August 2017

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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: XIX Issue:7 AUGUST 31, 2017

Demolition of Yarchen Gar

Taiwan Closes Tibet Commission

No Religious Freedom in Tibet

His Holiness’s Engagements in India

by Lobsang Tsering The expulsion of 2,000 Tibetan monks and nuns living and studying at the Yarchen Gar Buddhist Centre in Tibet has started, along with the demolition of their residences, as directed by the Chinese authorities. Yarchen Gar is recognised as the second largest monastic institution in Tibet.

Continued on page 3

by Mary Trewartha The International Religious Freedom Annual Report 2016, the annual report from the United States Department of State, was released on August 15. It details extensive restrictions on religious freedom in Tibet.

The report quotes the constitution of the People’s Republic of China which states that citizens “enjoy Continued on page 4

W www.contactmagazine.net

by Sean Fitzpatrick Taiwan’s Mongolia and Tibet Affairs Commission (MTAC) is to be shut down as part of a government restructure, Taiwanese officials have confirmed.

The commission responsible for the promotion of Mongolian and Tibetan culture and cultural exchange in the region, is set to be closed by submission of a Cabinet Continued on page 7

by Jigme Wangchuk With the Doklam standoff ongoing between India and China, His Holiness the Dalai Lama engaged in both political and spiritual discourse this month. The Tibetan leader said that India and China must resolve their differences through dialogue instead of violence.

His engagement in the dialogue between Russian and Continued on page 4

Contact News

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NEWS & ISSUES

Continued from page 1

Demolition of Yarchen Gar

Situated in a remote valley in Baiyu County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in the traditional Tibetan region of Kham, Yarchen Gar is home to an estimated 10,000 nuns, monks, and lay practitioners. The monastery and educational institute was established in 1985 by the abbot, Achuk Rinpoche (who died in 2011), a Dzogchen practitioner and one of the most senior Nyingma masters in Tibet.

Washington-based Radio Free Asia (RFA) reports, “The demolition began on August 8 and the work is said to be ongoing at Yarchen Gar, while the same number of monks and nuns [2,000] are also to be expelled from the Buddhist centre this year alone”.

A Tibetan who has remained anonymous told RFA, “Yarchen monks and nuns are solely focused on Buddhist practice and not involved in any form of politics”. He continued, “The demolition will cause a great amount of stress, as many monks and

nuns will lack accommodation and be forced to leave”.

Concern has been expressed about the mental and emotional impact of the demolitions on Yachen Gar’s Buddhist community.

Earlier this year 200 tents belonging to Tibetan pilgrims visiting the centre were demolished.

This demolition at Yarchen Gar mirrors similar destruction at another

Devastation during the destruction at Yarchen Gar

nearby Buddhist learning centre, Larung Gar, which has taken place over the last year. Larung Gar was the largest Buddhist academy in the world. During the forceful eviction of

thousands of students from the centre there, three Tibetan nuns sacrificed their lives in protest at what was happening. One of the nuns, Tsering Dolma, left a suicide note which was recently published in Tibet Times saying, “My heart is so sad. The reason is the Chinese government does not allow us the freedom to practice our religion. Even the tiny shelters have been destroyed. It is better to die”.

Tibet.net, the official website of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, reported “Tsering Dolma, aged 20 and a native of Mewa Township in Khakok County located in the Sichuan Province, hanged herself on July 19 at her quarters……[in Larung Gar]”.

The Chinese authorities in the region have announced that Larung Gar will from now on be run by the Communist Party and there are reports that the remaining academy residents are very concerned for the future. There is evidence that it is being turned into a tourist attraction.

Rehabilitation for Tibetans in Arunachal

by Lodoe Gyatso The Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy Act has been officially adopted by the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, reports tibet. net, the Central Tibetan Administration’s website, on August 12.

Shri Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of the state, wrote a letter to Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, to confirm the adoption saying, “Arunachal Pradesh has the fourth largest number of Tibetans in India.

Therefore, in order to provide better opportunities to Tibetan youths residing in Arunachal Pradesh, my cabinet resolved to implement the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014 as framed by the Union Government of India”.

The Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy Act was announced in 2014. Since then several states including Himachal Contact

Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttarakhand have adopted it.

Ten days after the adoption of the act, the Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) objected to the decision saying it showed injustice and condemned the expenditure of “extra funds for Tibetan refugees while neglecting the needs of indigenous tribes of the state”.

The President of ACS, Pate Tayum, said they are not against Tibetan refugees and their settlement in the state but that this policy “will disturb the state’s ethnic balance, resulting in communal tension”. The ACS is a group which says that every Arunachalee should enjoy his/her rights irrespective of background.

The Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) and NEFA Indigenous Human Rights Organisation (NIHRO) have also 3

objected saying the policy “may have far reaching ramifications in the days to come for the indigenous populace of the state in terms of livelihood and demography”.

As reported by Contact magazine in 2014, the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy makes clear the entitlements of Tibetans relating to their welfare in India. The guidelines include the extension of land lease agreements and the benefits available to Tibetans under central and state government welfare schemes. The policy also grants Tibetans the right to undertake economic activity and pursue any job for which they are professionally qualified.

Arunachal Pradesh is the most north easterly state of India but claimed by China as a part of its territory. It has a significant ethnically Tibetan population.

AUGUST 2017

NEWS & ISSUES His Holiness’s Engagements in August Continued from page 1

Buddhist scholars on August 8 at their seminar in New Delhi, on the nature of consciousness, was widely discussed. The following day, His Holiness delivered the Rajendra Mathur Memorial Lecture at the Teen Murti Bhavan, former residence of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, where he spoke to an audience of 350 people.

On August 10, he gave a public address, The Art of Happiness, at the Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi at the invitation of the Association of British Scholars – a national forum to facilitate the networking of Indians who have studied or trained in the United Kingdom. His Holiness said that the problems facing human beings are of their own making. He stated that self centredness was the basis for competitiveness and jealousy which provokes fear, irritation and anger.

His Holiness announced on August 11 that, on the advice of his doctors, he would cancel his upcoming visit to Botswana to attend the Mind and Life conference in Gaborone from August 15 to 20, due to his being “unusually tired” by his recent

activities. His personal physicians had also advised him to avoid undertaking long journeys. He expressed profound regret to the President of the Republic of Botswana for cancelling his visit, but said he was happy to know that the conference in Botswana would take

Interfaith dialogue in Mumbai Photo: Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

place as scheduled despite his absence.

The proposed visit had prompted objections and threats from China who said that Botswana should cancel the visit and “earnestly respect China’s core interests and make the correct political decision”.

Botswana’s president Ian Khama, however, is reported as saying that despite China’s heavy investment in the country, “we are not your colony” and that His

Holiness is welcome there.

His Holiness travelled to Mumbai to attend the seminar World Peace and Harmony through Interfaith Dialogue on August 13, where he was welcomed by the host Acharya Dr Lokesh Muni.

In his address, His Holiness said, “Constant fear, anger and suspicion undermine our immune system, whereas compassion has the effect of strengthening our health”.

While in Mumbai, he attended the launch of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences course Secular Ethics for Higher Education.

The Dalai Lama expressed his sympathy and made donations through the Dalai Lama Trust when he learned that a landslide had swept away public buses and private vehicles on the PathankotMandi Highway in Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal has been home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-inExile for 57 years.

His Holiness arrived back in Dharamshala on August 15 for his much needed rest. He will impart a four day teaching in McLeod Ganj at the end of August, following which he will tour Europe throughout September.

No Religious Freedom in Tibet Continued from page 1

freedom of religious belief” but limits protections for religious practice to “normal religious activities” without defining “normal”. The report continues: “In the TAR [Tibetan Autonomous Region] and other Tibetan areas, authorities engaged in widespread interference in religious practices, especially in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and nunneries. There were reports of forced disappearance, physical abuse, prolonged detention without trial, and arrests of individuals due to their religious practices. Travel restrictions hindered traditional religious practices and pilgrimages. Repression increased around politically sensitive events, religious anniversaries, and Contact

the Dalai Lama’s birthday, according to numerous sources. Although the number of self-immolations has continued to decline, there were three cases of self-immolation and three other suicides in protest of government policies. Reportedly, authorities evicted more than 2,000 monks and nuns from Buddhist institutes at Larung Gar and Yachen Gar, destroying the homes […] and subjecting many of them to ‘patriotic re-education’.

