Contact December 2012 by Lha Charitable Trust

འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་དུས་དེབ།

www.contactmagazine.net 31 December 2012

Volume: XIV Issue: 12

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

Tibetan Self-Immolations Rises to 95 We are saddened to report the following self-immolations that took place in the month of December. 9 Dec: Bhenchen Kyi, 17, set herself on fire in Dokarmo region of Tsekhog, Rebkong. She passed away at the site of her protest. Days before, she had reportedly told her schoolmates that she would self-immolate in the nomadic area so that her parents would be able to look after her dead body. Thousands gathered for her funeral. She is survived by her parents, Sonam Tsering and Sermo, and her two siblings. 8 Dec: Pema Dorjee, 23, set himself on fire in front of the main assembly hall of the Shitsang Monastery in Luchu region. He succumbed to his injuries at the protest site. He was a native of Chokhor village in Shitsang region. His village is located at around a distance of 30kms from the Shitsang Monastery. 8 Dec: Kunchok Phelgye, 24 and a monk, set himself on fire in front of the main assembly hall of the Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Monastery. He Continued on page 20

Human Rights in Tibet: the World Responds by Jacob Blair

demonstrations in New York were On 10 December, Tibetan Solidarity accompanied by rallies across the Day was marked across the world with globe. In Europe, crowds gathered in demonstrations and rallies in support of Tibetan independence. The Day Brussels in front of the European High comes after a period of heightened Commission, as well as in Amsterdam unrest in Tibet, characterized by a wave and Barcelona. A small vigil was of self-immolations protesting Chinese held in Moscow, while across India policies. Over the last three years 95 Tibetan monastic and lay people have set themselves on fire in an effort to bring attention to Chinese Human Rights violations. Thirty-three of them occurred Protesters in New York on December 10th in November Tibetans and their supporters held and December of this year. On Sunday 9 December, thousands vigils and marches. The impact of the self-immolations of Tibetans and their supporters rallied in New York at Daj Hammerskjold has reached beyond the Tibetan plaza outside the United Nations community, as policymakers in the and in front of the Chinese embassy. European Union and United States A Tibetan delegation, led by exile have reacted to the issue over the past Tibetan MPs Mr Norbu Tsering few weeks. Catherine Ashton, the EU High and Mr Tashi Namgyal, delivered a petition to the Office of the UN High Representative, issued a statement Commissioner for Human Rights calling for the Chinese “to address the signed by some 351,000 people from deep-rooted causes of the frustration more than 90 countries demanding of the Tibetan people” while also that the UN fulfill the resolutions calling on Tibetans to “refrain from passed in 1959, 1960, and 1965, send resorting to extreme forms of protest, a fact finding mission to Tibet, and such as self-immolation.” Members of the European ensure that the “basic aspirations of the Tibetan people are fulfilled.” The Parliament have also called for the Continued on page 4

about lha & contact

Lha Charitable Trust

Institute for Social Work & Education Mission Statement:

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

Background:

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

Become a Sponsor for Lha’s Soup Kitchen

On 6 July 2011, Lha opened its community soup kitchen at its new building, Ahimsa House. This is the first soup kitchen in Dharamsala and serves low-cost and nutritious meals to the Tibetan refugee community. 40 to50 needy refugees can take advantage of this service every day for a nominal fee of 15 rupees per person, per meal. Meals are completely free for those who cannot afford to pay. The kitchen’s primary objective is to provide refugees with lowcost and nutritious meals while educating them about healthy eating and living. The kitchen will also serve as a space where refugees can receive formal training for the service and resaurant industry.

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

Contact Magazine is a free monthly publication of Lha Charitable Trust. It contains Tibetan issues, international news and local information that aspires to bring the West and East together in a meaningful and beneficial way. 700 copies are printed per issue and distributed in the greater Dharamsala area and (in the future) in Delhi, Rishikesh, Manali, Goa, and various diplomatic missions to India. Contact keeps readers up-to-date on current issues and events, and provides networking, education and volunteer opportunities, as well as social services information. Contact staff and contributors hope you will enjoy and benefit from our modest efforts to build a community through communication. May peace and love prevail! Guidelines for submission: Contact welcomes submissions of articles, news and photography. We also gladly accept information about upcoming events, volunteer work and special projects. All material intended for publication in Contact must be submitted by the 20th of each month. Your letter may not be printed if it is unsigned, illegible, slanderous or malicious. We reserve the right to edit submissions for spelling, grammar and length. Send your material via email to editor@contactmagazine.net Please Note: The articles, stories and other material in Contact represent the views of the authors and not necessarily the views of the Contact editing staff. If you would like to contact Contact, call Lobsang Rabsel at 981-615-5523 or the Lha office at Temple Road (ph. 01892-220992). All comments on this issue should be submitted by email to editor@contactmagazine.net Contact is available at many places around McLeod Ganj including the Lha office, libraries, travel agencies, hotels, restuarants and shops. DECEMBER 2012

about lha & contact

འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་དུས་དེབ།

Lha’s Clear Vision Project 2012

Contact Magazine Editor Stacey Garretson Sub-Editor Jenny James Assistant Tenzin Younten Layout Design Tamdin Yangzom Circulation Manager Lobsang Rabsel Published by Lha Charitable Trust Web: www.lhasocialwork.org www.contactmagazine.net Phone: 91(0)1892-220992 Email: contact@contactmagazine.net Printed at Imperial Printing, Dharamsala Phone: 222390

The gift of vision is something that enriches life and highlights the small pleasures of every day existence; Lha’s eye care project-2012 was put into action in response to the above sentiment. The project benefits people who have limited resources and are underprivileged in terms of both financial means as well as awareness of options available to improve sight. The project included the testing of 105 people of all ages, free of cost, and provided quality eye glasses to a total of 80 individuals, also free of cost. In addition, the project refunded 37 people for the medicines required for their eyes.

This is the third Lha free eye care project, helping many people who would otherwise have been financially incapable or generally unaware of any treatment or cure for their ailing sight. The 2012 project, running from mid-September to the end of October, was handled by Lha staff as well as two volunteers, Mariana Abbate from Brazil and Massimo Giacchino from Italy, who contributed their time and efforts to the project. This year’s funding was made possible by the very generous Aubrey Lynne. We would like to extend our sincere thank you to her for her philanthropic gesture.

Lha Traveler Services & Volunteer Opportunities

Classes

MASSAGE Complete physical and mental relaxation and stress reduction with revitalizing techniques of deep tissue and acupressure with a professional therapist. TIBETAN LANGUAGE CLASS Learn more about the Tibetan people, culture, and Buddhism by learning the Tibetan language! Beginner and intermediate class levels with qualified teachers for individuals and small groups. TIBETAN COOKING CLASS Individuals and small groups can learn to prepare a variety of traditional and modern vegetarian Tibetan foods including momo, thukpa and Tibetan bread with a qualified teacher. TIBETAN ARTS CLASS Learn the basic traditional Tibetan form of painting, drawing, and how to use color for individuals and small groups with a qualified artist. YOGA For sound physical, mental and emotional development we offer Sivananda and Hatha yoga for beginners with a qualified teacher for small groups. Contact Magazine

Volunteer

Long- or short-term, skilled or unskilled volunteers needed at Lha • English conversation Mon – Fri, 4pm – 5pm • English, French, Spanish, German and Chinese teachers & tutors • Computer teachers • Web designers and IT professionals • Editor, Journalists & writers • Environmental professionals • Medical & healthcare professionals • Fundraisers & grant writers • Project professionals • Chefs & cooks • Human rights & legal professionals • Personal Assistant (PA) • Yoga teachers & massage therapists • And much more!

