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འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།
Contact
A Free Monthly Publication For Tibetan Issues and Community Information RGD No. HPENG/2013/51798 Volume: XVIII Issue: 4 30 APRIL 2016
Shokjang Appeals
The Panchen Lama
by Aline Arcis Drukar Gyal, better known by his pen name Shokjang, was arrested in his hotel in Rebkong on March 19 last year, accused of “inciting separatism” through his writing and social media activity. The Malho Intermediate People’s Court sentenced him on February 17 this year to three
by Tenzin Samten Tibet’s missing Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima turned 27 years on April 25. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was recognised at the age of six by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama on May 17, 1995. Three days later, the Chinese authorities
Continued on page 5
Continued on page 3
No Let Up in Tibet
by Aline Arcis In its annual report, the United States States Department has expressed its concerns about “serious human rights abuses” taking place in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) under China’s administration. Released by the Secretary of State John Kerry on April 13, the report details a “severe repression of Tibet’s unique religious, cultural, Continued on page 9
W www.contactmagazine.net
Election Result Announced The Election Commission announced the official result of the Election 2016 on April 17: Sikyong: Lobsang Sangay 33,876 Penpa Tsering 24,864 There were 59,353 votes cast in the Sikyong election, 58,615 in the Chitue election. The full results, including Chithue, are available on tibet.net. More Election News on pages 6 and 7
Contact News
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about lha & contact Contact, a free monthly magazine published by Lha Charitable Trust, is a recognised and registered publication under the Registrar Office of the Newspaper, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India. The registration number is HPENG/2013/51798. Acknowledged by Lonely Planet and other international travel resources, Contact has been a popular source of news and information on Tibetan issues, and the Dharamshala community, for over 18 years. 700 - 1,000 copies are printed per issue and distributed in the Dharamshala area, Delhi, and various diplomatic missions of India. Copies are also sent to various Tibetan schools, settlements, offices and NGOs in India and abroad. Please Note: The articles, stories and other material in Contact represent the views of the authors and are not necessarily the views of the Contact editing staff or Lha Social Work. All comments on this issue should be submitted by email to: editor@contactmagazine.net
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The Panchen Lama Continued from page 1
abducted the six-year-old boy and his family from his home in Lhari County in Tibet, making him the youngest Tibetan political prisoner. Since then, there has been no information about his whereabouts or his safety, except for one brief statement last year. Tibetans all over the world commemorate his birthday to show their solidarity, and to call for international right groups to intervene for his release and for him to have the right to live freely among his people. In Dharamshala, the seat of the Tibetan exile government, non government organisations (NGO) including the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC) and Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) organised a cake distribution ceremony in the main square at Mcleod Ganj to mark the birthday. They also initiated a signature campaign for his release addressed to Zhu Weiqun, Chairman of the Chinese Government Ethnic and Religious Affairs Committee. Mrs Dolma Yanchen, President of TWA said that it has been 21 years since his disappearance and the world does not have information about him. “Today, on his 27th birthday, we urge the Chinese government to be transparent as to his whereabouts,” she added. “It is sad to see him still captive but we must all continue to remember him and make efforts for his release. Every Tibetan has a high regard for the Panchen Lama and wishes to see him free, so on this occasion I send him birthday wishes and pray for his release,” said Sonam Tsering, a Tibetan born in the same year as the Panchen Lama. Students for the Free Tibet (SFTIndia)’s Delhi chapter is also carrying out a 10-day signature campaign for the release of Panchen Gedhun Choekyi Nyima Rinpoche in the campus of Delhi University. The organisers collected signatures at various University colleges and screened video films about the Panchen Lama. Signatures collected in Dharamshala Contact
and Delhi will be submitted to the Chinese Embassy, with a copy to the United Nations. To celebrate the Panchen Lama’s birthday, an exhibition was organised at the Sakharov Centre exhibition hall in Moscow by the Office of Tibet Moscow, Tibet House, Moscow and the Save Tibet Foundation, Russia. At the event, Tibet House launched a newly translated book Lineage of the Panchen Lama: How the Reincarnation is Being Reinvented as a Political Tool which was initially published by the Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibet Administration. The gathering was attended by many Tibetans and supporters. Another celebration took place to mark the birthday; in South India a statue of Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd King of Tibet was unveiled at Tashi Lhunpo monastery in the Bylakuppe
Tibetans and supporters in Moscow Photo:Tibet.net
Tibetan settlement. Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Tibet is the seat of the Panchen Lama lineages. It is believed that the 10th Panchen Lama wished to build a statue of King Songtsen Gompo in Lhasa, a wish that has remained unfulfilled until now. Tibetans and human rights groups have consistently urged the world to call for the Panchen Lama’s release through various campaigns and petitions. The Chinese government has paid no heed to these requests and protests, and continues to deny access to information about the Panchen Lama and his family. After decades of silence from China on his abduction, on September 6, 2015, a leading Chinese official, 3
Norbu Dundup, announced that Gedun Choekyi Nyima is growing up healthily, receiving education and does not wish to be disturbed. Norbu Dundup is a member of the Tibet Autonomous Region’s United Front Work Department and also serves as the liaison officer for Tibetans in Tibet. Remarking on the 21 years of the Panchen Lama’s disappearance, Tsering Tsomo, Director of the NGO Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, said that China’s failure to provide clear information about the Panchen Lama’s health, whereabouts and proof of life makes them guilty of his forced disappearance. Six months after the abduction of the Panchen Lama recognised by the Dalai Lama, the Chinese government handpicked another boy named Gyaltsen Norbu, instating him as the official reincarnation of the Panchen Lama. Since then he has lived in Beijing and works closely with the Beijing government. He is the Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China. Tibetans worldwide denounce him as China’s Panchen Lama and consider him to be a mere figurehead installed by the Chinese. The Panchen Lama is the second highest religious leader of Tibet after His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The 10th Panchen Lama became the most important political and religious figure in Tibet after the Dalai Lama’s escape to India in 1959. He famously wrote a 70,000 character petition about Tibet’s plight under Chinese rule and submitted it to the Chinese government. His action resulted in him being criticised by the Communist Party and labelled “counter-revolutionary”, and he was imprisoned for the following 14 years. Tibetans both in exile and inside Tibet have a very high regard for the 10th Panchen Lama. In 1989, shortly after a public speech in Shigatse criticising China’s rule in Tibet and declaring his loyalty towards His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the 10th Panchen Lama died under mysterious circumstances at the age of 51. APRIL2016
news & issues
Arrests and Releases Inside Tibet this Month Apr 10: Parole not Jail Four Tibetans have been sentenced for their attempt in January this year to reclaim land which had been seized last year by local authorities in western China’s Sichuan province, supposedly for a development project although no work has started there. The four were among a group of Tibetans who had briefly reoccupied confiscated community land in Thangkor town in Dzoege county in Ngaba. Sources have told Radio Free Asia that the occupation of land was “not related to a specific Chinese policy … but was the work of local authorities who had bullied the Tibetan residents for their personal gain.” Rinchen Dorje, Kurde Yeshe and Phurko received two-year jail terms, Jigji Kyab three years. RFA reports that all four have agreed to an unusual deal that enables them to serve their entire sentences on parole rather than in jail, provided they serve an additional six months. *See article on page 9 Apr 9: Protestors Detained 29 young Tibetans have been detained and beaten in Marchu County in Tibet’s Amdo Province after staging a peaceful protest against the local government’s decision to sack them. An initial group of around 10 was detained on April 8, with a second group coming out in support the following day and also being detained. Their gold rings were taken and mobile phones confiscated. They have worked there in low-level posts for 3-4 years and are being replaced by graduates from outside the area. They asked for a review of the decision to sack them and say that examinations for public servants are being conducted unfairly, disadvantaging Tibetans. All the protestors have been released; they were told to report to the Machu county office to express their views and concerns. Apr 7: Monk Released Aku Tenzin Gyatso, a monk at Gansu Contact
province’s Labrang monastery, has been freed from jail after serving a five-year detention. His supporters and family members, who have had no access to Gyatso while he was in prison and no information of his whereabouts, have been told not to photograph him. Gyatso’s relatives received notice to expect him shortly before his release from a prison near Lanzhou city in Gansu. Male supporters were forbidden from greeting Gyatso on his return, although women were allowed to welcome him. He was jailed for greeting popular Tibetan singer Tashi Dondrub when he was himself released from prison in the summer of 2011. Gyatso was detained for a few months in 2008 after taking part in protests in Ngago town in Khanlo. Apr 6: Beaten and Arrested Ten Tibetan men were arrested and three women injured in a protest over a forced land grab in Kanlho, Thewo
county in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture on April 1. The local Chinese authorities had forcefully confiscated the land of ten Tibetan families. The Tibetans pleaded for the return of their land for farming, hundreds of police responded with severe beatings and manhandling. The three injured women are in hospital. March 8: Released in Poor Health Khedrup Gyatso, 33, a monk from Tsang monastery in Gepasumdo county in Tsolho, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, was released from prison in deteriorating health on March 8. Khedrup has served eight of his ten-year sentence. He was charged with being a “key player” in the 4
protests which swept across Tibetan regions in 2008. Khedrup’s younger brother Busang Gyatso told Radio Free Asia that before he was sentenced he was “severely beaten in detention and this disfigured his face and damaged his eyes.” He continued, “He is being treated at present in the county hospital, but his complete recovery is doubtful”. Busang said that Khedrup wanted to return to his monastery but he is forbidden to do so by the authorities and has been ordered to stay within the boundaries of his village. Khedrup Gyatso was accused of being one of the ringleaders when the monks of his Tsang monastery staged a peaceful protest challenging Chinese rule in Tibetan areas; more than 80 Tibetans were detained with him. March 30: Three Tibetans Arrested Samdup, 40, Ronghsar, 29, and Lhadon, were arrested on March 30 in Matoe county in Amdo, Golog, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in connection with the recent exile Tibetan election. Sources say that they are being held at the county detention centre. Samdup is a prominent village leader of over 150 households in Chugo Desar village. The three were “forcibly detained without explanation by four Chinese
policemen,” an anonymous source from inside Tibet told Radio Free Asia and added “they were detained for taking part in a group chat on social media”. It is reported that they discussed the exile election on Wechat, a micro messaging app which is believed to be monitored by the Chinese authorities. APRIL 2016
news & issues
Shokjang Appeals
Continued from page 1
years imprisonment along with two years deprivation of political rights. On March 12, Shokjang addressed a 12-page letter to the Qinghai Higher People’s Court appealing to them to revoke his verdict. In his paper to the authorities, the writer asserts his innocence by stating that the right of freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Chinese constitution. He underlines the absurdity of the situation by meticulously arguing the charges against him. He writes: “China is a vast country with 56 different
by Dorji Kyi Chinese police opened fire on a group of Tibetans in Serta County, Eastern Tibet during a clash between local Tibetans and a group of Chinese Muslims over stolen yaks. According to sources from the region, the Chinese Muslims were stealing and loading around 30 yaks into their trucks to take to a slaughterhouse. The confrontation took place on March 30 and at least three Tibetans were seriously injured during the shooting. Two of them were taken to hospital in the provincial capital Chengdu for treatment as the local hospital could not treat them, sources told Radio Free Asia on conditions of anonymity. The Tibet Post has reported that
nationalities, and Tibetans are one of the largest minorities. I am a Chinese citizen, and as a Tibetan intellectual, I have to be concerned for the precious lives of my own kin. If doing so is called ‘instigating separatism’, nothing is more laughable. I might joyfully and voluntarily serve my sentence, but I never want to be a person without regard for the lives of his brothers and sisters. Come to that, I would do the same for our Chinese brothers and sisters.” The letter also points out the rough conditions of his arrest, mentioning two policemen bursting into his room,
Police fire at Tibetans two people may have been killed in the shooting and that the former Tibetan Politial prisoner Golog Jigme, now living in Switzerland, told them, “When a herder found that a few of his animals had gone missing, he went to look for them and found the loaded vehicles. While he tried to enquire about the animals in the truck, the driver failed to answer his questions and called Chinese police to intervene.” He also said that the owners failed to convince the police to help them. Instead, the police supported the thieves and shot the Tibetans. In recent years there have been many incidents of clashes between Tibetans and Chinese people over animal theft and the operation of slaughterhouses
pointing a gun at him and ransacking the place without a warrant. With a dash of irony, Shokjang says that he is the injured party in this story. The organisation Students for Free Tibet has launched an online campaign calling on China to release Shokjang. Shokjang’s case reminds us of the fate of many other Tibetan artists jailed by the Chinese authorities under questionable accusations. In its end-ofyear report Reporters Sans Frontieres (Reporters Without Borders) counted 23 journalists and more than 80 bloggers behind bars for the year 2015 alone.
