The Tibet Post International

Page1 Announcement of Election 2011 Page 2 22nd Meeting of Task Force Page 3 H.H’s Buddhist Teaching at TCV Page4 H.H’s Upcoming Visit to Japan Page6 Abused Tibetan Writers

Tenzin Norzom

Lobsang Gyaltsen A New Vice-Governor of TAR

Crowned Miss Tibet 2010

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I Vol. 01, Issue 19, 15 June 2010

OTHER HEADLINES His Holiness to Visit Japan

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Voting Dates for 2011 Election of New Tibetan PM, MP Announced

By Phuntsok Choedon,The Tibet Post

Zenkoji Temple in Nagano. Zenkoji hp

Dharmshala: Tibet's political and spiritual leader, 74 year old His Holiness the Dalai Lama, will visit Japan for a week later this month, 20-26 June. Zenkoji, a well-known 7th century Buddhist Temple in Nagano city has invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama for a special memorial talk and to strengthen the Buddhist bond. ...See page 4

Buddhist School In Jammu

Followers listen to Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama at a public gathering at Gulabgarh, about 310 kilometers (192 miles) from Jammu, India, Saturday, June 5, 2010. The Dalai Lama is on a two day visit. Photo: AP

Gulab Garh, Kishtwar, Jammu:Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama attended the 15th founding anniversary of Himalayan Buddhist Cultural School in Gulab Garh, Kishtwar district .....See page 8 in Jammu, this morning.

Demonstration

Banner saying 50 Years of Injustice.

Tibetans living in northern Indian hill town of Dharamshala, stands for 50 year injustice in Tibet.

Photo: TPI

Paris: Reporters Without Borders Thursday condemns two new serious cases of detention and use of violence against Tibetan journalists and writers in the past few days.

Two magazine editors were arrested by police in Chengdu on 5 June and were mistreated all night before being released, while a writer and monk was arrested without a warrant for the second time in 13 months on 24 May in Ngaba, in eastern Tibet, and has been held ever since without being able to see his family.

"The Chinese authorities are offering an idealised vision of a peaceful Tibet in the 2010 Shanghai World Expo but the information coming from the Tibetan areas is very different," Reporters Without Borders said. ......See page 7

Dharamshala: At a press conference in Dharamshala on Thursday, Mr Jampal Choesang, the chief election commissioner of the Tibetan government-in-exile, announced the voting dates of the upcoming elections for the next Tibetan Prime Minister and Tibetan Parliament representatives. He also introduced two additional election commissioners, who were recently appointed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Ven. Geshe Rigzin Choedak, the head of Dolma Ling, (Tibetan Nunnery and Institute of Buddhist Dialectics) and Mr Chutpar Yangkho Gyal, general Secretary of Central Editorial (Sheja Kundue Tsomdig), have been appointed as additional election commissioners, who have the same power as Mr. Choesang.

The fixed terms for the 14th Tibetan parliamentin-exile and the 2nd Tibetan prime minister (Kalon tripa) will end in 2011. Mr Choesang said that the election commission has already sent out a first announcement regarding the 2011 elections and will send another soon for voter registration.

"The pre-election of the 15th parliament and 3rd Prime Minister voting will be fixed at same date this time on October 3; also same with the last General Election on March 20 2011, second week near after the Tibetan New Year by expecting

Chief Election Commissioner of Tibetan government in-exile,Mr Jampal Choesang, new additional Election Commissioner Ven. Geshe Rigzin Choedak amd Mr Chutpar Yangkho Gyal. Photo:TPI

maximum participation in voting this year," said Mr Choesang.

Many Tibetans present raised questions regarding the 19 candidates for the next Tibetan

Tibetans Condemn China's HarshSentences, Urges World for Help arbitrarily meted out without truly conducting an open and fair trial. The recent verdict is against the spirit of China's first national human rights action plan (2009-2010) which stipulates that every precaution shall be taken in meting out a death sentence and judicial procedures for death sentences will be stringently implemented.' she said in the statement.

Kelsang Takla said the ruling runs against claims The minister for the Department of information and international relations, Kelsang Yangkyi. Takla speaking to media in Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI/File of China's "tremendous achievements in the By: YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post promotion and protection of human rights" Dharamshala: Tibetan Government in-exile on during the UN Human Rights Council's periodic Friday condemned the Chinese government's review of China's human rights record last year. decision of death sentence to one Tibetan and The head of the Chinese delegation to the UN, long prison terms to five others, an official Mr. Li Baodong, had also said since the statement said. This follows a statement of the founding of New China in 1949, " a fundamental Tibetan Parliament in-exile, on Thursday said social and political system for the promotion it "strongly condemns the inhumane approach and protection of human rights has been towards people who dare to express established." themselves either individually as writers or In the statement, she criticized China, saying "we are deeply concerned that despite these together in a peaceful mass demonstration."

'The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is pledges, since March 2008 seven Tibetans were deeply concerned that the Chinese given death sentences out of which two government has once again handed down a Tibetans were executed on 20 October 2009. death sentence to one Tibetan and lengthy Exiled Tibetan government "once again appeals prison terms to five other Tibetans,' the to the Chinese government and the minister for the Department of information and international community, especially the UN international relations, Kelsang Yangkyi Takla Human Rights Council to give due consideration on the deteriorating human rights said in the statement.

'We strongly condemn the harsh sentences situation in Tibet," the statement appealed.

prime minister, whose names were published on Kalon Tripa website ( www.kalontripa.org ); Mr. Choesang clarified during the press conference that this website is an independent volunteer ...See page 2

Zanskar: Endangered Culture

Cover of Journey of Zanskar. Photo: TPI/File

Dharamshala: Inspired by a request made by His Holiness the Dalai lama, in 2004 Geshe Lobsang Yonten started a project supported by Stongde Monastery in Zanskar in the kargil region of Kashmir. The project was started with the education of the children of the district as the highest priority. ............ See detail on page 8

Tibet: Age bar on climbing

Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world.

Dharamshala: China informed climbing agencies in Kathmandu that there would be an age bar on climbing Mt Everest on Thursday. China is controlling the kid-climbers from autumn after American boy wonder Jordan Romero becoming the youngest climber in the world and made mountaineering history within after the month with not able to beat his record. .....Detail on page 5

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15 June , 2010 Dharamsala

TPI TIBET IN EXILE

India Needs to Re-look at Its Policy Toward Tibet: Top leader of JD(U)

Mr Javed Raza speaking at the press conference at the Tibetan Parliament in exile, Dharamshala on 12 June 2010. Photo: TPI Article by Phuntsok Choedon, editor by YC. Dhardhowa, T.itbet Post

Dharamshala: Addressing a press conference at the Tibetan parliamentin-exile on Friday, Javed Raza, national general secretary of the Janata Dal (Unity) Party and long term Tibet supporter, he said his party fully committed to support for Tibet and Tibetan people. On a two-day visit to the Indian hill station town of Dharamsala, Raza declared that his party had decided to have contact with the Tibetans in Dharamshala and increase his party's concentration on daily political issues rising in Tibet. He added that Janata Dal senior leaders Sharad Yadav and George Fernandes have brought up the Tibetan issue in India’s Parliament several times, and are trying to revive the the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet.

