Contact December 2015 by Lha Charitable Trust

འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།

Contact

A Free Monthly Publication For Tibetan Issues and Community Information RGD No. HPENG/2013/51798 Volume: XVII Issue: 11 31 December 2015

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Tibetan Scholar Exposes Party Leader’s Failings by Tenzin Samten Jamphel Gyatso, a prominent senior Tibetan scholar from the Chinese Academy of Social Science, has publicly declaimed senior Communist Party official Zhu Weiqun who is advisor with the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and former executive Vice Read more on page 4

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Tibetans Campaign at COP21 by Dorji Kyi The “Tibet Third Pole” team, a collation of many Tibet groups, participated in the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) which took place this year from November 30 to December 11 at Stade de France in Paris. Throughout the conference Tibetan representatives drew attention to the significance of the Tibetan Plateau to Asia and the issues Read more on page 6

Contact News

about lha & contact Contact, a free monthly magazine published by Lha Charitable Trust, is a recognised and registered publication under the Registrar Office of the Newspaper, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India. The registration number is HPENG/2013/51798. Acknowledged by Lonely Planet and other international travel resources, Contact has been a popular source of news and information on Tibetan issues, and the Dharamshala community, for over 16 years. 700 - 1,000 copies are printed per issue and distributed in the Dharamshala area, Delhi, and various diplomatic missions of India. Copies are also sent to various Tibetan schools, settlements, offices and NGOs in India and abroad. Please Note: The articles, stories and other material in Contact represent the views of the authors and are not necessarily the views of the Contact editing staff or Lha Social Work. All comments on this issue should be submitted by email to: editor@contactmagazine.net

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:

Lha is a Tibetan grassroots nonprofit organisation based in Dharamshala, India. It is one of the largest social work organisations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population and people from the Himalayan regions. Lha offers free English, French and Chinese classes, cultural exchange programmes, IT classes, vocational training, health and environmental awareness education, distribution of clothes and medicine, a community 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. 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 Facebook: Lhasocialwork Twitter: Lhasocialwork

Lha Traveler Services and Volunteer Opportunities

Long or short-term, skilled or unskilled volunteers needed at Lha

• English conversation (Mon-Fri, 4-5pm) • English, French and Chinese teachers • Computer teachers • Web designers and IT professionals • Contributing writers • Environmental professionals • Medical and healthcare professionals • Fundraisers and grant writers • Project professionals • Chefs and cooks • And much more! Share your knowledge and skills with the local Tibetan, Indian, and Himalayan communities whilst gaining hands-on experience working with a social work organisation. TIBETAN HOME-STAY Lha arranges home-stays with refugee families giving visitors the chance to experience the Tibetan life style and a chance to connect and learn about each others’ cultures. Homestays include accommodation, breakfast, and dinner.

*All donations and fees from Lha classes and services directly benefit Lha community social work projects. Contact

RECEPTION & ORIENTATION Our services help smooth your arrival in Delhi and your onward travel to Dharamshala. We also orientate you to the Tibetan community here. Avoid the scams at Delhi Airport! Highly recommended for people who want a stress-free arrival, especially if you are arriving late at night or early in the morning, and can be purchased online in advance of your travel to India. TIBETAN COOKING CLASS Individuals and small groups can learn to prepare a variety of traditional and modern vegetarian Tibetan foods including momos, thukpa and Tibetan bread, with a qualified teacher. For information on cost, times and/or registration, please visit: Lha office, Temple Road, McLeod Ganj-176219 Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra H.P. (Mon-Sat: 9am-1pm & 2-5pm) office@lhasocialwork.org (0) 1892-220992 Websites associated with Lha: www.lhasocialwork.org www.samdhongrinpoche.com www.tibetfairtrade.com www.tibetnature.net 2

Acknowledgement

This issue of Contact is sponsored by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD). TFD’s kind contribution has made this publication possible. We thank TFD for supporting the publication of Contact.

Can you Donate to Lha? Lha collects all kinds of donations in the form of clothing, shoes, books, and language resources, computer and medical supplies, as well as any other useful items. Monetary donations are extremely helpful and are greatly appreciated, large or small. Please contact the office: office@lhasocialwork.org (0) 98823-23455 / 1892-220992 DECEMBER 2015

news & issues

His Holiness Reaches Thousands Continued from page 1

Lam Rim Teaching at Tashi Lunpo Monastery. Over 900 people from 16 different countries attended the 30th Mind and Life Conference which looks at how both science and Buddhist teachings can work together; a dialogue between modern science and Buddhist science. The conference was held from December 14 – 18. His Holiness opened the conference, saying “30 years ago I had a wish to have in-depth discussions with scientists. I’d been interested in science since I was a child in Tibet. I thought it would be good if I were able to meet with scientists in person. And when I did, I was struck by how unbiased they were. Our subsequent discussions were mutually beneficial. I discovered that those of us who come from the Nalanda tradition were able to learn from them about matter and the material world, but that they too could learn from us about the mind.” Participants observed monks debating and were able to visit exhibitions on climate change and the local Sera Jey secondary school’s

display of their thoughts on water. His Holiness visited different university departments and spent time giving teachings and readings of texts to the monks who study there. One such reading was Je Tsongkhapa’s Three Principles of the Path. At the end of the reading he commented,

The offering of Tenshug, or long life prayer to His Holiness Photo:Tibet.net

“Je Rinpoche said we should not be content with a rough understanding of the teachings, but should study all kinds of texts. We should aspire not only to be scholars, but to also apply the teachings as he did.” The Mind and Life conference was co-organised by the Mind and Life Institute and the Dalai Lama

Trust. The first was held in 1987 in Massachusetts, United States and it has since been held annually in India and in several European countries. As the four day conference came to an end and before the Tibetan leader left Sera Monastery the Tibetan people offered His Holiness the Tenshug, or long life prayer. He praised the work that has been done to restore the monastery in exile. Of the offerings that were received he said; “The Tibetan people and the Sera Monastery have offered the Tenshug for my longevity today but the more important aspect remains the faith and the connection between the teacher and the student which is visibly present in everybody here.” His Holiness then relocated to Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, also in Bylakuppe, until the end of the month. He inaugurated and consecrated the new prayer hall at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas, and gave the Jangchub Lam Rim Teaching, including the transmission of the Collected Stages of the Path Texts and the Dharmakirti’s Commentary of Valid Perception.

The EU Speaks Out for Tibet by Vanshika Tripathi The current human rights situation in Tibet has led to a unanimous approval of the EU-China Relations report prepared by the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs. The report recounted the increase in the number of self-immolations occurring in response to China’s persecution of Tibetans; there have been 142 cases of self-immolation as a form of protest since February 2009. The report criticised the newly approved Chinese law that allows for the punishment of people who are connected to those who selfimmolate. It also challenged China’s hardline policies and their rejection of the Middle Way Approach The report additionally condemned China’s intent of making Chinese Contact

the official language of teaching in Tibetan schools. Religious and cultural restrictions by China were denounced in the report. The report went on to state that “the Chinese government is continuing its hardline policies against the Tibetan people, especially by rejecting the Dalai Lama’s ‘Middle Way Approach’ which seeks neither independence nor separation but a genuine autonomy within the framework of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China. The report called for the Chinese government to re-enter a dialogue with Tibetan representatives; protests against the marginalisation of Tibetan culture by the Communist Party of China, and urged the Chinese authorities to respect the freedoms of expression, association and religion 3

of the Tibetan people.” The report emphasised the need for a proper investigation to take place with regard to the instances of illegal incarceration, torture, disappearance and death of detained Tibetans. The European Parliament furthermore expressed deep concern over the destruction of the environment in Tibet, saying “the Tibetan plateau is warming up fast, and this may cause the melting of Tibet’s glaciers, many of which feed the largest rivers in Asia.” The EU-China Relations report applauded “Tibetans [expressing] their cultural identity through the Lhakar (white Wednesday) movement by wearing only Tibetan clothes, speaking only Tibetan and eating only Tibetan food each Wednesday.” DECEMBER 2015

news & issues

Tibetan Scholar Exposes Party Leader’s Failings Continued from page 1

Minister of the United Front Work Department. Gyatso has also spoken out about Ye Xiaowen, the former Director of the State Administration for Religious Affairs. The row was sparked when a video went viral, prompting huge debate about Tibetan Buddhism with responses and protests from both Tibetan netizens and Chinese officials. The video showed Chinese actor Zhang Tielin being enthroned as a Trulku or Rinpoche by Padma Woser - a Hong Kong based, selfproclaimed Trulku. Zhu Weiqun’s response to this was to say “Some fake Rinpoches have posed threats to national security, as they use money they collect to sponsor illegal or even separatist activities in Tibet” and to call on the authorities to take action against these fake lamas. The senior Tibetan scholar criticised Zhu Weiqun for shirking responsibilities, diverting attention and harbouring ill intentions with ulterior motives. According to High Peaks Pure Earth, the immensely popular and influential blog on Tibetan issues, Jamphel Gyatso’s post has been deleted and his blog had been heavily censored. Nevertheless it has been circulated widely on Wechat and Weibo, the two most frequently social media sites in China. The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) quoted Zhu as saying

