First Tibet Oppn Political Party
Another Monk Arrested in Tibet Page 15. Vol. 01, Issue 42, 30 May 2011
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Changes to the Constitution of Tibet
Second Tibetan National General Meeting Commences By Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post
14th Tibetan Parliament in exile its additional session started in Dharamshala, India on 26th May 2011. Photo: TPI By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama today turned down the role of head of state for the Tibetan administration-in- exile. Although Tibetan leaders urged him to remain as ceremonial head of state, His Holiness firmly maintained his decision to step back from the political scene and focus on his role Continues on Page 9....
EU Urges China on Human Rights
BEIJING, CHINA - MAY 17: President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy (L) meets with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing May 17, 2011. Van Rompuy is on an official four-day trip to China. Photo: Getty Images By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Saturday May 21 marked the opening of the Second Tibetan National General Meeting at the upper TCV school auditorium in Dharamshala. The meeting is meant to address the issues regarding proposed amendments to the current Tibetan charter as laid out by the Charter Amendment Drafting Committee which has been set up to deal with the practicalities of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama's denouncement of political power. After the initial opening ceremony with the traditional chanting of monks, the singing of Tibet's national anthem and a minute's silence for the fallen heroes of Tibet, the 418 delegates from various parts of the world including the US, India, Russia and Europe, were divided into 10 working committees by each delegate drawing a number by chance. For the next three days the temporary committees will be deliberating on a preamble to the charter, article number 1 - which pertains to His Holiness' new position of protector and symbol of the nation - as well as 39 related articles, including article 19 concerning His Holiness the Dalai Lama's executive powers. "The responsibility of the delegates here is to improvise on the texts, on wordings, on paraphrasing things that they think might help making the drafts more effective, particularly on the
The opening session of the 2nd Tibetan National General Meeting being held at the TCV School auditorium in Dharamsala, on 21 May 2011. Photo: TPI
preamble and the article number one", said the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Penpa Tsering, during a press briefing shortly after the opening ceremony
Tenth Edition of Miss Tibet kicks off with Six Contestants
Dharamshala- On Tuesday (17 May) Herman Van Rompuy, the President of the European Council, urged Beijing to improve its international image and uphold human rights and the rule of law in China. Van Rompuy held discussions with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on topics ranging from trade relations to human rights. His plea comes among recent Continues on Page 10....
had concluded. The current Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, See on Page 6....
Boycott Spreads to Other Counties
A latest photo of Vegetables from a Tibetan store in Kham, eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI/latest By The Tibet Post International
A New Tibetan Dictionary
Dharamshala: - A boycott of Chinese-owned vegetable stores in Nangchen County in the Tibetan province of Kham, eastern Tibet has spread to neighboring counties. Tibetan residents of Dzado County (Ch: Zaduo), See on Page 5...
Mongolians Protest to Against China
Tenth Edition of Miss Tibet kicks off with Six Contestants. Photo: TPI Kalon Tripa Prof Samdhong Rinpoche releases the new Tibetan dictionary authored by Lobsang Tendar. Photo: TPI By Aniket Dasgupta, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, the chairman of Central Tibetan Administration launched a new comprehensive Tibetan dictionary authored by Mr. Lobsang Tendar at a function in Gangchen Kyishong where Central Tibetan Administration based, Wednesday (18th May). Tendar is a lexicographer and editor who is currently working as the editor of text books at the Tibetan Children's Village school in Dharamshala. While explaining the features of the dictionary, Tendar said it had taken him 13 years of laborious research in creating the dictionary, which contains 60,000 words which have been taken from Tibetan Continues on Page 7 ....
By Samuel Ivor and Sangay Dorjee, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala- The Miss Tibet Pageant celebrates its 10th anniversary this year in Mcleoad Ganj with six beautiful contestants. The 12 day event stars Tibetan participants from a diaspora that spreads across the globe, aiding awareness for the Tibetan cause and maintaining the Tibetan culture with a distinctly modern twist. The pageant marks its 10th anniversary with 6 beautiful Tibetan women this year. 2011s contest involves an orientation on Tibetan culture, philosophy and current affairs. The six contestants will perform yoga, cultural dances, catwalk modeling, personality development as well as visits to the Tibetan Government in Exile, local Tibetan schools, and NGOs. The pageants hail from afar afield as Australia, India,
Switzerland and the United States. Chemi Lhazom, Dolma Tsering and Tenzin Sangmo are from India, Ngodud Dolma from Australia, Tenzin Yangkyi from Switzerland and Tenzin Khecho from the United States. The coming seven days will see the contestants training for the competition rounds, that will be kicked off on the 3rd of June with a swimwear competition. Talk and talent rounds will follow - to highlight that these beautiful girls aren't just a pretty face. Following the intellectual side of the contest, an evening gown and traditional costume event will be performed, and the interview rounds will tie-up the event on the 5th of June. Continues on Page 2.......
By Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Wednesday May 25, more than 2000 ethnic Mongolian protesters marched to the Chinese government building in the North-western city of Xilinhot, in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR). The protest was spurred by the killing of a Mongolian herder by a Chinese truck-driver Continues on Page 4......
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30 May, 2011 Dharamsala
TPI INTERVIEW & RECAP
China Cracks Down on Reporting of Tibet and East Turkestan Article by Gautam Ashok, The Tibet Post
A map of Tibet, China, Eastern Turkestan, and Inner Mongolia. Photo: FIle
"Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know." Jim Rohn, American businessman Dharamshala: The above quote seems to reflect the Chinese governments stand on the Media and how to handle it. The foreign press often accuse the Chinese government of being heavy handed and draconian when it comes to the reporting of news that does not quite fit, the Communist hierarchy's view of a "Peacefully rising superpower." Although, in the recent past this has not been the case. If we dig deep enough, a pattern seems to emerge. The time frame being from 2008 to the present 2011, the Chinese PR machine has become a well oiled machine. Take for instance, the recent turmoil at the Kirti monastery in western china. As reports emerge of police brutality, the Chinese government tells us "Crisis? What crisis?" Foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a briefing that a small number of monks have disobeyed Tibetan Buddhism rules and disrupted local order at the Kirti Monastery in a Tibetan area of Ngaba region of eastern Tibet (Ch: Sichuan Province). He said the legal education was being conducted out of a need for the "correct implementation of religious freedom
Continues from front Page ...... An enormous sum of 100,000 Rupees will be awarded to the fortunate girl who wins the event. This is easily the largest sum of prize money awarded for any event in the exiled Tibetan society. Second place will win 500,000 Rupees, and Third shall be awarded a sum of Rs 25,000. The 10th anniversary of the event, though a happy occasion, is marred by the recent events in the Pageants' homeland. Hardships and crackdowns have been witnessed at Kitri Monastery - Amdo, and suppression is a regular occurrence for their people. The pageants hope and pray that the situation improves for those in Tibet over the coming days, and they have saluted the brave members of the Tibetan Youth Congress who performed a hunger strike in recent weeks. Voting for Miss Photogenic will commence from the 1st to the 3rd of June. To have your vote on your favorite contestant, visit: misstibet.com
promises" and to strengthen the administration of religious affairs. Sounds pretty innocuous right? Except that the situation on the ground is exactly the opposite of the governments. The monastery has been under guard since Mid-March, when a 20-year-old monk named Phuntsok set himself on fire, dying later at a hospital. Tibetan exiles HAVE reported that WHEN area residents tried to block security forces from entering the monastery, the police set attack dogs on the crowd and beat people. To contain the damage to its reputation, China's government has adopted a twintrack strategy with opposite treatment for old and new media. It swiftly shut off the Internet and mobile phones to control news and imagery seeping out, while feeding the press and TV with pictures and information. Web connections are still unavailable, mobile signals and texting services remained intermittent. Twitter has been blocked, too. This approach was also taken when there were riots in the Uighur or Turkestan (Ch: currently a region of China) in 2009, when learning from the fiasco in Lhasa in 2008; it has used that unpleasant moment as a template to shape the message to its main audience, which is domestic. Official media depicts the rioters as thugs rather than people with political grievances. In 2009, Beijing blamed exiled businesswoman Rebiya Kadeer for the violence. Kadeer, who heads a Washington-based confederation of exile organizations scattered through the U.S., Germany, Britain, and Australia, denied involvement. The provincial government has said "violence ... was instigated and directed from abroad, and carried out by outlaws in the country." Similar florid language was applied to His Holiness the Dalai Lama after the Lhasa riots; where he was described as a "jackal in monk's robes." The official media is very unified, they all have the same narrative, there's no independent reporting-it's a very highly controlled version of the story.Sterotypes are created where Uighurs and Tibetans are portrayed as thugs and criminals to a largely receptive and ignorant local audience. The local media has time and again omitted disturbing news or in certain cases change the language of an event to make morally questionable actions seem innocent. The media in China is, in effect is normalizing the unthinkable.
The Tibet Post
Tibetan Parliament in Exile To See First Ever Opposition Party By Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: Tenzin Rabgyal is a man with a democratic plan. The 31-year-old MA student of public administration, and volunteer campaigner for Lobsang Sangey's Kalon Tripa campaign, aims to found a new political party - the People's Party of Tibet (PPT) - in an attempt to create a two-party system in the arena of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). Rabgyal hopes to help pave the way for a "smooth democracy" with transparent governance, an absence of nepotism and, most importantly, a raised awareness about democracy among all Tibetans. With its own candidates, the new party will stand in opposition to what is currently the only parliamentary political party in the Tibetan exile community the almost two-decades-old National Democratic Party of Tibet (NDPT). The differences between the two parties are significant. The PPT proposes that its party committee names the members of the Kashag (Tibetan cabinet), as opposed to the current system whereby the Kalon Tripa (prime minister) selects the ministers, who are then approved by parliament. Also in contrast to the status quo, the Chithue (parliamentary) members of the PPT would be expected to vote uniformly, on the basis of the party's manifesto. Further, while no political party has previously contested elections for Local Settlement Assembly members, the PPT proposes to campaign for both Local Settlement Assembly members and Local Settlement Welfare officers to be elected. The PPT hopes this will make the concept of democracy an integral part of Tibetans' everyday lives. From the outset, says Rabgyal, the PPT will be a centre-field party that will take "the best from the left wing and the right-wing." But one policy will be set in stone - the PPT will take a proautonomy stance. This is in accordance with the policies laid out by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the CTA regarding Tibet's relationship with China. The NDPT, on the other hand, advocates for an independent Tibet, as does the lesser known, US-based, National Rangzen Party of Tibet, which was started by political activist and writer Jamyang Norbu, but is so far only to be found as an interest group on the social media site Facebook. According to the PPT's first-draft program, the party's main objectives are transparency of governance, educating Tibetans on democracy and its principles, and the preservation of Tibetan culture and traditions. The PPT's tentative manifesto also includes policies on welfare, education, health care and international relations. The program states, however, that "changes may be brought to the policies or programs after the set-up of a central party office and the formation of a party committee in the near future". So far, this is all the vision of one man. However, later this year Rabgyal intends to canvass Tibetan settlements across India to find members and candidates for the PPT. Besides supporting the party's program, Rabgyal expects candidates to be hard-working, compassionate university graduates, and ideally to belong to the younger
Political party founder Tenzin Rabgyal in front of his chemist shop in Dharamshala, near the Central Tibetan Administration. Photo: TPI
cohort of the Tibetan population in exile. With time, he also hopes to attract members and candidates from Tibetan settlements outside of India, and perhaps even establish party offices in places such as the US, Canada and Europe. In a new interview with The Tibet Post International, below, Tenzin Rabgyal puts forward his ideas and motives to the public for the first time, and explains why he thinks Tibetans need a second political party. Tibet Post International (TPI): What do you hope to accomplish by founding the People's Party of Tibet? Tenzin Rabgyal (TR): We are in exile due to many reasons, but I think one reason is that, before 1959, we didn't have political activity or parties compared to our neighbouring countries. And still we have no political party system legislation in the CTA. Therefore, I hope to have good democratic practice in the CTA and, in the future, Tibet, by establishing a good political party system. Because without a political party system, the election commission is just a counting machine and the democratic system is still incomplete. TPI: With the incoming Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangey having already been called a 'terrorist' by the Chinese government, how does the PPT intend to win the Chinese government's respect? TR: The PPT and our candidates will work harder to convince and assure the Chinese government of our objective of the autonomy policy rather than independence of Tibet. Until now, the talks between the special envoys of the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government have had no third-party observers. We will try to get that and we will also better the autonomy policy by consulting international organizations. TPI: What, in your opinion, are the biggest challenges for the CTA? TR: Presently, I think the biggest difficulties or challenges for the CTA concern the health promotion programmes, which are not working properly, and that is why there are so many Tibetan people who are suffering from various diseases. Even TB and HIV/AIDS exist in the Tibetan settlements due to the lack of awareness of health. Health is the basic thing we need but the Department of Heath under the CTA lack some health promotion programmes and they are not very active in the Tibetan settlements in India. Secondly, in the CTA there is a lack of human resource management - in the
CTA there is no such department. These days, in most companies and developed countries, human resource management departments are available to manage the manpower in society. Our party will work for better management of the human resources in our community. These are the two main challenges faced by the CTA. TPI: Can you give an example of how the lack of human resource management is affecting the CTA and the Tibetan exile community? TR: As I said, the health department of the CTA is not run properly and, frankly speaking, in the CTA, the secretary and highest officials of the health department...don't have any health education background. This situation reflects what I was saying about human resource management. Because of a lack of knowledge in health on the part of officials, this poor health level has not become better under the current administration. TPI: How will the PPT be funded and will contributors be made known to the public? TR: I expect our party to be funded and supported by any individuals and organizations in democratic nations who support democracy and, of course, by the Tibetan people. If we receive funds, we will be very transparent with the public - who funded what, who donated to us, how we spend it. We will be open with the public - there will be no problems with transparency. TPI: We have seen Lobsang Sangey elected as Kalon Tripa in the recent elections. Being the first democratically elected leader of the Tibetan diaspora, what would you like to see Lobsang Sangey accomplish during his five-year tenure? TR: I expect Dr. Lobsang to run the CTA actively and transparently, with no nepotism and no favouritism, and I expect the CTA to acquire more scholarships in Western universities for Tibetan students, as well as to produce more professionals, doctors and engineers in India and the Western world. I also expect him to promote the development of Tibetan settlements in India. Some are very poor and not much developed in the last 50 years. Some of them are very remote and the CTA officials don't visit them often, so I expect these poor settlements to be developed. I also hope that Lobsang Sangey will develop the relations with China regarding the autonomy of Tibet. He has talked with many Chinese scholars about this issue and, so, from Continues on Page 7.......
The Tibet Post
TPI H.H THE DALAI LAMA
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Talks on World Peace, China-Tibet Talks
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to members of the press in Newark, New Jersey, on May 12, 2011. Photo/Getty Images By www.dalailama.com
Newark, New Jersey, USA, 12 May 2011 : His Holiness the Dalai Lama left Fayetteville in Arkansas in the morning arriving in Newark in New Jersey around noon for the last part of his programs in the current tour of the United States. On arrival Prof. Robert Thurman of Tibet House, who is the co-convener in the Newark Peace Education Summit, which His Holiness is participating on May 13 and 14, received him. In the afternoon His Holiness attended a press meet where he was introduced by Prof. Thurman. In his initial remarks, His Holiness dwelt on his two commitments of promotion of human values and promotion of religious harmony. He said in the past several days he had been touching on these themes at the different public talks, and joked that since he has been repeating them so much he seemed to have memorized them. His Holiness said that these values that he propagated were nothing new but ones that were promoted for long by India. Talking about his first commitment of promotion of human values, His Holiness said that we are all the same human beings; we all want a happy life. He said that people mistakenly think that happiness can be achieved through material development. He added that we needed to realize that the source of happiness is within ourselves. He emphasized that these human values needed to be promoted through an approach that did not touch on religion to be inclusive of all human beings. Referring to his commitment to the promotion of religious harmony, His Holiness said on a few occasions, and particularly yesterday's development (May 11, 2011 when he heard a Christian nun and a gentleman at a panel in the University of Fayetteville in Arkansas talking about their Christian religion inspiring them in their work) confirmed his belief that all religions have the same potential to inner peace notwithstanding their philosophical differences. He said the real purpose of all religions was the same: to promote love, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, and self-discipline. His Holiness said that the people seem to agree with his line of thinking. His Holiness said the reason why he was mentioning these today was because the media also have a special responsibility and role in order to build a happy democratic society. He repeated his comparison of the media to an
elephant who should be using the long nose to investigate both what is in the front as also what is behind and to point them out. He said that the media should do this in an honest, truthful, unbiased and objective way. His Holiness then answered questions from the media. The first question was whether he was ready to negotiate with the Chinese and whether he was ready to find his successor in the eventuality of his passing away. His Holiness outlined the history of contact with the Chinese leadership. He said direct contact began in 1979 and there was real hope in the early 1980s, but that things became difficult and contact ceased in early 1990s. He said, "again we renewed direct contact with Central Government" in 2002 and since then there have been nine rounds of talks but no positive result. He said even our sincere proposals under the Chinese constitution was described as disguised independence movement. In the meantime, His Holiness said the situation inside Tibet had been becoming worse and worse. Nevertheless, he said from our side always we are always open for talks. His Holiness said there is problem in Tibet but that Chinese officials refuse to accept that. He suggested that journalists should visit Tibet to see the situation and to see whether there is problem or not. Sooner or later we have to tackle this problem, he added. "Once the Chinese central government really addresses the real situation we are always ready to help," His Holiness said. On the issue of his succession, His Holiness said that major Tibetan religious leaders in exile have been meeting occasionally in the past and this issue of successor of Dalai Lama has been a topic of discussion in the past few years. However, nothing has been finalized, he said adding that perhaps there could be another conference of top religious leaders within this year. He joked by asking the people at the press meet whether, by looking at his face, they could tell there was any need to hurry in deciding on his succession or not. His Holiness also responded to questions about the approach the Japanese people should be taking with regard to their recent tragedy and how Mexicans should be dealing with violence resulting from the drug trade, etc. His Holiness said that people should try to understand the situation and to look forward by making efforts to build a new society. He talked of how the Japanese people were able to rebuild their society after the destruction from the Second World War. He said people have the potential to look forward. In terms of Mexico, His Holiness said the people should not feel hopelessness and lose courage and determination. Referring to the fact that the drugs in Mexico find users in the United States, His Holiness said the very use of drugs indicated that the people were missing something inside. He added that these people have not realized their inner potential. Asked for a message to the urban youth in cities like Newark that experience lot of murders amongst youngsters, His Holiness said that simply a message from him would not help. What was needed was a long-term plan, he said.
