Contact Magazine - May 2012

འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་དུས་དེབ།

www.contactmagazine.net 30 MAY 2012

Volume: XIV Issue: 5

contact magazine A Free Monthly Publication For Tibetan Issues & Community Information

2012 Templeton Prize for His Holiness the Dalai Lama

By Tenzin Dharpo The John Templeton Foundation has bestowed upon His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama the 2012 Templeton Prize for his outstanding promotion of harmony amongst various religious traditions, his approach of nonviolence as a means for conflict resolution, and most importantly, for advocating compassion as a way of life.

The award ceremony took place at the magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral in London on 14 May and was attended by dignitaries from around the globe. The Right Reverend Michael Colclough, Canon Pastor at St. Paul's Cathedral, commended the event and said, “A non-violent voice of peace and reason in a calamitous world, the Dalai Lama represents core values cherished by many different faiths.

Dr. John Templeton Jr. presents the 2012 Templeton Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama

The award of the Templeton Prize to the Dalai Lama under the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral will be a reminder that working towards peace and harmony is a practical and spiritual challenge to all faith communities.”

A sum of £1.1 million (about 1.7 million U.S. dollars) was also awarded to His Holiness, who announced he would give $1.5 million to the Save the Children Fund, with the remainder to be split between the Mind & Life Continued on page 5

Punjab Takes Win vs. Chennai, Loss vs. Delhi in IPL Matches

The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Cricket Ground in Lower Dharamsala.

By Tenzin Younten At a height of 1,457 meters above sea level, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Cricket Ground has been described as the most

picturesque in the world. Inaugurated

by His Holiness the Dalai Lama two summers ago, the grounds sit amidst the snow capped Dhauladhar range, providing the perfect backdrop to the

red stadium that can accommodate 23,000 spectators.

Despite the beautiful surroundings, cloudy skies threatened to interrupt the scheduled match-ups, making authorities nervous about the VIP guests that included Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdulah and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal. Fortunately, by the end of each day, both matches ended without any weather interference.

Although the Kings XI Punjab franchise is based in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh is their home ground because the co-owner of the Kings, Priety Zinta, is originally from this region.

Whenever Dharamsala hosts an IPL match, people from all across Punjab, Continued on page 4

about lha & contact magazine

Social Services-Volunteering-Donations

Mission Statement:

Lha is a resource of education and knowledge that provides meaningful, multi-leveled social and educational services for the benefit of others.

Background:

Lha is a Tibetan grassroots nonprofit based in Dharamsala, India. It is one of the largest social work organizations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population, and people from the Himalayan regions.

Lha offers free English, French, Spanish and Chinese classes, cultural exchange programs, IT classes, vocational training, health and

environmental awareness education, distribution of clothes and medicine, a community kitchen, and many other programs and activities.   Through rehabilitation resources and social and educational services, Lha facilitates an easy transition for the Tibetan refugee community to India. On a daily basis, Lha serves over 250 people, hosts between 15 and 25 volunteers and provides up to 20 different services, including on average 50 nutritious meals per day for financially disadvantaged people.

Please visit us more information about Lha: www.lhasocialwork.org

Become a Sponsor for Lha’s Soup Kitchen

On 6 July, 2011, Lha opened its community soup kitchen at its new building, Ahimsa House. This is the first soup kitchen in Dharamsala and serves low-cost and nutritious meals to the Tibetan refugee community. 40-50 needy refugees can take advantage of this service every day for a nominal fee of 15 rupees per person, per meal. Meals are completely free for those who cannot afford to pay.

The kitchen’s primary objective is to provide refugees with low-cost and nutritious meals while educating them about healthy eating and living. The kitchen will also serve as a space where refugees can receive formal training for the service and resaurant industry.

Interested in a Tibetan Homestay?

Lha can arrange homestays of one month with a Tibetan refugee family. By sharing day-to-day life with a Tibetan family, you will have an opportunity to experience Tibetan culture in an intensive way. Spend your time in Dharamsala learning the language, cooking Tibetan meals, sharing rituals with a family, and making friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Homestays include accomodation, breakfast, and dinner.

Sponsor an Issue of Contact Magazine!

If you would like to sponsor an issue of Contact Magazine, please contact us. This space would be used to present your photo, profile and any message you want to share with the community and visitors. We will thank you for many lifetimes!

Contact Magazine

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Contact magazine is a free monthly publication of Lha Charitable Trust. It contains Tibetan issues, international news and local information that aspires to bring the West and East together in a meaningful and beneficial way. 700 copies are printed per issue and distributed in the greater Dharamsala area and (in the future)Delhi, Rishikesh, Manali and Goa, as well as diplomatic missions to India.

Contact keeps readers up-to-date on current issues and events, and provides networking, education and volunteer opportunities, as well as social services information. The Contact staff and contributors hope you will enjoy and benefit from our modest efforts to build a community through communication. May peace and love prevail!

Guidelines for submission: Contact welcomes submissions of articles, stories, poems, graphics and photography. We also gladly accept information about upcoming events, volunteer work and special projects.

All material intended for publication in Contact must be submitted by the 20th of each month.

Your letter may not be printed if it is unsigned, illegible, slanderous or malicious. We reserve the right to edit submissions for spelling, grammar and length. Send your material via email to: contactmag@hotmail.com Remember: The articles, poems, stories and other material in Contact represent the views of the authors and not necessarily the views of the Contact editing staff.

Make contact: If you would like to contact Contact magazine, call Lobsang Rabsel at 981-615-5523 or the Lha office at Temple Road (ph. 01892-220992).

All comments on this issue should be submitted to the email given above.

Where to find Contact: Contact is available at many places around McLeod Ganj including the Lha office, libraries, travel agencies, hotels, restuarants and shops.

May 2012

about lha & contact magazine

འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་དུས་དེབ།

Contact Magazine Managing Director Ngawang Rabgyal

Editor

Reece Garrett

Sub-Editor

Taylor Grace

Sub-Editor

Tenzin Dharpo

Assistant Editor Tenzin Younten

Layout Design

Tamdin Yangzom

Circulation Manager Lobsang Rabsel

Published by

Lha Charitable Trust

Web: www.lhasocialwork.org www.contactmagazine.net Phone:91(0)1892-220992 Email: office@lhasocialwork.org Printed at Imperial Printing Dharamsala Phone: 222390

Contact Magazine Joins Lha Lha Charitable Trust is proud to announce that it has taken over management of Contact Magazine. Recognized by Lonely Planet and other international travel resources, Contact has been a popular, free publication for Tibetan issues and community information in Dharamsala for over 14 years. It is one of the longest-running Tibetan publications in the area and provides local residents and international visitors with news and resources relevant to the Dharamsala community.