on state television that people are posing as living Buddhas and going to eastern regions to carry out swindles. Jamphel Gyatso’s reaction to this was to question Zhu’s approach to his responsibilities as a senior Communist Party member who has worked in the Tibet region over a long period, and suggested that Zhu is complicit with those who “pose as living Buddhas and go to the eastern regions to carry out swindles.” Zhu has declared that “After taking some of their assets back into Tibetan areas, the [fake lamas] in fact continue to engage in various kinds of actions that contravene the law, even using some of the money to support splittist activities”. Jamphel Gyatso’s response to this allegation is to say that lamas (whether fake or real) cheating people is a question of morality and not law, and added that Zhu should name people and provide proper evidence or he will be guilty himself of committing crimes of defamation. Gyatso has suggested that Zhu is using the row sparked by the video as an opportunity to speak about Tibetan Buddhism and reincarnated Lamas generally, and that he does so with ulterior motives and ill intentions. Gyatso says that when questioned about the video, Zhu Weiqun did not respond to the questions but “kept changing the subject and turning it back to Tibetan areas and back to Tibetan lamas”.

Gyatso has also criticised Ye Xiaowen, the former Director of the State Administration for Religious Affairs. When Ye Xiaowen was in office China introduced new legislation which stated that living Buddhas must have government approval. Gyatso has written “As soon as something happens in Tibet and other Tibetan areas, Ye Xiaowen and Zhu Weiqun connect it with ‘splittism’, then later add their ‘righteous’ criticism and become heroes of ‘anti-splittism’… anti-splittism is a basket into which every problem is stuffed.” Thupten Phuntsok, a Tibetan Professor based in Chengdu who worked for many years at Minzu University of China in Beijing, wrote a short piece in Tibetan entitled A Message to all Tibetan Youth praising Jamphel Gyatso’s courage to speak out, and saying that he and others have voiced concerns and fought for the truth. Thupten Phuntsok said that whenever Tibetans suffer at the hands of tyranny, only Tibetan civil servants and intellectuals stand up to fight for the truth. Jamphel Gyatso’s commentary piece was published on his blog on December 13 and translated into English by the International Campaign for Tibet. Gyatso worked for the Communist Party in the 1950s and is known to have translated for Mao Zedong and other party officials as well as for the 10th Panchen Lama.

China’s Attempts to Curb Religious Activities

by Tenzin Samten Authorities in China are seen to be attempting to take control of Buddhist leaders in Chinese-controlled territory. China Tibet Online reports that they are setting up a publicly accessible database of legitimised Buddhist Rinpoches in China. The reason, they say, is that there are fake Rinpoches who pose a threat to national security, supporting “splittist” activities in Tibet. They say that Rinpoches must be registered with the Chinese government and that a reincarnation Contact

of the Dalai Lama would have to be approved by them.

Gedun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama recognised by the Dalai Lama

These issues hit the news this month when Chen Quanguo, the 4

Party Scretary of Tibet, urged Gyaltsen Norbu who is the “Chinese Panchen Lama”, to publicly shun His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Chinese authorities abducted Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the Panchen Lama recognised by the Dalai Lama 20 years ago, installing their choice of Gyaltsen Norbu in his place. “Resolutely draw a clear line between the 14th Dalai Lama and firmly reject all subversive separatist activities,” Chen told Gyaltsen Norbu. DECEMBER 2015

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Reuters Exposes China’s “secretive global campaign” by Mary Trewartha People attending His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings in the West are often surprised and puzzled to see demonstrators gathered at the entrance, denouncing His Holiness and his teachings. These demonstrators are apparently Buddhists, often dressed in maroon monks’ robes, and their shouted slogans reach people as they quietly gather to see and hear the Dalai Lama. The protestors’ literature seems plausible and “monks” try to engage individuals in conversation as they arrive. These protestors represent Shugden, a sect which claims it worships the deity Dorje Shugden, and the Buddhist world, the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, and Tibetan communities have long suspected that the Chinese Communist Party has been supporting Shugden, seeing their unfounded allegations as a way of undermining His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Now the highly respected international media agency Reuters has published an exclusive report with evidence to show links between

the Chinese government and the International Shugden Community. Under the heading China co-opts a Buddhist sect in global effort to smear Dalai Lama, Reuters says “The Dorje Shugden movement gets clandestine support from the Communist Party. Their joint campaign to discredit the Tibetan spiritual leader is paying off, especially in Britain”. Reuters quotes an internal Communist Party document, issued to officials last year, which said the Shugden issue is “an important front in our struggle with the Dalai clique”. Lama Tseta, a monk and prominent former member of Shugden told Reuters that China paid him and others to plan and coordinate the activities of the sect’s followers overseas. Tseta said the funding is controlled by the Communist Party’s powerful political special operations unit, the United Front Work Department, which directs the protests through senior Shugden monks in China and the Tibetan exile community in India and the West. One of their jobs is to recruit westerners to the Shugden movement. “The Chinese are using them as

a tool to make the Dalai Lama look fake, to achieve their own ends, to undermine Tibetan Buddhism and to fragment Tibetan society” said Tseta. Reuters says that media coverage of the Dalai Lama’s visits to the west now regularly includes accusations from Shugden spokespeople. They also document briefings to alert western intelligence agencies to the “now serious potential threat to the Dalai Lama’s well-being”. The Reuters article claims that China’s effort to neutralise the Dalai Lama is part of a systematic and often secretive global campaign to silence criticism abroad and bring the world around to its views. Reuters has published the Chinese government’s response to their article: “China’s constitution stipulates that citizens have freedom of belief. The central government and government of the Tibet Autonomous Region fully respect the rights of citizens to freedom of belief. In Tibet, all religions and sects receive equal respect and protection, and normal religious activities and religious belief is protected by the law.”

Chinese Official Exposes Ethnic Discrimination in China

by Tsering Wangdue A senior Chinese government official Qiangba Puncog (also known as Jampa Phuntsok), has spoken out for Tibet, saying that the Chinese

government needs to make more effort to tackle ethnic discrimination. Qiangba Puncog is an ethnic Tibetan from Kham and vice chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) standing committee, he is a former mayor of Lhasa and was chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) during the unrest of 2008. Speaking Contact

at the party’s on-going committee session, he expressed concern over recent instances of discrimination against ethnic minorities. “Such practices which run counter to the regional ethnic autonomy law must be resolutely rectified” said Qiangba (Jampa). The Tibet Times reports Tsering, a Tibetan from Karze, as saying that Tibetan people travelling to the TAR experience many difficulties and that party leaders have delayed addressing this problem. He also spoke of how Buddhist holy images are appearing on shoes and trousers, a huge insult to followers of the Buddha Dharma. The Tibet Times also mentions Liang, a Chinese resident in Beijing,who has described many cases of discrimination against ethnic 5

minorities. Speaking of the situation in Xinjiang in north western China he said that when a Han Chinese hotel owner denies entry to people from the Uyghur region it creates an unbearable hatred in their heart. In an interview with Voice Of Tibet Bawa Kalsang Gyaltsen, a researcher on Sino-Tibet relations and a member of the Tibetan Parliamentin-Exile based in Dharamshala, said “The Chinese government should acknowledge this issue and must realise and analyse the faults in their current policy over Tibet”. China has 56 ethnic groups, including Han. However the 55 nonHan ethnic groups are relatively small despite the autonomous ethnic areas in China accounting for 64% of its territory. DECEMBER 2015

news & issues

Tibetans Campaign at COP21 Continued from page 1

currently affecting the environment there: forced resettlement of Tibetan nomads; illegal mining and building of mega dams in Tibet. Mr Zamlha Tempa Gyaltsen, an environment researcher in the Tibet Policy Institute at the Central Tibetan Administration(CTA), spoke alongside other representatives of indigenous communities at a panel discussion entitled The Vision of Indigenous People to Cope with Climate Change which was attended by over 300 conference delegates and environmentalists. Mr Gyaltsen urged the world and the Chinese government to respect the immense wisdom of the indigenous people and Tibetan nomads in protecting the environment. Kalon Dicki Chhoyang, Minister of Information and International relations at the CTA, introduced the CTA’s campaign for Tibet: Climate Action for the Roof of the World at a special panel discussion at the Grand Palais. The panelists included