He talked about the historical development in the United States when Lincoln abolished slavery followed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a "courageous and marvelous leader" who fought for civil rights. Now, he said, there is a Black American in the White House. These were positive development, he said. His Holiness said there was a need for a long-term strategy. He said people should seriously address the issue of gap between the rich and the poor, not just in the United States, but also in India, China, etc. This gap is leading to feeling of discomfort among the poor who then become frustrated. Frustration leads to anger, which in turn leads to violence, he said. His Holiness said education was important in changing the situation. The education system needed to incorporate moral teachings through a secular way. His Holiness explained that secularism does not mean disrespect of religion but respect of all religions, as well as for non-believers, as was the case in India. He said such an approach would help bring about a calm mind adding that a calm mind will lead to a healthy individual, which will in turn help bring about a happy family and a happy community. To a question about the appropriateness of violence in the name of justice with regard to the killing of Osama Bin Laden, His Holiness reiterated his long standing opposition to death penalty and said that he was a signatory to a campaign by Amnesty International to abolish the death penalty. He said right from his childhood when he learnt of the hanging of German leaders after the Nuremberg Trials he felt sad, as these people were already defeated. He also referred to the hanging of Saddam Hussein, who was already defeated. He said death sentence in such cases appeared to be out of revenge and not preventive. His Holiness said there were different views on the issue of the killing of Bin Laden. Some support it while others say it was wrong. He said he was among those who think it was wrong. His Holiness recalled that during the commemoration of the first anniversary of the September 11 tragedy in Washington, D.C., he had the opportunity to mention that we should not be against a whole community just because of the mischievous action of a few people. He said mischievous individuals were in all religious communities. When asked about his view on Tibet House USA, His Holiness said that he knew Prof. Robert Thurman from a long time. His Holiness said he appreciated the founding of Tibet House to bring awareness to Tibetan culture. While saying that Prof. Thurman was living his life in the spirit of Tibetan Buddhist culture, His Holiness drew attention to the difference between Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhist culture. He said Tibetan Buddhism was for the individual while Tibetan Buddhist culture was for the community. He talked about a community of Tibetans who were Muslims but still their way of life was Tibetan Buddhist culture. To a question on the Indian Continues on Page 12....
30 May, 2011 Dharamsala
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His Holiness Expands on Importance of Developing Inner Peace Newark, New Jersey, USA, 13 May 2011 - On the morning of May 13th, Tibet's spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama left for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the venue of The Newark Peace Education Summit, a three-day conference focusing on peacemaking practices from around the world. The morning session was on the theme of "Peace Within" and His Holiness' copanelists were Nobel Laureates Shirin Ebadi and Jody Williams; author and wellness proponent Dr. Deepak Chopra; Buddhist teacher Roshi Joan Halifax; activist and editor of Tikkun, a progressive Jewish interfaith magazine, Rabbi Michael Lerner; 93-year old yoga master Tao Porchon-Lynch; former death row inmate and writer Wilbert Rideau; and a 13-year old student activist Mahishan Gnanaseharan. The panelists discussed the need for
reiterated the need for internal disarmament and that only through this can there be external disarmament. Participating in the discussions after hearing from those individuals who had direct experiences of social injustices as well as wrongdoing in the past, His Holiness said these indicated that the potential of doing negative and positive actions were present in everyone. He said through knowledge and education can positive thinking be inculcated and suggested that there was something lacking in modern education. He called for the incorporation of the teaching of inner values in the school education. Following the morning session, His Holiness departed for the Newark Museum, which is celebrating the 100th year of its internationally acclaimed Tibetan collection. According to the Museum, "Since the first 150 Tibetan
Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama, center, addresses a group during a panel discussion at the Newark Peace Education Summit Saturday, May 14, 2011, in Newark, N.J. The three-day summit on the power of nonviolence will include Nobel laureates, international leaders, local anti-violence activists and the Dalai Lama. Photo: AP By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
inner peace and the role of society in bringing about peace in the community. Expanding on his view that inner peace was a critical component in bringing about world peace His Holiness said that scientific findings indicate that individuals who are compassionate, truthful and sincere bring about a happy family atmosphere. He said warmheartedness brings about trust and trust engenders happiness. He said there are negative outcomes when an individual lies or is hypocritical and that when a person is too polite, suspicion is created. His Holiness said when there is too much anger and too much fear then there will not be a realistic approach. Without realistic approach there cannot be results, he said and added that this approach can only come about by seeing reality. His Holiness reality comes about through a holistic approach and that warm heartedness plays a role in this. He said only through a calm mind can there be an objective approach. His Holiness joked to the audience of more than 1200 that they could consider him a "small Buddhist psychologist" explaining that mind and emotion have many varieties. He suggested that educational institutions should undertake more detailed study of the mind. Emphasizing that peace of mind comes through individual action, His Holiness added, "You cannot buy peace of mind and wisdom in the super market. You cannot exploit others for wisdom." He
objects were displayed here in 1911, the Newark Museum has become a steward of one of the foremost holdings of both secular and religious Tibetan art in the world. Today the collection numbers over 5,500 objects that range from the eleventh to the twenty-first century and is the largest and most important repository for Tibetan art in the Americas." The Museum is currently in the midst of a nine-month Tibet Collection Centennial celebration, which began in March 2011, honoring Tibetan art, culture and history. His Holiness said a prayers before an Avalokitesvara sand mandala that monks from the Drepung Gomang monastery had constructed in the museum and then went through the exhibits, which included statues, Tibetan painted scrolls, dress ornaments and other religious artifacts. In the afternoon, His Holiness attended a luncheon where Newark Mayor Cory Booker made some introductory remarks. He praised His Holiness as "A Man who is from a specific cultural and geographic context and yet has transcended that." The Mayor termed His Holiness' visit to Newark was a pivotal achievement of his Mayorship. The Mayor talked about the need for persistence in achieving peace. In his remarks His Holiness thanked the Mayor for his meaningful remarks. He suggested that there have been many such meetings on peace in the past and feels that there is something special this Continues on Page 12 ....
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TPI INTERNATIONAL
The Tibet Post
Tibet Support Groups Appeal RSS Leader Indresh Discusses Tibet Issue to World Leaders on Ngaba with His Holiness the Dalai Lama Crisis By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
Participants raise their hands to support resolutions passed during the Sixth International Conference of Tibet Support Groups at Surajkund near New Delhi from 5-7 November 2010. Photo: TPI By The Tibet Administration Official media: Tibet Net
Dharamshala: - The International Tibet Network, a coalition of more 183 Tibet support groups on six continents, has sent an urgent appeal to governments around the world to make strong representation to the Chinese government to end repression on Kirti Monastery in northeastern Tibet. The appeal, signed by more than 200 Tibet campaign organisations, urged the "governments around the world to issue a public statement of concern about the crisis and to continue to raise with China in the strongest diplomatic terms." They urged the world leaders to convey the message to China's leaders at every possible opportunity to withdraw paramilitary forces from Ngaba,
unconditionally release all the detainees and to give unfettered access to international observers and media. The international Tibet Network has also initiated "Global Week of Action for Ngaba", a concerted campaign to highlight the situation in northeastern Tibet. The Chinese government imposed military blockade of the monastery in March this year following the protests by the local Tibetans over the selfimmolation by Phuntsog, a monk of Kirti monastery, in protest against China's brutal suppression of peaceful protests which shook Tibet in 2008. The crackdown has so far left two elderly Tibetans dead and over 300 monks detained.
Thousands of Mongolians Protest to Against China For Equal Rights following disputes over access to pastures which are being used as roadways for trucks transporting coal for the growing coal-industry in Inner Mongolia. Three herders and one student were reportedly beaten severely during the protests and their whereabouts are presently unknown. The protesters, who were mainly students, demanded they be treated equal to the growing number of ethnic Han Chinese who now make up the majority of the population in the region, with only an estimated 17 percent of Inner Mongolia's 23 million people being of Mongolian ethnicity. Southern Mongolian Human Rights Information Center (SMHRIC) write on their website that after the Chinese government announced IMAR to be the "energy base of China", hundreds of coal mines have been opened in the Southern Mongolian grasslands, and as a result more than 250.000 Mongolian nomads have been displaced. Officially, the herders and their families are being relocated under the guise of protecting the grasslands, but SMHRIC write that many grazing pastures have been destroyed by the coal industry and livestock has been killed. On May 10, as frustrated herders organized to block Chinese mining trucks from passing through their grazing land, Murgen, one of the
organizers of the Mongolian herders, was killed by a coal-truck driver who deliberately charged straight into the road-block set up by the herders. Subsequently, local government authorities tried to appease Mergen's family with a large sum of cash, but this only further angered the herders as they demanded the truck driver be charged with murder in accordance with the law. More than 300 armed police were then deployed as the local authorities anticipated protests by the herder's organization. "Hotels were searched at midnight by the Public Security Bureau personnel for herders possibly hiding to join any protest; Mongolian students were locked up in their schools, and campuses are heavily guarded by police," a Mongolian blogger wrote. Despite their efforts, however, Chinese authorities were not able to hinder the protests, and instead they met the protests with promises to redress the case of Mergen, handle the case where local herders had a deadly clash with Chinese miners and to allow governmentrun local media to report on the cases. According to SMHRIC, the students then agreed to return to their schools, but as the protesting Mongolians await the fulfillment of promises by Chinese authorities, calls have been made on the internet for a major demonstration on May 30.
Dharamshala: - The leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday met with Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama and discussed Tibet issues such as the current situation in Tibet. The source told The Tibet Post International that Mr Indresh Kumar, the leader of RSS has raised some points regarding the current situation of Tibet and the struggle on the issue of Tibet cause. He also has shown his strong and warm support for the struggle of Tibet cause. During the meeting, the current Prime Minister of Exile Tibetan Government, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche has extended his 'warm welcome to the audiences. Mr. Indresh has declared that, the 27th May, 2011 is a significant date to highlight as 'Tibet Day'. His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave his blessing to Mr. Indresh, RRS leader who was accompanied by Mr. Rishi Walia, the Executive Member of Himalayan Pariwar
Mr Indresh Kumar, the leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday, 27 May receiving a white scarf from the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama at his residence in Dharamsala, India. Photo: TPI
and Mr. Chime Youngdung, the President of National Democratic Party of Tibet, it said. After his audience with the Tibetan spiritual leader, he also met with newly
elected Prime Minister of Tibetan government in exile, Dr. Lobsang Sangay and expressed his congratulations on for the election victory and well wishes for the upcoming term in Kalontripa office.
UN Expert's Intervention in Marginalisation of Tibetan Language By Tibetan government in exile official media: Tibet Net
Dharamshala: Four human rights experts from the UN Human Rights Council on 22 October 2010 issued a joint urgent appeal to China regarding allegations relating to restrictions imposed on the use of the Tibetan language in schools in northeastern Tibet. The experts of the Council were the Special Rapporteur on the right to education, contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, related intolerance and independent expert on minority issues and the independent expert in the field of cultural rights. The experts told the Chinese government: "Such alleged restrictions on the use of the Tibetan language in schools would have a negative impact on those of Tibetan origin and the preservation and promotion of the Tibetan language generally." They also said concerns related to the impact of the education reforms on the education outcomes as well as to access to their cultural heritage of children whose mother tongue language was Tibetan. Those children had benefited from bilingual education that had enabled them to become proficient in both languages, ensuring access to their own cultural heritage. The Chinese authority denied such allegations claiming that there had not been any detentions of students connected to the protests and stated that they listened to their grievances. Last year, the Tibetan students in Rebkong and Chabcha protested against the Chinese government policy restricting the use of Tibetan language.
UN Human Rights Council. Photo: File
In a petition written by Tibetan teachers to the authorities, the Tibetan teachers write that they support a genuine bilingual language policy, in which the teaching of the Chinese language is strengthened, but subjects are taught through the Tibetan language medium. But the Chinese authorities are setting in place what they also characterise as a "bilingual" policy but which appears to mean in practice an education imperative which is designed to transition minority students from education in their mother tongue to education in Chinese. New measures to "forcefully develop 窶話ilingual' preschool education in the farming and pastoral areas, strengthen teaching of the Chinese language in the basic education phase, [and] basically resolve nationality students' fundamental ability issues in speaking and understanding Chinese" were outlined as part of a ten-year plan for 2010-2020 in Qinghai in June.
In a response dated 18 November, 2010 to the UN human rights experts, Chinese government asserts that they respect the views and opinions from the teachers and students. They assured that the matter has been resolved and the situation in the schools has returned to normal. Mr Githu Muigai, Special Rapporteur, stated that it wishes to emphasise paragraph 82 of the outcome document of the Durban Review Conference, which affirms that "The existence and the national or ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic identity of minorities shall be protected, and the persons belonging to these minorities should be treated equally and enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms without discrimination of any kind." The 17th session of the UN Human Rights Council will be held from 30 May to 17 June, 2011 at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Tibet Post
TPI TIBET 5 China Arrests Tibetan Monk for Defying Official Diktat 30 May, 2011 Dharamsala
Tibetan Political Prisoner Dies after Spending 15 Years in Jail
By Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy
Chinese prison in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, photo taken March 06th 2006. Photo: TPI By The Tibet Administration Official media: Tibet Net
Jampa Pelsang alias Puloe, a monk of Gaden Monastery, died recently after he was released from 15 years in prison Dharamshala: - Jampa succumbed to grievous injuries that he sustained during severe torture and inhuman treatment in Drapchi and Chushul prison after he was sentenced to 15 years in 1996. He was first arrested at the height of a crackdown as a prelude to severe imposition of patriotic reeducation on the three main monasteries - Sera, Gaden and Drepung - in 1996. On 6 May 1996, the religious affairs department of Tibet Autonomous Region sent an additional work team to Gaden Monastery and told the monastery that the Central government had orders to stop the ongoing religious debate of the monks. The work team forced patriotic reeducation on the monks, which involved coercing the monks to remove His Holiness the Dalai Lama's portrait from the monastery. However the whole work team had to abandon its work and leave the monastery after the monks defied its order with spontaneous protest. This prompted the Chinese government to deploy military forces at the
monastery and used force to arrest monks. In the crackdown, two monks, Dorjee and Gelek Jinpa, were shot. Many monks were arrested and removed from the monastery in the repression from 6 - 7 May 1996. Jampa Pelsang was among those monks who were arrested for allegedly leading the protest. He was sentenced to 15 years in jail, while many others received varying prison terms. He was sent to Drapchi and Chushul prison, where the Chinese authorities severely tortured him to the brink of death. Even though Jampa was finally released on 6 May this year, he died 17 days later after every possible medication failed to recover him. He was born in Drigung Lungshoe in Meldro Gungkar and started monastic education at an early age in Gaden Monastery. Like Jampa, another monk of Gaden Monastery named Tenzin Yeshi, who was arrested during the patriotic education in 1996, also died after release from the prison. Lobsang Wangchuk, who was sentenced to 10 years in Drapchi prison, where he protested against the authorities, who later shot him dead.
Kham Vegetable Boycott Spreads to Neighboring Counties Surmang (Ch: Zurmang), and Jyekundo County, the site of the 2010 earthquake, have vowed to buy exclusively from Tibetan stores as a response to the high price of vegetables in Chinese stores, sources in Nangchen told Tibet campaigners. After debates held by a local community organization, residents from Dzado, Surmang, and Jyekundo "agreed to join the boycott," which began in Nangchen, the source told The Tibet Post International. Tibetan businessmen from all four counties are traveling to Xining, the provincial capital of Qinghai, to purchase vegetables, flour, oil, tea, wheat, and other commodities to sell them at a reasonable rate in their local areas. Speaking on condition of anonymity, one Tibetan in Nangchen said, "The price of vegetables in Nangchen is extremely high." "For example, a kilo of apples usually sells for 2 yuan. But the Chinese shops were selling the same quantity of
apples for 8 yuan," he said. Official Response Police in Nangchen County have warned Tibetans that if the boycott becomes associated with "the Dalai Lama or Tibetan independence," they will intervene. Additionally, the families of police officers and officials are being told "not to participate in the boycott." Currently "the majority" of Tibetans in Nangchen are participating in the boycott, the source said, adding that the boycott organizers took inspiration from the successful use of boycott tactics in India's struggle for home rule. Economic Empowerment Well respected lamas from Nangchen and Dzado have commended the boycott's impact of raising the economic conditions of Tibetans in the region. Tibetans in these counties have opened up new vegetable shops to compete with Chinese-owned stores. "Nine vegetable shops have been opened by Tibetan businesspeople from Nangchen and Surmang, and one
Dharamshala: - Chinese security officers arrested a young Kirti Monastery monk, Gatsetsang Lobsang Choephel, on 19 May 2011 for not complying with official diktats. After being taken away from the monastery, his whereabouts and well being are not known yet. Since the fatal self-immolation of Phuntsok on 16 March and the protest that followed thereafter, Chinese authorities in Ngaba County as well as from prefecture and provincial levels have been tightening control in the area. Kirti Monastery and its monks have been direct target of the government and its agencies' measures to bring "order and stability" in the area. Officials have been conducting the so-called "patriotic reeducation", now rephrased as "legal education", in the monastery. Monks defying official diktats demanding loyalty to the "motherland" are arrested for possessing a "polluted" or "brainwashed" mind. 27-year-old Lobsang is the latest to be arrested in this campaign. He is born to Gatse (father), a resident of Chukle Gabma pastoral division in Ngaba County. Earlier two other monks, Lobsang Jinpa and Lobsang Dorjee, who were also taken away for showing "bad expression" to the officials, were released after few days detention. Although reports are emerging about
16 March 2011, People's Armed Police march on Ying Xiong Avenue near the main market in Ngaba Town, eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI
frequent arrests in the monastery in the ongoing patriotic re-education session, it is however getting increasingly difficult to ascertain their current status due to official clampdown on information. According to reports emerging out of the area, the authorities took profile pictures of all the monks in the monastery in early this month. Those who missed out are facing difficulties in not being allowed to reside in the monastery. In another unconfirmed report, around 24 monks out of the 300 who were taken away by troops on 21 April from Kirti Monastery have returned to their families. The monks are said to belong
to Golok Chigdril County in Qinghai who were studying at Kirti Monastery. The whereabouts of the remaining monks is still unknown in what has become the biggest case of disappearance in Tibet in a single incident in recent times. The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy calls upon the government of People's Republic of China (PRC) to account for the disappeared and release those in detention. The Centre also appeals to the international community to maintain its pressure on the Chinese government until the security crackdown is lifted and normalcy returns to the area.
More Arrested in Ngaba Tibet, Chinese Crackdown Continues By Tibetan government News Agency: Tibet Net
Dharamshala: - Losang Khedrup, a 39 year-old monk of Kirti monastery was arrested on 6 May without any valid reason and his whereabouts remain unknown, said monks of Kirti Monastery in exile. Gerik, 60, a native of Me'uruma township in Ngaba was also arrested on 19 March this year. He was twice detained in 1998 and in 2008 for allegedly distributing leaflets about the situation in Ngaba and Tibet as a whole. He was detained this time by the public security bureau for his involvement in passing on information about the situation in Ngaba to outside world. He was also suspected for spreading information about the self-immolation by Phuntsog in March. His wife Dhonko, 52, was arrested on 20 March and kept under detention for few days and was subjected to severe
was opened in the home of Nangchen Tashi, since his house was not completely damaged by last year's quake," a Tibetan resident told Radio Free Asia. When asked if the boycott would end if Chinese-owned stores in the region lowered their prices, "No we want the Chinese stores to close," the source said.
Losang Khedrup, a 39 year-old monk of Kirti monastery, Gerik, 60, a native of Me’uruma township in Ngaba, Gerik's wife Dhonko, 52, and Gerik’s daughter Metok, 23. Photo: Tibet Net
beatings and harassment. Gerik's daughter Metok, 23, was detained and interrogated her about information on her father's contact with the outside world. She had suffered severe maltreatment in detention in 2008. She was severely beaten and the authorities did not allow her to be admitted in hospital. She sustained bruises and wounds, and was left mentally traumatised. Gerik's other relatives and family members were fortunately able move out before the Chinese authorities could detain them.
The residential quarters of Kirti monastery still remain under heavy surveillance with electronic devices placed in every corner and security forces deployed around the monastery. The Chinese authorities have warned to prolong the ongoing re-education if the monks do not follow government order to denounce His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Over 1,000 government officials along with security forces are deployed at the monastery to conduct the re-education campaign. More than 20 monks have been detained since 6 May.