"The JD leaders Sharad Yadav, George Fernandes and our party have been raising human rights issues of Tibet in Indian Parliament house. They are also now trying to revive the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet", said Mr Raza at the press conference.

"The central government should have a re-look at the policy that has been adopting since the first Prime Minister (Pandit Nehru),” he added.

Dolma Gyari, Deputy Speaker of Tibetan exile parliament, requested Mr Raza to revive the organization [All Party Forum for Tibet] in order to understand issues between the parliament in exile and their political parties, and urged them to join for a working group for Tibetan society.

"The Tibetan parliament strongly believes that, India being proactive on the Tibetan issue, [its] support will have a great impact [in helping] to solve the issue of Tibet." Stated Ms. Gyari.

Ms. Dolma Gyari, on behalf of the Tibetan parliament in-exile, has

extended a warm welcome to Mr Raza and thanked him for the JD party's strong support for Tibetans over the past few decades. She elaborated on the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet, praising its unshakeable relationship with exiled Tibetan communities under the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government inexile.

The All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet was initiated by senior Indian leaders, including Madhu Milani and George Fenandes.

Mrs Ngawang Lhamo and Ven.Thupten Phelgye, both standing committee members of the Tibetan parliament-inexile, also attended the press conference.

Ven Phelgye expressed concern about India's policy on the Tibetan issue, saying, "As you all know, just after we fled from Tibet in 1959, we were struggling to demand independent for Tibet, Now our policy is not about apart from China, we believe in one china policy as it goes. So Indian political leaders should not need to have any more hesitation to support Tibet, because it is within the Indian policy regarding to Tibet issue."

"All Tibetans must re-look on Indian policy toward Tibetan issues, because India always says, ‘Tibet is part of China' (referring to the Tibetan Autonomous Region). As soon as they have platform now, we accept that to be under Chinese leadership as long as they give us a very reasonable proposal," he added.

During his visit to the Tibetan exile community, Raza also met with the leaders of several NGOs, schools and other institutions in the Dharamsala area.

Voting Dates for 2011 Election.......... ......continued from front page initiative, "not officially launched by Tibetan government and selection of its candidates are also not official initiative, but those who will elected by people in March this year will be official.”

The preliminary voting date will be 3rd October 2010, and the final date for

the general election of the next members of the Tibetan Parliament-inexile and Tibetan prime minister will be on 20th March 2011.

Mr. Choesang announced that voter registration will be open from 18 June18 August of this year, “but maybe there will be some changes made as to the closing date of the election."

The Tibet Post

22nd Meeting of Task Force Commences in Dharamshala Dharamshala: The Task Force on Sino-Tibetan Dialogue convened its 22nd meeting this morning in Dharamshala, the site of the Tibetan Government in Exile and the second home of exiled Tibetan leader Dalai Lama.

The two-day meeting was presided

by Tibetan Prime Minister Prof.

Samdhong Rinpoche along with Task Force members, including His Holiness's the Dalai Lama's special envoy Lodi Gyari and envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen.

The Task Force was established in 1999 in order to aid the Envoys of Tibetan delegation with SinoTibetan dialogue. The last meeting of the Task Force was held here on March 23rd after the conclusion of the ninth session of the XIV Tibetan Parliament in Exile (TPIE), during which the TPIE unanimously reaffirmed its support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Middle Way Policy.

Meanwhile, during the 9th around the Sino-Tibetan Dialogue hold in

Task Force members attend a two-day meeting in Dharamsala, India, on 8 June 2010/ Photo by Namgyal Tsewang/TibetNet Article by Yangsham, The Tibet Post International

Beinjing From 26-31 January 2010, the representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama presented a sevenpoint explanatory note to the Chinese leadership to clarify their core concerns and objections on the Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy

for the Tibetan People. However, although Beijing authorities rejected the note, claiming it violated the Constitution of People's Republic of China, both sides agreed to continue the talks.

Tenzin Norzom Wins Kingfisher Miss Tibet 2010

The four contestants for 2010 Kingfisher Premium Miss Tibet held in Dharamshala, India on 6 June 2010. Photo: TPI Article by Yangyal Sham, The Tibet Post International

.....continued from page 1 Dharamshala: Tenzin Norzom, a 23year-old from Hunsur Tibetan settlement in South India, was crowned as the new Kingfisher Miss Tibet 2010 at the 9th Miss Tibet pageant which was held in Dharamsala last night.

A spirit of beauty and cheer was in the air as thousands of local Tibetan, foreign and Indian spectators gathered at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. The show began with a short prayer for the victims of the Kyigudo earthquake which struck on April 14, killing thousands of Tibetans and leaving many more homeless.

After seven rounds of competition, including ‘swimsuit', ‘Talk and Talent', ‘Evening Gown', ‘Traditional Costume' and ‘Interview', Tenzin Norzom, who

was competing against three other contestants, won the beauty queen title and received a scholarship cheque of 100,000 rupees.

The judges chose 19-year-old Yangchen Metok as the first runnerup, awarding her 50,000 rupees, and Rinchen Choden, 25, was second runner-up with a prize of 25,000 rupees.

Tenzin has completed a Shastri degree (equivalent to Bachelor of Arts degree) from the Central University of Tibetan Studies in Varanasi. She speaks Tibetan, English, and Hindi, and likes reading, dancing, badminton, and music.

The new beauty queen expressed her exhilaration at winning the pageant, and said she would use her title to promote awareness of the Tibet issue.

Her first message was to urge young confident Tibetan women to participate in the Miss Tibet beauty pageant.

During the interval on the final day of the contest, local Indian children performed the Great 12 Deeds of the Prince Siddhartha Gautam, and the annual Free Spirit Award for 2010 was presented to Mahesh Yadav for his ‘blood' portraits of world leaders, which aim promote awareness of the campaign for a free Tibet.

The Kingfisher Miss Tibet 2010 contest was produced by Group Can & Able and directed by Lobsang Wangyal, a freelance photojournalist and publisher of the Tibet Sun website. Lobsan Wangyal Productions made a donation of 10,000 rupees to the victims of Kyigudo earthquake.

TPI H.H THE DALAI LAMA

The Tibet Post

His Holiness Speaks of Buddhism, Education at Tibetan Children Village

His Holiness the Dalai Lama teaching Buddhism at TCV. Photo/TPI

By Max French, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: Around 3000 Tibetan youths this morning attended a special teaching in Buddhist Philosophy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Upper TCV School.

Today's teaching was the first of a twoday basic introductory course in Tibetan Buddhism gave students a broad overview of Buddhist Principles and was aimed at encouraging students to pursue a deeper understanding of Tibetan Buddhism.