The Central Tibetan Administration’s Environment researcher, Tenpa Gyaltsen speaking at the panel Photo:Tibet.net

Matthieu Ricard, a French writer and Buddhist monk who spoke on the role of Tibetan culture in protecting the environment; Mr Martin Bursik, former Environment Minister of Czech Republic who spoke of the international responsibility in protecting the Tibetan Plateau; Mr Tenzin Norbu, Environment Researcher and former head of the Environment and Development Desk of the CTA, on the current environmental situation in Tibet and Mr Gyaltsen on the global Contact

significance of the Tibetan Plateau and the impact that climate change is having on it. At the Conference’s Climate Concert around 500 people participated in the Roof of the World Photo challenge [part of the CTA’s campaign, where people are photographed with their hands forming a roof over their head, the photos are published on social media to spread the word]. Performers at the concert included Bill Mckibben of 350.Org, singer Patti Smith, environmentalist Vandana Shiva, writer Noami Kline and Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal. While Tibetan representatives in Paris took every opportunity to draw attention to the situation in Tibet and the threats to its environment, three Tibetan non-government organisations also carried out a weeklong campaign in Delhi in India. The Tibet Third Pole Coalition, comprising the Tibetan Women’s Association, Students for a Free Tibet-India and the International Tibet Network held the India Week of Climate Action for Tibet. The Climate Action week culminated in the climate rally for Tibet. “In the last five days we have met political officers of the Embassies of Nepal, United States and Australia, the United Nations Information officer and Shri Jairam Ramesh, former Minister of Environment and Forests, to stress the need for a multilateral forum of downstream countries to pressure China for responsible water usage and sharing”, said Dhardon Sharling, Member of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, adding “The highlight of our weeklong advocacy campaign was lobbying all of the 11 downstream nations of Tibet including China”. “We performed a street theatre to demonstrate the very real water security issues downstream countries like India and Bangladesh will face if China continues its reckless hydropower projects on 6

Tibet’s rivers,” said Jyotsna George, Campaigns Director, Students for a Free Tibet-India, “The Tibetan people and Tibet’s fragile environment deserve a voice at the UN COP21 summit, and we want the UN to take urgent climate action for Tibet, Roof of the World”. The Tibetan Youth Association in Europe held a demonstration in Berne, Switzerland, to draw attention to the importance of Tibet’s ecosystem to the rest of Asia, and to urge European countries to put Tibet on the COP21 agenda. The UN Framework on Climate Change (UNFCC) came into being on March 21, 1994 and now has a nearuniversal membership of 195 parties. This convention set out a framework for action aimed at stabilising atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases to “avoid dangerous anthropogenic interference with the

Tibetan delegates campaign at the Paris Climate Conference Photo:Tibet Third Pole

climate system”. The main objective of the UNFCC’s annual Conference of Parties (COP) is to review the Convention’s implementation. In 2015 COP21, also known as the 2015 Paris Climate Conference has, for the first time in over 20 years of UN negotiations, aimed to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C. For information on the outcome of COP21, see the article So Much Still to be Done on page 8 DECEMBER 2015

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The World Looks Away as China Flouts Human Rights Continued from page 1

law and the principle of human rights. Several high-profile lawyers, activists, and businessmen have become the recent targets of Chinese government crackdowns, while journalists, foreign diplomats, and protestors have been harassed, mistreated and manhandled in an attempt to silence the issue. This past month, Pu Zhiqiang, a respected lawyer known for campaigning against the labour camp system and for representing artist/ activist Ai Weiwei, was arrested on charges of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” after commenting on social media about the “excessively violent” crackdown on Uighurs in the restive Xinjiang region. During Mr Pu’s open trial, plainclothes policemen pushed, shoved, and punched reporters, camera crews and diplomats away from the front of the court.One United States diplomat, who had wanted to attend the trial as an observer, was jostled along the street as he tried to read a statement condemning China’s treatment of Pu Zhiqiang. Other supporters were dragged away by police. Although Pu Zhiqiang’s trial has received a significant amount of international attention, he is not the only lawyer currently facing vague and questionable charges. Amnesty

International says that 245 lawyers and activists have been targeted since July. While some have faced trial others, like civil rights attorney Li Heping, have disappeared and remain missing. Similarly, businessmen have also been singled out. While government officials claim that such arrests are the result of corruption, many critics suggest that those targeted are actually individuals who are exposing corruption amongst the elite and politically connected. Guo Guangchang, dubbed “China’s Warren Buffet” was reported missing before he was determined to be in police custody. The circumstances around his arrest remain unclear as it is still uncertain whether or not he is under investigation. Although these stories are receiving significantly more attention than was given to similar cases in the past, silence still seems to be the official position of the international community, with few countries willing to officially voice any criticism. Media outlets, fed up with visa restrictions and harassment, have become more vocal. Also, ordinary citizens have grown more aware of the situation in recent years. However, most governments are choosing not to condemn China’s actions. There is speculation that this is financially

motivated as many countries are so economically tied to China that they dare not risk the relationship. Only three countries – Canada, Germany and the United States – have issued official statements criticising the human rights record of China in the aftermath of Pu Zhiqiang’s trial. Other countries have shied away from commenting, with some even refusing to make a joint statement about the importance of human rights. Britain even issued a statement praising China for progress on human rights and making no mention of any human rights concerns. Although China is growing increasingly assertive in pushing back against criticism of its human rights record, some business experts suggest that silence and adulation are unlikely to be materially beneficial in the long run. Countries such as Germany, which have stood up to China on human rights issues, still enjoy warm and growing trade relations. Even arch-rival Japan has a thriving business relationship with China. Those who subscribe to this belief also suggest that foreign deference to China is often met with an increased demand for concessions, which means that those who stand up to China will ultimately be the countries to benefit the most materially.

Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche by Mary Trewartha His Eminence the third Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, the spiritual head of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism, died on December 23 in Bodh Gaya, aged 89. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, speaking at the Lam Rim teaching in Bylakuppe, urged everyone to pray for his swift reincarnation and a worthy successor saying, “He was a great master and the head of Nyingma Tradition”.The Tibetan Parliamentin-Exile “shared deepest condolences to all the followers and devotees and offered prayers for his successful Contact

reincarnation”. TaklungTsetrul Rinpoche became the Supreme Head of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in 2012. He was a steadfast practitioner

of Tibetan Buddhism and continued to give instruction, empowerment and transmission right up until his 7

death. He was born near the famous Yamdrok Lake in central Tibet and was recognised as an incarnation of the great master Ngok Chöku Dorje. In Tibet he served at Thubten Dorje Drak Monastery and Taklung Monastery where he was given the title of Tulku Trinley Pal Sangpo. He spent most of his life in exile in Shimla and Ladakh, and in his rigorous lifelong study he particularly specialised in the Ngagyur Nyingma tradition. Following his escape from Tibet he was instrumental in rebuilding in exile the DorjeDrak monastery which had been destroyed in Tibet. DECEMBER 2015

news & issues

So Much Still to be Done by Tenzin Samten The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and Tibetan delegates cheered for the new climate change agreement reached at the Paris climate summit, COP21. However, they have expressed the need for stronger climate action for Tibet saying that its global role as the “third pole” or “roof of the world” makes it a crucial factor in addressing climate change. “The Paris Agreement is a step in the right direction, but it’s only a first step,” says Dicki Choyang, the CTA’s Head of Information and International Relations. She added “If world leaders are serious about avoiding a global environmental catastrophe, Tibet’s importance to the sustainability of the world’s fragile ecosystem must be recognised.” Despite the role Tibet plays in sustaining life in almost the whole of Asia by being its only water source, Tibet has suffered massive deforestation which contributes to climate change. According to Tibet. net, forest once covered 25.2 million hectares in Tibet. Now, according to China’s own estimates, 80% of by Sam Ferguson Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has this month branded China “the world’s leading enemy of the internet”. The organisation also called for a boycott of the World Internet Conference. The event, organised by China, was held from December 16 – 18 and attended by leaders of some of the biggest Chinese and foreign internet companies. Among the attendees was LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman. Hoffman has agree to create a Chinese LinkedIn which will be policed and subject to constant surveillance by the Chinese government. Lu Wei, head of Cyberspace Administration of China, claimed China’s close control of online information is no different from any other country’s, saying “Freedom Contact

Tibet’s forests have been destroyed and Tibet’s major rivers have been dammed by China. China’s policy of forced resettlement of nomads in Tibet

Tibetan delegates and members of Tibet Third Pole

is another concern, with the damage it causes to the natural cycle of life lived by nomads for centuries and which has preserved and enhanced the ecosystem in Tibet. The CTA has said that China’s agreement to work towards curbing the dangers of the effects of climate change should not overlook the destruction China causes in Tibet. Worldwide, groups representing women, young people, indigenous people and others have reacted angrily to the “removal of human rights protection binding language text”