The government routinely denigrated the Dalai Lama […] and forbade Tibetans from venerating him and other religious leaders associated with him”.

It mentions the meeting between the then President Obama and HH the Dalai Lama last year, saying that 4

Obama emphasised the “strong support of the United States for the preservation of Tibet’s traditions and heritage and the equal protection of Tibetan human rights in China” and says the Secretary of State has, during his visits to China, “consistently raised the issue of Tibet and called for the protection of human rights in Tibetan regions”.

The report gives details on the status of religious freedom in 199 countries and territories. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on the report’s release, “No one should have to live in fear, worship in secret, or face discrimination because of his or her beliefs […] the State Department will continue to advocate on behalf of those seeking to live their lives according to their faith”.

AUGUST 2017

NEWS & ISSUES Arrests and Releases in Tibet This Month Aug 23: Chant Master Freed Atruk Lopo, a monk who has served ten years in a Mianyang prison, has been freed. He is the former chant master from Lithang Monastery in Kardze and was arrested in 2007 for spreading news about a protest calling for Tibetan freedom, and for calling for the release of his uncle Ronggye Adrak who had been detained on similar charges. He was warned not to speak in public following his release.

Aug 16: Monk Freed Gomar Choephel, 48, a Tibetan monk, has been released from jail where he served two years for “subverting the state” when he was found in possession of a picture of HH the

Dalai Lama. He was released from the Ho Min Xian prison in Qinghai and has returned to Rongwo Monastery in Rebgong. He has restrictions placed on his movements and no “welcome home” reception was allowed.

Aug 5: Held for Questioning Jampa Choegyal, 30, was taken into custody during the Tsechok festival at Chuwar monastery, Dragyab county in Chamdo last month. He was held for two days on suspicion of “maintaining contacts outside of the region” and for questioning about his relative Ngawang Jampa who is now

in Australia after fleeing Tibet, and told not to contact him. Radio Free Asia reports that he was beaten while in custody.

Aug 3: Monk Released Lobsang Kalsang, a monk from Kirti Monastery in Sichuan who selfimmolated in 2011, has been released from Deyang prison after completing his sixyear prison term.

He has returned home to Ngaba where he was welcomed with traditional Tibetan scarves. Kalsang, now in his early 20s, self-immolated with fellow monk Lobsang Konchok who was released from prison in March this year and sent to a remote nomadic region.

Activists Gather for the Fourth Rangzen Conference

by Lodoe Gyatso Tibetan independence advocates from around the world came together for the fourth International Rangzen Conference held in Paris, France. The conference was aimed at bringing together the various organisations and individuals wishing to promote a policy of full independence for Tibet from China.

The attendees included Tibetan parliamentarians, Tibetan organisations, foreign organisations supporting Tibet’s independence, and delegates from India, Nepal, the United States, England, Canada, Europe, Australia, Mongolia and Taiwan.

The conference opened with a one minute silence for the Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for the independence of Tibet.

Monlam Tharchin, the Bon representative for the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, is quoted by phayul.com as saying, “Revival of a nation is not just about religion and culture and we need to continue to Contact

work from one generation to the next to regain our independence”.

Member of the Tibetan Parliamentin-Exile Tenpa Yarphel said, “The loss of this profound and the millennial old Tibetan culture is a great loss to the culture of non-violence and peace in the world, which will have an impact on our world”.

The conference took place from August 21 – 23 and is reported to have agreed the following: 1. Supporters of the independence of Tibet, Eastern Turkestan, Southern Mongolia and Taiwan and the Chinese Democrats have agreed to unify their forces and work collectively.

2. At the conference the sympathisers of Tibet, Eastern Turkestan, South Mongolia and Taiwan unanimously rejected the Chinese authority; and affirmed the need to free themselves from the Chinese Communist party.

3. In the case of future convergence between the Tibetan people and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile for Rangzen, we must ensure the continuity 5

of our struggle and grow the future seeds of Rangzen.

4. We must recognise the Tibetan martyrs and those who live under the brutal Chinese oppression; the appeal and the will of the protest by immolations are for our cause. This must also be preserved and also shared without being diluted.

5. Since the colonisation of Tibet by China, several conflicts have taken place between China and India. More recently, tensions have risen between China and India. The Real border is between Tibet and India. China has absolutely no legitimacy in this conflict. We affirm that this conflict will not be resolved without the restoration of Tibet’s independence.

In conclusion, that the wishes of brave-men-and-women [Tib: pawos and pamos] are fulfilled, the will of the dead for Tibet and the hope of the living, that the sun of freedom shines on Tibet, and that His Holiness the Dalai Lama lives a long life and that His wishes are fulfilled.

AUGUST 2017

NEWS & ISSUES

Sikyong Seeks Support in Australia and America

by Lodoe Gyatso and Charlotte Wigram-Evans The President of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay, has been visiting Australia and America to raise support for the Tibetan cause.

Dr Sangay began his visit in Australia with a talk at Sydney Opera House that was sold out. He spoke of the Tibetan self-immolation protests that number nearly 150, saying this is the “last resort Tibetans are left with, in the face of growing repression from China”.

Dr Sangay attended a TibetanChinese Friendship dinner. Around a dozen Chinese people – intellectuals, activists and students – attended the gathering, aimed at bringing the two communities closer through dialogue and understanding.

Later, addressing a gathering of former political prisoners, Dr Sangay reminded them of the need to continue to work for the Tibetan cause saying,

“Advocating for the Tibetan cause by the Tibetans (here) carries greater weight and significance since you are the very people who suffered and saw the tragic situation under the China’s rule first hand”.

Speaking to the Human Rights Sub Committee of the Australian Parliament, Dr Sangay appealed that “Any projects that China undertakes must be environmentally sustainable, culturally sensitive and economically beneficial to local Tibetans”.

Dr Sangay’s official visit to Australia ended on August 13 and a few days later, on August 23, he was welcomed by the Tibetan Cultural Association in Portland, USA. On August 25 he continued on to Seattle, where he visited the Sakya Centre to meet 150 members of the local Tibetan Community.

There Dr Sangay celebrated the Tibet Fest, an annual event organised by the Tibetan Association of Washington that

provides an opportunity to experience the cultural roots and contemporary influences of Tibet through performances, art, activities, food and games.

Addressing the festival, Dr Sangay spoke about the situation inside Tibet and the ongoing repressive policies adopted by the Chinese government, endangering the very existence of Tibetan religion, culture and identity.

On August 27 Dr Sangay travelled on to San Francisco where he addressed Tibetan parents, advising them to send their children to study Tibetan language and culture at the Weekend Tibetan Language and Culture School.

His visit also included several meetings with the mayor and council members of El Cerrito city. He thanked them for their continued help despite Chinese pressure and appealed to them to continue their support. Dr Sangay’s America tour continues, his next stop being Denver, Colorado.

Umbrella Activists Jailed

by Ben Byrne A Hong Kong court has jailed Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Alex Chow, leaders of the “Umbrella Movement,” the largest pro-democracy protests ever held in Hong Kong, which took place in the city in 2014. The protests brought thousands of people onto the streets of Hong Kong between September 26 and December 15 of that year. Though praised by the international media for their peaceful nature, the protests failed to bring about any changes to the political situation in Hong Kong.

Wong was branded as “the face of protest” by Time magazine in 2014 and has made regular international media appearances in the years since.

In 2016 Wong, along with Law and Chow, established Demosisto, a prodemocracy political party which calls for a referendum to determine Hong Kong’s sovereignty after 2047, when the agreement signed in 1997 between Hong Kong’s former colonial masters Great Britain and China expires.

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For their involvement in the 2014 protest the three men were initially given community service sentences which they duly completed. The authorities have now decided they should serve sentences ranging from six to eight months to deter them from any further activity. Wong’s last notable act of public dissent came in June when he was detained by police after climbing on the golden Bauhinia statue in Hong Kong to protest during a visit by Chinese Premier Xi Jinping.

Following his recent sentencing Wong tweeted: “They can silence protests, remove us from the legislature and lock us up. But they will not win the hearts and minds of Hong Kongers”. The three men will not be able to run for any political office for five years, as is the law, on account of being given prison sentences of longer than three months.

Wong, Law and Chow have received widespread support from international observers.

