham (Chinese: Ma'erkang) County in Ngaba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province and whereabouts remain unknown.

He further said nearly 64 known cases of Tibetan intellectuals - writers, artists, bloggers, human rights defenders, environmentalist who were arrested; detained; sentenced; released for feared of custodial death due to torture; teachers fired from job and demoted for expressing their views through songs and write up relating to the China's policies on education, protests, promotion and protection of Tibetan culture, language and religion.

He drew the Council's attention on the recent 3 years court sentence handed down to a teenage Tibetan girl Jigme Dolma by the Kardze Intermediate People's Court in Sichuan Province for her protest.

He said China must uphold its international obligation by protecting human rights of all citizens including Tibetans, Uyghurs and Mongolians of their religious freedom or belief, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, right to enjoy their own culture and use of their own language.

Mr Kayta urged China to fully cooperate with UN mechanisms and schedule an early date of visit by the Special Rapporteur on Religious Freedom or Belief as invited by China in 2004.

Two written statements on Tibetan children's right to education and denial of freedom of opinion, expression and information were submitted by two NGOs to this Council.

The current HRC session ends on 28 September.

The next session will be convened in between February and March 2013.

Representative Migyur Dorjee during his meeting with Dr Kenneth Kaunda in Durban, 18 September 2012.

Photo: tibet.net

By CTA Media: Tibet Net

Durban: - His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Representative in South Africa met Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, former President of the Republic of Zambia, who was awarded with this year's Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Reconciliation and Peace for his contribution towards freedom of Zambia and promotion of peace in Africa.

Representative Migyur Dorjee attended the award ceremony in Durban on 18 September on the invitation from the Gandhi Development Trust.

Following the ceremony, Mrs Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi and founder of Gandhi Development Trust, arranged a meeting between Representative Migyur Dorjee and Dr Kaunda.

During his half an hour meeting with Dr Kaunda, Mr Migyur congratulated him on behalf of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the People of Tibet on his

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receiving the prestigious award. Mr Migyur told him about Tibetan people's firm commitment to nonviolence to resolve the issue of Tibet through the middle way policy.

Representative Migyur briefed him about the democratic transition of the Tibetan polity following His Holiness Dalai Lama's devolution of political authority the democratically-elected political leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration, and the tragic self-immolations in Tibet.

Though a friend of China, Dr Kaunda, however was sympathetic to the current tragic situation in Tibet.

While in Durban, Mr Migyur Dorjee handed over the flame of truth torch relay to Tibet Society in the city on 17 September. Addressing the gathering, which includes members of the Tibet Society of South Africa, he spoke on the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet in light of tragic self-immolations in Tibet.

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

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

Contributors for this Editon Keary Huang Mathew Singh Toor Amanda Peters Mark Kernan Samuel Ivor Thu Flower Ruta Vilkaite YC. Dhardhowa Sangay Dorjee Pema Tso

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

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8

TPI NEWS His Holiness Teaches Students About Non-violence and Ethical Values The Tibet Post International

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking on non-violence and ethics at Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, India, 12 September 2012. Photo: OHHD

By Ruta Vilkaite, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala:- The day of 12 September has been very busy to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet. In the morning he gave an interview to correspondent of BBC News on prospective Chinese leadership changes in regards to Tibet's situation. He mentioned that it is still too early to make any judgment but if new leaders would take a realistic view, dim situation of Tibet should change.

His Holiness also told the reporter that people of the world who seeks truth should be concerned about Tibet as "respect for truth is in our blood.

Many countries have expressed their support for Tibetans, even when it was politically sensitive to do so. At present the Tibetan struggle is between the power of truth and the power of the gun. In the

short term the gun seems more powerful, but in the long run truth is more important and more effective."

Following the interview, His Holiness met with the editors of three Urdu language newspapers. They discussed the areas of human values and the ways to reach happiness and peace in lives. He also encouraged people to "foster inter-religious harmony".

After lunch, Buddhist leader was invited to give a talk on the Importance of Non-Violence and Ethical Values at the Jamia Millia Islamia University. After greeting the audience as brothers and sisters, he reminded everyone that we are all human beings with the same needs, wants and passions regardless of the wealth of the family we were born in. "Similarly we all want happiness and avoid trouble, and what's

TIBET

more, we all have a right to be happy", stated His Holiness at the meeting.

All problems apart from natural disasters are manmade. However, none of us want suffering and therefore, people need to look for the ways to deal with their daily problems. The speaker said that those who grew up in loving atmosphere tend to have greater sense of security and therefore solve problems easier.