Contact has been in partnership with Lha since 2004, with Lha providing office space and equipment to aid the magazine staff with production. As the magazine fully joins Lha’s range of programs, readers will begin to see a few changes to the familiar publication. Lha plans to print 700 copies each month, with an updated layout to include more information on international and Tibetan issues and headlines.

Additionally, distribution of Contact will extend beyond Dharamsala for the first time. Lha plans to make sure Contact is found in a variety of diplomatic missions across India, as well as popular tourist destinations like Goa, Delhi, and Manali. Contact also has a new website, www.contactmagazine.net, with older content available at www.contactmag.org.

The core elements that have made Contact a vital community resource for residents and visitors to the Dharamsala area will remain the same, however.

Longtime publisher, Lobsang Rabsel, will continue to manage Contact’s circulation, and the magazine’s focus will remain on current Tibetan issues and community news. Writers, both locals and visitors to the area, are encouraged to submit material, and Lha welcomes this new opportunity to connect further with our community.

Lha Traveler Services & Volunteer Opportunities

Classes

MASSAGE Complete physical and mental relaxation and stress reduction with revitalizing techniques of deep tissue and acupressure with a professional therapist.

TIBETAN LANGUAGE CLASS Learn more about the Tibetan people, culture, and Buddhism by learning the Tibetan language! Beginner and intermediate class levels with qualified teachers for individuals and small groups.

TIBETAN COOKING CLASS Individuals and small groups can learn to prepare a variety of traditional and modern vegetarian Tibetan foods including momo, thukpa and Tibetan bread with a qualified teacher.

TIBETAN ARTS CLASS Learn the basic traditional Tibetan form of painting, drawing, and how to use color for individuals and small groups with a qualified artist.

YOGA For sound physical, mental and emotional development we offer Sivananda and Hatha yoga for beginners with a qualified teacher for small groups.

Contact Magazine

Volunteer

Donate

Long- or short-term, skilled or unskilled volunteers needed.

Lha collects all kinds of donations in the form of clothing, shoes, books, and language, computer and medical supplies, as well as any other useful items.

• English conversation, Mon – Fri, 4pm – 5pm • English, French, Spanish, German and Chinese teachers & tutors • Computer teachers • Web designers and IT professionals • IT professionals • Journalists, writers & librarians • Environmental professionals

• Medical & healthcare professionals • Fundraisers & grant writers • Project professionals • Chefs & cooks • Human rights & legal professionals • Personal Assistant (PA) • Yoga teachers & massage therapists • And much more!

Monetary donations are extremely helpful and are greatly appreciated, large or small.

For information on cost, times and/or registration, please visit the Lha office (Mon-Sat: 9:00am-12:00pm & 1:005:00pm) on Temple Road.

Email: office@lhasocialwork.org, Phone :(0) 1892-220992.

Lha offers you the opportunity to share your knowledge and skills with the local Tibetan, Indian, and Himalayan communities whilst gaining hands-on experience working with a social work organization. Lha volunteers will develop friendships, learn about issues facing the *All donations and fees from Lha classes Tibetan refugee community, and become and services directly benefit immersed in the fascinating cultures of Lha community social work projects. the people they are serving.

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May 2012

news & issues

China’s “Strike Hard” Campaign Expands into Nepal

By Taylor Grace Designed to crackdown on illegal activity, China’s “strike hard” campaign is creating additional problems for Tibetans living in Tibet— and now for those living in Nepal. In a public notice issued in the Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture on 9 March 2012, authorities plan to re-launch the campaign, this time in “collaboration with the Nepalese police.” The program encourages citizen reporting of illegal activity, but Tibetans worry that its emphasis on national unity uniquely targets the Tibetan community.

The “strike hard” campaign was a program first implemented by the Chinese government in 1983 to

stifle escalating crime in China. The program focused on issues such as human trafficking, fraud, robbery, gambling, gang crime and substance abuse by encouraging the public to report anything considered harmful to social stability and national unity.

The program was again launched in Tibet in 1996 with increased security and raids as a warning against protesters and demonstrators.

According to the Tibetan Review, the campaign resulted in the arrest of 492 monks and the expulsion of 9,997 monks and nuns from their religious centers in just two years.

The notice issued in March criminalizes ethnic separatism and warns citizens against inciting,

Tibetan monks being removed forcefully by Chinese police in 2011. (Photo credit: Boxun website)

instigating, participating, fabricating or devising any plans that harm the Chinese state. “Strike hard” highlights national unity as a technique of restoring law and order, which has posed an obvious conflict for the culturally separatist Tibet. To enforce the new rules, special committees have been created to lead security efforts alongside existing agencies in Lhasa. Tibetan organizations say that religious leaders, political activists and new arrivals are being identified as suspect, and bolstered security measures may make this a particularly difficult time to be a nonconformist to Chinese policy.

Recent developments indicate the scope of “strike hard” will extend past Tibetan borders and into Nepal, which is home to roughly 14,000 Tibetans-in-exile.

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) said in a statement: “It will also engage the Nepalese government and its police force to collaborate with the Chinese police to suppress Tibetans in Nepal, who the Chinese government alleged of carrying out separatist activities.”

Only time will tell the outcome of the modified “strike hard” campaign, but many Tibetans fear the same violent treatment and repression of the 1996 launch. The CTA reiterated that “these repressive policies have failed and only deepened the Tibetan people’s resentment against the Chinese government.”

Punjab Takes Win vs. Chennai, Loss vs. Delhi in IPL Matches Continued from page 1

Haryana, Delhi and nearby Himachal towns come to enjoy the cricket match.

Due to the excitement surrounding the game, Dharamsala was full of tourists and locals who added to the liveliness of this beautiful town. Many of the people coming into Dharamsala would never miss the opportunity to visit McLeod Ganj, where they can immerse themselves in Tibetan culture and explore many options for Contact Magazine

authentic souvenir handicrafts.

