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འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།
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A Digest of Tibetan Issues, News and Community Information RGD No. HPENG/2013/51798 | Volume: XXI
Issue:7 | August 31, 2019
His Holiness’ Teachings in Manali
Contents
by Aparna Ramachandran His Holiness the Dalai Lama began a four day teaching in Manali in Himachal Pradesh from August 13. The first day began with a brief introduction to Buddhism wherein His Holiness acknowledged that there are many people who follow Buddhism in Kullu, Manali. His Holiness said that one’s belief in any religion is their Continued on page 3
Rewards Up to $44,000 for Informants Inside Tibet
by Ben Byrne The Chinese government in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) have tripled the cash rewards offered to anyone reporting “illegal” online content to up to Yuan 300,000 (approx. $44,000). The tactic is part of a larger “social supervision strategy to mobilise the general public to effectively prevent and combat illegal and criminal online content”. Continued on page 3
Three Tibetan Monks Detained in Ngaba
by Sarah Weber Details of the detention of three monks in the Tibetan province of Amdo have reached Tibetan sources in exile. Dharamsala based Kirti Monastery representative, Kanyag Tsering, notified the media on August 14 that the monks had been arrested by the Chinese authorities at separate times in 2017 and 2018. One was sentenced to four years Continued on page 5
Tibet and its Nomads at Grave Risk
by Sarah Weber A special report on the Climate Emergency by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) has highlighted the increased risk posed to Tibet as the “Third Pole”: a climate change epicentre. The report Climate Change and the Land is a product of 107 experts from 52 different countries. The report carried Continued on page 4
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News Features 01-09 Tibetan Headlines 11- 12 International Headlines 13 People Story 14 NGO Profile 15 Community News 16 Volunteer Story 17 Charities & Organisations 18-19 Activities & Information 20-21 Jobs & Advertisements 22-23 Mcleod Ganj Map 24
Upcoming Events in Dharamshala Sep 4 - 6, 2019 : His Holiness Teaching His Holiness will give three days of teachings in the morning at the request of a group from Asia in Tsuglakhang temple. Sep 3 -20, 2019 : Leadership Workshop Nun’s leadership workshop will be held in Library of Tibetan Works and Archieves. Sep 3 - 27 : Courses in English at Mentse-Khang A five-day Introductory Course on Tibetan Medicine, A ten-day Foundation Course on Tibetan Medicine and A five-day Introductory Course on Tibetan Astro-Science will be conducted at Mentse-Khang college hall. For details, visit www.men-tsee-khang.org October 3 - 5, 2019: His Holiness Teaching His Holiness will give three days of teachings on Nagarjuna’s The Precious Garland of the Middle Way in the mornings at Tsuglakhang temple at the request of a group from Taiwan.
Contact magazine is sponsored by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD). TFD’s kind contribution has made this publication possible.
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Lha Charitable Trust
Institute for Social Work & Education Lha is an award-winning, grassroot and non-profit institute for social work and education 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 language and IT classes, a community soup kitchen and many other programmes and activities. Through rehabilitation resources and social and educational services, Lha facilitates an easy transition for the Tibetan refugee community to India. For more information about Lha, please visit: www.lhasocialwork.org Facebook: Lhasocialwork Twitter: Lhasocialwork
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Charitable Trust. It has been a popular source of news and information on Tibetan issues, and the Dharamshala community, for 21 years and is acknowledged in Lonely Planet and other international travel resources. It is available free of charge and distributed around Dharamshala, Delhi and various diplomatic missions in India. Copies are sent to Tibetan schools, settlements, offices and NGOs in India and abroad. Contact is updated daily on our website www.contactmagazine.net. Contact is registered under the Registrar Office of the Newspaper, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India; registration number HPENG/2013/51798. Please Note: The articles, stories and other material in Contact represent the views of the authors and are not necessarily the views of the Contact editing staff or Lha Charitable Trust. Please email comments on this issue to: editor@contactmagazine.net
I am delighted to have been invited as Guest Editor for this edition of Contact. Summertime is a period of flux for my family, with teenage kids returning from travels; heading off to festivals, or summer jobs; house-hunting for next term at Uni. I am here at home acting as the anchor for everyone, making sure that everyone is fed and has clean clothes before they set off again. However it also gives me a lovely opportunity to do some studying myself, to do things like getting involved with Contact and to spend quality time with my cat Shimmy! What is rewarding about this job is that you get to hear about so many aspects of life around the world; even though I am here staying in one place, a small rural town in the North of the UK, it really makes me realise that I am connected to so many others, all of us here on this planet at this difficult time. Even the tales of struggle and disaster evoke a sense of real empathy. I hope that the stories in this edition continue to inform, inspire, move and motivate you. May we all find lasting happiness, and may there be an end to suffering.
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Contact magazine | August 2019 | Page No 2
Kate Murry is our guest editor for this month. Our readers have met her through her story Kate’s Story shared with Contact under our people story section. Those of you who haven’t come across her story, here is the link : www.contactmagazine.net/ dharamasla-life/kates-story/
News Features His Holiness’ Teachings in Manali
Just prior to the empowerment, His Holiness spoke about personal choice, stating that he doesn’t claim that Buddhism the intentions involved in the act of generating Bodhichitta, is the best religion, nor does he force non-believers to stating that the primary intention of generating Bodhichitta follow any particular religion. His Holiness underlined should be to become a Buddha to benefit all sentient beings. On the last day of the teaching, His Holiness first started the importance of following a religion based on one’s personal preference and inclination. His Holiness spoke with Geshe Langri Tangpa’s Eight Verses for Training the about the teacher/student relationship and the importance of Mind. His Holiness spoke about the importance of respecting one another: even if people take advantage of us after we motivation from both sides. The second day saw His Holiness teaching Nagarjuna’s have been kind, we should not let our compassion fade. Commentary on Generating the Awakening Mind of His Holiness underscored the importance of countering afflictive emotions, as they lead to ruin if Bodhichitta. His Holiness began left unchecked. by reading the commentary and His Holiness then began teaching on discussing it verse by verse. Gyelsay Togmey Sangpo’s 37 Practices of His Holiness stated that “We Bodhisattvas. His Holiness stated that the often believe things exist from contents of the Three Baskets (Tripitaka) their own perspective, but when of the Buddha, namely the Sutras, the we investigate and try to find them Vinaya and Abhidharma, were meant to based on our point of view, we are Photo: OHHDL be practised. Based on an individual’s unable to pinpoint it. So, nothing exists objectively; it only exists by way of convention or capacity the result increases from achieving the high status designation. Even a moment of mind cannot be pinpointed.” of good rebirth, to accomplishing liberation from the cycle On Saturday August 17, an estimated 8,000 people of existence, to the highest achievement of working to gathered, despite inclement weather, to witness His benefit all sentient beings by attaining enlightenment. His Holiness stated that the effectiveness of the Dharma Holiness give a Mahakarunika Lokeshvara empowerment. depends on whether you manage to transform your mind, His Holiness stated that those with faith and conviction who were unable to attend the discourse in person could and pointed out that it is up to each individual person to take the empowerment through a webcast, adding that there bring about such a transformation. His Holiness said he was happy to have been able to was such a precedent in Buddha’s life. His Holiness then gave a short introductory talk once the preparations for the teach this and expressed gratitude to the Hindi, English and Chinese interpreters. empowerment were complete. Continued from page 1
Rewards Upto $44,000 for Informants Inside Tibet Continued from page 1
“Illegal” online content is defined, in typically oblique fashion by the Chinese government, as anything that “subverts state power”, promotes “overthrowing the socialist system” or “splitting the country”, or that “distorts the history of the party, the nation and the army”. Posting content deemed to be advocating the Dalai Lama’s middle-way policy, in favour of the Tibetan mother-tongue, or to be a challenge to China’s territorial claim over Tibet, could lead to severe punishment. Vague definitions of what constitutes a crime allow the Chinese room to persecute anybody engaging in peaceful protest against repressive policies. The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), based in Dharamshala, asserts that the policy shows the governments determination to “turn the public into government spies” and that it stands as an “example of the creation of a police state in Tibet”.
The increase in rewards took place in February amid a broader Tibet-wide campaign against organised crime and so called “black and evil forces”. Sources in the region claim that this is a front for stifling dissent and cracking down on the daily existence of Tibetans, leading to increased mistrust within local communities. In a report released in May, TCHRD claimed that the campaign had resulted in the “detention, arrest, and torture of human rights and environmental activists”. The latest notice also bans the use of electronic payments made through cheques, credit cards as well as Alipay and Wechat to send donations to organisations or people supporting “ethnic separatist forces, religious extremist forces, and violent terrorist forces”. The Tibet Autonomous Region Public Security Bureau in their previous notice (issued in 2018) offered rewards of up to 100,000 yuan (USD 15,600) for informing about “illegal” online content.
