Second Tibetan National General Meeting Held in Dharamsala By Caroline Couffinhal May 21st, TCV school, Dharamsala 418 Tibetans from over 20 countries including the US, India, Russia, Europe, and Nepal gathered May 21st at the TCV school auditorium for the second Tibetan General Meeting. The General Meeting was called by the Tibetan Parliament in exile after Tibetan leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama announced his decision on March 10th of this year to devolve his “political authority” to that of an elected leader. In response, the exiled parliament appealed to him to reconsider his decision. His Holiness not only refused, but also explained in detail the background of his decision to the general public. Following this, it has become clear that His Holiness will remain firm on his decision.
Copyright photo: Samuel Ivor
Many years ago, His Holiness once expressed the wish to retire from the political life of the Tibetan government. In his March 10th statement, he once again clarified the issue of his retirement: “As early as the 1960’s, I have
repeatedly stressed that Tibetans need a leader, elected freely by the Tibetan people, to whom I can devolve power. Now we have clearly reached the time to put this into effect.” (continued on page 7)
25 days TYC Hunger Strike in Delhi By Caroline Couffinhal Three executive members of the Tibetan Youth Congress - Dhondup Lhadar (Vice President), Tenzin Norsang (Assistant Secretary) and Konchok Yangphel (Finance Secretary) participated in a hunger strike lasting 25 days in New Delhi protesting against the blocking of the monastery of Kirti and the brutal repression inflicted upon the inhabitants and Buddhist monks of Ngaba, Tibet. TheNgaba County in Sichuan knows serious tension. It has now been nearly two months since the death of Phuntsok, a 20-year-old Tibetan monk who self immolated in Tibet last March. This act itself was in response to the third anniversary of a major 2008 demonstration at Kirti, during which at least 10 Tibetans were killed. After the Chinese authorities
locked down the Kirti monastery that the young monk was affiliated with, new security forces were deployed around the monastery and inside the campus to regulate and restrict all the monks’ placements and movements. According to ICT(International Campaign of Tibet) headquartered in New York, security forces raided the monastery in the evening of April 21st, removing more than 300 monks. The police then brutally beat a group of people who had been guarding the monastery, killing two elderly Tibetans. Now only a few days later, the authorities have forbidden people to offer food to monks, leading to a food shortage within the monastery. The indefinite hunger strike began in response to this on April 26, at Jantar
Photo: TYC.org
Mantar, New Delhi. TYC members are now calling for the withdrawal of the Chinese authorities from the Monastery and the unconditional release of its political prisoners. The organization also called on Chinese authorities to allow for a Tibetan Youth Congress delegation to assess the situation of political prisoners inside Tibet. (continued on page 5)
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June 2011
IPL Storms through Dharamasala By Parminderjit Bhullar McLeod Ganj was swarming with fans of the Indian Premiere League (IPL) the week of May 15th. Kings XI Punjab faced the Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Deccan Chargers May 15 th , 17 th , and 21 st , respectively. These matches incited the normal hustle bustle of McLeod Ganj to be taken to new heights as almost every hotel in town was booked. Hotel Asian Plaza was one of the most fortunate businesses in the area to benefit from the IPL coming to Dharamsala. Cricket players frequented their dining room and rooftop deck prior to the matches, enjoying the food and welcoming atmosphere of the locals of McLeod Ganj. Even the police were called to control the curious crowd that gathered at the foot of Hotel Asian Plaza to catch a glimpse of the esteemed cricket players. With the influx of new visitors to McLeod Ganj, many hotels in the area raised their rent in order to make the most out of the tourism boost. Hotels were not the only businesses benefiting from all of the traffic. In fact, IPL cheer girls from the
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Bangalore Royal Challengers were seen sporting new dos as they walked out of a local beauty salon called Hair Art by Diana. Many travelers were also venturing off to local attractions such as Bhagsu Nag, Naddi, and Tsuglakhang. The local vendors selling chai, water, and local delicacies experienced a welcomed increase in income for the month. Not all local businesses benefited from the IPL being in town. Travel agencies in McLeod Ganj did not see new customers throughout this event. Many IPL fans had already made travel arrangements with outside agencies, and were not interested in the services here in McLeod Ganj. Even Western tourists are catching the cricket bug! American Volunteer, Eric Tracey, attended the Kings XI Punjab vs. Delhi Daredevils cricket match. The match left him with a stunned impression of cricket in India. “It was so fun to dance along with the crowd and experience this beautiful game which we do not have back home.” The presence of the IPL in McLeod Ganj was not only exciting for