in Tibetan areas. In 2007, New Yorkbased Human Rights Watch said in their report No One Has the Liberty to Refuse that there was an increased number of protests by Tibetans against the building of Chinese operated slaughterhouses in Tibetan areas. Later, in November 2011, Tibetan herders demolished a Chineseowned slaughterhouse in Sichuan following theft of their livestock. Since the start of China’s resettlement programme, more than 100,000 Tibetan nomad families in Qinghai province have been resettled, according to a report by Reuters in June 2013. The programme has forced people to give up their animals and in some cases they were asked to donate their animals to the state; this has led to many protests in Tibet.
Tibetan Driven to Suicide Following Prison Torture
by Tenzin Samten Tashi, a Tibetan man in his 30s, has committed suicide in a Chinese police detention centre in Markham county in the Chamdo prefecture of the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Though it is not clear how he took his life, it was reported that he died on March 11 in Tsangshul detention centre. Radio Free Asia’s Tibetan service reported a source as saying “He was severely beaten and tortured while in detention, and became so desperate that he ended his life. Contact
Tashi was a member of the Deyang family. He was arrested shortly before the 57th Tibetan National Uprising Day on March 10; the reason for his arrest is still unknown. Following the news of Tashi’s death, fellow Tibetans in the region gathered at the police station to protest. The Chinese police made a video of the protest which they then used to identify the participants, who they later arrested. A security clampdown is in place in the Markham region and all Tibetan residents of the area who are away 5
working or on business have been ordered to return home within 15 days. According to RFA’s source, the internet has been blocked in Markham for some time, which has added to the delay in the news of Tashi’s detention and death reaching the outside world. The crackdown on communication channels in the region makes it difficult to get further details of what has happened, and information about what is happening to the Tibetans arrested in the protest following Tashi’s death. APRIL2016
election news
Focusing on the Greater Goal
by Tenzin Samten & Mary Trewartha The recently concluded Tibetan election has stirred up the emotions of both the exile community and its leaders. Dissatisfaction at the “mudslinging” campaign, where strong regional overtones were seen to overtake constructive debate, saw former Tibetan Prime Minister Professor Samdhong Rinpoche retract his vote in protest. Rinpoche has now taken steps to bring together Tibetan leaders, exhorting them to focus on the greater goal: Tibet’s cause. Speaking at Gyuto monastery, he reminded everyone to unite and work together. “We must rather focus on rectifying the mistakes in order to avoid [them] in future. It is also important that we must make efforts to enhance our collective merits,” he stated. His words have been echoed by other community leaders including the two Sikyong candidates who made a joint and heartfelt plea for Tibetans to pull together. They each apologised for their behavior during their closelycontested battle for Sikyong and reiterated their commitment to work as one for Tibet. This year’s election is only the second for the Tibetan community-inexile, and the advancement of social media, together with the general public’s enthusiasm to participate made
for an emotionally charged campaign that was found unsatisfactory on some counts. Samdhong Rinpoche told the Indian Daily that the candidates were “opposing each other through their individual campaigns,” rather than focusing on the core matter – Tibet. Despite His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s complete devolvement from political authority, during Mentsekhang’s 100 years celebration he also expressed his concern about the slip in moral values and the region-against-region feel of the recent election. His Holiness has been the guiding principle in Tibet’s recent history and does not shy away from commenting and advising where he has concerns. He has repeatedly spoken about his three commitments, the third of which compels him to work to preserve Tibet’s Buddhist culture: a culture of peace and non-violence. In the light of His Holiness’ disappointment,the Gelug International Foundation brought together abbots from the Gelug monasteries to discuss the way forward. Jangchup Choeden, abbot of Gaden Shartse Monastery announced three resolutions which were passed at the meeting, but not before apologising for saddening and disappointing His Holiness. He promised that amends would be made and pledged to work on establishing and strengthening unity among Tibetan people. Thirdly, he
appealed to the members of the current Kashag and the Parliament-in-exile to avoid any kind of harm or threat to the Tibetan people’s strength derived from its unity. Dhardon Sharling, a member of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, co-chair of the International Tibet Network and General Secretary of the Tibetan Chinese PEN [Writers] Association reiterated the abbot’s plea. In an interview in the Tibetan Review, she drew attention to the fact that for years Tibetans have risked arrest and even death in their fight for their country and urged everyone to look to the future. “Our exile history stands testament to the fact that often it is the internal implosions that have presented opportunities to rectify our past and resuscitate our future. Now that the storm has passed, let us pause in the lull and take a moment to look forward to our future with a renewed sense of conviction and make some real changes. Let us take pride in our unique cultural identity as Tibetans and celebrate our Tibetaness. Let this be a historic phase in our history where we as Tibetans can reflect and rethink, learn and unlearn from our action and inaction..We need unity in action and not in mere rhetoric. Unity means treating every Tibetan as an equal and unity happens when you weed out the differences and divisions based on region, province, faith and belief.”
Sikyong Takes Office
New Kashag Committees
Kalon Resigns
Following the official Election result on April 27, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay thanked all Tibetans who took part in the election, saying “We take pride that our exile Tibetan democracy is now fully fledged and consolidated”. He said that the election sends a clear message to China and the world that Tibetans in exile are practising democracy whereas those living in Tibet are denied democracy under the Chinese government rule. Sikyong paid tribute to the “great country” of India saying that Tibetans have adopted the model of Indian democracy. Contact
Dr Sangay announced his plans to “make amends to our mistakes and errors” with the formation of two new committees, one to look at health, the other at poverty in the Tibetan settlements. He said this is in response to the Dalai Lama’s recent criticisms. Dr Sangay also said that the Kashag has written a proposal for changing the existing election laws. It was written after a wide consultation which included the Chairman and the staff of the Election Commission, and aims to ameliorate the sense of declining morality in the Tibetan community. 6
Mr Ngodup Drongchung, Minister (Kalon) for Security in the CTA, resigned from his post on April 6, saying, “I’m giving my resignation based solely on moral grounds.” He stood by his resignation, despite a request to withdraw it by the head of the CTA and his colleagues. He was appointed Minister of Security in 2006 and has since served two terms as Kalon. His term was due to finish in August this year. His responsibilities have been taken over by Mr Tsering Dhundup, Minister of the Department of Finance. APRIL 2016
election news
Apologies and an Appeal
by Mary Trewartha The two Sikyong candidates in the recent election for the Tibetan Government-in-Exile have publicly apologised for their behaviour in the election runup and appealed for unity and harmony in the Tibetan community. They apologised to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and quoted his counsel to them both that it is their responsibility to harness unity among the three traditional provinces of Tibet following the election. Speaker Penpa Tsering, on behalf of both candidates, expressed regret and apologies to the Tibetans inside Tibet if the recent events have caused disappointment and sorrow. They also acknowledged the Dalai Lama’s concern about the declining morality of Tibetans which he expressed at the centenary celebration of Mentse-Khang last
month, and the admonitions of the State Oracle. Mr Tsering said “I offer my profound apology to His Holiness the Dalai Lama” and appealed to the
Photo: Tibet.net
public to “to stop all election-related negative activities which are causing serious distress and disunity”. He added, “There are no personal grudges or differences between the two final candidates”. Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay also called for unity and urged everyone
to cease all election-related negative activities to reaffirm harmony and fulfil the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, saying “I offer my deep apology for causing sorrow to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and pledge that the Kashag will move forward with resolute conviction and bearing His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advice in our hearts, we will fulfill those noble ideals and aspirations”. He continued, saying that his cabinet has set plans to make right the inadequacies that have been pointed out, especially preventive healthcare, destitute care, codes of conduct and the election rules. Dr Sangay then called on the public, particularly his own supporters, to stop the division of the Tibetan community and work instead for a better future for Tibetans inside and outside Tibet.
