Contact August 2014 by Lha Charitable Trust

འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།

www.contactmagazine.net

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contact

A Free Monthly Publication For Tibetan Issues & Community Information Rgd No. HPENG/2013/51798

Western Politicians Persuaded to Subscribe to China Propaganda By Rohini Kejriwal China has persuaded world leaders and politicians to sign the “Lhasa Consensus,” a document which undermines what the Dalai Lama stands for and the Central Tibetan Administration’s Middle-Way Approach, and paints a picture of Tibetan life in Tibet which is contrary to reports from international human rights organisations. The document was produced at the end of a two-day symposium in Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, at the Fourth Forum on the Development of Tibet. The Forum saw China’s muchcriticised development policy in Tibet

The forum in Lhasa Photo: Xinhua

being praised by over one hundred foreign delegates who attended from across 30 countries, including China, India, Britain and the United States. The document implies that the participants unanimously agree that what they have seen in Tibet differs radically from what the 14th Dalai Lama and the “Dalai clique” have Continued on page 6

Volume: XVI Issue: 7

31 AUGUST 2014

Peaceful Protesters Shot by Security Forces in Sershul By Annapurna Mellor Five Tibetans have now died after being shot by Chinese police during

Tibetans shouting slogans at the protest in Denma Shugpa village, Sershul, Kardze Photo: RFA

protests which took place in Kardze in eastern Tibet on August 12. Chinese police opened fire on the unarmed crowd and four people have since died in detention after being denied medical treatment for their gunshot injuries. The fifth man, a 22year-old Tibetan, committed suicide in the detention centre in protest against the denial of medical treatment for his fellow detainees. The dates of their deaths are unknown, however the bodies of three of the men: Tsewang Gonpo, 60, Yeshe, 42, and Jinpa Tharchin, 18 were returned to their families on August 18, six days after the protests. Distraught over her husband’s death, Jinpa Tharchin’s wife, who was seven months pregnant, hanged herself and died on the same day. The protests took place in the village of Denma Shugpa, a day after

the village leader Wangdak, 45, was taken from his home at midnight by Chinese police. Wangdak had complained to the local authorities about the harassment of local Tibetan women by senior Chinese officials at a cultural performance in the village. The community had been forced to host the performance during a visit by the officials to Sershul County, in Kardze, which is in the traditional Tibetan province of Kham. After Wangdak complained to the authorities, he was accused of holding an illegal traditional Tibetan horse festival at which incense was lit and prayer offerings were made. Wangdak, a highly respected village leader, has a reputation for standing up for the poor and for victims of harassment. Over a hundred protesters gathered outside the centre where Wangdak was detained, calling for his release, but the Chinese authorities sent in security forces who used tear gas and opened A victim’s gunshot wounds fire into Photo: RFA the crowd, resulting in the severe injury of 12 Tibetans. The injured included Wangdak’s son and brother. It is reported that after the protestors dispersed over a hundred people were detained, including 30 monks, and that 15 people were Continued on page 6

about lha & contact

Lha Charitable Trust

Institute for Social Work & Education Mission Statement:

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

Background:

Lha is a Tibetan grassroots nonprofit organisation based in Dharamshala, India. It 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. Through rehabilitation resources and social and educational services, Lha facilitates an easy transition for the Tibetan refugee community to India. On a daily basis, Lha serves over 250 people, hosts between 15 and 25 volunteers and provides up to 20 different services, including on average 50 nutritious meals per day for financially disadvantaged people. For more information about Lha, please visit: www.lhasocialwork.org

Become a Sponsor for Lha’s Soup Kitchen On 6 July 2011, Lha opened its community soup kitchen at its new building, Ahimsa House. This is the first soup kitchen in Dharamshala and serves low-cost and nutritious meals to the Tibetan refugee community. Forty to fifty needy refugees can take advantage of this service every day for a nominal fee of 15 rupees per person, per meal. Meals are completely free for those who cannot afford to pay. The kitchen’s primary objective is to provide refugees with low-cost and nutritious meals while educating them about healthy eating and living. The kitchen will also serve as a space where refugees can receive formal training for the service and restaurant industry.

Acknowledgement

Can you Donate to Lha?

Contact

Contact keeps readers up-to-date on current issues and events, and provides networking, education and volunteer opportunities, as well as social services information. Contact staff and contributors hope you will enjoy and benefit from our modest efforts to build a community through communication. May peace and love prevail! Guidelines for submission: Contact welcomes submissions of articles, news and photography. We also gladly accept information about upcoming events, volunteer work and special projects. All material intended for publication in Contact must be submitted by the 20th of each month. Your letter may not be printed if it is unsigned, illegible, slanderous or malicious. We reserve the right to edit submissions for spelling, grammar and length. Send your material via email to editor@contactmagazine.net

Lha collects all kinds of donations in the form of clothing, shoes, books, Please Note: and language resources, computer The articles, stories and other material and medical supplies, as well as any in Contact represent the views of the authors and not necessarily the views other useful items.

This Issue of Contact is sponsored by the Taiwan Foundation for Monetary donations are extremely Democracy (TFD). TFD’s kind helpful and are greatly appreciated, contribution has made this large or small. publication possible. We thank TFD for supporting the publication of Contact.

Contact, a free monthly publication of Lha Charitable Trust, is a recognised and registered publication under the Registrar Office of the Newspaper, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India. The registration number is HPENG/2013/51798. Recognised by Lonely Planet and other international travel resources, Contact has been a popular source of news and information on Tibetan issues, and the Dharamshala community, for over 14 years. 700 - 1,000 copies are printed per issue and distributed in the greater Dharamshala area and in Delhi, and various diplomatic missions to India. Copies are also sent to various Tibetan schools, settlements, offices and NGOs in India.

Please contact the office: office@lhasocialwork.org (0) 1892-220992 2

of the Contact editing staff or Lha Social Work. All comments on this issue should be submitted by email to editor@ contactmagazine.net Contact is available at many places around McLeod Ganj including the Lha office, libraries, travel agencies, hotels, restuarants and shops. AUGUST 2014

about lha

Lha has recently established the Lha Tibet Fair Trade store (LTFT) to support its charitable work through the sale of traditional Tibetan goods made by local

Goods on show at the LTFT showroom Photo: Lha

craftspeople. The LTFT store is located on the floor below the Lha office in McLeod Ganj. Through LTFT, Lha aims to promote awareness and appreciation of Tibetan

culture while providing a source of income for local artists and craftspeople to improve their standard of living. In addition, the LTFT store supports Lha’s numerous charitable projects and helps Lha to become more sustainable and self-sufficient. The LTFT store is pleased to welcome any businesses wishing to form partnerships and set up exhibition tours. LTFT acts as a certified co-operative, offering a wide range of handmade Tibetan craftworks - from handloom textiles to jewellery, home décor and personal accessories to traditional Tibetan art. LTFT is a licensed manufacturer, retailer, importer, exporter, and wholesale company. The LTFT store is open for wholesale and retail business. Online shopping on LTFT’s website will be available soon.