Although the streets were crowded with cars for hours and the town was bustling more than usual, it was great to see so many people excited about the match. The only problem is that McLeod Ganj gets crowded quickly due to its size and can’t accommodate hundreds of people arriving as tourists, leading to some obvious problems: traffic, noise pollution, shortage of water supplies and arguments that lead to fights. Despite the turmoil, 4

people in Dharamsala will make you feel as though nothing happened, and everything will be back to its normal, beautiful state the following day.

So, as a local I can say that people in Dharamsala will enjoy its beauty, and for those cricket loving people in the surrounding area, never hesitate to visit Dharamsala any time. You are always welcome.

One last thing I would do is to beg you: use your car and bike horns as sparingly as you can.

May 2012

news & issues

2012 Templeton Prize for His Holiness the Dalai Lama

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the young members of the Cathedral chair who performed at St Paul’s Cathedral in London

Continued from page 1

Institute and Tibetan monastic universities. The 76-year old Tibetan spiritual leader addressed the gathering, saying, “When I heard today your decision to give me this quite famous award, I really felt this another sign of recognition about my little service to humanity, mainly nonviolence and unity around different

religious traditions.” He added: “When Nobel Peace Prize announced my name, at that time I expressed that I am no more, no less, just a simple Buddhist monk. So still, I am a simple Buddhist monk, no less, no more, after receiving this award.”

Other prominent laureates include Mother Teresa, who rehabilitated thousands of slum dwellers in

Kolkata and worked tirelessly for the good of the poor, and Chiara Lubich, who founded Italy’s Focolare movement during the Second World War that works for the welfare of the underprivileged and has since spread its operations around the world.

The Templeton Prize itself was first introduced in the year 1972 by Sir John Templeton, who felt that the Nobel Committee had neglected the importance of spirituality in its prize categories and was adamant in creating an award that would recognize contributions in that regard.

The foundation’s nine judges evaluate the typical 15 to 20 nominations of the year and later cast individual ballots to determine the winner. His Holiness’s extensive work on bridging collaborative research between Buddhism and science resulted in the founding of the Mind & Life Institute in 1987. His efforts in this field attracted the initial nomination and ultimately the honor itself.

UK Dalai Lama Visit Causes Diplomatic Tension with China

By Reece Garrett The event awarding the £1.1 million Templeton Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been overshadowed by a diplomatic sparring match between China and the United Kingdom. China’s Foreign Ministry released a statement on 15 May 2012 claiming that a meeting between His Holiness and British Prime Minister David Cameron following the award ceremony was an “affront to the Chinese people” and amounts to support for Tibet’s independence.

The British government issued a stern response to Beijing, saying the prime minister is free to meet with whomever he chooses, but that the meeting was “not intended to hurt China.”

This would not be the first time China has rebuked foreign governments for meeting with the Tibetan spiritual leader. Following his UK visit, His Holiness began an 11-day trip to Contact Magazine

Austria that included a meeting with Austrian Chancellor Weyner Faymann.

Dismissing China’s strong objections, the Austrian leader characterized the meeting as “a clear political signal for human rights, nonviolence and dialogue H.H. the Dalai Lama with British Prime Minister David Cameron against oppression.”

Meetings with the Dalai Lama with the Dalai Lama over concerns remain a complex issue for Western about China. governments, however. In recent Western leaders have usually years, many leaders have shown stopped short of expressing outright increased sensitivity toward China. political support for Tibet. Despite Unlike some of his predecessors, acknowledging His Holiness as for example, British Prime Minister an “important religious figure and David Cameron would not meet the advocate for peace,” the British Tibetan spiritual leader at his official Foreign Office said that meetings with Downing Street residence, and in British officials do not “necessarily 2009, President Barack Obama indicate they support that individual’s famously postponed his first meeting viewpoint.”

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May 2012

news & issues

Two Self-Immolations Reported in Tibetan Capital Lhasa

By Reece Garrett Two men set themselves on fire in the center of Lhasa on 28 May, according to the Chinese state news agency Xinhua. One man, identified as Dargye, is in stable condition while the other, Dorjee Tseten, is reported to have died from his injuries. The self-immolations are the first to occur inside the tightly controlled Tibetan capital and are among the few to be officially acknowledged by the Chinese authorities.

A statement released by Tibet’s regional committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said that police put out the flames in a matter of minutes and quickly restored order outside Jokhang Temple, where the two men reportedly set themselves ablaze. The self-immolations occurred in the afternoon as Tibetans continued to celebrate the Saga Dawa, which marks the anniversary of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. 36 similar cases have occurred since March 2011 in other Tibetan regions within China.

An undated photo of Dorjee Tseten (Photo courtesy: Sonam Gyatso)

A senior official in Tibet condemned the self-immolations as acts “aimed at separating Tibet from China.” A spokeswoman for Free Tibet, Harriet Beaumont, said that security forces began detaining Tibetans in response to the incidents, mostly in the town of Ngaba, where the majority of selfimmolations have been centered.

The Central Tibetan Administration expressed concern over the developments coming from Lhasa.

Kalon Dicki Chhoyang from the Department of Information and International Relations said, “No matter how the Chinese government

attempts to present the cycle of selfimmolations to the international community, such explanation will be met with deep skepticism so long as access to Tibetan areas is denied to impartial observers such as members of the press, and representatives of international bodies such as the United Nations.”

Only a few days earlier, the U.S. Department of State released its annual report on human rights in China. The report concludes that Chinese policies are responsible for the recent wave of self-immolations, stating that “repressive measures such as forcing Tibetans to denounce the Dalai Lama through patriotic and legal education campaigns, occupation of monasteries by security forces, provoked acts of resistance among the Tibetan population…These acts of resistance, in turn, led to enhanced attempts by PRC authorities to maintain control, thus creating cycles of repression that resulted in increasingly desperate acts

by Tibetans, such as a series of selfimmolations by Tibetans.”

Letter from a Former Lha Volunteer: Time with Lha Seen through the eyes of a foreigner interested in Tibetan Buddhism andMy culture, Dharamsala—the home of Name: Erika Patho (Belgium) Job at Lha: Community Development Researcher Seen through the eyes of a foreigner interested in Tibetan Buddhism and culture, Dharamsala—the home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama— always evoked some special, unique and spiritual feeling in me. Having spent the past eight years with various studies and readings about Tibet, I was very eager to meet Tibetan people and become useful to their community.