"To be contented human beings we need trust and friendship, which tends to develop much better once we realise that all beings have a right to happiness, just as we do. Taking others' interests into account not only helps them, it also helps us. Warmheartedness and concern for others are a part of human nature and are at the core of positive human values."

Speaking further on non-violence theme, His Holiness emphasized that genuine non-violence is not the mere absence of violence. The difference depends less on actions but more on motivations and attitudes that influence our actions. As an example, he referred on 20th century as a century of the bloodshed, however to learn from the past mistakes "we need to make this a century of dialogue".

Later, the audience was given opportunity to ask questions. Among those, His Holiness was asked about appropriateness of non-violence concept for the future generations. To this, he said that "nonviolence doesn't mean we have to passively accept injustice. We have to fight for our rights. We have to oppose injustice, because not to do so would be a form of violence. Gandhi-ji fervently promoted non-violence, but that didn't mean he was complacently accepting of the status quo; he resisted, but he did so without doing harm."

To the question about Dalai Lama's permanent calmness and happiness, he gave the secret that everyone is able to solve their problems in this way, however, one has to recognise it and put it in practice.

"At 16 years old I lost my freedom, at 24 I lost my country, so over the last 60 years my life has been difficult. However, the challenges I faced have given me the opportunity to become stronger", looking back at his life stated the Dalai Lama.

Concluding the session, he said that "determination, will-power and a sense of self confidence based on a clear understanding of reality are essential"

30 September, 2012 Dharamshala

US Calls On China to Hold Substantive Dialogue On Tibet

Envoys Lodi Gyari and Kelsang Gyaltsen during their meeting with the Vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Du Qinglin, January 2010. (Photo: DIIR)

By YC. Dhardhowa, Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - The US government calls on China to hold substantive dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama or his representatives on the long-standing problems facing by the people of Tibet.

"We continue to encourage both sides to engage in a substantive discussion that will work to achieve concrete results," said US government annual ‘Report on Tibet Negotiations' released Wednesday, September 12, 2012.

In its annual ‘Report on Tibet Negotiations,' US government said: "In 2011, Chinese authorities continued to place the Tibet Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas under increasingly intense and formalized systems of controls, many of which

.... Public Celebration Held in Dharamshala to Mark Middle Way Day ...... Continued from front page The middle-way movement presented an award to the Tibetan family who in March attempted to peacefully march from Dharamshala to Tibet. The mother of the family, Dhonpo Kyi, accepted the award.

Her son, Tseten Dorje, remains in prison in Nepal.

Lobsang Choejor, assistant director of the movement, gave a presentation on its evolution and achievements. He said the movement is opposed to those people who justify critcism of His Holiness the Dalai Lama by citing their right to do so in a democracy, but who are unprepared to listen to other points of view which are also expressed as a democratic right.

Thupten Lungrig said that the last Kashag (cabinet) of the CTA decided not to attend events held by NGOs, in order to remain impartial to differing political views. However, he said, he was attending the middleway movement's event because it reflected the beliefs of the Tibetan people and the resolutions of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile.

Mr Lungrig said the middle-way policy is best because it connects the Tibet issue with the rest of Asia and the world. "The middle-way policy was devised by His Holiness The Dalai lama, and stands to benefit Tibet, China and the rest of the world," he said. "It is very important [for the policy] to have the respect and support of governments, NGOs and groups, as well as the general public, as it was approved by the majority of Tibetan MPs and has the high-level support of the Tibetan people.

"There has been chaos, [with the community] saying the middle-way policy has produced no results. We must think carefully before we decide whether seeking independence, or taking some other approach, will produce fruitful results. Otherwise...a day of regret may arise if we make a decision without being properly informed, or just follow the seductive words of some people."

Mr Lungrig criticised those Tibetans who write and post articles in newspapers and on websites under pseudonyms, saying, "Some people are afraid to show their faces, because there is no truth [to their words]. They cannot bravely and proudly...express [themselves], so they post this misleading information under false names." He did not, however, name any newspapers or websites.

"If there is truth [in these articles, the authors] must come out with their real names," he continued. "We can talk face to face, [and they can] tell us what is wrong with middle-way approach, [and explain] how His Holiness the Dalai Lama has 'withdrawn' the government. Hiding and using false names, saying things like His Holiness has 'withdrawn' the government - these are the activities of the Chinese, not Tibetans."