Prior to the teaching, the exiled Tibetan leader took time to inaugurate TCV's

Tashi Delek Radio FM station; the first licensed community radio station in the Indian Himalayan Region, and also gave a short talk on the importance of Tibetan Buddhist dialectics and the debating system.

During the two and a half hour long teaching, His Holiness emphasised the importance of education to the mostly student audience.

Speaking once more on the importance of the preservation of the Tibetan language, the Tibetan leader pointed out the lack of progress.

"Over the past few decades we placed importance on the Tibetan Language being taught in schools but today we must admit that we haven't made satisfactory progress in this area."

His Holiness also advised fellow Tibetans to study Buddhism instead of praying.

"Those interested in Tibetan must study it instead of simply praying. We achieve happiness through studying Buddhism, ridding ourselves of our afflictions and transforming the mind.

Prayer alone cannot achieve this (...) In our community, some Tibetans just blindly worship Buddhism without ever understanding it. We can call that superstitious," His Holiness said.

An open question forum was held later in the afternoon to give students the chance to raise any questions or concerns with the teaching or with Tibetan Buddhism in general.

The teaching sessions were requested by the Buddhism Introductory Committee of Dharamsala (BICD), a voluntary committee aimed at associating Tibetan youths with Buddhism.

These are the fourth such teachings since the Committee's formation of the practice in 2007.

According to BICD, the teachings were conceived to keep Tibetan youths in touch with Buddhism and Tibetan culture.

"Six million Tibetans" Imply a Concept of a "Greater Tibet." Says China

15 June , 2010 Dharamsala

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We Seek Autonomy for Tibet Not Independent: His Holiness the Dalai Lama Article by YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the the Dalai Lama said they are not seeking independence but meaningful "autonomy", as the majority of Tibetan people currently following the middle-way approach which fully committed to his philosophy of nonviolent path for their fight for Tibetan cause.

"We are not seeking independence... we are seeking meaningful autonomy for Tibet. That is the guarantee for preservation of Tibetan culture including language," His Holiness the Dalai Lama told reporters when asked if Tibetans would achieve freedom from China.

"Now every Tibetan wants modernized Tibet. Therefore, as far as development is concerned, it is all in the interest of the people," he said.

Asked if there are differences among youth to adopt violent ways to achieve

the goal, Lama said, "No, more than 99 per cent of Tibetans follow the nonviolent path including youth organizations for peace resolution".

"Youth organizations right from the beginning stood for struggle for independence. (But) We are not fighting for independence, so there are differences. But, as far as non- violence is concerned, all agree."

The spiritual leader had yesterday arrived here on a two-day visit to address a religious congregation. The city has a Buddhist population of about 7000.

This was his first visit to the area as his visits so far were confined to Leh and Ladakh where Buddhism is the main religion.

About India he said, "It is preserving its culture and promoting peace in the region. I am closely associated with India and consider myself as its peace ambassador".

His Holiness speaking about Tibet during a prayer ceremony held in Ladakh, Jammu, India on 6 June 2010. Photo: AP

Article by Gautham Ashok, The Tibet Post

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to world media about Tibet issues in Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: In a fresh tirade against His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a Chinese government mouthpiece has questioned Tibetan spiritual leader's right and authority to speak for all Tibetans. In the article that is titled "Is the Dalai Lama qualified to speak on the 'welfare of 6 million Tibetans?".

The People's Daily criticized His Holiness and said that the demands that were submitted by the spiritual leader during his talks with Chinese officials spoke about "greater Tibet" an area that according to the Chinese government, he has no right to talk about.

The article went on to claim that "In early 2010, the Dalai Clique filed a note relating to the Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for All Tibetans to the Chinese government, requesting talks on the welfare of 6 million Tibetans" and also said that His Holiness the Dalai lama himself comes from the Tibetan majority area of Qinghai that suffered heavy damage in the April this year which left over 10,000 Tibetan people were killed and thousands injured. Greater Tibet consists of all Tibetans living in four other provinces, Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai and Yunnan, besides Tibetan

autonomous region.

The article quoted from history saying that "Prior to the 1950s, (the occupation of Tibet by China) Tibetan society was still extremely closed and backwards, and the production level and the development of the entire society were at an exceptionally low level...

Countless Tibetans died from hunger, cold, poverty or disease, and during this time the 14th Dalai Lama could not even guarantee the most fundamental rights of survival for numerous Tibetan farmers, and therefore was and is not qualified to talk about the welfare of 6 million Tibetans".

China refuses to recognize His Holiness the Dalai Lama's middle-way approach and the self-determination for the Tibetan people, saying the Dalai Lama is not qualified to talk about the "welfare of 6 million Tibetans."

Furthermore, "6 million Tibetans" imply a concept of a "Greater Tibet." As the 14th Dalai Lama had never managed any Tibetan region outside Tibet, he is even further from being qualified to discuss the "welfare of 6 million Tibetans."

The Chinese government had already earlier rejected appeals that called Tibet being granted special status as was prevalent in the Chinese territories of Hong Kong and Macau, saying that this was just a veiled request for "disguised independence". This latest attack came just as Tibet was being opened for international tourism.

HH the Dalai Lama to Visit Kashmir this Week Article by Yangsham, The Tibet Post

New Delhi His Holiness the Dalai Lama laughs with Muslim religious leaders at Nizamuddin Chillan on 31 March 2009, Photo/ TPI

Dharamshala: The exiled Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama would be making his first visit to the town of Gulabgarh in the Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir.

"The Dalai Lama would reach Gulabgarh on June 5th where he would bless his followers and attend a religious function the next day" Tenzin Taklha, joint secretary at the Dalai Lama's office said.

News and issues about Tibet and its people.

According to Jagnat Narboo, president of the Himalayan Buddhist Society, the organization in charge of the visit, His Holiness would give a religious teaching at the centuries old Lossang monastery in Gublabgarh. And Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is also scheduled to attend.

It is estimated that more than 25,000 Buddhists from Himachal Pradesh and the Ladakh region of Kashmir would attend the ceremony at monastery.

Therefore elaborate security arrangements have been made for the visit. Around eight companies of the police, Armed Police, CRPF and the Army have been deployed in the vicinity to ensure the smooth running of this event.

Please visit the following websites: www.thetibetpost.com www.outlooktibet.com www.shambalapost.com www.lhasapost.com www.himalayanliteracytrust.org

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15 June , 2010 Dharamsala

TPI INTERNATIONAL

The Tibet Post

Tibet’s Human Rights Issues Raised at the 14th Session of UN Human Rights Council

His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Visit Japan in June as Scheduled

Article by Tibetan officiam web-media Tibet. net

Article by YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Pos

Tokyoite commuters studying His Holiness poster at Tokyo subway. Photo: KM

......continued from front page

Tibetans in Exile staging protest against Chinese occupation of Tibet for 50 years. Photo/ TPI

Geneva: The UN Human Rights Council began its 14th regular session in Geneva from 31 May and will continue until 18 June.