Sophie Richardson, China Director at Human 6

Rights Watch, called the action by the court “a craven political move to keep the trio out of the Legislative Council, as well as deter future protests”. Marco Rubio, the United States Republican Senator who met Wong in Washington in November 2016, attacked the court’s decision as “shameful and further evidence that Hong Kong’s cherished autonomy is precipitously eroding”. Rubio’s interest in the subject is likely to stem from investments his donors have in Hong Kong and their desire to maintain the status quo.

In the aftermath of the sentencing, tens of thousands of Hong Kongers took to the streets to decry the jailing of Wong, Law and Chow. Some protesters held up placards during the demonstration, one of the largest in recent years, that said “Shame on Rimsky”, referring to Justice Secretary Rimsky Yuen. Reuters reported earlier that Yuen had overruled other senior legal officials when they initially advised against pursuing prison terms for the three activists.

AUGUST 2017

NEWS & ISSUES

Taiwan Closes Tibet Commission Continued from page 1

phase-out bill at the end of this month.

Some of the commission’s functions will be absorbed by the newly expanded Department of Hong Kong, Macao, Mongolia and Tibet Affairs, part of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), which is the primary overseer of Taiwan’s diplomatic relations with Beijing. The rest of the bureau’s responsibilities, and the majority of its staff, are to be absorbed by the Ministry of Culture and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“At present, there are 49 staff members, six of whom will be reassigned to the MAC’s Department of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs, which will take a new name: the Department of Hong Kong, Macao, Mongolia and Tibet Affairs”, explained Hsu Jan-Yau, the current head of the MTAC. “The rest will go to the Culture Ministry’s new department, the Mongolian and Tibetan Cultural Centre,” he said.

Controversy has surrounded the Commission for many years, the Tibetan Review saying “The commission was previously accused of funding disaffected elements to

create a division within the Tibetan community in exile” and the Tibet Post reports that MTAC had, until the 1990s, “Been accused of bankrolling disgruntled groups and elements in the Tibetan community to create discord within it”.

The Post continues, “Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was reported to have argued that it was ‘no longer necessary’ to have a commission to deal with matters relating to Mongolians and Tibetans since Mongolia was now an independent country while Tibet was seeking to gain similar status”.

The closure was originally proposed by the DPP in the early 2000s, before being shelved due to disagreement over whether the regions should be considered foreign or mainland (Chinese) nations. One former official, Commissioner Kao Su-Po, noted that the fact that only six of the MTAC’s 49 employees are to be moved to the MAC suggests that the government no longer considers the regions to be part of the Chinese mainland. According to the Taiwanese constitution, however, the nations are still considered to be constituents of

the Republic of China.

The Post reports on concerns “that Tibetan refugees living in Taiwan have been left untreated and uncared for” but says that, “Recently it appears there is hope for Tibetans living in the country, as the issue was reportedly raised in Taiwan’s parliament and many parliamentarians expressed their concern for the situation of Tibetans”.

The 472 Mongolians and 648 Tibetans resident in Taiwan who are serviced by the existing MTAC will continue to receive such support from those agencies which are taking over the MTAC’s staff and responsibilities.

Established in 1636 under the Qing Dynasty as the Mongolian Bureau, the Commission was briefly tasked with encouraging rebellion against the Chinese Communists in the occupied regions during the period following the Chinese Civil War. It later promoted Mongolian and Tibetan migration to the island, in hopes that the migrants might be an asset upon Taiwan’s eventual recapture of the mainland, before assuming its current role as cultural ambassador in the late 1970s.

State of Emergency Declared in Eastern Tibet

by Jigme Wangchuk At least 19 people were killed on August 8 when an earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter scale hit Chengdu, Sichuan’s provincial capital in eastern Tibet. Paramilitary forces were immediately deployed to provide emergency care to the critically injured.

According to the authorities, at the time of writing the recorded death toll stands at 19 while 247 people have been seriously injured. Due to the proximity of the epicentre to the Jiuzhaigou nature reserve, a UNESCO world heritage site, visiting tourists were among the casualties.

The earthquake struck around 9:20 pm. The epicentre was located 284 kilometres north of Chengdu, Contact

as surveyed by the United States Geological Survey. Residents of Kyangtsa in the Ngaba prefecture were also affected, experiencing landslides and a power blackout across

Chinese paramilitary police helping a victim Photo: RFA

the region.The quake in Chengdu was followed by another measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale in Xinjiang on August 9. Xinjiang, or East Turkestan, is in north western China close to the border with Kazakhstan.

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The China Earthquake Administration has declared a Level 1 emergency.

Around 45,000 tourists were evacuated from the region; 1,000 were still waiting to be evacuated at the time of writing. Around 400 fire trucks, together with 1,100 firefighters were sent immediately to the affected areas. Generators were installed and rescue dogs were deployed to search for signs of life under the rubble.

Around 130,000 houses and properties were damaged by the quake.

Experts believe that the death toll might increase as the rubble is cleared.

This is not the first time the Sichuan province has experienced an earthquake on this scale. In 2008 an earthquake left more than 70,000 people dead.

AUGUST 2017

NEWS & ISSUES

Indian Citizenship for Tibetans

by Rohini Kejriwal Since 1959, when the Dalai Lama was forced to flee Tibet after a failed uprising against Chinese occupation, he sought asylum in India, and was accepted with open arms. The world figure and Tibetan spiritual leader has since had his residence in Dharamshala, which has also become a base for a government-in-exile and a hotbed for peaceful activism for Tibetan rights. Across India, over 100,000 Tibetans live across 39 formal settlements as well as numerous informal communities. Despite this, Tibetans do not have citizenship rights, which limits their access to bank loans, government jobs, and freedom of movement within and outside India; prevents them from owning land and property and forces them to live in fear of harassment, arrests and deportation.

In March 2017, the Delhi High Court declared that all Tibetans born in India between January 1950 and July 1987 are Indian citizens by birth, and can be issued passports instead of the refugee status they have had thus far. In June, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the authority issuing passports in India, mandated Tibetans seeking Indian passports under the Citizen Act of 1955 to forfeit any benefits from the Tibetan government-in-Exile, officialy known as Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), including living in a Tibetan refugee settlement.

To make matters worse, on July 5, the Kashag (Secretariat of the CTA) ordered all the Departments under it to stop issuing No Objection Certificate (NOC) or any letter of support to Tibetans applying for an Indian passport. According to this, a Tibetan who would like to apply for a passport must surrender their Registration Certificate (RC) and Identity Certificate (IC), which are the stay permit and travel document in India, at the Foreigner’s Registration Office (FRO) at the police station where it is issued and renewed. Further, the applicant should not be staying at any of the designated Tibetan Refugee Contact

Settlements. He/she must also declare on paper that they no longer enjoy CTA benefits or any privileges, including subsidies, which would have accrued to them by virtue of being a RC holder and that these have been surrendered.

These orders are apparently in violation of Article 8(2) of the Charter of the Tibetans-in-exile, which states: “Any exile Tibetan can seek citizenship of another country and still retain their Tibetan nationality provided they fulfil the five clauses of Article 13 [A Tibetan must: have faith in the CTA; respect and practice the Charter and the laws of the Ti b e t a n s in-exile; take part in the Tibetan freedom struggle; pay tax to the CTA as per the rules and fulfil responsibilities laid down by law at times of emergency for the CTA and the Tibetan public]. It is on this basis that Tibetans who are living in and have acquired citizenship of another country retain their Tibetan nationality.

The new rules are also said to be in violation of the Constitution of India.

These unlawful rules have made it a daunting task for Tibetans to acquire Indian passports, many of whom are left in limbo by the sudden policy change. More importantly, the issue of citizenship and rights is also an emotional one, with the community divided on the notions of home and identity.

Tenzin Tsundue, the Tibetan writer and activist said on Facebook “While it is legal for Tibetans born in India to seek citizenship rights in India, I think it’s wrong to take advantage of citizenship rights only for certain benefits as a few Tibetans are doing.

Changing one’s citizenship is a very serious moral and legal decision, especially when we know India is not a dual citizenship country.

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“It would be hypocrisy to say I remain Tibetan at heart but take the citizenship rights of India only for certain benefits. Emotionally we are as Indian as we are Tibetan. But after swearing in loyalty to India, the Tibetan loses his/her legitimate rights on Tibet that he/she is a descendent of.

The Tibetan Government-in-Exile is right in advising Tibetans to maintain their legal and cultural identity”.

Last year, when Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, former head of the Tibetan exile government was asked about possible ramifications for the Tibetan freedom movement of Tibetans taking citizenship of other countries by Tibet Sun, he replied, ‘There may not be huge or immense impact to the Tibetan movement. […] One’s own race or nation is always combined with that.