Enemy of the Internet is our goal and order is our means. Controlling the Internet is necessary in order to correct rumours. It protects the rights and interests of internet users.” Lu is quoted as saying he believes that internet censorship is needed to keep a balance between freedom and order. RSF has called on the international community to “correct the fairy tales” of Lu Wei. Benjamin Ismail, head of RSF’s Asia Pacific desk said “China does more than ‘manage the Internet.’ It closely monitors all information accessible to Internet users and systematically blocks any criticism or revelations that are embarrassing for the Communist Party.” China has been the target of criticism over its reliance on the “Great Firewall of China”, one of the world’s most elaborate systems of 8

from the final draft of the COP21 agreement. “There is still so much work to be done for climate justice and Tibetans and Tibet supporters will continue to stand with other frontline communities in pressing for binding commitments to reduce warming still further,” said Lobsang Yangtso, a member of Tibet Third Pole, speaking to Phayul. The Tibet Third Pole team campaigned with Tibetan delegates at COP21 in Paris to bring the concerns of the Tibetan plateau to the attention of the conference delegates. The Paris climate summit concluded on December 12 with representatives from 200 countries lauding the new commitment which has brought together countries, both rich and poor, to agreeing to lower planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions in an attempt to prevent the drastic effects of climate change. “For the first time, we have a truly universal agreement on climate change, one of the most crucial problems on earth,” the New York Times reported Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations secretary general, as saying. Internet censorship. The non-government organisation GreatFire.org has also condemned the World Internet Conference. GreatFire’s co-founder Charlie Smith, speaking to RSF, said “The thousand foreign guests who have agreed to attend the conference should be ashamed of themselves.” GreatFire. org say they “bring transparency to the Great Firewall of China. We have monitored blocked websites and keywords since 2011.” RSF was founded in 1995 as a non-profit organisation specialising in research on internet censorship and the new media. They provide financial and psychological assistance to journalists operating in dangerous areas. The organisation has consultant status with the United Nations and UNESCO. DECEMBER 2015

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Tibetans in China Fight to Salvage Their Fading Culture

by Hannah Dellabosca As the Chinese Government limits Tibetan language instruction in schools and monasteries in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR), educational equity is becoming a new frontier for cultural preservation within Tibetan communities. Since 2012, Chinese language instruction has been mandated in all schools in the TAR, however only recently have monasteries been ordered to stop offering Tibetan classes to laypeople. The ever diminishing Tibetan language classes and resources has led to an estimated Tibetan literacy rate as low as twenty percent in the TAR. According to local sources, Tibetan parents are torn between prioritising Tibetan language in their children’s education and the necessity of high level Putonghua (standard Mandarin Chinese) for both higher education and the job market in mainland China. The education policy promoting Chinese medium education states its

intention to “make sure that minority students master and use the basic common language”, according to China’s Education Ministry. However, many Tibetan supporters see the undermining of Tibetan language education in schools and communities as a direct attack on the continuation of Tibetan culture in the TAR. Over 61,000 signatures were received on a petition that called for

Tibetan language class at a school in Shigatse, Tibet Autonomous Region Photo: Reuters

a Tibetan language primary school to be established in Qinghai province’s capital, Xining. The petition, circulated this month on messaging app WeChat, was quickly blocked by censors. The Chinese Constitution states that

ethnic regions have a right to use the local language in local government, business and education. However, in 2002 specific regulations relating to that goal were removed from regional laws. Whilst the Chinese Government officially supports bilingual education, steps have been taken to undermine Tibetan language use. In TAR schools, the majority of the teaching is done in Putonghua with Tibetan relegated to a single class. Tibetan teachers with low level Chinese language skills have been replaced with Han Chinese teachers, and Chinese text books with little reference to Tibetan culture have replaced existing texts. Tsering Woeser, the much-read Tibetan writer and activist, believes that the Chinese Government is using education to sever the upcoming generation from their Tibetan identity. “The government thinks if they switch the instruction to Chinese, then people will change their views” said Woeser in her blog.

Preliminary Election Results Announced

by Tenzin Samten The results for the preliminary election for the post of Sikyong, or Prime Minister of the Tibetan Governmentin-Exile, and members of the 16th parliament have been announced, showing that the incumbent Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay had an easy win. The Election Commission (EC) made the announcement on December 4. Dr Lobsang Sangay stands first in the Sikyong election, with 30,508 votes, followed by the current Speaker, Penpa Tsering with 10,732 votes and Atsok Lukar Jam third with 2,557 votes. The other Sikyong candidates Tashi Wangdue and Tashi Topgyal received 1,880 and 38 votes respectively. Eighteen people voted for the former Kalon Tripa, Samdhong Rinpoche. On asking about the number of finalists for the Sikyong post, the EC replied that they will stand by their

policy as announced on October 20 which is if the vote margin between the second and third candidate is less than 20%, there will be three finalists. So it is confirmed that the final vote will be between Lobsang Sangay and Penpa Tsering. The Election Commissioner Sonam Choephel Shosur said that 88,326 voters registered; however, there was only a 53.33% voter turnout for the Sikyong poll and 53% turnout for the Members of the Parliament vote. He also declared that there were 499 invalid votes for the Sikyong poll and 2,383 for the members of parliament poll. On being asked about the absence of voters from Bhutan, he explained that Tibetans in Bhutan could not take part as the government of Bhutan asked for details of individuals’ casting vote for the Tibetan election which made Tibetans there reluctant to come

forward to participate in the election. For the prelims, Tibetans voted at 85 locations around the world. Regarding the vote for Members of the 16th Tibetan Parliament, the EC declared the top 40 candidates from each of the three provinces Domey, Dotoe and U-Tsang; eight candidates from each of the five Buddhist sects, Europe and North and South America and four from Australasia constituencies. Thupten Lungrik with 1,495 votes led the Domey province, Kunchok Choedon with 4,495 votes led the Dotoe province and Dhardon Sharling with 10,704 votes tops U-Tsang province and all other candidates. The preliminary election was held on October 18; the final voting for both Sikyong and the poll for parliament members will be held on March 20, 2016.

Keep up to date with Election 2016 news at http://www.contactmagazine.net/category/election-2016/ Contact

DECEMBER 2015

news

& issues Dalai Lama – messenger of peace

by Tenzin Samten Hundreds of Tibetans, tourists and local residents gathered in the courtyard of Tsugla-Khang, the main temple in Dharamshala, to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on December 10. The chief guest at the event Smt Sarveen Choudhary, former Minister of Himachal and current Member of the Legislative Assembly, said His Holiness is the “messenger of peace.” She added that the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness in 1989 was a proud and happy moment for both Tibet and India. She spoke of the environmental degradation in Tibet, saying “Tibet is a major source of fresh water in Asia. However, Tibet is still under China. The Chinese government is building dams and also trying to divertwater sources which will affect the whole of Asia. China is using all the minerals and resources in

Tibet.” Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, the elected leader of the Tibetan Government-in-exile (CTA), also spoke at the event: “Tibetans inside

Chief guest Smt Sarveen Choudhary Photo:Contact/Lha

Tibet have nothing to celebrate as the human rights situation inside Tibet is continuously deteriorating.” Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-inexile Penpa Tsering was also present, he said, “we should bear in mind at all times the gratitude we owe to His Holiness for his kindness…and we take this opportunity to reiterate our

appeal accordingly”. The book, The Panchen Lama Lineage: How Reincarnation is Being Reinvented as a Political Tool was launched by the CTA’s department of Information and International Relations. The book documents the disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama 20 years ago and the follow up to the present day. The ceremony was followed by cultural performances by both Indian and Tibetan artists from local institutes and schools. His Holiness’s award of the Nobel Peace Prize is also celebrated on Human Rights day in Dharamshala with the Himalayan Festival. This year festival took place at Hotel Baghsu and was attended by many local Indian dignitaries, together with local Indians and Tibetans. The festival is held with the aim of strengthening bonds between the Indian and Tibetan communities.