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30 May, 2011 Dharamsala
also addressed the delegates, highlighting the importance of maintaining the legitimacy of the Tibetan Government in Exile, regardless of the changes that could be made in the charter. He also said "I hope this session will pass the preamble unanimously without change". Commenting on the three sections of article 1, the Kalon Tripa said they were added "because they are the people's
TPI TIBET IN EXILE
Speaker Dolma Gyari added that, in order not to confuse matters, the second draft had not been disclosed to the public until now. The Kalon Tripa also mentioned the second draft and said, "we don't really know how this is going to work out, so this is one of the discussions that are taking place whether there will be a people's leader or whether this will not be passed, it is just a proposition".
A total of 418 delegates from over 20 countries including India, Nepal, the US, Europe and Russia are taking part in the 4-day historic meeting being held in Dharamshala. Photo: TPI
aspirations". "Tibetans wants His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a national symbol and also as their guardian, but if His Holiness no longer want to do all this, then the charter doesn't have the power to enforce this on His Holiness" said Samdhong Rinpoche. Working simultaneously with two scenarios, the amendment drafting committee has submitted two drafts; one where His Holiness the Dalai Lama's responsibilities have been delegated to the different relevant branches of the CTA, and another one, as suggested by experts, where there is a third person elected to be head of state, in which case article 19 - pertaining to His Holiness responsibilities - would vary slightly from the first draft. The second draft is in response to a scenario where the Tibetan Government in Exile would announce itself a Republic, which would then mean the election of a person to become head of state. Speaker of Parliament, Penpa Tsering, said that the second draft did not enjoy full support of the committee, but was, however, sent along with the first one on the advice of certain experts. Deputy
After the meetings conclusion on May 24 - one day later than initially planned in an attempt to satisfy every delegate's need for commenting on the amendments - Penpa Tsering said "the draft will be taken to the house, as it was presented to the parliament secretariat, and any further modifications to the amendments will be brought by the standing committee of the house, which will reflect the views of this national general meeting". Deputy Speaker, Dolma Gyari, told members of the media that the address of His Holiness regarding his political exit, was to the 14th house and that he, in that same address, also specifically mentioned that this house should finalize his decision. "We have no option but to try to move ahead as per the vision of the Dalai Lama and in deference to the wishes of His Holiness" said Gyari on behalf of the parliament and added that "the present house feels duty bound to at least try to complete the task given unto us during our term". The current house's term ends on May 29 with the new MP's being sworn in already on May 30.
The Tibet Post
TCV Gopalpur Tops +12 CBSE Exam with 100% Pass Percentage By The Tibet Administration Official media: Tibet Net
Dharamshala: - The Tibetan Children's Village (TCV) School Gopalpur has secured top position with 100 percent pass percentage among the fifteen Tibetan schools in this year's class 12 CBSE board examination, the result of which was declared on 23 May. Out of total 1390 students who appeared in the exams, 1258 successfully cleared and 24 failed. 107 students have to reappear in the compartment exam. The overall pass percentage is 90.50 %, showing better result from the last year's 86.48 %. The pass percentages of boys and girls recorded 91.71 % and 89.45 % respectively. The school-wise ranking stands as: TCV Gopalpur (100% pass percentage), TCV Selakui (98.21 %), CST Mundgod (97.24 %), TCV-SOS, Bylakuppe (95.97 %), THF, Mussoorie (93.79 %), CST Herbertpur (92.00 %), CST Darjeeling (91.43 %), CST Bylakuppe (90.91 %), CST Kalimpong (89.19 %), CST Shimla
TCV Gopalpur near Dharamshala, India. Photo: File
(81.82 %), CST Mussoorie (81.60 %), TCV, Upper Dharamsala (78.62 %), TNMF, Clement town (76.92 %), CST Paonta (71.43 %) and CST Dalhousie (67.74 %). The toppers in the three streams are (1) Tenzin Tsering, TCV, Selakui with 90.6 % in Science (2) Tenzin Choezom, TCV
SOS Bylakuppe with 89.2 % in Commerce and (3) Rinchen Wangmo, THF Mussoorie with 92.8 %. in Arts. The three toppers in vocational course are (1) Lobsang Choedon, CST Mundgod with 81.5 %, (2) Tenzin Dadhul, CST Mundgod with 80 % and (3) Tenzin Choying, CST Mundgod with 79.17 %.
Exiled Tibetans Hold A Mass Candlelight Vigil for Fasting Tibetans By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post International
Dharamshala- A candlelight vigil was held in the North Indian town of Dharamshala last night (18th May) to show support and unity for the three hunger strikers in New Delhi. Three members of the Tibetan Youth Congress began fasting on 25th of April, and are currently in critical health. They are aiming to raise awareness for the crackdown at Kirti Monastery, Tibet, which has seen much violence and unrest at the hands of Chinese Officials in recent months. The candle-light procession, organized by the Tibetan Youth Congress, began Tibetans in exile holding a mass candle light vigil in Dharamshala, India on 18th May 2011. Photo: TPI
First Opposition Party....... his campaign and his words, I see some good possibilities for a future dialogue between China and Tibet. TPI: Until this point, do you feel that there has been a lot of nepotism in the CTA? TR: There has been a lot of nepotism favouritism. Actually, it is common everywhere, but I hope not to have such activities happen in the future Tibetan Administration run by Dr. Lobsang Sangey. He got the youth's vote and most of them are educated. We voted mainly not to happen such activities in the CTA, and to break those old barriers - to have a more transparent governance. TPI: Some voices argue that educational levels, especially when it comes to the Tibetan language, is very poor. How does the PPT envision that a better and
more extensive Tibetan school system might be developed and sustained? TR: Regarding the poor level of Tibetan language among Tibetans, we are taught the language until high school, after which there is no such possibility in colleges. Recently, a few colleges have been set up, like in Varanassi and Bangalore, where you can study Tibetan further, but it is not enough. So we do not get practice and we are not in touch with the language, so, later on, we forget what we have learned and we cannot develop the Tibetan language. So I expect the CTA to introduce more and more summer schools, like they have in other countries, as a place to go and learn the Tibetan language. This will definitely help Tibetans to learn the language better. TPI: On the subject of Tibetan refugees'
status in India, will the PPT work to gain a more permanent status for Tibetans in the country? TR: Yes. Actually, Tibetans staying in Western countries receive citizenship and other permanent statuses, and if our party runs actively and the majority of our party candidates get elected in [the] legislative assembly, or in the Kashag or as Chitoes, our candidates will voice a request to the government of India for a more permanent status, like in Western countries, to Tibetans staying in India for a sufficient period of time. If, for example, a Tibetan is living in India for ten years, he or she should be receiving similar status as an Indian person. To find out more about Tenzin Rabgyal's new political party, visit the People's Party of Tibet's blog at www.pptibet.blogspot.com.
at 7pm in the main square of McLeod Ganj - Himachal Pradesh. A crowd of over 200 protesters marched through the streets, shouting their support for Kirti and the hunger strikers. Having looped the main town twice, the protesterslargely monks, made their way down the hill to the main Tibetan temple (Tsuglakhang). A river of anguished people held aloft candles in the still evening air as they journeyed down. Huge Tibetan flags were waved, and photos of Gandhi were held aloft. The protest brought together the two communities in Dharamshala; incorporating Gandhian-Indian techniques of peaceful protest, with the Tibetan struggle. Key figureheads including H. H the Dalai Lama and Kirti Rinpoche have expressed their ‘earnest concern' about the health of the hunger-strikers, and have urged them to call off the protest. The health conditions of the hunger
strikers are deteriorating. Dhondup Lhadar has lost over 16 kgs, Tenzin Norsang 11 kgs and Konchok Yangphel 13 kgs. Their blood pressure has also been below normal for the last few weeks. Upon arrival at the Main Temple, candles were discarded and the community of protesters gathered round the speakers from the TYC. In an exclusive interview for the Tibet Post, Migmar (Kelsang) of the RTYC stated: "Today we show our support for the hunger strikers. We ask the Chinese government to release those in Kirti Moanstery [Tibet]". He added; "We appeal to the international community to please assist in our demands. We also recognize the indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi. We are here on behalf of the Tibetan people suffering in Tibet- we are supporting these people, to raise awareness globally".
TPI INTERNATIONAL 7 Interpreting Chinese Definition Rights Groups criticise Nepal for of Liberation in Tibet Withdrawal of Criminal Cases The Tibet Post
30 May, 2011 Dharamsala
Panelists during the symposium on "17-point Agreement: Liberation or Occupation of TIbet" on the 60th anniversary of the agreement which the People's Republic of China coerced Tibetans to sign in Beijing on 23 May 1951/Photos by Sonam Wangdue
Jhala Nath Khana The Prime Minister of Nepal By Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post
By Official Media: Tibet Net
New Delhi: China has violated terms of an agreement it signed on 23 May 1951 with Tibet by denying the promised "national regional autonomy" to the Tibetan people in running their affairs apart from international relations and defence, concluded the speakers at a panel discussion titled 17-Point Agreement: Liberation or Occupation of Tibet held yesterday at the India International Center in New Delhi. The discussion consisting of such distinguished speakers as Dr Swaran Singh, Professor for Diplomacy & Disarmament at Jawaharlal Nehru University; Dr Naresh Mathur, a Supreme Court lawyer; and Mr Bhaskar Roy, an eminent China analyst was chaired by Ambassador Dalip Mehta, former ambassador to Bhutan and the Central Asian Republics of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Speaking through the lens of contemporary strategic and military implications in relation to the rise of China as well as the gradual evolution of India as another rising power in Asia, Dr Swaran Singh said the Chinese approach to the Agreement was not so much an operative formulation than a military one. "Rather than political-ideological terms, this Agreement is more of a hard-headed military strategic approach," Dr Singh said. Quoting the late Indian leader Sardar Patel who had said Chinese imperialism was cruder and more aggressive than any witnessed in Europe, Dr Singh said the clauses of the Agreement are "glaringly imperial and one-sided" defined more by Chinese irredentism. Further, he said the provision of not altering the political system of Tibet in Article 4 of the Agreement was China's way of deceptively reassuring the Tibetans as it was in the case of freedom of speech clauses contained in the former Soviet Union's constitution where the Proletariat classes were assured that institutions will be created to implement this clause with an implicit rider that people were allowed to shout as long the shouting were in favour of the Party. Dr Singh said hopes for changes in Tibet and China lie in how Tibetans both in and out of Tibet find a "desirable and feasible" weapon to strengthen their movement. If the strength of Tibetan movement effectively employs the Gandhian way of people power, the 17Point Agreement could be used in favour of the Tibetans, he said, adding the ongoing discourse on democratisation in China and the challenges the regime
in Beijing faces in this regard could in the long run tilt the balance making this Agreement to be seen a new light and relevance. Reacting to Dr Singh's comments, an audience member said the weapon of the Tibetan people is not only their indomitable spirit and non-violent methods but also the support of millions of people around the world who believe in the principles of truth, justice, and freedom. Ambassador Mehta said the Agreement is not inconsistent with the Middle Way proposal of seeking genuine autonomy for Tibet by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and wondered why China demonises His Holiness when what His Holiness seeks is merely the terms of the Agreement China sanctifies. With the agreement left unimplemented in various forms, he said it only exposes the "complete hypocrisy" of the Chinese government. Mr Bhaskar Roy touched briefly on the history of Tibet-China relations before the signing of the Agreement and termed the Chinese claim of Tibet being an "integral part" of China "flimsy". He said the Chinese ambans living in Lhasa before 1912 were Chinese representatives in the court of the Dalai Lama, and did not have the status of governors as claimed by China. Such historical manipulations are visible in current Chinese attitudes towards issues such as the South China Sea. Mr Roy said the 17-Point Agreement was signed after the Chinese Communist forces had successfully attacked the Kham province of Tibet and controlled Chamdo, the provincial capital. Moreover, threats of force were used against the Tibetans into signing the document, he added, calling it the "worst kind of aggrandisement". While there is no let-up in Chinese crackdown on Tibetans, a growing number of Chinese mostly intellectuals, activists, and lawyers have begun to question China's Tibet policy pointing out the glaring absence of autonomous powers for the Tibetan people. He referred to a 2008 report published by a Beijing-based Chinese NGO, the Gongmeng Law Research Centre, which, among others, stated that the money being spent in Tibet was not going to the Tibetans, but to the Chinese settlers. Mr Roy said the dominance of hardliners in the Chinese leadership poses a great challenge, adding, even the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping -- in a rare gesture of extending the olive branch to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1979 to discuss all issues apart from independence -- couldn't stop the stiff
Dharamshala: In an open letter from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the International Commission of Jurists, Prime Minister of Nepal, Jhala Nath Khanal, today was criticized strongly for allowing the withdrawal of criminal cases, especially the case against cabinet minister Agni Sapkota, who has been accused of murder. Officially it is Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara's decision to withdraw the criminal cases provoking the open letter which reads as a stinging rebuke to the Nepali government. "...The police did not undertake a proper investigation into the case and the alleged perpetrator has been authorized to go scot-free and has been promoted within the Maoist hierarchy without facing any inquiry or trial. The victim's widow and family have been denied justice continuously for the last six years and the nomination of the person who allegedly ordered the murder of their loved one has added insult to injury", the statement claims, referring to the case of school teacher Arjun Bahadur Lama,
resistance he faced from his hardline colleagues. Speaking on the status and legality of the Agreement, Dr Naresh Mathur said this agreement had not been tested in any international forum and most importantly, no recourse exists to ensure its implementation. Even the provision to set up a committee overlooking the implementation as enshrined in Article 15 of the Agreement has not been fulfilled yet. Alluding to the gross violations, Dr Mathur asked, "If it is honoured in breach, what sort of agreement are we talking about?" But the question of breach, Dr Mathur said, should also be viewed in tandem with Article 1 and 2 of the Agreement wherein some wordings such as "Tibetan people returning to the great motherland" suggest Tibet was a part of China before 1951. This, when independent international jurists including the groundbreaking 1959 report prepared by International Commission of Jurists, had recognised Tibet as an independent nation from 1912 to 1951. Dr Mathur said even Britain had recognised Tibet as a "sovereign independent nation" for 94 years before British foreign minister David Miliband under the Gordon Brown government reneged in 2008 by abandoning the
who was abducted by three Maoists in 2005, recruited into the Maoists' armed militia and a week after known to be handed over to cabinet minister Agni Sapkota for further investigation. According to the statement, Arjun's family later learnt that Mr. Lama was killed and his body was found buried, allegedly under the instruction of Agni Sapkota. "The appointment of Sapkota, a Unified CPN-M member, while he is under police investigation, sends a strong signal of government indifference to such serious allegations and reinforces the culture of impunity in Nepal," the letter reads. It further states that the appointment of Sapkota was inconsistent with the principles of human rights and a criminal justice system; "Impunity denies justice to victims of human rights abuses and erodes the credibility and effectiveness of the criminal justice system in Nepal". Home Minister Mahara had earlier announced that around 300 cases registered with district authorities against Maoist cadres are in the process of being withdrawn as they are of "political nature", but in the open letter the three
human rights watchdogs write that the case against Sapkota was hardly political as it was registered by the victim's wife who faced serious obstructions in doing so and furthermore that, "withdrawing criminal cases amount to granting amnesty for conflict crimes including for gross human rights violations". "We urge the government and the Maoists to call back Minister Sapkota, bring him to book, ask him to respect the court order and initiate investigation into human rights violations during the conflict," it said in the letter. The letter comes only a day after Maoist Home Minister Mahara ordered a crackdown on a string of peaceful protests, including nearly 20 former lawmakers who were protesting the prime minister's move to seek a vote to extend the deadline for writing the new constitution by a year. The former lawmakers were forcefully evicted from a building near the parliament where they had been on a 17 day hunger-strike, and police forces also removed groups of women who had been meeting before parliament for almost a month, asking the ruling parties to conclude the peace process and ensure women's rights in the new constitution, according to the Mangalorean. Several other civil rights protests that were staged in the last month have also been hindered by police forces. Ironically, the same Maoist party that cracked down on peaceful protests had led much more violent and disruptive protests for nearly two years since the fall of its government in 2009, including a six-day general strike and blockades of the prime minister's office and other key ministries. Current prime minister Jhala Nath Khanal needs the support of two-thirds of the nearly 600 sitting MPs but has fallen short of the required number after one of his allies split, with half of its lawmakers joining the opposition.
New Tibetan Dictionary Launched By Kalontripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche history to books on Buddhism and also the biography of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, according to the Tibet Net. The final editing and publication was overseen by The Department of Education (DoE) of the Central Tibetan Administration. Acharya Karma Monlam of the publication section of DoE carried
suzerain status it bestowed on Tibet at the 1914 Tripartite Simla Treaty, participated by the plenipotentiaries of Tibet, British India, and China. With the subsequent Chinese disavowal to execute the treaty, the tripartite agreement ended up as bipartite, he said, and China lost the concessions it received as having suzerain power on Tibet. In totality, the legal effect is an absence of the suzerainty element which in other words means the presence of sovereignty, he added. The discussion was organised by the Core Group For Tibetan cause, an apex coordinating body of all the Tibet support groups in India. Dr N K Trikha, the National Convenor of the coordinating body gave the opening and closing remarks at the event.
out exhaustive editing and provided valuable inputs because of his expertise in Hindi, Tibetan and English languages. It was under his supervision around 10 experts based in Dharamshala assisted in editing and gave nuggets of information. Admiring Lobsang Tendar for his work, Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche said the new dictionary will make the learning and preservation of Tibetan language among the younger generations of Tibetans more accessible. "... The Tibetan dictionary will always remain relevant in learning process unlike the articles and essays which are written once for an event or issue," Kalon Tripa said. He emphasized upon the importance of both written and spoken language as an identity of any nation or person. He said that the unique culture and language of Tibet are the most important features for our struggle. The publication of this dictionary comes at a significant time as the Department of Education was aiming to translate vocabularies available in their EnglishTibetan dictionary into their Tibetan counterparts.
TPI TIBET People Suffer on Anniversary of Tibet Earthquake
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The Tibet Post
30 May, 2011 Dharamsala
A Tibetan father and boy in earthquake effected area in Yushul county eastern Tibet, photo taken in April 2011. Photo: TPI By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala-Tensions are growing between local Tibetans and Chinese migrants as Beijing attempts to relocate and reconstruct the town of Kyigudo, Yushu county in eastern Tibet (Ch: Qinghai Province). An earthquake struck the region around one year ago, and 3000 lives were lost in Qunighai. Now, on the anniversary of the event, the local Tibetan community are facing ever growing hardships. The residents of the main town, Kyigudo - which has a population of 80,000 - have been moved out. The Tibetan community are being forced to leave one neighborhood at a
time, as the town itself will be rebuilt as a tourist centre connected to the rest of China by a new infrastructure. The earthquake hit an area that was largely untouched by China; a Tibetan community that was often left isolated and uninfluenced from Beijing. However, after the disaster, Chinese authorities swarmed the Kyigudo with Han migrants. "During the first three months there was an influx of Han Chinese workers and engineers - to do the work. But they had to wait for the master plan. The Tibetans wondered what they were all doing here, causing
considerable tension", says a young Tibetan official nicknamed Tuhuor. Reconstruction in the early spring of this year was hampered by a sit-in of several thousand Tibetans. For three days they put up banners pleading for fair treatment. "The disaster has become an opportunity for the government to take over land. Officials turn up with the special police and threaten people" says the Tibetan writer Tsering Woeser. Around 30 demonstrators have been arrested due to the growing tension. During the rescue operations in April 2010, Chinese television focused exclusively on the efforts of the Chinese military, and paid little attention to the monks, who turned up in large numbers to clear the wreckage and search for survivors. Chinese authorities now intend to make Yushu connected to the region by road and rail to Xining- a large city at the eastern extremity of the province, and also to other Kham areas in eastern Tibet (Ch: Sichuan, Tibet and Yunnan). The head of the town's reconstruction bureau stated: "In three years we will do what would have taken 20 years to achieve." The authorities are also planning to change the name of the town to 'Sanjiangyuan', after the nearby nature reserve that contains the headwaters of the Yellow River (Huang-he), the Yangtze and the Mekong. The Tibetan name will be lost.