LTFT welcomes any enquiries from wholesale traders and from producers of other retail products, and is pleased

Handmade books and boxes which are made with recycled paper Photo: Lha

to discuss prices. You can visit the showroom here in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, HP. For more information, please visit the LTFT website:

www.tibetfairtrade.com

Lha Traveler Services & Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer

Long or short-term, skilled or unskilled volunteers needed at Lha • English conversation Mon – Fri, 4pm – 5pm • English, French, and Chinese teachers & tutors • Computer teachers • Web designers and IT professionals • Contributing writers • Environmental professionals • Medical & healthcare professionals • Fundraisers & grant writers • Project professionals • Chefs & cooks • Human rights & legal professionals • Personal assistant (PA) • And much more! Lha offers you the opportunity to share your knowledge and skills with the local Tibetan, Indian, and Himalayan communities whilst gaining hands-on experience working with a social work organisation. Lha volunteers will develop friendships, learn about issues facing the Tibetan refugee community, and become immersed in the fascinating cultures of the people they are serving. Contact

Classes and Services

TIBETAN COOKING CLASS Individuals and small groups can learn to prepare a variety of traditional and modern vegetarian Tibetan foods

including momos, thukpa and Tibetan bread, with a qualified teacher. TIBETAN HOME-STAY Lha arranges home-stays with refugee families giving visitors the chance to experience the Tibetan life style and a chance to connect and learn about each others’ cultures. Spend your time in Dharamshala learning the language, cooking Tibetan meals, sharing rituals with a family, and making friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Homestays include accommodation, breakfast, and dinner.

RECEPTION & ORIENTATION Our services help smooth your arrival in Delhi, and your onward travel to Dharamshala, and also to orientate you to the Tibetan community here. Avoid the scams at Delhi Airport! These services are highly recommended for people who want a stress-free arrival, especially if you are arriving late at night or early in the morning, and can be purchased online in advance of your travel to India There is a discount for people travelling together. *All donations and fees from Lha classes and services directly benefit Lha community social work projects. For information on cost, times and/or registration, please visit: Lha office, Temple Road McLeod Ganj-176219 Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra H.P. (Mon-Sat: 9:00am-12:00pm & 1:00-5:00pm) office@lhasocialwork.org (0) 1892-220992 www.lhasocialwork.org www.contactmagazine.net www.tibetnature.net AUGUST 2014

news & issues

Coal Mining in Tibet Sparks More Protest By Peter Newman a number of the protesters “became against the destructive effects of Chinese mining operations have emotional and wept in a state of heavy mining on public health and on again prompted protest by Tibetans desperation,” according to a source the environment have not been limited concerned about the degradation from the protest. to Nangchen County, however. of local health and environmental Local authorities, who quickly In early June, 27 Tibetan protesters integrity. The protest, which arrived at the site of the protest, in eastern Qinghai’s Chabcha County occurred on August 5 and 6 in listened to the Tibetans’ grievances, were arrested for attempting to block Qinghai Province’s south-western assuring them that their concerns a white marble mining operation that Nangchen County, contributes was continuing past the expiration to growing criticism by Tibetans of its lease; later that month, a and environmentalists around group of Tibetan women protesting the world of China’s intensive against a copper mining operation natural resource exploitation in in Yunnan’s Dechen County were Tibet’s interior. beaten and detained. The protest was set in motion China is heavily reliant upon when Tibetan residents of coal, which accounts for 70% of Nangchen County discovered the nation’s energy. As resource that a coal mining company depletion and pollution have active in the region was planning increased in the country’s east to drastically expand three of its over the last decade, intensive Over a hundred protesters gathered at a mining site four local operations. Two days natural resource exploitation has near Gongshung Ruchen village later, over one hundred protesters gradually moved westward to the Photo: RFA gathered at the site of one of less densely-populated regions of the mines near Gongshung Ruchen would be raised at higher levels of the nation’s interior. Though Chinese village; there they decried any increase government and demanding that the leaders are increasingly paying in mining activity and displayed protesters leave the area. attention to environmental regulations, banners with pro-environment Mining operations in the Nangchen according to Zhong Lijin at the World quotations from Chinese leaders region began in 2000, and have since Resources Institute, regulations on such as President Xi Jinping. Fearing expanded to four locations: Gongshung coal mining remain particularly weak, further mining-related corrosion of Ruchen, Menmar Norbuma, Droglung leaving fragile ecosystems and local the local ecosystem and public health, Okar, and Ahge Kyilung. Protests public health both at risk.

United Celebrations on Indian Independence Day By Rohini Kejriwal The 68th Indian Independence Day was celebrated in a simple yet grand manner by Indians, Tibetans and Tibet supporters alike in the McLeod Ganj Main Square on August 15. Organised jointly by three Tibetan associations in Dharamshala the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association, Students for a Free Tibet (India), and the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress - the event saw a huge crowd gather to celebrate the freedom and unity that Independence Day symbolises. Amidst the chants of “Jai Hind”, “Vande Mataram” and “Tibet will be free”, flags of India and Tibet were distributed along with mini flag badges. Contact

The Indian and Tibetan national anthems were sung with one voice, and then speeches were given by representatives of each association.

The celebration in McLeod Ganj Photo: Contact/Rohini

Jyotsna George, Campaigns Director of Students for a Free Tibet (India), told 4

Contact Magazine, “This is a symbolic moment with Tibet and India coming together to celebrate one of the most iconic freedom struggles based on the principles of non-violence and truth.” Tenzin Dolma, President of the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association, said, “I’m happy for India but sad that we don’t have our independence.” Tenzin Migmar of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress said, “Indians have been very kind to us and I hope we can both celebrate our freedom in the near future together.” The event ended with the distribution of delicious ladoos (round Indian sweets) to all present. AUGUST 2014

news & issues

His Holiness Returns to Germany By Tsering Wangdue His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been on a four-day visit to Germany this month, his 38th visit to the country, at the invitation of the Tibetan Centre in Hamburg. He was warmly welcomed by the Indian Consul General in Hamburg, Dr Vidhu Nair, as well as people from the Tibetan Centre and the committee which organised his trip, and members of the Tibetan community in Germany. His Holiness spoke to around 7,000 people at the Congress Centre in Hamburg on the topic “Human Values in Our Life”, explaining the role that human values can play in solving major global issues, and how we can develop them in our everyday life and in meditation. Asked by a member of the audience about peace in the world today, His

Holiness said “We all talk about ‘peace, peace’, but peace doesn’t fall from the sky. We have to do something

His Holiness at the teachings in Hamburg Photo: Manuel Bauer

to create it. Human beings have to solve their problems themselves. And the right way to create peace is to engage in dialogue.” He was then interviewed by Bettina Hansen for her womens’ television

programme on ZDF TV. When asked what makes him happy, he replied that he is happy to be one human being among the 7 billion others. On August 24 and 25, His Holiness gave a teaching from the text of Shantideva’s classic work “A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life”, talking about a path in life in which one uses all one’s energy in serving others. He later visited an exhibition on Tibetan nomads and their vanishing way of life at The Hamburg Museum of Ethnology, at the invitation of the Society for Threatened People and Tibet Initiative Deutschland. The following day His Holiness gave the Avalokiteshvara, or Buddha of Compassion, initiation and then celebrated the 35th and 25th anniversaries of the Tibetan Community in Germany and Tibet Initiatives Deutschland.