Chinese Modernisation Projects Cause Hardship for Tibetans

by Sam Ferguson Traditional Tibetan homes near Lhasa will be torn down and replaced with modern Chinese designs. Costs will in part fall on the residents with reports suggesting that a contribution of 200,000 Chinese Yuan (over $31,000 or £20,000) is expected from each homeowner. This mandatory project is scheduled for 2016, beginning with Tagtse, Lhundrub, and Meldro Gongkar Counties. Every homeowner in the affected area must register for the project whether they are receiving a government subsidy or not. One Tibetan homeowner commented “We are being forced to accept and support the plan without any choice, our own house is in very good shape and doesn’t need reconstruction.” The same source reported that homeowners have been promised the return of their keys to the properties on completion of the project. However Tenzin Dharpo, Contact

writing for www.Phayul.com, has expressed doubts over these promises, recalling previous instances of land grabs, forceful buyouts of land and enforced demolition of Tibetan homes. China has faced growing global criticism over its modernisation policies. In 2013 the modernisation of a sacred Buddhist area around Bharkor market in Lhasa sparked outrage. The area is located near

the UNESCO protected Jokhang temple. Protestors see this as a policy of obliterating the living culture of Tibet. The modernisation projects are designed to attract tourists, with shopping malls and modern Chinese architecture replacing traditional 10

buildings and sacred monuments. Speaking to the South China Morning Post in 2013, Tibetan writer Tsering Woeser criticised the project: “Lhasa is being destroyed by excessive commercial development. Lhasa doesn’t exist for only tourists, there are real people who live here and it’s also a religious place.” Other modernisation projects within China include the conversion of Lijiang in Yunnan and Hunan city into tourist cities. Both projects have since been derided as poor decisions. Tashi Kyi, aged 55, self-immolated on August 27 this year in protest against Chinese modernisation within Tibet. She died a day later in a new socialist village house provided by Chinese authorities as part of a relocation project in Sangchu County, Gansu province. Elsewhere, over 900 people have been left homeless after demolition projects in North Western China’s Qinghai province. DECEMBER 2015

news & issues

Recent Arrests and Releases in Tibet Dec 25:The brother and two uncles of Tashi Dhondup, the man detained after a solo protest in Dzoge, Ngaba on December 19, have themselves been detained. Gonpo Kyab, Yeshe, and Lobpon Kyab were later released after questioning about the role they may have played in supporting and encouraging Dondrup’s protest. There have been no reports that they were beaten or tortured. Dondrub’s whereabouts are not known. Dec 19: Tashi Dhondup, a young Tibetan man, was arrested after carrying out a solo protest in Dzoge, Ngaba County in east Tibet. The British campaigning group Free Tibet has published a video of him running through the street with a Buddhist flag on his back and carrying a portrait of the Dalai Lama. Tashi Dhondup’s current whereabouts and circumstances are unknown. Dec 10: Yangmo Kyi, 45, was released on November 18 having completed her three year prison sentence in Sangchu County. Her family and friends were forbidden from sending news and pictures of

her release outside Tibet and Yangmo has been prohibited from using a mobile phone for three months. Her planned welcome home was thwarted when the authorities released her at midnight. She was imprisoned for her involvement with the self-immolation by Dorjee Rinchen in October 2012. Dec 4: Genden Phuntsok, 18, and Lobsang Kalsang, 19, two monks from Kirti monastery in Ngaba County in Tibet, have been sentenced following their detentions in March this year for staging separate solo protests. Geden was sentenced to four years while Lobsang was sentenced to three and a half years. They both carried a portrait of His Holiness, and called for freedom for Tibet and long life for His Holiness. Dec 1: Jinpa Gyatso, 43, a senior monk from the Mura Mayul Samten Choekhor Ling Monastery in Machu County has been released from prison after completion of his threeyear sentence. He was arrested for publicising the way people are treated in Tibet, for distributing his paper Manifesto of Truth and for his

promotion of the Tibetan language within Tibet. There are reports that he was tortured in prison and has suffered physically. Nov 30: Two monks from Kirti monastery in eastern Tibet, Ngaba County were detained by Chinese police and no further information about them is available. The two monks are Lobsang Gempel, 28, and Drukda, 49. Lobsang was earlier arrested in May 2011 and released in 2013. Drukda too has been arrested before, in 2008 and imprisoned for 16 months. Nov 27: Jampa Sangay, 29, was arrested by Chinese police after staging a lone protest in the main market of Kardze in Kham province. While distributing prayer flags, Jampa shouted slogans calling for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He was arrested immediately. His current whereabouts are unknown. According to local sources, the continued protests in Kardze have resulted in intensified police controls in the region.

The Dalai Lama Meets Diplomats in Karnataka

by Tsering Wangdue His holiness the Dalai Lama was invited to speak at the Diplomatic Consular Corps of Karnataka, a gathering of representatives from nearly twenty countries, at the National Institute of Advance Studies in Bengaluru, Karnataka, southern India, on December 6. His Holiness was welcomed to the platform by Anatole Kuschpeta from France and HE SabitSubasic, the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina who introduced His Holiness to the gathering and wished him good health and a long life. In his address to the gathering, Peace for Economy, His Holiness said that conflict arises when we dwell too much on the secondary differences between us: nationality, faith, wealth, Contact

education, etc. Instead we should focus on the fact that we are all human beings and we all appreciate affection and are capable of showing affection to others. “We can no longer put national interests ahead of the global interest. We will only create a more peaceful and harmonious world if we adopt a peaceful approach by engaging in dialogue” added His Holiness. The Diplomatic and Consular Corps of Karnataka aims to forge a symbiotic relationship between the government of Karnataka and the various foreign representations and missions in the State. 11

In the afternoon His Holiness visited the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), a centre of higher learning engaged in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research in natural sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities, and founded by JRD Tata. There he presented the NIAS Distinguished Fellow Lecture. His Holiness said that the purpose of life is to be happy and the ultimate source of happiness is not a wealth of material goods but a mental feeling of joy. “What I conclude from this is that mental experience is far more effective than sensory experience. Therefore, to be happy we need inner strength and self-confidence. And it seems to me that warm-heartedness is the source of that inner strength”. DECEMBER 2015

news & ISSUES

Tibetan Headlines Dec 31: China Admits its Actions A Chinese government spokesperson has told journalists that China influenced South Africa in its decision to deny the Dalai Lama a visa to visit the country. Referring to South Africa and China’s current economic collaboration worth $60 billion/£40 billion/R913 billion to S Africa, Lin Songtian said “We invest a lot of money in South Africa and we can’t allow [the Dalai Lama] to come and spoil the good relations.” Dec 29: New Museum A new museum dedicated to the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama has opened in Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe, south India. Gyawa Yabsey Museum has evolved from a photo exhibition in 2009 which travelled around India and to America. The name Gyawa Yabsey Nyi [Great Father-Son Duo] alludes to the special relationship between the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama and the part they both play in recognising each other’s reincarnations. Dec 28: TIPA in South Korea The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) has been on a cultural performance tour of South Korea during December. The first performances were in Yeosu city, attended by thousands of Korean spectators as well as local and state dignitaries. This was the first visit by a Tibetan cultural dance troupe to South Korea, making this the first ever cultural interaction between the two ancient countries. Dec 27: Eye Checkups Free eye checkups are being offered by the Delek Hospital in Dharamshala and the Association for Ophthalmic Co-operation in Asia, Japan, for local Indians and Tibetans over the next four days. This is the 16th year this has been offered, with a team of 10 Japanese doctors and nurses providing Contact

the treatments. 200-500 people attend the clinic each year, with 45-75 people having cataract surgery. Dec 24: More Restrictions There are reports that next year the Chinese government will extend the repressive policies currently imposed in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) to other Tibetan areas. Currently, these areas suffer less repression than those inside the TAR. This is seen as seen as an indication of the Communist Party’s intention to impose a centrally unified policy in all Tibetan areas. It is expected that this will particularly affect travel. Dec 23: Travel Restricted Wang Lixiong, 62, the well-known Chinese writer and scholar, has been prevented from boarding a Beijing flight bound for Japan because, officials say, of his support for the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Independence, and “threatening national security interests”. He planned to travel to Japan and Taiwan to observe their forthcoming elections. Wang is married to Woeser, the Tibetan writer known for her outspoken condemnation of Chinese policies in Tibet. Dec 22: US Ups Aid The United States has sanctioned $6 million (£4 million) in aid for Tibetans in India and Nepal during 2016, a 100% increase over last year. The bill states “not less than $6,000,000 shall be made available for programmes to promote and preserve Tibetan culture, development, and the resilience of Tibetan communities in India and Nepal, and to assist in the education and development of the next generation of Tibetan leaders from such communities”. Dec 18: Fundraising for Chennai Five Tibetan non-government organisations in Dharamshala are raising funds for relief work for Chennai flood vicitims. The Tibetan Womens Association, Students for 12