Kirti Monastery Still Tense, China Continues Crackdown By Gautam Ashok, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - The standoff at the Kirti monastery continues as Chinese authorities arrested Lobsang Rinchen, a 21-year-old monk from the monastery in Ngaba regionof Eastern Tibet. Rinchen is believed to be a native of Tsamring Tsang house in pastoral division no.2 of Me'uruma Township in Ngaba. According to sources, Rinchen was arrested and taken away by Ngaba prefecture state security and public security officers to an undisclosed location, the reasons are as of yet unknown. On 22 April, the Chinese authorities had raided a Tibetan upper middle school in Barkham in Ngaba during which textbooks that were published without official approval were confiscated and burned. The authorities have also imposed severe restrictions on the students from going out the school for their homes during ongoing summer vacation Cell phones and Internet connection were blocked at the school following the students' hunger strike to protest the death of Phuntsog, a monk of Kirti Monastery. Phuntsog had burned
Lobsang Rinchen, a 21-year-old monk of Kirti Monastery in Ngaba. Photo: Tibet Net
himself to death on 16 March to protest China's crackdown on peaceful protests which rocked Tibet in 2008. Security has been stepped up at the monastery, where restrictions have been imposed on people, for example ,elderly people in the age group of 50 to 60 are allowed to visit Kirti Monastery only once in a week ,and only after their permit cards have been properly verified by the government.
Tibetan Association Pays Tribute to Current Tibet PM
Situation Remains Tense in Tibet, Increased Military Deployment
16 March 2011, People's Armed Police march on Ying Xiong Avenue near the main market in Ngaba Town around 5pm, just after protests took place following the selfimmolation of Phuntsog. Photo: TPI By YC. Dhardhophonya, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - The current situation still remains tense in Ngaba region of eastern Tibet as the Chinese authorities continue to arrest Tibetan monks. Thousands of armed Chinese police and paramilitary forces were deployed and foreign reporters have been banned from entering Tibet since the protests following Phuntsok's selfimmolation which coincident with the 3rd anniversary of violent protests against Chinese rule in Tibet. On May 12, Kirti monk Losang Choepel, age 19, of the Karma Tsang house in the Naktsangma pastoral division of Cha township, Ngaba region of Tibet, was arrested from the
monastery and taken into detention. His place of detention and the reason for his arrest are not known. The authorities stopped people from speaking out about or reporting on politically sensitive issues by accusing them of divulging "state secrets", "splittism" slander, and the crime of "subversion". Ven. Lbosang Yeshe and Kanyag Tsering, both media coordinators from the Dharamshala based Kirti Monastery, told The Tibet Post International that "the main question the foreign press are asking is how many soldiers are there in Ngaba region of eastern Tibet. So far we have just been
giving the numbers estimated by local witnesses, no hard figures." "But, recently one correspondent reported hearing from a Chinese soldier at the new army base that there are 55,000 troops deployed in Ngaba. This is the first estimate we have heard from the Chinese side. Of course we don't know how reliable it is, but it gives some idea of the crackdown going on all over Ngaba county", they said in their latest statement to report the Ngaba region's current tense situation. "These days, soldiers, police and special police forces, inside and out, armed with a variety of weapons, are maintaining their blockade of Kirti monastery," they said. They divide monks from the same dormitory into groups of 20, and hold so-called ‘Patriotic Religion' reeducation meetings in the monks' dormitory buildings. They ask lots of questions, and when the monks cannot give the answers that the officials want to hear on many issues, it seems that they are arresting them. However, there are no details of individual cases available, as the channels through which they could be sent are under tight control. Kirti monk Lobsang Dargye of Ngaba Tsang house in Ruchen no.2 of Me'uruma township was sentenced to 3 years in prison around May 2. "The crime for which he was sentenced was to haven spoken his own mind in front of the officials and soldiers during the Patriotic Religion meetings. That shows how much freedom of expression Tibetans
The current Tibetan prime minister, Prof Samdhong Rinpoche speaking at a function, Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI/file By Tibetan government in exile official media: Tibet Net
Dharamshala: - The Kham Tehor Welfare Association presented a memento as a tribute to Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdong Rinpoche on 21 May for his faithful service under the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The association said that it is a mark of respect on behalf of all its members who felt obliged to thank Kalon Tripa Prof Samdong Rinpoche for his unwavering dedication to the Central Tibetan Administration and the achievements made during the last ten years in office. A delegation comprising of 20 members
of Trehore Welfare association from Nepal, Byllakupee, Delhi, Bir and Dharamsala presented the memento to Kalon Tripa at the Kashag. Kalon Tripa was honoured with a golden statue of Tara, Great Treatise of Lama Tsong Khapa and a stupa. The association also praised Kalon Tripa for his lifelong dedication and service in looking after the welfare of Tibetans in exile and more importantly for his devotion and commitment to serve the under His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
have." Since March 16th this year, they have been changing the heads of all the townships (Xiang) with people from other counties. The exiled Tibetans and their supporters across the world
continue to lobby for a peaceful solution of the current tragedy there and they keep criticising that US, EU and UN are not doing enough to pressure Chinese authorities to stop human rights violations in Tibet.
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Dharamshala Holds Candlelight Vigil Japanese Charity Donates Eye Surgical Equipments to Delek For Tibet's 11th Panchen Lama Hospital
People gathering at the main Tibetan temple in Mcleod Ganj on 18th May 2011. Photo: TPI/Sam By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: - A candlelight vigil conducted by the Tibetan Womens Association was held last night In Dharamsala, North India. Over 100 people attended the vigil, in support of the TWA's plea for China to release the whereabouts of Tibet's 11th Panchen Lama - deemed by many Human rights organizations to be the worlds youngest political prisoner. The vigil marked the 16th anniversary Gedhun Choekyi Nyimas' abduction, the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet. He
was 6 years old when he was taken into custody by Chinese authorities, and has not been officially seen since. Despite at first strong winds blowing out the flames of the candles, around 100 residents marched through McLeod Ganj, defiantly singing and chanting. Photos of the Panchen Lama were held aloft, and enormous Tibetan flags were waved as the peaceful protesters made their path through the town. The parade consisted largely of local residents,
as well as green-clad members of the TWA, local monks, and some curious tourists. Heads turned and traffic stopped as the vigil made its way down the hill to Tsuglakhang temple, which was by now lit up in the orange evening sunset. Upon arrival at the Temple, thunder began to roll out dramatically across the surrounding valley. Protesters lit their candles in the shelter of Tsuglakhang temple sanctuary, and the crowd gathered round the speakers of the TWA, who put forward their proposal to the crowd. In an interview for the Tibet Post International, Karma, head of the TWA highlighted: "It's been 16 years since the Panchen Lama was abducted. We are sent news from China that he is living a normal life in Tibet. These are mere words. We want concrete evidence. We want him back in his home at Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Tibet. It has been 16 very long years and the Chinese have not given us a result. We are very disappointed". As the vigil, marking the 16th anniversary of the Panchen Lama's abduction, drew to a close, Monks began to blow enormous Tibetan Long-Horns, and the crowd that had gathered raised their voices defiantly: ‘Release the Panchen Lama!".
New Changes to the Constitution of Tibet after His Holiness' Decision ? as spiritual leader. During a meeting yesterday, May 25, the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile on behalf of the 418 delegates from over 20 countries who have attended the 2nd Tibetan national general meeting presented His Holiness with a letter of request that he remain ceremonial head of nation. He declined the request and opted for a wholly people-led democratic government-in-exile, saying he would rather keep to the statement he made in March - referring to his announcement to step down as Tibet's political leader. The Amendment Drafting Committee of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, which was created to make changes to the constitution after His Holiness' decision, has drafted a preamble and a series of amendments to the Tibetan Charter, with the redefinition of His Holiness' role as the central issue. At the Second Tibetan National General Meeting this week, hundreds of Tibetans gathered from around the world to deliberate on this fundamental challenge for the Tibetan government and for the Tibetan people. After three days of discussions, all proposals were consolidated and presented to His Holiness. His Holiness' decision was not unexpected, given his consistent stance since March. Even so, the changes have rocked the Tibetan political system, which has a long and colourful history. For more than half a century His Holiness has been the Tibetan people's political leader. He has served as the head of a government that takes responsibility for more than six million Tibetans, including around 190,000 Tibetans in India and around the world. Given His Holiness' huge popularity with Tibetans
at home and in exile, his charismatic position in the international community, and his efforts to create a peaceful dialogue with China, the new Kalon Tripa (prime minister), Lobsang Sangay, faces an enormous challenge in taking on His Holiness' political role. The Tibetan Charter's new Article One: Protector and Symbol of the Nation, which was unanimously supported by the Second General Meeting, states that His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is Avalokiteshvara ('Lord who looks down') reincarnate, the symbol of unity for Tibetans and Tibetan identity, the supreme spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, the free-spoken leader of Tibetans and a World Peace Laureate. Article One is divided into three sections, with the following provisions, roughly translated from the Tibetan and including His Holiness' initial responses: 1) The Tibetan government will provide advice and encouragement with respect to the protection and promotion of the physical, spiritual, ethical and cultural well-being of the Tibetan people and remain engaged in efforts to reach a satisfactory solution to the question of Tibet and to accomplish the cherished goals of the Tibetan people. This was supported by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 2) His Holiness the Dalai Lama will make statements (His Holiness said he would only be in the postion to give advice and opinions and will not be in the position to make any mandates) and give guidance to the parliament and cabinet. He is requested to give advice and direction at times of importance to the Tibetan Government and Parliament-in-exile, and to the Tibetan people, in both the political and
religious spheres.His Holiness agreed to this. 3) On behalf of the Tibetan governmentin-exile and the Tibetan people, His Holiness will meet world leaders and important figureheads to discuss the Tibet issue. His Holiness agreed to this. His Holiness will appoint representatives and special envoys with limited terms. His Holiness did not agree to this. The charters preamble draws upon Tibet's long and rich history, showing how the Dalai Lama's role and Tibet's political history have changed over time, and highlights the following points: In 900 BC, Tibet was a collection of small kingdoms. By 1300 BC Genghis Khan had occupied both Tibet but also China. In 1260, Drogon Choegyal Phakpa restored the sovereignty of the three provinces of Tibet. The first king of Tibet - Nyatri Tsempo, who came to power in 127 BC - was succeeded by 40 more kings, up to 841 CE. In 1642, the fifth Dalai Lama established the Tibet Ganden Phodrang government, which initiated the system of successive Dalai Lamas holding both political and religious power. In 1950, a year after China invaded Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, aged 16, became the political and spiritual leader of Tibet. Two years later, Tibet was forced by Beijing to sign the 17-Point Agreement. Eight years of political tension followed and eventually His Holiness and his government moved from Lhasa to Lhatse city, because the Chinese government did not uphold their side of the agreement. His Holiness fled to India in 1959, and initiated the Tibetan government-inexile.
By Tibetan government in exile official media: Tibet Net
Dharamshala: - Ashikaga Lions Club (ALC), a Japanese charity organisation, had donated Opthalmic Yag Laser System and Auto Refract-Keratometer, two eye surgical equipments to the Tibetan Delek hospital in Dharamsala in January this year. The officials from both Delek Hospital and the charity announced this to reporters at a press conference held at Delek hospital today. Taking into consideration the benefits of the vital surgical equipment for the local Indian and the Tibetan people, Delek hospital had donated one of the equipments "Opthalmic Yag Laser System" to Zonal hospital, an Indian government hospital in Dharamsala, the Delek Hospital said. The Zonal hospital received the equipment in January this year and it has successfully treated around 120 patients, Mitsu Kariware, a Japanese eye specialist and surgeon, told reporters today. Hiroshi Mashio, chairman of the Ashikaga Lions Club, said that (ALC) is a charity organisation and they
From left: Dr Tseten Dorjee, CMO, Tibetan Delek Hospital, Mr Hiroshi Mashio, chairman of Ashikaga Lions Club, Mr Takashi Kashiwase, governor of ALC and Mr Mitsu Kariware, eye specialist and surgeon during the press conference in Dharamsala on 26 May 2011. photo: Tibet Net
perform various tasks such as operating eye bank. He also added that they will make best efforts to serve the general public. Dr Tsetan Dorjee, Chief Medical Officer of Delek hospital, thanked the Japanese organisation for providing them with the vital eye surgical equipments. The organisation has been conducting annual eye surgery camps for the Tibetan and local Indian peoples in Dharamsala in co-ordination with Delek hospital since last eleven years.
Bay Area Tibetans Join Global Solidarity Hunger Strike By The Tibet Post International
Berkeley, CA. May 15th 2011. San Francisco Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (SFRTYC) members along with Bay Area Tibetans and supporters participated in a 24 hour Global Hunger Strike to show solidarity with the Tibetans in Ngaba, Tibet and the three TYC executive members who have been on an indefinite hunger strike since April 25th 2011. The hunger strike was held from 7 pm Saturday May 14th to 7 PM Sunday May 15th in the heart of Berkeley. The program began with the Tibetan National Anthem sung by the participants of the hunger strike, while the colorful Tibetan Flag waved in the breezy weather. "We will not forget Phuntsok Jarutsang's sacrifice and we will do all we can to bring justice to Ngaba. We also want to send a message out to the three TYC execs on their 21 day of hunger strike that we support them", said San Francisco Regional Tibetan Youth Congress President Tashi Namgyal to a crowd of curious passersby and supporters. An essay titled "Remembering the young monk Phuntsok, who died from Selfimmolation" by blogger/writer Woser was read by Tsokyi Choera. The prayer "Words of Truth" (composed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama) was then recited as the 1015 hunger-strikers took their place in the two propagated tents in downtown Berkeley, while pictures of the crackdown in Ngaba and the hunger strike in Delhi, India were projected. Ten camped out overnight under a tent despite the pouring rain and gusty wind, while volunteers approached the oncoming traffic of people and urged them to take necessary actions for the people of Ngaba. Supporters visited this site with
Berkeley, CA. May 15th 2011. San Francisco Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (SFRTYC) members along with Bay Area Tibetans and supporters participated in a 24 hour Global Hunger Strike to show solidarity with the Tibetans in Ngaba, Tibet and the three TYC executive members who have been on an indefinite hunger strike since April 25th 2011. Photo: TPI
inspiring words and Tibetan Association of Northern California (TANC) representative Tsedup gave words of encouragement. Letters asking for intervention in Ngaba addressed to California Senators were also passed around the next morning. Throughout the day, elders chanted prayer, while SFRTYC members distributed pamphlets and the images were projected. The hunger strike ended at 7 PM Sunday May 15th as scheduled with the singing of Tibetan National Anthem. Members of local Tibetan community thanked the people who staged the hunger strike. This action is a part of the Global Solidarity Hunger Strike Relay launched on May 15th by the North American Coalition of Tibetan Youth Congress. In addition, SFRTYC has been holding Candle Light Vigils in downtown Berkeley since the crack down in Ngaba and will be holding it until justice is served in Ngaba. This was organized to bring light to the situation in Ngaba and to tell the community what actions are necessary.
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Tibet-Supporters Protest Former Indian Deputy PM Meets with His Holiness, Discussed Tibet Issue Against Sichuan Governor At Taipei Zoo By Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post
Tibetans and supporters protesting in Taipei, Taiwan 22nd May 2011. Photo: TPI By Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: On May 22, Tibetans and Taiwanese supporters of the Tibetan cause staged a demonstration at Taipei Zoo as the Governor of the Chinese Sichuan Province, Jiang Jufeng paid a visit to the zoo in the afternoon. Expecting Jiang to enter the zoo's Panda Hall, where a pair of pandas transferred from Sichuan to Taiwan in 2008 are being kept, the demonstrators held up Tibetan flags and signs reading "No freedom, no tourism in Sichuan" and "Release the 300 monks from Kirti Monastery," while shouting "Free Tibet" and other slogans. "We are here to ask him [Jiang] to release 300 monks arrested from the Kirti Monastery and to allow a Tibetan Youth Congress delegation to visit the prisoners there," said Tenzin Chompel, president of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Taiwan. "Part of Jiang's mission here is to promote tourism in Sichuan, but without freedom, there's no tourism." Conflict broke out late last month when Tibetan residents and monks in the predominantly Tibetan region of Ngaba, Sichuan Province, faced a violent crackdown in response to peacefully demonstrating in March to commemorate the Tibetan uprisings against Chinese rule in 1959 and 2008. As a result, hundreds of monks from the Kirti Monastery who participated in the demonstration were arrested and the monastery was locked down, while all foreign visitors have been banned from entering Ngaba. Kelsang Lhundup, another participant at yesterday's protest, said that as the top leader in Sichuan Province, Jiang should be held responsible for what has happened to Tibetans there and should solve the matter peacefully before he visits other countries. According to the Taipei Times, revealing their surprise demonstration, the demonstrators accidentally unveiled their signs and flags too early as they mistook a bus with Chinese journalists for the convoy of Jiang, who arrived on Saturday at Kaohsiung International Airport with a delegation of about 50 for a seven-day visit. A second wave of protests broke out when Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin showed up at the entrance gate to the Panda Hall in preparation to greet Jiang. The protests forced organizers of the visit to change their plans. Instead of entering the Panda Hall from the front door as planned, Jiang entered through
the cargo entrance at the back, took a look at Yuan Yuan in a nursing area that is not open to the public, and went up to the briefing room on the third floor via the emergency stairs. He left directly from there. But the cat-and-mouse game continued for another round as the demonstrators, reacting to the change in plans, moved to the only vehicle exit at the zoo and protested as Jiang's convoy departed. Although given a VIP treatment by the Zoo's staff and administration, Greater Kaohsiung officials were absent and only a group of girls from a panda fan club greeted the delegation. A large contingent of security personnel from Sichuan maintained Jiang's safety, but no additional security measures were taken.