Parliament Session: Call for Unity and Harmony
by Tenzin Samten & Mary Trewartha The 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile concluded its 11th and final session on April 1 with both the Speaker Penpa Tsering and Prime Minister (Sikyong) Lobsang Sangay strongly urging all Tibetans to work towards promoting and practising unity, cooperation and harmony among the various sections of the Tibetan community. Speaker Penpa Tsering appealed to everyone to respect the verdict passed by Parliament, which is based on democractic principles. Expressing his solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet, he said, “I take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment and responsibility towards the tens of thousands of Tibetan brothers and sisters inside Tibet. I solemnly urge everyone to sustain the spirit and momentum of our struggle, upholding the values and morals of our culture.” Both the Speaker and Prime Minister requested all Tibetans to leave the election hustle behind and put their common effort into working
towards the greater goal. The outgoing Speaker Penpa Tsering said now the election is over, “Irrespective of your affiliation to your candidate, it is now essential that we must be united in supporting the new administration.” Lobsang Sangay, who was voted in to become Sikyong (Prime Minister) once again for another term, also said “Past is past and now it is important for us to learn from our mistakes in order to avoid them in the future. We must be a beacon of hope for those inside Tibet”. Parliament approved a budget of INR 224 Crore for the expenditure of the Central Tibetan Administration and its offices around the world for the fiscal year 2016 – 2017. Members of the 14th Kashag, led by Sikyong Lobsang Sangay and Speaker Penpa Tsering observed a ceremony to pay respect and gratitude to Nechung Choegyal, the state oracle of Tibet, and the deity Tsering Chenga (Tashi Tseringma), as a mark of tribute
to the oracles for their guidance and counsel in the successful completion of the current Kashag and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. Nechung Choegyal is reported to have followed up his earlier warning about internal problems that could cause disharmony and disunity amongst Tibetans by saying that many people in the Tibetan exile society have gained in material possession but are neglecting, abandoning, and ignoring the spiritual realm. He also said to have made it clear he was not pleased with the present leadership and said they should apologise to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for their actions during the recent election. Videos depicting the session with the oracles have been widely circulated on facebook, however it has been pointed out that these are dated April 1. Historically, the Nechung oracle is known to have played a role in assisting government decision-making and providing advice for His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Keep up to date with election issues at: www.contactmagazine.net/category/election-2016 Contact
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APRIL2016
news & issues
The Suffering of Tibetan Nomads
by Dorji Kyi Recent news articles tell of Tibetan people whose lives have been devastated by forced resettlement, with reports of unemployment, poverty and alcoholism. The Chinese authorities claim that their nomad resettlement policy is bringing social and environmental benefits, but what is happening to the people whose lives have been changed so drastically? The story of Tibetan nomads, known as drokpa in the Tibetan language, appears as a blissful dream in today’s complex and competitive world. The Tibetan people are proud of their nomad culture which has been thriving for more than eight millennia, despite the Chinese government labelling it as backward and uncivilised. Tibetan nomads live in one of the world’s most hostile environments, at altitudes of 5000 metres. Groups of between ten and twenty families travel together with their herds and yak hair tents, practising seasonal migration using their intimate knowledge of the landscape to find the best grazing for their animals and to sustain their lives. This tradition provided a sustainable lifestyle for more than 2.5 million Tibetan nomads until the Chinese government introduced their non-voluntary resettlement policy in the 1990s. Critics of the nomad resettlement programme view the policy as a way for the Chinese government to control the Tibetan population. Despite the Tibetan nomads having lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years, the Chinese government blames them for the recent grassland degradation, claiming that the nomads are overgrazing the pastures. In the name of conservation and protection of the grasslands and development, hundreds of thousands of nomads are being removed from their ancestral pastures into impoverished resettlement towns built by the Chinese government. Last year the British Telegraph published an article projecting a positive picture of the resettlement policy and how it has benefits for Contact
210,000 Tibetan nomads. A former nomad named Zamzon was quoted as saying “The settled life gives us more freedom and options; I hope my grandchildren will earn their living with pens, not whips. I don’t want my offspring to always be busy at the back end of a yak”. The article made no mention of problems faced by the nomads in the resettlment camps, despite a number of protests by nomads in recent years. Numerous
reports and articles have been written by activists and writers inside Tibet on the widespread social problems and unhappiness amongst these people. The Tibetan activist and writer Tsering Woeser wrote in August 2012, “These many Tibetan nomads who used to be herdsmen, keeping livestock, have been forced to integrate in what is referred to as a modern environment. Their language, food and lifestyles underwent great changes, not to mention that there was no place to practise religion in their new location; it becomes clear that this kind of ‘integration’ was extremely passive and painful”. She also said “The result of this policy is probably the elimination of nomadic lifestyles, which is such an important part of Tibetan culture.” Decades after the implementation of the resettlement policy, it is evident that the former Tibetan nomads are having serious social and economic problems. Nomads were extremely well-informed on issues relating to their pastoral life, but many are illiterate and the resettlement policy includes no education to prepare them for an entirely different lifestyle. The rate of unemployment and alcoholism has become high in the resettled areas. Scarcity of food was never an issue for the nomads: there was an abundance of meat, butter, milk, cheese and tsampa 8
– items which are now considered as luxuries in their new lifestyle. Reports coming in suggest a loss of integrity, respect and pride. According to a recent report on gulfnews.com, Dolker, 42, and a former nomad, sold his last 13 yaks for 85,000 yuan ($13,000, £9,000) two years ago, a decision he now regrets. “I thought this was a lot of money, but I didn’t realise things in the town would be so expensive,” he said.“A person from the government came and convinced me I should move, but now I see I’ve lost so much. I want to go back, but it’s too late.” Dolker has yet to find stable employment. In 2012 the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) reported on a United Nations Human Rights Council Session when Mr Olivier De Schutter, the UN Special Rapporteur for the right to food, along with Human Rights Watch and the Helsinki Foundation, called for an end to the non-voluntary relocation of nomads. Saying that nomads were often finding themselves “worse off” in relation to access to food, they called for consultations to take place with the parties involved. Mr De Schutter also drew attention to the self-immolations in Tibet which have been made in protest specificially against the land resettlement policies. The CTA’s report continues by saying that Lady Ashton, Vice-President of the European Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, made a statement saying: “We are most concerned about the impact of the resettlement policy of Tibetan nomads. Tibetan culture and traditional lifestyles are based on a nomadic way of life. We do question whether the objective of environmental protection can only be reached by eliminating the traditional way of life of Tibetans who have lived for centuries in harmony with nature. We are concerned by the compulsory resettlement of all nomads which has the potential to destroy the distinctive Tibetan culture and identity”. APRIL 2016
news & issues
No Let Up in Tibet Continued from page 1
and linguistic heritage”. Arbitrary detention, denial of fair public trial, torture, interference with privacy, restriction of movement, deprivation of the freedom of religion and discrimination are some of the numerous reported evidences of human rights violations perpetuated by the security forces there. On the subject of self-immolation by Tibetans, the report says that the Chinese authorities are punishing the friends and relatives of the immolators since they are considered to be charged by law with “intentional homicide and subjected to punishment.” At least 11 people set themselves on fire in the autonomous region in 2015 as a sign of protest. Moreover, the US report depicts a significant increase in military
presence on the Tibetan plateau and restricted access for foreign journalists. In December 2013 the Washington Post reported that “North Korea is more accessible to foreign journalists
than Tibet is.” Tibetans themselves see their access to the media as controlled, and sharing information about protests or expressing discontent can
be punished by detention. Most of the time these topics are avoided even in a private conversation in their homes. Harsh conditions of arrest and detention occupy an important part of the report as well. Artists, members of the clergy, students and scholars seem to be the principal targets. Prison treatment has led to the death of convicts in many cases, either following torture or because of denial of proper medical assistance. Last year, the monk Tenzin Delek Rinpoche died behind bars because the police refused him access to medical care. Even after his death the authorities “denied requests from his family to return the body so traditional Tibetan Buddhist funeral rites could be conducted” reported the International Campaign for Tibet.
Why are People Protesting? by Aline Arcis A recent video circulating on social media and showing a landowner pleading with local police not to seize his land reminds us of the ongoing and substantial land confiscation taking place in Tibet. “The Chairman of the Khyungchu Township, who was involved in this, he came here with those police to grab our land” says a landowner on the video, “he said it was decided by Kakhok County, but they don’t have evidence or documents to show us, the police have dug up our grassland as you see here, they have dug it up and they said they will dig it up again.” The footage ends up with the same man asking if there is any proper law in this country. He says that the authorities have been siphoning off his resources for the past two decades. This incident is far from being an isolated case. Numerous Tibetan people have witnessed their land being forcefully confiscated by the local authorities during the past few years. Last year, over twenty families in the village of Makor have found Contact
themselves without any meadows remaining. In the majority of the cases, the authorities take the parcel of land without previous notice. A prison sentence threatens those who are occupying their former piece of land as a sign of protest. Last
month, four people were arrested after briefly marking and fencing their former estate in Thangkor town. The hearing which took place in the Dzoege People’s Court was not accessible to the public and only a few family members were allowed to 9
attend the trial after being subjected to a meticulous body search. Protests have been set up to reclaim the taken lands. Jigme Kyab is one the leaders, he has played a key role in the organisation of the protest in the Sichuan capital. He is currently hiding from the authorities while he builds up a strong case that he can present to the higher provincial court. He is gathering evidence as proof that Tibetans are legally entitled to claim back their land. The reason given for the requisition of Tibetan land is that it is required for government development projects but it seems that the parcels are more likely to be destined for lucrative property rentals. These questionable appropriations of land do not appear to be a part of a particular Chinese policy but rather an example of local police authorities abusing their power. This generalised trend for rural land confiscation has resulted in thousands of local incidents along with severe repression of protests and intense hardship and anxieties for the population. APRIL2016
news & issues
Phurbu Tsering Rinpoche Released by Charlotte Wigram Evans One of Tibet’s most high-profile political prisoners, the senior monk Phurbu Tsering Rinpoche has been released after eight years in a Chinese prison. While one source claims that Rinpoche was escorted secretly to his home in Dhartsedo, Kardze, another says that he is staying in Sichuan’s provincial capital Chengdu, potentially undergoing medical check-ups and treatment. He has been forbidden from making a statement about his release. The monk’s health is uncertain and has been a major concern for human rights groups in the past following the emergence of reports of torture and malnutrition. One visitor to Mianyang prison in 2014 told the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy of Rinpoche’s worrying condition. “At first I couldn’t recognise him as he had become so weak, almost emaciated,” he stated. Phurbu Tsering Rinpoche was arrested by Chinese authorities in May 2008, aged 52. As abbot of the Pang-ri
nunnery in Kardze, eastern Tibet, he was blamed for a peaceful protest against an enforced political and patriotic reeducation campaign. When ordered to sign a document criticising the Dalai
Lama, he refused and he, along with 54 nuns, was arrested. By the time he stood trial in April 2009, Rinpoche also faced charges of weapon possession. A pistol and more than 100 bullets were allegedly found
by Chinese police under a bed in his living room. Rinpoche insisted that he had been framed but after enduring four days of torture, and after his wife and son were threatened with imprisonment, he admitted to the charges. Despite his lawyer’s insistence that the evidence provided by the authorities was extremely questionable, he was found guilty of “inciting separatism” and sentenced to eight and a half years in prison. As a highly respected Tulku (living Buddha) of Tehor Kardze Monastery and head of both Pang-ri and Ya-tseg nunneries, it is thought that Rinpoche’s widespread influence was considered a threat by Chinese authorities and could explain his arrest. He was a pillar of Tibetan society, running a home for the elderly and another for orphans and handicapped children in addition to his role as spiritual leader. His arrest sent reverberations of shock and dismay through the Tibetan community in Tibet and in exile and news of his safe return home is now awaited.