TYC Members Pledge Dedication to His Holiness By Daisy Hughes More than 100 participants from India, Nepal and Bhutan gathered for the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) annual meeting. This was the 45th TYC Working Committee Meeting and was held in Gangtok in Sikkim from August 11-16. TYC President, Tenzing Jigme, spoke of the vital role TYC has played as a platform for youth leadership and highlighted education, sacrifice

The TYC annual meeting Photo: TYC

and responsibility as central to the movement’s progress. He added, “It is time to develop new ideas and Contact

strategies,” and encouraged participants to come forward with new proposals. Chief Guest Kasur Gyalo Dhondup, who is His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s older brother, stressed the importance of youth participation in the Tibetan movement and said that although differences of opinion are inevitable, the movement must remain united in its work for Tibet. He also stated that change is inevitable and change will come to Tibet. Both speakers’ comments reveal an acute awareness of the existing tensions between the TYC and its commitment to total independence for Tibet, and the Central Tibetan Administration’s Middle-Way Approach. This comes after Sikyong Lobsang Sangay launched the Middle-Way Approach Campaign last month in what was described as “the administration’s most concerted effort to date to bring about basic freedom for Tibetan people”. These differences of opinion were made explicit at the TYC last year

when a majority of 96 members voted in favour of campaigning for complete independence. Following this controversy, the executive members of the TYC resolved to apologise to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, but to continue campaigning for independence rather than autonomy. The TYC remains conscious of a possible rift in the Tibetan movement and requires its members to agree “To dedicate oneself to the task of serving one’s country and people under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Spiritual and Temporal Ruler of Tibet”, even as they pledge to struggle for total independence. Both Jigme’s call for new ideas and Gyalo Dhondup’s reassertion of unity at this year’s meeting speak to an ongoing willingness to negotiate these tensions in order to move forward. They demonstrate a combination of innovation, optimism and solidarity as a foundation for the future of the movement. AUGUST 2014

news & issues

Seeking Ways to Promote Sino-Tibetan Harmony By Mary Trewartha Tibetan Parliamentarians have visited Australia to promote the cause of Tibet and appeal for support, and to discuss ways to foster Sino-Tibetan harmony. They met members of Tibet support groups and members of the Tibetan community in Australia, as well as Chinese scholars who said that the protection of Tibetan culture and religion would benefit not only Tibetans but the whole world. Speaking to the Tibetan community, the Parliamentarians promoted the Middle-Way Approach. During their talks with Chinese scholars, they discussed historical relations between

The Tibetan Parliamentary delegation during a public talk in Sydney, Australia, on August 23 Photo: Tibet.net

Tibet and China, and the importance of the major rivers which originate in Tibet and affect billions of people across Asia.

Leng Mei, President of the TibetanChinese Friendship Association, apologised for the atrocities inflicted on the Tibetan people by Chinese communists. He and the other Chinese participants expressed support for the Middle-Way Approach and said that there is a need to raise the Chinese people’s awareness of this policy. The visit took place on August 23-24. The six-member delegation was led by Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and included Parliamentarians Thupten Lungrig, Geshe Namdak Tsukphue and Sonam Gyaltsen. The visit was organised by The Office of Tibet in Australia.

Western Politicians Persuaded... Continued from page 1

said, and that the “clique’s statements” about the current situation in Tibet are distorted and incorrect. It also states that many Western media reports are biased and have led to much misunderstanding. In addition, the report mentions that the participants “notice that Tibet enjoys sound economic growth, social harmony, deep-rooted Tibetan culture and beautiful natural scenery” and that “ordinary people in Tibet are satisfied with their well-off lives, good education, sound medical care, housing and various social securities.” Ironically, as the meeting was taking place, China’s security forces shot peaceful Tibetan protesters in Kardze, severely injuring at least 12.

The claims were challenged by only one of the participants - the former mayor of Christchurch, New Zealand, Sir Bob Parker. It is likely that other international participants, including Austrian, Irish and Japanese political Sir Bob Parker figures, will Photo: Xinhua also reject the statement issued in their name. Free Tibet, the UK-based group which campaigns against China’s occupation of Tibet, has said that foreign participants should have been

aware that the conference, organised by China’s ruling Communist Party, was going to be a deeply political affair. Criticising praises of Beijing’s economic policies made by Lord Davidson of Glen Clova, a Labour party front-bencher in the House of Lords, Free Tibet released a lengthy statement explaining that mass Chinese immigration has shut Tibetans out of their own economy, leading to a variety of socio-economic problems. The forum was sponsored jointly by the Information Office of the State Council - the arm of Chinese government responsible for the creation of State propaganda - and the regional government of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Peaceful Protesters Shot by Security Forces in Sershul

Continued from page 1

seriously injured. Around 25 people remained in detention on August 19. Many men from the village fled to the hills, fearing arrest, and their family members, mostly women and children, have been beaten and interrogated. Communication lines to the area were cut off. Contact

The people of Denma Shugpa village did not participate in a Chinesegovernment organised festival a few years ago, a decision they made to express their solidarity with the Tibetans who had self-immolated at that time. A candlelit prayer ceremony was 6

held in the main square of McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, with protesters calling for the United Nations and people across the world to speak out against the continued Chinese oppression in Tibet. Demonstrations condemning the Kardze shooting were also held in many countries. AUGUST 2014

news & issues

Promoting Ethnic Unity or Undermining Culture? By Ed Janich China is promoting a policy that encourages interracial marriage between ethnic Han and native Tibetans, the Washington Post reports. The report suggests the current publicity is aimed at achieving ethnic unity, and is consistent with the Chinese government’s aim of further weakening Tibetan culture. Chen Quanguo, China’s highest official in the Tibetan region, was photographed with 19 mixed race families last month as part of the ongoing publicity campaign. The Washington Post reports that Chinese media have also been ordered to run stories featuring mixed race couples, focusing on children who identify equally as Chinese and Tibetan. The Chinese government claims the policy will resolve tensions between the two peoples, praising Han-Tibetan couples as “models of ethnic unity”.

Government incentives further encourage the unions, through vacations and prizes, with preferential treatment for children born of the couples in

Erja (L) and Pema (R) during their traditional Tibetan wedding in Kham Photo: Carlos Barria/Reuters

education, employment and Communist Party membership. These incentives add to a number of pre-existing benefits extended to minority couples and their children, including exemption from China’s “One Child Policy”. Parents of mixed race children often choose to list their heritage as Han, commented an anonymous government office worker, saying they believe this may offer their child the chance of a

better future. Parents frequently send their children to schools elsewhere in China, she said, where the quality of education is higher than in the Tibet Autonomous Region. In a telephone interview with the Washington Post, Tibetan activist and poet Tsering Woeser damned the policy, comparing it to the worst practices of colonisation, though she expressed no objection to the practice of interracial marriage without state coercion. The campaign has seen some success since its inception, with the Communist Party’s research office in Tibet reporting an increase from 666 interracial marriages in 2008, to 4,795 in 2013. At his photoshoot with interracial families, Chen Quanguo told reporters that he considers it the government’s responsibility to “actively promote interracial marriages”. “As the saying goes,” he said, “‘blood is thicker than water,’ we should make our ethnic relationship like that”.