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News Features Continued from page 1
Tibet and its Nomads at Grave Risk
out extensive research on climate change and its effects on land, together with the livelihood and well-being of human beings, as well as biodiversity at large. It focuses primarily on the global situation but comes to an alarming conclusion for Tibet in particular. The report, published on August 8, widely covers a range of topics: climate change; desertification; land degradation; sustainable land management; food security; and greenhouse gas fluxes in land-based ecosystems. Experts see Tibet as a climate change epicentre: the Tibetan plateau, as the largest reservoir of fresh water outside of the North and South Poles, as well as the source of the eight largest river systems in the world, is dubbed the earth’s Third Pole. The plateau is warming twice as fast as the rest of the world, which causes the melting of the glaciers and permafrost. Since the glacial sources of Asia’s great rivers are melting fast, rivers and lakes are rising and overflowing. This is speeding up the soil erosion process, thereby causing floods, landslides and major damage to land and people as well as an increase in bare ground cover. Moreover, the accelerated melting of the glaciers and permafrost contribute to global warming and more extreme weather conditions such as snow storms and heavy rain within Tibet. These extreme weather phenomena are causing large scale loss of livestock and endangering wild animals such as blue sheep; white-lipped deer; Tibetan gazelles; wild yaks and various species of birds. The report concludes that extreme weather conditions are projected to
grow in intensity and frequency. Additionally, the report gives special attention to land degradation on the Tibetan plateau, since food security is strongly linked to land tenure. Climate change and soil erosion impact ranglands and therefore heighten the vulnerability of pastoral systems. China’s policy of settlement, resettlement, communally-owned rangeland and fencing off of pastoral areas amplifies this vulnerability and exacerbates pastoralists’ traditional coping strategies, since mobility was in itself a response to a normally unpredictable climate. The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) concludes from the report that Chinese policies are reshaping the Tibetan landscape with devastating consequences, instead of seeking to protect this fragile ecosystem. For food security the IPCC authors recommend including the nomads in the vital work of pasture regeneration, in order to achieve a sustainable way of life and enabling them to live on and protect the land. The experts acknowledge the importance of the nomads on the Tibetan plateau as protectors and guarantors of biodiversity. The report provides policymakers all over the world with a summary on the current climate emergency, as well as recommendations for action in the near future, but it also offers an urgent warning. Without immediate action, global warming will have a major impact on food production across the planet, endangering the livelihood not only of Tibetan nomads but the livelihood of the entire globe.
Detained for Sharing His Holiness’ Photo on WeChat by Sarah Weber A Tibetan man was taken into custody by Chinese officials in July for sharing pictures of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the popular Chinese social media platform WeChat, reports Radio Free Asia. It is reported that Rinso, 50, a resident of Thangkor Township’s Village Number three, Dzoege County in Tibet’s traditional province of Amdo, was held over a week and later released. “Police released him on July 16 after he spent 10 days in custody,” said RFA’s source, “without any explanation from the authorities”. The news of Rinso’s detention and release reached outside sources only this month due to the strict blockingof information channels by the Chinese authorities, particularly in this region of Tibet. “Chinese authorities are closely monitoring discussions
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on WeChat, and are quick to intervene,” said RFA’s source, speaking in anonymity, adding “It is better to avoid speaking openly about certain things, and to avoid sharing photos“. The report further said that in May, Chinese authorities issued a bilingual notice, warning against the improper use of WeChat for spreading political news, including discussions on the developments in Hong Kong and Taiwan, which were flagged as particularly sensitive. As per the ruling, only news reports approved by the Chinese government can be shared, and serious infractions of the rules can be punished by as much as eight years in prison. To read related article Rewards Upto $44,000 for Informants Inside Tibet, please go to pages 1 and 3.
News Features Continued from page 1
Three Tibetan Monks Detained in Ngaba
imprisonment; the other two are held incommunicado and are believed not to have been sentenced yet. For all three of them the reasons for their current detention, their whereabouts and their health conditions remain unknown. Lobsang Thamkhe, 37, a monk from Kirti monastery, was detained in 2018 and was sentenced to four years in prison on July 30. According to Radio Free Asia, no details are available regarding what he was charged with and where he is now imprisoned. Lobsang Thamkhe had previously graduated from the Buddhist Youth School that was formerly attached to Kirti Monastery before being closed by the county’s jurisdiction in 2002. At the time of his arrest he was enrolled at the Dialectics College at his monastery where he was pursuing the Uma (Madhyamika/Middle Way) course. Two other monks from Ngaba have gone missing after being taken into custody by the Chinese police. Kirti Monastery Monk, Lobsang Dorjee, 36, detained on
unknown charges sometime in August 2018, is yet to be sentenced. He had earlier served three years in prison in 2011 for taking part in a protest. Thubpa, 32, from Tutse Monastery in Ngaba, was taken away from his residence at night towards the end of 2017. He had previously served an 18-month sentence in 2008 for shouting political slogans and burning a Chinese flag in protest against Chinese rule. Thubpa’s father, Kalsang, was also arrested and imprisoned for shouting political slogans in March 2011, when a monk named Phuntsok self-immolated near Kirti Monastery. Information is frequently delayed from reaching foreign news outlets, and other outside contacts, due to strict restrictions, surveillance and blockage of information channels by the Chinese authorities. In recent years the areas of Ngaba and nearby Kirti Monastery have been the scene of various self-immolations and other protests calling for Tibetan freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
New Social Security Card in Tibet – another tool for mass surveillance
by Tsering Wangdue The Chinese authorities are rapidly expanding the issuance of the new social security card in Tibet, in order to tighten their grip on Tibetans. This multipurpose social security card gives access to numerous services and controls almost every aspect of an individual’s life. The Chinese authorities in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) have issued 2.7 million cards to the Tibetans in June this year and aim to achieve the distribution of 3 million new cards by the end of the year. The new social security cards cover different functions such as banking; purchasing and bill settlement; health and life insurance; and other non-financial functions such as a personal ID card and city card. According to the Chinese media, the new multipurpose social security cards achieve the objective of “one person: one card” by bringing a wide range of services and functions under a single card. They also claim that the guiding principle behind this scheme is to enhance ethnic unity and the building of a beautiful Tibet.
The Tibet support group, International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), said the new social security card, which is in line with China’s controversial social credit system, is a tool for mass surveillance, controlling every action of every Tibetan living in TAR. The data collected by the card could be used to punish every Tibetan who is deemed a criminal by loss of employment or pension, denial of flight and train tickets, torture and even imprisonment. The former political prisoners and Tibetans suspected of loyalty to the Dalai Lama are closely watched and monitored through this card system, ICT added. Although the Chinese social credit system was not the world’s first, it is unique in its complexity. The Chinese social credit system extends to every aspect of life – judging citizen’s behavior, trustworthiness and compliance to government policy. This new social security system, along with the social credit system, has turned ethnic minorities such as Tibetans and Uighurs into virtual prisoners.
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News Features Second Five-Fifty Youth Forum
by Lodoe Gyatso A select group of one hundred young Tibetans from all over the world gathered from August 16 to 19 for the Second Five-Fifty Youth Forum, organised by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamshala. CTA’s official website reported that the forum saw discussion, debate and learning from one another while the participants chalked out action plans regarding the future political status of Tibet. During this time they discussed themes ranging from: “Tibet and PRC (People’s Republic of China)”; “Inclusion of and Responsiveness to Tibetans inside Tibet and the Diaspora”; “Young voices in the Tibetan Freedom Movement” and “CTA leadership towards the FiveFifty vision”. During the opening ceremony Lobsang Sangay, the President of the CTA, also known as the Tibetan government-in-exile, highlighted the challenges faced in maintaining world attention on the situation in Tibet. “The Tibetan situation is not lost,” he said confidently. Addressing concerns that Tibetans in exile would lose their culture, he advised the forum, “Integrate, do not assimilate.” Speaking during a break in proceedings, Tsewang Gyalpo Arya, the Secretary of the CTA’s department of Information and International Relations, stated that Tibetans should preserve their culture. In this way they would act as a torch bearer for those following.
Participant Kalsang Dorjee from Switzerland was very excited about attending the gathering. He stated, “It is very important to cultivate our culture.” He added, “It is our moral duty to stand up for our country.” Participant Phurbu Dolma from Dharamshala is currently undertaking a gap year in her studies. She believes that it is important to be aware of Tibetan history and politics. Looking forward, she expects a time of rapid change in Tibet and states that a key challenge for Tibetan youth is the way in which they will maintain their identity. In his key remarks during the valedictory session Secretary Sonam Norbu Dagpo of the CTA was quoted by tibet.net as saying, “The past history of Tibet reveals that Tibet was an independent nation but this fact has been misconstrued and fabricated by China’s narrative of Tibet.” He therefore urged participants to devise strategies to counter such misrepresentations. In his concluding remarks President Dr Lobsang Sangay said that the forum had been established for young Tibetans to examine the political role they can create for Tibet. He was positive that this goal had been achieved. According to phayul.com, an independent news service, the Five-Fifty Policy calls for a revitalisation of the Tibetan people’s struggle to seek genuine autonomy through the ‘Middle Way Approach’ in the next five years, while strategising to embolden and sustain the Tibetan movement over the next fifty years as a contingency plan.
Sogyal Rinpoche dies aged 72 by Tenzin Samten Sogyal Rinpoche, 72, a renowned Tibetan spiritual leader and a Dzogchen Nyingma Master, has passed away in Thailand on August 28 after suffering a pulmonary embolism. He had been receiving treatment for colon cancer. “Although his passing was sudden, in a way, all the same it was very peaceful and serene, and he was surrounded by close and loving students,” was posted by one of his care team on his official Facebook page. “Rinpoche is now resting in meditation. Several Lamas are supporting us with precise guidance at every step, and especially Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche,” said the post. Rinpoche was the founder of Rigpa, an international network of Buddhist centres, and the author of the best-selling book The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying , of which more than two million copies have been printed in 30 languages across 56
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countries. The book brought him international fame as a modern Buddhist teacher. Rinpoche had been teaching for 40 years in Europe, America, Asia and Australia. He had retired from his role as Spiritual Director of Rigpa in August 2017 in the wake of allegations of sexual, physical and emotional abuse of his students over a period spanning decades. Sogyal Rinpoche was born in 1947 in the Trehor region of the traditional Tibetan province of Kham. As well as studying Tibetan Buddhism from various buddhist masters, he studied in Delhi University and at Trinity College, Cambridge, as a visiting scholar. After five years of teaching in the west, in 1979, Rinpoche gave the title “Rigpa” to his work, which later became the name of the organisation – a collection of international Buddhist centres which currently has centres and groups in 41 countries around the world.
News Features China Rolls Out Revised History Textbooks by Tsering Wangdue China is set to issue its revised Chinese history textbooks for Middle and High schools from this autumn semester. The revised textbooks state that Chinese territories include the Diaoyu Islands, South China Sea, Xinjiang, Tibet and Taiwan, and claims they have all been part of China since the Han dynasty (206BC-AD25). Mr Ye Xiaobing, a history professor at Capital Normal University in Beijing and Director of the History Teaching Professional Commission of the Chinese Society of Education, said the contents of the textbooks highlight the history of China as a united multi-nationality country and that the books’ message is to promote national sovereignty, territorial integrity and ethnic unity. The revision process for the history books started in December 2017. The revised editions are to be distributed into Chinese schools in six provinces in September: Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Shantung and Hainan. The aim
is to get them into every school in China by 2022. Observers in mainland China believe that a stronger education on national territory and unity for the younger generation is important in order to strengthen their patriotism and party loyalty, saying this could counter calls for separatism and the democracy protests such as are ongoing in Hong Kong and Taiwan. China is known to have taken liberties with the histories of its own minority peoples in order to educate the new generations using methods that promote party patriotism and nationalism. Earlier this year in February, Primary students in Shigatse, a prefecture level city in the Tibetan Autonomous Region, were issued with a new textbook written in both Tibetan and simplified Chinese. The textbook, aimed at Tibetan students, teaches them about the integration of Han and Tibet cultures. A report in the Chinese state media Global Times said the textbook includes topics on patriotism, history and geography of the region, a lesson on civility and a comparison between Tibet’s former oppressive ways and the change and improvement brought by China into the lives of Tibetans.
US Delegation Visits Dharamshala
by Tenzin Samten and respect. Sikyong Lobsang Sangay – President of CTA, A six-member United States Congressional delegation, led in his welcome address said that the presence of such a highby Chairman David Price and Vice-chair Vern Buchanan of level Congressional delegation in Dharamshala is sending the House of Democracy Partnership, visited the Tibetan a strong positive message to Beijing that democracy is government-in-exile and His Holiness the Dalai Lama at his inevitable and universal. residence on August 3. “For the Tibetans inside Tibet, your presence reassures The delegation members interacted with His Holiness and reaffirms their belief in the just cause of Tibet by sending over a lunch reception at his residence. “We wanted to pay them hope and inspiration” said Dr Sangay. our respects and express our gratitude to His Holiness the Congressman David Price in his address to the CTA Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people officials said, “The experience of for the inspiration they have been meeting His Holiness will never be to us and the entire world,” said forgotten by us as it was indeed an Congressman David Price. honour of a lifetime.” He thanked “Our goal is to build [on the] Dr Sangay for arranging the meeting friendship and partnership that and reassured the participants of the we have built over many years continued support of the US to Tibetan and to take that relationship to communities in India and Nepal. another level,” added Congressman He further expressed the His Holiness with the six member US delegation at his residence Buchanan while saying how much delegation’s appreciation of the Photo:OHHDL they appreciated the warm reception commitment of Tibetans to democracy, they have experienced at the Tibetan institutions. The which, he said resonates with the purpose of their visit. He delegation also visited Tsuglakhang, the main Tibetan added that democracy is a work in progress and is never temple in Dharmshala, as well as the offices of the Central perfectly and fully achieved. Tibetan Administration (CTA), also known as the Tibet In 2017 a similar high-level delegation visited the government-in-exile and the Tibetan parliament-in-exile. Tibetan leadership in Dharamshala. It was led by Speaker The delegates went on to a reception packed with the Nancy Pelosi of the US House of Representatives along officials of the CTA, all wishing to express their gratitude with an eight-member bipartisan delegation.
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News Features What Does the Future Hold for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh? by Anisha Francis Even as the removal of Kashmir’s special status by the Narendra Modi-led central government has drawn mixed reactions from the Indian public, the consequences of the move to split the disputed state into two Union Territories could have massive repercussions for the Tibetan population living in Ladakh. On August 5, amidst a sharp scaling up of army presence in the valley, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Amit Shah, announced the immediate abrogation of section 370, which has awarded ‘special status’ to Kashmir since 1947. He also said that article 35A, which granted the people of Kashmir a different set of laws and rights, including, amongst others, those related to the ownership of land, citizenship and other fundamental rights, would be scrapped, and the population brought under the same set of laws as the rest of India . The third major announcement was that the state would now be split into two Union Territories (UT), to be governed directly by the central government – Jammu and Kashmir UT would have legislature, whilst Ladakh UT would not. This change for Ladakh, the sparsely populated desert-like region on the western side of Jammu and Kashmir, which has a large Buddhist and Tibetan population, has not gone down well with China. A part of Ladakh bordered by Tibet called the Aksai– Chin region has been administered by China since 1962. Whilst the Buddhist-majority enclave has largely lauded the government’s move in the hope that the change that could spur economic and infrastructure development and increase tourism in Ladakh, China has condemned India’s decision as a direct threat to its influence in the contested Western Himalaya. In a statement issued last week, Beijing described the move as “unacceptable”. It also showed its resentment by denying visas to a group of devotees from India planning to make a pilgrimage to the Kailash Mansarovar peak which lies in China – occupied Tibet. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, said that Beijing disputed the inclusion of what it claims as Chinese territory on the Indian side of the 3,500-kilometer Himalayan border. “India’s unilateral amendment to its domestic law continues to damage China’s territorial sovereignty. This is unacceptable” said Hua. As well as China, the move has also rattled Pakistan, which has now severed all diplomatic ties with India. With Pakistan Prime minister Imran Khan calling the BJP-led central government in India ‘fascist’ and comparing them to Nazis, the neighbouring country has also stopped all trade with India. The Indian ambassador in Islamabad has been expelled, and Pakistan has also withdrawn its envoy to India. While the BJP MP in Ladakh has welcomed the move, the people of Ladakh are uncertain as to whether it would make things worse.
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Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, the newly elected young BJP MP from Ladakh said, “Ladakh, for too long, had been given a step-motherly treatment by the Kashmir-centric state government in terms of funding, job opportunities and employment” and called the decision a “harbinger of development”. Whilst the people of Ladakh have demanded Union Territory status for their homeland for several decades now, the large population of the mountainous region is somewhat thrown by the central government’s recent move, as it has come with a worrying clause: namely, the UT of Ladakh will have no legislature, which translates to having no representation in the centre, meaning the central government gets to take unilateral decisions on matters pertaining to the people of the new UT. In the scrapping of Article 370, Ladakh loses the protective provisions granted under Article 35A that gets ditched as a subordinate article. This enabled the state to define ‘permanent residents’ and protected certain rights - crucial ones being employment under the state and the acquisition of immovable property. This move lifts the ban on non-residents purchasing land, causing concern that it would invite non-residents to settle in Ladakh and negatively affect the Ladakhi way of life, as well as its fragile ecosystem, already reeling under pressure from the tourist footfall. It could also drive up land values, and make buying a home or commercial property inaccessible to local people. Whilst the majority of the Ladakhi population are Muslim, Tibetan-origin Buddhists form over 40% of the demographic. The second concern voiced by the residents of Ladakh is the possibility of the ecological destruction of the picturesque destination. As social studies student Shumzin Stobdan puts it in her blog for the eco-website Delhi Greens, “How much development is good for the region is up to the people of Ladakh to decide. Ladakh needs to be more responsible with their land and resources, as infinite development is not viable when resources are finite. Ladakh is already facing an acute water crisis and plastic pollution, and much of the blame goes to rapid infrastructure development, mass tourism and climate change. The situation will only worsen with time.” Echoing the worries of many young people on the plateau, Stobdan continues, “It is thus necessary for the people of Ladakh to become aware of the threats of unplanned development and move towards sustainable and inclusive development that benefits the locals and does not threaten the environment and culture. Indeed, shifting both existing and forthcoming tourist initiatives towards sustainable and ecotourism is the need of the hour in the new Ladakh.” The major changes brought into these regions by the Modi government witnessed applause as well as criticism and what the future holds for them, only time will tell.