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Photo: Phayul.com/Norbu Wangyal
locals and travelers, but also for Kings XI Punjab, who received its own dose of enrichment. After cooling off in the frigid waters of the Bhagsu Waterfall, Kings XI Punjab was welcomed to the area by His Holiness the Dalai Llama when he met both the operational staff and the team at Tsuglakhang courtyard. His Holiness made them aware that he may not know who’s winning at any point in the game, but that he wanted to share in the enjoyment and celebration of India’s favorite game! (Sources: phayul.com, Times of India)
June 2011
TWA asks for Panchen Lama’s Whereabouts By Barry Rattigan In 1995, a six-year-old Tibetan boy named Choekyi Nyima was recognized by the Dalai Lama as the 11th Reincarnation of the Panchen Lama. Panchen Lama is the second highest individual in Tibetan Buddhism and is second in importance only to the Dalai Lama. An important factor to this story is that Choekyi Nyima was born in Tibet in 1989 under Chinese control. For centuries, the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama have always recognized and given legitimacy to each other’s reincarnations. Two days after being recognized by the Dalai Lama, this sixyear-old child and his entire family were kidnapped by officials of the Chinese government, and haven’t been seen or heard from since. In effect he became the “world’s youngest political prisoner.“ Choekyi Nyima would now be 22-yearsold. Noone has been able to contact him, nor knows his true whereabouts, or even if he is still alive. The Chinese claim that he is safe and happy but this has yet to be confirmed. In his place the Chinese have installed
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their own version of the Panchen Lama who the vast majority of Tibetans don’t recognize as having any real authenticity, or legitimacy. Since it invaded Tibet, the Chinese government has tried to use Tibetan Buddhism as a political tool to control Tibetans’ desire for religious freedom and political autonomy. For the last 60 years they have interfered in Tibet’s religious affairs, such as traditional ceremonies and Buddhist practices, that are sacred to Tibetans. The ongoing occupation of Tibet violates both humanitarian and international law, denying the Tibetan people the right to practice their religious beliefs in peace, without interference from outside forces. What has happened to Choekyi Nyima is not only criminal but also morally reprehensible. There has been little help from the international community. Perhaps due to the Chinese influence on global trade and the world economy. Other countries may be hesitating to question China’s actions for fear of Chinese reprisals and economic sanctions.
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Copyright photo: Samuel Ivor
The history of the previous Panchen Lama ( 1938-1989 ) is quite revealing as well. For many years the Chinese used him as a puppet to try and legitimize their invasion and occupation of Tibet. During and after the Cultural Revolution he was denounced and spent about ten years in prison. When he was released he lived in Beijing; however, he remained critical of Chinese actions and policies in Tibet. He died mysteriously in Tibet in 1989. The Chinese are aware that in the future they can continue to interfere with Tibetan affairs, both religious and political, treating both monks and nuns with contempt and Buddhist tradition with disrespect. Chinese propaganda can be misleading to the international community. They claim progress and a host of improvements, such as development and modernity but the reality is that today the situation inside Tibet is becoming worse and worse each year. The plight of the Tibetans and the kidnap of this boy have been largely ignored by the international community. Central to the culture and identity of the Tibetan people is the practice of Buddhism and the main ethos of Buddhism is non-violence. Therefore, despite the fact that they have lost their country, there has been very little retaliation or reprisals on either Chinese people or Chinese assets. Without this sortof retaliation, it is difficult to attract the world’s attention to Tibet’s issue of independence. Despite everything that has happened to them, one thing that is striking about the Tibetans is that they haven’t lost hope. We can only hope and pray that Choekyi Nyima is alive and well, but it is likely that we will never know the truth about what has happened to him.