a Free Tibet, Gu Chu Sum Tibetan Political Movement and FormerTibetan Students Association, Madras and International Tibet Network are collecting donations from residents and tourists in McLeod Ganj. The heaviest rainfall recorded in over a hundred years has devastated Chennai. Dec 17: Rigzin Choenyi Rigzin Choenyi, 79, a former Tibetan political prisoner, has died in McLeod Ganj following a long illness. He was born in Gyaltse county and joined the Tibetan voluntary freedom army to resist the Chinese communist army’s invasion of Tibet. He was caught, imprisoned and tortured for at least 21 years and then put under surveillance following his release in 1980. He has lived in India since leaving Tibet in 1993. Dec 3: Visit from Chile Chilean Member of Parliament Vlado Mirosevic and Fernando Salinas, a member of Chile Friends of Tibet, are on a five-day visit to Dharamshala to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to observe the Tibetan Government-inexile and Tibetan community. They have suggested to His Holiness that they set up a Chilean parliamentarian group on Tibet, reports Voice of Tibet. Dec 2: Protestors Beaten Four protestors, Tare Kyi, Samlha, Ratna Dargye, and Lukyi, all members of the same family, have been beaten by Chinese officials in Dzamthang County in Sichuan Province. Samlha was left in a critical condition. They, along with other families, have refused to sell off their land which is wanted by the local authorities, and were protesting peacefully. These landowners are poor, and their land is their main source of income. DECEMBER 2015

news & issues

International Headlines

Dec 30: China’s Terrorism Law China has passed a new counter terrorism bill which is drawing widespread criticisms from human rights campaigners who say that the new law is targeted to further subdue troubled ethnic minority regions, especially in Tibet and Xinjiang in north western China. Other concerns are that the definition of terrorism is too broad, that Beijing’s surveillance powers are increased and that antiterrorism operations will be instigated overseas. Dec 29: “Comfort Women” Japan and South Korea have agreed a deal to settle the issue of “comfort women” who were forced to work as prostitutes in Japanese brothels during World War Two. Japan has apologised and will pay 1bn yen ($8.3m; £5.6m) into a government-administered fund to aid the surviving women. 200,000 women, many of them Korean, were used to provide sex for Japanese soldiers during WW2. Dec 27: Chucked Out Ursula Gauthier, a French journalist with the French news magazine L’Obs, has been refused a renewal of her Chinese press visa. She wrote an article that was critical of Beijing’s policy towards Muslim Uighers in Xinjiang and Chinese authorities accuse her of supporting “terrorism and cruel acts” that have killed people. Ms Gauthier was active in covering the uprisings in Tibet at the time of the 2008 Olympics. Dec 25: Christmas Christians across the world have been celebrating Christmas with services and prayers. The recent violence between Palestinians and Israelis has overshadowed the celebrations in the town where it is believed that Jesus was born, the holy city of Bethlehem on the West Bank. “There’s lights, Contact

there’s carols, but there’s an underlying sense of tension,” British pilgrim Paul Haines told the Associated Press.

Dec 23: Iraq Moves on IS Iraqi forces have launched a major assault to drive Islamic State militants from the city of Ramadi which fell to IS last May. Troops and allied tribesmen, backed by United Statesled air strikes, have retaken parts of the city while heading towards the main government complex. Government forces encircled the predominantly Sunni Arab city, cutting off militants inside the centre, before the attack. Dec 22: Muslims Defend Christians A group of Kenyan Muslims stood up to Islamist gunmen when they ambushed a bus near the village of El Wak on the Kenya/Somali border, killing at least two people. An eyewitness has told how the Muslims protected Christian passengers by refusing to be split into groups, telling the militants “to kill them together or leave them alone”. The Somali based al-Shabab group says it carried out the attack. Dec 21: Historic Agreement World Trade Organisation (WTO) countries have agreed to abolish subsidies on farming exports. Developed countries will stop subsidies immediately, developing countries have until the end of 2018. The WTO, which represents 162 countries, says this is “the most significant outcome on agriculture” since its foundation in 1995. Removing agriculture export subsidies is aimed at helping farmers in poorer countries to compete more fairly. Dec 16: No Nuclear Weapons The 12-year investigation into whether Iran is developing nuclear weapons has ended: a key step towards lifting the United Nations, European Union and United States sanctions on Iran. The International Atomic Energy Agency, the Vienna-based global nuclear watchdog, found no evidence that 13

Iran has conducted nuclear weaponsrelated research since 2009. Iran has strongly denied pursuing a clandestine nuclear weapons programme. Dec 15: Dogs to the Rescue The little penguin – the smallest penguin in the world at just 30-40 cm tall – lives on a tiny Australian Middle Island. Ten years ago foxes had all but wiped out the colony, reducing it from 800 to just four. Then a local farmer lent one of his Maremma dogs to protect the birds and since then, no penguin has been killed by foxes and the population has risen to around 200. Dec 14: Votes for Women At least four women were elected to municipal councils in Saudi Arabia: the first time women have taken part in elections as voters and candidates. Councils have limited powers but the vote is being seen as a landmark. 978 women registered as candidates in the poll and about 130,000 women registered to vote. Women are still not allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia. Dec 8: Germany’s Open Door Germany is on target to give refuge to one million new asylum-seekers this year, having registered 964,574 in the first 11 months of the year. The number of migrants arriving has not slowed despite the winter cold. Germany has registered more asylum-seekers than any other nation in Europe, although at about 1% of its population, less per capita than several smaller nations. Dec 2: Mass Shooting In San Bernardino, California, at least 14 people were killed and 17 wounded in a mass shooting by heavily armed attackers. The attack took place in a social service centre and is considered to be the nation’s worst mass shooting in recent years. Two suspects were killed in a subsequent police manhunt, and a third is reportedly detained. DECEMBER 2015

news & ISSUES

World Aids Day Observed in Dharamshala by Tenzin Samten The Tibetan community in Dharamshala observed World Aids Day with an awareness programme about HIV/AIDs on December 1 in the main square in Mcleod Ganj. The events were jointly organised by the Central Tibetan Administration’s (CTA) Health Department, Delek Hospital, Lha Charitable Trust, Kunphen, Dharamshala Rotary Club and the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association. Delek Hospital, Dharamshala Rotary Club and Lha Charitable Trust carried out awareness events such as

HIV/AIDs awarness skit performance by Lha volunteers Photo:Contact/Lha

a skit performance, distribution of condoms, group singing, distribution of pamphlets about the prevention of HIV/AIDs and precautions to prevent infection, followed by a street procession calling for a collective effort to prevent the spread of new infections of Aids. Free blood tests were available at Delek Hospital, McLeod branch, for which around 40 people turned up. In the afternoon, Dr Tenzin Dasel from Delek Hospital gave a talk about Aids. Speaking about the importance of marking the day, Dawa Phunkyi, Chief Administrator of Delek Hospital

is quoted in Phayul as saying, “the social and cultural stigma attached to the disease in the Tibetan community has decreased comparatively, yet the apprehension and dread associated with the ailment continues to pull people away from embracing it as a reality, which is in fact happening everywhere in the world.” Virinder Singh Parmar, the HP Zonal Chairman of Dharamshala Rotary Club said that Dharamshala being a tourist centre, people from all over the world come here and there is a risk of carrying different kinds of diseases into the locale. Therefore, he feels it is crucial to organise these awareness campaigns and events. Referring to Lha Charitable Trust’s involvement in the event, the organisation’s director, Ngawang Rabgyal said that Lha holds Aids awareness campaigns every year as a practical reminder to people of the danger of this disease. He further added that according to the exile

Street procession at Mcleod Ganj on World Aids Day Photo:Contact/Lha

government, the Tibetan community has seen close to 130 infected Tibetans with a death toll of 60 people, which is a legitimate concern in a small community like ours. Kunphen, in collaboration with the CTA’s Health Department and

the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association, organised events on the day. To give a message that Aids is spreading in the world, they displayed a tree with condoms and Aids symbols hanging from its branches.

Kunphen’s Director Dawa Tsering on Aids Day Photo:Tibettimes.net

They also arranged an awareness talk for Tibetans living in and around the Norbulingka area. Kunphen’s Director and Tibetan MP Dawa Tsering said, “through this tree, we want to tell people that this disease is growing in the world like a tree, especially in the Tibetan community.” The CTA’s Health Department Minister Dr Tsering Wangchuk said in a statement that with help from Norwegian Church Aid, the Health Department’s project is focusing on providing support to Tibetans suffering from HIV/AIDs and information on the prevention of HIV/ AIDs infection. World Aids day is observed every year with different themes to show solidarity for people who have died from the disease, and campaigns to support those who are suffering from it. This year’s World Aids day theme is Getting to zero: Zero new infection, Zero discrimination and Zero Aids related Death.