TCHRD Reveals New Evidence of Tibetan Political Prisoners By Rohini Kejriwal New proof of the harsh treatment of Tibetan political prisoners has been released by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD). The evidence takes the form of a list of 45 Tibetans from Sichuan province who were arrested between 2008 and 2009, and were held in the province’s Deyang Prison. The list was compiled by former prisoner Gonpo Trinley, 25. Gonpo smuggled it out of Tibet when he crossed the border into India from Nepal earlier this month, having kept it with him for the four years since his release. Gonpo listed Tibetans he knew while he was held in prison in Tibet from 2008-2009. It names 10 Tibetans who are still in prison, with two serving life sentences, and also includes 18 former and current prisoners who were not listed in the TCHRD political prisoners database. Contact

Gonpo joined Sakya Nyadrag Monastery at 17 to become a monk. During the 2008 Tibetan Uprising, he and his cousin Nyida Sangpo staged a non-violent protest outside the Kardze County police station,

Gonpo Trinley’s prison release order Photo: TCHRD

distributing leaflets and shouting slogans demanding the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet. People’s Armed Police officers showed up within minutes and began beating them. They

then detained them. Gonpo and Nyida and 13 other Tibetan detainees were paraded around town as a warning that the government would “strike hard on criminals”. After a year of imprisonment, Gonpo was sentenced to two years and six months of “reform through labour” and deprived of political rights for two years. In prison, Gonpo was put to work making canvas shoes, with severe punishments if work targets were not met. According to Gonpo, the diet was poor and the prisoners were permitted to speak with family members for only 15 minutes once every month. Even after his release in October 2010, his movements were constantly monitored and he was required to report his weekly activities to the Public Security Bureau. His prison release order shows that he was charged with “incitement to split the country”. AUGUST 2014

news & issues

Endangered Tibetan Wild Ass Slaughtered for Sport By Wendhe Choetsoe A picture of a man, his hands covered in blood “while harvesting organs from a live Tibetan wild ass” circulated over the internet on Facebook, Twitter and Wiebo. Comments poured in condemning such “unforgivable sin” and called the man a “monster” and a “beast”. The man was later identified as Chen Haisheng, a Chinese tycoon engaged in railway engineering and real estate in Tibet – and said to be the only person in Lhasa who owns a Ferrari. As the picture went viral on internet, the local forest police arrested Chen Haisheng and his companion Li Ming. Xinhua, the Chinese state media, reported that the two suspects chased and hit the animal with a vehicle in the Ngari Jangthang National Nature Reserve. Chen killed the animal with a knife, and then disembowelled it. The

two took the body to their workplace where they cooked it and shared it with fellow workers. Although, after their arrests, Chen and Li confessed to the crime of killing an endangered animal of Tibet, it is not known what legal action has been taken against them. The Tibetan wild ass or Kiang (in Tibetan) is a first class national protected animal. According t o C h i n a ’s Wild Animal Protection Law implemented in 1989, a person who hunts or slaughters national protected animals can be imprisoned for up to five years. Environmentalists say the Tibetan

wild ass is not the only endangered species killed in China: tiger penis, tiger bones, and rhino horns are still illegally traded and consumed with wine by the Chinese elite. “In recent years, we have seen that tiger bones, rhino horns, and some other ingredients that were traditionally used in medicine are shifting to being used as collectables, as investments, and as gifts in business or politics,” Grace Ge Gabriel, Asia Regional Director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare told Voice of America in a telephone interview. Much of the Kiang’s habitat has been degraded or lost due to mining and oil exploration operations. The Kiang population has decreased significantly over the last few decades, and become fragmented across the species’ native habitats.

Political Debate Surrounds the CTA’s Third Anniversary By Vanshika Tripathi The Tibetan Government-in-Exile, or Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), based in Dharamshala, this month completed its third year since transitioning into a democratic

The ceremony held at Tsuglakhang Temple Photo: Tibet.net

government. Over a thousand Tibetans attended a prayer service on August 8 to celebrate the occasion. Despite the great democratic progress that has taken place in the CTA, some Tibetans feel that it does not represent a proper democracy due to the lack of opposing political parties who could contest on differing policies. Jamyang Norbu, a Tibetan Contact

writer living in the United States has said “The administration...is not functioning that well at all. This is not a fully constituted democratic government-in-exile.” However, the views expressed in a forum in the Tibet Sun suggest a strong wish to put unity of purpose, faith in the Dalai Lama, and the Middle-Way Approach over personal preference and Rangzen [complete independence]. “We need...an equal platform for Rangzen advocates to field their candidates against the...MiddleWay... healthy democracy is our best weapon”, says Tenzin Wangdue from Oregon, while Bhoepa says “This is entirely about Tibetans in Tibet. If the Middle-Way has failed, so has the Rangzen path... But at least there is a hope in Middle-Way.” Phuntsok Palden from Delhi noted, “His Holiness is for Middle-Way and Tibetans in Tibet want to follow him. This clearly endorses his views - Middle-Way. Now it’s the time to try to achieve what Tibetans in Tibet 8

want”. Thondup Tsering from the US adds, “Go follow your own path, for all our different paths must ultimately lead to a free Tibet!” The CTA’s first parliamentary elections took place in September 1980 and the first democratically elected Prime Minister or Kalon Tripa, Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, was instated in 2001. His Holiness the Dalai Lama retired as head of government 2011 and the title of Kalon Tripa was changed to Sikyong, which then became the foremost political seat in the government. The current Sikyong is Dr Lobsang Sangay. Sikyong has called for young people to get involved in government: “To maintain unity and achieve effectiveness in the exile community, a central core is critical and for Tibetans, the CTA serves as this irreplaceable core. The Kashag [or Cabinet] invites dedicated youth to take leadership positions in the Central Tibetan Administration and in other Tibet-related organisations.” AUGUST 2014

Photo: Facebook

news & issues

Why are the Uyghurs in the Tibetan News? By Annie Padwick People with large beards, headscarves, hijabs and other religious clothing have this month been banned from travelling on state buses in a city in China’s Xinjiang province, or East Turkestan. This ban is one of the latest imposed by the Chinese Government in their crackdown in the region, an area that has seen growing ethnic and religious tension in recent years between the Uyghurs, a Muslim minority group, and ethnic Chinese people. The Uyghur homeland, East Turkestan, became known as Xinjiang (or “new territory”) when it was annexed by China in the 18th century. East Turkestan is a remote and resource-rich region and the Turkic speaking Uyghurs, who embraced Islam in AD 934, have played an important role in cultural exchanges between East and West. The Uyghurs are the 5th largest ethnic minority in China, with a population of around 9 million. The Uyghurs often feature in Tibetan news as parallels can be drawn between the situations of the people in these two regions. Both

Xinjian or East Turkistan map Photo: TibetPost

regions are under Chinese Communist rule and claim serious human rights abuses in their provinces. The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) says, “We both face the threat of suppression of our religion, cultural extinction and large-scale Chinese migration into our homelands.” Both groups report they are subjected to routine Contact

surveillance, monitoring of their telephone and email communications, and that arrest, detainment and torture of citizens is common practice. Both Tibetans and Uyghurs accuse the

Xinjiang nomads Photo: BBC

Chinese of deliberately destroying their language, religion and culture. In Xinjiang, many religious practices are banned in state institutions and schools, and people found to be practising their religion are regularly arrested and tortured. The local Turkic language is similarly discouraged, with Mandarin imposed as the official language. As the only two Chinese provinces where Han Chinese people are in the minority, both Tibet and Xinjiang have seen a steady influx of Han Chinese in the past few decades. The Uyghur population of Xinjiang has dropped from 95% to 45% since 1949. Uyghurs, like Tibetans, say that migration has increased poverty and unemployment among their people. Both regions share sympathy and understanding because of their shared circumstances. The WUC has expressed solidarity with the Tibetans and support for their peaceful protests. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said “Let us remember the people of East Turkestan who have experienced great difficulties and increased oppression. I would like to express my solidarity and stand firmly with them.” The reactions of Tibetans and Uyghurs to their circumstances could not be more different. Uyghur protests have become increasingly violent and the riots which started in 2009 have

led to a Chinese crackdown with an escalation of violence. Dolkum Isa, Executive Chairman of WUC says of the Chinese, “They show zero tolerance. That is why the violence is happening.” Tibetans, however, have chosen a different outlet for their desperation. Most Tibetans are Buddhist and strong supporters of the Dalai Lama, who leads his people in non-violence. So Tibetans refrain from using violence against others, but to raise awareness, 130 people have turned to violence against themselves, self-immolation. China has declared the World Uyghur Congress a terrorist organisation. The current WUC President, Rebiya Kadeer is in exile in the United States, showing another parallel with the Tibetans whose spiritual leader the Dalai Lama is in exile in India. In both East Turkestan and Tibet people are struggling to assert their basic human rights and enjoy common freedoms. As the Chinese crackdowns intensify, both groups have been compelled towards more drastic

Steppes, deserts and mountains cover most of Xinjiang Photo: Getty Images

means to get their voices heard: the Uyghurs with violence against the Han Chinese and the Tibetans with violence against themselves. Rebiya Kadeer, President of the WUC, says “Both Tibet and Xinjiang should have the right of self-determination. The Chinese authorities should listen to the demands of the Tibetans and Uyghurs and should negotiate with the leaders of both Tibetans and Uyghurs for the future of these two territories.” AUGUST 2014

news & issues

Tibetan Headlines Aug 26: Shoton Festival Tibet’s capital city Lhasa has been swarming with armed Chinese military forces during the annual Shoton (Yogurt) Festival. The festival is celebrated from 15th to 24th of the fifth lunar month, which generally falls during August, and includes the Great Buddha Thangka display, a Tibetan Opera Show, and the Horsemanship (Yak) race show. Aug 24: Hotel Campaign Free Tibet is stepping up its campaign against the Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG). The new IHG hotel in Lhasa is opening for a trial run this weekend. While the hotel claims to show sensitivity to Tibetan culture and traditions, it is reported, in fact, to be closely linked to the Chinese Communist Party and participates in repressive surveillance tactics against Tibetan people. Aug 23: Visit Cancelled Mongolia has cancelled the Dalai Lama’s scheduled visit there this month. It is believed that China has put pressure on Mongolia to cancel because the Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting the country. Aug 22: Evidence of Killings A secret Chinese document detailing the killing of Tibetans by Chinese security forces during the March 2008 protests in Lhasa has been released by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy. The document was smuggled out of Tibet by a Tibetan political fugitive and reveals that machine guns were used against the protesters and lists the names and ages of the people killed. Aug 21: New Railway The new railway linking the Tibetan capital Lhasa with Shigatse, Tibet’s Contact

second largest city, has been opened in the latest stage of China’s extension of its controversial railway links in Tibet. The expanded railway system facilitates the influx of Han Chinese immigrants into Tibet, mining operations which deplete the natural and sacred resources of Tibet, and military access to neighbouring borders Nepal, Myanmar and India. Aug 20: TIPA Recruits The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) based in Dharamshala is recruiting to fill 26 places for artists and performers, their first major recruitment drive since 2004. TIPA is the only official organisation in the exile community catering to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan performing arts. Aug 19: Conflict Resolution A two-month intensive training course on non-violent resolution of conflict is underway in Dharamshala. Organised by the Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution, the course is aimed at educated young leaders, training them to tackle conflict in a non-violent and compassionate way. Aug 17: Sweater Sellers Tibetan sweater sellers gathered in Ludhiana for their third general meeting. The Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay, who attended the meeting, said the Tibetan sweater sellers of today must uphold ethical values in business, and the trust between Tibetan buyers and Indian sellers built up over four decades. Aug 8: All Vegetarian The people of the Samyeling Tibetan Colony (Majnu Ka Tilla) in Delhi have decided to observe every Wednesday as “Vegetarian Day”, as a mark of respect for, and to acknowledge the kindness of, HH the Dalai Lama to the Tibetan people. The practice will last until His Holiness’s birthday next year. Indians and Nepalese living in the colony have welcomed the idea. 10

Aug 7: Training Tibetan Women A five-day training programme for trainers, “Legal Empowerment of Tibetan Women in Exile”, was organised by the Tibetan Women’s Association in McLeod Ganj. The participants had an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and had sessions with His Eminence the Gyalwang Karmapa and Sikyong Lobsang Sangay. Aug 5: Film Award Tenzin Tsetan Choklay, a New York based Tibetan filmmaker, has won the Emerging Director Award at the Asian American International Film Festival in New York City for his documentary film “Bringing Tibet Home”. The film depicts a Tibetan artist smuggling 20,000 kilograms of Tibetan soil into India for an art installation in tribute to his father who died in exile, dreaming of setting foot on his native soil. Aug 4: Special Report The International Campaign for Tibet, based in the US, has released a special report entitled “Acts of Significant Evil: The Criminalisation of Tibetan Self-Immolations” and urged the Chinese government to “release all Tibetans who have been detained and sentenced on grounds [related to] selfimmolations”. Since 2012, at least 11 Tibetans have been sentenced to prison or even to death on such grounds. Aug 2: Nomad Hero Students for a Free Tibet India staged a street theatre in McLeod Ganj to remember the nomad Rungye Adak who has been in prison since 2007. Adak, 52, openly expressed loyalty to the Dalai Lama and spoke about freedom of expression in front of a huge crowd at the annual Lithang horse race festival in 2007. There is concern that he is in poor health. AUGUST 2014

news & issues

International Headlines Aug 28: Ceasefire The 50-day conflict in Gaza in which more than 2,200 people died, most of them Palestinians, has ended. Palestinians are starting to return home, and the UN’s World Food Programme said one of its convoys had entered Gaza for the first time since 2007, carrying enough food to feed around 150,000 people for five days. Aug 20: Journalist Killed The Islamic State militant group (IS) claims to have beheaded United States journalist James Foley who was seized in Syria in late 2012. IS has released a video online entitled “A Message to America” purporting to show the beheading, saying the killing is in revenge for recent US air strikes against IS militants in north-western Iraq. Aug 19: Elephant Crisis More elephants in Africa are being killed each year than are being born, according to a study published by the National Academy of Sciences. It says that since 2010 nearly 35,000 African elephants have been killed annually, and warns that they could be wiped out within 100 years. The illegal ivory trade has soared, with a kilogram of ivory now worth thousands of dollars. Aug 18: Hong Kong Protests More than 100,000 people attended a pro-government rally in Hong Kong, which was called in response to civil disobedience campaigns by pro-democracy activists. The activists have staged large protests demanding elections independent of Beijing, and have threatened to occupy parts of the city if their demands are not met. Public discontent in Hong Kong is at its highest in years, with concern over Beijing’s influence over elections. Contact