Donate

Lha collects all kinds of donations in the form of clothing, shoes, books, and language, computer and medical supplies, as well as any other useful items. Monetary donations are extremely helpful and are greatly appreciated, large or small. For information on cost, times and/or registration, please visit: Lha office, Temple Road McLeod Ganj-176219 Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra H.P.

(Mon-Sat:9:00am-12:00pm&1:00-5:00pm)

office@lhasocialwork.org

Lha offers you the opportunity to share (0) 1892-220992 your knowledge and skills with the local Tibetan, Indian, and Himalayan communities whilst gaining hands-on *All donations and fees from Lha experience working with a social work classes and services directly benefit organization. Lha volunteers will develop Lha community social work projects. friendships, learn about issues facing the www.lhasocialwork.org Tibetan refugee community, and become www.contactmagazine.net immersed in the fascinating cultures of the people they are serving. www.tibetnature.net 3

DECEMBER 2012

news & issues

Human Rights in Tibet – the World Responds

Continued from page 1

“pivot” to Asia, and seeks to promote cooperation among its allies in the region. It has called the EU declaration a good example of the United States and Europe working together to “build new relationships in Asia.” Undersecretary of State Maria Otero, who is also the US State Department’s Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, emphasized the US’s Mr Tenzin S Kayta, of Tibet Bureau; Ven. Thubten Wangchen, continuing Member of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile; Mrs Laura Dupuy c o m m i t - Lasserre, President of the UN Human Rights Council; and Mr Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa, H.H. the Dalai Lama’s ment to TiRepresentative - in Geneva on 10 December betan Human Rights, stating “The United States and a flurry of international commengovernment has consistent- tary, it is important to note that the US ly urged the Chinese gov- and EU declarations do not represent ernment to address policies a change in their respective stated in Tibetan areas that have positions on the issue. In 2008 in response to riots in Lhasa the US senate created tensions.” While the recent rise passed a resolution calling for earnest in self-immolations has negotiations and emphasizing the imFrench Senator Jean-Francios Humbert addressing the spurred renewed interest portance of Human Rights.

creation of a Special EU Representative on Tibet, in order to ensure the issue is monitored closely. The United Kingdom issued a statement calling for the “resumption of meaningful dialogue to resolve the underlying grievances of Tibetan communities.” The United States echoed the EUs statement, urging “the Chinese Government at all levels to address policies in Tibetan areas that have created tensions and threaten the distinct religious, cultural, and linguistic identity of the Tibetan people.” The United States under President Obama’s leadership has publically announced a

rally in Paris, France, on 10 December

ofinterested Truthin Campaign Seen through the eyes Flame of a foreigner Tibetan Buddhism Concludes and culture, Dharamsala—the home of The Flame of Truth campaign, which began on 6 July and spanned the globe seeking support for Tibet, concluded on 10 December with the submission of more than 351,000 signatures to UN Headquarters in New York, UN Human Rights Council, the UN High Commissioner

Flame of Truth rally ends in Delhi Contact Magazine

for Human Rights in Geneva, and UN Information Centre in New Delhi. According to the Tibetan Parliament, “During this five-monthlong campaign, we have collected over 321,000 signatures, including that of Chief Minister, Members of Parliament, Speakers and Members of Legislative Assembly, Mayors, educationists, journalists, social workers, activists, students and the general public. We have also received over 30,000 signatures through our online campaign. These combined signatures, numbering over 351,000 collected from over ninety countries are compiled in one hundred and seventeen books.” 4

The campaign calls on the UN to discuss the issue of Tibet based on its earlier resolutions, to send an independent international factfinding delegation to Tibet, and to take special responsibility to ensure that the basic aspirations of the Tibetans inside Tibet are fulfilled.

Books filled with signatures DECEMBER 2012

news & issues

Human Rights in Tibet – the World Responds Issued statement from Maria Otero, US Special Co-ordinator for Tibetan Issues on 6 December: Expressing deep concern over the increasing number of self-immolations by Tibetans, the US today asked China to initiate unconditional talks with the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. “We call on the Chinese government to engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives without preconditions,” Special US Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Maria Otero said in a statement. Otero said the United States is deeply concerned and saddened by the continuing violence in Tibetan areas of China and the increasing frequency of self-immolations by Tibetans. “Chinese authorities have responded to these tragic incidents with measures that tighten already strict controls on freedoms of religion, expression, assembly and association of Tibetans. Official rhetoric that denigrates the Tibetan language, the Dalai Lama, and those who have selfimmolated has further exacerbated “We strongly support the resumption of meaningful dialogue to resolve the underlying grievances of Tibetan communities. I also urge the Chinese government to ensure unrestricted access to the Tibetan Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas of China for diplomats, international media and other concerned parties. We believe a long term solution is best achieved through respect for universal principles of human rights and genuine autonomy for Tibet within the framework of the Chinese constitution.” Hugo Swire British Foreign Office Minister Contact Magazine

What the Politicians are Saying tensions,” she said. Noting that senior US officials have directly raised the issue of Tibetan self-immolations with their Chinese government counterparts, Otero said the US Government has consistently urged the Chinese government to address policies in Tibetan areas that

Maria Otero, US Special Co-ordinator for Tibetan Issues

have created tensions. “These policies include increasingly severe government controls on Tibetan Buddhist religious practice and monastic institutions; education practices that undermine the preservation of Tibetan language; intensive surveillance, arbitrary detentions and disappearances of Tibetans, including youth and Tibetan intellectual and cultural leaders; Tibet “has never been permitted to participate in a free and fair election of the sort that have taken place among Tibetans in exile. In fact, this is a community governed by authorities who have deemed that carrying a copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights or a photograph of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to be illegal and punishable acts. It is a community that has faced brutal repression and violence and that has, for decades, been denied their fundamental rights, including the freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.” US Senator Joseph Lieberman 5

escalating restrictions on news, media and communications; and the use of force against Tibetans seeking peacefully to exercise their universal human rights,” she said. “We call on the Chinese government to permit Tibetans to express their grievances freely, publicly, peacefully, and without fear of retribution. We hope that the tragic acts of selfimmolation end. We call on China’s leaders to allow journalists, diplomats and other observers unrestricted access to China’s Tibetan areas.” The strong American statement comes days after relatives of three Tibetans, who recently self-immolated in Tibet protesting against the Chinese oppression, met Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Michael Posner. “He (Posner) expressed our deepest condolences and our grave concern for the spiraling violence and harsh crackdown in Tibetan areas as well as, you know, grief with regard to the self-immolations,” State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters.