Several UN Special Procedure mandate holders presented their annual report to this Council for discussion. Among these reports, the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers [1], the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Opinion [2]; and the Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions [3] reported cases of Tibetans who were arrested for exercising their freedom of speech, detained, given death sentences by the Chinese courts as well as the death of Mr. Phuntsok Rabgay, a 27-year-old monk, in Drango County, GarzĂŞ Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.

The Special Rapporteur on independence of judges and lawyers with the Special Rapporteur on Summary Execution in their joint communication to China raised the cases of five Tibetans sentenced to death by the Municipal Intermediate People's Court in Lhasa on 8 April 2009.

While thanking the Chinese government for its response to the allegations, the Special Rapporteur on independence of judges and lawyers sought further clarification on when, and how often, the lawyers who defended them had the opportunity to meet with their clients ahead of the trials on 8 April 2009. The Special Rapporteur also sought further information from the government on the results of the investigations that were undertaken to determine if lawyers were prevented from defending the accused persons and information on the alleged intimidation of lawyers who volunteered to defend Tibetans criminally charged in relation to the incidents and reiterated that in all cases, and notably in capital punishment cases, there is an obligation to provide criminal defendants with a fair and public hearing before an independent and impartial tribunal.

Mr. Tenzin Samphel KAYTA, on behalf

of Society for Threatened Peoples drew attention of the Council on the two Tibetans who had been sentenced recently to death with two years reprieve. He also informed the Council that Tibetan source has documented 394 Tibetans who were sentenced to varying prison terms since April 2008 by the Chinese court. He further questioned the independence of China's judiciary and judges saying the whole judiciary system's only objective is to protect the State's interests or the Communist Party.

He also referred to the case of Phurbu Tsering Rinpoche who was sentenced by the Chinese court without sufficient evidence, factual clarity or a fair trial.

According to a public statement issued by the two Chinese lawyers of Phurbu Tsering Rinpoche: To charge that Living Buddha Buronglang has committed the crime of illegally possessing weapons and explosives and of occupying state property lacks factual clarity and sufficient evidence. Also, serious violations of the law occurred during the procedures of this case.

International NGOs including Human Rights Watch and Helsinki foundation for Human Rights raised Tibet issues in their statements.

Countries who expressed concern over human rights situation in China are USA and European Union. US Delegate said, ethnic and religious minorities in Tibet and Xinjiang are subject to particularly onerous restrictions, including restraint on religious practice.[4] Spanish delegate on behalf of European Union expressed concern about human rights situation in China and strongly condemned the increasing violence directed against persons belonging to religious and other minorities in various part of the world.

In its own capacity, German delegate said in China torture was still a used practice especially in detention.

Czech delegate also expressed concern about the ongoing restrictions on the freedom of expression in China, and it was alarming that 21 years after violent suppression of a movement of citizens peacefully demonstrating for

a pluralistic system, Chinese citizens continued to be persecuted.

Before and during the course of the session, Mr. Tenzin KAYTA met some of the UN Special Rapporteurs, EU and US diplomats as well as many representatives of international NGOs seeking their support for Tibet.

Zenkoji Temple, in their press release has said that the Temple has received a Buddha's statue with prayers for peace from His Holiness the Dalai Lama some two years ago. The visit of His Holiness and His teaching and Talk to the people here is to celebrate the establishment of this holy bond and to affirm the universality of message of peace.

His Holiness will visit the Temple and meet the two Chief abbots of the Temple. Among the main events, He will give public talk on "Guide to Positive Clear Light - Message for today" to some 7,000 monks and lay people in the area. The organizers hope that the talk will provide the people of Nagano

US, EU Should Pressure China on Online Censorship: Says Google Article by YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

China;s censorship and Internet restriction.

Photo: TPI/File

Dharamshala: Months after leaving China due to censorship issues, the world's largest search engine is asking U.S. and European governments to put more pressure on China to stop censoring the Internet, describing it as an unfair barrier to free trade.

Google's top attorney, David Drummond told reporters Wednesday that western states should defend the free trade in information with the same kind of rules that they use to complain of China's below-cost sale of products.

He said government talks are "the only way that it's going to change, that this tide of censorship or this rising censorship is going to be arrested."

The company sparred with Chinese leaders earlier this year when it stopped selfcensoring its search results in line with Chinese rules after it said Chinese hackers had tried to plunder its software coding and hijack the Gmail accounts of human rights activists.

Since late March, Google has been redirecting search requests from mainland China to Hong Kong, which doesn't have the same restrictions.

"The cyber attack was sort of the final straw because we felt that it was increasingly hard to do business there in accordance with our values," Drummond said, describing the company as in danger of becoming "part

of the same apparatus" of Chinese state censorship.

"Censorship, in addition to being a human rights problem, is a trade barrier," he said.

"If you look at what China does _ the censorship, of course, is for political purposes but it is also used as a way of keeping multinational companies disadvantaged in the market."

"It should be obvious that the Internet sector is very important to the west and so we should be working on seeing that that kind of trade is protected," he said.

Drummond would not comment on whether he believed the United States could take a case under World Trade Organization rules against China, which can ultimately allow the US to seek trading rights in compensation for any proven harm to its companies.

Instead, he said new trade rules may be needed to cover the Internet.

"Under a lot of trade rules, there's still this notion that domestic media markets should be off limits to trade and that's got to change," he said.

He said he'd had some support in discussions with the US, French and German governments and with the European Union executive for pressing Google's case and Chinese restrictions on the Internet in bilateral and multilateral talks.

The European Union persistently raises human rights issues with China, usually without much success. Indeed, a Chinese state multibillion dollar buying spree to Europe last year pointedly shunned France after President Nicolas Sarkozy threatened to boycott the opening of the Beijing Olympics over unrest in Tibet.

China refuses to hold talks with the Tibetan government in exile.

and all concerned with an opportunity to seriously contemplate on peace within oneself and for the world.

Zenkoji is a 7th century Buddhist temple revered greatly by the Japanese public. The Temple caught international media attention two years ago when it refused the overture to host the Japan leg of the Beijing Olympic torch relay.

The international community greatly appreciated this gesture of silent protest against the religious oppression going on in Tibet at that time. "As a disciple of same teacher [Buddha] and practitioners of same religion, we cannot remain oblivious to what is going on in Tibet." Explained the Temple authority to the media at that time.

His Holiness will also visit Saihoji Temple, a Jodo school of Japanese Buddhism. Here His Holiness will address the monks and consecrate an eight feet statue of Buddha Amitabha [Opadme, Buddha of infinite light] constructed by Tibetan artisans for the Temple.

On His way back to Tokyo, His Holiness will give a one day Teaching and Talk at Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall at Yokohama on 26th June. This event is in response to the continuous request from monks, scholars and the general public to organize an event wherein people could receive Buddhist teaching as well as hear His Holiness on more secular subjects. The request has come from groups and individuals in neighboring countries also.