European Council President Urges China on Human Rights crackdowns in Tibet, and the imprisonment of activist and artist Ai Weiwei. He highlighted: "The upholding of universal human rights is 'of deep concern for European citizens, and it is reflected in our diplomacy across the world." "China's contribution to implementing the universal principles of human rights and rule of law will be an important element shaping its global public reputation," Van Rompuy told members of China's ruling Communist Party. "China's global image and influence would be 'shaped by factors going beyond its economic performance. For us, the 'Arab spring' has been a clear reminder that the values of justice, democracy and social development are universal'; referring to demonstrations in Arab countries this year that have called for changes in government. He urged China to join the 'collective effort' to integrate Arab nations better into the global economy. His comments come after weeks of violent unrest and crackdowns in the Ngaba region of Tibet, during which many Tibetans have been injured; some killed. It also comes after the recent imprisonment of world-famous Chinese artist and peaceful activist Ai Weiwei, who has not been released or seen
Dharamshala: On Wednesday, May 18, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, received a special guest as BJP leader and former deputy prime minister, L.K. Advani, who is in Dharamshala to watch the IPL cricket matches, paid an afternoon visit to the Tibetan spiritual leader at his residence in the Himalayan town of McLeod Ganj. Despite the leisurely nature of Advani's visit to Dharamshala, the pair did find the time to discuss politics. "We discussed the situation in Tibet and the attitude of China," Advani told reporters after the hour-long meeting which was followed by a lunch. Also present at the meeting with His Holiness was Himachal Pradesh' Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal. Advani had been invited by the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association president Anurag Thakur, who is the BJP MP from Hamirpur, and reached Dharamshala Tuesday evening together with his daughter Pratibha to watch the match between Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Upon their arrival at Kangra Airport, Advani was greeted by Kalon Tripa Prof Samdhong Rinpoche and the newly elected Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangay. Explaining he had met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama some time back Advani said that "[I] promised him that I will visit Dharamshala to meet him and [the] IPL match provided this opportunity". "Both His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Advani are friends and have a lot of respect for each other," said His Holiness' Secretary Chimme Choekyappa. He also said that there were no other leaders present at the meeting and that it was a "normal vist". After the meeting with Advani, His Holiness also met with cricketers of the Kings XI Punjab team, headed by captain Adam Gilchrist. The group of international players had sought blessings from His Holiness and came to see him at the main Tibetan temple, (Tib: Tsuglagkhang), in the town. Talking to the players at the meeting, which was open to the public, His Holiness lauded the peaceful coexistence and harmony among different world religious traditions in India and said "my brain is filled with thoughts from the ancient school of Nalanda, and my body feeds on Indian chapati, rice and dal", to the amusement of the players. He also said that his knowledge publicly since his arrest and detention on the 3rd of April. Although Van Rompuy did not mention the crackdown directly, he indicated China's global image could suffer from its actions. Van Rompuy urged to Wen Jiabao on the importance of human rights in the EU's foreign policy, and called on China to honor the international rights covenants it has signed. Bilateral trade between China and the European Union was valued at 667 billion dollars last year. The President of the European Council visited the south-western city of Chengdu over the weekend, and was scheduled later to travel from Beijing to China's most important commercial city, Shanghai.
Lal Krishan Advani, former Deputy Prime Minister and senior BJP Leader, his family members accompanied by Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister today called on His Holiness the Dalai Lama at his residence at McLeodganj, Dharamshala on 18th May 2011. Photo: NVO
about sports is zero and that "last time when we were watching the game, I asked CM Dhumal who were winning and who were losing".
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with members of the Kings XI Punjab IPL (Indian Premier League) cricket team in Dharamsala, India, on May 18th, 2011. The Kings XI Punjab Team play some of their home matches in Dharamsala, and the team and staff, along with family members, met with His Holiness for a short talk at the Main Tibetan Temple. (photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL)
official of His Holiness the Dalai Lama office told reporters, His Holiness will not attend the most recent match on the
May 17 as he had just returned from a 14 day long tour of the US and Japan. His Holiness the "Dalai Lama is tired after a long foreign tour and wishes to take rest ahead of his lectures in Dharamsala on June 3 and 4. He will deliver lectures on Buddhism in the mornings to Tibetan youth at upper TCV School Auditorium", said Tenzin Taklha, joint secretary at the Dalai Lama's office at the time. The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) had extended an invitation to the spiritual leader to be the chief guest for the day and night match, but while he was unable to attend, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said he will witness the next IPL match between the Kings XI Punjab and Deccan Chargers which is scheduled for May 21. In 2010, His Holiness watched the match in the company of Chief Minister Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal, Preity Zinta, coowner of Kings XI Punjab and Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) president Anurag Thakur.
Newly Elected Tibetan Leader Receives A Warm Welcome
Supporters greet Tibetan government-inexile's newly elected Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay (R) upon his arrival at the airport on the outskirts of the northern Indian hilltown of Dharamsala May 13, 2011. China has effectively ruled out dialogue with the Tibetan government-inexile's new prime minister, saying it will only meet with representatives of the Dalai Lama and will limit any talks to the Tibetan spiritual leader's future. Photo: Reuters By Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - The newly elected Prime Minister of Tibet government-in-exile, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, was given a warm and ceremonial reception at the Gagal Airport in Dharamshala on his arrival from the US. Sangay was welcomed by a large number of people who brought with them traditional incense, scarves,
bouquets and Tibetan flags. The representatives of the Tibetan NGOs and Central Administration and Tibetan Parliament in exile were also present. Talking to media persons at the airport, Dr Lobsang Sangay said he is committed to the task of taking His Holiness the Dalai Lama to his home land, Lhasa in Tibet. He promised to uphold policies of His Holiness and said that he will work towards achieving the objective "which the Dalai Lama has set for us". He compared the Tibetan freedom struggle to that of India and said "Perhaps, Mahatma Gandhi faced the same question when he started his struggle for freedom and at that time, he must have said that he will make India a free country. Today, I am facing a similar situation." When asked what his priority was, he said it was to restore the freedom of Tibet. He said that the prime challenge was to take up freedom talks with China and his agenda was to make the Tibetans aware of their rights. The Tibetan governmentin-exile has tried to hold dialogues with the Chinese government but nine previous rounds of talks between Beijing and the Dalai Lama's envoys have produced no result.
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Tibet Youth Group Activists Continue Kalon Tripa Visits Mainpat Phendheling Tibetan Fast Unto Death Settlement
His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeting the over 6,000 audience members at the University of Southern California's Board Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, on May 3, By Aniket Dasgupta, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - As the mercury touched 43 degrees Celsius, the three Tibetan activists continued their fast at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi,India . It has been 22 days and the activists are prepared to die for their cause. It started with an incident on the 16th of March, 2011 when Phuntsok, a 20-year-old monk living in Ngaba, Amdo, Eastern Tibet , immolated himself. Phuntsok was protesting the forced political re-education at Kirti monastery, condemnations of the Dalai Lama, and forced impositions, whereby they were made to accept Tibet as a part of China. Jarutsang's death created a huge uproar
in the Tibetan community across the world. In retaliation, China enforced an enormous security restriction in Kriti monastery and other Tibetan areas in China, which resulted in the death of three elderly Tibetans and the injuring of more. The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) launched an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on April,25 2011 and have put forth a set of demands, Dharamshala , home to about 15,000 Tibetans and also the refuge of His Holiness The Dalai Lama is witnessing hunger strikes on a regular
basis. Earlier, professor Samdhong Rinpoche, Kalon Tripa (current prime minister) of the Tibetan Government in Exile met with the three members of the TYC on fast at Jantar Mantar, asking them to break their fast. He said there is much work to be done and that being healthy is pertinent. " We have not made a decision regarding the same" , Tsewang Rigzin, the President of TYC told The Tibet Post International when asked what the TYC is going to do, now that His Holiness The Dalai Lama,The Kalon Tripa Professor Samdhong Rinpoche and the Kalon Tripa-elect Dr. Lobsang Sangay have asked that the hunger strike be called off. The TYC said that the aim of the hunger strike ( which has already lasted 22 days) to force the Chinese Government to withdraw the Patriotic re-education Campaign as well as the Chinese Troops from Kirti Monastery and finally to release everyone arrested recently from Ngaba. Additionally , they demand that a TYC delegation is allowed to evaluate the situation of political prisoners in Tibet. TYC said that the activists health has deteriorated over 3 weeks with each of the activists losing more than 10 kilos each.Dhondup Lhadar has lost to date 16 kgs, Tenzin Norsang 11 kgs and Konchok Yangphel 13 kgs Also, their blood pressure has consistently been below normal for the past few days.
Tibetan Women’s Group Wants Proof of Panchen Lama's Whereabouts
16 years and counting.......An old banner reads "Free 11th Panchen Lama now." Photo: TPI/File By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala- A Candlelight vigil will be held tonight in Dharamsala, North India, at 6.30, in aid of Tibet's' missing Panchen Lama - Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. The ‘Tibetan Women's Association' is tonight calling on China to provide the location of the 11th Panchen Lama, deemed by many human rights organisations as the worlds youngest political prisoner. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, and his family have been missing for 16 years. On April 25 of this year, the Panchen Lama turned 22. All of the Regions of the The Tibetan Women's Association
(RTWA) are deeply concerned about the Chinese governments' unending secrecy regarding the Panchen Lama's well-being. Padma Choling; Tibet's Chinese-appointed Governor, told reporters in March 2010 that: "Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family are now living a good life as ordinary citizens in Tibet." In reply, the TWA highlighted that: ‘Without evidence this statement remains empty and we demand Padma Choling to prove that it is true'. A number of human rights mechanisms, including the UN Committee against Torture, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, as well as the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of
Religion or Belief, have also called for his whereabouts to be revealed. "[The] TWA call on the moral conscience of the world, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in particular and the International bodies whose pressure holds some sway with his captors, to join our 16 years of anguish and earnest appeal for the expeditious release of Panchen Lama. We beseech the Chinese government to come to the understanding that this hostile gesture of the Chinese Government intervenes in the religious reverence of the Tibetan people and it is an intrusive way of maligning basic human rights". Tonight the Twa have organised a global candlelight vigil, demanding Zhu Weiqun - Vice Minister of the ‘United Front Work Department' and China's official spokesperson for Tibetan affairs, to give proof of the Panchen Lamas whereabouts immediately. The candlelight vigil commences tonight in Mcleod square, Dharamshala, and will conclude at Tsuglakhang temple. Such methods of peaceful protests are typical of the Tibetan struggle; which incorporate peaceful methods to raise awareness globally. "The TWA is resolute and holds a steadfast commitment to work towards achieving our goal; to ensure the safe return of Panchen Lama to his rightful abode (Tashi Lhunpo Monastery), and to see the complete restoration of his political and religious rights".
By Tibetan government News Agency: Tibet Net
keeping, and seasonal sweater selling to earn their livelihoods. The settlement has schools, health centres, monasteries and one elderly people's home and a traditional carpet weaving centre. (click to know more about the settlement) Kalon Tripa left Mainpat for Delhi yesterday. He is scheduled to deliver today the Buddha Jayanti Commemorative Lecture organised by the Indian Council of Philosophical Research at India International Centre in New Delhi. In his three part lecture, Kalon Tripa will speak on (1) four cardinal principles of Buddhist philosophy (2) inability to tackle global problems such as terrorism and nuclear weapons through political means and (3) the role of India to tackle these problems through its the rich tradition of non-violence and peaceful coexistence of inter-religious harmony. Professor Samdhong Rinpoche is an eminent and distinguished scholar, teacher and philosopher, and a life-long campaigner for Gandhian principles especially that of non-violence or peaceful resistance. His Prominent literary works include Uncompromising Truth for a Compromised World : Reconciling Tibetan Buddhism and Today's World, Buddhist Meditation etc. Kalon Tripa will visit Nagpur on 13 May. He will return to Dharamsala on 15 May.
Dharamshala: - Kalon Tripa Prof Samdhong Rinpoche paid a day-long visit to Phendeling Tibetan settlement in Mainpat on 9 May, during which he spoke to settlers on the importance of education, democracy and sustainability of settlement among other issues. Addressing a gathering of Tibetan settlers, Kalon Tripa explained to them about amendments to be made in the Charter of Tibetans in exile after His Holiness the Dalai Lama's decision to devolve his political authority to the democratically elected Tibetan leadership." He spoke in detail about the great efforts made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in educating the Tibetans in both traditional and modern education in exile in the last fifty years. He told the Tibetans to reinvigorate their efforts in making further progress in the field of education. Kalon Tripa also told the Tibetan settlers to elect their own settlement officers from amongst themselves. He paid visits to the elderly people home and the farmers in the settlement. The officials of the representative office accorded welcome to Kalon Tripa on his arrival at the settlement. Established in 1962, the Mainpat Phendeling Settlement is home to over 1825 Tibetan refugees, who are scattered in 7 camps. Besides farming, the settlers are engaged in trading, restaurants, shop
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30 May, 2011 Dharamsala
His Holiness Returns to Dharamshala after Fortnight Long Tour
His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeting the over 6,000 audience members at the University of Southern California's Board Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, USA, on May 3, 2011, where His Holiness participated in a panel discussion on "Secular Ethics: Origins, Elements and Their Function in Society". (Photo/Steve Cohn) By Gautam Ashok, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness Dalai Lama has returned to India's Himalayan town of Dharamshala after a fortnight long tour of the US and Japan. The Tibetan spiritual leader arrived in Dharamshala around 1:30 PM in the afternoon. Excited crowds thronged the streets leading up to the main temple, where his holiness resides. On his last day in the States, His Holiness participated in two sessions at the Newark Peace Education Summit, made a keynote address and found
agreement and support of the copanellists on his call for incorporating teaching of secular ethics in the education system. After such a hectic tour, in a statement released by Tenzin Taklha, joint secretary at the Dalai Lama's office he told reporters that "His Holiness Dalai Lama will not be present for Tuesday's match [IPL] as he has just arrived at Dharamshala following a fortnight-long hectic visit of the US and Japan" Taklha went on to say that "His Holiness is very tired, and he normally calls it a day by 3:30 PM."
Talks on World Peace............ Government's position on Tibetan independence, His Holiness said that in the late 1940s and the 50s there seemed to have been serious discussions among Indian leaders, including Sardar Patel, which resulted in the formulation of a policy on Tibet. He said the successive Indian governments have consistently followed this policy. His Holiness clarified that we were not seeking separation and that Tibet had been materially backward and Tibetans wanted modernization. Therefore, it was beneficial to remain with the People's Republic of China but that Tibetan Buddhist heritage as well as our language and script were such that needed preservation through meaningful autonomy for Tibet. His Holiness expanded on the fact that Tibetan Buddhism is richer than other Buddhist traditions, including Chinese Buddhism. For example Buddhist logic was something that was present in Tibetan Buddhism and not in Chinese Buddhism, he said. He said Tibetan Buddhist culture was of concern not just to the six million Tibetans but for many million more people in the Himalayan region as well as Mongolia and in the Russian Federation, who follow Tibetan Buddhism. His Holiness also responded to a question about reports that the Chinese were banning Indian pilgrims from visiting Mount Kailash from 2013 by saying that as a sacred place to the Hindus it should be open to all pilgrims. When asked for a message to the
teenagers in the Newark area who indulge in violence (who will not be able to attend the peace summit), His Holiness said that he understood their frustration and that in some case there was sufficient reason to face frustration. However, the causes will not go away through violence, he said. Instead, people should have determination, be optimistic, work hard and educate themselves. He said these youth had the potential and the responsibility to make this society better and happier. Saying that everybody is bound to have challenges, His Holiness cited his own personal experience. He said at the age of 16 he lost his personal freedom (when he was entrusted with temporal responsibility over Tibet) and that at the age of 24 he lost his country (when China completely took over Tibet). Thus he faced a lot of difficulties and there were sufficient reason to be angry. However, he realized that anger would not solve anything. He said the injustices could not be resolved through violence. His Holiness concluded by saying that when he was young, he too was impatient, like these youngsters who are impatient today, but now knew that on bigger issues people need to maintain patience and have the energy to find solution step by step. More than 50 journalists were present, including those representing American, Japanese, Mexican, and Indian media as well as some representatives from China's Xinhua news agency (who, however, did not ask any questions).
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The Tibet Post
His Holiness Visits Arkansas, Talks on Non-violence and Peace By The Tibet Post International
Fayetteville: On 11 May 2011 His Holiness the Dalai Lama began his programme in Fayetteville in the state of Arkansas, by visiting the Mullins Library of the University of Arkansas where there was an exhibition of Tibetan artifacts, scroll paintings, photos (taken by photographer Sonam Zoksang) and a mandala of Avalokitesvara (bodhisattva of compassion), constructed by Tibetan monks from Drepung Loseling, were exhibited. Thereafter, His Holiness left for the Bud Walton Arena, to participate in a panel discussion Turning Swords into Ploughshares: The Many Paths of NonViolence. His two co-panelists were Sister Helen Prejean, the nun and death-row activist whose opposition to the death penalty has won her an international audience, including through her book, Dead Man Walking; and Vincent Harding, whose long career in the African-American freedom movement began with Martin Luther King, Jr. On his arrival at the venue, His Holiness was received by University Chancellor Dave Gearhart. Around 10,000 people had gathered to listen to this session. Chancellor Gearhart gave his welcome remarks and appreciated the university's student-funded Distinguished Lecture Series for sponsoring the event. Thereafter, Sidney Burris, director, Fulbright College Honors Programme of the University, who was moderated the session, gave his introductory remarks. He said that from the discussion among "a monk, a nun and a college professor," the audience might learn something about incorporating non-violence in their daily life. He then invited the panelists to make their initial remarks. His Holiness began by outlining the fact that man is a social animal and that our individual survival depend on the rest of the community. He said, unless it is a turtle (which is abandoned as an egg by its mother soon after being laid) almost all other living beings are cared for by their mother from birth. His Holiness termed the basic human nature as being one of gentleness. He
His Holiness the Dalai Lama waves the audience on his arrival at Bud Walton Arena on the campus of the University of Arkansas on May 11, 2011. Photo/Jon Schleuss
said although aggression was also a part of our nature, it came about as a result of our intelligence and greed. He said medical scientists have confirmed that constant anger and fear are bad for our health, which, he said, confirms that our basic nature is one of gentleness. His Holiness said that non-violence is basically related to action. Those of our action that are motived by compassion are non-violence while those coming out of hate are violence. Thereafter, Sister Helen Pejean and Prof. Vincent Harding shared their thoughts on the issue of non-violence based on their individual experiences. Sister Pejean talked of her interaction with a prisoner on death row that made her realise that the people at large were ignorant of the reality surrounding death penalty. She said it led her to ask the question, "Where does the imitation of violence take us?" and she has since become a leading campaigner for the abolition of death penalty. Prof. Harding spoke about his family upbringing by a single mother and the environment around him that led him to begin wrestling with the issue of nonviolence. He talked about his participation on movements for compassionate justice and non-violent social change, including how he became a conscientious objector in the US Army. He eventually started working with Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Both the panelists talked about the strong impact of their Christian religion in their approach towards the issue of non-violence. His Holiness remarked that the testimony of the two co-panelists confirms the fact that all major religious traditions have the same potential to promote inner peace. Highlighting the importance of forgiveness, His Holiness suggested that this does not mean bowing down to the other. Rather, people need to make a distinction between the actor and the action when dealing with the issue of tolerance. Citing the case of the Tibetan people, His Holiness said that while we oppose and criticise China's action regarding Tibet, we nevertheless respect the Chinese people and have compassion for the Chinese Communist hardliners. His Holiness mentioned that the very nature of violence is one of unpredictability and therefore it cannot be lasting solution to any problem. Citing the over 200 million death due to violence in the 20th century His Holiness said that this 21st century should be one of dialogue. The panelists all highlighted the significance of dialogue with the adversary to resolve issues. His Continues on Next Page....
Importance of Developing Inner Peace ....... time. He, however, said speeches alone were not sufficient and urged the people to think of how the spirit of the summit could reach the masses saying educators could be involved in this. Such an approach will encourage the generation of conviction that we all have the potential to create a happy society. Earlier, while conveying his feeling about meeting His Holiness, Mayor Booker told the media, "I wouldn't call it nervous. I would call it a sense of anticipation. He is someone who's books I have read and such an emissary of peace and justice. It's just an extraordinary opportunity for Newark." His Holiness then went to participate in the afternoon session of the summit, which was on "Peace in the Home." His co-panelists for this session were Nobel Laureates Shirin Ebadi and Nobel Laureate Jody Williams; Nancy Black, who provides training in child and adolescent psychiatry; David Kerr, who provide substance abuse treatment and support services in Newark; Somaly
Mam from Cambodia who rescues women from brothrel; Marian Schreck who runs a therapeutic community for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse; Sam Tsemberis, who provide housing and support services to the homeless; Lavar Young, who runs a program to provide Newark residents with support to transform their neighborhoods; and Yvonna Wade, a youth representative. In his remarks His Holiness emphasized the importance of affection in the family. He said that while establishing relationship people should learn to differentiate between external beauty and inner beauty. He said external beauty may be important but inner beauty was more important. He said there is bound to be disagreement and quarreling but people should not have any ill feelings. His Holiness subsequently took part in the discussion. He said he was moved by the experience of people who have been in the forefront of campaign against
such social problems. He said that it was important that more people know their stories in order to give them hope. The summit is organized by Tibet House U.S. and a foundation run by Mr. Drew Katz, a philanthropist and longtime supporter of anti-crime efforts in Newark in New Jersey In a message about the summit, Prof. Robert A.F. Thurman, Summit Co-Convener, said, "When His Honor Mayor Cory Booker invited His Holiness to bring his inspiration to Newark, to empower the turnaround the Mayor is leading - from hopelessness to hope, from violence to dialogue, from confusion to education, and from oppression to opportunity - His Holiness was enthusiastic to make his contribution to that noble effort, while learning from the hard working people of Newark how they are struggling to better their lives and the lives of those around them. His Holiness participates in two panel discussions at the summit on May 14, 2011
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The Tibet Post
Holiness recalled meetings that he participated with victims from both sides of the Northern Ireland conflict. He said initially there was a tense atmosphere but after some meetings he found during a subsequent visit that the people had become much relaxed. His Holiness also talked about his opposition to death sentence saying that it punishes the person and not the action. He said the real effective way would be to deal with the action. His Holiness said right from an early age, around 1945-46, when he learnt about the death sentence from the Nuremberg Trials, he had been much saddened. He said that he was also a signatory to the campaign for abolition of the death sentence launched by Amnesty International. Following lunch, His Holiness briefly addressed a luncheon during which lauded the American democratic values. Citing the cases of impeachment trial of President Clinton (His Holiness called him "another close friend") as well as the trial of the former Indian Prime Minister, Narasimha Rao, His Holiness said that these indicated that only in a democratic society was there no difference between a president and a beggar. His Holiness referred to the budget crisis and the near shut down of the Federal government in the United States and the risk of unemployment to several officials and said that Americans should not be deterred by these economic challenges. His Holiness also thanked the University for its decision to have a Tibetan girl student this year. His Holiness then went back to the Bud Walton Arena, for the public talk on "Non-Violence in the New Century: The Way Forward." Prior to the talk the University conferred an honorary degree on His Holiness. Chancellor Gearhart in his welcome remarks said that the University was "humbled to partner with the Dalai Lama in spreading his message of nonviolence." He recognised the contribution of Sidney Burris and Geshe Thupten Dorjee, who teach at the University for working on the visit of His Holiness as well as for the TEXT Project, or "Tibetans in Exile Today," an oral-history programme designed to record the stories of Tibetans currently living in refugee settlements in India. The project focuses on the Tibetans who left their country in 1959, but still have vivid memories of traditional Tibetan culture. He also announced the University's partnership with the Tibet Fund to have a Tibetan student at the University. Chancellor Gearhart invited University of Arkansas board of trustees chairman Carl Johnson and University of Arkansas System President Alan Sugg to join him the presentation. Chancellor Gearhart remarked, "Honorary degrees are conferred on individuals who have achieved extraordinary distinctions in the sciences or the arts or public affairs. Recipients of the degrees are exceptional individuals who have demonstrated their appreciation of and dedication to the ideals and purposes of the University. It is my distinct pleasure and great honour to present H.H. the Dalai Lama for his promotion of basic human values, secular ethics in the interest of humanity, for fostering inter-religious harmony and welfare of the Tibetan people." Dr. Johnson then announced the honorary degree. The Citation read. "University of Arkansas. To all to whom these presents may come. Greeting. Be it known that in recognition of his exalted character, his eminent attainments in arts and letters, his devotion to truth, duty and the welfare of society, the Board of
Trustees of the University of Arkansas have this day conferred upon Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto. Fayetteville, Arkansas, May 14, 2011." His Holiness then began his talk by saying that he regarded the degree as an appreciation of his contribution to the society. He said as he was nearing the age of 76, he would continue to dedicate the rest of his life for the causes for which the degree was awarded. He joked that it was his hope that the award will not be wasted. His Holiness said he came from the Roof of the World or the Land of the Snows. He said there are those who call him a God King or a Living Buddha and that these were nonsense. He said it was also nonsense for those who were calling him a demon. He said he was just a simple Buddhist monk and he remembered this even in his dreams. He said while talking here he was not thinking of himself as a Buddhist monk but as a human being. We are all human beings and everyone wants happiness, he said. He then said mere sensorial satisfaction did not define happiness and that there was the need for a deeper mental level satisfaction. For this there was the need to cultivate inner values, he said. His Holiness then said the real sense of inner value is human warm heartedness. He said those individuals who received warm heartedness and affection when they were young developed a more positive outlook than those who did not receive them. He referred to the kindness he received from his mother from a very young age, which even made him a bit "bossy." He talked of pulling his mother's ears while riding on her shoulder to lead her to the direction he wanted to go. He also recalled a Jewish teacher whose lesson about looking at the adversary in the image of God had a positive impact on his Palestinian students in their outlook towards the soldiers at the Israeli check posts. His Holiness said thus it was common experience that people who have received affection are much happier adding that constant fear, anger and hatred are eating our immune system. He said the 20th century had seen extraordinary innovation but at the same time it had witnessed much violence. Highlighting non-violence, he said that people needed to understand the importance we are all interdependent. Destruction of neighbour is a destruction of the self. He said it was through action that we could bring about peace in the world. His Holiness said peace did not mean that there would be no problems in the world. His Holiness concluded by calling for the promotion of a culture of dialogue and said that there was the need for educational institutions to promote the awareness of warm-heartedness. His Holiness then answered several questions collected via the Internet. When asked what did he value most from all his travels, he responded that he valued his freedom and his informal nature. Asked about his view on the Arab Spring, he said that these were the sign of desperation. He said the world belonged to humanity and not to governments, kings or spiritual leaders. Egypt, he said, belonged to the Egyptian people and not to any particular leader. To a question whether he had learnt to drive a car, His Holiness responded in the positive saying that there were three
cars in Lhasa from the time of the 13th Dalai Lama and he had asked for these to be repaired (as they had been lying unused for a long time) by drivers who were brought from India. Once, at the age of 17 or 18, when the driver was not there he drove a car within his residential compound but had an accident when he closed his eyes to avoid a tree branch. Asked about the feeling of Tibetans in Tibet in not being able to see him there, His Holiness said that the ordinary Tibetans very much wanted him to return but that the intellectuals appreciate the fact that he was living in a free world. He said although a new generation of Tibetans had come up in Tibet the Tibetan spirit was very much strong. In response to a question on the impact of three rivers of Tibet to downstream regions like Burma, etc, His Holiness talked about the importance of the Tibetan plateau on the environment and how many people are affected by any changes there. His Holiness also responded to another question about his devolution of political authority saying that he felt very proud to end a four hundred century old tradition of political rule by the Dalai Lamas. He said he found it a bit hypocritical for him to hold on to his dual position while telling others that religious institutions and political institutions should be separate. His Holiness said he had said in the past that the Chinese Communist Party could take a lesson from the 150,000 Tibetans in exile in terms of transformation of authority. The People's Republic of China deserved to be a super power but that can come about only through gaining respect and trust from the international community, he said, adding that military force only brings about fear. He said the 1.3 billion people in China have the right to know reality and to judge for themselves without censorship or distorted information. He, however, said the change in China should be gradual as an overnight change would be chaotic. To a question on how peace can be cultivated when there are lot of problems, His Holiness suggested that one should develop inner strength. Giving his own example he said that with such a development the problems would be momentary while there was inner calm. He likened this to the situation of an ocean where on the surface there was active movement on account of the waves but beneath that the water was calm. His Holiness then concluded by saying that if people found anything useful from his talk today they should think over them and try to implement them. The over 12,000 people in the audience gave him a standing ovation. In conjunction with the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama several Tibetrelated activities were being held in Fayetteville. The Mayor of Fayetteville Lioneld Jordan, who received His Holiness on his arrival yesterday, remarked to the press that "The city of Fayetteville is a very welcoming and diverse place where we serve all people. The beliefs of the Dalai Lama go hand in hand with what this city stands for." Mayor Jordan had declared this week as Tibet Week and 11 May as Dalai Lama Day. The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville was the sixth University that His Holiness had visited during this current trip. His Holiness arrives in Newark in the state of New Jersey for the last leg of his programmes in the United State.
30 May, 2011 Dharamsala
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Peace Summit Panelists Endorse Call for Teaching Secular Ethics
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaks during a news conference on May 12, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. His Holiness spoke about his US visit as well as his participation in the Newark Peace Education Summit. At left is a security officer and at right a translator. Photo: Getty Images By www.dalailama.com
Newark, New Jersey, USA, 14 May 2011 - On the last day of his current trip to the United States, May 14, 2011, His Holiness participated in two sessions at the Newark Peace Education Summit, made a keynote address and found agreement and support of the co-panelists on his call for incorporating teaching of secular ethics in the education system. In the morning, His Holiness participated in a panel on "Peace in Education." His co-panelists were Prof. Pedro Noguera of New York University; CNN Broadcaster Soledad O'Brien; U.S. Assistant Deputy Secretary for Education, James Shelton; Educationist Anzella Nelms; Martin Luther King III, oldest son of Martin Luther King Jr.; youth representative Kathi Lloyd; Actress Goldie Hawn; and Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker. In his initial remarks His Holiness talked about one of the purposes of education is to develop a realistic approach. He said everyone wants a happy life and there needs to be a realistic approach to attain that. In ancient times, he said, in Europe education was closely connected to religious institutions, which (along with family) also took the responsibility of imparting moral education and the development of warm-heartedness. Subsequently, educational institutions became separated from the church. However, in the last 200 years or so, with the development of science and technology, people could see direct benefit from these, including in the reduction of diseases, etc. Thus, people began to have increasing trust in material development of science and technology. But, His Holiness said, as society continued to develop people could see from their own experience that material development alone could not bring inner peace. Coupled with that there was a development of modern science showing interest in the issue of mind, he said. His Holiness said that the existing education system mainly focused on knowledge with the learning of moral ethics being taken for granted. His Holiness felt that research needed to be conducted to see how to introduce the teaching of inner values in the school curriculum. His Holiness suggested that right from the Kindergarten stage there was the need to teach children that using force was
wrong and that while problems will be there, they needed to be resolved through dialogue. He said that there were some who feel that such issues as compassion and forgiveness were religious issues. His Holiness said this was wrong. He said while all religions preached about these, compassion, forgiveness, etc. were biological factors and that these were needed for our survival. His Holiness added that his ultimate dream was for the United Nations to come with some resolution on these matters so that they can be incorporated in a universal education system. The other panelists, in their presentation, drew from the experience of their work on how the education system needed reform to enable the development of positive individuals. Several of them, including Soledad O'Brien, supported the idea of including moral ethics in schools, as suggested by His Holiness. Martin Luther King III said he felt "truly honored and humbled" to be with His Holiness to discuss this important issue. Goldie Hawn related the experience of her Foundation that teaches students social and emotional tools to lead "smarter, healthier, and happier lives." Newark Mayor Booker spoke passionately about the need to understand reality citing the cases of gun violence that had taken yesterday even as the peace conference was being held in the city. He said that when the idea of this conference came up he was pleased that the organizers had taken steps to include Newark residents, including students (one newspaper reported 1,500 students were present at today's summit), educators and others, in it. The Mayor said, "This conference cannot be another conference we get together and talk about problems ... We cannot do the same things we did last year and expect change this year." He said there was the need for good people to stand up against violence and other social issues saying that silence and inaction of the good people were wrong. His Holiness then met briefly some artistes and staff of Tibet House US. He then hosted lunch for the two Nobel Laureates Shirin Ebadi and Jody Williams. In the afternoon His Holiness returned to the New Jersey Performing Arts Continues on Page 14...
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30 May, 2011 Dharamsala
TPI PRESS & STATEMENTS
The Tibetan Youth Congress calls off Indefinite Hunger Strike
By The Tibetan Youth Congress
New Delhi: - The Tibetan Youth Congress decided 25 days ago to embark on an indefinite hunger strike aimed at highlighting the grave situation in Kirti monastery and the situation of the political prisoners in Tibet. We also made specific demands in relation to the same at the time. Our demands included: Immediate withdrawal of the "patriotic re-education" campaign and Chinese troops from Kirti Monastery and to unconditionally release all political prisoners including those arrested recently from Ngaba. Access for Tibetan Youth Congress delegation to assess the situation of political prisoners inside Tibet. We appeal world governments and nongovernmental organizations to recognize and support the historical status and struggle of Tibet as an Independent nation. Since we began this hunger strike campaign, we have continued to receive pleas from inside Tibet, indeed from Ngaba region itself - where Kirti monastery is located - requesting us to end our hunger strike. They convey that, "Under the Chinese occupation in Tibet, aside from ordinary Tibetans who are consistently oppressed, the intellectuals, artists and writers are equally targeted if not worse. Given such circumstances, Tibetans in the free world should not jeopardize their lives and should stay healthy and call off this hunger strike." These requests - sent from our brothers and sisters inside our occupied homeland and from the Tibetans in exile all over the worldtouched us deeply. Twenty-five days after we began our hunger strike, our demands are not yet met. The situation continues to be grave. This is not surprising. Those who have harshly and heartlessly oppressed our people in Tibet for the last over fifty years, and continue to detain and torture anyone they suspect of supporting the just yearning for a free Tibet, cannot be expected to act otherwise. Our campaign has received overwhelming support and encouragement from Tibetans, friends of Tibet and supporters all over the world particularly by various officials from Embassies and High Commission. We had the current Kalon Tripa Professor Samdhong Rinpoche call on the hunger strikers as well as the Kalon Tripa-elect, Dr, Lobsang Sangay la and Kalon and Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New Delhi,
Mr. Tempa Tsering la. A message from His Holiness conveyed by the Kalon Tripa expressed concern regarding the health of the hunger strikers and the letter from the Kashag stated that "the campaign has already generated ample attention, solidarity and support and requested the strike be called off". Today we had a prestigious visit to the site of the hunger strike headed by Ms Anne Vaughier Chatterjee, Attache, European Union Delegation to India, officials from various Embassies and High Commission such as UK, Belgium, Norway, Sweden and Poland who firmly requested that this hunger strike be called off due to the deteriorating health of the executive members and . They also handed us a letter signed by members of the European Parliament including, Heidi Hautala, Chair of the Sub-Committee on Human Rights, Laszlo Tokes, MEP Vice-President of the EP responsible for religious dialogue, Edward McMillan-Scott, MEP Vice-President of the EP responsible for human rights and democracy and Gagriele Albertini, MEP Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. It said, "We the members of the European Parliament are fully committed to defending human rights in the world and understand your demands and fully support your ongoing peaceful struggle against the oppression of the Chinese government..." "...In the light of the above, we hereby reiterate our commitment to keep the issue of Tibet high on our agenda. We also believe that it would be of vital importance to send EU delegation as well as support independent journalists enter the region..." In view of staunch requests from the delegation of European Union and their assurance for a continued support for Tibet in particular the issue at Ngaba Kirti Monastery coupled with pleas from our brothers and sisters inside Tibet, we have decided to indefinitely call off the hunger strike today. With a very heavy heart and tears in our eyes, the Tibetan Youth Congress calls off this fast however, we pledge that we will not cease to fight for a Free Tibet. If anything, our resolve today is even stronger than it was 25 days ago. We thank the many people in Tibet, in India and all over the world, who offered support to us in this hunger strike and support the just cause of Tibet.
Center, venue of the conference, for the afternoon session. The theme was "Peace in the Community" and His Holiness' co-panelists were Nobel Laureates Shirin Ebadi and Jody Williams; human rights pioneer Van Jones; Earl "The Street Doctor" Best, who supports the homeless; businesswoman Kirsten Giardi; actor Edward Norton; peace-building strategist Aldo Civico; Gay & Lesbian activist Daryl Presgraves; and Youth Representative, 11-year old Aaliyah Beckford. The panelists, who were either community activists or connected with organizations that worked at the grass root level, outlined the nature of the community and the challenges to cultivating peace therein. Many of them referred to books and writings by His Holiness that have encouraged them in their effort. Eleven-year-old Aaliyah Beckford, in her remarks, said that "the Dalai Lama has influence me to make a difference in my community." She added that participating in the discussions today was a life-changing opportunity to her. Similarly, Actor Edward Norton, addressing His Holiness, said, "Your writing and teachings have meant much to me." In his remarks, which were a combination of his reaction to the panelists as well as his Keynote statement, His Holiness said he was really impressed by the two days of presentations by the various speakers. He said they were all sincere and more importantly spoken out of experiences. Referring to the passionate and moving account of the "Street Doctor" His Holiness said, "You spoke with very very strong feeling." His Holiness suggested that if we look at the overall perspective, despite the many challenges, there is no reason to be feeling demoralized or pessimistic. Supporting this assertion, His Holiness said that if we look at the 20th century, the latter part was more hopeful than the earlier part. From war-dominated early period, in the latter period there was more emphasis on the concept of co-existence. On the ecological front the situation changed from no attention to it in the early part of the century to universal attention that was paid to the environment in the latter period, he said. From the situation in the early part when science and
spirituality (meaning some kind of moral values) were separate, in the latter period they came closer. His Holiness said in the past 30 years or so he has been having serious discussions with scientists. His Holiness said since the 21st century is a continuation of the 20th century, there is sound basis to be hopeful. His Holiness recalled his meeting with the 96-year old Queen Mother of England in 1996 when he asked her whether the world was getting better or worse. He said without any hesitation, she had responded that it was getting better and cited two indicators. She said when she was young concept of human rights and right to self-determination did not exist whereas these were now actively paid attention to. His Holiness asked the people to maintain optimism. He said while prayer may be useful for individuals, action was more important to generate peace in the community. His Holiness talked about the interdependence nature of the world today saying the new reality is that America's future depends on the future of other countries. Thus, he said people needed to realize that destruction of others is really destruction of self. He said that it is in human nature to be selfish but he encouraged people to be wise selfish involving fuller knowledge and a holistic approach while dealing with any issue. He added that too much selfcentered attitude is foolish. His Holiness also explained his thoughts on the nature of forgiveness that he had been advocating. He said forgiveness does not mean bowing down to the other side or let them do whatever they like. He said it involved differentiating between the action and the actor. We have to oppose the action of wrongdoing, without any negative feeling, but to the actor we have to give the same treatment as any other human being. From a theistic perspective, His Holiness said while the actor is God's creation, the action is not so. It is an issue of Free Will being used wrongly, he added. Addressing the young members in the audience, His Holiness told them that the 21st century belonged to them and that they had an immense responsibility to create a better world. He said that the
The Tibet Post 20th century to which his generation belonged saw much wrongdoing and the result is the mess we are in today. He said the potential for conflict is always there and the people needed to realize that the spirit of reconciliation is the only realistic approach. He called for schools to teach the importance of the concept of dialogue. His Holiness said the younger generation needed to have a clear vision to make this world a demilitarized one and for a more equal distribution of resources. He said he identified himself as a Marxist but not as a Leninist, which he was totally against. He called for the reduction in the gap between the rich and the poor, but said just giving money was not the solution. He said there was the need for education to give courage and self-confidence to the weaker section of the society. He recalled visiting a family in Soweto in South Africa where a man seemed to hold the view that the Black people's brain was little inferior. His Holiness said he felt saddened at hearing this and took the opportunity to explain to this individual that this was a narrow-minded perspective that did not conform to reality. He also cited the experience with the Chinese authorizes, who also had a different perspective of the different nationalities in China. His Holiness said he was eventually able to convince this individual that he was same as any other person. His Holiness advised the educators and the teachers to promote a sense of global responsibility among the students. He also said the students should learn to investigate for themselves and not to take anything at face value. Here he quoted the Buddhist philosophy of education that not only included hearing (from the teachers) but also self-investigation. His Holiness concluded by thanking the organizers for holding this important conference. Prof. Robert Thurman of Tibet House moderated the panel sessions. His Holiness left the hotel in the evening for the airport on his return journey to India. His Holiness began this trip to the United States on May 1, 2011 and participated in programs in six universities in the states of California, Minnesota, Arkansas, and Texas as well as a peace conference in New Jersey.