Aug 16: Surrogacy Restrictions Children born to surrogate parents in Thailand will require a court order before they can be taken out of the country by their adoptive parents. The new law, which is aimed at banning commercial surrogacy, has been imposed following the case of a Thai surrogate mother who said an Australian couple rejected the baby she carried when they found he had Down’s syndrome. Aug 13: Robin Williams The much-loved American actor and comedian Robin Williams, 63, has been found dead. He suffered from depression, alcoholism and drug abuse and was receiving treatment, but took his own life, hanging himself at his home in California. Tributes have poured in from all over the world. Aug 12: HR Chief Barred The Executive Director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), Kenneth Roth, and another senior staff member Sarah Leah Whitson, have been denied entry to Egypt “for security reasons”. The two were in Cairo to launch a HRW report on the mass killings which followed the ousting of the Egyptian President Morsi last year. The report documents how Egyptian police and army opened fire with live ammunition on crowds of demonstrators. Aug 9: Reunited Ignacio Hurban, 36, an Argentine music teacher, has been reunited with his grandmother Estela de Carlotto for the first time since childhood. He was one of many children of left-wing activists who were abducted from their parents during the military rule of the 1970s and given for adoption to families that supported the government.

Aug 8: WeChat Controls Instant messaging apps users in China will be required to register their real names and sign agreements promising to uphold “the socialist system”. China has imposed similar restrictions on microblogs and the internet is tightly restricted, with social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter blocked. However, millions of people use Chinese social media providers. Aug 2: Gas Blasts Gas explosions in Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan have killed 25 people and injured 267. The cause of the gas leaks is unclear but ruptured pipelines are reported to have caused the blasts. There were at least five blasts with fireballs soaring high in the air. Aug 1: Ebola Epidemic A joint $100m (£59m) response plan to the Ebola epidemic has been announced by the World Health Organisation and the West African nations affected by the outbreak. The virus has claimed 729 lives to date, killing 90% of people affected. It is spread by human contact with an

infected person’s bodily fluids. There have been over 1,300 cases reported since March. Aug 1: Arrest in China Ilham Tohti, a prominent Uyghur scholar based in Beijing, has been charged with “separatism”. Arrested in January this year, he was not allowed to see his lawyer until June, and his lawyer only learned of his arrests through online posts. Tohti has worked within the law to promote equal rights for all Chinese citizens. AUGUST 2014

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

The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)

OHHDL is the personal office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The office organises his schedule, including appointments and travel plans, diplomatic and personal correspondence, and liaises with officials of the Central Tibetan Administration. When His Holiness is in Dharamshala, his schedule includes daily religious practice and studies, meeting with private audiences, and congregating with the Tibetan Kashag and senior Tibetan governmental officials. WEB: www.dalailama.com LOCATION: Thekchen Choeling, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala – 176219 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 Tibetan Youth Congress organises cultural exhibitions, educational campaigns and social welfare activities. The organisation publishes a series of periodicals and magazines on the Tibetan cause. 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, Dharamshala – 176219 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

Contact

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. WEB: www.men-tsee-khang.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala – 176215 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 Dharamshala - 176215 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, although this is waived for those who fall under the poverty line. The hospital has a pharmacy on site. WEB:www.delekhospital.org LOCATION: Kharadanda Rd, Dharamshala 176215; Delek Clinic, Bhagsu Rd,Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-222053 / 223381 HOURS: Outpatient, Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00 pm-4:30 pm; Emergencies, 24 hours daily EMAIL: delek@sancharnet.in

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, Dharamshala - 176219 PHONE: 9882786875

Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD)

TCHRD advocates for human rights and provides education on the human rights situation in Tibet. The centre publishes journals and articles, as well as conducts workshops and campaigns. WEB: www.tchrd.org LOCATION: CTA, Dharamshala - 176215 PHONE: 01892-223363 EMAIL: office@tchrd.org

Lha Charitable Trust (Lha)

Lha, a Tibetan grassroots NGO based in Dharamshala, is one of the largest social work organisations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population, and people from the Himalayan regions. Lha offers free English, French and Chinese classes, cultural exchange programs, IT classes, vocational training, health and environmental awareness education, distribution of clothes and medicine, a community kitchen, and many other programs and activities. (see page 2) WEB:www.lhasocialwork.org LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-220992, 988-2323-455 EMAIL: office@lhasocialwork.org

The Kangra Distt. Red Cross Society

The Kangra District Red Cross Society renders its humanitarian services, projects and activities with the help and the co-operation of people at all levels of society by donation. WEB: www.redcrosskangra.org LOCATION: Red Cross Bhawan, Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-224888 / 9418832244 EMAIL: sharmaopl12345@gmail.com

Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet

Gu-Chu-Sum is a social service organisation that provides financial and medical support for ex-political prisoners and political activists from Tibet. WEB: www.guchusum.org LOCATION: Jogibara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala -176219 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:mail@tibetcharity.in tibccharity@gmail.com

AUGUST 2014

around town

Charities and Organisations

Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA)

Established in 1959, under the vision of HH the Dalai Lama, TIPA strives to preserve and promote Tibetan theatrical tradition. The Insitute imparts comprehensive training and lessons on Tibetan folk dance, folk song, traditional instruments and tradition of Tibetan opera. TIPA also hosts a beautiful theatrical museum which remains open during working days. We organise a special group tour of our campus every Wednesday (10 am). WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: TIPA Road, McLeod Ganj Dharamshala-176219 PHONE: 01892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com

Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT)

Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT) is a nongovernment, non-profit adult education centre in Dharamshala, North India. LIT provides Free Education, Health Care and Skills Training to Tibetan Refugees to help eradicate poverty and illiteracy amongst the Tibetan population. WEB: www.learningandideasfortibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala 176219 PHONE: 01892-220690 EMAIL: learningandideasfortibet@gmail.com

Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR)

Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution is a nonprofit, educational organisation dedicated to the non-violent management of conflicts in the Tibetan Community and the world as a whole. They work to promote the approaches and tools of non-violent conflict resolution and democratic processes in the Tibetan community in exile and elsewhere. WEB: http://tccr.org LOCATION: Session Road, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-226627 EMAIL: tccrteam@gmail.com

Rogpa Baby Care Centre

The Rogpa Baby Care Centre helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so their parents can work. The centre needs volunteers to help with art, games, singing and other tasks including diaper changing. WEB: www.tibetrogpa.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala- 176219 PHONE: 9816659549 EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com

Gamru Village School

Gamru Village School is a successful NGO that provides free high-quality education to any children who encounter serious barriers to education and who have a low standard of living. WEB: www.gamruschool.com LOCATION: Village Gamru, P.O Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala, Distt Kangra 176215 PHONE: 9816105554 EMAIL: tashu72004@yahoo.com

Contact

Clean Upper Dharamshala Project

Founded in 1994 to provide a waste management system in and around McLeod Ganj, the Green Workers, the Handmade Recycled Paper Factory, the Green Shop and the Environmental Education Centre are part of the Clean Upper Daramsala Project. Weekly guided tours are offered on Wednesdays at 3 pm. WEB: www.tsodhasa.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - 176219 PHONE: 01892-221059 EMAIL: office@tsodhasa.org

Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage)