Mr Lungrig also strongly urged the Tibetan media

and website onwers to carefully and thoroughly investigate content that may harm the Tibetan community. "If newspapers and websites distribute all the information they receive," he said, "this may create controversy or conflict within our community.

Reporters and newspapers do not want controversy, but may benefit those who do. Many our young people follow the content [of newspapers and websites] without thorough research. This harms our society and its stability."

Mr Lungrig concluded by urging Tibetan journalists to be careful in their reporting, saying they must also think of themselves as refugees, and so have more responsibility than other international media.

"Reporters have and need freedom. However, who are Tibetan reporters? They are refugees who have escaped from Chinese oppression. Therefore, I would ask them, don't we have more responsibility than rest of the world's media? Of course, hiding information cannot help. It is the responsiblity of reporters to let the general public know about the government, and to let the government know about the general public."

Numerous MPs had raised the same issues as Mr Lungrig at the first day of fourth session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. However, none of them have so far pinpointed which websites or newspapers, or which reporters, have issued misleading infornation.

Speaking after Mr Lungrig, home minister Dolma Gyari said that historically Tibet and China were separate nations but that nowadays "our country is under Chinese occupation".

"In these times," Ms Dolma continued, "living under His Holiness' blessing [in India], we have an administration - whatever vocabulary we decide to use to describe it - which includes the historical Kashag (cabinet) and parliament. So should we or should we not accept whatever policies are decided upon by the government, which democratically represents the Tibetan people, at this critical time?"

"Democratic society should accommodate different viewpoints but, if the Tibetan administration goes one way and we go another way...what is the benefit, and to whom?

"We can discuss whether our current policies need changes," said Ms Dolma, "but...it seems that some actions appear like those of an opposition party which wants to destroy the authority of our current addministration, and we we must carefully consider, who stands to benefit from that?"

The home minister also urged Tibetans to think carefully about the Tibet struggle, and to consider themselves not only as refugees but as representatives of Tibetans inside Tibet who do not have freedom of speech, human rights and religious

freedom.

Ms Penpa concluded the speeches by citing Jawaharla Nehru's assertion to His Holiness the Dalai Lama that, if Tibetans were ever to struggle for independence, the Indian government could not support them.

"Those who wish to struggle for independence have the right to do so," Mr Tsering said, "but they should consider that they should not damage our unity. If we become divided in our struggle now that His Holiness has devolved his political power - as we can learn from the lessons of China and Burma here then the hard work of the last 60 years could be undone in the next five to ten years, and it will be hard to maintain the Tibetan cause on an international platform.

"When His Holiness held political power, some people said there was not a complete democratic system. But after His Holiness devolved political power to an elected leadership, they said he had left them stranded. So the criticism is piled on whether he's 'standing' or 'sitting'.

"We must carefully research and analyse His Holiness' views and thoughts," Mr Tsering continued, "even if they don't appear immediately relevant to us. We should think, there might be great meaning behind his thoughts, and try to build our belief and trust."

Mr Penpa added that some people in the Tibetan community follow behind such persons [who criticise His Holiness] without using their own intelligence.

"Many problems arise from failing to examine the details. If one concludes that one person's words seem good, or another's seem better, without knowing the full facts, one can easily be led to believe what anyone says, and have one's own opinion buffeted around as if in a storm.

During Dhomay's afternoon session, which was held at the Tibetan Day School in McLeodganj and attended by over 200 people, the two invited speakers, Penpa Tsering and Pema Jungney MP (former speaker of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile), expounded on His Holiness' recent speeches in Ladakh and Italy, in which he expressed his disappointment at the Tibetan Youth Congress' and certain individuals' claim that he had 'withdrawn' the Tibetan government.

Pema Jungney emphasised his Holiness' statement that all Tibetan people should know that, between the ages of 16 and 76, he has worked very hard for them, that his critics should check their facts and if, upon doing so, they maintain their criticisms, he wants nothing to do with them.

Mr Jungney added that, in his view, it would be very difficult to find a Tibetan who had not received

the Kalachakra initiation from His Holiness. Upon receipt of the initiation, Buddhists are required to trust and follow His Holiness's guidance. Mr Pema continued that, since the age of 16, His Holiness has worked hard in the fields of Tibetan politics and religion, and that if the Tibetan people disappoint him, they stand to hurt the Tibetan cause.

He also referred to the controversy over the CTA changing its Tibetan name from 'government' to 'administration', saying, "I have a sister who became ill and changed her name, but in reality it was only her name that changed." In Tibet, following an illness, lamas sometimes confer a new name on patients to aid their recovery. Mr Pema said that, despite the CTA's change of name, nothing else has changed.