“I am concerned about the escalating number of selfimmolations ...and the increasingly punitive measures being taken in response which further exacerbate tensions in the region. Canada supports Tibetans’ freedoms of expression, assembly and association…and encourages China to give full consideration to the traditions and culture of the Tibetan population in a manner that will help ease tensions. We call on China to lift restrictions on access to the affected areas for the diplomats, media and other observers.” John Baird Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister DECEMBER 2012

news & issues

Families of Self-Immolators Accused of Inciting Murder by Lerie Miller A recently issued law by China’s Supreme Court states that any case of “inciting” self-immolations will be charged as intentional homicide. According to the Chinese Gannan Daily, “The legal opinion clearly points out that those criminals behind the scenes who plan, incite, aide, abet...and help those perpetrating self immolations will be investigated for criminal liability in the crime of intentional murder.” Inciting includes: displaying portraits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, especially during the funerals of selfimmolators; offering condolences to their family members; spreading any “rumors and provocative talks” about self-immolations, including any information, pictures and videos concerning self-immolation acts. China views the escalation of selfimmolation protests as an attack on the social fabric and unity of their nation by outside forces. Authorities have responded to this threat with increasingly strict measures of restrictions, punishments, and threats. According to the global rights group Human Rights Watch, “Since late October, officials have responded to immolations by punishing the families and communities of protestors, characterising immolations as criminal offenses, arresting those associated with immolators, and by deploying paramilitary forces and restricting communications and travel in areas where immolations have occurred.” Dozens of Tibetans have recently been sentenced to lengthy jails terms, including life imprisonment, in connection with the ongoing wave of fiery protests. Many more have been arbitrarily arrested, some of whom have “disappeared,” their location and well being unknown. One such recent arrest occurred in Rongwo town of Malho where Chinese authorities arrested a Tibetan for attempting self-immolation and another for instigating the protest. Authorities claim that the “instigator” Contact Magazine

had escaped to India in 2005 and been affiliated with the Tibetan Youth Congress before returning in 2011, proving that exile Tibetans are at the cause of the protests. Earlier in the month on 12 December, in Dokarmo region (where there have been four self-immolations), local Chinese officials arrested five Tibetans following the self-immolation death of Bhenchen Kyi. Those arrested included: Tsundue, a monk at Dorjee Dzong Monastery; Chagthar, a tantric practitioner; Shawo, head of a local religious center; Choedron, a nun in charge of discipline at a local nunnery; and nun Rigshe, sister of self-immolator Sangay Dolma. It is

Chinese notice of cash awards for information regarding self-immolations

assumed the reason for these arrests was their connection with the selfimmolators. Their whereabouts and well being are unknown. Two other arrests were made in the same region. Gobhey was arrested for having “acquaintance” with the selfimmolator Sangdag Tsering. Kelsang Dorjee was arrested for having been seen with the self-immolator Tamding Dorjee the day before his protest. On 3 December after the selfimmolation of Sungdue Kyab, five monks were detained from the Bora Monastery in Sangchu region of 6

Kanlho. Identified as Gedun Gyatso, Lobsang Phagpa, Jamyang Soepa, Jamyang Lodoe, and Jamyang Gyatso, they have since disappeared and their whereabouts and well being are unknown. A day later, Chinese security officers again raided the monastery arresting 40 monks who were later released following a protest. In the region of Rebgong (which saw 10 self-immolations in the month of November), arbitrary arrests, increased surveillance, and restrictions continue to be inflicted by local Chinese authorities. At the beginning of the month four Tibetans were detained for storing images of His Holiness in their mobile phones. Tamding Gyal, Dhundup, Chakdha Gyal, and Yarkho were arrested during a routine search following the series of self-immolations in the region. Chinese authorities were inspecting electronic devices in attempting to contain the spread of information. In November, two Tibetan monks, Tsundue Choeden and Kunchok Sonam, of Rongwo Monastery, were arrested for reportedly being friends with Tibetan self-immolator Kalsang Jinpa. The current condition and whereabouts of the arrested monks remain unknown. Beyond detainments and arrests, authorities have also offered large cash rewards to those who “expose crimes” relating to self-immolations in the region of Malho which includes the areas of Rebkong, Tsekhog, and Chentsa. This region has witnessed an astounding 44 self-immolations since October. The cash awards, ranging from 1,000 Yuan (US $160) to 200,000 Yuan (US $32,000), are offered for information exposing self-immolators, those inciting selfimmolations, those who have visited families of self-immolators to offer condolences, or those who avert selfimmolations from occurring. In another notice, posted in Malho region in the month of November, stern orders were given to local Continued on page 7 DECEMBER 2012

news & issues

New Report on Children’s Rights Violations in Tibet by Sarah Thorne “I was grazing yaks on the pasture. We heard something hissing over our head. It was the sound of bullets. We saw the Chinese army on the hill, on the roadside and they were everywhere…. We heard the cracking of gun shooting and artillery some times. That day I thought I would get killed.” 15 year old Lithang County, 2009 A new report on the rights of children in Tibet has revealed that Tibetan children are “victims of arbitrary arrest, imprisonment, and torture for their political and religious beliefs, and face punishment because of the activities or beliefs of their family members.” The 29-page report, Growing up under China’s occupation: The plight of Tibet’s Children, released by Free Tibet and Tibet Watch, was submitted to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child on 10 December to mark Human Rights Day. The report details multiple cases of Tibetan children’s rights abuse and shows that children involved in nonviolent protests have been subject to violence, and in some cases use of lethal force by Chinese authorities. It further documents China’s “frequent, systematic and severe violations” of its commitments under international law. This is despite the fact that China is a signatory to the International Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN’s Committee on the Rights of the Child. The report also shows that children’s

rights are violated by China’s use of education as a tool to implement their One-China policy and inculcate loyalty to the Chinese state, and to denigrate Tibetan cultural identity and values, including compulsory “patriotic reeducation” campaigns. Restrictions on Tibetan language as the language of instruction in schools deny children the right to enjoy their own culture and language, and has a detrimental effect on Tibetan children’s ability to flourish in their education.

The report comes at a time when Tibetan children are increasingly involving themselves in the struggle for freedom with their growing participation in the ongoing wave of self-immolation protests. Bhenchen Kyi, a 17-year-old schoolgirl became the latest Tibetan to self-immolate when she set herself on fire in Tsekhog on 9 December. The report notes that over two-thirds of the 95 Tibetans who have self-immolated since 2009 demanding freedom and the return of the His Holiness the Dalai Lama are younger than 25 and have only ever known life under Chinese rule. “A number of children, Tibetans under 18 years of age, have set

themselves on fire in protest, some of whom have been confirmed dead,” the report says. “These acts of selfimmolation are driven by the lack of recourse to freedom of expression, political or legal redress and must be seen as evidence that China’s policies are not only failing Tibet’s children and young people but China’s policies in Tibet are directly causing serious violations of the Convention.” The report makes a number of proposals and recommendations to the Chinese government to address children’s right violations in Tibet, including to “immediately and unconditionally release Tibetan children imprisoned for exercising their basic civil and political rights”. It also calls on China to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross “full and unrestricted access” to places of detention and “immediately abolish” patriotic re-education campaigns and prohibit the use of re-education through labour for child detainees. Releasing the report, Free Tibet and Tibet Watch Director Stephanie Bridgen said, “normal life and normal childhood doesn’t exist in militarily occupied Tibet. The children of Tibet face all the challenges of life under occupation, and in many cases are full participants in the struggle to resist it. That means they are also victims of the systematic and ever-present abuse of human rights in Tibet. On Human Rights Day, we hope we have been able to shine a light on victims whose suffering and struggle is rarely seen.”