June 2011
(continued from page 1) Tsewang Rigzin, President of Tibetan Youth Congress expressed himself on the subject of the first day of the movement: “The continuing siege outside and inside the Kirti Monastery, the abduction of more than 300 monks and murder of two elderly Tibetans by the Chinese army are human rights’ violations. He urged the international community to support the Tibetan people, adding, “the critical situation Ngaba must be mentioned by UN during the Human Rights annual meeting between China and the United States which is held this week.” According to the official website of the TYC, the physical conditions of the three hunger strikers are showing obvious signs of deterioration. The three of them have each already lost at least 10 kg since the strike began. “For more than 15 days they did not eat anything solid. Despite the heat in New Delhi, the three members of TYC remain determined and steadfast in their business, only drinking water since the beginning of the movement,” reports one member of the TYC in Dharamsala, India. A delegation from Dharamsala made
Dharamsala Community Library free library service book & magazines Daily 9am to 6pm Sunday closed
Phot o:TYC.org
some visits to embassies and organizations to raise public awareness about these new tensions that have been raised in Nagba. President Tsewang Rigzin and General Secretary Tenzin Chokey went to the Embassy of the United States, the District Office of United Nations, and finally to the Council of Human Rights to try to convince the highest authorities about the seriousness of the situation in Nagba. On May 15th in Jantar Mantar, The Kalon Tripa Professor Samdhong Rinpoche visited the hunger strikers. The Tibetan Youth Congress said it received requests from various people and organizations including people from inside Tibet asking it to call the fast off due to the deteriorating health of the 3 activists.
“In view of the several 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,” TYC said in a statement posted on its Facebook page. On May 19th, the open-ended Hunger Strike was finally called off. The 3 executive members, Dhondup Lhadar, Tenzin Norsang ,and Konchok Yangphel, were admitted to a hospital in New Delhi after surviving 25 days without food. (Sources: TYC website, phayul.com)
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The Rogpa Festival 2011 By Pieter Ubels and Caroline Couffinhal A day in a life of a Rogpa volunteer. On Saturday 14th, under a big blue sky, an event was held in the courtyard of Day TCV school. The 7th edition of the annual Rogpa Festival. The festival has become a regular feature in Dharamsala’s calendar. It was held for the first time in 2006. This festival was organized not merely to raise funds and awareness but also to celebrate the community spirit which characterizes Rogpa’s spirit. Rogpa is Tibetan word meaning ‘trusted friends and helpers’. A very enthusiastic couple founded this NGO called Rogpa in September 2005 and it is continually striving to preserve Tibetan culture, integrity and independence for many generations to come. It acts to integrate the Tibetan community in exile by increasing Tibetan cooperation and responsibility. Rogpa is not a business or a charity and does not subscribe to a ‘hand out’ philosophy. Rather, it acts to empower Tibetan people through combined efforts contributing to autonomy and selfdetermination. This is currently achieved through the Baby Care Centre(BCC) by providing Tibetan families with a childcare cooperative space, as well as annual festivals that raise awareness and funds for Rogpa’s projects in Korea. Because of the exile, Tibetans in India have an immediate disadvantage like the loneliness due to the isolation from family and friends. There is also a disconnection and alienation from the new foreign culture. A detachment from their Tibetan roots furthermore causes a partial loss of their self identity. The aim of this event is to create a unity that reinforces the Tibetan identity and emphasizes a cooperative spirit for children. The festival is also the birthday celebration of Rogpa, raising money and awareness of the organization’s cause. Pieter Ubels is 21 years old and he’s from New Zealand. He recently graduated from a architecture university in N.Z and he’s taking a year off now to think about his future. He’s passionate about helping people and he heard about the Exiled Tibetan community in Dharamsala. He came to volunteer here in McLeod Ganj and he’s currently tutoring a few Contact Magazine
Copyright Photo: Caroline Couffinhal
