Contact January 2014 by Lha Charitable Trust

འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།

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contact

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

Remembering the 10th Panchen Lama by Demay Tsering January 28 marked 25 years since Lobsang Trinley Lhundup Choekyi Gyaltsen, the 10th Panchen Lama, died aged 51 years. The Panchen Lama is the second highest ranking Lama after the Dalai Lama in the Gelugpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Ven Bagdro, a Tibetan Buddhist monk and former political prisoner who is actively campaigning for a free Tibet, spoke at a press conference to commemorate the occasion at Lha’s Ahimsa House in Dharamshala. Ven Bagdro recalled the contributions made by the 10th Panchen Lama, and The 10th Panchen Lama spoke about Photo: freepanchen the allegations lama.org that there was a Chinese conspiracy to assassinate him. Ven Bagdro said that in November 1987 it is alleged that a “meeting to decide on [the]elimination of the Panchen” was convened at Deng Xiaoping’s residence [Deng Xiaoping was a prominent Chinese leader following the death of Mao Zedung]. He said that participants of the meeting included Deng Xiaoping, Chenyun, Li Xiannian, Bo Yibo and Songping, and that Wen Jiabao and Hu Jintao were appointed to execute a “Special Decision on Panchen”. Ven Bagdro Continued on page 4

Volume: XVI Issue: 1

31 JANUARY 2014

Fire Hits Tibet by Mary Trewartha One of Tibet’s most influential Buddhist learning centres, the Larung Gar Buddhist Institute in Serthar, in the Karze region of eastern Tibet (incorporated into China’s Sichuan Province), was extensively damaged by fire on January 9. Two nuns were injured, and more than 100 houses destroyed, although no loss of life was reported. The resident monks, nuns and local Tibetans made efforts to extinguish the fire but were hampered by heavy wind. The cause of the fire has not yet been identified. Larung Gar was established in the 1980s, during the liberalisation of religious practice which took place in the aftermath of the systematic annihilation of Tibetan culture and religion during

China’s Cultural Revolution. It attracts tens of thousands of disciples from around the world. Two days later fire devastated the ancient Tibetan town of Gyalthang, known in Chinese as Dukezong, or “Shangrila” as it has been named to attract Fire damaged nun quarters t o u r i s t s . at Larung Gar monstery The fire Photo: RFA destroyed more than two thirds of the town and left over 2,600 people homeless, although Continued on page 6

Detained Khenpo in Serious Condition by Tashan Mehta The detention of Khenpo (abbot) Karma Tsewang, a senior monk at Japa monastery in Nangchen, has a sparked a series of protests and arrests. Popularly known as Khenpo Kartse, he was detained in Chengdu town on December 6 while buying a statue for his monastery. His detention was allegedly due to his involvement in several incidents in Karma town in the Chamdo prefecture in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Khenpo Kartse is known for leading a team of monks to help the relief effort at Kyegudo after a devastating earthquake in April 2010, which state media reported left nearly 2,700 dead and 270 others missing. He has also

helped in efforts to protect the Tibetan language, culture and religion. A rally was staged on December 18 to call for his release. According

Khenpo Kartse in an undated photo Photo: Tsering Woeser

to Tsering Woeser, writer and poet, a group of county officials intervened in the rally and assured the protesters that efforts would be made to release Continued on page 5

about lha & contact

Lha Charitable Trust

Institute for Social Work & Education Mission Statement:

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

Background:

Lha is a Tibetan grassroots nonprofit organisation based in Dharamshala, India. It is one of the largest social work organisations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population, and people from the Himalayan regions. Lha offers free English, French and Chinese classes, cultural exchange programs, IT classes, vocational training,

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

Lha’s Soup Kitchen On behalf of all the beneficiaries, we thank

Heidi Kieselstein and family, US

for sponsoring at Lha Soup Kitchen for the month of January. Your generous donation has supported us in providing nutritious meals to Tibetans in need. Lha Soup Kitchen is the first soup kitchen in Dharamshala that serves low-cost and nutritious meals to the Tibetan refugee community. Nearly sixty needy refugees take advantage of this service every day for a nominal fee of 15 rupees per person, per meal. Meals are completely free for those who cannot afford to pay.

Can you Donate to Lha?

Contact

Guidelines for submission: Contact welcomes submissions of articles, news and photography. We also gladly accept information about upcoming events, volunteer work and special projects. All material intended for publication in Contact must be submitted by the 20th of each month. Your letter may not be printed if it is unsigned, illegible, slanderous or malicious. We reserve the right to edit submissions for spelling, grammar and length. Send your material via email to editor@contactmagazine.net

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

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

Contact keeps readers up-to-date on current issues and events, and provides networking, education and volunteer opportunities, as well as social services information. Contact staff and contributors hope you will enjoy and benefit from our modest efforts to build a community through communication. May peace and love prevail!

Acknowledgement

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

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

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

about lha & contact

Lha Distributes Clothing

Interested in a Tibetan Homestay? Lha Charitable Trust can arrange homestays of one month with a Tibetan refugee family. By sharing day-to-day life with a Tibetan family, you will have an opportunity to experience Tibetan culture in an intensive way. Spend your time in Dharamshala learning the language, cooking Tibetan meals, sharing rituals with a family, and making friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Homestays include accomodation, breakfast, and dinner. If you’re interested in a Tibetan Homestay, contact Lha at office@ lhasocialwork.org, or stop by the main Lha office on Temple Road in McLeod Ganj. Tashi Delek!