Then what the basic difference would be, is then the person can work as Tibet supporter, not as a Tibetan. As a Tibetan, I fight for my own rights.

And Tibet support groups, I support the Tibetan people for fighting for their rights. So this will be the difference.

Psychologically, there could be some ramifications, to work as a Tibetan, and as a Tibet supporter’.

Lobsang Rabsel, Deputy Director of Lha, speaking to Contact magazine said “I have three reasons why Tibetans shouldn’t take Indian Citizenship. If gradually, all Tibetans take Indian citizenship, the exile Tibetan government will not exist. The Chinese government is accusing His Holiness the Dalai Lama, saying that it is not legitimate for him, having left Tibet, to speak about Tibet’s cause. Soin that case we would all also lose that right to talk about Tibet and its movement if we take citizenship of other countries. Finally, some foreign countries automatically give citizenship to people after years of living in their country. But in India, Tibetans fight for Indian citizenship through a legal process. So there is a huge moral differences in getting that citizenship”.

AUGUST 2017

NEWS & ISSUES Renowned School for the Blind in Lhasa to Close

by Jigme Wangchuk The Chinese government has issued a directive which may lead to the shutdown of a renowned school for the blind in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, which is located inside the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR).

The Braille Without Borders preparatory school for the blind was established by Sabriye Tenberken and Paul Kronenberg in 1998. Since then, Tenberken’s initiative has been repeatedly lauded by the Chinese government. However, Tenberken, who was voted among 15 most influential overseas experts in China, confirmed that her establishment had been told by the Chinese government to discontinue its operation.

Tenberken, who became visually impaired herself at the age of 13, was quoted by Taiwan’s English-medium daily newspaper China Post on the development: “The Braille Without Borders preparatory school for the blind in Lhasa, as well as a vocational training farm five hours west of the city, could be shut down despite its

results having repeatedly been praised by authorities over the years”.

According to a new law passed in January, China has made it explicitly clear that foreign non government organisations (NGOs) must fall under the ambit of the Chinese government, ie, find government sponsors, register with the police and submit annual

Sabriye Tenberken with one of her students Photo: ZODculture

financial reports. Chinese President Xi Jinping has claimed that the crackdown on foreign NGOs serves national interest by curbing “foreign forces”.

The Tibetan syllable-based Braille system taught in the school was initially developed by Sabriye for her own use in her former occupation as a Tibetologist at Bonn University. Until then, a Tibetan script for the blind

had not been developed. Seeing that there were no programmes for the blind within the TAR, she decided to establish the rehabilitation centre with Paul Kronenberg, who is Dutch and who she met on her first trip to Tibet.

Sabriye Tenderken has said that the authorities have provided no explanation about the decision to close.

Both Tenderken and Kronenberg have expressed their consternation about what the future holds for the current students of the rehabilitation and training centre for the blind, and for the education of visually impaired people in the future.

In a span of 19 years, over 300 students have graduated from the school.

Before the school opened there was no provision for visually impaired people.

The school has received partial funding from the Tibet Disabled Persons’ Federation (TDPF), a branch of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF).

Through Tenderken and Kronenberg’s programme, many students of the school have been able to successfully assimilate themselves into society.

First Gathering of Russian Buddhists and Scientists

by Jigme Wangchuk Fear and suspicion are two elements that hinder mutual compassion said His Holiness the Dalai Lama, speaking at the first Russian scientists and Buddhist Scholars Dialogue held in New Delhi.

The five day session commenced on August 5 with a two day preliminary discussion between Russian scientists and Buddhist scholars. His Holiness, who has professed his keen interest in the relationship between science and Buddhism, said that he has been driven since childhood to study mechanical things and this is what sparked his interest in science.

“In the late 20th century and early 21st century more and more scientists have begun to find evidence that such experiences as meditation and mind training affect our brains in previously unforeseen ways—this is called Contact

neuroplasticity”, His Holiness said.

Professor Konstantin Anokhin from the PK Anokhin Institute of Normal Physiology, Moscow, gave his presentation, Unity of MindBrain: Holistic Approaches from the Russian Neuroscience of Higher Brain Functions. Anokhin’s discourse on consciousness was followed by Yuri Alexandrov’s Non-Disjunctive Approach to Consciousness and Emotion: a Culture-Specific View.

Tatyana Chernigovskaya, a Russian neuroscientist from St Petersburg University, spoke about how language and time have thrown more light on research into the nature of mind. His Holiness the Dalai Lama referred to Wolf Singer, a German neurophysiologist mentioned by Chernigovskaya in her earlier talk and said that the brain, having no central authority, reflected the Buddhist notion 9

of there being no independent self.

While the discussion largely revolved around the nature of consciousness, His Holiness briefly mentioned the dire situation of countries embroiled in tension. “The global economy and the effects of climate change are not limited by national borders. It’s the idea of ‘us’ and ‘them’ we have to restrain, because it so easily becomes the basis for violence. We have to educate people to understand that we are all part of humanity”, he said.

In conclusion, His Holiness urged Russian scientists to work with western scholars and Tibetan Buddhist scholars in the study of Buddhism and science saying, “Russian scholars have an immense knowledge of science. They should […] participate in the future. We could learn a lot from each other”.

AUGUST 2017

NEWS & ISSUES Himalayan Standoff Sparks a Media Storm

by Ben Byrne Speculation has been rife in the media that World War III is about to break out due to a standoff between Chinese and Indian troops on the Doklam plateau – an area at the confluence of Tibet, Bhutan and Sikkim, it is disputed territory normally recognised as Bhutanese but claimed by China. The standoff, sparked by a Chinese road construction project which encroached upon the territory of India’s staunch ally Bhutan, has been ongoing for over two months now. Each side has roughly two hundred troops stationed in the area which stands at an altitude ranging from 10,000 to 14,000 feet.

Various print and online publications have had a field day with an observation on the matter made by Hu Zhiyong, a research fellow at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences.

Zhiyong said “China will not allow the military standoff between China and India to last too long, and there may be a small-scale operation to expel Indian troops within two weeks”.

Subsequent headlines referring to Mr Zhiyong’s comments have included “Breaking: China Declares a FullScale India-China War very soon” in The Economic Times and “Doklam Standoff – China mulling “small scale military operation against India” on the Livemint website. The Indian Express and the United Kingdom based The Independent made the comments the centrepiece of major pieces on the issue. Despite this media frenzy, the impact of Mr Zhiyong’s thinking on official Chinese government policy, while not confirmed, is rumoured to be none. Questioned about Zhiyong’s comment, China’s Defence Ministry spokesman Sr Col Ren Guoqiang told an Indian delegation: “This kind of report represents the view of the media and think-tanks. For official information please refer to the statements of foreign ministry and defence ministry spokespersons”.

Meghnad Desai, a member of the British House of Lords and a known commentator on south Asian affairs Contact

has also thrown some scraps to the press vultures eager for war related click bait. Desai, who published a book entitled Hubris in 2015, confidently predicted a full-scale war between China and India “fought on multiple fronts – from the mountains of the Himalayas to the waters of the South China Sea”. The United States will back India, according to Desai, who was quoted in alarmist pieces published by The Financial Express, India Today and The Hindustan Times, among others. He did offer a word of caution to the “journalists” urgently jotting down his every utterance: “I am not a jyotisi [astrologer]”, he said.

Despite opting for an eye-catching title, Allison Fedirka offers a soberer analysis of the situation in her article for Business Insider, “China and India may be on a path to war”. This article points out that the terrain and the weather in the Doklam region are an anathema to war and that it would be a logistical nightmare to supply troops there due to transportation difficulties, particularly during the rainy and winter seasons. Fedirka writes: “saying there is a potential for war because a few hundred troops are in a standoff is an over simplification of what war would actually entail”.

This article also stresses that both the Chinese and Indian governments have more pressing concerns than Doklam. Modi’s government in India is trying to centralise government control and sustain economic growth whilst simultaneously dealing with the continued fallout from the demonetisation policy and the effort to move towards a cashless economy. China is in the process of transitioning from a booming manufacturing economy to a steady consumer economy. Chinese President Xi’s government is also dealing with rhetoric from US President Donald Trump regarding North Korea’s nuclear missile programme.