Families of Self-Immolators Accused of Inciting Murder Continued from page 6

officials “to punish self-immolators and their families; even those who had offered condolences and prayers to the bereaved family members and relatives.” Further the notice announced the cancellation of government aid to families of selfimmolators as well as development projects in villages where similar Contact Magazine

protests had taken place. Monasteries that are found to have organized prayer ceremonies for self-immolators would be purged and closed down. These examples of arrests, restrictions, and threats, illustrate the increasing crackdown on communities that have witnessed self-immolations. While the exile Tibetan administration has maintained that the reasons 7

for the self-immolations are self-evident: political repression, economic marginalisation, environmental destruction, and cultural assimilation, the response by China has been to repeatedly hardened its stance against self-immolators, announcing ever more stricter measures which now include the charge of murder for anyone caught “inciting” self-immolations. DECEMBER 2012

news & issues

China Experts Gather for Conference in Dharamsala by Stacey Garretson

Experts on China from around the world have just concluded a 3-day conference on Leadership Transition in China: Implications for the Chinese, Tibetans and Others. Organised by the Tibet Policy Institute, the conference took place from 28 to 30 December in Dharamsala. Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay opened the conference by welcoming the world’s experts on China saying, “The recent change in the Chinese leadership will have global implications, regional as well as on India and the Tibetan people. And your much sought after expertise will help us prepare and think through as to how we should move forward in the comings months and years.” Kalon Dicki Chhoyang of the Department of Information and International Relations spoke about the Tibet Policy Institute, a new initiative

by the administration to conduct research and advise on policy. “The Tibet Policy Institute was initiated because we had a strong need for a think-tank. We want this institute to reach international standards in terms of intellectual vigor and objectivity.

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay and Kalon Dicki Chhoyang

What we don’t want is an equivalent of Chinese propaganda machinery on the Tibetan side,” she said. Speakers at the conference included Dr Gordon Chang, noted lawyer and author of The Coming

Collapse of China; Prof Micheal van Walt van Praag, visiting professor at Princeton and the author of Status of Tibet: History, Rights and Prospects in International Law; Prof Chong-Pin Lin, former deputy defense minister of Taiwan and professor at Tamkang University in Taiwan. Other noted speakers included Prof Madhu Bhalla of Department of East Asian Studies, Delhi University; Dr Abanti Bhattacharya, Department of East Asian Studies of University of Delhi; former special envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama Kasur Lodi Gyari; His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Representative in Taiwan Mr Dawa Tsering; His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Secretary Mr Tsegyam; and writer Zhu Rui who was born in China, worked in Tibet, and now lives in Canada and writes extensively on the issue of Tibet in various Chinese language journals and websites.

China Intensifies its Propaganda Campaign

In response to recent protests in Tibet, China has intensified its propaganda campaign against selfimmolations with the release of a documentary which claims to “disclose the truth” about the protests. Titled “Facts About Self-Immolation in Tibetan Areas of Ngapa (Aba),” the film was broadcast on CCTV-4, an international channel targeting Chinese language overseas viewers on 24 December followed by airings on CCTV’s English, Spanish, French,

Arabic, and Russian channels the following day. Containing interviews with the “masterminds” and “victims” of the self-immolations, the film alleges that self-immolators were “acting on orders sent from overseas,” referring to the ongoing accusation that the “Dalai clique” is behind this social unrest in an attempt to split China. In addition to this film, China’s state run newspapers have recently devoted an increasing number of

editorials, reports, and opinion pieces by supposed Tibetan scholars, all aimed at reinforcing Beijing’s official line of blaming the Tibet crisis on exile Tibetans. China continues to cut off Tibet from the rest of the world, restricting access to diplomats and the media. In fact, China’s foreign ministry has vehemently refuted all claims by world leaders to address the Tibetan situation as a “gross intervention in China’s internal affairs.”

China Imposes More Restrictions on Internet Use China has been using such tactics as blocking cell and internet service in areas of conflict as a means to control the spread of information. Now China is instituting ever tighter internet controls. Web users will now be required to register their names, curtailing any anonymous chatting or blogging. According to the new regulation, this measure will “ensure internet Contact Magazine

information security, safeguard the lawful rights and interests of citizens, legal entities or other organisations, and safeguard national security and social public interests.” China’s leadership promotes the use of the internet for business and educational purposes, but bans material deemed subversive or obscene. Access to many websites is blocked. 8

While the government claims to be cracking down on corruption, this new regulation will only hinder the free and anonymous reporting which has recently revealed a series of scandals among lower-level officials. One such example being a local party official in south-west China who was sacked after a videotape of him having sex with a young woman was spread on the internet. DECEMBER 2012

news & issues

Lha’s Annual Report 2012 Lha Charitable Trust has concluded another successful year thanks to our many generous supporters! Lha’s primary goal is to provide meaningful, multi-leveled social services in Dharamsala to help ease the transition for the Tibetan refugee community. On a daily basis, Lha serves over 150 people, hosts between 15 to 25 volunteers, and provides approximately 20 various services which include language education, computer courses, vocational training, health and environmental education, a Community Soup Kitchen, clean water, medicine, clothing distribution, and a public Library. Lha’s services are open to Tibetan refugees as well as the local Indian population and people from the Himalayan regions. We also provide cultural exchanges for international groups and free coordination for volunteers from around the globe. Lha works hard to operate with minimum administrative and program costs to produce the maximum output. Your donations help us to improve and increase our services and projects. One of the many projects that donations in 2012 contributed to was the installation of three brand new water filtration systems in three schools serving around 600 hundred people who are now using pure clean water for both their drinking and cooking needs. In addition, donations helped support Lha’s Soup Kitchen to bring healthy food to those in need, serving 40-50 financially disadvantaged people daily and 105 needy people since it's inception. Another program of 2012 was the clear vision project which provided free eye exams to 105 people and free glasses to 80 people, and refunded the cost of eye medicines for 37 people. We also organized nine cultural exchange groups from international institutions with over 112 students participating in this program. Lha began this year having a social service booth at His Holiness the Dalai Lama's teaching. At the booth Contact Magazine

we distributed information on our social service, environmental issues and Tibetan issues. In addition we stored, for a small fee, items that can not be taken into the temple such as cell phones and cameras. Lha is proud to announce that it took over management of Contact Magazine starting in May, 2012! Recognized by Lonely Planet and other international travel resources, Contact has been a very popular, free publication for Tibetan issues and community information in Dharamsala for over 14 years. It is one of the longest-running Tibetan publications in the area, and provides local residents, as well as international visitors with useful information. The donations from volunteers and exchange groups staying in Lha’s accommodations have allowed Lha to become more self-sufficient and sustainable – our language, computer classes and other social services are now able to continue to be provided regardless of outside funding! However, to keep up with the growing needs of the community and to maintain the operation of our other social services and special projects such as the soup kitchen, eye, dental & health care, clean water and environmental initiatives, we continue to rely on your generous donations. Since Lha's founding in 1997, we have continued to be inspired by the compassion, dedication, and contributions of generous supporters and thousands volunteers from around the globe. With your generous support, we hope to continue providing these invaluable services to the local community and engage in many new initiatives in the coming year. The following are some quick facts about Lha's successes during 2012. Thank you once again for your continued support, as we could not have achieved these things without you, the volunteers, and of course the dedication of the students and the community. 9