Given my experience with development issues and my current studies, I decided in January 2012 that I would travel to McLeod Ganj and make my long-term dream a reality. Among all the organizations I contacted, Lha provided me with the handiest and most practical information. Soon after our first emails, I felt attached and could not Contact Magazine

wait to arrive. Watching videos, reading articles, and imagining myself walking the streets of McLeod Ganj made me feel already involved with the Tibetan community.

After spending some days in Delhi, I finally arrived to McLeod after an exciting journey on the twisting roads up to the Himalayan foothills. The welcoming of Lha, their guidance and the introduction to the Tibetan society was a stunning experience for me. I knew on my first day that I was going to have a wonderful time. The four weeks I spent here were filled with an interesting mixture of official research, unofficial talks, impressions and feelings, all of which helped me to get to know Tibetans better by finding out more about the realities they face.

I spent my days visiting the offices of Tibetan NGOs engaged in political, social and human rights issues. I 6

experienced the most welcoming reception and I am very grateful to all people who were always here for my never-ending questions. Thanks to you, I got on a new path to know you better, not merely from books and teachings, but by getting some real-life experience. Through my engagement, I aim to offer a long-term assistance to Lha and to do my best in the West to raise further awareness about the Tibetan cause. I praise Tibetan culture very much and I admire your determination to fight for your identity. Given your uniqueness and spiritualism, I urge you not to change for the political games of the West and to keep up your values and spirits, no matter what.

Thank you for this amazing experience of involving me in your community life here! I hope to see you again.

May 2012

news & issues

GCMGC Football Tournament Kicks Off in Dharamsala women’s team.

The packed out game was the first for the official Tibetan n a t i o n a l women’s team, and the girls left in high spirits with a 2-0 victory. The tournament has since continued The TCV School stadium in Upper Dharamsala. (Photo credit: tibetansports.org) with three fastBy Taylor Grace paced games per day between Tibetan The Tibetan Children’s Village male teams, including an intense match (TCV) School stadium in Dharamsala between Shillong and Chauntra. filled with a crowd eager to watch the For the next week, nineteen clubs 18th Gyalyum Chemo Memorial Gold from across India and Nepal will Cup Football Tournament (GCMGC) compete in a league format tournament, held between 26 May and 5 June. resolving in an eight-team playoff for At around two o’clock on 26 May the Gold Cup and a cash prize. The after a celebratory opening ceremony, winners will receive 75,000 rupees, the tournament kicked off with a match while the runner-ups will leave with a between the Tibetan women’s team, prize of 40,000 rupees. Even the good TCV Girls Team, and a local Indian

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sportsmen have reason to celebrate with the fair play prize of 10,000 rupees up for grabs.

Famous football players Baichung Bhutia and former New Zealand World Cup player Tim Brown will be among the guests of honor at this year’s tournament.

The Gyalyum Chemo Memorial Gold Cup Football Tournament was created in 1981 in memory of the Dalai Lama’s mother. The event aims to preserve the Tibetan-in-exile identity, to promote sports in the community and to create a meeting place for young Tibetan people throughout India.

The crowds have turned out by the hundreds to cheer on the local Dhasa United FC and the favored Shillong, but mostly to demonstrate national pride. Regardless of who brings home the cup this year, it is safe to say that the tournament is an exciting victory for the Tibetan community.

May 2012

news & issues

Tibetan Headlines

Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay meets with Chief Minister of H.P.

• In a meeting on 6 May between Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay and the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, the Chief Minister pledged continued support by the state government for the Tibetan people living in Shimla and Solan.

• Six Tibetan officials in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) were demoted on 17 May by the Communist Party of China for their failure to maintain stability in the region.

Regulations passed in December compel the punishment of officials for failure to carry out their duties, and this is the second time that a group of Tibetan officials have been demoted in the last few months.

• On 22 May, a representative conference voted to start giving Geshema degrees to nuns who complete the Eastern equivalent of a PhD degree in Buddhism. The comparable Geshe degree has long been available to male Tibetan monks, and Kalon Pema Chiinjor called the event a “historic change that … all participants should be proud of.”

• Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay addressed people from the Tso Pema settlement on 21 May about the importance of a modern education for young Tibetans. His visit follows official inspections of the Bir and Chauntra settlements where he emphasized solving the Tibetan issue through unity, innovative ideas, and self-determination.

• Bhaichung Bhutia—a popular Indian football player—accepted an invitation to kick off at the 18th Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup, held in Dharamsala the final Contact Magazine

week of May. The footballer told reporters that he would participate as his “way of standing by the people of Tibet and their struggle.”

• His Holiness the Dalai Lama traveled across Europe this May, giving public talks and holding private meetings with European leaders including British Prime Minister David Cameron, a move that angered Chinese officials.

• “Invisible Tibet,” a blog about the situation in Tibet, was voted public’s choice in the Best of Blogs competition. The blog is written by Beijing-based writer and poet Tsering Woeser.

• The director of the Miss Tibet pageant, Lobsang Wangyal, cancelled the annual event in solidarity with the self-immolators of the past year.

An announcement by Wangyal reads: “I write with profound sadness for the tense situation in Tibet…I have decided to forgo this year’s Miss Tibet Pageant.”

• Graphic video of the 19 April selfimmolations of cousins Sonam and Choephag Kyab reached India by mail, and was released by the Central Tibetan Administration in May. The immolations took place in the Ngaba region of Tibet.

• The Department of Security of the Central Tibetan Administration plans to review the security of the Dalai Lama. “Security threat from China is not a new phenomenon,” said department secretary Dorjee.

“We continue to remain attentive and alert.”

• At the 6th World Parliamentarian’s Conference on Tibet, lawmakers unanimously adopted the Ottawa Declaration on 29 April. In the declaration, over 50 international lawmakers agreed to work with members of the Chinese National People’s Congress to determine the cause of ongoing protest in Tibet.

• The Tibetan Parliament in Exile’s deputy speaker, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, met with U.S. officials to apprise them of the critical situation 8

in Tibet in early May. His visits included Congressman Steve Cohen’s office and the National Civil Rights Museum.