India Does a U-turn Under Pressure from China by Mary Trewartha Four World Uygur Congress (WUC) leaders were granted visas to come to India at the end of April. They were planning to attend a United Statesinitiated conference, Initiatives for China, along with other Chinese dissidents in exile, to discuss democratic transformation in China. They were also intending to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala. The WUC, which is based in exile in the West, leads a nonviolent movement opposing the Chinese occupation of their country, East Turkestan. The resident ethnic Uyghur population there is protesting against the repressive regime and lack of freedom to practise their religion, Islam. China considers the WUC to be a terrorist organisation and so regularly protests when different countries allow them to visit. India, however, initially granted visas to Contact
the four, and India’s former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal said, “India does not consider Uyghurs terrorists”.
Isa Dolkun
India, however, later reneged on its decision to issue a visa to the German-based Uyghur leader Dolkun Isa following a strong protest from China. The remaining Uygur leaders 10
will come to the conference and meet representatives of the Tibetan community, but this meeting is expected to take place “behind closed doors”. Media coverage is being discouraged due to pressure on the organisers. India’s initial decision to grant the visas to the Uygurs was seen as a “tit for tat” move in defiance of China’s intervention to block terror outfit Pakistani Chief Masood Azar’s inclusion in the United Nations sanctions list for illicit terrorists which had been requested by India. Isa Dolkun rejects comparison to the Pakistani militant leader, claiming to be strictly non-violent in his campaigning. Lu Jinghua, another Chinese exile and a Tiananmen Square activist who was planning to attend the same meeting, has had her Indian visa revoked. The Indian government denies pressure from China as the reason. APRIL 2016
news & issues
Education is the Answer
by Aline Arcis His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave an exclusive interview to journalist Sonia Singh for the Indian channel NDTV on April 7. In this in-depth exchange, His Holiness broached a wide range of subjects from terrorism to the future of India to his own succession. As a guest in India for almost 60 years, His Holiness has a wise input on the country’s current situation. He affirms that the sub-continent is an example that religious harmony is possible. Pointing out the global aspect of civilisation nowadays he explains that attacking your neighbour is attacking yourself, hence fanatic terrorism cannot remain for long. He asserts that education is the answer to bloodshed in the name of religion. Moreover, throughout the interview, His Holiness insists on the fact that education is the answer to most of the
world’s issues. And for India, he directly addresses the young generation, advising them to be more inspired by Indian ancient thought in their actions and in their choices. On the topic of China, he says that although the world cannot deny the fast growing power of the country, he predicts that the totalitarian system on
this planet does not have much future since the world appears to be shifting to democracy and an open society. He says it is only a question of time. It is one of the reasons why His Holiness is
hopeful about returning to Tibet within the next couple of decades. He agrees with Sonia Singh that the Chinese intention of taking control of his successor is politically motivated. They have set up a bureau for “laws of reincarnation” despite the communists having no faith in rebirth. When the journalist asks for his views concerning his succession, His Holiness sticks to what he has declared in the past: there may be no Dalai Lama to succeed him. He says the institution is 600 years old and his resignation from political power in 2011 was partly aiming to prepare his people for the possibility of him being the last in the line. He assured Ms Singh that the Tibetan Buddhist tradition is kept alive by the dedicated studies of numerous monks and does not rely on an individual.
Spotlight on Community Health by Mary Trewartha World Health Day was marked in Dharamshala with free checkups for the general public by courtesy of Delek Hospital in collaboration with the Kunphen Centre and Regional Tibetan Women’s Association. 300 people took advantage of free blood sugar and blood pressure tests at an awareness raising booth under the slogan of “Beat Diabetes”, which is this year’s World Health Day theme. Dr Tenzin Tsundue, a resident doctor at Delek Hospital speaking to Phayul explained there is concern at the increasing number of cases of diabetes in the Tibetan community, saying “We hope to contain the rising number through awareness.” He said that diabetes patients also have a higher chance of contracting Tuberculosis, which, in the Tibetan community Contact
is around six times higher than the world’s average rate. Dr Tsundue blames increased consumption of junk
People queuing for free tests Photo:Kunsang Gashon/Phayul
food and sugar, together with reduced physical exercise, for this rise. The Central Tibetan Administration’s Department of Health declared April as the “Health Promotion and Disease Prevention” month. They have identified diseases 11
which commonly afflict people in the Tibetan community and which they see as requiring priority preventative interventions. They are sending out information to community leaders and administrators, schools, hospitals, monasteries, etc, with a focus on prevention of diseases such as hepatitis B, tuberculosis, liver cancer, stomach/ oesophageal cancer, hypertension, cervical cancer, diabetes, and HIV AIDS. The awareness campaign aims to foster a climate where behaviour can be changed in response to awareness of diseases and their causes, and uses the slogan “Prevention is better than cure”. As well as providing information and health care advice about the diseases, the Department also promoted the “Beat Diabetes” campaign for World Health Day. APRIL2016
news & ISSUES Apr 28: Teachers Workshop The Department of Education of the Central Tibetan Administration is running a workshop for Tibetan primary school teachers in early grade reading. Around 30 teachers from Tibetan schools across India are attending the course whose chief instructor is a professor from Delhi University. The workshop will have a second phase to be held early next month; it is funded by USAID through the Tibet Fund. Apr 27: First MA Graduates The first batch of 13 MA students have graduated from Sarah College in Dharamshala. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who was at the ceremony, said, “Tibetan culture has much to offer. We need to find ways to share it with the world.” Sarah College for Higher Tibetan Studies is a branch college under the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics and was established in 1973. Apr 26: Planting Trees Tibetan monks from Dzogchen monastery in Kardze in Sichuan’s Dege county are planting more than 15,000 trees on the hillsides around their monastery. The once heavilyforested area has been stripped bare and is vulnerable to soil erosion and floods following decades of indiscriminate Chinese logging. Apr 22: Home for Newcomers Construction of a new camp is underway at Mundgod Tibetan settlement in South India. The camp will help alleviate the problems faced by Tibetans who arrived in India after 1985. Tibetans who do not belong to an existing settlement do not benefit from the help which is provided through settlements. So far 52 families have registered for the new camp. Apr 21: Skoll Global Treasure Award The Skoll Foundation’s World Forum has presented HH the Dalai Lama with its prestigious Skoll Global Treasure award in recognition of his efforts to promote compassion and human values Contact
Tibetan Headlines around the world. The ceremony was held at Oxford University in England. Previous recipients of the award include Archbishop Tutu, Malala Yoousafzai and Mohamad Yunis. Apr 18: Golog Jigme Testifies Golog Jigme, the monk, human rights advocate and survivor of torture in Chinese prison, joined fellow torture survivor Yin Liping, the Falun Gong practitioner, to testify at the United States Congress Congressional Executive Commission on China. The Commission monitors human rights and the development of the rule of law in China and makes policy recommendations to the US Government.Its members include Senators as well as House of Representatives members. Apr 17: Long Life HH the Dalai Lama has reassured members of the Gelug International Foundation that he expects to live to 113 years of age. He was speaking at a meeting of abbots from Gelug monasteries led by Jangchup Choeden, the abbot of Gaden Shartse. Apr 16: Science and Monks An exhibition on climate change has been held at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA) in Dharamshala. The exhibition, in Thangka painting style, shows Buddhist and scientific perspectives side by side. It was curated by the Washington DC based Smithsonian museum and is part of a monasteries and nunneries Science and Monks initiative by the LTWA in response to the Dalai Lama’s interest in science and Buddhism. Apr 15: Champions! Dickyi Larsoe Football Club from Bylakuppe has won the 22nd Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup (GCMGC), the most coveted sporting event of the Tibetan exile community, beating fivetimes winner Dhundupling Football Club from Clement town in the final. The Fair Play award went to the Phendeling FC from Mainpat, and Tenzin Phuntsok 12
from Orissa FC was awarded the golden boot for his 12 goals. Apr 15: Tibetan Charity Praised Tibetan Charity Lha Charitable Trust has been mentioned in an article in the Indian Tribune which credits their programme of installing reverse osmosis water filtration systems in the Tibetan community in north India. The Tribune article says Cynthia Travis, a hydro geologist from America, has tested the water in McLeod Ganj and found it contaminated with bacteria, viruses and parasites caused by damaged water supply pipes and leaking septic tanks. Apr 13: Condolences HH the Dalai Lama has written a letter to the Chief Minister of Kerala expressing his condolences and deep sadness over the tragic loss of lives of pilgrims in a fire at Puttingal Devi temple in Kerala, South India. He said he would make a donation towards the relief effort. Apr 4: Nepal Cooperates with China Nepalese Army Chief Rajendra Chhettri has met General Xu Qiliang of China’s Central Military Commission, when he visited Nepal, and assured him that he will not allow any anti-China activities by Tibetans in Nepal. Phayul has reported that People’s Liberation Army chief, General Fang Fengui has asked Chhettri to stop “Free Tibet” activities in Nepal and proposed military cooperation between the two nations as well as subsidies for the Nepal Army. Apr 3: Amnesty Appeal Amnesty International has launched an appeal for people to write to the Chinese authorities about Dolma Tso, 30. Dolma was imprisoned in 2014 for “intentional homicide”; she helped move the body of Kunchok Tsetenm, who had selfimmolated, to get him to hospital. Her family’s consent for an operation has been sought despite Dolma stating she has no health problems. She has been denied access to her family and her lawyer. APRIL 2016
news & issues
International Headlines