Accordingly, His Holiness will teach on "Dependent Arising" and "Boddhicitta" [Tendrel Teopa and Sem-kye in Tibetan], including the inter dependent nature of all phenomena and generation of compassionate heart. In the afternoon session, His Holiness will speak on "The Essence of Happiness and Healthy Coexistence" for the general public.

Participants from Korea, Mongolia, Russia, Taiwan and other countries are also expected. The organizers have arranged translation and interpretation facilities accordingly. Monks from the above countries will also present special chants and prayers during the teaching. It is expected that some ten thousand people will attend the event at Pacifico Yokohama.

His Holiness will make a brief appearance at the Foreign Correspondent Club of Japan (FCCJ) to meet the press people.

This is arranged in tandem with the numerous calls and request from different section of medias for interview and briefing time with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. As it is difficult to entertain everyone's request, appearance at FCCJ before the media was initiated to appease all concerned.

TPI TIBET IN EXILE

The Tibet Post

First Tibetan Women’s Advanced Leadership Training Begins in Dharamshala Article by Phuntsok Choedon, The Tibet Post

First Tibetan Women’s Advanced Leadership Training Begins in Dharamshala, India on 7 June 2010. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: Tibetan Women's Association yesterday started an eleven day advanced Leadership Training for Tibetan Women in Exile to stand up challenging their roles in the decision making arena. This is "to strengthening the whole Tibetan democratic community by empowering our women," said Kirti Dolkar Lhamo, the president of TWA. The Leadership Training (June 7 to June 17) started at Upper TCV School based Dharamshala with 30 attendees of professional and high potential Tibetan women leaders from all over India. Statistics say the Central Tibetan Administration is comprised low of 3% women at top level positions, where there is 97% of males at high level positions.

Exiled Tibetan government's (Kashag) eight point policy on women's empowerment launched in October this year, which provides the great platform and forum for potential women leaders to identity and hone the skill of their leaders.

The chief guest, former minister of the Tibetan Government in exile Mrs Rinchen Khando, the deputy speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile Mrs Gyari Dolma and, the President of

Tibetan Children's Village Schools, Mr Tsewang Yeshi spoke about relevant issues at the opening ceremony. The guest launched the annual literacy magazine of TWA called ‘DOLMA' in both Tibetan and English on 21st anniversary which stands for the intellectual expression of and for Tibetan women.

The 11-day training is divided into three phases; ‘Understanding Leadership' from professional and experienced resource speakers from the exile Tibetan Community will officiate the first phase. ‘Building Leadership Skills' will be second phrase by Lynda O Lepcha, the director and master trainer of Holistic Training Solutions (New Delhi). A young trainer from the United States along with Michelle Pomeroy, will spearhead the final phase of the training on ‘Practicing Leadership.'

TWA reportedly said that their primary goal is to encourage the rights of the Tibetan women inside Tibet and to empower the women in exile. This training fits in the paradigm of TWA's ‘leadership and empowerment actions' that includes the ‘Annual Young Tibetan Women's Leadership Program.'

15 June , 2010 Dharamsala

5

Row over Nepali Parliamentary Delegation’s Visit to Dharamshala

By Yang Sham, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: Three lawmakers representing Nepali Congress, the biggest party in the coalition government, and Terai party Madhesi Janadhikar Forum were on a visit to Dharmashala, northern India, the site of Tibetan government in exile and second home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Nepali delegation was consisted of MPs Harshajit Lama, Lalita Kingring Magar and Om Prakash Yadav, and on Thursday they met Tibetan top officials including Prime Minister Prof Samdong Rinpoche and later joined a dinner hosted by his government. The delegates also visited Tibetan parliament on the following day.

Now the visit has triggered a row with the opposition Maoist party criticizing it violated the "One China" police of Nepal as well as fuelled the support for "Free Tibet" movement.

In June 2009, Six Members of Nepal Parliament paid a visit to Dharamshala and met with the Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other high level officials from the

Six members representing four parties of Nepali Parliament paid a visit to Dharamsala, India, on 25th June 2009. Photo: TPI

Tibetan government in exile to discuss the issue of about 30,000 Tibetan refugees living in Nepal and their special status. Soon after that, Beijing authorities sought an explanation from the Nepal government, which glossed over the matter by replying that the MPs had not been fully informed about their itinerary.

Due to China's diplomatic pressure on

Nepal government, the security over the Tibet-Nepal border is being buffed up and crack down on Tibetan refugees living in Nepal is being stepped up.

Early this month, authorities in Nepal arrested at least 10 Tibetan refugees, who arrived in Charikot, the district headquarters of Dolakha in Nepal, without acquiring visas, and three of the arrested were confirmed as women.

Positive Dialogue on Tibet Issue with His Holiness Envoys: Top Chinese Official

By Phuntsok Choedon, The Tibet Post

China Issued New Regulations on Climbing Mt. Everest Article by Phuntsok Choedon , The Tibet Post International Mr. Penpa Tsering, the Speaker of the Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies , with Mr. Olav Gunnar Ballo (Chairman of the Norwegian Tibet Committee) speak at a public talk in Oslo

......continued from front page In a surprising decision, The China Tibet Mountaineering Association (CTMA), the regulates climbing activities in Tibet - which shares Mt Everest with Nepal has induce new regulations for the climbing Mt. Everest.

CTMA will be considered fitness certificate to confirm for permit to attempt the Himalaya ranges from north of Tibet and highest peak. The Chinese control was triggered by the Romero climb which added to the controversies and criticism, and Romero would continue to retain his record since the Chinese authorities would not consider anyone below 16, source said.

The Nepal government prescribed an age limit after the Nepali schoolboy,

Temba Tseri Sherpa, the youngest climber from Nepal, who suffered severe frost bite and lost several toes and fingers.

Arjun Vajpai from Noida high school student submitted his record as the youngest Indian hero on Everest last month at 16. Now while the thirteen old seems set to keep his record till China revise its mind.

The fastest ascent of Mt.Everest-8 hr and 10 mins, Pemba Dorjee Sherpa, who announced to train the 11yr old Nepali boy for an Everest expedition in 2011 and dream of replacing the record of Jordan. His nine year old son willing to get Everest aspirant, if he failed by 11 year -old boy. The decision however will hit his hopes of "Everest Express".

Dharamshala: The visiting Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs to Oslo, the capital of Norway, H. E. Fu Ying Yesterday commented positive prospects on future dialogue with HH the Dalai Lama's envoys. She stated that "the door for talks is always open, it has been open for years - for decades, and there are difficulties and there sincerity from the Chinese side to continue the dialogue." She Also talked about how much she value the Tibet and planning her summer holiday in Tibet.

The Vice Minister, areas of responsibilities are; Europe, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan-related

foreign affairs, translation and interpretation.

When asked about the Tibetan issue H. E. Fu Ying stated that "the door for talks is always open, it has been open for years - for decades, and there are difficulties and there sincerity from the Chinese side to continue the dialogue."