News Features TIBET: Time to Declare a Climate Emergency by Michael Buckley On Friday September 20 and 27, students around the world, together with adults, will strike for Climate Crisis action, with protests planned for hundreds of cities across the globe. Tibet should be at the forefront of any discussion about climate crisis. According to various calculations we have possibly 12 years, maybe 7 years or, according to UK’s Prince Charles, a mere 18 months before we reach the point of no return: the ‘tipping point’ where climate chaos becomes irreversible. Climate Emergencies have been declared: by the UK and Irish governments; by the Pope; and by some 7,000 educational establishments globally. China and India, both reliant on coal-fired power plants to fuel their economies, have shown no inclination to follow suit, nor to wean themselves off the use of coal. Both nations mention vague figures like reducing coal consumption by 2030, which is far too late. Lying between the world’s most populous nations, China and India, sits Tibet: this occupied country, under China’s iron-fisted rule since 1950, is the forgotten part of the climate crisis conversation. The Arctic and Antarctic meltdown are frequently reported in the media, but little is said about ‘the Third Pole’, namely the Tibetan Plateau. This vast region does what the other two poles cannot: it supplies a dozen nations downstream with fresh water. In fact, the rivers whose sources lie in Tibet supply fresh water to over 1.5 billion people downstream, representing a fifth of the entire global population. There is satellite evidence showing that these Himalayan glaciers are melting twice as fast as originally thought. Tibet sits on the largest area of permafrost outside of the Arctic and Antarctic, which is also rapidly thawing, with the potential to release large amounts of methane; a greenhouse gas 30 times more potent than CO2. As well as this , the vast areas of grassland, which hitherto acted as a carbon sink, are being rapidly destroyed by Chinese mining, accelerated by the arrival of the railway in Lhasa in 2006 and resulting in increasing desertification of the grasslands. Rapidly melting glaciers not only pose the immediate threat of major flooding, but in the long term, they offer the prospect of the rivers of Tibet running dry, resulting
in billions of people on the subcontinent being left without fresh water. Monsoon rainwater will not suffice to replenish the groundwater supplies in China and India, which have been tapped to the point where little remains. Dozens of Chinese megadams on the rivers of Tibet will cease to operate. Some scientific surveys say that around 50% of Himalayan glacial meltdown is caused by CO2 emissions (with China responsible for around 30% of global total emissions, and India for around 7%) and the other 50% of meltdown is possibly due to the rain of black soot on the Himalayas, from both Chinese and Indian sides. Black soot, aka Black Carbon, is not a greenhouse gas: it is a rain of minute particles from the burning of fossil fuels. These tiny PM2.5 particles are highly hazardous to human health, entering and remaining in the lungs, but also damaging to glaciers. Particles of black soot rest on the ice and snow, reducing their ability to reflect the sun, increasing the absorption of the sun’s rays, thus contributing to the increasing rapidity of glacial meltdown. This could be reversed in a very short time, but despite pledges made at the 2015 Paris Climate agreement, neither China nor India has taken substantial steps to reduce their output. It is time to declare a Climate Emergency in Tibet. China has never participated in any mass demonstrations targeting the climate crisis, such as those sweeping Europe via school strikes for global action and Extinction Rebellion. India has participated in such protest, with a number of NGOs involved. However, a lot more needs to be done to galvanise politicians and leaders into action, to solve the issue of meltdown in Tibet. Otherwise, the planet faces a stark choice: our very survival is at stake. Across Asia, disasters like flooding and cyclones are becoming more frequent, resulting in hundreds of thousands of climate refugees on the move. What happens in Tibet is much more than an Asian problem: it will have major impact on the entire planet. We no longer have the luxury of procrastination: the time to act is now. Michael Buckley is author of Meltdown in Tibet and the digital photobook Tibet, Disrupted - both available on Amazon India.
Contact magazine | August 2019 | Page No 9
Interview Secular Ethics for a Changing Tibet with Kunchok Tenzin For a culture and diaspora under rapid change, we look at the role of secular ethics for Tibetans inside and outside Tibet. Okechukwu Onwunli – Contact’s writer met with Kunchok Tenzin to speak about his research into secular ethics supported by Lha Charitable Trust and the Tibet Fund. OO:Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself and your recent work? KT: I was a monk when I came to India. I first came to South India from Tibet in 2007, where I studied Buddhist philosophy and epistemology as well as science, maths and English. I studied in the monastery until 2011, when I came to Dharamshala to study at Sera College for Higher Tibetan Studies. OO: What discoveries let you know that secular ethics was the right topic for you? KT: Many social problems had come to Tibet, especially in 2006, after the railway from Lhasa to Beijing was built. I could tell, in the markets and malls, people’s behaviour had begun to change towards a more materialistic way of thinking. It felt like a state of “Bardo” for Tibetan Society, wandering with no clear path or direction in terms of morality.
help the application of empathy and compassion. OO: What have you found most interesting about your research? KT: My favourite part was reviewing the history of how the system of Tibetan morality began, around 7th-10th century CE, and comparing it to what the situation is now. Recently, in a cave near the TAR-China border, many Tibetan writings were found among them, some writings about only ethics called “Advice from Older Brother to Younger Brother” (title translated); uninfluenced by Buddhism or Bon, the old religion of Tibet. OO: What is the current state of awareness about secular ethics? KT: When the term “secular ethics” is heard in Tibetan, many people think it is irrelevant to our society, because we already have Buddhism. But now this is starting to change.
OO: Why is that? OO: How did your research into KT: “Many outside organisations Secular Ethics begin? Who funded Okechukwu Onwunli (left) and Kunchok Tenzin (right) like Emory University are working your research? together with His Holiness the KT: After my studies at Sera College, in 2015 I came to Dalai Lama to develop secular ethics; that’s why Tibetans the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives where I studied are beginning to think this may be something special, making Buddhist Philosophy for 3 years. This project was launched them more curious about these things.” by Lha and funded by the Tibet Fund in the U.S.A. In 2018, there was an application and interview process for many OO: What do you hope to achieve with your research? candidates to do this research: from there I was chosen, after What’s next? which I began my research in secular ethics in May 2018. KT: What I really want to do is increase awareness about secular ethics in Tibet. What I’m thinking now is focusing on OO:What are some real-world applications of secular ethics? Tibetan Society as they are separating around the world as KT: Secular ethics can be thought of in three major parts, well. When many independent ideas about secular ethics can General Morality, Cultivation of Peace of Mind and Social develop, then we can do something. So, I really want to write Problem Solving; something that everyone needs in life. a book in Tibetan, based on my research, for Tibetans inside My research is focused on the Tibetan context. First, we must and outside Tibet. Then I would like to shift my focus to the begin simply with education and emotional intelligence. Western mindset of morality. Not talking about good or bad, just the fundamental skill of understanding other people. This ability is in decline in Tibet. OO: Kunchok, I would like to thank you on behalf of Contact We must begin teaching this from a young age alongside magazine. We look forward to hearing more from you. mindfulness. KT: I want to say thank you to you, and especially the people who support me at Lha. The former & current directors OO: How does mindfulness help secular ethics? of Lha who launched this program and Tibet Fund who KT: Mindfulness is fundamental to secular ethics. It helps supported it. I really hope to achieve good things with the for general awareness but also social awareness. This will time they invested in me.
Contact magazine | August 2019 | Page No 10
Tibetan Headlines Aug 28: China on Reincarnation Again Speaking in Lhasa at a training session attended by over 100 monks, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference official, Sonam Rinzin said that reincarnation is “never a religious-only issue or a living Buddha’s personal right” but is instead an important representation of the Communist Party of China’s strategies and policies. The session was also attended by the Chinese government appointed Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu, widely regarded by the Tibetans as the ‘fake Panchen’.
Aug 24: Best Outgoing Student Tenzin Bhuti, a Tibetan girl, was awarded the ‘Best Outgoing Student of the Year 2019’ by the Christ University in Bangalore, South India. Bhuti, a graduate of Masters of Arts in English with Cultural Studies, has received a certificate and monetary prize of Rs 7,000 as recognition for her good grades titled ‘Merit Scholarship’. She is from Kollegal Tibetan settlement and the recipient of a scholarship for her masters from the CTA’s Department of education.
Aug 27: Condolences from Tibetan Leadership Condolences were sent by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the wife of Arun Jaitley, the former finance minister and veteran Indian legislator, who passed away at the age of 66 after a prolonged illness. HH described Mr Jaitley as “ a distinguished attorney and public servant” who “dedicated himself to the service of the Indian people”. President Dr Lobsang Sangay added his sympathies on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people.
Aug 23: Discrimination Against Tibetans and Uyghurs Lens Technology, a giant tech company in China’s Hunan province, has posted a job advertisement barring Tibetans and Uyghurs from applying. Despite Chinese law stating that everyone has equal employment rights based on merit. The company, with over 60,000 employees, said that it can only “accept other ethnic minorities” for the job posting if they are not Tibetan, Uyghur, Mongolian or Sichuanese, reports Tibet Watch.
Aug 26: Call for Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, the United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, while speaking to a group of the Independent Council, called on Beijing to end its assault on religious faith groups and religious freedom, reports phayul. The report said that he has expressed his concern about “widespread and undue restrictions” on religious groups, including Uighurs, Kazakhs and other Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants and Falun Gong. Aug 26: Support From Australia Tibetan supporters united in Melbourne, Australia, with Uyghur, Chinese and Hong Kongers in support of the Hong Kong’s mass protests. Namgyal Dolkar, president of the Gu-Chu-Sum Movement association, who organised the rally with the Tibetan community in Victoria, said that Tibetans are moved by the Hong Kong protesters, and wanted to join them in sending a message of defiance to the Chinese government. The Hong Kong protests, with over 700 arrests, are now into their 12th week. Aug 25: Tibetan Cooperatives in India The Federation of Tibetan Cooperatives in India (FTCI) has begun its 19th annual meeting in Dharamshala from August 24 to 26. The inauguration of the meeting was graced by the presence of the President of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay, and others officials. The meeting saw the distribution of the annual budget to its 15 cooperatives and the declaration of the Nyemdel scholarship through a lucky draw.
Aug 22: Psychological and Sexual Abuse A number of nuns expelled from Yarchen Gar and Larung Gar, Buddhist universities in Kardze, Kham, who are being held for political re-education, are being subjected to psychological and sexual abuse in Chinese detention centres according to an article by a Tibetan researcher at the Tibetan Policy Institute of the Central Tibetan Administration. Following the demolition of residences at Larung Gar, Yarchen Gar faced the mass eviction of monks and nuns this year, a measure designed to restrict the growing influence of the institution. Aug 21: “Excellent Health” A six board-member contingent of the Tibetan Association of Minnesota visited His Holiness in Manali, urging HH to visit Mayo Clinic in the US for a medical check up as he used to. His Holiness reassured them that he is healthy and will live to at least 110. Speaking about the hopes of the Tibetan people HH said, “Just as Tibetans never forget about me, I will never forget the 6 million Tibetan people.” Aug 20: Solidarity with Hong Kong Tibetans and supporters in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala held a candlelight vigil in solidarity with Hong Kong. They walked carrying slogans reading “Hong Kong is NOT China”, “Tibet with Hong Kong” and “Tibet supports Hong Kong”. The vigil was organised by GuChuSum, an organisation of former Tibetan political prisoners. Tenzin Tsundue, an activist said that it is happening in Hong Kong today, and it will be China tomorrow.
Contact magazine | August 2019 | Page No 11
Tibetan Headlines Aug 20: Former Chief Minister of MP Shivraj Singh Chouhan, former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and National Vice President of BJP , (also a current member of the Legislative Assembly of the State), and Shri Kishan Kapoor, Member of Parliament for Lok Sabha from Kangra constituency, visited the Tibetan community in Dharamshala. They visited the offices of the Central Tibetan Administration, met with the President, Dr Lobsang Sangay, and also visited the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, reports tibet.net Aug 19: USCIRF Chair Dr Tenzin Dorjee – the first Tibetan Buddhist elected as the Chair of the Bipartisan United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), met with staff of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) to give a special talk on International Religious Freedom and Communication. He reasserted the United States’ unwavering commitment protecting religious freedom and expressed concern over the ongoing human rights situation in Tibet, particularly the lack of right to freedom of conscience. Aug 17: Dalai Foundation Scholarship The Dalai Lama Foundation, a foundation established by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, has granted scholarships to thirty graduate and doctoral students of Tibetan origin. Tibet.net reported that the awardees are students enrolled in universities in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and Switzerland. Each yearly scholarship per student is up to $10,000 [£ 8,200] and the total amount for this year was stated to be worth US$ 239,500 [£ 196,980]. Aug 16: Horse Race Festival The Tibetan traditional horse race festival began this week in Kanlho, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture’s Machu county, with participants from across the traditional Tibetan provinces of Kham and Amdo. Radio Free Asia reports that over 30,000 people attending were faced with a huge presence of plain clothed Chinese police officers monitoring the crowd. Thousands of small tents are rented on the festival ground, serving as restaurants and shops. Aug 13: Welfare Charity Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Bylakuppe carried out welfare charity and distributed food and blankets to the locals: many regions in Karnataka state in Southern India are suffering from continuous rainfall and flooding of the nearby Kaveri river, which has caused havoc in the lives of the people living there. Tashi Lhunpo monastery and Tibetans living in Bylakuppe expresses their solidarity and share their suffering.
Contact magazine | August 2019| Page No 12
Aug 9: Youth Icon Award Chemi Lhamo, a Toronto based student was awarded the first ever Tibetan Youth Icon Award at Dharamshala. The Education Minister of the CTA, Pema Yangchen, presented the award and a cheque for Rs100,000 [$1,400/£1,200]. Lhamo, President of the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus Students’ Union is majoring in Psychology and Neuroscience. The award organised by the Global Tibetan Student Union, recognises and aims to motivate young Tibetans with exceptional leadership skills. Aug 9: Prayers
A prayer service was held to express solidarity with the 153 Tibetans who have self-immolated since 2009 in protest against Chinese rule in Tibet. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) holds an annual service for the self-immolators in Tsuglakhan, the main temple in Dharamshala, led by Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, President of the CTA, who said, “We pray for Tibetan heroes and martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for Tibet.” Aug 8: Condolences from His Holiness His Holiness the Dalai Lama has spoken of veteran Indian politician and former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, 67, of India’s BJP party, who has died suddenly, speaking of the respect she was held in for her “compassionate concern for people and her friendly demeanor. In devoting herself to the service of others, she led a very meaningful life”. Her fellow politicians have described her as a “great statesman”. Aug 7: Tunnel Completed The Bukamu Tunnel, the 37th tunnel of the Lhasa–Nyingchi railway project currently under construction in Tibet, has been completed. The tunnel is located in Miling County and is 9,240 metres long and 3,100 metres above sea level. Chinese state media Xinhua says the railway is expected to be completed in 2021 and that 75% of its length will consist of bridges and tunnels. Aug 5: Lawyers Barred Tashi Wangchuk, the Tibetan language advocate currently serving a five-year jail sentence in Donchuan prison in Amdo [Chinese: Qinghai], has been denied a visit from his lawyers. Liang Xiaojun and Lin Qilei intended to visit Wangchuk to discuss his appeal but were told that because Wangchuk does not accept he has committed a crime he is classed as “uncooperative” and will not be allowed visits from his lawyers.
International Headlines Aug 29: Cheetahs in Danger A smuggler was caught by the authorities whilst abducting three cheetah cubs out of Somaliland. The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) reports that around 300 young cheetahs are trafficked out of Somaliland every year, which could soon wipe out the entire cheetah population. CCF said that the majority of these abducted cheetahs are taken to Gulf Arab regions to be used as a status symbol by the ultra-rich. Aug 28: Mass Child Sacrifice Archaeologists in Peru have discovered what is believed to be the largest single mass child sacrifice in history. According to a BBC report, the bodies of 227 children, aged between 5 and 14 , were found , believed to have been sacrificed over 500 years ago. The discovery came after a year in which 200 child victims of human sacrifice were found in two other sites in the country. Aug 26: First Indian to Win PV Sindhu, 24, became the first Indian to win the Badminton World Championships gold by beating her opponent, Nozomi Okuhara of Japan. She won by 21-7: 21-7 in the final that lasted 38 minutes, after losing the two previous finals. She said, “I dedicate this win to my mum: it’s her birthday today”. Nadrendra Modi congratulated her on Twitter and wrote: “PV Sindhu’s success will inspire generations of players.” Aug 21: No Same-sex Marriage In a news briefing about whether China would legalise same-sex marriage, Zang Tiewei, China’s spokesman for parliament’s legal affairs commission, said that China’s law rules out allowing same-sex marriage, reports Reuters. He said that Chinese law only allowed for marriage between one man and one woman. “This rule suits our country’s national condition and historical and cultural traditions,” he said. Aug 20: Shuts 200,000 Accounts Microblogging and social networking service Twitter has announced that it has closed over 200,000 Chinese accounts that are part of the Chinese government’s campaign targeting protest movements in Hong Kong. Following investigation, Facebook also removed seven pages, three groups and five accounts including some portraying protesters as cockroaches and terrorists, reports The Hindu. Aug 19: Branded Witch A group of five women beat and force fed human faeces to a 35-year-old woman after accusing her of being a witch in Birta village in the Bhangaha area, Mahottari District, Nepal. Police identified the group, who are being investigated, reports the Deccan Chronicle. It is reported that the practice of accusing
women of being witches, and assaulting or killing them, still exists in Nepal, even though this is illegal. Aug 18: Venezuelan Refugee Crisis The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has appealed for more humanitarian aid for Venezuelan refugees pouring into neighbouring countries, reports Reuters. The Brazilian border town of Pacaraima receives more than 500 Venezuelans a day, which is why residents are protesting. The UNHCR estimates 4.3 million Venezuelans have fled their country to Columbia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador and Brazil. Grandi calls for bigger institutions to step in to help. Aug 16: UN to Discuss Kashmir The United Nations Security Council is going to hold a closed-door meeting to discuss the Kashmir issue at China’s request. According to reports, all the permanent members of the Security Council, with the exception of China, openly back India’s position on Kashmir. It is reported that the meeting will be closed-door, and the proceedings will be neither broadcast nor accessible to reporters. Aug 15: 400,000 Evacuated Heavy rainfall and wind lashed the western part of Japan as typhoon Krosa landed in the region, forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights and trains: the authorities advised over 400,000 people to evacuate before the predicted storm approached. According to a Reuters report, the authorities warned that rainfall in some areas could surpass 1,000 mm (39 inches) over the 24 hours to Friday morning. Aug 14: Ivory Sale Ban Singapore announced that it will impose a blanket ban on the domestic sale of elephant ivory and its products from 2021 as the government tightens its campaign against wildlife trade, reports the Times of India. The announcement was made on World Elephant Day following years of consultation with nongovernment groups, ivory retailers and the public. The report confirmed that Singapore has banned international trade in all forms of ivory trade since 1990. Aug 13: Apologising China! The Italian fashion brand, Versace, became the latest company to bend to China’s backlash, and apologised to them for selling T-shirts listing Macau and Hong Kong as countries. Following the incident, Versace’s Chinese brand ambassador, the actress Yang Mi, terminated her contract with the company. Fashion labels Coach and Givenchy also faced the same criticism for listing Taiwan and Hong Kong as countries, and subsequently
apologised saying they respect “Chinese sovereignty”. Aug 12: Monsoon Flooding More than 100 people have died in monsoon flooding in southern and western India, and hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes. Kerala has been badly hit with nearly half the reported deaths occurring there. Aug 9: Cruise Ships Banned Venice in Italy has banned large cruise ships from its historic centre following an accident in June in which a ship collided with a dock; five people were injured. However environmentalists, who have long said that cruise ships are causing erosion to the city’s foundations, say the government’s plans are not sufficient to counter the erosion and pollution. Aug 8: Walk Out Women members of Kenya’s Parliament have walked out to show solidarity with a colleague, Zuleika Hassan, who was ordered to leave parliament when she brought her five-month old baby in with her. A domestic emergency meant she could not leave her baby in care, as usual, and she was deemed to have breached the “no strangers” rule by bringing the baby in. Parliament does not have a creche. Aug 7: Dengue Epidemic 622 people have died from Dengue Fever in the Philippines this year and the government has declared a “national dengue epidemic”. At least 146,000 cases of the mosquito-borne disease have been recorded so far this year - a 98% increase over last year. The World Health Organisation says the global incidence of dengue has grown dramatically. Aug 6: Hong Kong Riots Tensions are escalating in Hong Kong where activists have been demonstrating since the June announcement of a new law enabling people to be extradited to China to face trial in some cases. A call for a general strike has caused widespread disruption with roads blocked and train services paralysed. Police intervention has resulted in running battles as the protests escalate into a wider challenge of Beijing’s authority. Aug 2: Free to Travel Saudi Arabia has lifted its travel restrictions on women, granting them freedom to travel without permission. The official order states that a Saudi passport should be issued to any citizen who applies for it, and that any person over the age of 21 does not need permission to travel. The new regulation also grants women the right to register childbirth, marriage and divorce, and the right to be the guardian of a minor.
Contact magazine | August 2019 | Page No 13
People Story Going Out Into the World to Learn
by Fisher Gates Tenzin Choeyang approaches me shyly but with a big smile on his face. He weaves his way through the other laughing and smiling graduates of the Lha Traditional Tibetan Massage and Basic Spa course and follows me to a quieter table inside. He tells me about his crowded childhood in South India shared with twelve other siblings squashed into one tiny house. He reminisces, mostly fondly, but also glad that it is now only a memory, about how their house was like a “cow shelter” and that all fifteen of them, including his parents, used to lie down together on the floor to sleep. He tells me, a grin on his face, about how when his much older sisters moved out of the house he had to become the “lady” of the house – doing all of the cooking and dishwashing for everyone else. He is not embarrassed though, saying that he actually loves cooking and dishwashing, and from a very young age loved helping out anyone in whatever way he could. In school, he said he would volunteer to wash out the very dirty toilets - a job no one else wanted to do. He explains that since he was very young he has felt a deep connection to the Tibetan spiritual life and that his parents thought he had been a monk in a previous life. His family was not particularly spiritual and they did not have much time to devout to spiritual practice. This connection, he tells me, seemed to simply always be a part of him; he was just born with a big heart and felt naturally connected with spiritual teachings. He did confess however, again with a big grin on his face, to shunning his little brothers and telling them that they could not hang out with him because that was what his older brothers did to him. His parents came from Tibet when they were 13 and 14, making the hard and long journey across the Himalayas in 1959 along with the many other Tibetans who accompanied the Dalai Lama on his famous journey, and first found work doing road construction in Manali. He says proudly that “when I visit Ladakh I will see the very important work that they did”.
After finishing grade twelve he worked in a long string of jobs, never staying more than a few years at any one of them. While reflecting on this long journey, he said that he was happiest at the jobs in which he felt he was giving back to his Tibetan community, jobs in which he really was making a positive impact on people’s lives that he was connected to. While working a job in the financial sector, he told me, he started to think about what he would feel like if he died the next day; the money he was making wouldn’t mean anything, he thought, but working at a job where he was helping his community would. This realisation struck him deeply and emotionally; it wasn’t like reading some clichéd quotation and thinking to yourself “oh, that’s a nice quote”. Thinking about death reframed what was important to him in life. He decided immediately to start looking for jobs in which he would feel that he was doing something important and after securing a job at the Tibet Fund, on a cultural programme of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he quit his previous job. Then, a few months ago he came across an ad about the Tibetan massage and spa training course and, after realising that he didn’t have many skills that offered him freedom in his career search, decided that this would be a valuable opportunity for him. After finishing the course and the internship he plans to travel, hopefully to France, to learn more about spa and massage skills. He shyly mentions that he dreams of one day starting his own spa and massage place. He hopes to start it back in South India, where he came from, far away from the noise and hustle of any city. It would be nestled somewhere in a quiet and peaceful forest in the mountains. Hopefully, he says, there would be a little gurgling stream running close to the property where people visiting could go and sit. People would be able to come there for one week or even one month retreats. It would be a haven from the busy, hard world. When he is done explaining he quickly adds that all of this is in the far back of his mind. First, he says, I have to go out in the world and learn.
Every month we feature somebody from the Tibetan community on our Dharamshala Voices page as well as the occasional profile of one of the many NGOs in Dharamshala who do so much to help the Tibetan Community You can read more Dharamshala Voices stories on the Contact website: http://www.contactmagazine.net/dharamasla-life/
Contact magazine | August 2019 | Page No 14
NGO Profile Tong-Len Charitable Trust
by Lodoe Gyatso As I meet Lobsang Jamgyang, Director of the Tong-Len organisation, he immediately takes the initiative: where I should be interviewing him, and he makes sure that I am at ease. He seems genuinely interested and offers words of encouragement. When I turn the discussion to Tong-Len School however, he is filled with passion and speaks with authority on the nature of the work they are doing. Tong-Len is a Tibetan NGO that uplifts impoverished members of the Indian community. It all started in 2002 when Lobsang Jamyang first met the people of the slums of Dharamshala. We see some of them every day, begging in the streets. Lobsang Jamgyang Where so many others had seen the need and had passed it by, he was drawn to the people. At first he helped out where he could, getting to grips with the sheer size of the problem. Then he became convinced that while there was a place for charity it would not make an impact on the mindset of the beneficiaries and hence make no lasting change. He reasoned that only education could transform the community. With a group of like-minded companions Lobsang Jamyang started the Tong-Len Charitable Trust in 2004. It had two objectives: firstly to uplift the lives of the slum population, and secondly to thank the Indian community who had taken in the Tibetans in the time of their exile. Since then Tong-Len has grown and the vision has expanded with it. When the education services programme started out, the community was skeptical about the idea. Parents believed that their children should first pursue survival and only then think of luxuries such as education. After all, their living conditions are very poor with high rates of malnutrition, sickness and domestic violence and children were seen as an important source of the family’s income. Lobsang Jamyang tells the story of how he went to parents with an Indian magazine, and showed them pictures of beautiful homes and happy families. “We will make your children live like this,” he promised In the early days, an incentive was offered to parents who then agreed their children could go to school. TongLen offered free health care; parents received Rs150 per month while their children went to school and food was provided to those in need. The pre-school programme is run in the community.
The hostel houses around 200 children. Children maintain ties with their families and go home regularly. A key element in the education of students is the Secular Ethics teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama which have been taught to students since 2014 to very good effect. “Our children are different to others,” Lobsang Jamyang boasts. The programme has transformed many children’s lives. Currently there are 333 children in school which includes Tong-Len school students, tertiary students and students attending other schools. A number of students have completed their high school education; many of them have continued to tertiary studies, with continued support from the NGO. Some students have graduated from university and these former students are now transforming the community from the inside – just as Lobsang Jamyang envisaged 15 years ago. Health services are currently provided for more than 5,000 people in the greater Dharamshala area, this includes general clinics and hospital referrals. Vaccination is available, making a significant impact on the incidence of preventable diseases. Family planning is reducing the number of children per household. Slum welfare encompasses a package of services aimed at empowering the people. Social empowerment enables them to access government services such as ID cards and rations and opens the door to the formal economy such as bank accounts. Women’s empowerment and economic empowerment includes initiatives such as introducing sustainable income generation programmes. Students proposed a programme for Education and Awareness of Ethical Development in 2016 and it launched in 2017. It is based on the Secular Ethics taught at the school and there is engagement with other schools to widen the availability of this programme. The organisation also had billboards painted throughout Dharamshala to raise awareness of Secular Ethics. The organisation boasts 47 staff members, but it can always do with help from volunteers. Lobsang Jamyang mentions that they have a need for a video editor, but other skills such as web designers, health workers, teachers, writers, event organisers and researchers are all in demand. There is also a sponsorship scheme for students. Lobsang Jamyang concludes, “The success of the programmes of Tong-Len is all thanks to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Dalai Lama Trust and Tong-Len partner charities in the UK and France, as well as individual sponsors and supporters. On behalf of all the community members and the organisation, we would like to thank His Holiness the Dalai Lama and all the supporters of TongLen for making our work possible.” Tong-Len’s website: www.tong-len.org
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Community News Career Awareness Programme Head Consultant Ms Tenzin Choezin from the Tibetan Career Center (TCC), a unit of youth empowerment support, DoH, along with two role models; Mr Tenzin Migmar (founder and owner of the Upside-Down Dance studio) and Ms Tendill Sangmo (founder and owner of Woeser Bakery) conducted the Career Awareness Programme from August 14 to 19, 2019. The awareness drive covered 387 beneficiaries with 194 male participants and 193 female participants from Bylakuppe and Mundgod settlement including 130 school children based in Bylakuppe and Mundgod Tibetan settlement. The trainers conducted group counselling for parents on how to support their children’s career building, and for the school children the session was led on how to build a career according to their interest, skill and passion by following the five steps: 1) Knowing yourself 2) Exploring possibilities 3) Prioritising their interest 4) Talk to their parents/counsellors 5) Seeking financial help. The training introduced a new initiative of role model session, where the two-resource people on dance and bakery shared their lived experiences toward achieving their dream career. By sharing stories, we aim to multiply hope and give strength to the ones who aspire to engage in unconventional professions.
Updates on Lha Livelihood Programme 2019 We are extremely thrilled and privileged to announce that we have been able to start three different short-term vocational courses in August under Lha’s Livelihood Programme 2019. Cookery Course Under the Livelihood banner, Lha started the first batch of its Cookery Course on August 1 with eighteen participants: the classes are being held at Lha’s Community Soup Kitchen. The course will cover; Oriental cuisine (Asian/Chinese/Thai); Indian; Japanese; Korean; Italian; Tibetan and Bhutanese cuisine during the three months period. The Cookery Course class is led by Mr Tenzin Lekphel ,who has over ten years of experience in the field and over two years of teaching experience. Three Months Bartender Course The three months Bartender Course under Lha’s ‘Livelihood Programme’ has been started on August 20 at Cocktails and Dreams, School of Bar and Beverage Management, Delhi. Four students are being trained by Miss Sani, and their course details include: basics of alcoholic beverages; wine insight; beer basics; bar operations; basics of mixology and working flair. The students’ accommodation is arranged at the Tibetan Youth Hostel in Rohini. Massage and Spa Course The second batch of Tibetan Traditional Massage and Basic Spa course students successfully completed their one month intensive training on August 16 and received their certificates from our Deputy Director, Tenzin Sherab and their trainer, Tashi Lhamo. Seven students have taken part in the second batch and the third batch is scheduled to begin from September 9. The students have been trained in Traditional Tibetan massage and introduced to Swedish and Thai massage. For the next two months, the students will be starting their internships at local massage and spa centres to gain hands on experience. While asking the students to share their experiences and feedback on the course, one of them said, “There is no drawback to this programme and it gives lots of advantages to people who have missed the opportunity to study from childhood.” When asked about future plans after the completion of the full course, they spoke with one voice, saying that they plan to continue their profession in the field, and hope to open their own ‘Wellness Centres’. Lha wishes them luck and prosperity in their future endeavours. The Livelihood programme is organised by Lha Charitable Trust and funded by the Tibet Fund, US. We remain humbly grateful to Tibet Fund for their monetary support, and to other partners including Tibet Health Spalon, Cocktails and Dreams and Tibetan Youth Hostel for their cooperation.
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Volunteer Story & Community News 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, Jailel Barr from the United States shares her story with us. Volunteer job at Lha: English Teacher and news writer for Contact
“I am eager to return to McLeod Ganj” My four months working with this organisation has been the best part about visiting India for my first time. I started my volunteer quest in December 2018 joining the global engagement program: Omprakash, which allows people from all over the world to connect through their platform in the efforts to partner with NGOs from all over the world. I was sceptical whether I’d be accepted into a programme after being denied from a few others, but Lha Charitable Trust welcomed me with open arms. It was a difficult start getting used to the culture of India but the Lha office was like a haven where I could ask for any help and use as workspace when I had no idea where to go. All the staff is like a family and even treat its many volunteers as long distant relatives. The positive energy and work that circulates in this organisation attracts the kind of volunteers that easily connect with each other and create a small family in themselves. It’s a debate whether I’ve grown more attached to students or the staff. When I was asked to teach beginners’ English, I was very nervous as I had never taught anything and didn’t know what to expect or how to prepare myself. The students that attend these language classes are some of the most dedicated and eager people I’ve encountered. Their intent to learn put my anxious heart at ease after the first day. I came into my first day sweaty-palmed and soft spoken. I was second guessing myself whether I was doing any good and helping them improve their English. One student asked me for extra help by tutoring for one hour a day and my only thought was “YES!”. Intimidated because he was a monk, I did not want to let him down, so I took his offer as his trusted tutor very seriously. To my surprise he’s quite the comedian like most of my students. Our sessions began strictly working through the book, answering any questions, and writing out conversation to evoke better speech. Eventually he became more comfortable with his speech and we moved away from the book and that’s when the jokes came. What he couldn’t verbally say, he said with his facial expressions and I understood very well. “We should find a reason to laugh everyday otherwise what’s the point,” he told me a few times. All the students I had the pleasure of tutoring grew a funny bone as they became more comfortable speaking English. No matter what I had planned throughout the week, the most anticipated part was seeing them and learning more about their lives, personalities, and improvement of language skill. My intention was to only write for the magazine as journalism was my study at my college in the US. But I truly loved teaching more than writing this summer. I’ve found a community here in Mcleod Ganj that I am eager to return to.
Delek Fitness Centre A new gym facility has opened near Delek Hospital in Gangkyi area for the public. This modern fitness centre is equipped with the latest machines. The Central Tibetan Administration’s Health Minister Choekyong Wangchuk inaugurated the centre and demonstrated walking on a treadmill. He recognised that many illnesses can be prevented by physical exercise and a balanced diet and stated that: “Hospitals and doctors only contribute 10% in terms of treating illness…while 40% depends on preventive measures.” The well-equipped centre is open to the public through monthly payments of Rs 900 and Rs 800 per month if continued for more than 3 months.
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 20 years. For more information, please visit www.lhasocialwork.org Contact magazine online www.contactmagazine.net Facebook: Contact News / Twitter: Contact News
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Charities And Organisations Central Tibetan Administration
Tibetan Library (LTWA)
TCHRD
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. Location: Near Library Phone: 01892-222218 Hours: Mon-Sat: 9:00 am-5:00 pm Email: kashag@tibet.net Web: www.tibet.net
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. Location: Gangchen Kyishong Phone: 9882255047 Email: ltwa1970@gmail.com Web: www.tibetanlibrary.org
Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democrac (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. Location: CTA, Dharamshala - 176215 Phone: 01892-223363 Email: office@tchrd.org Web: www.tchrd.org
Delek Hospital
Lha Charitable Trust
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. 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 Web: www.delekhospital.org
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 back page) Location: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj, Opposite State Bank of India Phone: 01892-220992, 988-2323-455 Email: office@lhasocialwork.org Web:www.lhasocialwork.org
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (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. Location: McLeod Ganj, Phone: 01892-221343 / 221210 Email: ohhdl@dalailama.com Web: www.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. Location: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala -176219 Phone: 01892-221554 Email: president@tibetanyouthcongress.org, tyc@tibetanyouthcongress.org Web: www. tibetanyouthcongress.org
Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) The TWA conducts workshops on gender sensitisation and domestic violence throughout Tibetan settlements in India, provides Tibetan women with education scholarships and connects women with international sponsors. Location: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj Phone: 01892-221527 Email: tibwomen@gmail.com Web: www. tibetanwomen.org
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. Location: Dharamshala Cantt.176216 Phone: 01892-221354 / 221348 Email: headoffice@tcv.org.in Web: www.tcv.org.in
Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute Men-Tsee-Khang, also called Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute, is a facility for research, training and practice of traditional Tibetan medicine. Patients may seek treatment at Men-Tsee-Khang for both acute and chronic conditions. The facility provides extensive training and produces traditional pharmaceuticals. Location: Gangchen Kyishong, Phone: 01892-223222 / 223113 Email: info@men-tsee-khang.org Web: www.men-tsee-khang.org
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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 65 schools under this organisation after the take over of CTSA Schools. Location: Khanyara Rd, Dharamshala176215 Phone: 01892 - 246422 / 246423 Email: stss1999@gmail.com Web: www.sambhota.org
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 programmes, childhood education and sponsorship, primary and nursery tent schools, and children’s support hostels. Volunteer opportunities available. Location: Top Floor, Bank Of Baroda, Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala-176215 Phone: 01892-223930 Email: jamyang@tong-len.org Web: www. 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. Location: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj Phone: 9882786875 Web: www.sftindia.org, Web: www.studentsforafreetibet.org
Tibet Charity Tibet Charity provides programmes including English and computer classes, an animal care programme and a variety of medical and educational financial support programmes. Location: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj Phone: 01892-221790 / 221877 Email: director@tibetcharity.in Web: www.tibetcharity.in
The Kangra District 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. Location: Red Cross Bhawan, Dharamshala Phone: 01892-224888 / 9418832244 Email: sharmaopl12345@gmail.com Web: www.redcrosskangra.org
Gu-Chu-Sum 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 including medical, financial, basic education and vocational training. It also organises lobbies 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 World Tibet World is a charitable trust (Reg No 136/2015) “Where Tibet meets the world & the world meets Tibet”. Education programmes: international language courses, training, workshops and a winter programme for schoolchildren. Cultural programmes: folk show, talks, sharing stories, monk chat, compassion + wisdom = happiness workshops, cultural tours, engaging volunteering options, cultural exchange and collaboration programmes. Location: Jogiwara Road near Post Office, McLeod Ganj Phone: 9816999928/8353005268 Email: info@tibetworld.org
Charities And Organisations Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA)
Clean Upper Dharamshala Project
National Democratic Party of Tibet
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). Location: TIPA Road, McLeod Ganj Dharamshala-176219 Phone: 01892-221478 Email: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com Web: www.tibetanarts.org
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. Location: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - 176219 Phone: 01892-221059 Email: cudpswm@gmail.com Web: www.tsodhasa.org
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. Location: Dharamshala–176219 Phone: 9882787633 / 9882673330 Email: tibetparty4@gmail.com Web: www.ndp4tibet.org
Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage)
Norbulingka Institue
Nyingtob Ling supports Tibetan children from disadvantaged families. The children make handicrafts and paintings. They are so friendly and love to have visitors. Location: Near Norbulingka, Sidhpur Phone: 01892 211042 / 9816028149 Email: nyingtob_ling@hotmail.com Web: www.nyingtobling.org
Norbulingka Institue is a centre for Tibetan culture with studios and artists at work. The institution is dedicated to the preservation of the Tibetan culture in its literary and artistic forms. Guided tours are available. You can visit temple, workshops, garden and the showroom of Tibetan arts and crafts. You can take a free tour of the studios and observe artists at work. The tour guides will explain each art form in depth. There is a restaurant on site. (See back cover inside) Location: Sidhpur, Dharamshala Phone: 9882144210 Email: info@norbulingka.org Web: www.norbulingka.org
Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT) Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT) is a nongovernment, non-profit adult education centre in Dharamshala. LIT provides Free Education, Health Care and Skills Training to Tibetan Refugees to help eradicate poverty and illiteracy amongst the Tibetan population. Location: Underground Hotel Akash, Jogiwara Road, Mcleodd Ganj, Dharamsala 176219 Phone: (+91) 7590025915 Email: learningandideasfortibet@gmail.com Web: www.lit-dharamsala.org
Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution is a non-profit, 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. Location: Session Road, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 Phone: 01892-226627 Email: tccrteam@gmail.com Web: www.tccr.org
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. Location: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala- 176219 Phone: 9857973026 Email: rogpa2004@yahoo.com Web: www.tibetrogpa.org
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. Location: Village Gamru, P.O Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala, Distt Kangra 176215 Phone: 9816105554 Email: tashu72004@yahoo.com Web: www.gamruschool.com
Women’s Team Volunteers needed to teach English to Indian women and children in the village of Kaniyara near Dharamshala. Contact Jitender. Email: jitenderje@gmail.com Phone: 7831956680 / 08894435595
The Active Nonviolence Education Centre 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
Tibetan Dubbing Society Tibetan Dubbing Society, founded in 2015, is a non-profit organisation working towards preserving the Tibetan language through various forms of entertainment and dubbing animation movies into the Tibetan language for Tibetan children. Location: Near Norbulinga Institute Phone: +91-8629837735 Email: savetiblang@gmail.com Web: www.tibetdub.org
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 Rs 20.