Away from the propaganda war playing out in the media, President Xi has made no public statements 10

with direct relation to the Doklam issue. In a recent speech to military personnel he said: “The People’s Liberation Army has confidence and capability in defeating all invading enemies and protecting China’s national sovereignty, security and development interests”. India Today reported on this as Xi’s sly way of calling the Indian army an invading force at Doklam, but the remarks seem to be standard fare for a leader addressing their country’s military.

Prime Minister Modi made passing reference to the events at the border during a speech at a conference, saying he was “confident that the solutions will be found through Asia’s oldest traditions of dialogue and debate”.

The two leaders are due to meet at a BRICS (an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit in Beijing in September.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, speaking to the Indian media, said, “There have been Chinese troops on the Indian border since the so-called liberation of Tibet where there were none before”. In a separate interview, speaking of China he said that the “Methods they employ give rise to fear. When there’s fear, there’s no trust and where there’s no trust how can you expect to create harmony or stability?”

The Tibetan Youth Congress held a rally in New Delhi to show support for India. The TYC President said the rally was to “highlight that Tibet’s independence is the safest guarantee for India’s security and peace along the Himalayas”.

Withdrawal of Troops August 29 The long military standoff between India and China at the India-Tibet border on the Doklam plateau is apparently reaching a conclusion.

After three months of armed military presence on both sides of the border, troops are to be withdrawn. Both sides have made announcements to that effect.

AUGUST 2017

Aug 31: Deportation for Tibetans Switzerland’s immigration officials have told 300 Tibetans to leave the country as they do not have proper documents to seek asylum there. The information came after a meeting between Swiss and Tibetan officials in Zurich. Switzerland is home to the world’s largest exile population of Tibetans outside India. According to the Tibetan Government-in-exile, currently there are over four thousand Tibetans living in Swiss.

Aug 30: HH Expresses Sympathy His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetans and Buddhists around the world, expressed sadness and sympahty towards the loss of lives and properties in Texas in the United States following the storm there.

He said that his thoughts are with the people of Texas.

Aug 29: Picnickers Assaulted A group of Tibetan villagers enjoying a picnic on their land near Gorum village in Draggo, Sichuan were assaulted by 30 Chinese police. When the village head questioned their actions he and the rest of the Tibetans were beaten.Ten people were hospitalised. An appeal has been launched but no response is reported to date.

Aug 26: E-Summit The first Entrepreneurship Summit, or E-Summit, has taken place in Hyderabad, organised by SUMVN and NucleusTech. The Finance Kalon [Minister] Mr Karma Yeshi spoke, highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship and its benefits to the community, business ethics and moral responsibility.

Aug 24: Book Release A new collection of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s talks to college students in India and across the globe, translated into Chinese, has been released. The Contact

Tibetan Headlines

book is published on behalf of the Taiwan Office of Tibet; it is the 15th such book and they are all available free of charge in Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.

Aug 22: Healthcare Initiative A new volunteer initiative by a group of healthcare professionals in Bangalore has been launched to create awareness of preventative healthcare measures and will be accessible to patients in hospitals in Bangalore.

Health Kalon [Minister] Choekyong Wangchuk launched the initiative, which was formed under the guidance of the Health Department at the Central Tibetan Administration.

NEWS & ISSUES Aug 10: Population Restrictions The Chinese Communist Party has announced, via the Chinese state run Global Times, that the population of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, is to be restricted to below 500,000 by 2020 and its urban land to 78 square kilometres (30 square miles). The current population is around 560,000 of whom 92% are Tibetans.

Aug 18: Film Award The Tibetan film Pawo [or martyr, in Tibetan] has won the Best Director for a Feature at the Revolution Me Film Festival 2017. Pawo was directed by Marvin Litwak and Sonam Tsetan.

The actors are all Tibetan and it tells the story of Jamphel Yeshi who selfimmolated in 2012 in protest against China’s continued rule in Tibet.

Aug 8: New Books for Children The Tibetan Government-in-Exile has launched 40 new books for early grade reading. Education Kalon [Minister] Ngodup Tsering suggested that, “Parents should gift books to children to cultivate a reading habit”.

The books form an element of the Early Grade Reading project which is funded by USAID through The Tibet Fund.

Aug 17: Prospects and Challenges The Young Tibetan Research Scholar’s Conference is underway at the College for Higher Tibetan Studies at Sarah near Dharamshala.

The three-day conference is organised by the Tibet Policy Institute and was inaugurated by Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, the President of the Central Tibetan Administration. Around 40 young Tibetan research scholars from across India are taking part.

Aug 4: Visit Postponed HH the Dalai Lama’s forthcoming visit to Carolina in the United States has been postponed until April next year. His Holiness is particularly interested in visiting The Triangle in Piedmont, a centre for universities and high-tech companies undertaking scientific and health care research. The visit was instigated by Nancy McFarlane, the Mayor of Raleigh.

Aug 15: Independence Day Indian Independence Day was marked by the Tibetan community in India with a flag raising ceremony at the Kashag (Tibetan Cabinet) Secretariat in Dharamshala. The Indian National Anthem was sung.

Sikyong Sangay said: “No country has done more than what India and the people of this great country has done for Tibetans”.

Aug 4: Lobbying Parliament A delegation from the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile is in Delhi, meeting Indian parliamentarians to discuss the urgent situation inside Tibet and to lobby for support. They met 18 members of the six political parties of India, who assured them that they keep regular tabs on Tibet issues because of the significance for India.

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AUGUST 2017

NEWS & ISSUES

International Headlines

Aug 31: Border Reclaimed Iraq has reopened its border with Jordan, only recently cut off by the Islamic State.

Its reopening has also been welcomed

by Jordan, for which the crossing was an important trade route. “Life is returning to Iraqi cities and border areas after the heroic armed forces’ victories in liberating territory, extending the state’s sovereignty and defeating the terrorist gangs,” Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, said.

Aug 29: A “Fundamental Right” India’s LGBT community now lawfully has the right to express their sexuality without discrimination. The Supreme Court ruling paves the way for discriminatorypractices against LGBT people to be challenged. The judgement read, “Discrimination against an individual on the basis of sexual orientation is deeply offensive to the dignity and self-worth of the individual”.

Aug 28: Storm!

Tropical Storm Harvey has hit Houston in Texas in the United States. Around 2,000 people have been rescued and there are reports of possible deaths in submerged vehicles. The National Weather Service says conditions are “unprecedented”. Around 250 roads have been closed and a federal disaster has been declared.

Aug 25: Self Censorship Publishers at the Beijing Book Fair this week have admitted to “self censorship” to avoid their books being banned by the Chinese government. This comes after Cambridge University Press’s removal of 300 articles at Beijing’s request. One publisher in Beijing said, “You don’t mention the three ‘Ts’: Tiananmen, Tibet and Taiwan”.

Aug 24: Humanitarian Crisis Yemen is suffering what the United Nations is calling the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Nearly three million Yemenis are internally displaced and 540,000 have cholera. More than half of Contact

all health facilities have closed, leaving 15 million people without access to healthcare, and seven million Yemenis are starving.

Aug 22: Publishing Outcry The world renowned publishing house, Cambridge University Press, blocked over 300 politically sensitive articles from its Chinese website, at China’s request, saying it wants to ensure that its other published materials remain available in China. Following an outcry from academics and activists the articles have been reinstated.

Aug 21: Pop Music in Kabul Afghan pop star Aryana Sayeed performed in a concert in the country’s capital Kabul, attended by hundreds of young people, despite threats of an attack. Ms Sayeed is known for her long hair and figure-hugging outfits, which are seen as taboo by many in Afghanistan.

Aug 20: Flood Disaster Seasonal flooding in south Asia is affecting over 16 million people and has left 500 dead. The floods are affecting Nepal, Bangladesh and India and the situation is expected to get worse. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have flagged it as one of the worst regional humanitarian crises in years.

Aug 17: Rape Loophole Closed Lebanon has scrapped Article 522 of the penal code – a law which allowed rapists exemption from punishment if they married their victim. Women’s rights activists have been long campaigning for this repeal. Similar legislation has recently been stopped in Tunisia and Jordan but remains in Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya and Syria.

Aug 16: Plea for Help Sierra Leone has issued a plea for international aid for the thousands of people hit by mudslides in the capital Freetown. Entire communities have been wiped out and the President said the “devastation was overwhelming us”.

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Part of Sugar Loaf mountain collapsed on the town early on Monday following heavy rain.