Nyingtob Ling supports Tibetan children from disadvantaged families. The children make handicrafts and paintings. They are so friendly and love to have visitors. WEB: www.nyingtobling.org LOCATION: Near Norbulingka, Sidhpur PHONE:01892 211042 / 9816028149 EMAIL: nyingtob_ling@hotmail.com

Women’s Team

Volunteers needed to teach English to Indian women and children in the village of Kaniyara near Dharamshala. Contact Jitender. EMAIL: jitenderje@gmail.com PHONE: 9817105035 / 08894435595

The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)

ANEC facilitates trainings, workshops and open forum discussions on nonviolent strategies to help resolve disagreements and differences at all levels of human society. ANEC welcomes volunteers from western countries to participate in informal panel discussions on ideas of regional and global peace and nonviolent strategies. Free lunch and tea and many more benefits for volunteers. LOCATION: No. 262, 1st floor, Khajanchi -Mohalla, Khunyara Rd, Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 98051-47048 / 94180-94476 EMAIL: tcsamkhar@gmail.com, Facebook: Anec Peace

National Democratic Party of Tibet

The NDPT is currently the only Tibetan political party. With 5000 members in 36 regional chapters throughout the world, the main aim and objectives of the NDPT are to prepare for the establishment of a political party in a future Tibet, to promote democracy, to educate the Tibetan people about the significance of political parties and to create awareness among the people about Tibetan issues. WEB: www.ndp4tibet.org LOCATION: Dharamshala–176219 EMAIL: tibetparty4@gmail.com PHONE: 9882787633 / 9882673330

BUS SCHEDULE * Times and prices may vary. Please check with the bus stand ahead of departure. Leaving from the McLeod Ganj bus stand, unless otherwise stated: Delhi: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am, 6pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm and 8:30pm (Rs524) Semi Deluxe Bus: 6pm (Rs544) , Full Deluxe Bus: (Rs683) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8pm (Rs1121) AC TATA: 4pm (Rs830) Amritsar: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs223) *from Dharamshala Dehradun: Ordinary Bus: 8pm (Rs524); AC Deluxe: 2pm (Rs664) Manali: Ordinary Bus: 7:10am (Rs676) *from Dharamshala Pathankot: Ordinary Bus: 10am, 11am, 12:10pm, 12:30pm, 2:10pm, 3:50pm, 5pm(Rs150) Shimla: Ordinary Bus: 5am, 5:30am, 6am, 8am, noon and 4:55pm (Rs360) *from Dharamshala, Semi-Deluxe Bus: 8:22am, 7:45pm and 9:30pm (Rs450) *from Dharamshala FOR BOOKINGS: Location: Ticket stand under McLLo’s, McLeod Ganj Main square Hours: 10am-5pm, daily Phone: 220026 (McLeod bus stand), 224903 (Dharamshala) For deluxe buses, book through any travel agency.

TAXIS

A private taxi to Lower Dharamshala will cost you Rs 200. Cram into a jeep (from the bus stand), and it’ll only cost you Rs15.

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Ambulance: 01892-102, 222189

Police Superintendent: 01892-222244

Tibetan Delek Hospital Location: Gangchen Kyishong, CTA Hours: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, MonSat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, Wed only; Emergencies: 24-hrs, daily. Phone: 222 053,223 381

Police Contact Information Location: Past St.John’s Church on the road to Dharamshala in Cantt. area. Phone: 221 483

Kangra Airport: 01892-232374 Bhagsu Taxi Union: 01892-221034 Tourism Office: 01892-224430 , 223325 Rail Booking & Enquiry: 01892-265026

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 2014

activities and tourist info Upcoming Events

MEDITATION

Sept 24-26: HH the Dalai Lama’s teaching on Shantideva’s A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (chodjug) at Tsuglakhang, McLeod

Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre

Oct 1-3: Body, Mind and Life Conference Venue - Men-Tsee-Khang, near CTA Oct 2: Gandhi Jayanti, Birthday of Gandhiji October 6-9: HH the Dalai Lama’s teaching on Nagarjuna’s texts at Tsuglakhang, McLeod

BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY Library of Tibetan Works & Archives WEB: www.ltwa.net/library LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9-10 am, 11-12noon PHONE: 921-842-2467

Public Audience with HH Karmapa WEB: www.kagyuoffice.org LOCATION: Sidhpur HOURS: Wed & Sat: 2:30pm PHONE: 01892-235307

YOGA & REIKI Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, behind Akash Hotel, on Jogiwara Rd - Map #11 HOURS: 8:00am-5:30pm PHONE: 980-569-3514

Sunita Singh Yoga Class

LOCATION: Singh Corner, nr Magic Tree Upper Bhagsu (see ad on pg 19) PHONE: 9805889060 WEB: www.maashakktiyoga.com

MASSAGE Lotus Healing Touch

LOCATION: Mcleod Ganj PHONE: 86791-64778 EMAIL: Lotus_healingtouch@hotmail.com House call treatment offered as well!

Nature Cure Health Club

Shiatsu massage LOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka, Jogiwara Road PHONE: 941-813-0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com

Men-Tsee-Khang

LOCATION: Mcleod Ganj Branch Clinic, 1st floor, Tipa Road (2 mins from Main Square) PHONE: 98828-60505 EMAIL: therapycenter@men-tsee-khang.org

Traditional Thai Massage

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

Contact

WEB: www.omyogaindia.com LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Road PHONE: 980-569-3514 EMAIL: om.yoga@ymail.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

Vipassana Meditation

WEB: www.sikhara.dhamma.org LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 4:00-5:00pm PHONE: 01892-21309 EMAIL: info@sikhara.dhamma.org

Siddhartha Retreat Centre

WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Nag, Near High Sky PHONE: 09816565138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@yahoo.co.in

School of Life and Spirituality

Meditation and teachers’ training LOCATION: behind Hotel Akashdeep, Bhagsu, Mcleod Ganj, please call before coming WEB: www.devom.org PHONE: 09569221047, 09971608310 EMAIL: dev@devom.org

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

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

Indian Cooking Classes

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

Lhamo’s Kitchen: Tibetan Cooking Classes

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

Nisha’s Indian Cooking Class

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

Sangye’s Kitchen: Traditional Tibetan Cooking Classes

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

LANGUAGES Tibetan Language Courses

WEB: www.thosamling.com LOCATION: Thosamling Institute, Sidhpur (near Norbulingka) HOURS: 4 hours/day PHONE: 9882455065 EMAIL: thosamling@gmail.com

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, 941-818-7281 EMAIL: sunilsharma81in@yahoo.co.in

Tibetan Language

LOCATION: The Tibetan Library See Buddhist Philosophy Listing

Hindi Lessons with Kailash

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

Tibetan with Pema Youdon

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

Esukhia Online Tibetan Courses and Tibetan Immersion Spoken Location:Tilak Ray Building, Bhagsu Rd WEB: www.esukhia.org PHONE: 8679502538 / 9882004965 EMAIL: contact@esukhia.org

ART & MUSeums Tibet Museum

LOCATION:Near the Main Temple and the 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 & 4 Sat

Form Gallery

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

AUGUST 2014

activities HEALTH SERVICES

Tibet-Related Websites

Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Dr Natasha Mehra

LOCATION: Near Hotel Mount View, Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala PHONE: 09218742046 EMAIL: perfect32dentalclinic@gmail.com