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Activities And Information Livelihood Programme Lha Charitable Trust in collaboration with Tibetan Health Spalon based in Dharamshala has announced a four month traditional Tibetan massage and spa course for Tibetans as part of their Livelihood programme. The Lha programme is funded by the Tibet Fund, USA. The course covers: • Tibetan Traditional Massage • Introduction to Swedish massage and Aromatherapy massage • Course weightings: Theory 30% and Practical 70% • Two month on-the-job training • Personality development, financial literacy, basic English and other complementary courses
Buddhist Philosophy Library Of Tibetan Works And Archives Web: Www.tibetanlibrary.org Location: Gangchen Kyishong, Between
Mcleod Ganj And Lower Dharamshala Hours: Mon-Fri: 10:30 - 11:45 Am Phone: 9882255047
yoga and reiki Yoga & Reiki Courses Location: Om Yoga Ashram,Near Dal Lake Mob: 9805693514 /981649432 Email: om.yoga@ymail.com Web: http://www.omashram.in Shivam Neelkant Yoga Kendra 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 Dorjee Spa Location: Pema Thang Guest House,
WHotel Bhagsu Road Phone:9816393673 9857108408 Whatsapp: 9816393673
Meditation
Languages
Tushita Meditation Centre Web: www.tushita.info Location: Dharamkot Hours: Mon-Sat: 9:30-11:30Am Phone: 0898-816-0988 Email: spc@tushita.info
Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translators Programme Location: Rato Chuwar Labrang,
Shivan Neel Kanth Yoga Website: www.shivamneelkant.yoga.com Location: Bhagsu Nag, Near High Sky Phone: 09816565138 Email: Yogi_shivam@Yahoo.co.in
Tibetan Language Location: The Tibetan Library
Om Meditation Ashram
Location-Om Yoga Ashram,Near Dal Lake Mob: 01892 220333 /9805693514 Web: www.himalayanashram.com
Cooking Lha Tibetan Cooking Classes - For Groups Location: Lha Soup Kitchen, Temple Rd, Just
Below The Dalai Lama’s Temple Hours: Registration, 9:00-11:00Am Phone: 01892-220992
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: yesheadconsultant@tibet.net Lha Charitable Trust Location: Near Dolma Chowk, Mcleod Ganj Phone: 9882323455 / +91 (0)1892 -220992 Web: www.lhasocialwork.org
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Phuntsok Gatsel Session Road Hours: 10:45-5Pm Email: lrztp.manager@gmail.com
*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:Yongling School Buildding Phone: 8580796453 Email: contact@esukhia.org Sanskrit Language Study Program At Vikramashila Foundation India (Vfi) Location: Vikramashila Center, 1St Flr, Ketan
Lodge,Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, HP Email: vikramashilafoundation@gmail.com
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 Tibetan Institute of 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 in
Lower Dharamshala 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 & 4Th
Sat
Centre For Living Buddhist Art Location: Khanyara Road Website: Www.livingbuddhistart.com Email: sarikalochoe@hotmail.com Phone: 9418655401 Hours: 9 Am- 5 Pm
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
Specialist 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: 2:00-4:30 Pm; Emergencies: 24 Hrs Daily
Maanav Health Clinic
Location: Main Square Hours: 10:00 -12:30 Pm & 2:00-5:00 Pm 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
Smile Dental Clinic & Implant Center
Location: Opposite, Walia Medical Store, Near State Bank of India ATM, Mcleod Ganj Phone: 7018354594 / 82629011445 Website: smiledentalclinicmcleodganj.com
News:
Tibet-Related Websites
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
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 rukor.org - a discussion site on Tibetan nomads and their fate bitterwinter.org - A magazine on religious liberty and human rights in 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.
DHARAMSHALA CONTACTS Ambulance: 01892-102, 222189 Tibetan Delek Hospital Location: Gangchen Kyishong, Central Tibetan Administration Hours: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, Mon-Sat; 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 Police Superintendent: 01892-222244
McLeod Ganj Post Office Location: Jogiwara Rd, Before the 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
Contact magazine | August 2019 | Page No 21
Jobs And Advertisements
Job Opportunities
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts
Postion: Multimedia Officer Qualification: Minimum Bachelors Degree Good command of Photoshop, Video Editing and Word Press etc. Will Need to manage website and other social media Salary: Rs 18, 083 and housing facility Deadline : September 15, 2019 / 5pm
Tibetan Nehru Memorial Foundation School, Clementown, Dehradun
Postion: 1 TGT Tibetan Language and 1 Music and Dance teacher Salary and other benefits: 1. Rs. 8000.00 to 10000.00 2. Provision of staff quarter 3. EPF facility after the regularisation of service Deadline : September 20, 2019 Email:dhonduplingschool@gmail.com and tnmfschool@gmail.com Phone: 9997684279; 6395803678
The Rowell Fund for Tibet Tibetans are invited to apply for the Rowell Fund for Tibet’s 2019-2020 grant cycle for projects that focus on the following themes: • Environment/conservation • Photography • Humanitarian projects • Journalism/literature • Women’s projects Application deadline: Sep 1 - October 15, 2019. For more details visit : www.savetibet.org/what-we-do/rowellfund-tibet/ Contact magazine | August 2019 | Page No 22
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#5
8 AUSPICIOUS HIM VIEW HOTEL
8 beautiful rooms with balcony facing the Himalayan Range. Enjoy the sunrise from your bed! Phone: 01892-220567 Cell: 9418236603 Jogiwara Rd (Map #9) Email: tseringd@aushimview.com
Nature Cure Health Club
Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House - Map #6 Whatsapp: 7833047078 Mobile: 09882320136 Email: mahinder_m@hotmail.com 20+ yrs’ experience: Swedish massage courses & treatment, Zen Shiatsu courses, Singing Bowl
Quantum Healing - Breath & Bowls Workshop A 3-part Soul Purification and Healing
NEED A DENTIST?
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 #8 Email: perfect32dentalclinic@gmail.com /Call: 09218742046 Website: www.perfect32dentalclinic.in
Enjoy traditional Taiwanese and Chinese food and a peaceful environment, just one minute from the Bus Stand, just behind Asian Plaza! (Map # 4)
NEPALI KITCHEN MULTICUISINE RESTAURANT Address: Chhaya Niwas Location: Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj Indian, Chinese, Continental Mexican, Italian and Israeli Speciality: Nepali Thali, Wood Oven Pizza Fresh Seasonal Juice Contact number : 8628 878 743 / 9405 233 008
Contact magazine | August 2019 | Page No 23
Map Of McLeod Ganj
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5
4
3 2
18
6
8
1
7
10 9
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Lha Headquarters State Bank of India & ATM Smile Dental Clinice & Implant Center 04. Common Ground Cafe 05. Woeser Bakery 06. Nature Cure Health Club 07. 8 Auspicious Him View Hotel 08. Perfect 32 Dental Clinic 09. Ahimsa House & Lha Soup Kitchen 01. 02. 03.
Chonor House Tibetan Musuem and Temple Delek Hospital Central Tibetan Administration Tibetan Library Mentsekhang (Tibetan Medical Institute) 16. Gangkyi Taxi Stand 17. Rogpa Baby Center 18. Nepali Kitchen & Multicuisine Restaurant 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
13 14
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འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན། Contact Newsletter
Managing Director Dorji Kyi Editor-in-Chief Kate Murry Editor Tenzin Samten Circulation Manager Tsering Wangdue Designed by Karma Ringzin Topgyal Published by Lha Charitable Trust Web:www.lhasocialwork.org
www.contactmagazine.net Phone: 91(0)1892-220992 Email:
editor@contactmagazine.net Facebook: ContactNews Twitter: ContactTibet 3
Printed at Imperial Printing, Dharamshala Phone: 222390 Email:ippdsala@gmail.com