In his speech, Penpa Tsering said that, in a democracy, everyone has the right to free speech but that we should be thoughtful and avoid damaging the Tibetan cause. "...In 1959," he added, "the Indian government heard that the Tibetan people had lost their country and were coming the India, and planned to withdraw the registration certificates of Tibetans who moved to India before 1959 and send them back to Tibet.

"But when His Holiness reached the Tibet-India border, prime minister Jawaharla Nehru sent a telegram saying, 'You are our guests and we must take care of your followers.' From this message we can understand that, if His Holiness had not come to India, other Tibetans would not have been able to enter the country, and those Tibetans already here would have been expelled. It's very important to understand this."

During the subsequent discussion, 16 individuals asked questions about and expressed their views on issues raised during the day. A few audience members specifically named around five alleged critics of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

One audience member said that the Tibetan parliament has one policy - to follow the middleway approach - but that some individual MPs attend talks organised by the Tibetan Youth Congress. He added that all MPs should take the same stance.

Another attendee, Bu Yunten, said that ten MPs attended a talk held by the Regional TYC, and asked whether they attended as individuals or as representatives of the Tibetan parliament. He added that the public trusts parliament and follows what it says, that the Tibetan public should not contradict His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and that the public also trusts him.

Several Regional Dhomay associations plan to hold further discussions on the issued raised at the meeting.

appeared to be aimed at facilitating enforcement of social stability and undermining the religious authority of the Dalai Lama.

"The US Government believes that the Dalai Lama or his representatives can be constructive partners for China as it deals with the challenge of overcoming continuing tensions in Tibetan areas. The Dalai Lama's views are widely reflected within the Tibetan society and command the respect of the vast majority of Tibetans.

"His consistent advocacy of non-violence is an important factor in reaching an eventual lasting solution. China's engagement with the Dalai Lama or his representatives to resolve problems facing Tibetans is in the interest of the Chinese government and the Tibetan people. Failure to address these problems will lead to greater tensions inside China and will be an impediment to China's social and economic development," the report noted.

"Promoting substantive dialogue between Beijing and The Dalai Lama or his representatives is an important U.S. foreign policy objective. We continue to encourage representatives of both Chinese government and the Dalai Lama to hold direct and substantive discussions aimed at resolving differences, without preconditions.

Such a dialogue provides the best hope for alleviating tension in Tibetan areas and would contribute to then overall stability of China."

'We are very concerned that there have been no dialogue since early 2010 and that nine years of talks prior to that time have hot borne concrete results. In May 2011, the Dalai Lama ratified amendments to the "Charter of Tibetan in Exile" that devolve his political authority to an elected Tibetan leadership. A tenth round of dialogue that makes progress on questions related to Tibetans' livelihoods and welfare would be a positive step at this critical time, but prospects for the Chinese government to resume the dialogue appear dim, at least in the short term," the report also stated.

"In 2011, Chinese authorities continued to place the Tibetan Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas under increasingly intense and formalized system of control, many of which appeared to be aimed at facilitating enforcement of "social stability" and undermining the religious authority f the Dalai Lama," the report said.

"Increasing official interference in Tibetan religious and cultural spheres provoked acts of resistance among the Tibetan population. These in turn led authorities to intensify to maintain control, thus creating a cycle of official repression and increasingly desperate acts by Tibetans, such as a series of selfimmolations by Tibetan Buddhist clergy and laypersons in Tibetan areas."

"The Dalai Lama repeatedly has disclaimed any intention to seek sovereignty or independence for Tibet and said he seeks for China to preserve Tibetan culture and religion, and its fragile environment through genuine autonomy. We are consistently urge China to respect the distinct religious, linguistic, and cultural identity of its Tibetan people and to fully respect the human rights and civil liberties of all of its citizens," it further added.

The US report claimed that the "United States recognizes Tibet Autonomous Region and Tibetan autonomous prefectures and counties in other provinces as part" of the People's Republic of China."

It also claimed that "the US government does not recognize Tibet as an independent state and so does not conduct official diplomatic relations with the Central Tibetan Administration, an organization based in Dharamsala, India.

"We maintain contact with a wide range of religious, cultural, political and other Tibet-related groups, including Tibetans in the United States, China, and around the world. US government officials also have met with the Dalai Lama in his capacity as an internationally revered religious, and cultural leader and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate."