Fr
ee
འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།
Contact
A Free Monthly Publication For Tibetan Issues and Community Information RGD No. HPENG/2013/51798 Volume: XVIII Issue: 2 29 february 2016
l E
t c e
n io
0 2
! 6 1
Election news and views on pages 4,5,6,7, 8 and 9 W www.contactmagazine.net
Contact News
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-levelled social and educational services for the benefit of others.
Background:
Lha is a Tibetan grassroots nonprofit organisation based in Dharamshala, India. It is one of the largest social work organisations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population and people from the Himalayan regions. Lha offers free English, French and Chinese classes, cultural exchange 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 Traveller 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 FEBRUARY 2016
news & issues
More Clampdowns in Tibet by Meghna Prakash Chinese authorities have clamped down on shopkeepers in Drango County, Kardze, eastern Tibet, by issuing a formal deadline of February 2 to turn in photographs of His Holiness the Dalai Lama or face severe punishment as a consequence. They have issued an explicit two-page notice that prohibits the sale or display of the Dalai Lama’s images in any shop or store that serves the public. The policy was issued on January 4 by four county authorities, namely the Public Security Bureau (the police), the Cultural and Tourism Bureau, the Bureau for Religious Affairs and the department responsible for local businesses. The notice stated: “If any shop or store has possessed photos and portraits of the Dalai Lama
and displayed those before the date of this notice, they should be voluntarily surrendered to the Drango County Office of Culture and Discipline by 2nd February 2016”. News of the ban has reached the international media with the BBC reporting it on their regular world news bulletins. This policy has been promoted as part of a bigger ban on illegal publications such as “pornography and images of the Dalai Lama”. Tibetans supporting the spiritual leader have been viewed as partaking in an unpatriotic act and a threat to the Chinese power. Currently, almost 40% of shopkeepers in Drango county have been displaying pictures of His Holiness, presumably for sale as well as display. The Chinese government began
Back to Health!
by Tenzin Samten curriculum was based on scientific His Holiness the Dalai Lama is back education in combination with common to health and taking up his schedules sense and experience. again after undergoing precautionary Referring to his commitment to treatment and a regular medical check- endorsing humanitarian ethics, he said up earlier this month at the Mayo Clinic “I remain committed till my death to the in Rochester, Minnesota, United States promotion of the oneness of seven billion of America. human beings.” While in Rochester, His Holiness Mayor Greg Fischer of Louisville met the mayors of three cities: Mayor informed His Holiness that his city is Tom Tait of Anaheim, California, Mayor Greg Fischer of Louisville, Kentucky and Mayor Ardell Brede of Rochester, Minnesota on February 11. His Holiness spoke of the recent new designations for two of the cities: Anaheim city had adopted the title “City of Kindness” and Louisville city had adopted the title “City of Compassion”, expressing his view that the time has come to start a systematic effort to encourage more His Holiness with the mayors after their meeting in kind-hearted people in the world. Rochester, Minnesotta Stressing the importance of Photo:Tenzin Taklha /OHHDL teaching secular ethics to the younger generation, His Holiness spoke about implementing teachings of the basic finding a way to fit secular ethics into human values: kindness, compassion and school curricula and also spoke of Emory love and explained that the University of University who have helped to develop Virginia is collaborating in research to a draft curriculum on secular ethics. explore the differences resulting from He explained that the secular education teaching those values in schools. Contact
3
banning the public display of photographs of the Dalai Lama in 1999. Major monasteries were warned of dire consequences if they participated in any public celebrations or photographic displays of the Dalai Lama. Earlier this month, Tibetans living in Tibet openly displayed the Dalai Lama’s image during public prayers for His Holiness’s well-being after news of him undergoing medical treatment in the United States was released. For Tibetans living in Tibet, this policy restricts their right to practise the religion of their choice and the right of free speech. Tibetans in Drango County continue to report persistent attempts by the authorities to interfere and control their daily lives over the past year, including the suppression of “Free Tibet movements”. On developing inner values or inner richness amidst material development, His Holiness said, “I have been having a dialogue with a number of scientists, educational professionals and others over the last ten years. Many of them agreed that the existing educational system was not adequate enough as it was focused on material values. So there was a need to add education on warm-heartedness.” On February 21, His Holiness gave a short teaching on Geshe Langri Thangpa’s Eight Verses of Training the Mind (lojong tsik gyema) and conferred the Generating of Bodhicitta (semkyi) at the Minneapolis Convention Centre to the audience of around 3,000. His Holiness thanked everyone gathered there for their efforts in preserving Tibetan tradition and culture despite living outside Tibet for almost 60 years, saying “The Tibetan spirit is strong, and we’ve kept our culture and religious traditions alive.” On March 8, His Holiness is scheduled to give a short teaching on Geshe Langri Thangpa’s Eight Verses of Mind Training (Lojong tsik gyema) which was organised by the Wisconsin Tibetan Association at the Madison Masonic Centre. FEBRUARY 2016
election news
The Path to Democracy by Mary Trewartha His Holiness the Dalai Lama initiated the current democratic process for his people following his flight to India in 1959. He spoke to a large gathering of Tibetans in Bodh Gaya in 1960, asking them to elect their representatives through universal adult suffrage. Despite their lack of knowledge of modern democracy, Tibetans in exile went to the polls and in September that year the first democratically elected Tibetan Parliamentarians took their oath from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Holiness then worked steadily to initiate a modern democratic Parliamentin-Exile for his people, with a Constitution for Future Tibet and an electoral process. In 1991, the Charter for Tibetans in Exile came into being. The Charter of the Tibetans in Exile is the supreme law governing the functions of the Central Tibetan Administration (or administration of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile). Its functions are carried out by three pillars of democracy: Judiciary, Legislature and Executive. The Charter incorporates a policy of non-violence, free democracy, equality, respect for human rights, and the promotion of moral values while ensuring the material welfare of the Tibetan people. It also outlines the rights and responsibilities of Tibetans in exile. It provides for equal political rights and economic and social benefits in the exile community, and emphasises the importance of education. Regarding a possible future return to Tibet, the Charter directs the CTA to “maintain a just policy for the achievement of the common goal of Tibet.” Structure of Parliament The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, based in Dharamshala, currently consists of 44 Members of Parliament, or Chitue: ten from the three traditional provinces of Tibet – U-tsang, Dotoe, and Domey – and two members from each of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and the
Bon faith. In addition, four members are elected by Tibetans living in the West: two from Europe, two from North America, and for this next Parliament there will be 45 members with the addition of the new member representing Tibetans living in Australasia. Elections are held every five years and any Tibetan who has reached the age of 18 is entitled to vote. Any Tibetan who has reached the age of 25 has the right to stand for election to Parliament. The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile is headed by a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker, who are elected by the members amongst themselves. Two 10- to 15-day sessions of Parliament are held each year. The Sikyong, or Prime Minister, forms a Kashag (Cabinet) by nominating not more than seven Kalons (ministers) who are then approved by Parliament, if needed, by a vote. The Members of Parliament (MPs) undertake periodic tours of Tibetan settlements to monitor conditions and Parliament also keeps in touch with people through Local Parliaments established in 38 major Tibetan communities. Local Parliaments make laws for their respective communities which are implemented by the respective settlement/welfare officer. Elections The election for the post of Sikyong takes place alongside that for the Chitues, or MPs, all Tibetans having the opportunity to vote for Sikyong as well as their MP. People wishing to vote must register in advance of the election. A preliminary election takes place, following which the leading candidates stand for the final election which this year will be held on March 20. The Election Commission The CTA has set up the Election Commission (EC) to conduct all Tibetan elections. It has a permanent office in the CTA compound and is headed by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
The EC has a two-tier system: the Central Election Commission and Regional Election Offices. It conducts the Tibetan General Elections; elections of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament and oversees elections of Local Assembly members and officers and members of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement and their Presidents. Chief Election Commissioner The CEC appointment is made by a vote within Parliament. The current CEC is Sonam Choephel Shosur who has served in this appointment since September 2014 following a career in various Settlement Offices and the Department of Health. For Parliamentary elections, two Additional Election Commissioners are appointed, also by a parliamentary vote. The Current Election This election is attracting popular engagement as Tibetans around the globe discuss, criticise and speculate on the candidates and the process. Two open letters addressed to the Election Commission regarding the Sikyong election raised concerns regarding whether the democratic principles are being put into practice. The election procedures have been the subject of much debate. As part of their continuing efforts to implement full democracy, the EC invited delegates from three election monitoring organisations to the preliminary elections: the Asia Democracy Network; the Asian Network for Free Elections and ForumAsia in association with Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy. They praised the Tibetan election for the high turnout and said, “this election saw people’s vigorous engagement in election through debates, discussions and campaign activities, which is evidence of people’s active involvement in the political process which should be encouraged and embraced”. *Information source: tibet.net
Keep up to date with election issues at: www.contactmagazine.net/category/election-2016 Contact
4
FEBRUARY 2016
election news
What About the Chithue Election? by Jamyang Gyaltsen As the final election date for Sikyong (Political Leader) and Chithues (members of Tibetan parliament) of the Central Tibetan Administration is drawing near, it is heartening to see plenty of discourses happening in the Tibetan community about the upcoming election. While there is a lot of work to be done in terms of educating the general public on ethical campaigning in a democratic election, the active participation of people in the election discourse is good for the progress of nascent Tibetan democracy. The extensive use of social media sites/apps like Facebook, Wechat and Youtube for campaigning and discussing the election is unprecedented, and this can be described as one of the highlights of Election-2016. However, on taking a closer look, one could see that discourses surrounding the upcoming election are dominated by the Sikyong election. For instance, the Pages and Groups created in Facebook to promote the two Sikyong candidates Penpa Tsering and Sikyong Lobsang Sangay have a large number of followers and are far more active than those created to discuss the Chithue election and its candidates (like Chithue Sarpa Lengsa). Likewise, many election enthusiasts have written opinion pieces related to the upcoming election in recent times and have posted them
in prominent Tibetan websites like www.phayul.com and www.tibettimes. net; however none of the articles discuss the significance of the Chithue election and its candidates. Why don’t we give the Chithue election due attention and importance? Could it be because people do not understand the significance of the role of our Chithues? Or, are they simply overwhelmed by the sheer number of Chithue candidates that they don’t care to study whom to vote for? Whatever may be the reason, this lopsided attention towards the Sikyong election is a worrying trend that needs to be addressed. The Tibetan Parliament is the highest legislative body of the Central Tibetan Administration and some of its key responsibilities include electing the members of Kashag (Cabinet), examining the decisions of Kashag and its administration, enacting laws, framing rules and regulations and policy decisions. It also has the responsibility of assessing the overall conditions of the exile community and bringing to the notice of the administration grievances of its people. In many ways, the parliament plays the crucial role of opposition party in our form of democracy. Therefore, given the significance of the role of Chithues in the proper functioning of the Central Tibetan Administration, it is the responsibility of people to vote for the most deserving
Final List of Parliamentary Candidates
The Election Commissioners announced the list of final candidates for the elections of Sikyong and the 16th Tibetan Parliament on February 3. The election will be held on March 20. The Chief Election Commissioner Sonam Choephel said, “as per the electoral rules and regulations, we have shortlisted two candidates for the final election of Sikyong 2016.” Regarding the election of parliamentarian members, he said that, according to the rules and regulations, Contact
they have shortlisted twice the stipulated seats for each constituency in addition to the voluntary candidates: twenty candidates plus one volunteer candidate for Utsang province, twenty candidates each for Dotoe and Domey constituencies and four candidates each for the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon religion. For the constituencies of Europe, North America and Australasia: four candidates each with two volunteer candidates for North America and one volunteer candidate for Australasia. 5
Chithue candidates.This can be done only if the voters spare some time to study the final candidates from their respective regions/sects. Many of the Chithue candidates are active on social media like Facebook and Wechat, and unlike the two Sikyong candidates who have many surrogates campaigning for them, most of the Chithue candidates personally maintain their campaigns in social media. In other words, they are more easily accessible if people want to know them better. Traditional media in the Tibetan community should also shoulder more responsibility in spreading awareness among the public about the importance of the Chithue election by organising debates amongst Chithue candidates, inviting Chithue candidates to TV programs for interviews and panel discussions, and writing more about the Chithue election. After all, it is not just Sikyong Election-2016; it is Sikyong and Chithue Election-2016.
Jamyang Gyaltsen The views expressed above are the opinion of the author and do not represent the policy or views of Contact magazine or Lha Charitable Trust.
Stop Press: Kalon Resigns Kalon Dicki Chhoyang, the Minister of Information and International relations in the Central Tibetan Administration has resigned suddenly, before the end of her tenure. Phayul reports her as saying “I will… explain the reasons for my resignation in the near future.” However, tibet.net has reported that she has said she is unable to participate in public debates of the ongoing Tibetan general election as a Kalon. FEBRUARY 2016
election news
Lobsang Sangay: “Do the best you can and keep going forward” by Hannah Dellabosca and Mary Trewartha Lobsang Sangay, the current Sikyong, was born a refugee in rural Darjeeling, and grew up surrounded by fields, cows and chickens. He fetched wood from the forest and helped his parents with their small business. As a Tibetan born in a bucolic refugee community, Sangay is often asked about the key to his academic and political success. To this question he is quick to point out that there is no magic formula. His approach to political challenges and personal obstacles is to deal with them “one day at a time, work hard, do the best you can and keep going forward.” His journey to success took him from Darjeeling to become the first Tibetan (among six million) to earn a Doctor of Juridical Science degree from Harvard Law School in America and he was a recipient of the 2004 Yong K Kim’ 95 Prize of Excellence. He is an expert in Tibetan law and international human rights law. Sangay remained on as a Fellow at Harvard until he stood for Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister) in the 2011 Tibetan elections becoming the first Prime Minister following His Holiness’s retirement. His title was changed to Sikyong to denote the new status of the post and he is now standing for a second term of office. In an interview with Contact magazine, Sangay stated that a primary motivation for his re-election bid is to consolidate key areas of improvement. The exiled Tibetan community have seen improvements in primary and tertiary education and healthcare, as well as an
expansion of the Tibetan professional class during his current term. Dr Sangay reflected on his role in the transitional period to a democratic government. Whilst he is quick to give credit to the unity and strength of the Tibetan community for the smoothness of the transition, he does recognise that his presence as the head of government at that time was an important symbol of stability. “Stabilising the anxiety and
the anxiousness to a new normal is the biggest achievement from all sides... we send a very powerful message to the Chinese Government - we are here to stay and we’ll be stronger and we will fight.” Sangay also emphasised a belief that the continuation of his personal diplomatic relationships within India and elsewhere around the world will contribute significantly to the Central Tibetan Administration’s (CTA) ongoing stability. He stated that any success he has had in international relations has been a result of making personal connections and then institutionalising them. “I have spent four years opening doors and now if a new person comes, you don’t know
whether that door will open or not.” In his role as Sikyong, Sangay has been clear abou the importance of seeking a peaceful, non-violent resolution of the Tibet issue. Despite his youthful involvement with pro-independence groups Tibetan Youth Congress and Students for a Free Tibet, Dr Sangay gives his full and ongoing support to the Middle Way Approach. On the question of Tibetan independence he is clear. “Do we deserve to be independent? Absolutely. There is no doubt about it….but because you are in the CTA, there is a policy, a pragmatic policy, which has taken into consideration so many factors”. He self-identifies as a pragmatist, one who can separate personal emotions with a rational analysis regarding the best course of action. In light of his diplomatic experience abroad as well as with the Tibetan Parliament-inExile, Dr Sangay continues to support the Middle Way. From his ringing endorsement of it as a “wise, pragmatic blueprint strategy”, it seems that this support of the Middle Way Approach is not only his perspective as a parliamentarian, but as a Tibetan. When asked what he would like to improve upon if re-elected, Dr Sangay stated that he wants to provide greater accessibility for Tibetans who seek his day-to-day assistance. In public talks he has demonstrated a recurring focus on impoverished Tibetan individuals who fall through the cracks of institutionalised systems. This suggests that we can expect a greater and more active social welfare commitment from him in his upcoming campaign.
Middle Way or Rangzen? For the first time in the history of the government-in-exile, a radical political perspective has been represented among the contenders for the Sikyong position. Lukar Jam, ex-political prisoner, President of Gu Chu Sum and outspoken advocate of Rangzen, Contact
or full independence for Tibet, stood for Sikyong in the preliminary election. Having an individual with a different viewpont involved in the political process is in line with the Dalai Lama’s vision of bringing full democracy to the CTA and opened the door for the Tibetan 6
people to express whether they support independence or autonomy. At its heart, a democratic society is one in which a variety of opinions can be expressed and discussed in order to allow an informed public to make decisions about its leadership. FEBRUARY 2016
election news
Penpa Tsering: “I will always be there to serve and fight” by Hannah Dellabosca and Mary Trewartha Campaigning as “The People’s Sikyong”, Penpa Tsering’s election campaign motto is “Experienced, Trusted, Consistent and Clear political stand”. Elected to represent Dhomay province for the 12th Parliament in 2006, he has been a Member of Parliament ever since, gaining the position of Speaker in 2008. Tsering told Contact magazine at the start of his campaign that he believes himself to be ready to step up and fulfil the duties of Sikyong. He gave us his key campaign issues and strengths: 1. Comprehensive experience working with Parliament; 2. Focus on maintaining traditional Tibetan culture and language through strategies that support Tibetan youth in Tibetan communities and 3. Key policy goals include a resettlement plan, the creation of a Tibetan Youth Forum, and the restructuring of the Task Force to make it more multidisciplinary. Educated in Bylakuppe and Chennai with a background in economics, Tsering has over 20 years of serving the Tibetan community and has been a businessman as well as a politician. Tsering believes that the most important thing for the Tibetan community in their fight for freedom and autonomy from China is to “preserve and learn the language and your religion and to preserve the culture and promote it.” Tsering is passionate in his defence of Tibetan culture, saying “here we have freedom to do things and if we don’t use that freedom to preserve our identity then who else will do it?”
With this in mind, Tsering has plans for every parliamentary department, focusing on strategies in employment, political expression and cultural preservation to support and engage Tibetan youth. Keeping Tibetan communities of all generations “mentally close even though they are physically apart” is at the forefront of Tsering’s policy agendas. One such proposal outlined by Tsering is a radical settlement redesign, with Tibetan-run health, education and social services supported by a consolidated Tibetan residential population and providing employment
opportunities for young Tibetans, keeping them in the community. Tsering says the scale of this proposal would mean it would need not only Parliamentary support, but also the innovation of entrepreneurs and investors within the community. If elected Sikyong, Tsering would institute a Tibetan Youth Forum to encourage greater involvement between Parliament and Tibetan youth. He wants to offer the Forum as an alternative to the Tibetan Youth Congress, creating a new platform for youth expression which he hopes will create “more interaction between the institution and the younger
generation, more sharing of information and inclusion….right now they feel out of it.” Tsering has plans to restructure the Task Force, an advisory committee set up to facilitate dialogue between China and Tibet. Tsering is well aware of his own limitations saying, “ I don’t know everything, so what I don’t know, I go to the Tibetan people who know, there are many Tibetan and China experts, you have to reach out to them.” He hopes to spread the Tibetan issue beyond politics and into mainstream discussion. “We are now in a position of being shoulder to shoulder with other countries’ politicians and with other intellectuals and to speak at forums. We have to use all that expertise.” As a seasoned politician, Tsering supports the Middle Way Approach but sees no polarity between this and Rangzen (full independence for Tibet) believing that the majority of the Tibetan population support freedom by the most practical means. “I would fight for independence, if it was possible. But the problem is, if you go with Rangzen to the Chinese, all the doors and windows are closed.” Tsering has faith in the new democratic system. He urges Tibetans not to vote for him because of regional loyalty or old associations, saying “vote for me only if you believe I can do a good job”. The message comes through loud and clear that he has served his time for the Tibetan people, and will continue to do so - win or lose this election. “I don’t know where I will be born in my next life, but this life, my whole life, while I am capable physically and mentally, I will always be there to serve and fight for independence”.
Election Fever! The current election is sparking huge interest, as well as debate and questions about the election procedures, as the Tibetan people in exile enjoy their democratic right to become involved in the process. They are empowered by social media and access to information, Contact
as well as improved education and increasing political awareness, and are entering into debates in Dharamshala and around the world. Contact magazine went out to find out what people are saying about this election. We asked them whether they 7
will vote and what are their expectations from this election. We also asked them what changes they would like to see. Their responses are overleaf. What do you think? Please write and tell us your views! You can email us at editor@contactmagazine.net FEBRUARY 2016
election news
What are People Saying About the Election? “For this year’s election, I expect more youth to participate in voting. The youth of the nation determines the future. So if they vote and choose their leader that is better. Once this election is done, I want to see more new faces in the parliament; educated, liberal and energetic leaders. The last election focused on the Sikyong, this time, the difference is that the current debates about the Middle Way and Rangzen have made people think. Lukar Jam attracted a lot of young people’s votes in the first round which has made people realise this issue is important and people are now more willing to speak about it. This is also relevant to the Chitue – new, young candidates are standing for Chitue and are standing for independence.” - Tenzin Dekyi
“Yes I am going to vote. I think education is the most important thing. I think the current system is OK and has worked for 50 years and am not expecting change. I am not normally interested in politics but we are refugees so we have to get interested because of our struggle. The situation is not about us as individuals but about our country. His Holiness says that every Tibetan has to be an ambassador for his country. Being a refugee I think education is the most important thing. Being stateless, we can’t expect too much from our government. We have to be self-sustaining and do something for ourselves and not just expect the government to give us scholarships.” - Tsering Choemphel
“Yes, as a Tibetan, I am going to vote. This time, there are many young candidates for Chithue and as for Sikyong, also there is variety. It is good to have more candidates with more views, so there is competition and we get to choose. I wish for someone who is able, someone who thinks for whole of Tibet can come up from this election. Whether it is Sikyong or Chithue, someone who can do something for the Tibetan cause should come up. We have been living here in exile for all these years. Come on! It’s time there is a change. Frankly speaking, His Holiness is getting old. It is time to change. On the TibetChina, China-Tibet issue, I’d like to see the new Sikyong setting up talks with the Chinese government.” - Tenzin Jamyang
“His Holiness has given us democracy and the whole freedom is given to us. So I consider voting very important and will go to cast my vote. For Chithue candidates, there are many educated youths, who I think are all wanting to do their best for Tibet’s cause. This whole world is changing with an increase in educated people. The situation inside Tibet is bad and it is crucial to have a leader, be it Sikyong or Chithues, who can save Tibet, who can unite Tibetans all over the world for one cause. Sikyong is important but Chithues are more important. Chithues make law, so if they don’t unite and make good law, it will be difficult for the administration to execute and face problems. So I consider platform for Chithue very important.” - Tsering Dolma:
“My own political interest has increased this year, I’ve heard people’s thoughts and opinions on the election this year. All over the world Tibetan people are taking great interest and I think there will be more participation and I think this will mean we havebetter Chitues elected and the new Sikyong will do better. There will be a younger generation of Chitues elected to parliament this time which will make a difference. The Chitue takes the decisions of Parliament sessions, but Sikyong has greater responsibility. Chitue has smaller workload so its more important to elect the right person for Sikyong, more important than the Chitue. I want to see more political awareness among the Tibetan common people, currently people don’t have much idea how to vote; we need workshops, election workshops.” - Lhamo Tsering
“Tibetan democracy is not a mobocracy but it is not flawless. It is just growing and every election is a learning process. I certainly believe the Election Commission has to go miles before it can claim to be a model system but the public also has to learn to respect others’ rights as well. If we all try to put His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s preaching and teachings into action, we would surely be able to have one of the best democratic systems in the world. The Election Commission needs to come up with a set of rules that would be permanent, not changing at the last minute, and the general public needs to be more open minded, more liberal and respect others’ points of view as well.” -Tendar Tsering
Contact
8
FEBRUARY 2016
election news
What are People Saying About the Election? “I will not vote. I cannot. I am a Tibetan, born a Tibetan and both my parents are Tibetan but I have no legal Tibetan documents. I don’t have refugee papers, have no Green Book so am not eligible to vote. I can’t get a Green Book because my parents have Indian documents, to have a Green Book, at least one of your parents must have one. My grandparents are refugees. I feel really sad, I really want to vote. I feel like I am a part of Tibet, am Tibetan, but can’t participate, I can’t vote. For this election, I would like to see somebody getting elected who can give me a vote. Of course they must be honest and have good judgement and also recognise our need to vote and take part.” - Sangmo:
“To vote is of course important as Tibetans need a Sikyong. So as long as opportunity is there, I will use my right to vote. I feel the last election was better. What needs to change? I feel all Tibetans need to be united without hatred and jealousy. This time, there is so much conflict and chaos, news spreading about corruption, I am not sure whether any of this is true or not. But whoever comes up after this election, be it Sikyong or Chithue, I hope they will work with honesty. The post of both Sikyong and Chithues are important. But I feel Sikyong is more important than Chithue. Chithues represent provinces or religious sects. Sikyong is the one who represents the whole of Tibet and shoulders the whole responsibility.” - Lodoe
“Yes, I am going to vote. After this election, what I expect is to resume the pending work of Tibet-China dialogues. That is my first hope. Especially this year, there is so much awareness and interest in the general public about the candidates of Sikyong or Chithues. In earlier days, for Chithues election people didn’t show much interest or awareness at all. Unlike those days, this year it is different and everyone is involved in the process. To make changes, we can’t demand or ask for changes like free countries. Being in another’s country, we have to work according to others. I feel Chithue is more important. From the three pillars of democracy, Chithue are the law makers. So if the laws are not made properly, executors will face difficulty.” - Phuntsok
“We are voting for the first time. We are going to vote for Tibet. We are in exile and that’s something we can do for our cause. We have democracy for which we need a leader. To select that leader, we all use our right to vote. We are really excited about this election as first time voters. We all judge the candidates and now we are going to vote, we have responsibility. At the same time, it is exciting to exercise our rights via our vote. There are people who say there are no rights in democracy but when the time comes to use their right, they won’t turn up to vote. We hear most about the candidates from discussions about the election on social media such as Wechat and websites.” - Lhashi and Rinzin Sangmo
“This is my first vote. I think it’s very important for individuals to choose their right candidate. Actually, I am not very interested in politics, I just vote, I feel it’s my responsibility. I don’t want anything to change. Everybody is thinking about it. I’ve also attended talks of candidates. I like to go and listen to their public speeches, its very important to know what is happening. I find the politicians very inspiring and hard working. This election process is making me more aware and afterwards I will continue to keep an eye, looking forward, on what they are doing. In India, there are a lot of things that can make a difference to help the people living here, and education in the Tibetan language is important.” - Ngodup
“Yes, I’ll definitely vote. The election this time, I feel that people are proactive in the elections and campaign, not just the candidates standing for election but also the public is taking more responsibility - in talking, discussing, campaigning and most importantly to vote in the final election. These are changes that we should welcome for a fuller realisation of democracy in our exiled community. However, there also exists a small portion of people who have misconceptions about elections and campaign, and make personal attacks against other candidates. That just paints the whole process with filth. For me, both Sikyong and Chithues are equally important. One cannot fulfil its job without the other. Therefore, we should give equal importance in voting for the right Sikyong and the right Chithues.” - Dukthen Kyi
Contact
9
FEBRUARY 2016
news & issues
Celebrating Losar by Dorji Kyi The celebration of Losar (Tibetan New Year), this year, the year of the Fire Monkey 2143, started on February 9 with celebrations at Tsuglakhang, the main temple in McLeod Ganj, led by monks from Namgyal Monastery and attended by representatives of the Central Tibetan Administration. Following the ceremony, the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts performed a traditional Tibetan dance. Traditionally, on the first day of Losar people visit monasteries to offer prayers for the upcoming New Year. Hence, later on in the morning Tibetans in Dharamshala visited Tsuglakhang, the main temple, to offer prayers and receive blessings. Meanwhile, in Tibet, heightened security was in evidence for religious gatherings celebrating Losar, with large numbers of armed police at Kumbum monstery in Qinghai in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Tibetan activities were monitored “both day and night” during the Monlam festival, which is held each year for two weeks following the first day of the New Year.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama extended his warmest Losar greetings to Tibetans inside Tibet and in exile as well as his friends and supporters all over the world in a short video. Through his video message, he thanked all those who have sent him their prayers and well-wishes for his health and he assured everyone that there is nothing to worry about as far as his health is concerned. In a recorded video message, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the political head of the Tibetan community, sent greetings to Tibetans inside and outside Tibet saying, “Older Tibetans should teach…the traditional religion and culture… associated with Losar to the younger generation of Tibetans to preserve and promote the tradition for posterity.” US Secretary of State John Kerry extended warmest greetings on behalf of President Barack Obama and the people of the United States, and the office of Sarah Sewall, US Under Secretary and Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, hosted a Losar celebration at the State Department attended by members of the Tibetan media and other Tibetan organisations.
Ms Sewall shared Losar greetings and said that the event was held to highlight and support the unique and rich culture of Tibet. In Canada, people of Tibetan, Bhutanese and Nepalese descent gathered for prayers, ceremonies, dancing and feasts. Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly made a statement, saying “The New Year provides an opportunity for us all to reflect on the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader and an honorary Canadian citizen. We can all learn a great deal from these teachings.” The Tibetan New Year is the most important festival and the biggest event of the year. In Tibet the celebration continues for 15 days but here in exile the festival goes on for only three days. These few days of festival mixs sacred and secular practices and prayers, ceremonies, hanging prayer flags, folk dancing and partying with friends and family. The 15th, or last, day of Losar is called Chunga Choepa, and is also known as the Butter Lamp Festival. This day is a celebration of Buddha’s miracles and the victory of Sakyamuni against heretics in a debate.
Sikyong Promotes Middle Way Approach in US
by Vanshika Tripathi Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, leader of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, is on a visit to the United States. He spoke to a gathering of journalists, social workers, researchers and freedom and human rights activists at Freedom House in Washington DC on February 11. His talk, Tibet: Intensified Crackdown, Popular Resistance looked at the present social and political unrest inside Tibet and the Tibetans’ nonviolent response to severe persecution by the Chinese government. “Tibet is under occupation. There is economic marginalisation, social discrimination, political repression, environmental destruction and cultural assimilation. There is also an ongoing urbanisation Contact
drive of traditional Tibetan areas under the guise of development which is leading to mass migration of ethnic Chinese people into Tibet,” he said.
Sikyong Lobsang Sangay being welcomed to Booker T Washington High School Photo:Tibet.net
He also spoke of the grid surveillance system, saying it makes it “easier for 10
officials to monitor the activities of the Tibetan people.” Sikyong highlighted the importance of the Middle Way Approach as a means to resolve conflict through dialogue. The following day, Sikyong spoke at the George W Bush Presidential Centre in Dallas, Texas. His speech Why Tibet is important for our world focused on Chinese exploitation of Tibetan resources. “Tibet is significant to the world as it is the source of Asia’s major rivers,” he said. Dr Sangay was in the city of Birmingham from 15 to 17 February where he visited the Civil Rights Institute, the Birmingham Museum of Art, and Lakeshore Foundation, an organisation that aids those with spinal injuries and cerebral palsy. FEBRUARY 2016
news & issues
Secret Prayers for His Holiness by Dorji Kyi Tibetans and supporters all over the world gathered this month to pray for a quick recovery for His Holiness the Dalai Lama who has been having treatment at a clinic in Minnesota in the United States of America. Inside Tibet, despite heavy restrictions and security clampdowns, people have been conducting prayer services. The monks of Gaden Shedrup Thupten Phegyal Ling Monastery in Kharnang town, Tridu County in Kham led scores of people in a week-long chanting ritual of over million mantras and a mass prayer. On February 23, the 16th day of the Tibetan New Year, they carried portraits of the Dalai Lama, the 10th Panchen Lama and the founder of the monastery, Jamyang Tenpe Nyima during the Invitation to Maitreya
ceremony, vowing to perform rites to aid his recovery as well as virtuous deeds, Lobsang, a Tibetan from the region now living in exile told Voice of Tibet. Many others prayed secretly in the privacy of their homes to get around the Chinese authorities’ restrictions imposed to prevent public prayers. As well as praying in their homes, Tibetans in Ngaba town in the Sichuan province, and Mangra county in Qinghai province, have been praying for the good health of His Holiness by exchanging prayers and recitations over the Chinese mobile text and voice messaging communication service WeChat. Radio Free Asia’s (RFA) Tibetan Service reported an unnamed source from the area as saying that the local Tibetans were aware of His Holiness’s trip for medical treatment
despite the fact that Chinese authorities had cut off internet service in Ngaba region for some time. “They were worried and wanted to conduct a large prayer service for his speedy recovery, but because of Chinese restrictions, it is difficult to form a large prayer congregation,” said RFA’s source, who declined to be named. “So many individuals have been praying in the privacy of their homes.” Chinese officials were keeping a close eye on people in Mangra county and paying frequent visits to Tibetan monasteries there to watch activities. RFA quoted a Tibetan in exile, who is a native of Mangra, as saying that this was making it very difficult for the monks and others in monasteries and villages to hold prayer services for His Holiness.
“No Improvement” says TCHRD
by Lucy McCormick The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy 2015 Annual Report on Human Rights in Tibet, published on February 19, highlights China’s continued failure to uphold human rights guarantees in Tibet. The report covers breaches of religious freedom, civil and political rights and the right to privacy, as well as investigating environmental concerns and the role of the international community. It concludes that increased international attention has made it harder for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to deflect attention from their actions in Tibet. Their introduction of new counter-terrorism and national security legislation seems designed to underwrite their oppression of Tibetans and other minorities. The report highlights the continued forced disappearance of religious and community leaders and in a year that saw what the report calls “the biggest crackdown on Human Rights lawyers in recent history” in mainland China, Contact
civil and political rights in Tibet have fared no better. Solo protesters, artists, poets, and intellectuals have continued to be targeted for arrest while freedom of expression has remained stifled and freedom of movement withheld in Tibet and Tibetan-majority areas. Following the revelations of Edward Snowden, the whistleblower who leaked top-secret NSA
Tsering Tsomo, Director of TCHRD with researchers Tenzin Nyinje and Tsering Gyal Photo:Tibet.net
documents with information about US surveillance, the CCP joined other states in widely condemning the mass surveillance programmes adopted by the USA. However, the CCP then 11
implemented a similar programme in Tibet. Alongside this, they began to put pressure on technology companies to facilitate more violations of the right to privacy and wrote such violations into law under the guise of counterterrorism and national security measures. The Chinese regime has also continued to endanger Tibet’s ecosystem, despite their participation in the Paris climate summit last year. The CCP intends to make no cutbacks on emissions until 2030 and to invest heavily in hydropower, with planned dams positioned around the edges of the Tibetan plateau. On the international stage, supporters of Tibet in the European Union and Australia were detained after staging peaceful protests during Chinese state visits to their countries. The report reiterates calls for the international community to apply pressure to the CCP on the issue of human rights in Tibet, and for the CCP to engage with the Dalai Lama once more. FEBRUARY 2016
news & ISSUES
Tibetan Headlines Feb 27: Celebrities Criticised Three Chinese celebrities, Faye Wong and Hu Jun and Hong Kong actor Tony Leung, have been criticised in Chinese state media. They attended the commemoration of the birth anniversary of the late predecessor of the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa along with members of the Tibetan Governmentin-Exile in Dharamshala. China says they can practise Buddhism but not “meddle with Tibetan-independence clique leaders”. Feb 27: TAR Closed to Foreigners China has closed the Tibetan Autonomous Region to all foreign visitors ahead of Tibetan Uprising Day which falls on March 10. This annual practice of closing the area in March has intensified since the 2008 uprising. There are also more restrictions, armed security forces and crackdowns to curb activities by Tibetans. Feb 26: Top Spiritual Person His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been ranked top of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People, a list compiled and published by Watkins’ Mind Body Spirit magazine in the United Kingdom. Watkins say their list is chosen from spiritual teachers, activists, authors and thinkers who change the world. Second and third were Pope Francis and Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa. Feb 25: Gelug Conference The first Gelug conference to discuss teaching methods was held at Drepung Monastery in Mundgod Tibetan settlement, south India. Ten masters from each monastic school attended the three-day meeting. In addition they discussed “the negative influences and hindrances on the monastic studies caused by smartphones, tablets and other gadgets”. Feb 23: Visa Refused The Taiwanese authorities have told Contact
Tibetan Government-in-Exile leader Lobsang Sangay, and Uighur activist Rebiya Kadeer, not to apply for visas to visit Taiwan “to avoid angering China”.They planned to attend a forum on religious freedom in Taipei. This comes one month after new Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen was elected because of her “independence from China” stance. Feb 19: Golug Jigme in Germany Golog Jigme, the Tibetan human rights activist and former political prisoner is in Germany, speaking to the Human Rights Committee of the German parliament. “The appalling Chinese policies in Tibet must be challenged” said Jigme. He also spoke at a public screening of the film Leaving Fear Behind which he made with Dhondup Wangchen, and for which they were both imprisoned and tortured. Feb 15: Incomes Under Threat Cordyceps (caterpillar fungus), which is a primary source of income for Tibetans living in the remote mountainous areas where it grows, has been deemed a danger to human health by China’s main food and drug regulator. The fungus is a rare and prized ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine and a loss of this market could jeopardise incomes and cause serious hardship for many Tibetans. Feb 13: Poachers Confronted Han Chinese and Tibetans fishing illegally around Qinghai Lake in northwestern China’s Qinghai province have been confronted by Tibetan environmental activists. The volunteer activists were attacked and beaten by the poachers. Some of the poachers were later identified as Tibetans despite wearing head coverings to conceal their identity. Feb 12: College for Women A new monastic college for women is to be created in the Karma Kagyu 12
lineage. HH the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje said the college will be a means to empower and educate women practitioners from the Himalaya region. “Nuns are future holders of the Buddha dharma. This education will help prepare you to fulfil that great responsibility”, said His Holiness. Feb 6: HIV Education New HIV education materials in Tibetan are now available. The Central Tibetan Administration has collaborated with TeachAIDS, a nonprofit social venture that creates breakthrough software solving problems in HIV and AIDS prevention around the world. Feb 3: Funding for Businesses The Tibetan Entrepreneurship Development (TED) is inviting applications from Tibetan entrepreneurs for funding for their business ideas. TED will provide training and support as well as funding. Application information is at www.tibetanentrepreneurs.org. Feb 2: Killers Sentenced Two men accused of killing Akong Rinpoche have been sentenced to death. Akong Rinpoche was a wellknown religious figure who founded Kagyu Samye Ling in Scotland, the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the West, and initiated many charitable projects. He was stabbed when on a visit to Chengdu raising money for his charities; the two given death sentences are Thubten Kunsal and Ciren Banyue. Feb 1: Tibetan Competition A Tibetan language competition has been held in the Tibetan populated Qinghai province, apparently with the approval of the authorities. School students and laypersons with no formal education from Nangchen county took part. The contest was organised by the Dzanyin Mother Tongue Promotion Association in Nangchen. FEBRUARY 2016
news & issues
International Headlines
Feb 27: Truce? Syria is reported to be quiet as the first major truce in the five-year civil war comes into effect. United Nations special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said fighting had “calmed down” and that peace talks will resume on March 7 if the truce “largely holds”. Syrian opposition umbrella group the High Negotiations Committee said that almost 100 rebel factions have agreed to respect the truce.
Feb 20: Harper Lee Harper Lee, 89, the legendary author of To Kill a Mockingbird, has died. The book sold more than 40 million copies worldwide and accolades have been pouring in from across the globe. Lee was born in 1926 in Alabama in the United States and remained a recluse for most of her life despite her worldwide fame. Last year she released her second book, the prequel, Go Set a Watchman.
Feb 25: HR for Women Women are the focus of this year’s annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy. International diplomats, human rights victims, activists and journalists are meeting to highlight urgent HR abuses during the two day event which features testimonies from women who have escaped sexual slavery and female activists who risk their lives to speak out in China, Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Feb 18: Press Freedom? Mahfuz Anam, editor of leading South Asia newspaper, Bangladesh’s Daily Star, has been accused of treason. The Prime Minister’s son Sajeeb Wajed, along with dozens of politicians, student agitators and others, has launched criminal defamation charges against Anam. The paper has a reputation for journalistic integrity and liberal and progressive views and these allegations against Anam are leading to concerns about press freedom and civil liberties in the country.
Feb 24: Land Lost Mongolian herders are protesting against the local government officials’ illegal occupation of their grazing lands. Herders from Inner Mongolia’s Urad Middle Banner gathered at local government offices demanding the immediate return of their lands and adequate compensation. More than 1,000 Mongolian herders’ households are affected. Herders have been appealing for years to their local authorities and central government in Beijing, and often arrested following their protests. Feb 23: No Water More than 10 million people in Delhi are without water. Jat community protesters, angry at caste job quotas, took control of the Munak canal which supplies much of the city. The army has since taken control but it will be at least three days before normal services are resumed. 16 people have been killed and hundreds hurt in three days of riots and protestors have set up road blocks. Contact
Feb 5: Spellings Uproar There is furious reaction in France to new spellings for more than 2,000 words proposed by the Academie Francaise, including the deletion of the circumflex accent and hyphens in some words. Publishers now say they will include the new spellings in schoolbooks. The Education Minister has said the changes will not mean the end of the circumflex and that both spellings will remain correct. Feb 4: Health Crisis The World Health Organisation has declared a global public health emergency caused by the Zika virus which is spreading across the midAmerican continent. It is spread by the Aedes mosquito although there is speculation it could be spread by other methods, eg, sexual contact. It started in Brazil in May last year and is now understood to cause serious birth defects in babies born to women infected during pregnancy. There is no cure.
Feb 16: New Species A new species of extinct plant has been discovered on a Caribbean island. Two fossil flowers had been embedded in amber for at least 15 million years. The species has been named Strychnos electri after the Greek word for amber, elektron, and after the deadly toxin strychnine; it belongs to the genus strychnine whose tropical shrubs, trees and vines are famous for producing a deadly toxin.
Feb 2: Rainforest Reprieve The Great Bear Rainforest in Canada, one of the world’s largest remaining tracts of temperate rainforest, is now subject to a logging ban across huge areas. Environmentalists say the deal is a model for resolving similar landuse disputes around the world. The forest, home to the rare spirit bear, is on the Pacific coast of British Columbia.
Feb 9: Hong Kong Unrest A police operation to clear illegal food stalls in the Mong Kok district of Hong Kong has sparked clashes and violence during the morning, the first day of the Chinese New Year. Vendors threw bricks and other missiles at police, who responded with batons and pepper spray and two warning shots were fired. Hundreds were involved, and 44 people, including police, were injured.
Feb 1: Democracy! Myanmar Parliament has held its opening session and sworn in the new MPs: the first freely elected parliament for 50 years. Most MPs are National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, but a quarter of all seats are reserved for the military which also retains control of key ministries. Parliament must choose a new president; it cannot be Miss Suu Kyi as her children are not Burmese.
13
FEBRUARY 2016
news & issues
Ravage Or Progress? by Michael Khabie-Zeitoune China is continuing the construction of six dams along a 20-km stretch of the Kyichu river at Lhasa, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo in the south of Tibet, as part of a controversial 3.5 billion yuan ($550 million, £400 million) project. With an estimated completion date of 2030, one dam of the Lhasa River Project (LRP) is already operational. The project will add to two existing hydropower dams upstream, the Drikung Hydro Power Station and the Phudo Hydro Power Station or “Tibetan Three Gorges Dam” in Lhundup and Maldro Gungkar counties northeast of Lhasa. The dams constitute the largest engineering project undertaken in the Tibetan Autonomous Region since the 1950s. While the hydropower dams have been touted as a means of producing lower-emission electricity to reduce China’s overall carbon emissions, the LRP’s stated aim is to promote tourism by creating a series of artificial lakes under the slogan “making Lhasa enjoyable”. Chinese officials say the lakes are designed to contain winter sandstorms, prevent summer flooding, and create a “green environment”. In spite of reassurances that local wildlife will not be negatively impacted by the dams, a number of concerns have been raised, including from Chinese sources, about the social, cultural and environmental impact of existing and future projects.
The Kyichu river is a central source of drinking water and irrigation for farming communities from nine counties, and the two hydropower dams are already said to have affected the local population. In 2013 China Central TV quoted local officials who pointed to reduced water levels and stranded fish. Fan Xiao, a Chinese geologist with the Sichuan Geological Society, has warned of further potential effects of the LRP, such as rising water levels and consequent flooding, including within areas of farmland. Environmentalists have also expressed concern over potential ecological disruption and damage to water quality, given the collective water storage capacity of the six dams when they are complete. This adds to fears about climate change and its effect on water quality through the continual release of carbon from global warming in the region. Human activities such as dam building could add to this problem. According to Fan, dams slow the river flow and still water is more likely to become polluted. Dam construction has also been linked to earthquakes. Engineers and geologists have suggested the construction of China’s massive Three Gorges Dam may have triggered the 7.9-magnitude Sichuan quake of 2008. Despite the comparatively small scale of the LRP, it potentially leaves Lhasa, which is positioned in a seismically active region, more vulnerable.
Some have questioned whether tourism is the primary motive of the project. Canadian author Michael Buckley has linked the LRP to China’s wider quest for new sources to power its economy and meet water demands elsewhere. “The concern is that eventually dams will become points for water diversion,” says Buckley. China’s dam construction on all the main rivers running off the Tibetan plateau has led Indian geopolitical analyst Brahma Chellaney to describe the country as involved in “the greatest water grab in history”. Concerns are shared by nations downstream whose water supplies depend on these rivers flowing out of Tibet. It is clear that the Tibetan glaciers are viewed as a point of growth for China’s expanding bottled water industry. With some 30 companies having already been awarded licenses to bottle the water, the extraction of Tibetan glacier water is likely to increase substantially. Despite the concerns outlined above, no estimates on the possible displacement of people or amount of land flooded by new projects are currently published by China. “We do not have credible environmental and social impact assessments, we have no environmental compliance system, no cumulative impact assessment and no carrying capacity studies” stated Himanshu Thakkar, co-ordinator of South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People. Along with the possible effects of climate change “this is being totally ignored”.
Chinese Furore Over Street Name China is furious at a United States Senate bill to rename the street opposite the Chinese embassy in Washington DC after Liu Xiaobo, the imprisoned prodemocracy activist. If the bill is accepted at congress and presidential level, the Chinese embassy’s address will become “1 Liu Xiaobo Plaza”. In 2009, Liu Xiaobo, 60, was sentenced to 11 years in prison in China Contact
for campaigning for democracy in his country. He was awarded the Nobel
Peace Prize in 2010 for “for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental 14
human rights in China”. Beijing has condemned the bill. For them Liu Xiabo is a convicted Chinese criminal. Zhu Haiquan, a Chinese embassy spokesman, speaking to Reuters, said, “It’s provocative and counterproductive. We strongly urge the US side to stop such actions,” Comments from Chinese netizens ranged from anger to support over the news. FEBRUARY 2016
news & issues
New Designation for Cities in Tibet Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, is no longer the sole city-level administrative unit in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). The Chinese administration is upgrading five of the seven prefecture-level administrative divisions of the TAR to cities: Qamdo (Tibetan: Chamdo), Xigaze (Shigatse) and Nyingchi (Nyingtri) have been recently upgraded and Shannan (Lhokha) is now to be included. China’s official Xinhua news agency reported the decision by China’s State Council, or cabinet, on February 16. The new status means these cities will now have a new city committee of the Communist Party of China, as well as a new government, a new local people’s congress standing committee, and a new city political advisory body. The Tibetan Review reports that this means that the cities will have more decision-making power and be less subjected to the TAR authorities at Lhasa, and that it is expected this will lead to a faster pace of urbanisation which in turn facilitates a greater inflow of Chinese immigrant population into Tibet.
Independence Day Students for a free Tibet (SFT) groups around the world celebrated Tibetan Independence day on February 13. This year’s theme was “Reclaim Tibet”. Pema Yoko, Acting Executive Director of SFT, said, “By publicly commemorating our proud history as an independent nation… we are reclaiming our past for future generations”. The original Declaration was a written statement by Thubten Gyasto, the 13th Dalai Lama, on February 13, 1913. It looked forward to a return to “happiness and peace” and called on Tibetans to preserve Buddhist institutions, separate the administration of monasteries from commerce, end corruption and exploitation and to work collectively to tackle and avoid conflict with other countries. Contact
“A World of Harsh Realities” Lha could not provide the services we do without the support of our wonderful volunteers who help in so many ways and inspire us with their enthusiasm. Every month we ask a volunteer to share thir story. This month George Lubikowski from England, who stays regularly in McLeod Ganj, shares his story. Name: George Lubikowski Volunteer Jobs at Lha:Contact Proofreader In 2009, following a long-term IT Dharamshala to fulfil their dreams, first contract in London, I decided to of meeting the Dalai Lama, and then take time out. After months of job of receiving an education, by whatever insecurity, I needed to de-stress. I went means possible. These Tibetans were mountain-biking and ate healthier at times the gentlest, most generous food. Gradually, I realised I could live and naturally appreciative people I a totally different existence. could imagine. They were in a world In September 2011, early morning, of harsh realities, after abandoning I got off the bus in the McLeod Ganj their families and loved ones back bus station. It was just hours after home, unable to communicate with a late monsoon downpour and the them freely. It is sad when a daughter town was grey, damp is afraid to phone her and dismally deserted. I distant mother for thought to myself, “Oh fear of getting her into my God, what have I trouble. They were done?” This was the first often quite poor. step on my travels. Some were still I came here attracted affected by the trauma by things I loved: they had experienced mountaineering, English back home, and language studies, on their journey. I photography and an sometimes heard affinity with Buddhist about incarceration places. I had been drawn and torture from to His Holiness the people, still quiet and Dalai Lama, his peaceful philosophy, troubled, with few hopes of decent endless laughing and sense of humour, work – and they severely missed their and his wisdom. Previously, when I families. Hence their need to selfmanaged to escape my IT job, there improve and build themselves up for was a natural draw to Asian mountains a better life. and I grew to love all things Tibetan Lha provides for such people so in rugged and remote places, high up, that their prospects improve. I have away from city life - and my office. been helping Contact magazine, the Encounters with Tibetan people Lha publication, mostly with proof In McLeod Ganj brought a mix of reading. When I was checking the emotions and impressions. I gained Annual Report, I realised how much new friends such as young people who this organisation actually does. The had made the epic journey across the long list was impressive. What an mountains from Tibet, via Nepal, to amazing support for this community! Contact Magazine is published by Lha Charitable Trust, a registered charity offering support and services to Tibetan refugees and people from the surrounding Himalayan communities. Lha helps Tibetan refugees settle in India by offering language and computer classes and tuition and Lha’s soup kitchen provices healthy food to needy Tibetans. To find out more about Lha’s work please visit our website www.lhacharitabletrust.org 15
FEBRUARY 2016
around town
Charities and Organisations
Central Tibetan Administration
The CTA serves in Dharamshala as the government in exile of Tibet. It is democratic with judiciary, legislative, and executive branches. Within the Executive branch there is the Kashag, consisting of the departments of Religion and Culture, Home, Education, Finance, Security, Information and International Relations and Health, and Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay. WEB: www.tibet.net LOCATION: Near Library PHONE: 01892-222218 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:00 am-5:00 pm EMAIL: kashag@tibet.net
The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)
OHHDL is the personal office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The office organises his schedule, including appointments and travel plans, diplomatic and personal correspondence, and liaises with officials of the Central Tibetan Administration. WEB: www.dalailama.com LOCATION: McLeod Ganj, PHONE: 01892-221343 / 221210 EMAIL: ohhdl@dalailama.com
Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)
The TYC is an advocacy and political action organisation with chapters around the world. The TYC organises cultural exhibitions, educational campaigns and social welfare activities. WEB: www. tibetanyouthcongress.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala -176219 PHONE: 01892-221554 EMAIL:president@tibetanyouthcongress.org, tyc@tibetanyouthcongress.org
Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA)
The TWA conducts workshops on gender sensitization and domestic violence throughout Tibetan settlements in India, provides Tibetan women with education scholarships, and connects women with international sponsors. WEB: www. tibetanwomen.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-221527 EMAIL: tibwomen@gmail.com
Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)
TCV provides care to Tibetan children by creating a nurturing environment and fostering Tibetan values and culture while delivering a modern education. There is an Upper and Lower residential school in Dharamshala and day school in McLeod Ganj, with other branches throughout India. WEB: www.tcv.org.in LOCATION: Dharamshala Cantt.176216 PHONE: 01892-221354 / 221348 EMAIL: headoffice@tcv.org.in
Men-Tsee-Khang: Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute
Men-Tsee-Khang is a facility for research, training and practice of traditional Tibetan medicine. Patients may seek treatment at Men-TseeKhang for both acute and chronic conditions. The facility provides extensive training and produces traditional pharmaceuticals.
Contact
WEB: www.men-tsee-khang.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org
Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)
The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives has the purpose to restore, protect, preserve, and promote Tibetan culture in all its aspects. They offer courses in Tibetan and Hindi language and Buddhist philosophy and can provide affordable accommodation for those enrolled in two or more courses. WEB: ltwa.net, tibetanlibrary.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong PHONE: 98822-55047 EMAIL: ltwa1970@gmail.com
Delek Hospital
Delek Hospital is a small, Tibetan run hospital in Dharamshala. It has 45 inpatient beds, holds outpatient hours from 9am to 12pm Monday through Friday, and can handle most small procedures. Patients are responsible for a 10 Rupees registration fee. The hospital has a pharmacy on site. WEB:www.delekhospital.org LOCATION: Kharadanda Rd, Dharamshala; Delek Clinic, Bhagsu Rd, Dharamshala HOURS: Outpatient, Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00 pm-4:30 pm; Emergencies, 24 hours daily PHONE: 01892-222053 / 223381 EMAIL: delek@bsnl.in hospitaldelek@yahoo.com
Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society
The society was established in 1999 to provide educational and administrative guidance to all Tibetan schools in remote areas of India and Bhutan that do not fall under the guidance of Tibetan Childrens Village. Today there are 12 schools under this organisation. WEB: www.sambhota.org LOCATION: Session Rd, Dharamshala176215 PHONE: 01892 - 228877 | 226877 EMAIL: stss1999@gmail.com
Tong-Len Charitable Trust
Tong-Len’s mission is to help displaced communities in North India achieve a secure and sustainable future. Tong-Len projects include educational and health programs, childhood education and sponsorship, primary and nursery tent schools, and children’s support hostels. Volunteer opportunities available. WEB: www. tong-len.org LOCATION: Top Floor, Bank Of Baroda, Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala-176215 PHONE: 01892-223930 EMAIL: jamyang@tong-len.org
Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)
SFT is an international NGO that promotes the Tibetan cause among the non-Tibetan community. The organisation attempts to build international solidarity by advocating for a free Tibet through chapter organisations at Universities around the world. WEB:www.sftindia.org, www.studentsforafreetibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 9882786875
16
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, PHONE: 01892-220680 / 220679 EMAIL: guchusum1991@gmail.com
Tibet Charity
Tibet Charity provides programs including English and computer classes, an animal care program, and a variety of medical and educational financial support programs. WEB: www.tibetcharity.in LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-221790 / 221877 EMAIL: director@tibetcharity.in
Norbulingka Institue
Centre for Tibetan culture with studios and artists at work. Temple, tour guides of the workshops, and gardens. LOCATION:Sidhpur, Dharamshala PHONE:9882144210 EMAIL: info@norbulingka.org WEB:www.norbulingka.org
FEBRUARY 2016
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
17
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
FEBRUARY 2016
activities and information Upcoming Events
MEDITATION Ocean of Harmony
Mar 10 : Tibetan National Uprising Day Mar 2 : Debate between the two Sikyong candidates. Available online at www.voa/tibet.com Mar 20 : Tibetan Election
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
Taught by an experienced and qualified coach WEB: www.oceanofharmony.org PHONE: (+91) 99798-94585 EMAIL: ohlifeandwellness@gmail.com
Tushita Meditation Center WEB: www.tushita.info LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:30-11:30am PHONE: 0898-816-0988 EMAIL: spc@tushita.info
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
18
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
FEBRUARY 2016
news, 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
Arrests and Sentences in Tibet
Feb 9: A Tibetan man known as Trigyal has died at home in Mukhyim village in Driru in Tibet from injuries he sustained under torture while in detention. He was recently released from prison where he was serving a 13-year prison sentence for refusing to fly a Chinese flag. Feb 10: Ratu Ngawang , 90, has died. Known as a “hero of Tibet”, he was a former soldier in the Chushi Gangdruk – the troops that accompanied the Dalai Lama on his flight to India, and one of the founding members of the Special Frontier Force, a troop of Tibetans in the Indian paramilitary. “I enrolled myself in the Special Frontier Force with an aim to fight the Chinese” said Ngawang in an interview.
Feb 11: Ven Paga, 40, and Ven Ugyen, 50, both high-ranking monks at the Chogri Monastery in the Kham region of Tibet, have been detained by the Sichuan Province Public Security Bureau on suspicion of holding a mass prayer for the good health of HH the Dalai Lama. Ven Paga is abbot of the monastery. Since the prayer event there are reports of increased troop deployment and communications restrictions in the area. Feb 14: Jamyang Dorjee, 41, was arrested for staging a lone protest in front of the government compound
in Kham Tehor in Kardze County, Sichuan Province. He staged his protest on February 14, the sixth day of Losar, the Tibetan Lunar New Year. His family and friends were prevented from contacting the outside world to spread news of his arrest. Jamyang is from Buchu village in Kardze. Feb 20: Druklo, also known by his pen name Shokjang, a prominent Tibetan writer, has been sentenced to three years in prison in Rebgong in the Qinghai province, accused of writing material which would incite discord, maintaining secret contact with “splitists” and causing instability in the community. He wrote about the increased presence of Chinese armed security forces in the Rebkong area and crackdowns on Tibetans,as well as conditions in a school in Kangtsa county. He has been detained since March last year. He was previously detained in March 2010 but later released. Feb 23: Gomar Choephel, 47, a monk from Rongpo monastery in Malho in the Qinghai province, has been sentenced to two years in prison, accused of passing a photo HH the Dalai Lama to friends via social media. He was convicted of “undermining social stability and taking actions aimed at splitting the country”. Choepel has been in detention since July last year.
T H O S A M L I N G ’s Tibetan Language Program 2016 Beginner’s Course
• 15 Feb – 13 May • 29 Aug – 18 Nov 5 days/week, total 4.5 hrs/day
Start with the alphabet and learn to read and write basic Tibetan in two weeks! Our new textbook as well as audio and video materials ensure quick progress. Private time with teachers is available.
Intermediate Course
30 May – 26 August 5 days/week, total 4.5 hrs/day
Dharma Language Course combined with Introduction to Debate (Dudra-Lorig-Tarig) 16 May – 11 November
Re fo r a g ist rati o n ll c n o w oo u rs e s is pen
Main focus is on colloquial Tibetan 5 days/week, total 2.5 hrs/day & afternoon debate sessions and first stages of literary Tibetan. Main focus is on literary and colloquial Tibetan. We work with audio materials, transcripts and translations of oral teachings and their root texts. Debate opens many doors to the Dharma and sharpens the A ll c mind. f re e fo r o u rs e s For a minimum of fi ve people o rd Sa n g h a a i ned coming from McLeod Ganj: ! inexpensi ve daily transport can be arranged.