Important Initiatives in 2012 • • • • •

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2476 students attended language classes 699 new students enrolled in language classes 322 students attended beginner and intermediate level computer classes Distributed over 2300 free articles of clothing to the Tibetan and Indian communities Lha’s community soup kitchen provided clean, filtered water and nutritious meals to 40-50 financially disadvantaged people daily Provided to Tibetan refugees free eye exams to 108 people and free glasses to 80 people Organized a mass clean-up program in McLeod Ganj with Tibetan Settlement Office Provided recommendation letters to 176 students, a requirement of the Indian Government proving that newly arrived refugees have registered as relocating to India for educational opportunities Worked with 546 new volunteers who donated their valuable time and energy 120 international visitors enrolled in Tibetan Cooking, Tibetan Art and Tibetan Language classes Organized 9 Cultural Exchange Programs with university and high school groups from the USA and Mexico (112 student participants) Offered a free acupuncture treatment event with American acupuncturist Amelia De Mahy Published and distributed 5200 free copies of Contact Magazine since May 2012 when Lha took over Contact Magazine owership (700-1000 copies published every month) Installed three brand new water filtration systems in three schools serving around 600 people. Continued on page 16

DECEMBER 2012

news & issues 30 Dec: Solidarity March Around 108 Tibetan students from the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) School ended their peaceful 80 kilometre march from Bir to Dharamsala via Palampur on Saturday. The students, aged between 10-15 years, had decided to hold a two-day long peaceful march in memory of the 95 Tibetans who had self-immolated themselves in Tibet.

HH and Sikyong at Majnuka Tilla

27 Dec: Golden Jubilee

H. H. the Dalai Lama and Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay graced the golden jubilee celebrations of Samyeling Tibetan Settlement (Majnuka Tilla) in New Delhi. “The Tibetan leadership as well as the Tibetan movement are both products of India. Tibetan children educated by Indian teachers are now providing leadership to the Tibetan cause. And the Tibetan movement is also based on Indian ethos such as Gandhi ji’s ahimsa or non-violent principles. Therefore, Tibetan people’s success is India’s success as well” said the Sikyong. 25 Dec: Russians in Delhi H.H. the Dalai Lama was warmly greeted at the start of his 4 day teaching in New Delhi by an audience of nearly 1500 people, more than a thousand of whom were Russian. A group of the students plan to send Russian President Vladmir Putin an open letter appealing for His Holiness to visit to their country. 24 Dec: Writers Honoured Four Tibetans are among 41 writers from 19 countries honoured by New York-based Human Rights Watch for their “commitment to free Contact Magazine

Tibetan Headlines

expression and their courage in the face of persecution.” Their names have not been revealed due to dangers of further persecution. The annual awards are given to writers who have been targets of political persecution or human rights abuses and who remain in financial need. 21 Dec: CBC Reporter Undercover A Canadian Broadcasting Company correspondent travelled undercover into Tibet where she spoke to people in a monastery where self-immolation had occurred. They told her that the protests against the Chinese administration in Tibet will continue, and people are willing to sacrifice their lives to do it. 19 Dec: Aid Programs Inefficient Central government programs aimed at promoting economic development in the Tibet Autonomous Region have been disappointing, according to Jin Wei at the Central Party School of the Communist Party of China. He said the region continues to rely heavily on cash donations and has failed to create a foundation for sustainable growth. 16 Dec: Thai Buddhists Talks A group of Thai elders, monks and scholars met for an inter-Buddhist dialogue with H.H. the Dalai Lama in Delhi to strengthen faith in the Dharma and reinforce relations between Thais and Tibetans. Nearly 300 lay Buddhists from Thailand listened to their deliberations.

Pema Jetsun

15 Dec: “Mother of Tibet” The University of San Francisco presented an honorary doctorate to Jetsun Pema, humanitarian and former president of TCV. USF President 10

Stephen Privett said, “Jetsun Pema has worked for the plight of Tibetan refugee children for more than 40 years. The USF is proud to honour her life’s work and dedication to promoting peace.” 5 Dec: Imprisoned Writer Dolma Kyab, a Tibetan writer serving a 10 ½ year prison sentence for ideas he expressed in his unpublished manuscript has been awarded the “Liu Xiaobo Courage to Write Award 2012” by the Independent Chinese PEN Centre which recognises and supports writers who resist repression of the basic human right to freedom of expression, and who stand up to attacks made against their right to impart information.

Dolma Kyab

4 Dec: World Climate Summit Tenzin Norbu, from the Centre of Tibetan Administration, and Tenzin Chodon from the Tibetan Women’s Association, arrived in Doha, Qatar for the World Climate Summit where they will lobby and raise awareness about water issues. The Tibetan Plateau is regarded as the water tower of Asia. Climate change and Chinese building plans will impact on this vast area as well as the billions of people that live downstream. 2 Dec: World AIDS Day In Dharamsala, CHOICE—HIV/ AIDS Initiative, the lone Tibetan NGO dedicated towards AIDS awareness and support for HIV patients, held a day-long awareness program with the theme “Getting zero: Zero new infection, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS related deaths.” DECEMBER 2012

news & issues

International Headlines

28 Dec: US Adoptions Banned President Vladimir Putin has signalled that he would sign into law a bill barring Americans from adopting Russian children and promised measures to better care for his country’s orphans. Putin suggested that strong and responsible countries should take care of their own orphans and lent his support to a bill that has further strained US- Russia relations.

24 Dec: Chinese State Media The urban Chinese population has greater trust in anonymous online microblogs than state run newspapers and television news, a new study by The Epoch Times has revealed. The Chinese government has long tried to keep a tight rein on media to prevent any challenges to its political authority, and ranks among the world’s worst media offenders in the press freedom index. 23 Dec: Rape Protests The Indian government has been caught off-guard by the depth of outrage following the recent gang rape in Delhi. India is seen as one of the most unsafe places in the world to be a woman. The 23-year-old victim of the December 16 attack, who was beaten, raped for almost an hour and thrown out of a moving bus, has died. 22 Dec: Arab Supermodels Arab supermodels are making a name for themselves in the fashion industry, and are changing the way Arab women are perceived by the rest of the world. The diversity and culture of the Arab world is appealing to the fashion industry and the models are helping to change the generic stereotype of Arab Muslim women.

Hind Sahli, Arab supermodel Contact Magazine

20 Dec: US Gun Control US President Barack Obama has called for “concrete proposals” on gun control. The president said a “majority of Americans” back such changes. There have been calls for gun law reform after 26 children and teachers died in a mass shooting at a school in Newtown, Connecticut.

19 Dec: Deadly Year for Journalists More journalists were killed doing their job in 2012 than in any year since monitoring started 17 years ago, say Reporters Without Borders. Eighty-eight journalists were killed, and those responsible usually face no punishment, creating a sense of impunity which encourages further violence.