She further stated that "Tibet is a very remote region and it is important for Tibet to find its unique way of making economic progress, and at the same time preserve its culture and traditions. It's a difficult process. At the same time the Tibetan culture is very unique, very valuable. Recently there was a National Conference on Progress in Tibet, and there will be lot of investment and lot of

help. 37% of the Tibetan land is already placed under National Reserves protection, in order to protect the ecological environment. I like Tibet, I am in love with the land, and I am planning my holidays in Tibet this summer."

Speaker of the Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies (ATPD), Mr. Penpa Tsering, who briefly met H. E. Fu Ying after a lecture in Oslo, Norway, said "she seemed to be sincere and if what she said is meant with the right spirit, it could be a possible positive shift in the Chinese authorities' approach to continue the dialogue for a negotiated settlement of the Tibet issue." Mrs. Chungdak Koren from the Norwegian Tibet Committee also attended the meeting.

TPI TIBET 6 in Quake-Affected Area Tibetan Writers Brutally Beaten Tibetans Protest to Keep Their Land

by Chinese Authorities The Tibet Post

15 June , 2010 Dharamsala

Edited by Amy Elmgren, The Tibet Post

Article by Phuntsok Choedon, edited by Matthem, The Tibet Post

Chinese armed police personals in Chengdu city of Chinese province called Sichuan, bordering on eastern Tibet. Photo: File

Dharamshala: Two famous Tibetan writers are currently receiving hospital treatment in Chengdu, near Eastern Tibetan, following injuries sustained during interrogation and torture by Chinese police, according to a source from inside Tibet, who wishes to remain anonymous.

In an e-mail sent to Tibet Post International, our source says that at midnight on June 5 the writers Goyon and Thupten Gedun, of the Tibetan Pen Association, were walking at midnight with their schoolfriend Serta Sherab to

a restaurant in Chengdu, when a Chinese a police car and other unmarked cars drew up. 15 police, some wearing no uniform, then threatened them and sprayed them with a gas which rendered them unconscious.

They were then taken to a police station.

Our source quotes the writers as saying, "When we reached the police station, the police sat us in chairs with automated hand and ankle restraints.

They confiscated all our valuables, such as mobile phones, cameras,

identity cards, wallets, etc.

"They then harshly interrogated us, asking for detailed information on our current work and political participation.

They beat us continuously and threated us with guns placed to our foreheads. When we asked what we had done wrong, they beat us more."

Our source reports that the policed tortured Goyon and Thupten Gedun with "electrical equipment" to elicit confessions, but interrogated Serta Sherab less severely.

"The police used our ID card numbers to investigate whether we had any police record," our source quotes the writers as saying, "but the search came back clear."

"At 8am the following day, the police entered our ID card numbers on a computer. At last they released us, but with the knowledge that they could bring us back for further interrogation at any time."

Our source reports that this incident is indicative of an apparently growing trend of police brutality against educated Tibetans, who represent an increasing proportion of Tibetans inside Tibet.

Goyon and Thupten Gedun, who hail Kham traditional province, edit the annual magazines Tibet and Purgyal kyi Namshey (Soul of Ancient Kings).

New Vice-Governor of Tibet Autonomous Region Appointed, Old Policy

Dharamshala: Radio Free Asia reported yesterday that Tibetan residents in the region affected by the Kyigudo quake are currently resisting Chinese authorities' attempts to repossess their property.

"The local government has forced local residents out of their houses- A mother and son, victims of Kyigudo quake hit on 14th April2010. they said they had to clean the area to build office buildings, devastated this region in April. Tibetan schools, and parks, and they are residents protest that the 80 square planning to take away the sites for our meter (860 square foot) houses being homes and our fields," an anonymous offered by the government as compensation are not sufficient.

Yushu county resident told RFA. "This has upset the local Tibetans, and "We Tibetans always have big families they have argued the land has with many family members living belonged to them for generations. So together. Therefore, an 80 square meter they have been going to the local unit is too small for them," the government office in their hundreds unidentified Yushu resident told RFA. An unidentified Yushu county official over the last few days," he said.

"Every day there are about 100 Tibetans told RFA reporters that more than 1000 protesting and appealing for the right Tibetan protestors had camped out in to return to their land and fields, but front of the government's regional office for days. She said that Chinese the local authorities didn't listen."

RFA reported that the Chinese are even officials had been dispatched to trying to claim property that was not negotiate with the protestors, and that damaged by the earthquake that none have been arrested yet.

China Re-arrests Tibetan Writer Allegedly Without Warrant Proof Article by YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Article by Max French, The Tibet Post

Dokru Tsutrim, A Tibetan writer from Ngaba county eastern Tibet. Photo:file

Lobsang Gyaltsen, the new vice-governor of TAR. Photo: File

Dharamshala: Lobsang Gyaltsen, a Tibetan official from Dragyab County in Eastern Tibet well known for his support for the crackdown on the March 2008 Tibetan mass demonstrations, was this week appointed Vice-Governor of the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR).

State-run media Daily News reported that Gyaltsen, a Tibetan noted for his involvement with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and his support of the brutal crackdown against the March 2008 demonstrations in Tibet,

was made Vice-Governor for Tibet at the Sixteenth Meeting of the Ninth NPC Standing Committee of the TAR on Thursday.

Gyaltsen, now 52, first joined the CCP in February 1976 to work with the Central Party School, the training place for future CCP officials, and in December 1986, became secretary of the Communist Youth League. From January 2003 to October 2006, Gyaltsen served as vicechairman of Tibet Autonomous Region and in 2007 joined the TAR Standing Committee and served as vice-chairman

of the United Front Work Departmenty party secretary.

Gyaltsen’s appointment follows that of under current TAR governor Pema Thinley, the ex-military leader and party secretary best known for his dismissive attitude toward traditional Tibetan culture.

The region’s previous governor Jampa Phuntsok suddenly resigned in January. It is suspected that the resignation was forced to make way for a governorship more obsequious to Beijing.

Dharamshala: Dokru Tsultrim, a Tibetan writer from Ngaba County, Eastern Tibet, was arrested by Chinese authorities on Monday 24th May for the second time in just over a year, according to a close family member. This follows the arrest of his friend Kalsang Tsultrim, a monk from the same monastery, last week.

The writer was arrested for a month in March last year, for publishing articles written by Tibetan youths. He was detained for apparently writing two articles of anti-Chinese sentiment.

The Tibetan monk, Dokru Tsultrim was taken from his Gomang Monastery, where he has lived for the past 5 years, following the arrest of his friend Kalsang Tsultrim and coworker from Bakham last week.

Dokru Tsultrim's room at the monastery was searched by officials from the Public Security Bureau (PSB), who also made demands to check his laptop whilst searching through other documents in his possession.

Dokru Choedak, a relative of Dokru Tsultrim who is currently living in exile in Dharamshala, has confirmed that Dokru Tsultrim refused to present his laptop to authorities. Choedak has informed the World News Network that during the 8am morning raid, the PSB confiscated a number of documents from the room and did not give any reasons for the arrest. He has stated that his relative is only involved in working with the literary development of Tibetan youths, through the publishing of expressive and sentimental writings and that he is not involved in separatist movements.