Apr 28: Combat Dolphins Russia’s ministry of defence is enlisting new recruits - five bottlenose dolphins - raising speculation that it has revived a programme to transform the creatures into waterborne scouts and assassins. Both the United States and Russia trained dolphins in the 1960s for tasks such as mine and torpedo detection. Unconfirmed reports have suggested that the Russian military is also teaching them to attack enemy frogmen with knives mounted on their heads. Apr 23: A Legend Dies Prince has died aged 57 at his home in Minnesota. The hugely popular musician was found collapsed in a lift. An investigation has been opened. He soared to fame in the 1980’s with albums such as 1999, Purple Rain and Sign O’ the Times; his music spanned rock, funk and jazz and he sold more than 100 million records. Apr 22: Earth Day As more than one billion people participate in events to celebrate World Earth day, the leaders of 130 nations are gathering at the United Nations to sign the climate deal reached in Paris last December. This year’s Earth Day mission is to “plant 7.8 billion trees, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and make cities 100% renewable, building on the momentum from the Paris Climate Summit”. Apr 21: Declining Press Freedom Reporters Without Borders has published its annual ranking World Press Freedom Index of 180 countries. It notes a “deep and disturbing decline in respect for media freedom” since 2013. China is ranked 176th, the fourth worst country with its government control of media outlets and reported harassment and imprisonment of independent journalists. Contact
Apr 21: Palmyra Destruction Experts who visited the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra have revealed details about the “catastrophic,” devastation caused by Islamic State militants. Many of the best-known artefacts in the museum have been destroyed. Archaeologists from all over the globe have offered their assistance and a replica of the Arch of Triumph has already been unveiled in London. Apr 20: Solar Superpower Phase one of the Noor Solar power scheme in the Moroccan desert has been switched on. The complex will be the world’s largest and will provide electricity for more than one million people when complete. This scheme is part of Morocco’s plan to use renewable energy to supply more than 50% of its power by 2030. Apr 19: Earthquake in Ecuador A 7.8 magnitude earthquake which struck north-west Ecuador has left 272 people dead and 2,500 injured. Thousands more are homeless. Aftershocks were reported as being felt as far away as Quito, more than 100 miles from the epicentre. Rescue teams are working around the clock to find survivors in the rubble. Apr 16: Space Spuds Humans will be on Mars by 2030, NASA claims. Scientists may have found the solution to how to feed people living there: potatoes. The space agency and the International Potato Centre are trying to cultivate different varieties of potato in the Mars-like terrain of the Peruvian desert. If successful, it will be a huge step towards colonising the red planet. Apr 15: Hong Kong Democracy? Domosisto, a new political party for Hong Kong, has been launched by a group of student activists who figureheaded the Occupy Central movement in 2014. Their manifesto 13
promises non-violent resistance in the fight for self determination. Alan Hoo Hon-ching, a prominent Chinese lawyer, says the party is illegal and has called for members to be arrested. Apr 14: Stop Human Trafficking! India has agreed to work together with the United Arab Emirates to stop human trafficking. A similar deal has recently been struck with Bahrain and both are responses to a rise in the trade between the regions. India is a source and a transit country for trafficking to the UAE. It is believed that more than 150,000 people are enslaved in South Asia every year. Apr 12: Tigers’ Reprieve The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has released new figures to show that the number of tigers living in the wild has risen for the first time in a century. WWF says the rise is due to better conservation in a number of countries, but warns there is still more to do. Apr 8: Myanmar Frees Prisoners Myanmar is “working towards” freeing all remaining political prisoners within the next two weeks. This was Ang Sang Suu Kuy’s first announcement as “State Counsellor” - her role, similar to that of prime minister, in the new parliament. It is believed this new move will affect around 500 people. Apr 4: Worldwide Tax Dodge Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca has been exposed as helping clients launder money, dodge sanctions and evade tax. An unknown source leaked eleven million documents which show links to 72 current or former heads of state in the data, including dictators accused of looting their own countries. The “Panama Papers” were leaked to German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, who passed them on to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. APRIL 2016
lha news and projects
Spreading the Word in North America
Lha’s Director Ngawang Rabgyal has spent a month in the United States and Mexico where he made many new contacts as well as renewing old friendships. He met and paid tribute to the many organisations who work in partnership with Lha, supporting Lha’s work and becoming involved in promoting Tibetan issues. He also applauded the continued efforts of the Tibetan refugees who live in North America and around the world to garner support for their cause from the international community. “The Tibetan exile community is indebted to the support of the many international communities who devote their time, effort and monetary aid to Tibetans,” said Ngawang, “Support from so many organisations around the world enables us to continue our work and help our Tibetan brothers and sisters who are struggling to make a new life outside Tibet and to preserve Tibetan language and culture”. Ngawang was invited to speak to many of the organisations who made him welcome and to spread the word about what is happening inside Tibet. This gave him the opportunity to tell people about Lha’s work for the Tibetan exile community in India. Lha’s cultural exchange programme is providing many youngsters from around the world with the opportunity to experience Tibetan and Indian culture first hand and to find out for themselves what it means to live as a refugee in India. Who Did Ngawang Meet in N America? New York: Warwick Valley Rotary Club President, Neil Sinclair the Secretary and other eminent local representatives. At the Tibet Fund, New York, he met the President Rinchen Dharlo la and Executive Director Lobsang Nyandak la. Also, former Lha volunteers and Tibetans living locally. Louisiana: At the Tulane School of Social Work, Dean Dr Ronald Mark; Assistant Dean Dr Julianna Padgett; Professor Carolyn, Director of Global Programs; Dr Elaine Wright; Professor Ngawang Legsh; Louisiana Himalaya Association President Mr Neil Guidry and board members; MSW India Program Director Mr Michael Smith, and
Ngawang met leaders and instigators of the exchange programme as well as some of the students who have come to India over the years. One of Ngawang’s first visits on his arrival in America was to give a presentation to the Warwick Valley Rotary club in New York. While in New York he visited the Tibet Fund, New York to discuss the development of further partnership programmes and to thank them for their support in the past. The partnership between the Tibet Fund and Lha has been a great success and both are looking forward to working together on many more projects in the future. On to New Orleans in Louisiana and an awareness campaign, which included a fundraising event for the Lha Clear Vision Project which was organised by Lha’s sister organisation, the Louisiana Himalaya Association. At the Tulane School of Social Work in Louisiana, Ngawang and Dukthen, one of Lha’s advisory board members, enjoyed a celebration of the achievements of the partnership between Lha and the Association. It was a great opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude to the Association for their genuine dedication, generosity and unflinching support for over 17 years. Their enthusiasm is inspiring and they plan to continue their support in the years to come. Moving on to Mexico, Ngawang was invited to speak at the University, and at Tec de Monterrey (ITESM), one of the best
and largest private Institutes in Mexico. At ITESM he discussed developing the existing partnership, particularly focusing on the Cultural Exchange Programme. “I was utterly impressed and touched to meet staff and students who were very eager and interested to know about Tibet and Tibetan culture. It was wonderful to meet old friends and students who have participated in Lha’s Exchange Programmes and to hear about their positive reaction to their experiences in India,” said Ngawang. He went on to Tibet House, Mexico where he discussed possibilities for future partnership programmes. He was impressed with the great work they do there, creating awareness of the Tibet issue and preservation of Tibetan culture, identity and heritage. Their branches in Mexico and Latin America work closely with the Central Tibetan Administration and other Tibetan NGOs. Back in Washington DC, Ngawang was invited to give interviews to the two main Tibetan news services, Radio Free Asia and Voice Of America. The two-hour interviews gave him the opportunity to speak in detail about Lha’s work and initiatives and what Lha is able to achieve thanks to the generous sponsorship of people in North America and around the world. The interviews were widely accessed by many thousands of people both in exile and inside Tibet. He was also given the opportunity to visit the White House and the World Bank.
other friends and supporters. Lha’s advisory board member Ms Dukthen Kyi. Mexico: BPM TECH, Managing Director Ingmar Frey; Tibet House, Mexico President Mr Marco Antonio Karam; IBERO University, Mexico City Director of academic cooperation Ms Sonia Elizabeth. At ITESM he met the Director Dr Chandra Bushan; Director of Social Development Ms Naidel Ardila; Director of International Office Academic Direction Ms Babriela Parada and Coordinator of the International Programme Ms Maria Teresa. Naidel Ardila, Sylvain Jacques and other friends arranged the successful Tec visit. Washington DC: Mr Kaydor Aukartsang of the Office of Tibet Washington DC; Kasur
Tenzin Tethong la, Director of Radio Free Asia Tibetan Service; Mr Buchung K Tsering, Vice President of the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) ; Mrs Tenchoe Gyaltso, Associate Director of ICT; Ms Laura Manley, Co-Founder for the Centre for Open Data Enterprise and Consultant with the World Bank’s ICT global practice; Ms Tenzin Pakyi, National Endowment For Democracy; Mr Lobsang Gyatso, Director Voice of America Tibetan Service and VOA Chief Editor Mr Tseten Wangchuk and other staff members; Ms Laura Manley, a Lha advisory Board Member and Ms Renate Seiwert, one of Lha’s most enthusiastic and dedicated former volunteers.
On behalf of Lha, we would like to thank everyone involved with Ngawang’s visit to North America for their precious time, support and energy which made the trip such a success. Contact
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lha news and projects
Strengthening Tibetan Civil Society Two of Lha Charitable Trust’s staff,Mr Lobsang Rabsel, Deputy Director and Miss Dorji Kyi, Programme Manager, attended a three-day conference Strengthening Tibetan Civil Society at Tarabling, Dehradun from April 7-9. The conference was co-hosted by SOIR-IM, The Tibet Fund and the Tibet Relief Fund. Around 35 representatives from 20 different Tibetan civil society organisations (CSO) and non-government organisations (NGO) gathered for the conference. “This conference might be the first and the biggest gathering of Tibetan NGOs in exile and this meeting was a great opportunity for us to know each other better ”said Rabsel. “Generally most of the NGO workshops focused on how we can reach and help others, but this conference was more about looking within one’s own organisation to identify our plus points as well as areas of improvement”, he added. The goal of the conference was to strengthen Tibetan CSOs and NGOs to enable them to understand how they can contribute towards a stronger and more vibrant Tibetan civil society sector working on development issues affecting Tibetans in India and Nepal. The three-day conference was entirely about identifying and assessing capacity requirements of the attending organisations, and how these can be strengthened. A capacity strengthening initiative was launched during the conference which provided the opportunity for interested organisations to apply for funding and support for subsequent training and capacity building.