Tibetans monks and he wants to help out in any other way he can. He found out about Rogpa through Richie, a tireless enthusiastic volunteer and coordinator of the Rogpa organization. Pieter met Richie two weeks ago while he was creating the poster for the event and his curiosity caused him to inquire about the organization. Richie proposed the opportunity to volunteer for the Rogpa Festival and Pieter happily accepted. After 5 days of preparation, the day came. Last Saturday, in the courtyard of TCV (Tibetan Children Village) day School the Rogpa Festival 2011 was held. Pieter spent his day helping staff and he also organized a workshop for children, making musical instruments like drums, shakers, pan flutes. It allowed the kids to express their creative side through the production of simple musical instruments. He said: ‘They really got into it immediately and they exceeded all expectations’. During this day, there was a great atmosphere which characterized Rogpa’s values. ‘It’s good to see a good mix of people and great cooperation between them’. To him ‘It’s not only being part of an organization, it’s being part of a family’. ‘People were available and they were lending a hand in everything. This is the spirit of Rogpa: a positive attitude towards everything, everybody works together, sharing ideas and caring for each other. It’s not work, it’s not a job. It’s about giving back, working together for the community’. During the day, there was a range of 6
activities, stalls and shows not only for the children but also for the general public. In the morning, there was mayhem surrounding the clothing sales and this was quickly replaced by an exciting tombola where everyone could participate. The event was then held at the standstill due to captivating live performances by many talented shows. This included an entertaining clown and dance and music pieces by both Tibetans and foreigners. Even Rogpa’s own staff and volunteers got up to dance, entertaining the crowd with their moves. Other highlights of the festival include a children’s photograph exhibition, and the opportunity for children to contribute in the creation of a huge Peace banner lying on the ground. Several games such as ‘Bingo’ and ‘Bozo Buckets’ were organized and gratefully appreciated by the crowds of people. There was also delicious food and snacks made by the volunteers and happily consumed by the general public all day long. After the busy day, all the staff, volunteers and parents felt rewarded by the experience. It was a complete success both in raising awareness and a profit of 22612 rupees. And of course happiness for everyone. Sources: Rogpa.com – for more information : www.rogpa.com
June 2011
“My desire to pass the authority is no desire to escape my responsibilities. This should be beneficial to Tibetans long term. That does not make a discouragement on my part. Tibetans have placed such faith and such confidence in me that I am determined to play my role for the just cause of Tibet, like any of them.” During the eleventh session of the fourteenth Tibetan Parliament in Exile that took place recently on the 14th of March, His Holiness formally proposed that the necessary amendments be made to the Charter for Tibetans in Exile to reflect “his decision to devolve his formal authority to the elected leader.” An ad hoc committee was set up after His Holiness’s decision, and they drafted necessary amendments in the Charter. The members of the committee included the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Kalon Tripa, Kalon for the Department of Education, and Pema Junney, a Member of Parliament. This committee has made public the proposed amendments to the Charter. The meeting that originally was to be held from the 21st of May to the 23rd of May has now been extended by one day. The 418 delegates from all around the world, including political activists, NGO representatives, as well as the Tibetan Prime Minister elect, Lobsang Sangay, several former prime ministers and ministers, former Members of Parliament (MPs), incumbent MPs, MPs elect, and other government officials have been grouped into 10 different committees which will present their respective committee’s recommendations. The meeting is expected to discuss an inclusion of a new Preamble and Article 1 into the Tibetan Charter as well as 39 other articles drafted by the Charter Amendment Drafting Committee headed by the incumbent Tibetan Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche. The current Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, also addressed delegates, stressing the importance of maintaining the legitimacy of the Tibetan government in exile, regardless of changes that could be made to the charter. After the opening ceremony, during a press conference, Mr. Penpa Tsering, the Speaker, said, “The responsibility of the delegates here is to improvise on the text, the wording on things that they think might paraphrase help make projects more effective, particularly on the preamble and article number.”
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Copyright photo: Samuel Ivor