"No warrants have been shown by authorities for either arrest and family members are currently not permitted to see them," said Choedak.

Choedak concluded that Dokru Tsultrim and Kalsang Tsultrim had planned to publish a collection of writings by young Tibetans both from inside and outside Tibet, on the human loss and after effects of the tragic Kyegudo earthquake.

TPI INTERNET CENSORSHIP

The Tibet Post

15 June , 2010 Dharamsala

7

China Vows To Increase Internet Crackdown

Media Rights Group Condemns Chinese Torture of Writers in Tibet

Article by YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International

"Arrests, violence and surveillance are the common lot of those who defend Tibetan identity. We urge Prime Minister Wen Jiabao to give clear orders for the release of all imprisoned Tibetan intellectuals."

Goyon and Thupten Gedun, the editors of the magazines Tibet and Purgyal Kyi Namshey (Soul of Ancient Kings), were circulating on foot in Chengdu on the evening of 5 June when around 15 policemen descended from two vehicles, used tear-gas on them, and then took them to a police station. After confiscating their mobile phones, cameras, ID cards and wallets, they tied them to chairs and interrogated them.

"The police officers used violence to interrogate us," the journalists said. "They asked us about our work and our political activities, all the while hitting us. They also threatened us by putting guns against our heads. When we asked what we had done wrong, they hit us even harder." One of them was tortured with electrical equipment to make him confess.

"The next day, the police checked our police records and discovered they were empty. So they let us go, but not without threatening to arrest us again."

In Ngaba, writer Dokru Tsultrim was arrested on 24 May in Gomang monastery, where he has been staying for the past five years. A relative living in exile in the Indian city of Dharamsala said he was arrested because of two articles by him that have been published.

"Dokru Tsultrim refused to give his laptop to the police but they confiscated documents they found in his room," the relative said. "Until now our family has been denied the right to see him." Tsultrim is very involved in promoting literature among young Tibetans but is not a member of in any political movement, the source added.

Information about Tsultrim's previous arrest in 2009: http://en.rsf.org/ china-concern-that-detained-tibetan-24-04-2009,32608.html Reporters Without Borders has also learned that the authorities plan to make the inhabitants of Lhasa show their ID in order to be able to photocopy any document. And only permanent residents will be able to make photocopies. This new restriction appears to be aimed at preventing the circulation of "separatist" documents.

At least 50 Tibetans have been arrested since March 2008 for sending information abroad: http://en.rsf.org/china-at-least-50-tibetansconvicted-for-22-03-2010,36801.html The Garden of Freedoms at the Shanghai expo: http://en.rsf.org/chinaexpo-shanghai-freedom-garden-26-04-2010,37120.html

People use the computer at an Internet cafe in Taiyuan, Shanxi province March 31, 2010. Google Inc blamed

Beijing: The largest communist regime of China vowed Tuesday to increase the Internet crackdown, saying it would continue to block anything considered subversive or threatening to "national unity."

The "white paper" statement of government policy was released three months after a public dispute over censorship prompted Google Inc. to shut its mainland-based search engine.

It said there were 384 million Internet users in China at the end of 2009, about 29 percent of the population. The government aims to boost that to 45 percent in the next five years by pushing into rural areas where the white paper said there was a "digital gap."

It said the Internet had taken an "irreplaceable role in accelerating the development of the national economy" and would continue to impact daily work, education and lifestyles.

But China, which routinely blocks Web sites such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, gave no sign there would be an easing of the "Great Firewall" -- the nickname for the of filters that keep mainland Web surfers from accessing material the government deems sensitive.

In a white paper published on Tuesday, the government also said it would not accept outside criticism of its internet controls and warned foreign governments and companies to respect its rules.

"Within Chinese territory, the internet is under the jurisdiction of Chinese

sovereignty. The internet sovereignty of China should be respected and protected," the paper said.

It added that China "advocates the exertion of technical means" in line with existing laws and international norms "to prevent and curb the harmful effects of illegal information on state security, the public interest and minors".

'Great Firewall' The paper said such laws allowed the curbing of online content on topics ranging from "instigating racial hatred or discrimination and jeopardising ethnic unity" to gambling, violence and obscenity.

China is believed to operate one of the world's largest and most sophisticated systems of web censorship, which has been dubbed by some the "Great Firewall of China".

Backed by what analysts estimate is a force of several thousand cyber police, the system monitors and blocks access to any content the government deems unacceptable, ranging from pornography to political dissent.

The release of the white paper follows a high profile spat earlier this year with internet search giant Google over the issue of online censorship.

In March Google announced it was pulling out of China after failing to reach an agreement with Chinese that would allow it to continue working in the country.

The row in turn touched off a war of

words with the US over internet freedom, at a time when ties were already frayed over US arms sales to Taiwan, a visit by the Dalai Lama, and a host of trade and currency issues.

Jailed According to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, China is one of the world's most oppressive nations in its approach to online censorship.

As of last December, the group said, China had jailed at least 24 journalists, many of them on charges related to internet blogging.

However in Tuesday's white paper China insisted it "guarantees the citizen's freedom of speech on the internet as well as the public's right to know, to participate, to be heard and to oversee".

The paper added that China's leaders "frequently log onto the internet to get to know the people's wishes" and participate in online chats with users.

The report said there were 384 million internet users in China at the end of 2009, equal to about 29 per cent of the total population, and said it wanted to increase that figure to about 45 per cent in the next five years.

It said a key goal would be to push the internet into rural areas where the paper said there was a "digital gap."

By Reporters Without Border

......continued from front page

The Tibet P st I

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Advicer Advicer Editor Sub Editor Reporter Reporter Circular Publisher

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Mr. Thomas Keimel Dr. Vincent Brucel Mr. YC. Dhardhowa Mrs. Yangyal Sham Mr. Sangay Ms. Keary Huang Ven Phuntsok Dhondup Mr. Tenzin Kunga This eddtion’s Contributors

Matthew Singh-Toor Amy Elmgren Phuntsok Choedon Gautham Ashok Max French The Tibet Post International Press of Tibet (Head Office) 1st Floor, Dolkhang House, Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, Distt.

Kangra H.P 176219 India

TPI adviser, Dharamshala US TPI Online editor Dharamshala, India Pune, India UK

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

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15 June , 2010 Dharamsala

His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Visit Russia: Says Russian Official

TPI VARIOUS

The Tibet Post

Zanskar Hopes to Preserve its Endangered Culture

Article by YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

By Lobsang Choedak, Tibet Net

......continued from front page Although there are schools in zanskar, they neither teach or Tibetan and Geshe fears that, without these subjects, the local culture of Zanskar, so similar to that of Tibet, will die out within the next 30 years. So in 2004, Geshe Lobsang Yonten, bought 17 children from Zanskar to Manali an Dharamshala for their schooling. This journey over the mountain passes and the subsequent return and rerouting over closed roads

was documented in the film; ‘Journey From Zanskar'. The film is narrated by actor and famous Tibet activist, Richard Gere. The film in its length captures the striking, and sparse landscape of this remote region, as well as the struggles of such an arduous journey.