T H O S A M L I N G I N S T I T U T E for International Buddhist Women
TO REGISTER: thosamling@gmail.com • Info: www.thosamling.com • Sidhpur • 176057 Dharamsala • mobile 9882455065 Contact
19
FEBRUARY 2016
advertisements
DR TANDON’S ADVANCED
Ocean of Harmony
Programmes for Wellbeing
Meditation Intensives Meditation Therapies Intensive Yoga Courses/Retreats Stress Management Integrated Healing Therapies Wellness Retreats
DENTAL
ORTHODONTIC & IMPLANT CENTRE Mcleod Add: Downstairs Opp. AB Travels Temple Road Mcleod Ganj Dharamshala Add: Opp. Canara Bank Kotwali Bazaar Dharamshala
A centre with multispeiciality dental treatment facility since 2000.
website: www.himachaldentist.com Email: dr.rahultandon@gmail.com Appointment/Emergency call: 9418462936
For upcoming events, visit
www.oceanofharmony.org
For intensive trainings around the world (any country) contact: Shalu Patel (experienced & qualified life and wellness coach for international trainings)
Phone: (+91) 9979894585 Email: ohlifeandwellness@gmail.com
BLACK TENT CAFE
HIMALAYAN YOGA RETREAT Yoga Time: 8:30 am to 9:30 am 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Drop-in Classes/ Weekly Courses/ Reiki Course & Treatment Teacher Training Course (200 hours) Mobile no: 988222502 - Surinder Address: Jogiwara Road, Green View House after Youngling Schoo Mcleod Ganj, Opposite Pink House
RINKU TAXI SERVICE
Free high-speed Wi-fi
Delicious coffee, authentic homemade Tibetan and western cuisine Best taxi & car rental services in Himachal, Tour Packages Pick-up & Drop-in to Airports, Rail station, Bus stop All food washed in clean filtered water
Free movies on Saturdays at 7.30pm Live Tibetan music every Wednesday at 6.30pm
Jogiwara Road (near post office), McLeod Ganj – Map # 8
CARPE DIEM RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA
Opp. Club House, near Tourist Information Office Hotel Surya Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - Map#16 PHONE: (+91) 94186-87343, 98570-30707
www.rinkutaxihimachal.com
Stress Free Arrival in India!
MEXICAN, ITALIAN, INDIAN, CHINESE, Lha’s Reception and Orientation Services CONTINENTAL, & THAI FOOD, No MSG can take the stress out of your arrival. • Everything washed with sterilized water • Wood-fired pizza oven & clay Tandoori oven We can meet you at the airport, look after you • Relaxed atmosphere & Japanese-style seating in Delhi and put you on the bus to McLeod. • Live music every Sunday - Map#9 Bookable online at: http://www.lhasocialwork.org/ Located on Jogiwara Road, volunteer/203-reception-and-orientation-services across from the Tibetan Reception Center (down from Post Office) - Map # 9
HOTEL LADIES’ VENTURE
“The most suitable place for foreigners, holidaymakers, honeymooners, trekkers, and those who wish to commune with nature!”
We offer: Affordable dormitories, well-appointed rooms, boarding, and McLeod Ganj’s FINEST hospitality! Jogiwara Road - Map #11 Mobile - 981 623 5648 Hotel - 01892 22 1559
Dr Mobile Shop
8 beautiful rooms with balcony facing the Himalayan Range. Enjoy the sunrise from your bed! Phone: 01892-220567 Cell: 9418236603 Jogiwara Rd (Map #12) Email: tseringd@aushimview.com
Pema Thang Guest House
and Restaurant
Your Communication Partner
Mobile Sales, Mobile Repair, Sim Cards, Purchase and Recharge Phone Service
Charming, comfortable, and scrupulously clean; minutes from the Main Temple and McLeod Ganj Market;
Black Magic Building (underground), Jogiwara Road, Map # 7 McLeod Ganj Phone: 9857011101 Contact
8 AUSPICIOUS HIM VIEW HOTEL
Hotel Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj: Map #15 Phone: 221871/221001 www.pemathang.net 20
FEBRUARY 2016
advertisements
Contact
21
FEBRUARY 2016
advertisements Locations of important places around McLeod Ganj
BHAGSU NAG
Map not to scale
See Advertisement Pages for details of advertisers
TIPA
21
DHARAMKOT
Vipassana Centre
Naddi Village
Tushita Centre
Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)
12
11
McLEOD GANJ
22
4
6
5 MAIN SQUARE
3
Cantt Police Post
7
Main Bazaar
20
89
1 Lha
16
10 15 14
2
13
Road to Dharamshala
1. Lha Headquarters 2. Namgyal Cafe 3. Common Ground Cafe 4. Dream Holidays Travel 5. Shangrila Hotel 6. Shambala Coffee Meal 7. Dr Mobile, Woeser Bakery 8. Black Tent Cafe 9. Carpe Diem Restaurant 10. Perfect 32 Dental Clinic 11. Hotel Ladies’ Venture 12. 8 Auspicious Him View Hotel
13. Ahimsa House & Lha Soup Kitchen 14. Chonor House 15. Pema Thang 16. Rinku Taxi Service 17. Central Tibetan Administration, Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Tibetan Library 18. LRZTP Tibetan Language Program 19. Tibetan Museum and Temple 20. Tibetan Handicraft Centre 21. Taste of India 22. SnowLion Custom Tattoo
19
17 18
Road to Dharamshala
Our specialty: Chocolate Vegan cake, Gluten free cake, Fresh Coffe Beans, cappaccino, Chocolate chilli lollipop
Namgyal Cafe
9am to 7pm - Closed on Monday Below “Black Magic Hotel” on Jogiwara Rd - Map # 7 The famous and popular Namgyal Cafe has merged
Dream Holidays Since 1998
Ground Floor of Asian Plaza Hotel, Main Square, McLeod Ganj (3rd office inside Mall) - Map #4 +Worldwide Air Travel Arrangements +AC/Non-AC cars jeeps for tours +Flight/Rail tickets, hotel reservations contact: 98160-87878 / 94180-97149, vineet_dream@yahoo.com
NEED A DENTIST? For all your dental requirements under one roof, in a sterile and state of the art clinic
with Om Hotel right off the main square - Map # 2 • • • •
Extensive vegetarian menu Terrace dining with beautiful view Best pizza in McLeod Ganj Good music and friendly staffs
Open every day from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm Mobile: 9882649768
Shambala Coffee Meal Jogiwara Roadd, next to Tibet Kitchen
A vegetarian restaurant specialising in variety of Japanese meals: Sushi Rolls, Special noodle Udon, Omthai Rice Coffee / Free Wifi Open every day from 7am to 8pm Mobile: +91 (0) 9882611796
Dr Natasha Mehra @
Perfect 32 Dental Clinic CONTACT
Near Hotel Mount View Jogiwara Rd, McLeod Map# 10
Enjoy traditional Taiwanese and Chinese food and peaceful environment, just one minute from the Bus Stand, just behind Asian Plaza! (Map # 3)
Call: 09218742046
perfect32dentalclinic@gmail. com
Contact
22
FEBRUARY 2016
advertisements
Contact
23
FEBRUARY 2016
ལྷ་བོད་ཀྱི་ལུགས་མཐུན་བཟོ་ཚོང་ལས་ཁང་།
Lha Tibet Fair Trade Regd No.U74140HP2013PTC000540 IEC No. 2213006741 TIN: 02060101641 CST: 02060101641 PAN: AACCL5897M
What’s LTFT?
Lha Tibet Fair Trade (LTFT) is a certified Fair Trade company which supports Lha’s charitable work through the sale of traditional Tibetan goods made by local craftspeople.
What we have?
Hand-made woollen carpets, singing bowls, jewellery, goods made from recycled paper, Tibetan home decor pieces and many more!
Why LTFT?
Your shopping and support will contribute to Lha’s numerous social projects and help Lha become more sustainable and self-sufficient.
What we do?
Retail outlet, manufacture, wholesale, import & export, support local artisans, tours and travel.The LTFT is pleased to welcome any businesses wishing to form partnerships and set up exhibition tours.
Drop-in at our store at LHA office, Mon-Sat Phone: +91 (0) 98823-23455 / 1892-220992
W www.tibetfairtrade.com
Lha Tibet Fair Trade To advertise call Lha office: 01892-220992 or visit Lha office at Temple Rd, McLeod Ganj Map #1
snowlion customArtist
tattoo
PASSANG
Location: near Hotel Tibet
Professional Tattoo Artist Traditionally Trained Tibetan Thangka Painter 100% Safe & Hygienic Contact: 9459160626-9805286528 2016 snowlion custom tattoo : facebook will reopen from march
Follow Contact website using the QR code!
Tibet Fair Trade འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།
Contact Newsletter
Managing Director Ngawang Rabgyal Editor-in-Chief Jenny James Editor Tenzin Samten Assistant Editor Tsering Wangdue Reporter Dorji Kyi 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:editor@contactmagazine.net Facebook: ContactNews Twitter: @ContactTibet Printed at Imperial Printing, Dharamshala Phone: 222390 Email:ippdsala@gmail.com