Syrian refugees

19 Dec: Help for Syrians The UN has appealed for $1.5 billion to help save millions of Syrians suffering a “dramatically deteriorating” humanitarian situation. “There are nearly no more safe areas where people can flee and find safety,” said Radhouane Nouicer, UN regional humanitarian coordinator for Syria. 18 Dec: Police Corruption Purged Honduras’congress has passed a law to purge the police of corruption. The law will require officers to undertake lie detector tests, drug screening, and a probe of their personal wealth. Honduras has the highest homicide rate in the world, with 86 murders for every 100,000 inhabitants. 10 Dec: Costa Rica Bans Hunting On Monday, Costa Rica became the first Latin American country to 11

ban hunting as a sport, following an unanimous and final vote from Congress. The Central American country is already known for its environmental mindset, with some 25 percent of its land protected as national parks or reserves.

Mo Yan

6 Dec: Chinese Nobel Winner Mo Yan, the Chinese winner of the 2012 Nobel Prize, refused to back a petition for jailed compatriot and Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo. He defended censorship as sometimes necessary, comparing it to security checks at airports. 134 Nobel laureates including H.H. the Dalai Lama wrote to Chinese Communist Party chief and president-in-waiting Xi Jinping urging him to release Liu. China says Liu is a criminal and decries such criticism as unwarranted interference in its internal affairs. 3 Dec: Traffic Jam Thousands of trucks and cars have been stuck on a major highway in Russia for the past two days due to heavy snow fall northwest of Moscow. The massive traffic jam ranged between 40 km and 200 km in length at different times on Sunday. One man told the state broadcaster he had advanced one kilometer over the previous 24 hours. 3 Dec: Yellow Fever Outbreak According to the World Health Organization, yellow fever has infected 677 people, killing 164, over the last three months in Sudan’s Darfur. There is no effective treatment for the hemorrhagic fever, but there is a vaccine. WHO reports that more than half of the targeted population of 3.6 million people have been vaccinated. DECEMBER 2012

around town

Charities and Organizations

Central Tibetan Administration

The CTA serves in Dharamsala as the government in exile of Tibet. It is democratic with judiciary, legislative, and executive branches. Within the Executive branch there is the Kashag, consisting of the departments of Religion and Culture, Home, Education, Finance, Security, Information and International Relations and Health, and Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay. WEB: www.tibet.net LOCATION: Dharamsala – 176215 PHONE: 01892-222218 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:00 am-5:00 pm EMAIL: kashag@tibet.net

The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)

OHHDL is the personal office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The office organizes his schedule, including appointments and travel plans, diplomatic and personal correspondence, and liaises with officials of the Central Tibetan Administration. When His Holiness is in Dharamsala, his schedule includes daily religious practice and studies, meeting with private audiences, and congregating with the Tibetan Kashag and senior Tibetan governmental officials. WEB: www.dalailama.com LOCATION: Thekchen Choeling, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala – 176219 PHONE: 01892-221343 / 221879 EMAIL: ohhdl@dalailama.com

Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)

The Tibetan Youth Congress is an advocacy and political action organization with chapters around the world. The Tibetan Youth Congress organizes cultural exhibitions, educational campaigns and social welfare activities. The organization publishes a series of periodicals and magazines on the Tibetan cause. WEB: www. tibetanyouthcongress.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala -176219 PHONE: 01892-221554 / 221010 EMAIL:info@tibetanyouthcongress.org, gensec@tibetanyouthcongress.org

Tibetan Women’s Association

The Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) conducts workshops on gender sensitization and domestic violence throughout Tibetan settlements in India, provides Tibetan women with education scholarships, and connects women with international sponsors. WEB: www. tibetanwomen.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala – 176219 PHONE: 01892-221527 / 221198 EMAIL: twa@tibetanwomen.org

Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

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 Dharamsala and day school in McLeod Ganj, with other branches throughout India. WEB: www.tcv.org.in LOCATION: Dharamsala Cantt.176216 PHONE: 01892-220356 / 221348 EMAIL: headoffice@tcv.org.in

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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute (Men-Tsee-Khang) Men-Tsee-Khang is a facility for research, training and practice of traditional Tibetan medicine. Patients may seek treatment at Men-TseeKhang for both acute and chronic conditions. The facility provides extensive training and produces traditional pharmaceuticals. WEB: www.men-tsee-khang.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala – 176215 PHONE: 01892-223222 EMAIL: tmai@men-tsee-khang.org

Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)

The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives has the purpose to restore, protect, preserve, and promote Tibetan culture in all its aspects. They offer courses in Tibetan and Hindi language and Buddhist philosophy and can provide affordable accommodation for those enrolled in two or more courses. WEB: ltwa.net, tibetanlibrary.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong Dharamsala - 176215 PHONE: 01892-222467 / 226181 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:00am-1:00pm, 2:005:00pm. Closed 2nd and 4th Sat. every month EMAIL: office@ltwa.net

Delek Hospital

Delek Hospital is a small, Tibetan run hospital in Dharamsala. It has 45 inpatient beds, holds outpatient hours from 9am to 12pm Monday through Friday, and can handle most small procedures. Patients are responsible for a 10 Rupees registration fee, although this is waived for those who fall under the poverty line. The hospital has a pharmacy on site. WEB:www.delekhospital.org (Friends of Tibetan Delek Hospital) LOCATION: Kharadanda Road, Dharamsala -176215; Delek Clinic, Bhagsu Road, Dharamsala -176219 PHONE: 01892-222053 / 223381 HOURS: Outpatient, Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00 pm-4:30 pm; Emergencies, 24 hours daily EMAIL: delek@sancharnet.in

Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society

The society was established in 1999 to provide educational and administrative guidance to all Tibetan schools in remote areas of India and Bhutan that do not fall under the guidance of Tibetan Childrens Village. Today there are 12 schools under this organization. WEB: www.sambhota.org LOCATION: Session Road, Dharamsala 176215 PHONE: 01892 - 228877 | 226877 EMAIL: stsa1999@yahoo.co.in

Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)

Students for a Free Tibet is an international nongovernmental organization that promotes the Tibetan cause among the non-Tibetan community. The organization attempts to build international solidarity by advocating for a free Tibet through chapter organizations at Universities around the world. WEB:www.sftindia.org, www.studentsforafreetibet.org

LOCATION: Jogiwara RoadMcLeod Ganj, Dharamsala - 176219 PHONE: 01892-220589

Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) TCHRD advocates for human rights and provides education on the human rights situation in Tibet. The centre publishes journals and articles, as well as conducts workshops and campaigns. WEB: www.tchrd.org LOCATION: Top Floor, Narthang Building Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala - 176215 PHONE: 01892-223363 EMAIL: office@tchrd.org

Lha Charitable Trust (Lha)

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

Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet

(Ex Political Prisoners Association) Gu-Chu-Sum is a social service organization that provides financial and medical support for ex political prisoners and political activists from Tibet. In order to join Gu-Chu-Sum, one must register as a political prisoner or political activist through the Department of Security. WEB: www.guchusum.org LOCATION: Jogibara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala -176219 PHONE: 01892-220680 / 220679 EMAIL: guchusum1991@gmail.com

Tong-Len Charitable Trust

Tong-Len’s mission is to help displaced communities in North India achieve a secure and sustainable future. Tong-Len projects include educational and health programs, childhood education and sponsorship, primary and nursery tent schools, and children’s support hostels. Some volunteer opportunities available. WEB: www. tong-len.org LOCATION: Top Floor, Bank Of Baroda, Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamsala-176215 PHONE: 01892-223113 / 223930 EMAIL: jamyang@tong-len.org