Dr Sant Marwah Clinic

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

Dr Kumar Ayurvedic and Panchkarma WEB: www.kumarayurveda.com LOCATION: Hotel Surya Rd., opposite the the Club House HOURS: 9:00am-2:00pm & 2:30-7:00pm; Emergencies: 24 hrs daily PHONE: 8894492837 EMAIL: SATINDER3737@gmail.com

Maanav Health Clinic

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

Men-Tsee-Khang

LOCATION: 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: : 94181-30119 / 97363-33888 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com

Tibetan Delek Hospital

& News

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

News: tibet.net - official website of the Central Tibetan Administration in exile rfa.org/english/news/tibet - Radio Free Asia’s mission is to provide accurate and timely news and information to Asian countries whose governments prohibit access to a free press voatibetanenglish.com - Voice of America’s Tibet pages – VOA is an international multimedia broadcasting service funded by the US government contactmagazine.net - Contact magazine online phayul.com - news on Tibetan issues 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 Campaigning: tchrd.org - Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy - a nongovernment organisation and a research centre to protect the human rights of Tibetan people and promote the principles of democracy studentsforafreetibet.org - a global grass roots group campaigning for full Tibetan independence savetibet.org - international campaign for Tibet and a good resource for news, campaigns, fundraising and projects tibetnetwork.org/home - a coalition of more than 190 Tibet organisations dedicated to campaigning to end human rights violations in Tibet and restoring rights to the Tibetan people freetibet.org/ - a UK-based group that campaigns against China’s occupation of Tibet. Find an interactive map of protests in Tibet on http://freetibet.org/ about/tibets-resistance tibetanyouthcongress.org - an international non-government organisation that advocates full independence for Tibet from China 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.

THOSAMLING’s Tibetan Language Program 2014 MODULE 1 Beginner Course 4 Aug – 24 Oct 5 days/week, total 4.5hrs/day. Start with the alphabet and learn to read and write basic Tibetan in two weeks. Audio and video materials help students progress as quickly as possible.

MODULE 2 Intermediate Course 27 Oct – 19 Dec 5 days/week, total 4.5hrs/day.

Main focus is on colloquial Tibetan and first stages of developing literary Tibetan skills using simple texts. Private time with teachers is available.

MODULE 3 Dharma Language Course 4 Aug – 26 Sept 5 days/week, total 2.5hrs/day.

Main focus is on literary/colloquial Tibetan. We work with audio materials, transcripts and translations of oral teachings and their root texts to deepen understandings.

T he cour ses are free for Sangha.

MODULE 4 Introduction to Debate 13 Oct – 19 Dec 5 days/week, total 2.5hrs/day & afternoon debate sessions.

Debate opens many doors to the Dharma and sharpens the mind. Re g ist fo r a ll cratio n our is op e n se s !

For a minimum of five people coming from McLeod Ganj: inexpensive daily transport can be arranged.

THOSAMLING INSTITUTE For International Buddhist Women

thosamling@gmail.com • www.thosamling.com • Sidhpur • 176057 Dharamsala • mob 9882455065 Contact

AUGUST 2014

news and issues

“Finding Common Ground” By Mary Trewartha Chinese intellectuals, activists, writers, and sinologists from Europe, US, Asia and Australia took part in a two-day Sino-Tibetan conference in Hamburg which was aimed at finding a common ground in pursuit of a just and peaceful resolution to the issue of Tibet through dialogue and reconciliation. His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed the conference on the second day, saying that he was glad to greet Chinese brothers and sisters, and that more and more Chinese people are coming to hear him teach. He quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent

Participants at the conference Photo: Tibet.net

remark that Buddhism has an important role to play in reviving Chinese culture. Tibetan Political Leader Dr Lobsang Sangay attended the conference to give the keynote speech, “The Middle-Way

Approach - The Path Forward”. Sangay said that the Middle-Way Approach gains more support every year from the Chinese community and that more than 1,000 articles and opinion pieces have been written by Chinese scholars and writers supporting dialogue to resolve the issue of Tibet. The conference, “Finding Common Ground”, which took place at the Grand Elysee in Hamburg on August 27-28, was organised by the Central Tibetan Administration and co-ordinated by the Office of the Special Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Europe.

Arrests, Releases and Sentences for Tibetan Political Prisoners Kunsang Lhamo, 30, a nun from Dokha nunnery in Gadey County, Amdo, has been arrested, accused of committing a serious but unspecified crime. The previous day she received a phone call telling her to report to the Gade county station. On arrival there she was detained. Dawa Tsomo, 20, a Tibetan female writer has been arrested by Chinese police in Dzatoe County in eastern Tibet on the allegation that she has violated China’s cyber laws by posting “politically sensitive” articles on the internet. Tsomo is known for her bold articles and blogs about the mistreatment of Tibetans by Chinese government officials, and which are critical of the Chinese government. In mid August, two political prisoners were released after completing their prison terms: Tsakyab of Serta Yarlung County, Kardze Prefecture, after doing two years; and Damchoe Tsultrim, 42, after serving two and a half years. Damchoe Tsultrim was arrested in connection with the self-immolation of Damchoe Sangpo, a monk from the Bongtak monastery in Themchen. Lama Dawa Rinpoche, a senior Tibetan spiritual leader currently in prison and barred from contact with his monastery, has been allowed to Contact

return to his monastery to conduct teachings. He visited Shag Rongpo monastery in Shagchu township in the Nagchu prefecture where he gave teachings and empowerments to thousands of monks and lay Tibetans. Rinpoche was arrested in 2010 for allegedly contacting the Dalai Lama. Two Tibetan activists have been freed from prison. Rinchen Samdup is an environmentalist who organised villagers to plant trees and report poaching, he has served five years. Gyaltsen, a monk, was freed after serving two years for participating in a protest by thousands of Tibetans against China’s “repressive” policies. About 20 monks from his Ba Shetri Monastery who were arrested with him are still in prison. Geshe Tsultrim Nyandak, 40, of Rapten Monastery in Driru has been given a nine-year prison sentence. He was arrested in December 2012 in Lhasa, and then disappeared. His family have now been notified of his sentence and his whereabouts at Lhasa’s Chushul prison. There are reports that his health has deteriorated while in the detention centre, and that his family have been refused permission to provide him with medical aid. Eight people in Derge County have 16

been given sentences of up to nine years for their alleged involvement in a 2012 protest when a Tibetan named Tashi destroyed a police station using a petrol bomb. Tashi was protesting against the increase in police stations across Tibet after the 2008 uprising, he was killed in the blast.The eight are: Yeshi, Pema Norbu, Jiga, Tsering Phuntsok, Bugah, Gendun, Lhaksam and Sugoen. Six Tibetans from Phondo town in Phenpo Lhundrup County in the Tibetan Autonomous Region have been sentenced to up to 12 years for taking part in an anti-mining protest three years ago. The Chinese mining operations caused environmental destruction and harm to livestock, and at least 100 homes were evacuated when their village was flooded as a result of mining-related activity. The six are: Ngawang Yeshi, Pema Gyalpo, Pema Gyaltsen, Chonyi Woser, Kunga and Pema. Eight Tibetans been detained in China’s Qinghai province. They were at a police station querying the compensation arrangements for the family of Soebey, a Tibetan motorcyclist killed in a road accident by a Chinese truck driver who has been allowed to go free and pay only minimal compensation. AUGUST 2014