Lha has made a large donation of clothing to Indians in need. In association with Dharamshala Rotary Club, the clothes were distributed by the Red Cross Society of Kangra District on January 8. The clothing was donated during 2013 by various members of the public, including volunteers and tourists. The Red Cross Society hosted the event and its Secretary, OP Sharma, presided over the occasion. The Dharamshala Rotary Club President, General Secretary and other Rotary members were also present at the event. More than 1000 clothes will be

distributed by the Red Cross, especially to the slums in lower Dharamshala and local Indian villages. Lha is also planning a similar clothes distribution to people in need in the Tibetan community. Since 2003, around 30,800 articles of clothing have been collected and distributed through the donation centre at Lha. A recent donation was made by a group of 17 students on a Cultural Exchange programme from Lycee de Vincendo High School in the Reunion islands. They arrived in McLeod Ganj in October 2013, each carrying a small bag of clothing to donate. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made donations of different kinds to Lha. Our special thanks go to the French student exchange group from Reunion Island and the Australia Tibet Council group who have supported us through the years. Thank you everyone.

Lha Traveler Services & Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer

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

Classes and Services

TIBETAN LANGUAGE CLASS Learn more about the Tibetan people, culture, and Buddhism by learning the Tibetan language! Beginner and intermediate class levels with qualified teachers for individuals and small groups. TIBETAN COOKING CLASS Individuals and small groups can learn to prepare a variety of traditional and modern vegetarian Tibetan foods including momo, thukpa and Tibetan bread with a qualified teacher. TIBETAN ARTS CLASS Learn the basic traditional Tibetan form of painting, drawing, and how to use colour with a qualified artist. For individuals and small groups. 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.

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

news & issues

His Holiness Delivers the Lam Rim Teachings in Karnataka by Vanshika Tripathi controlled mind, saying “Taming the His Holiness the Dalai Lama spent a mind is what we need to do to fulfill week in Karnataka where he delivered our wish for happiness, not to please various discourses on The 18 Great anyone else. The mind is clouded Stages of the Path (lam rim) commentary by a misconception that things have at Sera Monastery. Gaden Shartse true existence, to overcome which we Monastery and His Eminence Ling Choktrul Rinpoche had personally requested that these teachings, which began on December 26, be given by His Holiness. During one of the discourses, His Holiness said “It’s not enough to take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha only for this life, or for the good of the next life, or even HH the Dalai Lama during the teaching at Sera to attain liberation; we need to Monastery, Bylakuppe in Karnatka take refuge until the attainment of Photo: OHHDL complete enlightenment. The verse we recite includes the word ‘I’, when we need to understand selflessness. And say ‘may I attain enlightenment’, what in order to overcome self-centredness, we have to do is examine whether that I loving kindness is not enough; we or self exists the way it appears.” need to develop the awakening mind His Holiness further emphasised the of Bodhichitta. Therefore, we need to importance of possessing a calm and make the most of our human intelligence

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Remembering the 10th Panchen Lama

continued, “The Chinese government successfully executed the plan to poison Panchen Rinpoche, and he passed away

Panchen Rinpoche during the struggle (thamzing) sessions Photo: tibet.net

in Tashi Lhunpo monastery on 28th morning”. Ven Bagdro said that still these days we remember the late 10th Panchen Lama with great affection and extend our gratitude for his enormous contribution towards Tibet’s political, religious, social and cultural identity. In 1962, the 10th Panchen Lama wrote a 70,000 character petition about the Tibetan people’s plight under Contact

and develop a warm heart.” Over 30,000 people attended the teachings. After concluding his teachings at the Sera monastery, His Holiness visited some of Bangalore’s top schools and universities. He spoke at Bishop Cotton Boy’s School, at the gathering of the 92nd Association of Heads of Anglo-Indian Schools in India, where he gave a speech focusing upon the significance of selflessness, global thinking, inner value and religious harmony as factors that can bring about peace. His Holiness also visited Christ University on January 6 where he launched an international conference Bounds of Ethics in a Globalised World with a speech delivered to an audience of academics and delegates from various universities and institutions across 37 countries. Seven monks from Sera monastery were also in attendance.

Chinese occupation. This petition angered Mao Zedong who called it a “poisoned arrow shot at the party.” The Panchen Lama was condemned without trial and spent the following 14 years in prison or under virtual house arrest. In 1978, he was freed. During his last visit to Tibet in January 1989, he gave a public speech in Shigatse, publicly criticising Chinese policies in Tibet and declaring his loyalty to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Shortly after the address he died under mysterious circumstances. Tibet’s 11th Panchen Lama, Gendhun C h o e k y i Nyima, will turn 26 on April 25, 2014. He disappeared at the age of 6 years and Ven Bagdro on Jan 28 Photo: Contact/Lha has since been 4

detained in China and is considered the world’s youngest political prisoner. The Chinese authorities selected a boy called Gyaltsen Norbu, who they say is the correct incarnation, immediately after the Dalai Lama announced Gendun Choekyi Nyima as the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama. To the Tibetans, Gyaltsen Norbu 11th Panchen Lama is only Panchen Gedhun Choekyi zuma (the fake Nyima Panchen). Tibetans, supporters and Buddhists all over the world are deeply concerned about Gedun Choekyi Nyima. The Chinese government has made many conflicting statements as to his whereabouts and in 1998, Mary Robinson, the United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights was denied access to him during her fact-finding visit to Tibet. JANUARY 2014

news & issues

Latest Reports from Tibetan Human Rights Group by Migmar Dolkar Earlier this month the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), a research centre based in Dharamshala, released its annual report for 2013. The Report focuses on the human rights situation in Tibet.

TCHRD launches the Annual Report 2013 and Gulags of Tibet Photo: tibettimes

TCHRD also released a special report Gulags of Tibet, describing the strategy of Re-education Through Labour (RTL) system in Tibet. The annual report is available in both Tibetan and English and focuses on the topics of civil and political rights, religious repression, economic, social and cultural rights, China’s development strategy and self-immolations. The theme of the 2013 annual report

Continued from page 1

detention, forced labour, and torture. The report features interviews with Tibetan RTL survivors who tell their personal stories of being locked up in forced labour camps. In late December 2013, China addressed the abolition of RTL in the form of arbitrary detention, as used by the Chinese government for over 15 years to imprison political dissidents and other opponents. “China must abolish

A cover picture of the Annual Report 2013 Photo: tchrd.org

the RTL in both name and function to be meaningful,” said Tsering Tsomo, the Director of TCHRD. In 2013 alone 119 Tibetans were arrested and a total of 893 Tibetans are still held in prisons and labour camps run by China.

Detained Khenpo in Serious Condition

Kartse. Instead, three days later, 16 Tibetans from the rally were detained. Woeser, who owns her own website, writes that the original arrest was a “clear indication” of collaboration and communication between Chinese authorities in TAR and the Sichuan province: Chamdu officials had travelled all the way to Chengdu in order to detain Khenpo Kartse. On January 15, hundreds of Tibetans staged a silent sit-in in Nangchen to protest against the arrests. Once again, they were dispersed on assurances that monks would be allowed to visit those detained. Kartse has apparently written a letter from prison, urging his followers to be calm, saying: “I heard that there was recently a clash between police Contact

is the continued Chinese implementation of its nomad resettlement and relocation policy. Tibetan nomads have been forced to move from their ancestral land to urban areas regardless of their willingness. In the wake of the forced relocations, the Chinese are exploiting rich mineral resources such as gold, oil, lithium, copper and chrome from the nomadic lands. It was widely estimated that 90% of Tibetan nomads in Qinghai province will be resettled by the end of 2013. The report contains fresh data from Tibet which includes exclusive interviews of Tibetans from Amchok (Ch: Amuqu), Labrang (Ch: Xianhe), Rebkong (Ch: Tongren), Chentsa (Ch: Jianzha), Machen (Ch: Dawu), Mangra (Ch: Guinan) and Golog (Ch: Guoluo) concerning self-immolation protests, nomad resettlement, censorship, language rights and land rights, as well as some photographs of Tibetans living in Tibet. The special report Gulags of Tibet contains research on the history and evolution of RTL, and an analysis of the current RTL laws. The rights group maintains that RTL violates international prohibitions on arbitrary

and Tibetans. Please make sure such incidents do not happen again …Please be more broadminded and maintain

Tibetans demanded the release of Khenpo Kartse and other detained monks Photo: RFA

good relations with the authorities”. The veracity of the letter is, however,

in doubt; in it, Kartse writes that he is well, and healthy, but more recent news reveals that his health is in a critical condition. “He is suffering from an inflamed liver, and more than 40 days have now passed since he was first detained,” a source told Radio Free Asia, speaking on condition of anonymity. Eight Tibetans have also been detained in Chamdo in the Tibet Autonomous Region over their links to a grassroots campaign aimed at forging unity and enhancing literacy levels among Tibetans. While both incidents remain unrelated, the cause of the arrests seems to be largely similar, and all apparently aim to reduce the level of cultural activity in Tibet. JANUARY 2014

news & issues

More Evictions in Dasa by Wendhe Choetsoe The news of the eviction of the people living in 210 Tibetan homes in a case of alleged illegal encroachment of forestland created much tension in the small Tibetan hub in Dharamshala. Recently, local news agencies reported that the next hearing for the case has been set for March 27. In August 2012, the Shimla High Court set March 31, 2013 as the deadline for the compliance of the

In the months that followed the High government to set up a committee to Court ruling, Tibetan representatives probe the charges against the Tibetan have been urging for a reconsideration families. After visiting McLoed Ganj of the order. Representatives of the the committee submitted a report to the Central Tibetan Administration approached relevant Indian government offices. Home Kalon (minister) Gyari Dolma met Shri Virbhadra Singh, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh in October last year. “Tibetans will have no place to live if their homes are demolished. Tibetans harbour no intent whatsoever to claim Most of the Tibetan houses that faces evictions are in ownership of the area as they the Tipa road and Bhagsu road area, Dharamshala would vacate the area the day Photo: Lobsang Wangyal/tibetsun.com [the] Tibet issue is resolved and all Tibetans are able to return tribunal. In the report, the committee to Tibet,” Kalon Gyari Dolma said said that the families have illegally during their meeting. cut down trees and built houses on Kalon Dolma Gyari with Chief Minister of Local Indian organisations forestland. It also said that Tibetans Himachal Pradesh Shri Virbhadra Singh McLeod Ganj Vyapar Mandal, have caused destruction to nature Photo: CTA Bhagsu Taxi Operators Union, by carving boulders and rocks with order. This came after an Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association, religious mantras and tying Lungtas resident of Rewalsar (Tso Pema) filed Autorickshaw Union, Trekking and (Buddhist flags) on trees; a traditional a Public Interest Litigation accusing Mountaineering Association and the and religious practice that Tibetans have Tibetan refugees of illegally occupying Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association been following for hundreds of years. various lands in Himachal Pradesh. submitted petitions to the Chief Minister Local authorities said such practices There are 1,090 cases of encroachment appealing to him to address the eviction not only break the law but also harm of forestland in the Kangra district, issue for the Dharamshala Tibetans the environment. All the colourful mani including the 210 houses located in sympathetically. stones and boulders were removed and the residential areas in Tipa road and In July 2013, the National Green tying prayer flags on the trees is now Bhagsu road in McLeod Ganj. Tribunal in Shimla directed the state forbidden.

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Fire Hits Tibet

no human casualties have been immolation by a Tibetan woman. reported. Arson has been ruled out. Gyalthang, which is incorporated More than a thousand fire fighters into China’s Yunnan province, is were deployed at the blaze. a popular tourist destination, an The Tibetan Prime Minister easily accessible town which has Lobsang Sangay has expressed largely been rebuilt to give an deep concern about both fires and experience of the Tibetan way of has called for quick restoration. life to tourists, many of whom are He called for the Gyalthang Chinese people seeking a change restoration to be done in the from polluted Chinese cities. traditional Tibetan architectural This is the third fire in Tibet In Gyalthang, fire destroyed hundreds of homes style, and said he hopes there will in two months: the main prayer leaving more than 2,600 people homeless. be no repeat of what happened hall of the 433 year old Lithang Photo: Reuters following the 2010 earthquake monastery in the Karze Tibetan in Kyegudo, Yushul. During that by Chinese authorities leading to Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan was restoration, lands were illegally grabbed protests by local Tibetans and a self- gutted in a fire in November last year. Contact

JANUARY 2014

news & issues

Protests and Arrests over Tunnel Construction by Ugolino Vivaldi Twenty Tibetans have been taken into custody by the Chinese authorities as a result of their alleged participation in recent protests against the construction of a local tunnel in Derge county in Kham Kardze, Sichuan province. On January 7 more than 1,000 paramilitaries from the People’s Army Police carried out a raid which mainly focused around the town of Pondha and the Derge Gonchen monastery. They arrested twenty people suspected of leading the protests. The Chinese crackdown is a direct response to the defiance shown by nearly a hundred Tibetans who took to the streets last month, in order to voice their dissent concerning the tunnel building and the related road project. The construction of the tunnel, which will stretch from Derge Tsokok

to Derge Kamthok, together with the road project, has been at the centre of a dispute for several months now. Local residents claim that these constructions are having serious repercussions on their community by causing severe

Police surround Tibetans gathered at the construction site Photo: dossiertibet.it

damage to buildings, in addition to environmental concerns about the surrounding ecosystem. According to local sources, seven months after digging for the tunnel

began, cracks started to appear in nearby houses. Reports say that some of these buildings have subsequently collapsed leaving several families homeless during the winter. On December 31, the population of Derge appealed again to the local authorities, asking them to bring the project to a halt in view of the damage it was causing to their community. Their request was unsuccessful. In the aftermath of the arrests earlier this month the situation remains tense, and a further wave of unrest is feared. Local Tibetans have appealed to the authorities to release the prisoners, with some even demanding to be arrested themselves if the people being held are not released. Further information about the development of the situation in Derge county is not available as the area remains under strict surveillance.

Education Conference Attracts Record Attendance by Jigme Thinley The sixth Tibetan General Conference on Education was held from Januay 7-9 and was the largest gathering to date. 236 participants from 76 schools

The Conference is normally held every five years. This year’s Conference focused on three major issues: professional development for teachers; primary education, especially science and mathematics, and the effective implementation of the CTA’s Basic Education Policy (BEP) which was introduced in 2004. The BEP was established to fulfil the Charter of Tibetans in Exile which stated “..an ideal education policy meeting the real basic needs of Tibet shall be formulated.” The policy was set At the inaugural ceremony of the Tibetan general up with the aim of preserving conference on education traditional Tibetan values and Photo: tibet.net culture, and it may serve as a attended from India and Nepal, including basis for the education policy of future principals, directors and teachers. Tibet. The conference was organised by the Speaking at the Conference launch, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, who is also Department of Education, and funded Education Kalon, said “Education is by the US Agency for International the only means through which Tibetans Development. It took place at Lower can improve our human resources and Tibetan Children’s Village School in capacity for administration as well as the Dharamshala. Tibetan cause”. Dr Sangay praised the Contact

efforts of Tibetan teachers in raising the overall educational level of the Tibetan community, and commented on the huge improvement in the performance of Tibetan students in the academic field. He also said that the literacy rate of members of the Tibetan community in exile is higher than many other south Asian countries. Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, addressed the importance of preserving the unique Tibetan culture, language and religion in order to form a robust Tibetan identity in exile. On the last day of the conference, Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, who initiated the BEP, talked about nonviolence and the importance of honesty and unity amongst all. “Unity and cooperation at work are possible where there is no competition. Working in unity without a sense of competition does not bear individual failure or success,” Rinpoche said while emphasising on the importance of the BEP. JANUARY 2014

news & issues

CTA Honours Longest Serving Political Prisoner by Wendhe Choetsoe Tibetans in exile honoured Tibet’s longest serving political prisoner Takna Jigme Sangpo. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) organised a talk by Takna Jigme, who served 32 years in prison, on January 23. “He is a shining example of a Tibetan freedom fighter. Through him, I pay my respect to all the former political prisoners and those who are suffering under the Chinese occupation of Tibet,” Sikyong Dr

Lobsang Sangay said. Sikyong Sangay also launched the book Metse Nyongtsor (experience of life), a biography of Takna Jigme. The book launch was attended by Tibetan ministers (Kalon), Tibetan Parliamentarians and leaders of various Tibetan non-governmental organisations. Takna was released on medical parole in 2002. Since his release he has lived in Switzerland.

Sikyong launches Takna Jigme Sangpo’s (2nd from left) biography Photo: scmp.com

Prison for an Activist in China by Mary Trewartha Xu Zhiyong, a prominent legal activist, has been sent to prison for four years. Detained under house arrest since 2009, Xu was finally arrested formally on August 22 last year on the charge of

Supporters with Xu Zhiyong’s photo protest against the court sentence Photo: Vincent Yu/AP Photo

“assembling a crowd to disrupt order in a public place.” His trial ended without a verdict on January 22. During the trial a three-block security cordon was erected around the courthouse; foreign journalists reported being “manhandled, detained, and their equipment broken”, and another was “bundled by thugs and cops while broadcasting live.” According to reports, a number of people were taken away by the police including human rights lawyer Liang Xiaojun, Sichuan activist Chen Yunfei, and Shanghai petitioner Wu Yufen. Beijing-based human rights defenders have also reported that, before the trial, the authorities had begun monitoring and restricting their movements, and alleged that the Beijing Public Security Contact

Bureau instructed its subunits to tighten control of individuals designated as “stability maintenance targets” in order to prevent them from showing up at the trial. Xu’s two lawyers, Zhang Qingfang and Yang Jinzhu, told Human Rights in China (HRIC) that they and Xu remained silent during most of the court hearing to protest the “unjust nature” of the trial. However, in his closing statement Xu said “While on the face of it, this appears to be an issue of the boundary between a citizen’s right to free speech and public order, what this is, in fact, is the issue of whether or not you recognise a citizen’s constitutional rights. On a still deeper level, this is actually an issue of fears you all carry within: fear of a public trial, fear of a citizen’s freedom to observe a trial, fear of my name appearing online, and fear of the free society nearly upon us.” Xu is a supporter of Tibetan rights as well as campaigning for democratic change, free speech, anti-corruption and rule of law in China. In 2003, he co-founded the Open Constitution Initiative (Gongmeng) that advocates the rule of law and greater constitutional protections, and published a report criticising the Chinese government’s policies on Tibet. The report declared that the failed Chinese government policies in Tibet was the cause of the mass protests in Tibet. The Chinese authorities have blamed His Holiness the Dalai Lama for instigating the 8

protests. Xu travelled to north-east Tibet to investigate the spiralling number of self-immolations and subsequently wrote Tibet is Burning for the New York Times, saying in the report,“I am sorry we Han Chinese have been silent as....Tibetans are dying for freedom. We are victims ourselves, living in estrangement, infighting, hatred and destruction. We share this land. It’s our shared home, our shared responsibility, our shared dream - and it will be our shared deliverance”. The International Tibet Network, a global coalition of around 190 Tibet groups, urged the Chinese government to release Xu Zhiyong, and appealed the Chinese leadership to drop all “politically motivated” charges against him. Tibet campaigners also called on world governments to make urgent representations to China’s leaders on Xu’s behalf. The US based rights group Human Rights Watch has called the sentence “a pretext to chill popular protests against corruption.” Brad Adams, Asia Director for the rights group, said the courts “harsh” verdict for a “moderate critic” reflects how little tolerance there is towards dissent in China today. “Xi Jinping has made fighting corruption the linchpin of his presidency, but when an average citizen takes up the same cause, he is sent to prison. This hypocrisy makes a mockery of the president’s anti-corruption campaign.” JANUARY 2014

news & issues

Lha’s 2013 Annual Report Lha Charitable Trust has just released its 2013 annual report. It has been a successful year, thanks to our many generous supporters such as yourself! Lha’s primary goal is to provide meaningful, multi-levelled social services in Dharamshala, in order to help ease the transition for the Tibetan refugee community. On a daily basis Lha serves over 150 people, hosts between 15 to 25 volunteers and provides approximately 20 different kinds of services including language education, computer courses, vocational training, health and environmental education, a community soup kitchen, clean water, medicine, clothing distribution, and a public library. Lha’s services are open to Tibetan refugees as well as the local Indian population and people from the Himalayan regions. We also provide cultural exchanges for international groups and free coordination for volunteers from around the globe. Lha works hard to operate with minimum administrative and program costs, to produce the maximum output. Your donations help us to improve and increase our services and projects. One of the many projects that donations in 2013 contributed

disadvantaged people daily and 168 accommodations have allowed Lha needy people since its inception. to become more self-sufficient and We also organised nine cultural sustainable – our language, computer exchange groups, in collaboration classes and other daily social with international institutions, and a services are now able to continue to total of 120 students participated in be provided regardless of outside this program. On a different note, we funding. However, to keep up with would like to announce that from 2014 onwards the Lha Tibet Fair Trade (LTFT) company will be open for business. LTFT is a registered company undertaken by the Lha Charitable Trust with headquarters in Dharamshala, India. It aims to improve the standards of living for Tibetan refugees in the Lha’s student exchange group from Tulane University Himalayan regions by poses with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on means of helping them September 26, Dharamshala. to generate income while also ensuring that Lha remains an the growing needs of the community economically sustainable organisation and to maintain the operation of our other social services and special in the future. Lha is also proud to announce that projects such as the soup kitchen, Contact Magazine is now registered eye, dental & health care, clean water, under the Registrar Office of the environmental initiatives and Contact Newspaper, Ministry of Information Magazine, we continue to rely on your & Broadcasting Government of generous donations. India. Recognised by Lonely Planet Since Lha’s founding in 1997 and other international we have continued to be inspired travel resources, Contact by the compassion, dedication and has been a very popular, contributions of generous supporters free publication for and thousands of volunteers from Tibetan issues and around the globe. With your generous support we hope community information in Dharamshala for over to continue providing these invaluable 15 years. It is one of the services to the local community, and longest-running Tibetan to engage in many new initiatives in publications in the area the coming year. For more details, Lha installed its 8th filter water system at the Gamru and provides information updated reports and news please visit village school, a local Indian school, on 6th June 2013. for local residents as well our website. to was the installation of five brand as international visitors. Please turn to page 16 for some new water filtration systems in five Starting from January 2014, we will quick facts about Lha’s successes schools, serving around 2000 people also be extending our successful eye- during 2013 and we hope for continued who are now using pure clean water care and dental programs from adults success in 2014! Thank you once for both their drinking and cooking in the community to school children as again for your unwavering support; needs. In addition, donations helped we have found this is a much needed we could not have achieved these support Lha’s soup kitchen to bring area of expansion. things without you, the volunteers, healthy food to those in need. The The donations from volunteers and of course the dedication of the kitchen serves 40-50 financially and exchange groups staying in Lha’s students and the community. Continued on page 16

Contact

JANUARY 2014

news & issues

Tibetan Headlines Jan 28: More Arrests Three Tibetans were arrested on January 18 in Pema County in Tibet’s Golok region for their alleged connection with a self-immolation protest by Tsering, a 20 year old Tibetan monk in November last year at Akyong Monastery. The three arrested were Gelek, Akyong Monastery’s disciplinarian, his younger brother Lhakyab and another Tibetan named Tsekyap. Jan 27: Documentary Awarded A documentary film by Tenzin Tsetan Choklay has won the Young European Jury Award at the 27th International Festival of Audiovisual Programmes which was held this year in France. Bringing Tibet Home is about a Tibetan’s mission to bring Tibet closer to those in exile. Rigdol, a Tibetan artist, brought soil from Tibet on which “Tibetans set foot on their homeland”. Jan 25: Crackdown in Chamdo Chinese authorities have cracked down on a grassroots Tibetan unity campaign in Chamdo’s Damthok and Tsala villages. Police detained about 480 Tibetans found wearing special armbands or carrying photos of the 11th Panchen Lama. The detentions were triggered when police found three Tibetan truck drivers wearing “unity” armbands and in possession of the Panchen Lama’s photos, according to Radio Free Asia. Jan 22: Winter Warmth Kirti Monastery in Dharamshala is distributing free blankets to local Tibetans and Indians in need. The project, an undertaking of the Kirti Charitable Trust, aims to help people in need, including beggars in McLeod Ganj, stay warm in the winter. The monks personally distributed blankets to those who were unable to come to the monastery. Contact

Jan 18: Kagyu Monlam Chenmo The 31st Kagyu Monlam Chenmo (the Great Kagyu Prayer) concluded in Bodhgaya, India. Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje performed the Tsechu Cham for the first time in exile, on Garchen Tsechu, marking the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche. Jan 16: Back in Dhasa Hundreds of people welcomed His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his return to Dharamshala after attending a national seminar on Nagarjuna’s philosophy in

The Dalai Lama at the Nagarjuna caves in Chattisgarh, India Photo: Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