A final draft Preamble and the First Article Amendments to the Charter have been presented to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Tuesday the 24th, the concluding day of the General Meeting. The meeting ended on May 24th by reaching a consensus to not only appeal the Tibetan leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama to assume a role of “ceremonial head of the state,” but also to formally request the Tibetan Spiritual leader to endorse an amended Preamble and Article 1 of the Tibetan Charter. A final compiled report was presented the following day (May 25th)
to His Holiness. In front of the audience, he rejected the request to remain the ‘head of state.’ Given HisHoliness’s consistent stance since March, this decision did not come as a surprise to legislators. The Tibetan legislators met for two days on May 26 and 27 for a special session to discuss and evaluate the proposed amendments to the Charter and Preamble. In the following issue, Contact Magazine will provide more details on the discussion. (Sources: phayul.com, Tibet Post, CTA website)
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ART & MUSIC Naam Art Gallery LOCATION: Main Road Sidhbari Dharamsala MOBILE: 9816043708 Tibet Museum LOCATION : Near the Main Temple and the Namgyal Monastery gate, McLeod Ganj HOURS: 9am-5pm, Tue-Sun Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression LOCATION : Gu-Chu-Sum hall on Jogiwara Rd, next to the Lung-ta Japanese Restaurant HOURS: 2am-5pm on Mon, Wed and Fri Wood Carving Classes LOCATION : Zoha Art, Bhagsu Nag Rd CONTACT: Meena EMAIL: kriast@rediffmail.com Music Classes Kailash Tribal Music School All kinds of Indian Traditional instruments WEB : www.musictribe.org LOCATION : Bhagsu Rd, near Green Shop HOURS : visiting 1-2pm, no class on Tues PHONE: 981 615 0326 EMAIL: yogisivadas@gmail.com
Vedic Astrologer LOCATION : Kunga Guest house (Nick's Italian Restaurant), Bhagsu Rd McLeod Ganj-Map #6 MOBILE : 09897339026 HOURS : Drop-in
BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY Library of Tibetan Works & Archives LOCATION : Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamsala HOURS : 9-10am, 11-noon and 3-4pm PHONE: 222 467 Public Audience with HH Karmapa CONTACT: Cheme Choegyal LOCATION: Sidhpur HOURS: 2.30pm, Wed and Sat PHONE: 9816315336 DETAILS : www.kagyuoffice.org Tushita Meditation Center WEB : www.tushita.info LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: 9:30-11:30am & 12:30-4pm, Mon-Sat PHONE: 221 1866 EMAIL: tushita_info@sacharnet.in
Tibetan Astrology LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, near KCC Bank PHONE: 941 810 1965 EMAIL : soyeshi@yahoo.co.in
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Lhamo’s Kitchen, Tibetan Cooking Classes LOCATION : Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop PHONE : 981 646 8719 HOURS: 8am-9pm N is ha ’ s Ind ia n C o o k ing C la s s LOCATION: Hotel Lotus Leaf, Jogiwara Rd HOURS: Classes from 4-6pm EMAIL : nisha@indiancookingcourse.com S angy e’s K it chen Tr ad it io na l T ib e t a n C o o k ing C la s s e s Recommended by Lonely planet LOCATION :Lung-ta Restaurant, below the Tashi Choeling Monastery on Jogiwara Rd HOURS:10am-12pm and 4-6pm PHONE: 981 616 4540 EMAIL : sangyla_tashi@yahoo.co.in
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Ayuskam Health Care LOCATION: First floor Hotel Anand Place, near Bhagsu taxi stand and near Tibetan Hotel Ashoka Guest House McLeod Ganj MOBILE: 9805928923/9736211210 WEBSITE: www.ayuskama.com
Ayuskam Health Care LOCATION: First floor Hotel Anand Place, near Bhagsu taxi stand and near Tibetan Hotel Ashoka Guest House McLeod Ganj MOBILE: 9805928923/9736211210 WEBSITE: www.ayuskama.com
(continued on page 10)
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June 2011
HEALTH SERVICES (continued from page 9) Dr. Sant Marwah Clinic LOCATION: in front of Main Temple HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm PHONE : 221 106, 98160 21106 Kumar Ayurvedic and Panchkarma LOCATION : Hotel Surya Rd, opposite the Tourism Informations Centre PHONE : 941 824 9399 OURS: 10am-2pm and 2:30-7pm Maanav Health Clinic LOCATION : Main Square HOURS: 10am-12:30pm and 2-5pm PHONE: 941 815 5795 EMAIL : maanavcare@yahoo.co.in Men-Tsee-Khang LOCATION: between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala PHONE : 222 618, 223 113 EMAIL: tmai@vsnl.com Nature Cure Health Club LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House-Map #10 HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm PHONE :: 941 813 0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com Primary Health Centre LOCATION : Jogiwara Rd, main market HOURS: 9:30am-4pm, Mon-Sat Tibetan Delek Hospital LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamsala PHONE : 222 053, 223 381 HOURS : Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, Mon-Sat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, MonSat; Emergencies: 24 hrs, daily
Tibetan with Teacher Pema Youdon: LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, opposite the post office HOURS: 1-4pm, or leave a message.