• Chinese courts have sentenced 16 Tibetans to prison for their roles in the 23 January peaceful protests in Drango. Their prison terms range from nine months to life-imprisonment for unknown charges.

• China’s “Strike Hard” campaign has been re-launched in Tibet, and now extends as far as Nepal. The campaign is controversial in that it permits police additional authority to stifle Tibetan protest.

Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys meets with H.H. the Dalai Lama in 1995

• Beastie Boy and proud supporter of the free Tibet movement, Adam Yauch, died on 4 May from salivary gland cancer at the age of 47. The musician was a founding member of the Milarepa Foundation, the organization that produced the Tibetan Freedom Concert benefits.

• Gonpo Rigzin, a young Tibetan involved in the protests in Drango, stabbed himself to death on 29 March when Chinese police came to arrest him. A release issued by the Drango Emergency Committee states: “Rigzin killed himself to escape from Chinese brutality and torture.”

• The orphanage school Gangjong Sherig Shedhe Woekar Ling in Amdo, eastern Tibet was forced to shut down in early May by Chinese authorities.

The school emphasized Tibetan language and culture which activists suppose prompted the forceful closure.

May 2012

news & issues

International Headlines

• Egypt’s historic presidential election will culminate in a run-off on 16-17 June between the Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohamed Mursi and Hosni Mubarak’s last prime minister, Ahmed Shafiq. Egyptians are split between those who fear an Islamist sweep of Egypt’s ruling institutions and those who oppose a Mubarak-linked candidate.

President Obama at the 2012 NATO Summit in Chicago. Credit: DVIDS

• NATO leaders on 21 May endorsed plans to hand over command of combat operations to Afghan forces by mid-2013. Newly elected French President François Hollande also pledged to end French combat operations in Afghanistan by the end of this year, but offered a compromise that would keep troops in non-combat roles beyond 2012.

• President Barack Obama refused to meet with Pakistan President Asif Zardari at the Chicago NATO summit due to the continued closure of NATO supply lines. The critical route was closed last November following NATO airstrikes that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.

• A suicide bomber killed 101 and wounded more than 200 during a military parade rehearsal in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on 21 May. Al Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the attack that appeared to be an assassination attempt against the Yemeni defense minister.

• The rupee dropped to the all time low of 55.03 against the U.S. dollar on 21 May. The historic plunge prompted the Reserve Bank of India to intervene with policy measures when markets resumed.

• At least seven people were killed and 3,000 left homeless when a 6.0Contact Magazine

magnitude earthquake struck northern Italy on 20 May. The disaster came a day after a mafia-linked bomb exploded in the southern Italian city of Brindisi, killing one and wounding five.

• The Group of 8 leaders made the case for Greece to remain in the euro zone on 20 May. The radical Greek leftist party Syriza opposes the austerity terms of the latest bailout package but is expected to win the June parliamentary election, an outcome that would put Greece’s euro zone membership at risk.

• Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, the former Libyan intelligence officer responsible for the 1988 Lockerbie bombing that killed 270 people, died on 20 May. Megrahi was released from custody on compassionate grounds in 2009 relating to ill-heath, causing international outrage.

Chen Guangcheng meets with U.S. Ambassador Gary Locke. Credit: U.S. Dept. of State

• The blind civil and human rights activist, Chen Guangcheng, arrived in the New York City on 19 May, ending a month-long struggle to leave China.

Mr. Chen escaped house arrest in April and sought political asylum from the United States, sparking tension between Beijing and Washington.

• The London 2012 Olympic torch began its journey around the United Kingdom on 19 May. Some 8,000 people are due to take part in the torch carrying ceremony that will culminate in the lighting of the Olympic cauldron on 27 July.

• Facebook held an initial public offering (IPO) on 17 May, negotiating a price of $38 per share that valued the company at over $104 billion, the largest amount ever for a technology 9

company and the third largest IPO in history.

• His Holiness the Dalai Lama reported to Britain’s Sunday Telegraph newspaper on 13 May that Chinese agents were trained to kill him using poison planted in their hair and clothing. In describing the potential assassination plot, he added: “Oh yes.

In the hair poisoned and scarf poisoned.

So they say they're sick, supposed to seek blessing from me… That kind of information we received.”

• President Barack Obama spoke out in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage in the United States on 9 May, but qualified his support by stating the matter should be left to individual states.

• Chinese insiders claim the oncein-a-decade event that will decide China’s next president is on schedule for this autumn, despite the turmoil caused by the fall of Bo Xilai from the powerful Politburo. Mr. Bo ignited party infighting when he was accused of abusing power in March.

• President Vladimir Putin was inaugurated at the Kremlin on 7 May, beginning his third presidency that follows a four-year term as prime minister. Massive public protests accompanied the ceremony.

• The election of Socialist French President François Hollande on 6 May may complicate decision-making on Europe’s debt crisis. Mr. Hollande’s promise to deemphasize austerity and renegotiate the euro zone pact puts him at odds with German austerity efforts that have largely defined the euro zone’s response to troubled European economies.

French President François Hollande. Credit: Etienne KD

May 2012

around town

Charities and Organizations

Central Tibetan Administration

The Central Tibetan Administration serves in Dharamsala, India as the government in exile of Tibet. It is democratic with judiciary, legislative, and executive branches. Within the Executive branch there is the Kashag, consisting of the departments of Religion and Culture, Home, Education, Finance, Security, Information and International Relations and Health, and the Kalon Tripa, or Executive Chief, Lobsang Sangay.

WEB: www.tibet.net LOCATION: Dharamsala – 176215 PHONE: 01892-222218 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:00 am-5:00 pm EMAIL: kashag@tibet.net

The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)

OHHDL is the personal office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The office organizes his schedule, including appointments and travel plans, diplomatic and personal correspondence, and liaises with officials of the Central Tibetan Administration. When His Holiness is in Dharamsala, his schedule includes daily religious practice and studies, meeting with private audiences, and congregating with the Tibetan Kashag and senior Tibetan governmental officials.

WEB: www.dalailama.com LOCATION: Thekchen Choeling, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala -- 176219 PHONE: 01892-221343 / 221879 EMAIL: ohhdl@dalailama.com

Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)

The Tibetan Youth Congress is an advocacy and political action organization with chapters around the world. The Tibetan Youth Congress organizes cultural exhibitions, educational campaigns and social welfare activities. The organization publishes a series of periodicals and magazines on the Tibetan cause.