“Thank You and See You Soon”
Lha could not provide the services we do without the support of our wonderful volunteers who help in so many ways and inspire us with their enthusiasm. Every month we ask a volunteer to share their story. This month Monika Kalytyte from Lithuania tells us her story. Volunteer job at Lha: Volunteer Co- share their love and happiness with ordinator and helped with English others. At this magical place called Conversation class Lha, I was lucky enough to be able to do the same with students and the Lha I find myself remembering this team as well as other volunteers! beautiful writer from Lithuania, who English conversation classes first visited Tibet in the 90’s and then opened for me secret doors to meet revisited whenever she could until the students, to see their open strong the year she passed away. Her ideas, hearts with their fears and faiths; they the books she wrote, drawings she gave me such a rewarding exchange made, Buddhist teachings she learnt of inspirations and thoughts. Giving – it was massive influence to me and support with administrative tasks in my own picture of the office, despite the Tibet. I believe these work itself, gave me an experiences became incredible opportunity set in my unconscious, to meet the Lha team which developed to and the kindest and thinking of Tibet a bit one of the most special more and in depth when Tibetans – Rabsel Ji. He I was older. was extremely generous It took me some time and shared with me to find an opportunity to some of his experiences, put my life on hold and beautiful thoughts and take a small trip, but I views of life. Another am very happy I managed it! After my very crucial part of my trip was meeting previous experiences of volunteering, other volunteers, creating this great I set myself a reason why I am going time and building new friendships. to Tibet. It was a slightly spontaneous My stay at McLeod Ganj will or destined decision to come and share always stay in my mind until my return very little time of mine with the Tibetan again and again. I am very grateful that community. After an unsuccessful visa I had chance to learn, face some of the application to Tibet, I did not cancel things I had learned about and to get my plans and discovered this small, closer. This all raised new questions but extremely beautiful community in and thoughts inside of me, what else India, in McLeod Ganj, the little Tibet. I could do next time, how to expand It was the greatest six weeks of my love and care from Europe to India, to life and because of one very important Tibet and to whole world. As after all, reason – people! The people who with dark sides, challenges, with pain live here, study or work here, people and struggle here or elsewhere – we who come from all around the world, are one world and one love. Thank you who just stop by… All these beautiful my sweet people, for being, creating, people, who care, work, believe and never stopping…
Contact Magazine is published by Lha Charitable Trust, a registered charity in Dharamshala offering support and services to Tibetan refugees and people from the surrounding Himalayan communities. Lha helps Tibetan refugees settle in India by offering language and computer classes as well as individual tuition, and Lha’s soup kitchen provices healthy food to needy Tibetans on a daily basis.
To find out more about Lha’s work and projects please visit our website www.lhacharitabletrust.org
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around town
Charities and Organisations
Central Tibetan Administration
The CTA serves in Dharamshala 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 Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay. WEB: www.tibet.net LOCATION: Near Library 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 organises his schedule, including appointments and travel plans, diplomatic and personal correspondence, and liaises with officials of the Central Tibetan Administration. WEB: www.dalailama.com LOCATION: McLeod Ganj, PHONE: 01892-221343 / 221210 EMAIL: ohhdl@dalailama.com
Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)
The TYC is an advocacy and political action organisation with chapters around the world. The TYC organises cultural exhibitions, educational campaigns and social welfare activities. WEB: www. tibetanyouthcongress.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala -176219 PHONE: 01892-221554 EMAIL:president@tibetanyouthcongress.org, tyc@tibetanyouthcongress.org
Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA)
The 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 PHONE: 01892-221527 EMAIL: tibwomen@gmail.com
Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)
TCV 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 Dharamshala and day school in McLeod Ganj, with other branches throughout India. WEB: www.tcv.org.in LOCATION: Dharamshala Cantt.176216 PHONE: 01892-221354 / 221348 EMAIL: headoffice@tcv.org.in
Men-Tsee-Khang: Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute
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.
Contact
WEB: www.men-tsee-khang.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@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 PHONE: 98822-55047 EMAIL: ltwa1970@gmail.com
Delek Hospital
Delek Hospital is a small, Tibetan run hospital in Dharamshala. It has 45 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. The hospital has a pharmacy on site. WEB:www.delekhospital.org LOCATION: Kharadanda Rd, Dharamshala; Delek Clinic, Bhagsu Rd, Dharamshala HOURS: Outpatient, Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00 pm-4:30 pm; Emergencies, 24 hours daily PHONE: 01892-222053 / 223381 EMAIL: delek@bsnl.in hospitaldelek@yahoo.com
Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society
The society was established in 1999 to provide educational and administrative guidance to all Tibetan schools in remote areas of India and Bhutan that do not fall under the guidance of Tibetan Childrens Village. Today there are 12 schools under this organisation. WEB: www.sambhota.org LOCATION: Session Rd, Dharamshala176215 PHONE: 01892 - 228877 | 226877 EMAIL: stss1999@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. Volunteer opportunities available. WEB: www. tong-len.org LOCATION: Top Floor, Bank Of Baroda, Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala-176215 PHONE: 01892-223930 EMAIL: jamyang@tong-len.org
Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)
SFT is an international NGO that promotes the Tibetan cause among the non-Tibetan community. The organisation attempts to build international solidarity by advocating for a free Tibet through chapter organisations at Universities around the world. WEB:www.sftindia.org, www.studentsforafreetibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 9882786875
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Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD)
TCHRD 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: CTA, Dharamshala - 176215 PHONE: 01892-223363 EMAIL: office@tchrd.org
Lha Charitable Trust (Lha)
Lha, a Tibetan grassroots NGO based in Dharamshala, is one of the largest social work organisations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population, and people from the Himalayan regions. Lha offers free English, French 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. (see page 2) WEB:www.lhasocialwork.org LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj, Opposite State Bank of India PHONE: 01892-220992, 988-2323-455 EMAIL: office@lhasocialwork.org
The Kangra Distt. Red Cross Society
The Kangra District Red Cross Society renders its humanitarian services, projects and activities with the help and the co-operation of people at all levels of society by donation. WEB: www.redcrosskangra.org LOCATION: Red Cross Bhawan, Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-224888 / 9418832244 EMAIL: sharmaopl12345@gmail.com
Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet
Gu-Chu-Sum is a social service organisation that provides financial and medical support for ex-political prisoners and political activists from Tibet. WEB: www.guchusum.org LOCATION: Jogibara Road, McLeod Ganj, PHONE: 01892-220680 / 220679 EMAIL: guchusum1991@gmail.com
Tibet Charity
Tibet Charity provides programs 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 PHONE: 01892-221790 / 221877 EMAIL: director@tibetcharity.in
Norbulingka Institue
Centre for Tibetan culture with studios and artists at work. Temple, tour guides of the workshops, and gardens. LOCATION:Sidhpur, Dharamshala PHONE:9882144210 EMAIL: info@norbulingka.org WEB:www.norbulingka.org
APRIL 2016
around town
Charities and Organisations
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA)
Established in 1959, under the vision of HH the Dalai Lama, TIPA strives to preserve and promote Tibetan theatrical tradition. The Insitute imparts comprehensive training and lessons on Tibetan folk dance, folk song, traditional instruments and tradition of Tibetan opera. TIPA also hosts a beautiful theatrical museum which remains open during working days. We organise a special group tour of our campus every Wednesday (10 am). WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: TIPA Road, McLeod Ganj Dharamshala-176219 PHONE: 01892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com
Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT)
Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT) is a nongovernment, non-profit adult education centre in Dharamshala, North India. LIT provides Free Education, Health Care and Skills Training to Tibetan Refugees to help eradicate poverty and illiteracy amongst the Tibetan population. WEB: www.learningandideasfortibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala 176219 PHONE: 01892-220690 EMAIL: learningandideasfortibet@gmail.com
Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR)
Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution is a nonprofit, educational organisation dedicated to the non-violent management of conflicts in the Tibetan Community and the world as a whole. They work to promote the approaches and tools of non-violent conflict resolution and democratic processes in the Tibetan community in exile and elsewhere. WEB: http://tccr.org LOCATION: Session Road, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-226627 EMAIL: tccrteam@gmail.com
Rogpa Baby Care Centre
The Rogpa Baby Care Centre helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so their parents can work. The centre needs volunteers to help with art, games, singing and other tasks including diaper changing. WEB: www.tibetrogpa.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala- 176219 PHONE: 9857973026 EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com
Gamru Village School
Gamru Village School is a successful NGO that provides free high-quality education to any children who encounter serious barriers to education and who have a low standard of living. WEB: www.gamruschool.com LOCATION: Village Gamru, P.O Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala, Distt Kangra 176215 PHONE: 9816105554 EMAIL: tashu72004@yahoo.com
Contact
Clean Upper Dharamshala Project
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 Centre are part of the Clean Upper Daramsala Project. Weekly guided tours are offered on Wednesdays at 3 pm. WEB: www.tsodhasa.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - 176219 PHONE: 01892-221059 EMAIL: cudpswm@gmail.com
Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage)
Nyingtob Ling supports Tibetan children from disadvantaged families. The children make handicrafts and paintings. They are so friendly and love to have visitors. WEB: www.nyingtobling.org LOCATION: Near Norbulingka, Sidhpur PHONE:01892 211042 / 9816028149 EMAIL: nyingtob_ling@hotmail.com
Women’s Team
Volunteers needed to teach English to Indian women and children in the village of Kaniyara near Dharamshala. Contact Jitender. EMAIL: jitenderje@gmail.com PHONE: 7831956680 / 08894435595
The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)
ANEC facilitates trainings, workshops and open forum discussions on nonviolent strategies to help resolve disagreements and differences at all levels 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 and many more benefits for volunteers. LOCATION: No. 262, 1st floor, Khajanchi -Mohalla, Khunyara Rd, Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 9882077708 / 9882921477 EMAIL: wangduemiddleway@gmail.com Website: www.anec-india.net Facebook: www/facebook.com/anecpeace
National Democratic Party of Tibet
The NDPT is currently the only Tibetan political party. With 5000 members in 36 regional chapters throughout the world, the main aim and objectives of the NDPT are to prepare for the establishment of a political party in a future Tibet, to promote democracy, to educate the Tibetan people about the significance of political parties and to create awareness among the people about Tibetan issues. WEB: www.ndp4tibet.org LOCATION: Dharamshala–176219 EMAIL: tibetparty4@gmail.com PHONE: 9882787633 / 9882673330
BUS SCHEDULE
* Times and prices may vary. Please check with the bus stand ahead of departure. Leaving from the McLeod Ganj bus stand, unless otherwise stated: Delhi: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am, 6pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm and 8:30pm (Rs524) Semi Deluxe Bus: 6pm (Rs544) , Full Deluxe Bus: (Rs683) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8pm (Rs1121) AC TATA: 4pm (Rs830) Amritsar: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs245) *from Dharamshala Dehradun: Ordinary Bus: 8pm (Rs524); AC Deluxe: 2pm (Rs664) Manali: Ordinary Bus: 7:10am (Rs676) *from Dharamshala Pathankot: Ordinary Bus: 10am, 11am, 12:10pm, 12:30pm, 2:10pm, 3:50pm, 5pm(Rs150) Shimla: Ordinary Bus: 5am, 5:30am, 6am, 8am, noon and 4:55pm (Rs360) *from Dharamshala, Semi-Deluxe Bus: 8:22am, 7:45pm and 9:30pm (Rs450) *from Dharamshala FOR BOOKINGS: Location: Ticket stand under McLLo’s, McLeod Ganj Main square Hours: 10am-5pm, daily Phone: 220026 (McLeod bus stand), 224903 (Dharamshala) For deluxe buses, book through any travel agency.