Contact magazine is published by Lha Charitable Trust. Lha also works hard to provide many services for the Tibetan exile community, the local Indian community, people from the Himalayan region and volunteers from different parts of the world. To find out more about Lha’s work and projects, please drop into our office on Temple Road (see map on page 22) or visit our website: www.lhasocialwork.org Contact

DECEMBER 2015

lha news and projects

More People Have Access to Clean Water Lha has installed three new water filter systems in local schools, making clean water accessible to more people in the Dharamshala area. All have been installed as part of Lha’s Clean Water Project and are reverse osmosis water purification systems, the best available in the region. We at Lha hope that they will help to alleviate the major waterborne illnesses that residents commonly suffer from in this area, especially during the monsoon season. We believe that this will contribute to maintaining good general health among students and the staff at the schools. The 22nd clean water system is providing clean water for SOS Tibetan Children’s Village School Gopalpur. This was funded by Apocolypse Krew,

Tibetan Children’s Village Gopalpur School Photo:Contact/Lha

a group of people from Louisiana in the United States, and installed on December 11. SOS Tibetan Children’s Village at Gopalpur was founded in 1997. Spread over a thirty acre estate in a lush green environment, and with a majestic mountain backdrop, it is now home to

many children who have come across the border. Currently there are 1,271 children and 137 staff. Lha’s 23th water purification system was installed at Kand Government High School, which is located on Kanyara Road near lower Dharamshala, on December 18. This was set up through the Rotary Club

refugee settlement in the Himalayan village of Chowgan on the outskirts of the town of Bir, in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The Bir Tibetan Colony was established in the early 1960s by Chokling Rinpoche in

Bir Tibetan Settlement Photo:Contact/Lha Kand Government High School Photo:Contact/Lha

Dharamshala, and also funded by Apocolypse Krew Louisiana. Rotary Club members, including their President and secretary, were present at the installation event where school students performed dances and songs. This school is overseen by the Indian Government; there are around 165 students in both high school and primary school, and around 30 teachers and staff members. The 24th water purification system and the third to be installed this month is at the Tibetan Society in Bir. It was funded by Vietnamese devotees from the United States and Canada and installed on December 23. Bir Tibetan Society is a Tibetan

the wake of the exile of the Dalai Lama and other refugees from Tibet. Currently there are 1,200 people in the settlement, including Tibetan refugee families and the local Indian community. The water filtration systems are RO+UV+ UF and TTS, which is considered one of the best systems available in the area. Each unit provides more than one hundred litres of safe drinking water per hour and includes a stainless steel tank with a holding capacity of five hundred litres of water. Lha is very proud of this project, which goes from strength to strength. So far around 13,753 people have benefited and we at Lha are looking forward to install more systems in the future as and when funding becomes available.

Support for the Lha Soup Kitchen

Lha’s fundraising campaign to support our Community Soup Kitchen has currently raised $3,460 (£2,330) which is nearly one quarter of our target of $14,400 (£9,700)! Donations have been coming in to support the project which not only provides very welcome, healthy and cheap food to refugees, but is also working towards becoming self-sustaining in the future

so we can continue to provide this much appreciated resource.

We need your help! Please make us your New Year charity and become part of this project by making a donation. Anything you can give will be very gratefully received, whether it is enough to support one meal, or a week’s worth of food, or whatever suits your budget, large or small. Your dollars or pounds go a very long way in India!

To find out more and make a donation online, please visit: http://www.lhasocialwork.org/lhas-community-soup-kitchen.html Thank you! Contact

DECEMBER 2015

around town

Charities and Organisations

Central Tibetan Administration

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

The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)

OHHDL is the personal office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The office organises his schedule, including appointments and travel plans, diplomatic and personal correspondence, and liaises with officials of the Central Tibetan Administration. When His Holiness is in Dharamshala, his schedule includes daily religious practice and studies, meeting with private audiences, and congregating with the Tibetan Kashag and senior Tibetan governmental officials. WEB: www.dalailama.com LOCATION: Thekchen Choeling, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala – 176219 PHONE: 01892-221343 / 221210 EMAIL: ohhdl@dalailama.com

Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)

The TYC is an advocacy and political action organisation with chapters around the world. The Tibetan Youth Congress organises cultural exhibitions, educational campaigns and social welfare activities. The organisation publishes a series of periodicals and magazines on the Tibetan cause. WEB: www. tibetanyouthcongress.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala -176219 PHONE: 01892-221554 EMAIL:president@tibetanyouthcongress.org, tyc@tibetanyouthcongress.org

Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA)

The TWA conducts workshops on gender sensitization and domestic violence throughout Tibetan settlements in India, provides Tibetan women with education scholarships, and connects women with international sponsors. WEB: www. tibetanwomen.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala – 176219 PHONE: 01892-221527 EMAIL: tibwomen@gmail.com

Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

TCV provides care to Tibetan children by creating a nurturing environment and fostering Tibetan values and culture while delivering a modern education. There is an Upper and Lower residential school in Dharamshala and day school in McLeod Ganj, with other branches throughout India. WEB: www.tcv.org.in LOCATION: Dharamshala Cantt.176216 PHONE: 01892-221354 / 221348 EMAIL: headoffice@tcv.org.in

Contact

Men-Tsee-Khang: Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute

Men-Tsee-Khang is a facility for research, training and practice of traditional Tibetan medicine. Patients may seek treatment at Men-TseeKhang for both acute and chronic conditions. The facility provides extensive training and produces traditional pharmaceuticals. WEB: www.men-tsee-khang.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala – 176215 PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org

Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)

The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives has the purpose to restore, protect, preserve, and promote Tibetan culture in all its aspects. They offer courses in Tibetan and Hindi language and Buddhist philosophy and can provide affordable accommodation for those enrolled in two or more courses. WEB: ltwa.net, tibetanlibrary.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong Dharamshala - 176215 PHONE: 98822-55047 EMAIL: ltwa1970@gmail.com

Delek Hospital

Delek Hospital is a small, Tibetan run hospital in Dharamshala. It has 45 inpatient beds, holds outpatient hours from 9am to 12pm Monday through Friday, and can handle most small procedures. Patients are responsible for a 10 Rupees registration fee. The hospital has a pharmacy on site. WEB:www.delekhospital.org LOCATION: Kharadanda Rd, Dharamshala; Delek Clinic, Bhagsu Rd, Dharamshala HOURS: Outpatient, Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00 pm-4:30 pm; Emergencies, 24 hours daily PHONE: 01892-222053 / 223381 EMAIL: delek@bsnl.in hospitaldelek@yahoo.com

Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society

The society was established in 1999 to provide educational and administrative guidance to all Tibetan schools in remote areas of India and Bhutan that do not fall under the guidance of Tibetan Childrens Village. Today there are 12 schools under this organisation. WEB: www.sambhota.org LOCATION: Session Rd, Dharamshala176215 PHONE: 01892 - 228877 | 226877 EMAIL: stss1999@gmail.com

Tong-Len Charitable Trust

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

Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)

SFT is an international NGO that promotes the Tibetan cause among the non-Tibetan community. The organisation attempts to build international solidarity by advocating for a free Tibet through chapter organisations at Universities around the world. WEB:www.sftindia.org, www.studentsforafreetibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - 176219 PHONE: 9882786875

Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD)

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

Lha Charitable Trust (Lha)

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

The Kangra Distt. Red Cross Society

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

Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet

Gu-Chu-Sum is a social service organisation that provides financial and medical support for ex-political prisoners and political activists from Tibet. WEB: www.guchusum.org LOCATION: Jogibara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala -176219 PHONE: 01892-220680 / 220679 EMAIL: guchusum1991@gmail.com

Tibet Charity

Tibet Charity provides programs including English and computer classes, an animal care program, and a variety of medical and educational financial support programs. WEB: www.tibetcharity.in LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-221790 / 221877 EMAIL: director@tibetcharity.in

DECEMBER 2015

around town

Charities and Organisations

Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA)

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

Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT)

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

Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR)

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

Rogpa Baby Care Centre

The Rogpa Baby Care Centre helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so their parents can work. The centre needs volunteers to help with art, games, singing and other tasks including diaper changing. WEB: www.tibetrogpa.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala- 176219 PHONE: 9857973026 EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com

Gamru Village School

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

Contact

Clean Upper Dharamshala Project

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

Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage)

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

Women’s Team

Volunteers needed to teach English to Indian women and children in the village of Kaniyara near Dharamshala. Contact Jitender. EMAIL: jitenderje@gmail.com PHONE: 7831956680 / 08894435595

The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)

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

National Democratic Party of Tibet

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

BUS SCHEDULE

* Times and prices may vary. Please check with the bus stand ahead of departure. Leaving from the McLeod Ganj bus stand, unless otherwise stated: Delhi: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am, 6pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm and 8:30pm (Rs524) Semi Deluxe Bus: 6pm (Rs544) , Full Deluxe Bus: (Rs683) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8pm (Rs1121) AC TATA: 4pm (Rs830) Amritsar: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs245) *from Dharamshala Dehradun: Ordinary Bus: 8pm (Rs524); AC Deluxe: 2pm (Rs664) Manali: Ordinary Bus: 7:10am (Rs676) *from Dharamshala Pathankot: Ordinary Bus: 10am, 11am, 12:10pm, 12:30pm, 2:10pm, 3:50pm, 5pm(Rs150) Shimla: Ordinary Bus: 5am, 5:30am, 6am, 8am, noon and 4:55pm (Rs360) *from Dharamshala, Semi-Deluxe Bus: 8:22am, 7:45pm and 9:30pm (Rs450) *from Dharamshala FOR BOOKINGS: Location: Ticket stand under McLLo’s, McLeod Ganj Main square Hours: 10am-5pm, daily Phone: 220026 (McLeod bus stand), 224903 (Dharamshala) For deluxe buses, book through any travel agency.