WEB: www. tibetanyouthcongress.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala -176219 PHONE: 01892-221554 / 221010 EMAIL:info@tibetanyouthcongress.org, gensec@tibetanyouthcongress.org

Tibetan Women’s Association

The Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) conducts workshops on gender sensitization and domestic violence throughout Tibetan settlements in India, provides Tibetan women with education scholarships, and connects women with international sponsors.

WEB: www. tibetanwomen.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala – 176219 PHONE: 01892-221527 / 221198 EMAIL: twa@tibetanwomen.org

Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

The Tibetans Children’s Villages (TCVs) provides care to Tibetan children by creating a nurturing environment and fostering Tibetan values and culture while delivering a modern education. There is an Upper and Lower residential school in Dharamsala and day school in McLeod Ganj, with other branches throughout India.

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WEB: www.tcv.org.in LOCATION: Dharamsala Cantt.176216 PHONE: 01892-220356 / 221348 EMAIL: headoffice@tcv.org.in

Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute (Men-Tsee-Khang) Men-Tsee-Khang is a facility for research, training and practice of traditional Tibetan medicine.

Patients may seek treatment at Men-TseeKhang for both acute and chronic conditions.

The facility provides extensive training and produces traditional pharmaceuticals.

WEB: www.men-tsee-khang.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala – 176215 PHONE: 01892-223222 EMAIL: tmai@men-tsee-khang.org

Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)

The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives has the purpose to restore, protect, preserve, and promote Tibetan culture in all its aspects. They offer courses in Tibetan and Hindi language and Buddhist philosophy and can provide affordable accommodation for those enrolled in two or more courses.

WEB: ltwa.net, tibetanlibrary.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong Dharamsala - 176215 PHONE: 01892-222467 / 226181 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:00am-1:00pm, 2:005:00pm. Closed Sunday, Closed 2nd and 4th Saturday every month EMAIL: office@ltwa.net

Delek Hospital

Delek Hospital is a small, Tibetan run hospital in Dharamsala. It has 20 inpatient beds, holds outpatient hours from 9am to 12pm Monday through Friday, and can handle most small procedures. Patients are responsible for a 10 Rupees registration fee, although this is waived for those who fall under the poverty line. The hospital has a pharmacy on site.

WEB:www.delekhospital.org (Friends of Tibetan Delek Hospital) LOCATION: Kharadanda Road, Dharamsala -176215; Delek Clinic, Bhagsu Road, Dharamsala -176219 PHONE: 01892-222053 / 223381 HOURS: Outpatient, Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00 pm-4:30 pm; Emergencies, 24 hours daily EMAIL: delek@sancharnet.in

Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)

Students for a Free Tibet is an international nongovernmental organization that promotes the Tibetan cause among the non-Tibetan community.

The organization attempts to build international solidarity by advocating for a free Tibet through chapter organizations at Universities around the world.

WEB:www.sftindia.org, www.studentsforafreetibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara RoadMcLeod Ganj, Dharamsala - 176219 District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India PHONE: 01892-220589

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Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy advocates for human rights and provides education on the human rights situation in Tibet. The centre publishes journals and articles, as well as conducts workshops and campaigns.

WEB: www.tchrd.org LOCATION: Top Floor, Narthang Building Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala - 176215 PHONE: 01892-223363 EMAIL: office@tchrd.org

Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet

(Ex Political Prisoners Association) Gu-Chu-Sum is a social service organization that provides financial and medical support for ex political prisoners and political activists from Tibet. In order to join Gu-Chu-Sum, one must register as a political prisoner or political activist through the Department of Security.

WEB: www.guchusum.org LOCATION: Jogibara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala -176219 PHONE: 01892-220680 / 220679 EMAIL: guchusum1991@gmail.com

Tong-Len Charitable Trust

Tong-Len’s mission is to help displaced communities in North India achieve a secure and sustainable future. Tong-Len projects include educational and health programs, childhood education and sponsorship, primary and nursery tent schools, and children’s support hostels.

Some volunteer opportunities available.

WEB: www. tong-len.org LOCATION: Top Floor, Bank Of Baroda Opp. Art Gallery, Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamsala176215 PHONE: 01892-223113 / 223222 EMAIL: jamyang@tong-len.org

Tibet Charity

Tibet Charity provides programs to support the Tibetan community, including English and computer classes, an animal care program, and a variety of medical and educational financial support programs.

WEB: www.tibetcharity.in LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala – 176219 PHONE: 01892-221790 / 221877 HOURS: Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm EMAIL:mail@tibetcharity.in, tibccharity@gmail. com

CHOICE HIV/AIDS Initiative

CHOICE HIV/AIDS Initiative provides HIV/ AIDS education, prevention and care services in Tibetan settlements throughout India. The services provided by CHOICE range from individual counseling to organizational training.

CHOICE has a sponsorship program and occasionally utilizes volunteers.

WEB: www.choicehivaids.org LOCATION: Arora House, 2nd Floor, Temple Road, Dharamsala PHONE: 01892-220239, 941-831-6896 EMAIL: choicehivaids@gmail.com

May 2012

around town

Charities and Organizations

Kunphen Center for Substance Dependence

The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)

Rogpa Baby Care Center

Dharamsala Dog Rescue

Nyingtob Ling (‘Realm of Courage’)

Clean Upper Dharamsala Project

Kunphen is a substance abuse center that provides counseling, education, and referral services to members of the Tibetan community who abuse drugs and alcohol. The organization also offers an after-care program that offers vocational skills training and job search assistance for those returning from a rehabilitation program. Kunphen utilizes qualified volunteers to provide counseling to clients.

WEB: www.kunphen.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala – 176219 PHONE: 01892-220565 EMAIL: kunphen@mail.com

Dharamsala Dog Rescue is in urgent need of vet volunteers, animal experts and sponsors.

We 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.