Raipur, Chattisgarh. At the seminar, the Dalai Lama said, “Love and compassion are the only things that a human being should develop to become a good individual.” Jan 15: Writer Released Kunga Tsayang, a Tibetan monk, was released from a Chinese prison in Lanzhou city. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment in November 2009 on the charges of “splitting the nation”. He had written articles on restricted political topics under the pen name Gangnyi. Jan 12: Environmentalists Arrested Two Tibetan environmentalists, Tseten Dhondup, 35, and Zumgah, in his 50s, were arrested by Chinese authorities in September and December 2013 for their involvement in various environmental campaigns in Kham Kyegudo. They 10

were arrested by two head police officers who the local Tibetans allege are corrupt. Jan 10: Delhi Peace March Tibetan Youth Congress, the largest pro-independence Tibetan group in exile, has announced that it will hold a peace march from Dharamshala to Delhi from February 8 to March 10 to mark the 55th Tibetan National Uprising day. Protestors will present five demands to China, including the release of all political prisoners and allowing international media in Tibet. Jan 9: Three People Sentenced On January 2, three Tibetans were sentenced by a Chinese court in Amdo Tsoe city on charges of involvement in self-immolation protests. Dorjee Rabten was sentenced to two years for his alleged connection with Thupwang Kyab’s self-immolation in October 2012. Kalsang Jinpa and Dorjee Tashi were each sentenced to 18 months for their alleged involvement in Sangay Tashi’s self-immolation protest in November 2012. Jan 8: Guwahati Tibet Festival Guwahati in Assam, India will host a five-day “Festival on Tibetan Art and Culture” next month. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is scheduled to bless the festival. “We hope to bring Tibet closer to the minds of the people of the northeast and share the Buddhist culture and tradition” said Mr Karma Yeshi, an organising committee member. Jan 2: Another Monk Sentenced Gendun Gyatso, 48, a monk from Bora Monastry in Labrang, was sentenced to six years in prison on charges of murder on December 11. Police say that he prevented police from extinguishing the fire on the body of Sungdhue Kyab, a Tibetan who immolated himself on December 2. JANUARY 2014

news & issues

International Headlines Jan 27: Family Reunions Plan South Korea has proposed holding the first family reunions in three years for those separated by the Korean War. The reunions are planned for February 17 to 21. The reunion which was scheduled for September last year was cancelled by North Korea, who cited hostility from the South as the reason for the cancellation. Millions of Koreans have been separated since the war ended with an armistice treaty. Jan 26: Republic Day Celebration India celebrated its 65th Republic Day amidst tight security. More than 20,000

armed personnel were deployed in the capital, Delhi. Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the parade. Jan 24: East China Sea Row China has dispatched another air force patrol to monitor its controversial air defence zone in the East China Sea, two days after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told the world to stand up to China or face consequences. China has repeatedly dispatched patrols to monitor the islands there that are claimed by both countries. Jan 17: “Seeds of Genocide” A senior UN official has warned of the risk of genocide in the Central African Republic unless there is a more robust international response to communal bloodshed. Over 1,000 people were killed last month alone and more than a million people have been displaced after a predominantly Muslim rebel coalition, Seleka, seized power. Jan 16: EU Treaties Reform Britain has told its EU partners to bring Contact

reform into its treaties or it would quit. Finance Minister George Osborne said, “If we cannot protect the collective interests of non-euro zone member states then they will have to choose between joining the Euro, which the UK will not do, or leaving the EU.” Jan 15: Bomb Attacks At least 58 people were killed and another 94 wounded as half a dozen car bombs and a suicide bomber caused explosions in Iraq cities. The violence came amidst the standoff between Iraqi police, Sunni tribesmen and al-Qaeda linked fighters. Jan 14: Voting for Change Egypt has started voting for a new constitution in a two-day referendum, amid tight security, hoping this will pave the way for fresh elections following Morsi’s overthrow. The Muslim Brotherhood has called for a boycott, and over 200,000 police officers, 150 central security units and 200 combat groups are being deployed around polling stations. Jan 13: Polio Free India In celebration of its public health policy, India is marking three years since the last reported case of polio. Only one case was recorded in 2011, as compared to 741 in 2009. However, Pakistan and Afghanistan still condemn mass immunisation. Polio still prevails in Nigeria and Chad. Jan 12: EU, Iran N-deal The Iranian Foreign Ministry and the EU have confirmed that an interim agreement with the six world powers to curb Iran’s nuclear programme will come into effect on January 20. Catherine Ashton, EU’s Foreign Policy Chief said the two sides have approached the UN to verify the deal’s implementation. Jan 10: Fishing Restrictions The US has criticised China’s new fishing restrictions in disputed waters in the South China Sea. The restrictions

require foreign fishing vessels to obtain approval before entering the area. In recent years, fishermen from Vietnam and the Philippines have been involved in territorial disputes with China over the ocean. Jan 9: Euthanasia for Children Belgium is divided on the child euthanasia bill for children with “constant and unbearable physical suffering”. Under the draft bill, children must understand what euthanasia is, and their parents and medical teams have to approve the child’s request to die. Belgium legalised adult euthanasia in 2002. Jan 7: Consulate Fire China has urged the US to pursue charges against Yan Feng, who has admitted to setting fire to the Chinese consulate building in San Francisco. No

Damaged front of the Chinese consulate Photo: reuters

one was hurt and there was no major damage. The US said it is treating the case as “a criminal matter and there are no indications that it was motivated by terrorism [or] politics”. Jan 2: Italy Rescues Migrants 233 migrants from several African countries and Pakistan were rescued by the Italian Navy from the Mediterranean Sea. Greek Coastguards also rescued over 85 migrants in the Aegean Sea. Over 31,000 migrants have entered the EU illegally through the Mediterranean. JANUARY 2014

around town

Charities and Organisations

Central Tibetan Administration

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

The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)

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

Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)

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

Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA)

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

Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

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

Contact

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

Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)