Aug 15: Website Expelled GoDaddy and Google have expelled the United States neo-Nazi website the Daily Stormer after disparaging remarks were published on the site about Heather Heyer, a woman who died during recent protests in Virginia. She was taking part in a protest against a white supremacist “Unite the Right” march in Charlottesville when a car rammed into the protestors.

Aug 10: Wildfires in Greenland Wildfires are burning on Greenland’s west coast close to the icefield. Fires are rare on Greenland where 80% of the land is covered by ice, but experts believe that at least some of the current fires are burning in peat that could have dried out in the current higher temperatures.

Aug 5: Whales in Danger An increase in the number of right whale deaths this month in the Gulf of St Lawrence off the coast of Canada has been deemed “catastrophic” for the species. There is concern that global warming may be causing changes to feeding grounds. Only three calves are known to have been born this season.

Aug 4: Harvard For the first time in its 380-year history, the American university Harvard has a new student intake with more non-white than white people. 22% will be Asian Americans, 15% African Americans, 15% Hispanic or Latino and 2.5% Native American or Pacific Islanders. Harvard has educated more US presidents than any other university.

Aug 3: Apple Capitulates Apple is to comply with the Chinese government’s demand that it remove Virtual Private Network (VPN) software from its App Store. VPNs can be used to skirt censorship and surveillance. Apple has been heavily criticised for removing the VPN apps and has been accused of “aiding Chinese censorship efforts”.

AUGUST 2017

DHARAMSHALA VOICES

“Empower Us”:Towards an Inclusive Society

by Tenzin Dadon Blind People live in the world of “…………………………..”

The first word that must have come immediately to the majority of people’s minds would be “Darkness”.

I ask why not? Blind people live in a world of ‘sound’, or ‘touch’, or ‘creativity’, or ‘care’, or, most importantly, ‘trust’.

Clearly when our thinking is blinded by stereotypes and false notions how can our society progress towards inclusion?

“People in our community need to understand that disability doesn’t mean that persons with disabilities are handicapped, there is so much that we can do. If you could just spend a day or two with us, you would definitely see.”

These are the words of Mr Tenzin Norbu who is currently working as an instructor at the Tibetan Handicapped Children’s Craft Centre (Nyingtop-ling, in Tibetan) at Sidhpur in Dharamshala.

Mr Norbu has partial visual impairment by birth and as his age grew so did his trouble with vision. He says he can’t remember having a father but at the tender age of 13 years old he lost his mother. His only sister started working at a carpet factory in Nepal after their mother died.

Norbu started going to Namgyal primary school in Swoyambhu, Nepal and did his schooling up to sixth grade.

Reading became difficult without proper assistive devices and he decided not to go for further study. Fortunately for him Mrs Rinchen Khando (the sister in law of His Holiness the Dalai Lama) while visiting the school came to know about Norbu and admitted him to the National Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH) in Dehradhun. It was at NIVH that Norbu learnt chalk making, candle making, chair caning and various other skills. While at NIVH he was inspired to learn Braille from Mr Tsewang, his vocational teacher, who has complete visual impairment himself. Norbu says it’s a shame that he has forgotten Braille

after all these years because it is never used in Tibetan society.

After working for seven years – making chalk for schools – at a Vocational Training Centre in Mussoorie which was under the administration of Tibetan Homes Foundation, he came to Dharamshala. He wanted to live an independent life. With seed money of INR 50,000 ($780; £600) from the Department of Finance at the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, he started a prayer flag selling business. He used to sell prayer flags outside the Temple gate or gate of the Library at a minimum profit of Rs 10 (15 cents; 12 pence) for each set of five flags that he sold. When his partner (an elderly lady or Amala as they are called in Tibetan) died he had to give up this business as it was really difficult

for him to do the cutting, printing and stitching as well as selling the flags.

After staying jobless for some time, he heard about a vacancy at the Tibetan Handicapped Children’s Craft centre.

He applied for the job and is particularly proud of his appointment there because he did not use his family connections – as so many people do – to get the job. He wanted to do it on his own merit alone and feels this is an achievement which shows that a person with disability can have high aspirations and self esteem.

Norbu is now 49 years old. He started working at the institute with a monthly wage of INR 1,000 ($15.5, £12), and continues still with a minimal wage now of about INR 5,000 ($78; £60). But he says there is so much satisfaction in his job which has nothing to do with the

administration – his students are his sole inspiration and this is what keeps him going. Everyone loves him there. He says that all students there are different and he knows how to cater to the needs of each one of them. “You just need to understand them, get to know them”, he says.

At Nyingtop-ling some children and young adults have physical impairments which are visible, but it is difficult to understand the others who have mental impairment. Throughout their lives they have been treated as being mad or as though they are a vegetable, and thus are neglected. In Tibetan society, a stereotype which is still so prevalent is that mental impairment is equivalent to being ‘MAD’ which is not true and thus many parents try to hide their children and opt for segregation rather than inclusion, fearing this label.

It was under Norbu’s initiative that a separate activity of candle making was started in the institute. He feels that it is a shame that this activity is only regarded as a source of income at the time of Gaden Nyamchoe – the anniversary of the death of the great Buddhist scholar Jhe Tsonkhapa – when everyone lights candles and offers butter lamps in the evening as a symbol of brightening his path. Usually candle making is not given so much importance at the institute or included in the daily schedule. Norbu feels that people with disabilities are still considered a charity model in our community. He feels that there should be a proper class schedule and some form of assessment to test the progress of these students so that we can make these young adults independent and self-reliant.

It is high time that our community should have proper assistive devices and start heading towards inclusion. Inclusive schools and inclusive employment opportunities are a must. “Empower us”, says Norbu, “for we too are productive members of this society”.

Every month we feature somebody from the Tibetan community on our Dharamshala Voices page.

You can read more Dharamshala Voices stories on the Contact website: http://www.contactmagazine.net/dharamasla-life/ The People stories on the Dharamshala Voices page online tell the stories of the people who make up the Tibetan exile community in Dharamshala and elsewhere, as well as the stories of Lha students and volunteers, told in their own words.

Contact

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AUGUST 2017

LHA NEWS AND PROJECTS

Professor Samdhong Rinpoche Teaches in South Korea

by Charlotte Wigram-Evans His Eminence Professor Samdhong Rinpoche arrived in South Korea on August 4, where over the following ten days he gave a series of teachings and visits as well as a media interview, at the request of devotees in the country.

His busy schedule began on August 5 in the city of Ulsan, with a talk to group of devotees. During the presentation, he pointed out that it would not be right to follow the Buddha’s teachings by blind faith alone, but that one must study and reflect on them.

That evening he gave a teaching on Atisha’s text The Lamp of the Path to Enlightenment, a lesson that continued into the following day. His Eminence discussed the practices of a great capable person, emphasising that this capabability stems from renouncing material objects and developing great compassion for all sentient beings.

On August 7 His Eminence Rinpoche travelled on to Seokcheonsa

Temple in Yeosu city, where he discussed with the Temple’s Abbot and staff members an ongoing project to translate the Kagyur [bkaḥ-ḥgyur] and Tangyur [bstan-ḥgyur] into Korean. He gave detailed guidance and advice on the translation, and

his stay at the temple continued with lengthy teachings the following day.

On the practices of the three capable persons he stated: “Practicing the teachings is not merely reading a text, reciting a mantra, and making supplication prayers, instead it is to direct the mind away from attachment, hatred and ignorance, and thus make improvement to one’s mind”.

His Eminence’s next stop, on August 9, was Gwangseong Temple in Busan city, and at the request of devotees he gave a teaching on Jey Tsongkhapa’s text Praise to the Buddha for Teaching Dependent Arising. He then continued on to the capital, Seoul to present on The Essence of Wisdom, attended by a large number of Korean monks, nuns and lay people.

His Eminence stayed in the capital until the end of his visit, flying back to Delhi on August 15. Before he departed he gave a teaching at Haengbok Seon nunnery, where he said: “The purpose of religions is to remove sufferings and to attain happiness. Even those who do not know a religion do have the thought to remove sufferings and to attain happiness”.

Finally, the popular Buddhist Broadcasting System (BBS) TV invited His Eminence for an interview and where he was questioned at length about the Tibet cause.

Sharing Civic Experience: NGOs and Global Citizenship Education

by Dorlo Two members of staff from the Tibetan social work non-government organisation (NGO) Lha Charitable Trust, general secretary Dorji Kyi and Contact magazine editor Tenzin Samten, participated in a workshop entitled Sharing Civic Experience: NGO and Global Citizenship Education.