Live Webcast of Tibetan National General Meeting By Tibetan government News Agency: Tibet Net
First Tibetan National General Meeting Concludes: Democracy, the Middle Way and His Holiness’ Future Role. Photo: TPI
Dharamshala: - The Second Tibetan National General Meeting beginning Friday (21 May) at Tibetan Children's Village School auditorium will be webcast live on www.tibetonline.tv. The webcast of the inaugural and closing sessions of the meeting will begin at 9:30am (Indian Standard Time) on 21 and 23 May respectively. A total of 418 participants will gather at the meeting to deliberate on the draft amendments to the Charter on the devolution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's political authorities to the democratically elected Tibetan leadership.
The Tibet
TPI ARTS & CULTURE
Post
30 May, 2011 Dharamsala
15
Calcutta Band Plays Biggest Ever Show In McLeod Ganj
By the end of the night the crowd lets lose and rocks out at TIPA in Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI By Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - "Biggest ever show in McLeod Ganj!" where the main exiled Tibetan Community based, proclaims the poster for Cassini's Division, an offbeat hybrid rock band from Calcutta named after the largest gap in the rings of Saturn. As one of India's leading rock bands, they are set to play the first ever major Rock and Roll concert in the history of Himachal Pradesh. Reporter for the Tibet Post International, Cornelius Lundsgaard, was invited to cover Himachal Pradesh' first ever major rock concert. The following is his detailed impressions of the event as it unfolded on Saturday May 7 in Dharamshala. The four strong images of character musicians looking out from the posters have been puzzling Dharamshala inhabitants in the weeks leading up, but only minutes before official show-time, Tibetan co-organizer Gelek Tsering plainly discourages any hope of a metropolitan experience; "It seems like we're not really successful, we'll see, but many people don't want to buy tickets, they don't know what a rock show is." He explains that this is a learning experience, but at the same time he assures that it will become a regular event with rock concerts every two-three months and international and local bands sharing the stage. A handful of local organizers including a passionate drummer cum night-club owner, and friend of the head-liners, have taken it upon themselves to establish a concertculture in McLeod Ganj. Via the eclectic and electric guitarist of Cassini's Division, Sukanti Roy, who is native to the state, the organizers has managed to secure a top name for the occasion. As for this pioneering band of stars, however, Tsering comments, "I don't know them and I have never heard of them before." Nor have anyone on the streets; nobody seems to know who Cassini's Division are, never mind the outer-space origin of their name. From the peculiar perspective of this mountainside village with its other-worldly quality of a Tibetan colony, the band could equally well be paying a visit from a different dimension, such bafflement is displayed in responses across town. Whatever the origin, this Indian vehicle of Rock and Roll music is rolling late into the hills, both for the fact that rock music came in the slipstream of foreigners a long time ago, but more so because the show is more than two hours behind schedule. Some sound equipment is missing and the search is on. Stars of the local rock-scene is contacted for a
lending hand, but owing to a communication breakdown on manager level, the musicians are left with no choice but to make do with whatever is available, a condition the band seem nonplussed about as they re-arrange their gear accordingly. John Bose, the group's laid back bass player, shrugs and smiles at the unfolding drama of frustrated organizers with mobile phones stuck to their heads while the audience slowly starts pouring into the grounds of Tibetan Institute for Performing Arts. "Our guitarist is from the hills, he says it's normal around here" John humours, "if I could just go visit those guys, I'm sure they'd be cool and lend us some gear, we're all musicians you know?" But managers won't be budged and the show must go on. With improvisation
Organizers say they sold 950 tickets, but reckons an estimated 1300 people actually saw the show. Photo: TPI
being key to entertainment business, the night's unlikely event insistently struggles to a slow-motion start. A gang of local teenagers warm up the audience with high-school renditions of 90's heroes Nirvana and Red Hot Chilli Peppers. As if unsure of what to expect, onlookers ask each other if this is really the main act. But despite the unhurried organisational bedlam, more and more people arrive at the venue, some with toddlers and food in their arms, others in latest fashion outfits wearing hopeful expressions. The monastery-like TIPA grounds casually assumes the air of a music festival, but Cassini's Division is yet to appear for anything but a sound check. Jodie from the ever-present local initiative "Mountain Cleaners" seize the opportunity to lay her beliefs of a cleaner world onto the waiting audience. Her words seem to resonate because the ground is spotless all night through and scores of people give a hand or a banknote to the self-established cleaning crew of McLeod Ganj. By nightfall the place is awash with expectation, and a genuine mob is forming in front of the stage, eagerly awaiting a novel experience while noodles are being washed down with a
steady stream of tea. Bottles disguised in tell-tale brown paper bags are also being passed around and a certain pungent smell flows around with cigarette smoke. Finally an unidentified Western girl ascends the stage and randomly announces the beginning of the show. The music commences with a startling jump in volume-output; the main act has set sails and their grandiose sound is carried across the valley. It's psychedelic rock with a hint of Indian mystery on the guitar and the brightness of the sound-scape leaves no critic in doubt, this is indeed a professional orchestra. The band's energetic front man and singer, Rahul, quickly captures the audience's attention while leading the skilful crew in a remarkably tight journey through fusion music, spanning from indie to heavy metal rap with some very original twists. And then they also play covers, or "crowd-pleaser's" one opposed girl is heard muttering with crossed arms, yet her foot gives her away as it stamps out the off-beat to a Bob Marley song. These guys are experienced entertainers having performed for 10 years as a group and toured extensively all over India. Pleasing crowds is their honest work and it shows by their stage-presence that they themselves are among the pleased. And although this particular crowd may not have been to a rock show before, they sure know how to rock out to one. At first the only one dancing is Dorjee the Lion-man, a local Tibetan dancer and bohemian, bouncing wildly around with his trademark heart-shaped sunglasses, but soon more join in, dancing for sheer fun, moved by the band's load of original and potent sound from the belly of Calcutta's underground. "This is one of the most fantastic experiences we have had as a band" shouts Rahul to the, by now, ecstatic crowd who takes it all in, including enough alcohol that some youngsters are overcome with a need for performing too. As the band takes a well-earned break and the sponsor company's commercial text is read by a somewhat unenthusiastic organizer, a young Tibetan manages to steal the limelight for a song that quickly turns into a medley of assorted pop-tunes. When the organizer tries to recapture the microphone, the youngster, spurred by a group of screaming girls, blatantly ignores him, and then, just before the organizer's last, corporeal card is dealt, Cassini's Division gentlemanly signals their approval of the self-absorbed singer and politely waits in the background until the spontaneous intermezzo ends. But before the band resumes, the organizer has a special announcement to make; "How would you all like to meet John Abraham today?", he asks rhetorically to the half surprised, half bewildered audience who applauds and shouts their approval. Apparently the Bollywood actor is in town and when the two of them met earlier in the day he had said that he might come to see the show. And on that hope-inducing note Cassini's Division again embarks their musical spacecraft. Altogether the band shows a remarkably high tolerance level as the stage becomes a dance floor for cheeky youngsters and a Tibetan giant who slowly waves his arms over his head with an unreal smile as if inebriated
with some magic potion. Whatever his buzz, his smile does the trick and the crowd gigglingly wave back at him. Although the TIPA venue usually hosts Tibetan events - which per default often are of political nature - there is not a whiff of "Free Tibet" to be sensed on the part of the organizers. The band, however, makes indirect remarks by playing songs like the anti-apartheid Eddie Grant classic "Give Me Hope Johanna" and their own original "Animals" about the inhumane ways humans sometimes treat each other. But the evening's single most political statement comes in the form of a barely audible variation in the lyrics for Bob Dylan's "Blowing In The Wind", when Rahul sings "how many years must a people exist, before Tibet will be free?" Indeed a question that is being pondered upon on a daily basis in this location of exile. But this night is meant to be a night for entertainment, not political agendas. As if to cement that fact, an array of commercial banners are clumsily being put up, one by one, by stage-hands moving like spiders to the music in the frames of the out door stage. In the beginning of the show even the lighteffects seem to be fighting a serious drowsiness, but towards the end a surprisingly sophisticated display of coloured beams and rotating patterns is finally up and running. But all things must pass, as the late George Harrison put it, and a final, thunderously loud song is played. However, the rowdy crowd is nowhere near satisfied and insistently shouts "more, more, more". A canny organizer quickly solves the problem by letting a local crooner give it a shot, maybe in an attempt to excuse for the fact that John Abraham in fact never did appear... Instead of Bollywood the listeners now get a heart-breaking, home-made Tibetan song by youngster Yeshi Passang, a song about crossing the high passes of the Himalayas and missing ones loved and dear ones. Meanwhile, the resolute organizer, who all evening has balanced his role between bodyguard and friendly host, tries his luck with getting bleary-eyed and wobbly-legged young men to leave the premises. All this effort is to no avail. The stars of the night are still on the stage, packing
down their gear, and small groups of uninhibited teenagers approach them for a "celebrity-chat" and attempted hand shakes, unable, as they are, to focus their gaze at any one point. Eventually the press gets a word with singer Rahul: "Tonight has been excellent, beautiful! I really enjoy this place, it is a centre of spirituality, mystical and magical is how I would describe it." When asked to comment on the Tibet issue the answer falls promptly: "The Tibet cause is probably one of the last real freedom struggles in the world and there is no doubt; Tibet must be free again." At the back of the stage sound engineers wrap up cables and boxes around three organizers, counting up fat wads of cash. "I absolutely loved it" says one of them and adds, "next time we'll make a mix of Indian and Western bands". To the question of whether they will incorporate the Free Tibet movement in the future he answers, "of course we will, you see, many of our customers are Tibetan", he smiles before he continues counting the evening's revenue. Like any good Rock and Roll concert, this one too has a legendary after-party, where persistent fans and other nightowls gets a chance to meet the sympathetic band members in a more relaxed setting. That is, after all the local brawling hot-heads has been thrown out from the organizing drummer's night-club. On the large downtownterrace in the nippy air of the night, Rahul turns out to be quite the guitar wizard, playing both Spanish flamenco and African style guitar-riffs with equal talent. Ludo, the larger-than-life drummer, treats the dozen or so people to some authentic West-Bengali folksongs, with the happy face of someone big enough to have no natural enemies. Rahul routinely cuts him off with rapid series of improvised spoken-words while the night-club owner eases into his other identity of dexterous drummer. With an estimated 1300 people at the show, he has surely earned some partytime now. Only time will tell if he and his coorganizer friends will really repeat their endeavour and establish a tradition for stadium-sized concerts in this cliffhugging village of Himachal Pradesh. But for now at least they broke a record and held the "biggest ever show in McLeod Ganj."
China Arrests Another Monk from Kirti Monastery
By Tibetan government News Agency: Tibet Net
Dharamshala: - Lobsang Rinchen, a 21year-old monk of Kirti Monastery in Ngaba has been arrested from his residential quarter on 9 May. He is a native of Tsamring Tsang house in pastoral division no.2 of Me'uruma
township in Ngaba. "He was arrested and taken away by Ngaba prefecture state security and public security officers to an unknown place without giving any proper reasons for his custody," Lobsang Yeshe and Kanyag Tsering, monks at Kirti Monastery in Dharamshala told TibetNet website. "Monasteries and communities in Ngaba, especially Kirti monastery, is being kept under tight restrictions," they said. "The campaign for patriotic re-education is underway at the monastery and the residents of monks are under overt surveillance. The movements of monks are being watched over the electronic devices placed in every corner of the house," they added.
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30 May, 2011 Dharamsala
TPI TIBET IN EXILE
Tibetan Rogpa Festival Celebrates Community Projects
Rogpa staff and volunteers on a baby-trip to the Dalai Lama's main temple in McLeod Ganj. Photo: TPI By Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: For the 7th consecutive year, the popular Rogpa Festival took place in McLeod Ganj last Saturday, welcoming locals and foreigners alike with an open invitation for a "Community Fun Day" at the TCV Day School. Hundreds of people attended the day-long festival that has evolved from an initial fundraising event to a community-building catalyst and corner stone for a free baby care centre driven by the local NGO Rogpa. The Tibet Post International (TPI) attended the festival and took a closer look at the McLeod Ganj-phenomenon of Rogpa: Better than most, Richie Bryan, coordinator at Rogpa Baby Care Centre (BCC), recognizes the immediate need for child-care and work opportunities among Tibetan refugees in Dharamshala, the hub of Exile Tibet; "every week a dozen people come to ask for a job or a place for their kids". He is neither bragging nor complaining but merely stating the facts as he sits in the cosy but cramped office at the BCC. 30-year-old Richie from England has volunteered for the successful NGO Rogpa, on and off, for the past five years and is a great example of the many motivated and engaged volunteers who contribute to provide free day-care to low-income Tibetan families 6 days a week. At the nursery, in a rented house behind the main streets of McLeod Ganj, there is barely enough room for its 45 toddlers who are being looked after by 7 trained staff, all of whom are from the local Tibetan community, and a number of international volunteers. What the BCC lack in terms of space, however, it makes up for with a professional and compassionate approach: "A lot of people come here knowing nobody, having no family connections, maybe all their family is in Tibet and they are here on their own. There are a lot of single parents here as well, particularly for them it is a life-line to have someone pick up your kids for you", Richie told TPI Reporter Cornelius Lundsgaard during an interview a few days after the wellvisited 7th annual Rogpa Festival on May 14 which raised around Rs 22.000 (approximately $490) for the organization. The festival program featured an intercultural array of performances and activities including traditional Tibetan music and dance, children's workshops and playground, jam sessions and an exhibition by the
traveling photo laboratory Proyecto Infancia (www.proyectoinfancia.com) with pictures taken by students at the Upper TCV school and developed with help from the Spanish/Italian project. Throughout the day, hundreds of people participated and the narrow staircase leading down to the school yard was constantly congested by smiling faces. Many were dressed in elaborately designed traditional Tibetan clothes and the support from the Tibetan community was clear from their engagement and help with everything from organizing and entertaining to manning food-stalls and information points. Artists from the international community of the surrounding hill-areas were literally
the heart of the organisation's activities. Key to all Rogpa's programs are the notions of independence and self-sufficiency as they strive to create sustainable solutions to the challenges of Tibetan refugees in Dharamshala. "This is a very transient town, people usually don't stay long", Richie explained of both Tibetan refugees and foreign volunteers. "To ensure continuity and familiarity with the kids, volunteers need to be able to stay for at least 3 weeks in a row, unless they join for the 4 weekly baby trips to nearby locations such as the Dalai Lama's main temple of surrounding nature areas", said Richie and added that on these trips, volunteers are assigned a baby each as it takes a lot of hands to make an excursion of 40 or more kids safe and relaxed at the same time. One benefactor from the Rogpa BCC is 24-year-old Tsering Youdon who works as a nursery teacher and gets a monthly salary of Rs 3000 (approximately $67)). "My daughter is also in the baby care centre where I work as a teacher. Because of Rogpa I am able to earn a livelihood and raise my child at the same time", she said between changing nappies at the centre. Employment for Tibetans in Dharamshala can be hard to find, especially the much-sought-after jobs in the Tibetan community are hard to come across and often presents a challenge for new refugees arriving at residence of the revered Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama. Currently the Rogpa Charitable Trust employs 20 people but by the sound of it they are looking to expand their activities to include even more staff and programs. "Every Sunday a group
The Tibet Post
Tibetan PM Urges TYC to Call off Indefinite Hunger Strike
Kalon Tripa (2nd left) and Kalon Tempa Tsering (2nd right) during their visit to the Tibetan hunger strikers at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, on 15 May 2011. Also seen in the picture is TYC president Tsewang Rigzin (1st left)/TYC photo By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - The Kalon Tripa of Central Tibetan Administration, Professor Samdhong Rinpoche visited the hunger strikers Sunday morning (15th May) at Jantar Mantar, Indian capital New Delhi. The Kalon Tripa stressed that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is particularly concerned about their health. He handed the organizing committee a letter from Kashag in which it stated the same and also mentioned that the campaign has already generated ample attention, solidarity and support. It therefore requests the strike to be called off. Prof Samdhong Rinpoche was accompanied by the Kalon and Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to New Delhi, Mr. Tempa Tsering la for whom this is the second official visit to the hunger strikers, according to the indefinite fast organiser. In the afternoon, Kirti Rinpoche visited the hunger strikers for the second time. He expressed earnest concern about the physical state of the three and emphasized that Tibet needs healthy people to lead and keep the movement alive. He asserted that the stringent policies implemented against the religious institutions in Tibet have
been rigorously intensified. That there is much work to be done and that being healthy is pertinent so therefore he requested that the strike be discontinued. In the evening, Regional TYC Samyeling and Rohini organized an Indian solidarity evening for the three hunger strikers as part of the Global Solidarity Relay Hunger Strike with the TYC Executives. Tenzin Tsundue assisted in spreading the words about the event to Indian friends. Approximately 100 people came to the site and beautiful speeches were made, verses were read and songs were sung. The evening closed with a candle light vigil. In the meantime, the health conditions of the hunger strikers are showing clear signs of deterioration. Dhondup Lhadar has lost to date 16 kgs, Tenzin Norsang 11 kgs and Konchok Yangphel 13 kgs. Their blood pressure has consistently been below normal for the last few weeks. The indefinite fast organised by the largest Tibet's NGO, the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) began on 25 April after the Chinese security forces blockaded Kirti Monastery in Ngaba, which left 2 Tibetans dead and over 300 monks arrested.
children books that you find in a Tibetan school are in English". However, Rogpa's visionary scope doesn't end here. On the drawing board is also a home for elderly Tibetans to be called the "Tibetan Silver Community", the idea being to provide both housing and employment for the seniors, of whom most fled from Tibet in 1959 together with the Dalai Lama. Another plan is to build a stonehoused "Rogpa Village" in order to gain more self-sufficiency for Tibetan families with plots of farmland, solar energy, a craft centre, a baby centre and accommodation for volunteers too. "At the moment there is not enough money for accommodation to volunteers or anything like that. We want to become more sustainable because renting everything costs a lot of money" said Richie and explained how the land-lord so far is ignoring the dampness of the building despite the
high rent, "at the moment we haven't even got water here, it doesn't feel like we have got any rights" he said, echoing the plight of the many Tibetan refugees in India. Judging by the scale of involvement from the local community and the immediate needs the organisation is meeting, it seems that Rogpa is indeed occupying a firmly grounded space. Whether Rogpa will eventually move to a more sustainable country-side location, only time can tell, but one thing is for sure; to Richie and the Rogpa foundation, success is not a pillow to rest on, rather it is an incentive to dream up even bigger schemes to meet the needs of the Tibetan community and build bridges between cultures in the years to come. If you want to know more about Rogpa or how to support them, visit www.tibetrogpa.com or search for "Rogpa Charitable Trust" on Facebook.