TAXIS
A private taxi to Lower Dharamshala will cost you Rs 200. Cram into a jeep (from the bus stand), and it’ll only cost you Rs15.
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Ambulance: 01892-102, 222189
Police Superintendent: 01892-222244
Tibetan Delek Hospital Location: Gangchen Kyishong, CTA Hours: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, MonSat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, Wed only; Emergencies: 24-hrs, daily. Phone: 222 053,223 381
Police Contact Information Location: Past St.John’s Church on the road to Dharamshala in Cantt. area. Phone: 221 483
Kangra Airport: 01892-232374 Bhagsu Taxi Union: 01892-221034 Tourism Office: 01892-224430 , 223325 Rail Booking & Enquiry: 01892-265026
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McLeod Ganj Post Office Location: Jogiwara Rd, past Peace Cafe Hours: 9:30am-1pm and 2-5pm, Mon-Fri; 9:30am-noon, Sat. Parcels and money orders can be sent in the mornings only. Phone: 01892-221 924
APRIL2016
activities and information Upcoming Events May 9-13: “KARMA collection” Photo Exhibition by NOMAD ART JOURNEY at Tibetan Library (10- 4pm) June 1-3 : His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give teaching to Tibetan youth at Upper TCV school auditorium June 7-9 : His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teaching at Tsugla-khang at the request of Nalanda Shiksha
BUDDHIST PHILoSOPHY
Library of Tibetan Works and Archives WEB: www.ltwa.net/library LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9-10 am, 11-12noon PHONE: 921-842-2467
Public Audience with HH Karmapa WEB: www.kagyuoffice.org LOCATION: Sidhpur HOURS: Wed & Sat: 2:30pm PHONE: 01892-235307
yoga and reiki Om Yoga, Meditation and Reiki Centre LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, behind Akash Hotel, on Jogiwara Rd HOURS: 8:00am-5:30pm PHONE: 980-569-3514
Sunita Singh Yoga Class
LOCATION: Singh Corner, nr Magic Tree Upper Bhagsu PHONE: 98058-89060 WEB: www.maashakktiyoga.com
Siddhartha Retreat and Yoga Centre LOCATION: Upper Bhagsu PHONE: 098165-65138 WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org
MASSAGE Nature Cure Health Club
Shiatsu massage LOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka, Jogiwara Road PHONE: 941-813-0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com
Men-Tsee-Khang
LOCATION: Mcleod Ganj Branch Clinic, 1st floor, TIPA Road (2 mins from Main Square) PHONE: 98828-60505 EMAIL: therapycenter@men-tsee-khang.org
Traditional Thai Massage
LOCATION: Opposite the Himachal Govt. Tourist Information Centre, Hotel Surya Rd PHONE: 981-633-9199 EMAIL: jite02@yahoo.com jitthimalaya@gmail.com
Contact
MEDITATION Ocean of Harmony
Taught by an experienced and qualified coach WEB: www.oceanofharmony.org PHONE: (+91) 99798-94585 EMAIL: ohlifeandwellness@gmail.com
Tushita Meditation Center WEB: www.tushita.info LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:30-11:30am PHONE: 0898-816-0988 EMAIL: spc@tushita.info
Siddhartha Retreat Centre
WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Nag, Near High Sky PHONE: 09816565138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@yahoo.co.in
Taxi services Rinku Taxi Services
LOCATION: Opposite Club House, near Tourist Information Office, Hotel Surya Road PHONE: (+91) 9418687343, 9857030707 WEB: www.rinkutaxihimachal.com
COOKING Lha Tibetan Cooking Classes - for groups LOCATION: Lha Soup Kitchen, Temple Rd, Just below the Dalai Lama’s temple HOURS: Registration, 9:00-11:00am PHONE: 01892-220992
LANGUAGES Tibetan Language Courses
WEB: www.thosamling.com LOCATION: Thosamling Institute, Sidhpur (near Norbulingka) PHONE: 9882455065 EMAIL: thosamling@gmail.com *see ad on opp. page for more information
LRZTP Tibetan Language Program LOCATION: near Mentsekhang, VOT building EMAIL: Lrztp108@gmail.com WEB: www.LRZTP.org *see ad on pg 23
Rita Thakur Hindi Classes
LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Rd, beside the Korean Restaurant PHONE: 981-649-4732
Hindi Lessons with Sunil
LOCATION: Kunga Guesthouse, Bhagsu Rd and in Dharamkot PHONE: 01892-21942, 98055-96741 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
Esukhia Online Tibetan Courses and Tibetan Immersion Spoken Location:Tilak Ray Building, Bhagsu Rd PHONE: 8679502538 / 98820-04965 EMAIL: contact@esukhia.org
art and museums
Indian Cooking and Knitting with Ms Rita Kapoor
Tibet Museum
Indian Cooking Classes
Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression
LOCATION: Old German Bakery, 1st Floor, Room No. 2, Opp. Buddha Hall, Bhagsunag PHONE: 94592-06586 LOCATION:Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guesthouse HOURS: 10:00am-6:00pm PHONE: 941-813-0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com
Lhamo’s Kitchen: Tibetan Cooking Classes
LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop HOURS: 8:00am-9:00pm PHONE: 981-646-8719
Nisha’s Indian Cooking Class
LOCATION: The flourishing flora, Opp. TIPA, Dharamkot road, Mcleodganj HOURS: 4:00-6:00pm PHONE: 9882599093 EMAIL: nishaanilsarin@hotmail.com
Sangye’s Kitchen: Traditional Tibetan Cooking Classes
LOCATION: Lung-ta Restaurant, below the Tashi Choeling Monastery on Jogiwara Road HOURS:10:00am - 4:00pm PHONE: 981-616-4540 EMAIL: sangyla_tashi@yahoo.co.in
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LOCATION:Near the Main Temple and Namgyal Monastery gate, McLeod Ganj HOURS: Tue-Sun: 9:00am-5:00pm
LOCATION: Gu-Chu-Sum hall, Jogiwara Rd HOURS: Mon, Wed & Fri: 2:00pm-5:00pm
The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA)
WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 1892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com
Kangra Art Museum
LOCATION: Near Bus Stand, Kotwali Bazaar PHONE: 01892 224214 HOURS: Tue-Sun: 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm
Men-Tsee-Khang Museum
LOCATION: Near CTA, Gangchen Kyishong PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org HOURS: 9am-5pm. Closed on Sun, 2 and 4th Sat
Form Gallery
LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd. near Oasis Cafe PHONE: 8894-060602 HOURS: Daily, 12:00pm-6:00pm
APRIL 2016
activities and information HEALTH SERVICES Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Dr Natasha Mehra LOCATION: Near Hotel Mount View, Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 09218742046 EMAIL: perfect32dentalclinic@gmail.com Tibetan Physiotherapy Clinic Specialised in Muscle and Joint Pain LOCATION: Near Delek Hospital, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 HOURS: 10am - 5pm (Appointment Bases) PHONE: 9882322783 / 9882321532 EMAIL: jigten17@yahoo.co.in WEBSITE : tibetanphysiotherapy.com Tibetan Delek Hospital LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala 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 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: Below Delek Hospital, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org Primary Health Centre LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, main market HOURS: 9:30am-4pm, Mon-Sat Nature Cure Health Club LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House-Map #10 HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm PHONE: 7833047078 / 9882320136 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com Dr Tandon Advanced Dental Orthodontic & Implant Centre Location: Opp. AP Travels, Mcleod Ganj Phone:9418462936 Email: dr.rahultandon@gmail.com
Tibet-Related Websites
News:
rfa.org/english/news/tibet - Radio Free Asia’s mission is to provide accurate and timely news and information to Asian countries whose governments prohibit access to a free press voatibetanenglish.com - Voice of America’s Tibet pages - VOA is an international multimedia broadcasting service funded by the US government contactmagazine.net - Contact magazine online phayul.com -Phayul is published in Dharamshala,also has opinion, reviews, photos, etc guardian.co.uk/world/tibet - the UK Guardian newspaper’s Tibet pages scmp.com/news/china - the South China Morning Post – one of the more independent news sources in China thetibetpost.com and tibetexpress.net are both sources of news and information
News, information and campaigning:
tibet.net - official website of the Central Tibetan Administration in exile dalailama.com - for broadcasts of His Holiness’s teachings, his schedule and information about Tibet and the Dalai Lama tchrd.org - Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy - a nongovernment organisation and a research centre to protect the human rights of Tibetan people and promote the principles of democracy tibetanyouthcongress.org - an international non-government organisation that advocates full independence for Tibet from China studentsforafreetibet.org - a global grass roots group campaigning for full Tibetan independence tibetanreview.net - news, opinions, reviews and information freetibet.org: - UK-based campaigning organisation, also a good news source savetibet.org - international campaign for Tibet and a good resource for news, campaigns, fundraising and projects tibetnetwork.org/home - a coalition of more than 190 Tibet organisations dedicated to campaigning to end human rights violations in Tibet and restoring rights to the Tibetan people
Writings:
highpeakspureearth.com/category/woeser - occasional translations of Woeser’s enormously popular blog – Woeser lives in Beijing and is continually harassed by the Chinese government for her courageous writings.