MASSAGE Lha Healing Oil Massage Courses & Treatment LOCATION : Lha Office, PHONE : 220 992 HOURS :
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Kailash Tribal School Taught byYogi Sivadas WEB : www.yogatribe.org LOCATI ON : Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop - Map #6 HOURS : visiting 1-2pm, no class on Tues PHONE: 981 615 0326 EMAIL: yogisivadas@gmail.com Nature Cure Health Club LOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka,Jogiwara Rd PHONE: 941 813 0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com Shiatsu & Swedish Massage LOCATION : Lha Office, Temple Rd PHONE : 220 992 See ad pg 3. Synergy Ayuredic Massage Centre LOCATION : Near Tibetan Ashoka, Jogiwara Rd PHONE: 941 80 8488 EMAIL: mcleodganj@gmail.com
MEDITATION Kailash Tribal Meditation School Taught by Yogi Sivadas WEB : www.yogatribe.org LOCATION : Bhagsu Rd, nr the Green Shop - Map #6 HOURS : visiting 1-2pm, no class on Tues PHONE: 981 615 0326 EMAIL: yogisivadas@gmail.com I am Happy Open Ashram www.iamhappy.in EMAIL: info@iamhappy.in LOCATION : Behind Hotel Akashdeep, Bhagsu- Map #6 & Mcleodganj HOURS: 4-5pm, Mon-Sat MOBILE : 9882868470 or 9569221047 WEB:
Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre See the Yoga & Reiki section. Tushita Meditation Center WEB: www.tushita.info LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: 9:30-11:30am, Mon-Sat PHONE : 221 866 EMAIL : spc@tushita.info Vipassana Meditation WEB : www.sikhara.dhamma.org LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: 4-5pm, Mon-Sat PHONE : 221 309 EMAIL: info@sikhara.dhamma.org
Traditional Thai Massage LOCATION : Opposite the Govt. Tourist Information Centre, Hotel Surya Rd PHONE: 981 633 9199 EMAIL: jite02@yahoo.com
LANGUAGES Tibetan Language Class LOCATION : Lha Office, Temple Rd HOURS : Registration from 9-11am, Mon-Fri PHONE : 220 992 See ad on pg 3. Hindi Classes LOCATION : Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Rd, beside the Korean Restaurant PHONE : 981 649 4732 Hindi Lessons with Kailash LOCATION: At Bhimsen’s Indian Cooking Class PHONE : 220 063, 941 816 1947 HOURS : 4-6pm, daily Hindi Lessons with Sunil LOCATION : Kunga Guesthouse, Bhagsu Rd and in Dharamkot PHONE : 221 942, 941 818 7281 EMAIL : sunilsharma81in@yahoo.co.in Tibetan Language LOCATION : The Library HOURS: 10-11am and noon-1pm See Buddhist philosophy listing.
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June 2011
YOGA & REIKI Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre LOCATION: Dharamkot, on the footpath to Bhagsu - Map #5 EMAIL: info@hiyogacentre.com WEB: www.hiyogacentre.com Kailash Tribal School, RYS 200 & RYS 500 YTTC (Yoga Alliance USA Recognized) LOCATION : Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop WEB : www.yogatribe.org HOURS : visiting 1-30 pm, Closed on Tuesday PHONE: 981 615 0326 EMAIL: yogisivadas@gmail.com Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre LOCATION : Ketan Lodge, behind Akash Hotel, on Jogiwara Rd - Map #17 HOURS : 8am-6pm PHONE : 980 569 3514 Rishi Yoga Centre with Yogi Shivam WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org LOCATION: Himalyan Paradise Hotel Jogiwara Rd - Map #15 HOURS: 7-8am & 6:15-7:15pm PHONE: 981 656 5138 EMAIL : yogi_shivam@yahoo.com
Shiva Yoga Shala, Swami Sudhi WEB :www.shivayogapeeth.com LOCATION: Kalsang Guest House, Tipa Road, Mac Leod Gandj - Map #28 MOBILE : 7417873295/9882352047 EMAIL: shivayogapeeth@yahoo.com
Universal Yoga with Vijay Recognized by Yoga Alliance WEB : www.vijaypoweryoga.com LOCATION: Room #5, Yongling School Building, Jogiwara Rd - Map #15 HOURS: 9:00 -11:10am & 4:30 - 6:30Pm EMAIL : vijayamar@yahoo.com
Tour g uide s er v i c e by nuns Tibetan Nuns Project’s branch office based in McLeod Ganj provides you with tour guide services around Dharamsala – including nunneries. For full details, please contact us at: Tibetan Nuns Project, c/o Dolma Ling Nunnery P.O. Sidhpur – 176057, Dist. Kangra, H.P (INDIA) Email – tnpindia@sancharnet.in Contact no – 1892 246413/246419 Mobile no – 94180 34641
GOING TO AMRITSAR? Come see us at Tourist Guest House British colonial mansion turned into beautiful guest house that tourists have been flocking to for a taste of the Raj life style. We have I nternet connection at Rs 1/min.