TAXIS

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

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Ambulance: 01892-102, 222189

Police Superintendent: 01892-222244

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

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

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

McLeod Ganj Post Office Location: Jogiwara Rd, past Peace Cafe Hours: 9:30am-1pm and 2-5pm, Mon-Fri; 9:30am-noon, Sat. Parcels and money orders can be sent in the mornings only. Phone: 01892-221 924

DECEMBER 2015

activities and information Upcoming Events Jan 1: New Year

MEDITATION Ocean of Harmony

Jan 1: Offering of Long Life Prayer ceremony for His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Bylakuppe

Taught by an experienced and qualified coach WEB: www.oceanofharmony.org PHONE: (+91) 99798-94585 EMAIL: ohlifeandwellness@gmail.com

Jan 26 : Republic Day of India

Tushita Meditation Center

Feb 9-11 : Losar (Tibetan New Year) Feb 22 : Choe-trul-Due-chen (Day of offerings)

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

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

yoga and reiki Om Yoga, Meditation and Reiki Centre LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, behind Akash Hotel, on Jogiwara Rd HOURS: 8:00am-5:30pm PHONE: 980-569-3514

Sunita Singh Yoga Class

LOCATION: Singh Corner, nr Magic Tree Upper Bhagsu PHONE: 98058-89060 WEB: www.maashakktiyoga.com

Siddhartha Retreat and Yoga Centre LOCATION: Upper Bhagsu PHONE: 098165-65138 WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org

MASSAGE Nature Cure Health Club

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

Men-Tsee-Khang

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

Traditional Thai Massage

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

Contact

WEB: www.tushita.info LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:30-11:30am PHONE: 0898-816-0988 EMAIL: spc@tushita.info

Siddhartha Retreat Centre

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

Taxi services Rinku Taxi Services

LOCATION: Opposite Club House, near Tourist Information Office, Hotel Surya Road PHONE: (+91) 9418687343, 9857030707 WEB: www.rinkutaxihimachal.com

COOKING Lha Tibetan Cooking Classes - for groups LOCATION: Lha Soup Kitchen, Temple Rd, Just below the Dalai Lama’s temple HOURS: Registration, 9:00-11:00am PHONE: 01892-220992

LANGUAGES Tibetan Language Courses

WEB: www.thosamling.com LOCATION: Thosamling Institute, Sidhpur (near Norbulingka) PHONE: 9882455065 EMAIL: thosamling@gmail.com *see ad on opp. page for more information

LRZTP Tibetan Language Program LOCATION: near Mentsekhang, VOT building EMAIL: Lrztp108@gmail.com WEB: www.LRZTP.org *see ad on pg 23

Rita Thakur Hindi Classes

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

Hindi Lessons with Sunil

LOCATION: Kunga Guesthouse, Bhagsu Rd and in Dharamkot PHONE: 01892-21942, 98055-96741 EMAIL: sunilsharma81in@yahoo.co.in

Tibetan Language

LOCATION: The Tibetan Library *see Buddhist Philosophy Listing

Hindi Lessons with Kailash

LOCATION: At Bhimsen’s Indian Cooking Class PHONE: 01892-20063, 941-816-1947

Esukhia Online Tibetan Courses and Tibetan Immersion Spoken Location:Tilak Ray Building, Bhagsu Rd PHONE: 8679502538 / 98820-04965 EMAIL: contact@esukhia.org

art and museums

Indian Cooking and Knitting with Ms Rita Kapoor

Tibet Museum

Indian Cooking Classes

Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression

LOCATION: Old German Bakery, 1st Floor, Room No. 2, Opp. Buddha Hall, Bhagsunag PHONE: 94592-06586 LOCATION:Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guesthouse HOURS: 10:00am-6:00pm PHONE: 941-813-0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com

Lhamo’s Kitchen: Tibetan Cooking Classes

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

Nisha’s Indian Cooking Class

LOCATION: The flourishing flora, Opp. TIPA, Dharamkot road, Mcleodganj HOURS: 4:00-6:00pm PHONE: 9882599093 EMAIL: nishaanilsarin@hotmail.com

Sangye’s Kitchen: Traditional Tibetan Cooking Classes

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

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

LOCATION: Gu-Chu-Sum hall, Jogiwara Rd HOURS: Mon, Wed & Fri: 2:00pm-5:00pm

The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA)

WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 1892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com

Kangra Art Museum

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

Men-Tsee-Khang Museum

LOCATION: Near CTA, Gangchen Kyishong PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org HOURS: 9am-5pm. Closed on Sun, 2 and 4th Sat

Form Gallery

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

DECEMBER 2015

activities and information HEALTH SERVICES Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Dr Natasha Mehra LOCATION: Near Hotel Mount View, Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 09218742046 EMAIL: perfect32dentalclinic@gmail.com Tibetan Physiotherapy Clinic Specialised in Muscle and Joint Pain LOCATION: Near Delek Hospital, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 HOURS: 10am - 5pm (Appointment Bases) PHONE: 9882322783 / 9882321532 EMAIL: jigten17@yahoo.co.in WEBSITE : tibetanphysiotherapy.com Dr Kumar Ayurvedic - Panchkarma WEB: www.kumarayurveda.com LOCATION: Hotel Surya Rd., opp Club House HOURS: 9:00am-2:00pm & 2:30-7:00pm; Emergencies: 24 hrs daily PHONE: 8894492837 EMAIL: SATINDER3737@gmail.com Maanav Health Clinic LOCATION: Main Square HOURS: 10:00am-12:30pm and 2:00-5:00pm PHONE: 941-815-5795 EMAIL: maanavcare@yahoo.co.in Men-Tsee-Khang LOCATION: Below Delek Hospital, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org Primary Health Centre LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, main market HOURS: 9:30am-4pm, Mon-Sat Nature Cure Health Club LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House-Map #10 HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm PHONE: 7833047078 / 9882320136 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com Tibetan Delek Hospital LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-22053 / 223381 HOURS: Outpatient services, Mon-Sat: 9:00am-1:00pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00-4:30pm; Emergencies: 24 hrs daily

Contact

Tibet-Related Websites News:

rfa.org/english/news/tibet - Radio Free Asia’s mission is to provide accurate and timely news and information to Asian countries whose governments prohibit access to a free press voatibetanenglish.com - Voice of America’s Tibet pages - VOA is an international multimedia broadcasting service funded by the US government contactmagazine.net - Contact magazine online phayul.com -Phayul is published in Dharamshala,also has opinion, reviews, photos, etc guardian.co.uk/world/tibet - the UK Guardian newspaper’s Tibet pages scmp.com/news/china - the South China Morning Post – one of the more independent news sources in China thetibetpost.com and tibetexpress.net are both sources of news and information

News, information and campaigning:

tibet.net - official website of the Central Tibetan Administration in exile dalailama.com - for broadcasts of His Holiness’s teachings, his schedule and information about Tibet and the Dalai Lama tchrd.org - Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy - a nongovernment organisation and a research centre to protect the human rights of Tibetan people and promote the principles of democracy tibetanyouthcongress.org - an international non-government organisation that advocates full independence for Tibet from China studentsforafreetibet.org - a global grass roots group campaigning for full Tibetan independence tibetanreview.net - news, opinions, reviews and information freetibet.org: - UK-based campaigning organisation, also a good news source savetibet.org - international campaign for Tibet and a good resource for news, campaigns, fundraising and projects tibetnetwork.org/home - a coalition of more than 190 Tibet organisations dedicated to campaigning to end human rights violations in Tibet and restoring rights to the Tibetan people

Writings:

highpeakspureearth.com/category/woeser - occasional translations of Woeser’s enormously popular blog – Woeser lives in Beijing and is continually harassed by the Chinese government for her courageous writings.

DECEMBER 2015