Local children are enjoying a day of community fun while parents run food and tea stalls to raise money for the baby care centre. Photo: TPI
queuing up to contribute with their acts and the mutual respect between all performers showed in the enthusiasm with which all the shows were applauded. The many children presented a humorously shared task for both locals and foreigners who took turns playing with and taking care of them as the afternoon progressed. It was, after all, an event to support the kids at the, locally much appreciated, Baby Care Centre Behind the BCC is the Rogpa Charitable Trust which was established in 2005 by a Tibetan/Korean couple. Rogpa is a Tibetan word that means "trusted friend and helper" and the name seems aptly chosen. In the 6 years passed, Rogpa has grown from an inspired idea to now include a women's handicraft workshop, a paper-workshop for rehabilitated substance abusers, a vocational training centre in the form of a cafĂŠ and handicraft sales-outlet as well as the baby care centre which is at
of us go to the upper TCV for two hours to do art and creative writing and music workshop with the children. Our idea is to expand that and make a mobile children's library. Ideally we'd have a bus or a van for that use, but obviously it needs funding, so we are looking for that", said Richie and added "we are looking for donations of good quality art materials, or books that particularly promote peace, art, music and education - not Disney and that kind of thing..." "For a country whose language is endangered it is really a good time to promote creative- and story-writing amongst Tibetan children so the emphasis is on writing in Tibetan" he explains. The idea behind is to eventually start a high-standard publishing company to fill in the gap of children's books written in Tibetan, as he said "There are lots of Buddhist, philosophical and political books but nothing much for children, most
The Tibet
TPI INTERNATIONAL
Post
EU High Rep. Ashton Concerned Over Human Right Abuse in Tibet
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy, Lady Ashton. Photo: File By The Tibet Post International
Brussels, 18 May - EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy, Lady Ashton, for the first time expressed concern over the situation at Kirti Monastery in Ngaba region of Tibet in her letter to MEP Provera who had called on her last month urging to promptly condemn the crackdown in order to prevent further human rights
violations in Tibet. "I am very much concerned by the reports of deaths, beatings and mass detentions of monks at the monastery. The European EU High Representative Lady Ashton Union Delegation in Beijing has attempted to gather facts concerning this incident, but has been unable to do so as it appears that the
China's Invasion of Tibet Masquerades as “Liberation�
Chinese authorities have sealed off the monastery and all foreigners have been expelled from the area. The Delegation will nevertheless continue to attempt to obtain more information about the situation on the ground," she said. "The European Union has repeatedly urged the Chinese authorities to allow Tibetans to exercise their religious, educational and cultural rights," EU High Representative further noted. EU High Representative said "The European Union will raise the situation at Kirti monastery in its future contacts with the Chinese authorities, and will urge them to refrain from the use of force in dealing with the situation at Kirti monastery and to allow Tibetans to exercise their cultural and religious rights without hindrance." Kirti Monastery in Ngaba region has been under undeclared martial law situation since 16 March following to the self-immolation of Phuntsog, a 21- yearold monk from the monastery in protest against the Chinese Government's repression. Two elderly Tibetans have died as a direct result of severe beatings by Chinese police as they, along with other senior citizens attempted to stop Chinese police from taking around 300 monks to an undisclosed location. A wave of arrest has taken place in the recent days.
30 May, 2011 Dharamsala
Protest March in Tokyo Against the Siege of Kirti Monastery in Tibet
The wordings in Japanese on the front banner reads: Wen Jiabao, Stop Oppression in Kirti Monastery in Tibet. Photo: TPI By The Tibet Post International
Tokyo: Around eighty Tibetans and Japanese gathered at Jingudori Park in Tokyo to protest against the siege of Kirti Monastery in Amdo province of Tibet by Chinese army and the injustice that is going on in the region. Student for Free Tibet (SFT) Japan chapter and Tibetan community in Japan organized this protest march on the day to coincide with the visit of the Chinese
Tibetan Envoy Urges EU to Speak out on Ngaba Crackdown By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post
By Gautham Ashok, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - In a press conference marking, the 60th anniversary of the signing of the 17 point agreement between the people's republic of china and Tibet, the speaker of the Tibetan parliament in exile Penpa Tsering la and his deputy Dolma Gyari reiterated the need for the world community to focus its attention on the Tibetan issue. Penpa Tsering la said that "His Holiness the Dalai Lama made utmost efforts to uphold the agreement despite the fact that Tibetans were coerced to sign it. But the Chinese government violated it by using brute force to bring about systematic annihilation of every vestige of Tibet and Tibetan people's identity. The unprecedented National Uprising of Tibetans against the Chinese government's repression in 1959 was the last straw which led to the massacre of tens of thousands of Tibetans and the exile of His Holiness the Dalai Lama." He went on the say that the Chinese governments propaganda on the state of Tibet before 1959 was exposed when in 1980, the then Communist Party Secretary, Hu Yaobang after witnessing the extent of poverty in Central Tibet stated that the living standard should be brought up to the pre-1959 level.
The speakers then demanded that if Chinese claims of rapid development in Tibet and happy life of Tibetans were in fact true, then in response to the reports of the ongoing violations of Human Rights inside Tibet and in particular at the Ngaba Kirti Monastery, China should have no problem in allowing the international media and fact finding missions to Tibet. The anniversary of the signing of the controversial 17 point agreement coincides with the meeting of the 2nd Tibetan general meeting of 2011.Dicussions are being held to highlight the amendment of Article 19 of the Tibetan charter which the political responsibilities of the Dalai Lama are mentioned. Following His holiness The Dalai Lama's decision to step down as political head of the Tibetan administration, the need for smooth transfer of responsibility to the various authorities in the Tibetan government in exile became apparent. The speaker said that, discussions and deliberations on the text for the amendment of THE Draft Preamble ‘Article 1' would conclude by today evening, the proposed amendments would then be presented to the general Plenary of the general meeting, after
Dharamshala: - An envoy of Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has urged the head of the Council of the European Union, Herman Van Rompuy to speak out on repression in eastern Tibet during his visit to China. EU also urged to speak on the recent exile Tibetan democratic election process and to seriously engage Tibetan exile leaders including the newly elected Tibetan leader to discern their positions ; set an agenda for discussions on Tibet. Kelsang Gyaltsen, an envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibet's leader in exile, told EUobserver in Brussels that Phuntsog must have felt "deeply disturbed" because it is against Buddhist teaching to take any form of life. "In Buddhism, the most important factor is motivation. If someone takes his own life in order to draw attention to the problems of other Tibetans, because they feel that there is nothing else they can do, because of this motivation the act is not considered an act of violence," he said. When Phuntsog, a 20-year-old Buddhist monk, set himself on fire in China in March, police beat him while his body continued to burn, but his suicide led only to an even harder crackdown on native Tibetans. According to reports, authorities censored news of the incident, imposed a military blockade on the Ngaba region where it took place, killed people and arrested 300 monks in the Kirti monastery. Speaking on the eve of Van Rompuy's trip to Beijing, Gyaltsen urged the top EU official to confront China on human rights just as the US did earlier this week. He said Van Rompuy should ask to send
which on the day after, an audience would be requested with His holiness to seek his approval of the changes.
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Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen, evoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Photo: TPI
an EU delegation to visit Ngaba, seek assurances of better day-to-day treatment of Tibetans and urge Beijing to resume bilateral talks with the exiled Tibetan government in India on a final settlement for the province. "If the Chinese side does not show any positive signs, if it brushes off the concerns expressed by the EU, he should make public the EU's disappointment and criticise the despicable situation in Tibet," Gyaltsen noted. "If the EU does not take this opportunity, it will send a very bad signal to hardliners in China that they can continue to abuse the rights of Tibetan people with impunity from the international community." Van Rompuy recently praised Arab revolutionaries. But he has a mixed record on defending EU values. Last November, he blocked governmentcritical Chinese journalists from entering his Justus Lipsius building in Brussels for a press conference with Chinese leaders. Then he let them in, but cancelled the press event in order not to upset his guests. Continues on Page 18....
Premier Wen Jiabao in Tokyo. President of SFT Japan chapter Mr. Tsering Dorjee welcomed the participants and described the grave situation in Kirti monastic area and the police brutality. He said that the SFT has written to Japan's Foreign ministry on the issue to request the Japanese government to weigh on the Chinese counterpart to deal with the situation peacefully and to release the people arrested unjustly. Mr. Tsewang Gyalpo Arya of Liaison Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama thanked the organizers and the participants for their concern and interest in Tibet issue. He said that this protest march is not to protest the visit of the Chinese Premier, but to draw his attention to the great injustice happening in Tibet in general and Kirti monastery in particular at the moment. While we welcome good relationship between Japan and China for peace and stability in Asia, through this protest march, "we strongly appeal to Premier Wen Jiabao to stop the police brutality and the infamous 'patriotic reeducation' campaign in the monastery, and try to resolve the Tibet issue peacefully." He said. Ven. Kawahara of Reingein Monastery said that the Japanese public and government should not stay aloof to what is happening in Tibet. Problem in Tibet is not a political issue; it is issue of freedom, justice and morality. As Buddhist practitioners, we all must raise our voice against injustice perpetrated against the monks in Tibet. Demonstrators marched through the busy Meijidori street of Shibuya carrying Tibetan flags and raising slogans "Free Tibet, Tibet for Tibetans, We want freedom, Stop Oppression in Kirti Monastery" etc. Being Sunday, the street was full of pedestrians, who showed their support by waving and uttering slogans along with the demonstrators. Some participants have come all the way from faraway regions like, Kyushu, Osaka, Nagano etc. Local police authorities have also arranged good number of security people to ward off any untoward incidents. Wen Jiabao is in Tokyo to attend the trilateral summit among Japan, China and South Korea on disaster relief and nuclear safety, and other issues relating to trade and commerce in view of the difficulties that Japan is facing due to earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters. Critics say that Chinese Premier will use this summit meeting opportunity to visit the earthquake and tsunami affected areas to gain the goodwill of the Japanese public.
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30 May, 2011 Dharamsala Continues from Page 17....
Asked by EUobsever if he will mention Tibet this weekend, Van Rompuy's spokesman Dirk De Backer declined to give details. "We will speak about human rights, of course," he said. "If we speak about human rights, Tibet is also part of human rights." Asked if Van Rompuy is concerned about the crackdown in Tibet, he added: "Going to China, you are asking a very sensitive question. It's a very, very sensitive question ... How shall I say it? There are meetings that are foreseen and we will see what is the outcome." For her part, EU foreign relations chief Catherine Ashton at EU-China talks in Budapest on Thursday (12 May) asked about Gao Zhiseng, a dissident who vanished one year ago. But she did not mention Ai WeiWei, a governmentcritical artist arrested in April. Her deputy, David O'Sullivan, said she mentioned Gao amid "signs of mutual respect that we have different systems and different ways of doing business." Asked by press in Budapest if Ai is alive, Chinese deputy foreign minister Fu Ying said: "Your question surprises me ... I didn't know you had so little confidence in China's political and judicial system." She said Ai broke the law and that "it is very condescending for Europeans to tell China that some people are beyond the law." The Dalai Lama's envoy noted that China seeks international recognition, pointing to its effort in staging the 2008 Olympics and its hostile reaction when another jailed dissident won the 2010 Nobel prize. Gyaltsen, who is lives in Zurich, said many Europeans care about Tibet. "People in former Communist countries understand the situation in Tibet because they remember their own experience ... in Western Europe, the general public has a lot of information about Tibet. There is a lot of support." Why the EU matters "Many MEPs have praised the Tibetan elections and congratulated Tibetan people on the implementation of democratic processes and institutions. The European Parliament has traditionally played a key role in reflecting public opinion and advancing policy on Tibet by adopting resolutions condemning the deterioration of human rights and promoting a peaceful solution to the problem through dialogue between the Dalai Lama or his envoys and Chinese leaders", said Mr. Vincent Metten, EU Policy Director of the International Campaign for Tibet. "However, the European Union remains cautious in weighing its concerns about the worsening situation of human rights in Tibet against its desire to avoid confrontation with China on what Beijing now calls a core interest of territorial integrity. Of course, the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile are repeatedly on record seeking to advance genuine autonomy for Tibetans within the People's Republic of China and not a return to an independent Tibet, said Mr. Vincent. "The meeting in Beijing between Chinese President Hu Jintao and President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy in mid-May, the next China-EU Strategic Dialogue and the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, foreseen for June in Beijing, represent certainly three appropriate opportunities for the EU to address the deterioration of the human rights situation in China and Tibet in a clear, strong, constructive and, if necessary, public way", he further added.
TPI TIBET IN EXILE
The Tibet Post
Tibet's Second National General Meeting will be Held Saturday By Aniket Dasgupta, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: - A huge meeting of exiled Tibetans will be held in Dharamshala this weekend, ahead of the community approving of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to step down from his position. This meeting of Tibetan diaspora has been called just two days before the parliament-inexile allows with three-fourths majority in the house of 43 MPs to amend the Tibetan Charter (constitution) that will allow His Holiness the Dalai Lama to retire from his political duties. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, will retain his role as spiritual leader after the charter amendment. The first such meeting of Tibetans was held in Bylakuppe near Mysore in Karnataka in August of 2010. Various issues like political affairs, promotion of democracy, advocacy for Tibetan issue, sustenance of the settlement, education, health, economy, religion and culture were discussed. This meeting will start on 21st May to discuss the issues related to transition
of political powers entrusted with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Over 500 delegates of diaspora, mainly settled in India, Nepal and Bhutan, would participate. The crucial meeting will be followed by a special four-day session of the parliament to be held from May 25 where the actual amendment to the constitution will be carried out. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama formally
announced his political retirement at the onset of the budget session March 14. On March 18, the parliament passed a resolution urging the Dalai Lama to reconsider his retirement plans. The resolution was signed by 37 of the 38 members. A day later, the Nobel laureate publicly appealed to Tibetans to accept his decision by making necessary amendments in the Charter of Tibetans to pass on his political authority to an
elected leader. He said "The rule by spiritual leaders or the rule by kings is an outdated concept. In reality, I have been describing myself as a semiretired person for the last 10 years". The parliament-in-exile on the last day of the budget session March 25 formally accepted the His Holiness the Dalai Lama's proposal to relinquish political authority and decided to hold its special session by May-end to amend its charter to pave the way for retirement of the 75-year-old spiritual leader. The parliament agreed that they were responsible for finding a logical conclusion to the issue before the fiveyear tenure of the 14th parliament comes to an end May 30. They also accepted the recommendations of a three-member committee submitted to the parliament March 23. The committee, that also included Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche and Deputy Speaker Dolma Gyari, suggested that the majority of the powers vested in His Holiness the Dalai Lama be transferred to the prime minister, including the power to make laws, by amending the constitution.
General Meeting Calls For His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Leadership By Cornelius Lundsgaard, The Tibet Post
Dharamshala: The Second Tibetan National General Meeting today came to an end after three days of intense deliberation. 10 working committees had been formed to scrutinize and suggest changes to the amendments as proposed by the Amendment Drafting Committee of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile and at the forefront of the meeting's conclusions stood the unanimous wish of the delegates and the current Kalon Tripa's administration to request His Holiness, the Dalai Lama to assume the role of ceremonial head of state. The proposed amendments have been suggested in an attempt to accommodate His Holiness, the Dalai Lama's wish to step down as the political leader of Tibet, but while His Holiness has repeatedly expressed his firm belief that he should not be involved in politics any more, the general meeting's representatives still opted for proposing that he stays on. If His Holiness accepts to remain at the helm of the Tibetan Government in Exile (TGiE), the parliament will then have to define his new ceremonial role. The speaker of parliament, Mr. Penpa Tsering, in a press briefing shortly after the meetings conclusion, said that the decision had been unanimous and that the new preamble to the existing charter will be included with minimal changes. In case the Dalai Lama does not accept the request of the general meeting, however, the preamble will instead include the proposed "article number one" which defines His Holiness, the Dalai Lama as purely the spiritual and symbolic leader of the Tibetan people. "Tomorrow around 12 o'clock we will be approaching His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the request that he accepts
The Second Tibetan National General Meeting concluded in Dharamshala, India on 24th May 2011. Photo: TPI
the proposal to be the head of the state and just in case his holiness does not accept that, then we request him to accept the insertion of the preamble and the article number one" said Penpa Tsering and added that the many views of the working committees on the amendments to other parts of the charter would be synthesized and brought to the parliament to be decided upon when they meet on May 26. "By the end of this month or by the beginning of next month we expect His Holiness, the Dalai Lama to render his final signature and this could be in fact be the last that His Holiness would be signing" Penpa Tsering said, referring to the scenario of the Dalai Lama declining the proposed role as Head of State. Towards the end of the meeting, the current Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, delivered a touching speech for which he received standing ovations from the delegates. "I take this opportunity to thank the general public from the bottom of my heart for their great support of the works of the 12th and 13th Kashag" said
Samdhong Rinpoche and added, "I would like to urge the people to support the TGiE even more than before in the future, because at this time many changes occur simultaneously, and a fruitful outcome of these changes is the responsibility of every Tibetan." "I take this opportunity to express that recently all of the servants of the TGiE have offered a long life prayer to His Holiness, the Dalai lama. At that time all the oracles of His Holiness, including Nechun Choegyal, stated that His Holiness, the Dalai Lama will live until he is 130 years old" he also said and concluded that, "this circumstance, however, will depend on the merits of the Tibetan people and all the servants of the Tibetan Government in Exile". Concluding the 4 day meeting, which was attended by 418 Tibetan delegates from around 30 countries, parliament speaker Penpa Tsering also appealed to the Tibetan community, "the newly elected Kalon Tripa and the members of the TGiE, might experience some nervousness in this
present time of so many changes. Therefore it is of the utmost importance that everyone unites in one effort". Among the amendments not directly regarding the role of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, were proposals to change the term limits for the Kalon Tripa and his ministers and to remove any article regarding the centuries-old tradition of a regency council, which would rule Tibet in the years it took from the death of the Dalai Lama and until his reincarnation was deemed fit to assume his role as the supreme leader of Tibet. As for the Kalon Tripa's current twoterm limit (10 years), Penpa Tsering said that, "the general consensus that I got to know from the presentation of reports by the committees, is that the two-term limit for Kalon Tripa should be kept, whereas a minister who has served for two terms should have the opportunity to stand for the Kalon Tripa's post". The working committees also put forward a new suggestion to fix a limit on the term of the members of the parliament. "Right now there is no fixed terms, so they suggested that there should be a term for the parliament also" said Penpa Tsering. Regarding the regency council he said, "the articles referring to the regency council have been removed, we had proposed it to be removed and I did not hear any committee that said this should be kept, so most probably in the house also it will be removed". The current 14th assembly is expected to give their final approval of the preamble and amendments on May 28, its last day in office. At the beginning of the general meeting, however, deputy speaker Dolma Gyari said, "As of now the 14th house will make every attempt possible to try to fulfil our duties, and if we fail, naturally then it will have to be carried forward by the 15th house".