The workshop was organised by the Global Education Centre at the national Chiao Tung University in Taiwan, New Zealand Centre for Global Studies and Paulo Freire Institute from August 22 - 25. The four-day workshop asked 35 participants from ten countries to present their work — work that empowers their community and beyond.

Dorji Kyi spoke briefly on the history of Tibet, the current status of Tibetans in Tibet and in exile, and about Lha’s projects. “It was an exceptionally overwhelming experience to share the story of Tibet with an audience who had little knowledge about Tibet yet was very Contact

much interested to know more,” said Dorji Kyi. Apart from the NGO representatives, there were three main speakers who spoke on topics relating to global citizenship education, social movements, NGOs responsibilities, managing volunteers and responsibility regarding climate change. The speakers were Carlos Torres,

UNESCO Chair in Global learning and Global Citizenship Education and professor at the University of California; Lucas Welter, chief organisation development officer of AFS intercultural programmes in the United States and Adrian Macey, board chair of New Zealand’s Centre for Global Studies.

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The Global Citizenship Education Centre at National Chiao Tung University (NCTU-GCEC) is the first research centre focusing on global citizenship education in Taiwan. The mission of the centre is to develop the research and pedagogy of global citizenship education in Taiwan, and to establish an exchange platform for research and social practice in global citizenship education in the Asian Pacific.

“As a Tibetan refugee living in India, most of the time we are engrossed in our own problems, but through this workshop, I got the opportunity to listen to NGO representatives from neighbouring countries and see the extent of the social service they do and what kind of problems they face in their respective countries. There are so many problems everywhere and global citizen education is a timely reminder that we all have to work together as global citizens of this world in resolving today’s challenges”, said Tenzin Samten.

AUGUST 2017

LHA NEWS AND PROJECTS Cultural Exchange

On August 24, Lha Charitable Trust students and staff welcomed a group of 11 students and two professors from Tulane University’s School of Social Work who visited us under our Cultural Exchange Programme.

The group is here in Dharamshala for over two weeks to learn about Tibet and its culture. They have visited Tibetan institutes, museums and the temple to learn about the Tibetan political situation, Tibetan medicine, culture, language and tradition. At the same time they participated in our

Students from Tulane School of Social Work are introducted to Lha’s language students

mutual learning program, helping our Tibetan students to improve their English while gaining first hand knowledge of Tibet.

The group visited Bir Tibetan settlement and the Ningmapa Monastery to experience the daily rituals and lifestyle of Tibetan monks there and joined the monks in some of their rituals and meditation sessions.

They also visited Tso Pema, a small Tibetan and Indian community situated near a sacred lake high in the mountains where monks and nuns live in hermitages while on spiritual retreat.

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 Jigme Wangchuk from Bir Tibetan settlement in Himachal Pradesh, India tells us his story.

Unlearning in Dhasa, learning with Lha Volunteer Job at Lha: Contact news writer Hi all. My name is Jigme Wangchuk and I have volunteered to write news for Contact Magazine. I recently left my job because I wanted to pursue things beyond my ken. Wanting to learn a little Francais, I signed up for lessons at Lha and realised that I could also contribute effectively just like so many people I admire have done in the past and are doing now. Also, since I temporarily declared myself as an invalid to the hectic culture of work and competition, I wanted to feel a little more than just useless.

I was born in Bir, a village not so far away from here. When I was little, I frequented Dharamsala with my grandmother who circled the Lha Gye hill three times a day. It was a sleepy town before, but it made quite an impression to anyone who visited. Childhood memories turned into occupation. I think that if we’re helping someone who has realised the importance of an occupation, it’s a noble thing to do as a human being.

I am glad that I am grasping French, someone else is reading German, another Tibetan, one Chinese and ultimately everybody understanding one another in English.

By writing for Contact Magazine which establishes an intimate relationship with the Tibetan community, I hope that our stories

will grow together with the growth of the magazine itself. Writing enables us to understand the depth of a certain perception and challenge it with our own. It is no different for Contact which scrutinises writings that come off as an opinion of the writer him/herself. So much of our courage is borne by words; it has enabled me to understand and serve.

There are raging trends around the world which encourage shallow thinking; I myself do sometimes. It betrays every concept we believed as a child: Freedom, love and humanity. If people think we must live with each other and make the most of it and if they’re doing it in Dharamsala, that is a wonderful thing.

Contact magazine is published by Lha Charitable Trust

Lha Charitable Trust is an award-winning, grassroots, non-profit organisation and one of the largest Tibetan social work institutes based in Dharamshala, India. Lha has been striving to provide vital resources for Tibetan refugees, local Indian communities, and people from the Himalayan regions for over 18 years. Lha was registered as a charitable trust by the Indian Government in 2005.

For more information, please visit www.lhasocialwork.org To keep up to date with news of what’s happening in Tibet and in the Tibetan exile community, follow Contact magazine online at www.contactmagazine.net Facebook: Contact News / Twitter: Contact News Contact

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AUGUST 2017

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 conducting 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 Association of Tibet is an organisation of former political prisoners of Tibet and former activists currently in exile that engages in their complete assistance from medical, financial, basic education and vocational training. It also organises lobby and advocacies about human rights abuses in 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.

L O C AT I O N : S i d h p u r, Dharamshala PHONE:9882144210 EMAIL: info@norbulingka.org WEB:www.norbulingka.org

AUGUST 2017

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 that 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 Dharamshala 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

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

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 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: 4:00am (Rs 554), 6pm (Rs 580), 7:30 pm (Rs 570) Semi Deluxe Bus: 5pm (Rs 590) , 6:30pm (Rs 590) Full Deluxe Bus: (Rs683) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8:15 am (Rs 1243), 5:35pm (Rs 1275), 7:00pm (Rs 1275), 8:50pm (Rs1275) AC TATA: 5:50pm (Rs 972) AMRITSAR: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs257) *from Dharamshala DEHRADUN: Ordinary Bus: 2pm (Rs 560) 8pm (Rs 551); VOLVO: 7pm (Rs 1199) MANALI: Ordinary Bus: 7:10am (Rs358 *from Dharamshala / VOLVO: 11:30 pm (Rs 782) PATHANKOT: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs 136) * from Dharamshala SHIMLA: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs 408), 6am (Rs 360), 7:50am (Rs 375), 8:am (Rs 520) 7:45 pm (Rs 363), 12pm (Rs 367) *from Dharamshala, Semi-Deluxe Bus: 9:30pm (Rs455) *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.

TA X I S 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

AUGUST 2017

activities and information UPCOMING EVENTS September 2, 2017: Democracy day of Tibet October 3 - 6, 2017 : His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teaching in Dharamshala (refer to www. dalailama.com) October 2, 2017: Mahatma Gandhi Birthday October 13 - 15, 2017: Tibet Film Festival October 20, 2017: Mahtma Gandhi’s Birthday

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: 921-842-2467/9882255047

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

Siddhartha Retreat and Yoga Centre LOCATION: Upper Bhagsu PHONE: 098165-65138 WEB: www.shivamneelkant.yoga.com

MASSAGE Nature Cure Health Club

Shiatsu massage LOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka, Jogiwara Road PHONE: 07833047078 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

Om Massage Centre

LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, Opposite the Green Hotel, Mcleod Ganj PHONE:7018483961/9857999373 EMAIL: kunsangdolma75@gmail.com

Dorjee Spa LOCATION: Pema Thang Guest house, Hotel Bhagsu Road PHONE:9816393673 / 9857108408 WhatsApp: 9816393673

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

Shivan Neel Kanth Yoga

WEBSITE:www.shivamneelkant.yoga.com LOCATION: Bhagsu Nag, Near High Sky PHONE: 09816565138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@yahoo.co.in

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

Indian Cooking and Knitting with Ms Rita Kapoor LOCATION: Old German Bakery, 1st Floor, Room No. 2, Opp. Buddha Hall, Bhagsunag PHONE: 94592-06586

Indian Cooking Classes

LOCATION:Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guesthouse HOURS: 10:00am-6:00pm PHONE: 07833047078 / 0988230136 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

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

COMPUTER CLASSES Tibetan Career Centre, Dharamshala LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj HOURS: 9:00am-6pm PHONE: 9882321424 /9880969175 Email at : yesheadconsultant@tibet.net

Lha Charitable Truse

LOCATION: Near Dolma Chowk, Mcleod Ganj PHONE: 9882323455 / +91 (0)1892 -220992 WEB: www.lhasocialwork.org

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LANGUAGES Tibetan Language Class

Contact: Lha office at Mcleod Ganj Phone : 9882323455 / 9805881883 Teacher : Lobsang Damchoe

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: Hotel India House, Bhagsu Rd 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 Tibet Museum

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

Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression

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

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

AUGUST 2017

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:

tibet.net - official website of the Central Tibetan Administration in exile phayul.com -Phayul is published in Dharamshala,has opinion, reviews, photos, etc contactmagazine.net - Contact magazine online 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 thetibetpost.com - Tibet Post International online news tibetexpress.net - Tibet Express online news 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:

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 nongovernmental organisation and a research centre to protect the human rights of Tibetan people and promote the principles of democracy tibetanyouthcongress.org - an international non-governmental 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 - Website of the 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 tibetanjournal.com - Tibetan Journal - news, reviews and opinions

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.