Siddhartha Yoga Centre with Yogi Shivam WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org LOCATION : Upper Bagsu Nag Map #1 HOURS: 7-8am & 6:15-7:15pm PHONE: 981 656 5138 EMAIL : yogi_shivam@yahoo.com
Comfortable stay with home cooked meals. Dorm bed Rs 85, Single/dble w. bath Rs 125-250. Walking distance from train and bus. Private parking. Recommended in travel guide ‘Lets Go-2000’. Contact Harindar at : 0183-553830 / 0183-3103219 E-mail : bubblesgoolry@yahoo.com
Tourist Information Police Contact Information
Bus Schedule
LOCATION :
Past St.John’s Church, on road to Dharamshala in Cantt area. PHONE: 221 483
* Times and prices may vary. Please check with the bus stand ahead of departure.
Tibetan Delek Hospital
LEAVING FROM THE MCLEOD GANJ BUS STAND, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED: DELHI:
Ordinary Bus: 4:45am, 6pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm and 8:30pm (Rs330) Semi Deluxe Bus: 6pm (Rs355) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8pm (Rs1035) AC TATA: 8:30pm (Rs840)
AMRITSAR:
Ordinary Bus: 4:45am (Rs165) *from Dharamsala
DEHRADUN : MANALI:
Ordinary Bus: 9pm; AC Deluxe: 5:30pm
Ordinary Bus: 11am, 12:10pm, 12:30pm, 2:10pm, 3:50pm, 5pm (Rs75)
Ordinary Bus: 5am, 5:30am, 6am, 8am, noon and 4:55pm (Rs235) *from Dharamsala Semi Deluxe Bus: 8:22am, 7:45pm and 9:30pm (Rs???) *from Dharamsala
The McLeod Ganj Post Office is located on LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, past Peace Cafe HOURS: 9:30am-1pm and 2-5pm, Mon-Fri; 9:30am-noon, Sat. PHONE: 221 924 Parcels and money orders can be sent in the mornings only.
TAXIS
FOR BOOKINGS: LOCATION : ticket stand under McLLo’s, main square HOURS: 10am-6pm, daily PHONE: 221750 For deluxe buses, book through any travel agency.
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Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala HOURS: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, MonSat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, Mon-Sat; Emergencies: 24-hrs, daily. PHONE: 222 053,223 381
Post Office
Ordinary Bus: 5:40pm, 8:40pm *from Dharamsala
PATHANKOT:
SHIMLA :
LOCATION:
A private taxi to Lower Dharamsala will cost you Rs 160. Cram into a jeep (from the bus stand), and it’ll only cost you Rs10.
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Around Town: Helping Out ANIMAL
RESCUE
Dharamsala Dog Rescue We are in urgent need of vet volunteers, animal experts and sponsors. W e are in immediate need of sponsors for two paralysed dogs that need a home, wheelchair, monthly food and medicine. Please contact us if you see an injured/sick dog. Anything you can do is appreciated. WEB : www.hnsindia.org LOCATION : Behind the District Court Complex on Chilgari St, Lower Dharamsala PHONE : 981 622 0841 EMAIL: friendsforanimals@gmail.com
CO MMU NIT Y
OUT REA CH
The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC) facilitates trainings, workshops and open forum discussions on A N E C nonviolent strategies to help resolve disagreements and differences at all levls of human society. As part of our General Outreach Program, ANEC welcomes volunteers from western countries to participate in informal panel discussions on ideas and views of regional and global peace and nonviolent strategies. Free lunch and tea for volunteers. WEB : www.anec.org.in LOCATION : No. 262, 1st floor, Khajanchi Mohalla, Khunyara Rd, Lower Dharamsala PHONE : 941 809 4476, 941 898 7745 EMAIL : executive_directoranec@yahoo.com Learning and Ideas for Tibet (L.I.T.) is a non-profit organization that needs a range of volunteers interested in the Tibetan movement and community education. CONTACT: Lauren PHONE : 941 879 4218 L O C AT I O N : Jogiwara Rd, near the Korean Restaurant Lha Community Social Work fosters projects for the benefit and enrichment of the local community. We provide a library, English and French classes, computer training, medical assistance programmes, environmental programmes and clothing distribution to needy Tibetans and Indians, in addition to supporting construction and renovation projects. See ad pg 3. WEB : www.lhaindia.org LOCATION : Temple Rd, across from State Bank of India HOURS: 9am-noon and1-5pm, Mon-Fri PHONE : 220 992 Nyingtob Ling (‘Realm of Courage’) helps support Tibetan children from disadvantaged families. The children work hard at making delightful handicrafts and paintings. They are so friendly and LOVE visitors! LOCATION: Near Norbulingka, Sidhpur PHONE : 0189 224 6366, 981 685 1841 EMAIL: nyingtobling@hotmail.com