Tibet Charity

Tibet Charity provides programs including English and computer classes, an animal care program, and a variety of medical and educational financial support programs. WEB: www.tibetcharity.in LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala – 176219 PHONE: 01892-221790 / 221877 HOURS: Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm EMAIL:mail@tibetcharity.in, tibccharity@gmail. com

DECEMBER 2012

around town CHOICE HIV/AIDS Initiative

Charities and Organizations

CHOICE HIV/AIDS Initiative provides HIV/ AIDS education, prevention and care services in Tibetan settlements throughout India. The services provided by CHOICE range from individual counseling to organizational training. CHOICE has a sponsorship program and occasionally utilizes volunteers. WEB: www.choicehivaids.org LOCATION: Arora House, 2nd Floor, Temple Road, Dharamsala PHONE: 01892-220239, 941-831-6896 EMAIL: choicehivaids@gmail.com

Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR)

Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution is a nonprofit, educational organisation dedicated to the non-violent management of conflicts in the Tibetan Community and the world as a whole. They work to promote the approaches and tools of non-violent conflict resolution and democratic processes in the Tibetan community in exile and elsewhere. WEB: http://tccr.org LOCATION: Session Road, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala 176215 PHONE: 0189 222 6627 EMAIL: tccroffice@yahoo.com

Rogpa Baby Care Center

The Rogpa Baby Care Center helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so their parents can work. The center needs volunteers to help with art, games, singing and other tasks including diaper changing. WEB: www.tibetrogpa.org LOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka Guest House, Jogiwara Rd., McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala - 176219 (near no.13 on map) PHONE: 981-665-9549 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 8:00 am-12:00 pm or 1:00 pm- 5 :00 pm EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com

Dharamsala Dog Rescue

Dharamsala Dog Rescue is in urgent need of vet volunteers, animal experts and sponsors. We are in immediate need of sponsors for two paralysed dogs that need a home, wheelchair, monthly food and medicine. Please contact us if you see an injured/sick dog. WEB: www.hnsindia.org LOCATION: Behind the District Court Complex on Chilgari St, Lower Dharamsala PHONE: 981-622-0841 EMAIL: friendsforanimals@gmail.com

Clean Upper Dharamsala Project

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

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The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)

ANEC facilitates trainings, workshops and open forum discussions on nonviolent strategies to help resolve disagreements and differences at all levls of human society. ANEC welcomes volunteers from western countries to participate in informal panel discussions on ideas of regional and global peace and nonviolent strategies. Free lunch and tea for volunteers. WEB: www.anec.org.in LOCATION: No. 262, 1st floor, Khajanchi -Mohalla, Khunyara Rd, Lower Dharamsala PHONE: 981-632-7158 / 867-990-4767 EMAIL: tcsamkhar@gmail.com, executive_ directoranec@yahoo.com

National Democratic Party of Tibet

The NDPT is currently the only Tibetan political party. With 5000 members in 36 regional

chapters throughout the world, the main aim and objectives of the NDPT are to prepare for the establishment of a political party in a future Tibet, to promote democracy, to educate the Tibetan people about the significance of political parties, and to create awareness among the people about Tibetan issues. WEB: www.ndp4tibet.org LOCATION: Dharamsala–176219 EMAIL: tibetparty4@gmail.com

Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage)

Nyingtob Ling supports Tibetan children from disadvantaged families. The children work hard at making delightful handicrafts and paintings. They are so friendly and love to have visitors. WEB: www.nyingtobling.org LOCATION: Near Norbulingka, Sidhpur PHONE: 01892-246366, 981-685-1841 EMAIL: nyingtobling@hotmail.com

Seen through the eyesSmiling of a foreignerFaces interested in Tibetan Buddhism

Name: Eddie Quinn & Annie Wood

Job at Lha: English Teachers

were tired and jet-lagged when in the with andWe culture, Dharamsala—the home works of His well Holiness theclassroom, Dalai Lama— we arrived in McLeod Ganj after one free to help, one to one, while always evoked some special, unique and spiritual feeling in me. Having our journey Ireland, other isand directing the about topic. Tibet, spent the pastfrom eightSouthern years with variousthestudies readings but awoke the next morning to the Our students vary daily, but are I was very eager to meet Tibetan people and to become useful to their surprise of warm, bright sunshine, all highly motivated, bright and community. gleaming on the snow-covered peaks, cheerful, and very responsive. as we opened the curtains to see our

Their reading and writing skills are

Given experience with development my focus current home my for the next eight weeks. The veryissues good,and so we onstudspoken ies, I decided in January that I would come to McLeod Ganj need and forested landscape is filled 2012 with pastel English, which is their main make my long-term dream a reality. Among all organizations that I concoloured houses of various shapes and goal. We work on everyday and sizes precarious topics,and using allpractical their skills whilst tacted, Lha nestling providedinto me with the handiest most informalooking nooks and crannies on the engaging them in conversations tion. Soon after our first emails, I felt attached and could not wait to hillsides. Solar energy is in evidence discussions which canmyself get very arrive here. Watching videos, readingand articles, and imagining and prayer stretch between trees animated. Some students are fairly walking theflags streets of McLeod Ganj made me feel already involved and houses, like ancient laundry, long confident and a few are quite shy, with the Tibetan community. forgotten. but a lively, fun atmosphere seems to We have been interested seeing bring enjoyment and learning to our After spending some days in Delhi, I finally arrived to McLeod after how Tibetan and Indian cultures new friends...and to both of us also. an exciting journey oneach the twisting up tojust theaHimalayas. The we seem to complement other in roads After week’s teaching welcoming of Lha, their guidance the introduction the Tibetan practical ways: where there is a dayandhave been deeply to touched by the society was a stunning experience for me. I knew on my first dayby that to day need which could provide plight of the Tibetan people, theI was going to have a wonderful I spenta here employment, someone is doingtime. it The way four they weeks have formed happywere and and tiny businesses seem to thrive. successful community here, in spite filled with an interesting mixture of official research, unofficial talks, Lha staff welcomed us and their continued of the impressions and feelings, all helped of whichofhelped me to getawareness to know Tibetwith accommodation, showing sad situation they have left behind, ans better by finding out more about the realities they face. us places of cultural interest, and by the warmth and welcome of their helpful job offriendliness, and engaged their never-ending I making spent my dayssuggestions. visiting theOur offices Tibetan NGOs in pois to teach English to the beginner’s appreciation. litical, social and human rights issues. I received the most welcoming class. We were both teachers back This wonderful experience will approach and I am very grateful to all people who were always here for home in Ireland, but this would be remain with us for the rest of our my never-ending questions. Thanks you,asI got a new path to know very different so we decided to pair- tolives, will on those beautiful smiling you better, not merely from books and teachings, but by getting some teach our class as it not only gave us faces which greet us each morning in real-life experience. Through my engagement, I aim to offer confidence, but also gave us double class and on the streets as awelongbrowse term assistance andgood to dofor my best in theand West to raise further the brain powerto– Lha always this hustle bustle that has become both ideasabout and preparation! This I praise our home. awareness the Tibetan cause. Tibetan culture very much 13

DECEMBER 2012

activities & tourist info Upcoming Events

MEDITATION

Jan 7-10: Dalai Lama teachings in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India on Shantideva’s A Guide to the Boddhisattva’s Way of Life.

Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre

Feb 25: Dalai Lama teachings in Dharamsala on the Jataka Tales in the morning at the Main Temple.

ART & MUSeums

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

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

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

Jun 1-4: Dalai Lama teachings in Dharamsala on Shantideva’s A Guide to the Boddhisattva’s Way of Life (chodjug) at the request of a group of Indians at the Main Tibetan Temple.

Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression

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

Vipassana Meditation

Kangra Art Museum

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

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

Public Audience with HH Karmapa

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

The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA)

Rishi Yoga & Meditation Center

WEB: http://.rishiyogaindia.com/reach.php LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, opposite Gaden Choeling Nunnery PHONE: 9736184741, 9882228502 EMAIL: Yogarishi2001@yahoo.co.in

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

Form Gallery

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

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

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

BUS SCHEDULE

Ambulance: 01892-102, 222189

* Times and prices may vary. Please check with the bus stand ahead of departure.

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

Leaving from the McLeod Ganj bus stand, unless otherwise stated: Delhi: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am, 6pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm and 8:30pm (Rs330) Semi Deluxe Bus: 6pm (Rs355) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8pm (Rs1035) AC TATA: 8:30pm (Rs840)

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

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

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

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

Shimla: Ordinary Bus: 5am, 5:30am, 6am, 8am, noon and 4:55pm (Rs235) *from Dharamsala Semi-Deluxe Bus: 8:22am, 7:45pm and 9:30pm (Rs???) *from Dharamsala FOR BOOKINGS: Location: Ticket stand under McLLo’s, main square Hours: 10am-6pm, daily Phone: 221750 For deluxe buses, book through any travel agency.

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

LOCATION: Main Road Sidhbari Dharamsala PHONE: 9816043708

Tibet Museum

Tushita Meditation Center

Feb: Dalai Lama spring teachings in Dharamsala, will NOT be given this year.

Naam Art Gallery

Tibetan Delek Hospital Location: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala Hours: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, Mon-Sat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, Mon-Sat; Emergencies: 24-hrs, daily. phone: 222 053,223 381 Post Office The McLeod Ganj Post Office is located on location: Jogiwara Rd, past Peace Cafe Hours: 9:30am-1pm and 2-5pm, Mon-Fri; 9:30am-noon, Sat. Phone: 221 924 Parcels and money orders can be sent in the mornings only. DECEMBER 2012

activities & services LANGUAGES Tibetan Language Class

LOCATION: Lha Office, Temple Rd HOURS: Registration from 9-11am, Mon-Fri PHONE: 220 992 See ad on pg 3.

Hindi Classes

LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Rd, beside the Korean Restaurant PHONE: 981-649-4732

Hindi Lessons with Sunil

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

Tibetan Language

LOCATION: The Tibetan Library See Buddhist Philosophy Listing

Hindi Lessons with Kailash

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

Tibetan with Pema Youdon

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

Esukhia Online Tibetan Courses and Tibetan Immersion Spoken

Location: Esukhia Office,Tilak Ray Building, Bhagsu Road, Dharamsala Web: www.esukhia.org Phone: 8679502538 E- mail- esukhiacontact@gmail.com

HEALTH SERVICES

Men-Tsee-Khang

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

Primary Health Centre

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

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

Maanav Health Clinic

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

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

Nisha’s Indian Cooking Class

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

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

Nature Cure Health Club

Sangye’s Kitchen Traditional Tibetan Cooking Classes

LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House-Map #10 HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm PHONE: : 941-813-0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com

Tibetan Delek Hospital

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

Ayuskam Health Care

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

YOGA & REIKI Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, behind Akash Hotel, on Jogiwara Rd - Map #11 HOURS: 8:00am-6:00pm PHONE: 980-569-3514

Rishi Yoga & Meditation Center Dr. Sant Marwah Clinic

Lhamo’s Kitchen, Tibetan Cooking Classes

WEB: http://.rishiyogaindia.com/reach.php LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, opposite Gaden Choeling Nunnery PHONE: 9736184741, 9882228502 EMAIL: Yogarishi2001@yahoo.co.in

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

Mr. Rita Kapoor’s Indian Cooking, Knitting & Momos LOCATION: Old German Bakery, 1st Floor, Room No. 2, Opp. Buddha Hall, Bhagsunag PHONE: 94592 06586

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

Om Yoga Center

WEB: www.omyogaindia.com LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Rd. HOURS: Daily, 8:00-9:30pm & 4:00-5:30PM PHONE: 980-569-3514 EMAIL: om.yoga@ymail.com

Nature Cure Health Club

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

Shiatsu & Swedish Massage LOCATION: Lha Office, Temple Rd PHONE: 01892-20992

COOKING Synergy Ayuredic Massage Center Lha Tibetan Cooking School

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

Indian Cooking Classes

Traditional Thai Massage

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

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

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

DECEMBER 2012

news

& advertisements Visitor Services Offered at Lha TIBETAN LANGUAGE CLASS

Learn more about the Tibetan people and explore the unique Tibetan culture including Buddhism by learning the Tibetan language! Learn reading, writing, speaking, and grammar. Beginner and intermediateclass levels with qualified teachers for interested individuals and small groups.

TIBETAN COOKING CLASS

Learn a variety of traditional and modern vegetarian Tibetan foods including momo, thukpa and Tibetan bread from qualified teachers. Learn to prepare and then taste the delicious and yummy Tibetan foods for individual or small groups.

TIBETAN ARTS CLASS

Learn the basic traditional Tibetan form of painting including drawing and how to use color for interested individuals and small groups with a professional and qualified artist.

TIBETAN HOME-STAY

Lha arranges short or long term home-stays with refugee families giving visitors the chance to experience the Tibetan life style. Home-stays provide a valuable opportunity for visitors and locals to connect and learn about each other’s cultures.

YOGA

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

MASSAGE

Complete physical and mental relaxation and stress reduction with re-vitalizing techniques of deep tissue and acupressure with a professional therapists. Contact: Lha Office on Temple Road, opposite State Bank of India. Phone: 01892-220992 Email: office@lhasocialwork.org

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Lha’s Annual Report 2012

QUICK FACTS from 2003 to 2012 • • •

Over 5,187 volunteers from 40 different countries have contributed to Lha's work More than 1,365 foreign visitors have participated in Tibetan cultural programs Approximately 789 students from various international educational institutions have participated in organised cultural exchange programs

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• • •

30,000 free books have been distributed to Tibetan and local Indian schools and libraries More than 29,031 articles of clothing have been collected and distributed through the donation center Multi-language courses have benefited over 8,718 people Computer and IT workshops have helped over 2,322 people 296 free eye check-ups and glasses have been provided for more than 146 people 16

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Over 485 people have attended Lha's yoga classes More than 160 people have graduated from Lha's massage courses 67 people have graduated from Lha's photography courses The Lha Community Soup Kitchen has fed between 35-50 people daily with 105 people in total benefitting since its opening in July, 2011

Happy New Year! DECEMBER 2012