Currently 15, of the children Dhakpo Shedrubling Monastery, one is at Dolmaling Nunnery in Dharamshala, and the other is at Drepung Gomang

Monastery in Southern India, where Geshe himself studied. Many young students have been involved in spreading awareness in and around Dharamshala.

A Limited number of copies are available for free for groups and individuals who would like to host their own screening/ fundraiser. 200 copies were also given away earlier this month, when His Holiness spoke in Bloomington, Indiana at the Tibet Mongolian Centre.

Miss Tibet 2010: The Competition Begins Article by YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International Russian Ambassador to India Mr. Alexander Kadakin. Photo: file

Dharamshala: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama is expected to visit Russia as the country's Buddhist followers wish to see their spiritual leader, Russian Ambassador to India Mr. Alexander Kadakin said.

Russia has a good number of citizens following the faith of Buddhism and the people want to see their religious leader, Mr. Kadakin was quoted as saying by ANI. There are Buddhists in Altai region, in the Altai mountains and they also want to see His Holiness the Dalai Lama, added the Ambassador..

There are some 700,000 followers of Buddhism in the Russian Federation, mostly in the eastern areas like Buryatia bordering on Mongolia and Republic of Kalmykia in South Russia.

Russia is ready to help settle the conflict

between China and the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Lavrov said last month during a speech at the Federation Council, Russia's upper house of parliament.

"If all the parties make attempts to separate clearly pastoral contacts from political associations, this would be a solution to the problem. We are ready to assist in this," Lavrov said.

The 74 year old Tibetan leader and Nobel peace prize literature, His Holiness the Dalai Lama last visited the Russian Republic of Kalmykia in November 2004.

Russia has been under Chinese pressure to allow the visits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to meet his Buddhist followers from Buddhism traditional religions including Kalmykia and Buryatia bordering on Mongolia.

His Holiness Attends Founding Anniv of Buddhist School in Jammu

By Lobsang Choedak, Tibet Net

......continued from front page Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Mr. Omar Abdullah attended the ceremony with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

There were 18,000 people attending the event, mostly Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus.

Admiring the India's religious harmony and non-violence and the concept of Buddhist philosophy of non-violence and peace, His Holiness appealed the people to follow such principles of living.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama told the Buddhist students, Tibetan people have preserved Kagyur and Tengyur Buddha's teaching from the Nalanda University and they should study Buddhism while practising Buddhist principles in their daily life.

Every religion has the similar aim to reduce the negative qualities of a n g e r, h a t r e d , j e a l o u s y a n d t o spread the altruistic qualities, to help others, said His Holiness. "I being a Buddhist, believe and have respect for every religion", His Holiness added.

To have warm heartedness is very

essential with good health, said His Holiness while speaking about the region. His Holiness said, Gulab Garh is a very beautiful place with large forest and mountains surrounding the region and His Holiness is very happy to visit the place at their request.

His Holiness told the youngsters of the region to focus on their studies with the promotion of their traditional values.

His Holiness said he is very happy meeting Mr. Omar Abdullah, for His Holiness have shared close relations with Chief Minister's father Union Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah and grandfather former Prime Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Mr. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.

Chief Minister, Mr. Abdullah said, he is also very happy to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the second time.

His Holiness is conferring long-life initiation to the people this afternoon and will participate in an interfaith dialogue process on Sunday morning. Following the dialogue His Holiness will return to Dharamsala.

The four contestances for Miss Tibet 2010 displayed during press conference held in Mcelod Ganj, Dharamshala, India on 31 May 2010.

Photo: TPI/Sangay

Dharamshala: At a press conference held in Mcleod Ganj today, the four contestants chosen to compete for the title of Miss Tibet 2010 presented themselves officially for the first time in Dharamshala. The contestants were picked during preliminary stages in Chandigarh last Saturday.

A total of eleven women applied to participate in the competition, but only four made it to Chandigarh to confirm their entries. This year's contestants are Rinchen Choden (25) and Tenzin Namchoe (22) from Bangalore, Tenzin Norzom (23) from Varanasi and Yangchen Metok (19) from Dharamshala.

The director of the pageant, Lobsang Wangyal, who introduced the press conference, explained his decision to keep the competition a "low-profile" and "less glamorous" event out of respect for the victims of the Kyegudo earthquake in April. Wangyal stated that "in place of firecrackers there would be prayers" for those affected by the tragedy.

In the run-up to the finale in Dharamshala on the 6th June, the contenders are undergoing intensive cultural training and grooming activities. These include training in stage craft, dance and yoga. They will also undertake classes in Tibetan culture, history and current affairs.

The pageant consists of seven rounds, including a swimsuit contest on Friday

and "Talk and Talent" rounds on Saturday. Sunday will see the commencement of the final stages, including ‘Evening Gown', ‘Traditional Costume' and ‘Interview' rounds to be held at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA). Tenzin Norzom told the Tibet Post that her favourite round was the ‘Evening Gown' event, as it was the only time she would be able to dress up in such attire.

The contestants have been vocal about their stance on Chinese rule in Tibet and have openly criticised Chinese activities whilst celebrating their Tibetan identity. One of the finalists, Rinchen Choden earlier expressed her belief that China "has no business to interfere with our country" and went on to say "I am proud of my country and I am proud to represent myself for Tibet".

In the past the controversial competition has angered the Chinese authorities. Previous Miss Tibet winners have been forced to withdraw from international beauty pageants due to pressure from the Chinese government. Participant Rinchen Choden previously defended her right to partake in the pageant, stating "I can participate in any international competition and China has nothing to do with that". Speaking of international competition exclusions, Wangyal told TP today that it was "sad... its as if we are not a people...our rights should be

as valid as other racial groups", further adding such competitions are a "celebration of diversity, let Tibetans be there".

When asked by the TP, at today's press conference, what her friends and family thought about her entry in the competition, participant Tenzin Namchoe explained, "my parents live in Tibet so I cannot tell them I'm going to this competition, the Chinese consider this a political activity".

Wangyal's competition has also received criticism from the Tibetan governmentin-exile, with Samdhong Rinpoche calling it ‘un-Tibetan' in its copying of western culture. However speaking to TP, Wangyal has defended the event expressing that it "asserts Tibet as a nation and Tibetans as a people", further adding "I don't believe in preserving, I believe in evolving". Yangchen Metok explained her reasons for entering the competition, "the important thing is just to take part. Tibetan girls are usually more shy than others, so don't usually take part in any activities...they should take this kind of opportunity". Namchoe further defended this point by praising the pageant as a "good platform for young Tibetan ladies".

The winner of this year's ninth annual contest, sponsored by Kingfisher Airlines, will receive Rs.100,000, whilst the first and second runners-up will receive Rs.50,000 and Rs.25,000 respectively.