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Rogpa Baby Care Centre We help low income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so their parents can work. Can you help with art, games, singing and lots of hard work? (including diaper changing!) If you can create and maintain a fun and loving atmosphere with our children, hours are Mon-Sat, either 8.30am-12pm or 1pm-5pm (located near no.13 on map) Rogpa Shop and Cafe Help serve drinks and cakes, plus sell our fairly traded products. We accept donated clothes & books (located near no.14 on map) Min. commitment for both jobs is 3 weeks Please contact us directly or by email rogpa2004@yahoo.com Volunteer Tibet You’re motivated to share your time and assist organisations in the Tibetan community. Even if you’re j us t passingthrough Dharamsala, there are still many ways to donate your time & make a difference. For a full list of volunteer opportunities,both long- and short-term, please contact us: WEB : www.volunteertibet.org.in LOCATION : Jogiwara Rd, opposite Akash Guesthouse. HOURS: 9am- and 5pm, Mon-Fri PHONE : 98820 17083, 220 894 EMAIL:volunteertibetdharamsala@gmail.com Women’s Team Volunteers required to teach Indian women computer/English skills. For more information visit Jitender@WomensTeam.com or mobile 09817515123
Cleaners every Monday at 9.30 am & join them up to The Clean Upper Dharamshala Project was founded in 1994 to provide a waste management system in and around McLod Ganj. The Green Workers, the Handmade Recycled Paper Factory, the Green Shop and the Environmental Education Centre are part of the Clean Upper Daramshala Project. Join us for the weekly guided tour on Wednesdays at 3 pm at the office of CUDP!
PUBLICATION Contact Magazine Submit a single piece or become a steady correspondent of this local, grassroots publication. Contact needs volunteers to write, proofread and edit copy and work on graphic design.Volunteers needed, especially those with a knowledge of Photoshop. CONTACT: Lobsang Rabsel at the Lha office, Temple Road. PHONE : 981 615 5523 EMAIL : info@contactmag.org
TUTORS & CLASS ASSISTANTS Volunteer language teachers, for both longand short-term placements, are needed for quality education in Mcleod Ganj: Gu-Chu-Sum provides support for ex-political prisoners and their families. It also organises campaigns for the release of current political prisoners. Gu-Chu-Sum School needs volunteers for its English conversation classes and tutoring sessions from 6pm onwards, Mon- Fri. LOCATION : Jogiwara Rd, downstairs Lung-ta Japanese Restaurant HOURS: 4:30-6:30pm PHONE : 220 680 EMAIL: humanrights.desk@guchusum.org
DONATIONS Lha Donation Center Accepting donations of all kinds: clothing, sleeping bags, books, school supplies, office supplies, medical supplies, used laptops, financial assistance... Donations are clearly recorded and distributed to those in need, both Tibetan and Indian. Lha is a registered non-profit, social service organisation. See advert on pg 3. Tong-Len Donations welcomed: medical supplies, stationary, books, toys and children’s clothing. LOCATION : Top floor, Bank of Baroda opposite the art gallery Kotwali Bazar, Dharamsala PHONE : 981 608 1562, 223 930
ENVIRONMENT The Mountain Cleaners is a voluntary organization founded in April 2009 by Jodie Underhill who have successfully set up a waste management system at the popular trekking destination Triund. You can help Jodie and the Mountain
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Tibet Hope Center is a registered NGO started by two Tibetans to support the newcomers from Tibet. We run a conversation class where our students can practice their English, and we are in constant need of conversation partners. They love to ask questions about your life and exchange ideas on many topics. Think Globally, Act Locally WEB: www.tibethopecenter.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, behind Gu-Chu-Sum HOURS : 4:30-5:45pm, daily, and we even have a campfire every evening! PHONE : 981 637 3889 EMAIL : info@tibethopecenter.org works with Indian communities liv ing in poverty toward a healthy and sustainable future. Needed urgently: volunteer primary teachers and assistants for maths, English and art, as well as nurses and health workers. CONTACT: Tashi Lhamo LOCATION : Top floor, Bank of Baroda opposite art gallery, Kotwali Bazar, Dharamsala PHONE : 981 608 1562, 223 930 EMAIL : volunteer@tong-len.org
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