WEB: www.hnsindia.org LOCATION: Behind the District Court Complex on Chilgari St, Lower Dharamsala PHONE: 981-622-0841 EMAIL: friendsforanimals@gmail.com

Om Massage Center For Healing all Kinds of Body Pain Stiffness For Acute and Chronic Problems Especially for Paralysis, Epilepsy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Obesity, Sciatica and Nephritis Tibetan Traditional Healing Massage Deep Tissue Massage Reflexology Heat Compress Therapy Massage Course Available Treatment given by both male and female therapists Visit us on Bhagsu Road, Opposite Green Hotel, McLeod Ganj

ANEC facilitates trainings, workshops and open forum discussions on nonviolent strategies to help resolve disagreements and differences at all levls of human society. ANEC welcomes volunteers from western countries to participate in informal panel discussions on ideas 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

Nyingtob Ling supports Tibetan children from disadvantaged families. The children work hard at making delightful handicrafts and paintings.

They are so friendly and love to have visitors.

WEB: www.nyingtobling.org LOCATION: Near Norbulingka, Sidhpur PHONE: 01892-246366, 981-685-1841 EMAIL: nyingtobling@hotmail.com

The Rogpa Baby Care Center helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so their parents can work. The center needs volunteers to help with art, games, singing and other tasks including diaper changing.

WEB: www.tibetrogpa.org LOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka Guest House, Jogiwara Rd., McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala 176219 PHONE: 981-665-9549 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 8:00 am-12:00 pm or 1:00 pm- 5 :00 pm (located near no.13 on map) EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com

Founded in 1994 to provide a waste management system in and around McLeod Ganj, the Green Workers, the Handmade Recycled Paper Factory, the Green Shop and the Environmental Education Center are part of the Clean Upper Daramsala Project. Weekly guided tours are offered on Wednesdays at 3 pm.

WEB: www.tsodhasa.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd., McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala - 176219 PHONE: 01892-221059 EMAIL: office@tsodhasa.org

Nature Cure Health Club with Mahinder Kapoor

Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House - Map # 13, Mobile: 94181 30119 or 09736333888 Email: mahinder_m@hotmail.com,

12 years’ experience & recommended by the Lonely Planet Visit us for: Swedish massage courses & treatment, Zen Shiatsu courses, treatment, reflexology treatment, SPA , Singing Bowl Treatment, steambaths, sauna & mud baths.

Our teacher has had experience teaching in Israel.

OM YOGA CENTER TEACHER TRAINING STARTING 1st June - 1st July - 1st August

HATHA, ASHTANGA, AND KUNDALINI YOGA

Mobile: 9857999373 / 9736477656

Learn Hindi... .the quick and easy way with an experienced teacher Beginner, intermediate and advanced Contact: Om Yoga Meditation Centre Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Road.

Tel. 9816494732 www.omyogaindia.com

CERTIFIED BY YOGA ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL AND INDIAN GOVERNMENT DAILY YOGA CLASS DAILY MEDITATION CLASS 8-9:30 AM AND 4-5:30 PM 7-8 AM AND 5:30-6:30PM

REIKI I, II, III WITH TREATMENT OM YOGA MEDITATION CENTER

KETAN LODGE, JOGIWARA ROAD. TEL: 9805693514 - Map #18, EMAIL: OM.YOGA@YMAIL.COM WEBSITE: WWW.OMYOGAINDIA.COM Contact Magazine

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May 2012

activities & tourist info H.H. the Dalai Lama’s Upcoming Schedule

MEDITATION

ART & MUSeums

Kailash Tribal Meditation School

(June-July 2012)

June 1-3: Teachings in Dharamsala, HP, India, TCV Auditorium June 7-9: Teachings in Dharamsala, HP, India, Main Tibetan Temple June 16: Talk in Manchester, UK June 17-18: Teaching in Manchester, UK June 17: Public Talk in Manchester, UK June 19: Public Talk in London, UK June 22: Public Talk in Edinburgh, Scotland June 22: Public Talk in Dundee, Scotland June 23: Public Talk in Inverness, Scotland June 27-28: Teaching in Milan, Italy June 28: Public Talk in Milan, Italy July (TBA): Teachings in Leh (Ladakh)

BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY Library of Tibetan Works & Archives WEB: www.ltwa.net/library LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamsala HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:00-1:00pm, 2:00-5:00pm PHONE: 921-842-2467

Naam Art Gallery

Taught by Yogi Sivadas WEB: www.yogatribe.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, nr the Green Shop Map #6 HOURS: Daily, 1:00-2:00pm; Closed Tues PHONE: 981-615-0326 EMAIL: yogisivadas@gmail.com

LOCATION: Main Road Sidhbari Dharamsala PHONE: 9816043708

Tibet Museum

LOCATION:Near the Main Temple and the Namgyal Monastery gate, McLeod Ganj HOURS: Tue-Sun: 9:00am-5:00pm

Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre WEB: www.omyogaindia.com LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Road PHONE: 980-569-3514 EMAIL: om.yoga@ymail.com

LOCATION: Gu-Chu-Sum hall on Jogiwara Rd, next to the Lung-ta Japanese Restaurant HOURS: Mon, Wed & Fri: 2:00pm-5:00pm

Tushita Meditation Center WEB: www.tushita.info LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:30-11:30am PHONE: 01982-21866 EMAIL: spc@tushita.info

Kangra Art Museum

Vipassana Meditation

The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA)

LOCATION: Near Bus Stand, Kotwali Bazaar PHONE: 01892 224214 HOURS: Tue-Sun: 10:00am-1:00pm & 2:00pm-5:00pm

WEB: www.sikhara.dhamma.org LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 4:00-5:00pm PHONE: 01982-21309 EMAIL: info@sikhara.dhamma.org

WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: Kotwali Bazaar PHONE: 1892-221478 EMAIL: tipadhasa@hotmail.com

Public Audience with HH Karmapa

Form Gallery (Opens 4 June)

WEB: www.kagyuoffice.org LOCATION: Sidhpur HOURS: Wed & Sat: 2:30pm PHONE: 981-631-5336

LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd. near Oasis Cafe PHONE: 8894-060602 HOURS: Daily, 12:00am-6:00pm

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

BUS SCHEDULE

Ambulance: 01892-102, 222189

* Times and prices may vary.

Please check with the bus stand ahead of departure.

Kangra Airport: 01892-232374, 232324 Bhagsu Taxi Union: 01892-221034

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)

Tourism Office: 01892-23107 Rail Booking & Enquiry: 01892-265026 Police Superintendent: 01892-222244

Amritsar: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am (Rs165) *from Dharamsala

Police Contact Information Location: Past St.John’s Church on the road to Dharamshala in Cantt. area.