Interested in a Tibetan Homestay?

Is Arriving in India a Nightmare?

Thinking about Volunteering?

Lha Charitable Trust can arrange homestays of one month with a Tibetan refugee family. By sharing day-to-day life with a Tibetan family you will have an opportunity to experience Tibetan culture at first hand as well as making friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

Accommodation, breakfast and dinner included.

Next time you come, use the Lha Reception service at Delhi airport.

We will meet you at the airport, look after you in Delhi and give you a safe place to stay while you wait for your overnight bus to McLeod. We’ll put you on the bus and make sure you are on the right seat! Use our service especially when you are arriving late at night or early morning.

Lha offers you the opportunity to share your knowledge and skills while gaining practical experience with a social work organisation – good for your CV as well as being fun and interesting! Lha volunteers develop friendships as well as learning at first handabout the issues facing the Tibetan refugee community.

Find out more! Call into the Lha office, see Map # 1 Contact

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AUGUST 2017

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Drop-in Classes/ Weekly Courses/ Reiki Course & Treatment Teacher Training Course (200 hours) Map#26

Mobile no: 988222502 - Surinder

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Black Magic Building (underground), Jogiwara Road, Map #4 McLeod Ganj Phone: 9857011101

Shivam Yoga Meditation Retreat 10 Days

Nature Cure Health Club

Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House - Map #23 Mobile: 07833047078 /09882320136 / Email: mahinder_m@ hotmail.com 20+ yrs’ experience: Swedish massage courses & treatment, Zen Shiatsu courses, treatment, reflexology treatment, SPA, Singing Bowl Treatment and many more!

Teacher Training since 27 yrs in east & west

TIBETAN OM MASSAGE THERAPY

Yogi Shivam 0091-0-9816565138 at upper bagsu nag next to namste café, 2km, beautifull, peaceful location, Rooms, Veg food

website: www.ShivamneelkantYoga.com Email: yogi_shivam@yahoomail.co.in Facebook : ShivamNeelkanthYogakendra

Bhagsu Road, Opp.Green Hotel Mcleod Ganj - Map #27 Email: kunsangdolma75@gmail / Mobile : 7018483961 / 9857999373

I) COURSES

• Thai Massage ( 90 minutes for 3 days - Rs 4500 ) • Traditional /Ayurvedic Acupressure (90 minutes for 3 days - Rs 4500 ) • Litho Us Therapy (60 minutes for 3 days - Rs 4000) • Deep Tissue (90 minutes for 2 days - Rs 3000) • Swedish Massage (90 minutes for 2 days - Rs 2000) • Foot Reflexology (90 minutes for 1 day - Rs 2000) • Back Massage (120 minutes for 1 day - Rs 2000) • Head Massage (90 minutes for 1 day - Rs 1500) • Chair Massage (90 minutes for 1 day - Rs 1500) • Yoga Classes (5 days course - Rs 1000)

II) MASSAGES

Daily Program

Meditation 7:30 am -8:30 am Yoga 8:30 am - 9:30 am Hatha yoga Ashtanga Yoga 2 pm to 3:30pm 7pm to 8pm Contact

website: www.himachaldentist.com Email: dr.rahultandon@gmail.com Appointment/Emergency call: 9418462936

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• Lithos Therapy ( 70 minutes - Rs 1600) • Thai Massage ( 60 minutes - Rs 1500) • Deep Tissue Massage ( 60 minutes - Rs 1300) • Compresss Therapy ( 60 minutes - Rs 1300 ) • Kerala Traditonal Massage ( 60 minutes - Rs 1000) • Swedish Massage (60 minutes - Rs 1000 / 90 minutes - Rs 1500) • Reflexology ( 30 minutes - Rs 600) • Chair Massage ( 30 minutes - Rs 600) • Baliness Back Massage ( 30 minutes - Rs 500) •Ayurvedic Head Massage ( 30 minutes - Rs 500)

AUGUST 2017

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Contact

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AUGUST 2017

advertisements Map not to scale

Map of McLeod Ganj showing locations of places of interest

BHAGSU NAG

See advertisement pages for details of advertisers TIPA

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DHARAMKOT

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26

Vipassana Centre

Naddi Village Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

15

Tushita Centre

McLEOD GANJ

22

MAIN SQUARE

3

Cantt Police Post

25 Main Bazaar

2

27

20

28

1

24

6

23

4

Lha

12

11

10

5

16

29 14

13

Road to Dharamshala

1. Lha Headquarters and Tibet Fair Trade 2. Namgyal Cafe (at Om Hotel) 3. Common Ground Cafe 4. Dr Mobile, Woeser Bakery 5. Black Tent Cafe 6. Carpe Diem Restaurant 10. Perfect 32 Dental Clinic 11. Hotel Ladies’ Venture 12. 8 Auspicious Him View Hotel 13. Ahimsa House and 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 Library 18. LRZTP Tibetan Language Programme 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. Smile Dental Clinice & Implant Center 26. Himalayan Yoga Retreat 27. Om Massage Centre 28. Chapri Handicrafts 29. Dorjee Spa

19

17 18

Road to Dharamshala

Our specialty: Chocolate Vegan cake, Gluten free cake, Fresh Coffee Beans, cappaccino, Chocolate chilli lollipop 9am to 7pm - Closed on Monday

Below “Black Magic Hotel” on Jogiwara Rd -Map#4

Enjoy traditional Taiwanese and Chinese food and peaceful environment, just one minute from the Bus Stand, just behind Asian Plaza! (Map # 3)

NEED A DENTIST?

To advertise here, Contact Lha office at Temple Road, McLeod Ganj

For all your dental requirements under one roof, in a sterile and state of the art clinic

Dr Natasha Mehra @ Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Location: Near Hotel Mount View Jogiwara Rd, McLeod Map #10 Call: 09218742046 Email: perfect32dentalclinic@gmail.com

Lhamo’s Croissant

To advertise here, Contact Lha office at Temple Road, McLeod Ganj

Vegetarian and Vegan Food

Bakery, Coffee shop, Gluten Free and Fresh seasonal juices and salads

Roof top terrace with stunning views

Bhagsu Road, just after Tibetan Settlement Office Map#15 Contact

22

AUGUST 2017

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Smile Dental Clinic & Implant Center

Oppo. Walia Medical Store Near State Bank of India ATM, Mcleod Ganj. MOBILE NO: 7018354594 / 8629011445 Map#25 website: smiledentalclinicmcleodganj.com

Ocean of Harmony Programmes for Wellbeing For upcoming events, visit www.oceanofharmony.org Meditation Intensives For intensive trainings Meditation Therapies around the world (any country) Intensive Yoga Courses/Retreats contact: Shalu Patel Stress Management (experienced & qualified life Integrated Healing Therapies and wellness coach for Wellness Retreats international trainings)

Phone: (+91) 9979894585 Email: ohlifeandwellness@gmail.com

To advertise here, Contact Lha office near Dolma Chowk, opposite State Bank of India, McLeod Ganj Contact numbers: 9882323455 Contact

23

AUGUST 2017

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 Dorji Kyi Circulation Manager Lobsang Rabsel Published by Lha Charitable Trust Web: www.lhasocialwork.org www.contactmagazine.net www.samdhongrinpoche.com Phone: 91(0)1892-220992 Email:editor@contactmagazine.net Facebook: ContactNews Twitter: @ContactTibet Printed at Imperial Printing, Dharamshala Phone: 222390 Email:ippdsala@gmail.com