T H O S A M L I N G ’s Tibetan Language Program 2016 Beginner’s Course
• 15 Feb – 13 May • 29 Aug – 18 Nov 5 days/week, total 4.5 hrs/day
Start with the alphabet and learn to read and write basic Tibetan in two weeks! Our new textbook as well as audio and video materials ensure quick progress. Private time with teachers is available.
Intermediate Course
30 May – 26 August 5 days/week, total 4.5 hrs/day
Dharma Language Course combined with Introduction to Debate (Dudra-Lorig-Tarig) 16 May – 11 November
Re fo r a g ist rati o n ll c n o w oo u rs e s is pen
Main focus is on colloquial Tibetan 5 days/week, total 2.5 hrs/day & afternoon debate sessions and first stages of literary Tibetan. Main focus is on literary and colloquial Tibetan. We work with audio materials, transcripts and translations of oral teachings and their root texts. Debate opens many doors to the Dharma and sharpens the A ll c mind. f re e fo r o u rs e s For a minimum of fi ve people o rd Sa n g h a a i ned coming from McLeod Ganj: ! inexpensi ve daily transport can be arranged.
T H O S A M L I N G I N S T I T U T E for International Buddhist Women
TO REGISTER: thosamling@gmail.com • Info: www.thosamling.com • Sidhpur • 176057 Dharamsala • mobile 9882455065 Contact
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APRIL2016
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DR TANDON’S ADVANCED
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Best taxi & car rental services in Himachal, Tour Packages Pick-up & Drop-in to Airports, Rail station, Bus stop
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Delicious coffee, authentic homemade Tibetan and western cuisine All food washed in clean filtered water
Opp. Club House, near Tourist Information Office Hotel Surya Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - Map#16 PHONE: (+91) 94186-87343, 98570-30707
Free movies on Saturdays at 7.30pm Live Tibetan music every Wednesday at 6.30pm
www.rinkutaxihimachal.com
Jogiwara Road (near post office), McLeod Ganj – Map # 8
CARPE DIEM
Chapri Handicrafts
Visit Sunanda to see beautiful shawls, fabrics, gifts, papier-mache, handicrafts, thankas and so much more!
RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA
MEXICAN, ITALIAN, INDIAN, CHINESE, CONTINENTAL, & THAI FOOD, No MSG • Everything washed with sterilized water • Wood-fired pizza oven & clay Tandoori oven • Relaxed atmosphere & Japanese-style seating • Live music every Sunday - Map#9 Located on Jogiwara Road, across from the Tibetan Reception Center (down from Post Office) - Map # 9
Shop no 9, Next Alley to State Bank of India ATM, Temple Road, Map#27
Tel: 98826-04215
tibetan healing massage centre
Om massage centre
Tibetan Healing Massage/ Acupressure Points/ Acupressure / Reflexology / Deep Issue Massage / Heat Compress Therapy / Massage Course Available Bhagsu Road, Opp. Green Hotel Mcleod Ganj - Map#26 Email: kunsangdolma75@gmail.com Contact: 9857999373 /9805895574
8 AUSPICIOUS HIM VIEW HOTEL
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8 beautiful rooms with balcony facing the Himalayan Range. Enjoy the sunrise from your bed! Phone: 01892-220567 Cell: 9418236603 Jogiwara Rd (Map #12) Email: tseringd@aushimview.com
Your Communication Partner
Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House - Map #23 Mobile: 07833047078 Email: mahinder_m@hotmail.com,
Dr Mobile Shop
Mobile Sales, Mobile Repair, Sim Cards, Purchase and Recharge Phone Service
Black Magic Building (underground), Jogiwara Road, Map # 7 McLeod Ganj Phone: 9857011101 Contact
Nature Cure Health Club
18+ yrs’ experience: Swedish massage courses &
treatment, Zen Shiatsu courses, treatment, reflexology treatment, SPA, Singing Bowl Treatment and many more! 20
APRIL 2016
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Contact
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advertisements Locations of important places around McLeod Ganj
BHAGSU NAG
Map not to scale
See Advertisement Pages for details of advertisers TIPA
21
DHARAMKOT
26
25 Vipassana Centre
Naddi Village
15
Tushita Centre
Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)
McLEOD GANJ
22
4
5 MAIN SQUARE
3
Cantt Police Post
6
7
20
23
1 Lha Main Bazaar
24
29
8
9
11
10
12
28
16
27
14
2
13
Road to Dharamshala
1. Lha Headquarters 2. Namgyal Cafe 3. Common Ground Cafe 4. Dream Holidays Travel 5. Shangrila Hotel 6. Shambala Coffee Meal 7. Dr Mobile, Woeser Bakery 8. Black Tent Cafe 9. Carpe Diem Restaurant 10. Perfect 32 Dental Clinic 11. Hotel Ladies’ Venture 12. 8 Auspicious Him View Hotel 13. Ahimsa House & Lha Soup Kitchen 14. Chonor House 15. Lhamo’s Croissant, Dolma Therapy 16. Rinku Taxi Service 17. Central Tibetan Administration, Tibetan
Parliament-in-exile, Tibetan Libraty 18. LRZTP Tibetan Language Program 19. Tibetan Museum and Temple 20. Tibetan Handicraft Centre 21. Taste of India 22. SnowLion Custom Tattoo 23. Nature Cure Health Club 24. Dr Tandon’s Advanced Dental 25. Himalayan Yoga Retreat 26. Om Massage Centre 27. Chapri Handicrafts 28.Tibetan Online School 29.Marleen’s Thankas & Gifts
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17 18
Road to Dharamshala
Our specialty: Chocolate Vegan cake, Gluten free cake, Fresh Coffe Beans, cappaccino, Chocolate chilli lollipop
Namgyal Cafe
9am to 7pm - Closed on Monday Below “Black Magic Hotel” on Jogiwara Rd - Map # 7 The famous and popular Namgyal Cafe has merged
Dream Holidays
with Om Hotel right off the main square - Map # 2 • • • •
Since 1998
Ground Floor of Asian Plaza Hotel, Main Square, McLeod Ganj (3rd office inside Mall) - Map #4 +Worldwide Air Travel Arrangements +AC/Non-AC cars jeeps for tours +Flight/Rail tickets, hotel reservations contact: 98160-87878 / 94180-97149, vineet_dream@yahoo.com
Open every day from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm Mobile: 9882649768
Shambala Coffee Meal Jogiwara Roadd, next to Tibet Kitchen Map#6
NEED A DENTIST? For all your dental requirements under one roof, in a sterile and state of the art clinic
A vegetarian restaurant specialising in variety of Japanese meals: Sushi Rolls, Special noodle Udon, Omthai Rice Coffee / Free Wifi Open every day from 7am to 8pm Mobile: +91 (0) 9882611796
Dr Natasha Mehra @
Lhamo’s Croissant
Perfect 32 Dental Clinic
Vegetarian and Vegan Food Bakery, Coffee shop, French Restaurant Gluten Free and Fresh seasonal juices and salads
CONTACT
Near Hotel Mount View Jogiwara Rd, McLeod Map# 10
Call: 09218742046
Rooftop terrace with stunning views
perfect32dentalclinic@gmail. com
Contact
Extensive vegetarian menu Terrace dining with beautiful view Best pizza in McLeod Ganj Good music and friendly staffs
Bhagsu Road, just before Kunga Hotel Map#15
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Marleen’s Thankas & Gifts
Advertise in Contact
We are happy to provide high quality Tibetan thangkas and gifts for all budgets; working with 18 artists we are able to take orders.
To advertise on this page Call Lha office: 01892-220992 or visit the office at Temple Rd, Opp State Bank of India Mcleod Ganj - Map#1
Jogiwara Road, 50m down from post office, opposite Tibetan gas office Mc Leod Ganj Map #29 Email: thankas_inn@yahoo.com
May all beings be happy.
Tibetan Online School
Jogiwara Road, Opp, Lungta Restaurant Mcleod Ganj Map#28 Tibetan & English Language Courses Available Online or Private Classroom Lessons Contact: 9816272816 / tibetschool@gmail.com
Dolma Therapy
Traditional Tibetan Massage & Courses
snowlion
tattoo
custom
Massages offered: full body/ head./ back/ foot Massage courses: 3 - 7 Days
Artist PASSANG
Bhagsu Road, Mcloed Ganj Behind Lhamo’s Croissant Map#15 Contact: tsedol1107@gmail.com / 9882456837
Location: near Hotel Tibet
Professional Tattoo Artist Traditionally Trained Tibetan Thangka Painter
100% Safe & Hygienic Contact: 9459160626-9805286528 snowlion custom tattoo : facebook
Contact
Enjoy traditional Taiwanese and Chinese food and peaceful environment, just one minute from the Bus Stand, just behind Asian Plaza! (Map # 3)
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ལྷ་བོད་ཀྱི་ལུགས་མཐུན་བཟོ་ཚོང་ལས་ཁང་།
Lha Tibet Fair Trade Regd No.U74140HP2013PTC000540 IEC No. 2213006741 TIN: 02060101641 CST: 02060101641 PAN: AACCL5897M
What’s LTFT?
Lha Tibet Fair Trade (LTFT) is a certified Fair Trade company which supports Lha’s charitable work through the sale of traditional Tibetan goods made by local craftspeople.
What we have?
Hand-made woollen carpets, singing bowls, jewellery, goods made from recycled paper, Tibetan home decor pieces and many more!
Why LTFT?
Your shopping and support will contribute to Lha’s numerous social projects and help Lha become more sustainable and self-sufficient.
What we do?
Retail outlet, manufacture, wholesale, import & export, support local artisans, tours and travel.The LTFT is pleased to welcome any businesses wishing to form partnerships and set up exhibition tours.
Drop-in at our store at LHA office, Mon-Sat Phone: +91 (0) 98823-23455 / 1892-220992
W www.tibetfairtrade.com
Lha Tibet Fair Trade To advertise call Lha office: 01892-220992 or visit Lha office at Temple Rd, McLeod Ganj Map #1
Follow Contact website using the QR code!
Tibet Fair Trade འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།
Contact Newsletter
Managing Director Ngawang Rabgyal Editor-in-Chief Jenny James Editor Tenzin Samten Assistant Editor Charlotte Wigram Evans Reporter Dorji Kyi 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:editor@contactmagazine.net Facebook: ContactNews Twitter: @ContactTibet Printed at Imperial Printing, Dharamshala Phone: 222390 Email:ippdsala@gmail.com