Phone: 221 483

Dehradun: Ordinary Bus: 9pm; AC Deluxe: 5:30pm Manali: Ordinary Bus: 5:40pm, 8:40pm *from Dharamsala Pathankot: Ordinary Bus: 11am, 12:10pm, 12:30pm, 2:10pm, 3:50pm, 5pm(Rs75)

Shimla: 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 FOR BOOKINGS: Location: Ticket stand under McLLo’s, main square Hours: 10am-6pm, daily Phone: 221750 For deluxe buses, book through any travel agency.

TAXIS A private taxi to Lower Dharamsala will cost you Rs 180. Cram into a jeep (from the bus stand), and it’ll only cost you Rs10.

Contact Magazine

Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression

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Tibetan Delek Hospital Location: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala Hours: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, Mon-Sat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, Mon-Sat; Emergencies: 24-hrs, daily. phone: 222 053,223 381 Post Office 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.

May 2012

activities & services 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

Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Program WEB: www.lrztp.blogspot.com/ LOCATION: Rato Chuwar Labrang Phuntsok Gatsel Session Rd, Dharamsala EMAIL: lrztp6@yahoo.in

Hindi Lessons with Sunil

LOCATION: Kunga Guesthouse, Bhagsu Rd and in Dharamkot PHONE: 01892-21942, 941-818-7281 EMAIL: sunilsharma81in@yahoo.co.in

Tibetan Language

LOCATION: The Tibetan Library See Buddhist Philosophy Listing

Hindi Lessons with Kailash

LOCATION: At Bhimsen’s Indian Cooking Class PHONE: 01892-20063, 941-816-1947 HOURS: Daily, 4:00-6:00pm

Tibetan with Pema Youdon

LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, opposite the post office HOURS: 1:00-4:00pm, or leave a message.

HEALTH SERVICES Dr. Sant Marwah Clinic

LOCATION: In front of Main Temple, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm, Closed Monday PHONE: 01892-21106, 981-602-1106 EMAIL: smarwahin@yahoo.com

Kumar Ayurvedic and Panchkarma WEB: www.kumarayurveda.com/ LOCATION: Hotel Surya Rd., opposite the Tourism Information Center HOURS: 10:00am-2:00pm & 2:30-7:00pm PHONE: 941-824-9399, 981-667-6079 EMAIL: anishbhatia2003@gmail.com

Maanav Health Clinic

LOCATION: Main Square HOURS: 10:00am-12:30pm and 2:00-5:00pm PHONE: 941-815-5795 EMAIL: maanavcare@yahoo.co.in

Men-Tsee-Khang

LOCATION: Between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-22618 / 223113 EMAIL: tmai@vsnl.com

Primary Health Centre

LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, main market HOURS: 9:30am-4pm, Mon-Sat

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Nature Cure Health Club

Indian Cooking Classes

Tibetan Delek Hospital

Lhamo’s Kitchen, Tibetan Cooking Classes

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

LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamsala PHONE: 01892-22053 / 223381 HOURS: Outpatient services, Mon-Sat: 9:00am-1:00pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00-4:30pm; Emergencies: 24 hrs daily

Ayuskam Health Care

WEB: www.ayuskama.com LOCATION: First floor Hotel Anand Place, near Bhagsu taxi stand and near Tibetan Hotel Ashoka Guest House McLeod Ganj PHONE: 980-592-8923, 973-621-1210

YOGA & REIKI Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre

WEB: www.hiyogacentre.com LOCATION: Dharamkot, on the footpath to Bhagsu - Map #5 EMAIL: info@hiyogacentre.com

Kailash Tribal School,

(Yoga Alliance USA Recognized) WEB: www.yogatribe.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop HOURS: Daily, 1:30 pm; Closed on Tues 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: 8:00am-6:00pm PHONE: 980-569-3514

Rishi Yoga Centre with Yogi Shivam WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org LOCATION: Himalyan Paradise Hotel Jogiwara Rd - Map #15 HOURS: 7:00-8:00am & 6:15-7:15pm PHONE: 981-656-5138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@yahoo.com

Siddhartha Yoga Centre with Yogi Shivam WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org LOCATION: Upper Bagsu Nag Map #1 HOURS: 7:00-8:00am & 6:15-7:15pm PHONE: 981-656-5138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@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 & 2:00 - 4:00Pm EMAIL: vijayamar@yahoo.com

COOKING CLASS Lha Tibetan Cooking School LOCATION: Lha Office, Temple Rd HOURS: Registration, 9:00-11:00am PHONE: 01892-20992

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LOCATION:Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guesthouse HOURS: 10:00am-6:00pm PHONE: 941-813-0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com

LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop HOURS: 8:00am-9:00pm PHONE: 981-646-8719

Nisha’s Indian Cooking Class

LOCATION: Hotel Lotus Leaf, Jogiwara Rd HOURS: 4:00-6:00pm EMAIL: nisha@indiancookingcourse.com

Sangye’s Kitchen Traditional Tibetan Cooking Classes

LOCATION: Lung-ta Restaurant, below the Tashi Choeling Monastery on Jogiwara Rd HOURS:10:00am-12:00pm & 4:00-6:00pm PHONE: 981-616-4540 EMAIL: sangyla_tashi@yahoo.co.in

MASSAGE Angel Massage Center

LOCATION: Ping House, below Yongling School, Jogiwara Rd PHONE: 973-608-3627, 973-608-3554 EMAIL: delima1959@yahoo.com

Lha Healing Oil Massage Courses & Treatment LOCATION: Lha Office, Temple Rd PHONE: 01892-20992 HOURS: Registration, 9:00am-11:00am

Kailash Tribal School

Taught byYogi Sivadas WEB: www.yogatribe.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop - Map #6 HOURS: Daily, 1:00-2:00pm; Closed 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: 01892-20992

Synergy Ayuredic Massage Center LOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka, Jogiwara Rd PHONE: 941 80 8488 EMAIL: mcleodganj@gmail.com

Traditional Thai Massage

LOCATION: Opposite the Govt. Tourist Information Centre, Hotel Surya Rd PHONE: 981-633-9199 EMAIL: jite02@yahoo.com

May 2012

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COULD BE COULD BE

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May 2012