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

Delek Hospital

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

Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society

The society was established in 1999 to provide educational and administrative guidance to all Tibetan schools in remote areas of India and Bhutan that do not fall under the guidance of Tibetan Childrens Village. Today there are 12 schools under this organisation. WEB: www.sambhota.org LOCATION: Session Rd, Dharamshala176215 PHONE: 01892 - 228877 | 226877 EMAIL: stsa1999@yahoo.co.in

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: 01892-223113 / 223930 EMAIL: jamyang@tong-len.org

Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)

SFT is an international ngo that promotes the Tibetan cause among the non-Tibetan community. The organisation attempts to build international solidarity by advocating for a free Tibet through chapter organisations at Universities around the world. WEB:www.sftindia.org, www.studentsforafreetibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - 176219 PHONE: 01892-220589

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

Lha Charitable Trust (Lha)

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

The Kangra Distt. Red Cross Society

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

Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet

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

Tibet Charity

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

JANUARY 2014

around town

Charities and Organisations

Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA)

Established in 1959, under the vision of HH the Dalai Lama, TIPA strives to preserve and promote Tibetan theatrical tradition. The insitute imparts comprehensive training and lesson 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

KUNPHEN Centre for Substance Dependence HIV/AIDS&HRD

KUNPHEN is an Open door Policy drop in Centre providing support, advice, advocacy, counseling, group and alternative healing therapies to those in the Tibetan community suffering from addiction issues. Volunteers needed to carry out action plans. WEB: www.kunphen.org LOCATION: Near Delek Clinic, Bagsunag road, P.O Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala 176219 PHONE: 01892-220565 / 985716806 EMAIL: kunphen@mail.com

Tibetan Centre Resolution (TCCR)

for

Conflict

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: tccroffice@yahoo.com

Rogpa Baby Care Centre

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

Gamru Village School

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

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 Center are part of the Clean Upper Daramsala Project. Weekly guided tours are offered on Wednesdays at 3 pm. WEB: www.tsodhasa.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd., McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - 176219 PHONE: 01892-221059 EMAIL: office@tsodhasa.org

Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage)

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

Women’s Team

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

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 for volunteers. WEB: www.anec.org.in LOCATION: No. 262, 1st floor, Khajanchi -Mohalla, Khunyara Rd, Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 981-632-7158 / 867-990-4767 EMAIL: tcsamkhar@gmail.com, executive_directoranec@yahoo.com

National Democratic Party of Tibet

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

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 (Rs330) Semi Deluxe Bus: 6pm (Rs355) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8pm (Rs1035) AC TATA: 8:30pm (Rs840) Amritsar: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am (Rs165) *from Dharamshala Dehradun: Ordinary Bus: 9pm; AC Deluxe: 5:30pm Manali: Ordinary Bus: 5:40pm, 8:40pm *from Dharamshala Pathankot: Ordinary Bus: 11am, 12:10pm, 12:30pm, 2:10pm, 3:50pm, 5pm(Rs75) Shimla: Ordinary Bus: 5am, 5:30am, 6am, 8am, noon and 4:55pm (Rs235)*from 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-6pm, daily Phone: 224903 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 Rs10.

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, Mon-Sat; 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, 232324 Bhagsu Taxi Union: 01892-221034 Tourism Office: 01892-23107 Rail Booking & Enquiry: 01892-265026

Contact

The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)

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

JANUARY 2014

activities and tourist info Upcoming Events Mar 2: Losar - Tibetan New Year Mar 10: Tibetan National Uprising Day Mar 12: Tibetan Women’s Uprising Day Mar 16: Cho-trul Duechen Day of Offering and Great Prayer

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

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

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

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

Om Yoga Center

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

Nature Cure Health Club

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

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

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

Traditional Thai Massage

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

Contact

MEDITATION

LANGUAGES

Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre

Tibetan Language Prgram

Tushita Meditation Center

Rita Thakur Hindi Classes

WEB: www.omyogaindia.com LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Road PHONE: 980-569-3514 EMAIL: om.yoga@ymail.com WEB: www.tushita.info LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:30-11:30am PHONE: 0898-816-0988 EMAIL: spc@tushita.info

Vipassana Meditation

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

Rishi Yoga & Meditation Center WEB: www.rishiyogaindia.com LOCATION: Tokyo House, Mcleod Ganj PHONE: 09816565138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@yahoo.co.in

School of Life and Spirituality

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

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

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

Indian Cooking Classes

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

Lhamo’s Kitchen: Tibetan Cooking Classes

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

Nisha’s Indian Cooking Class

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

Sangye’s Kitchen: Traditional Tibetan Cooking Classes

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

LOCATION: Thosamling Institute, Sidhpur HOURS: Registration open PHONE: 9882455065 Taxi shuttle available - See ad on pg 15 LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Rd, beside the Korean Restaurant PHONE: 981-649-4732

Hindi Lessons with Sunil

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

Tibetan Language

LOCATION: The Tibetan Library See Buddhist Philosophy Listing

Hindi Lessons with Kailash

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

Tibetan with Pema Youdon

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

Esukhia Online Tibetan Courses and Tibetan Immersion Spoken

Location: Esukhia Office,Tilak Ray Building, Bhagsu Road, Dharamshala WEB: www.esukhia.org PHONE: 8679502538 / 9882004965 EMAIL: contact@esukhia.org

ART & MUSeums Tibet Museum

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

Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression

LOCATION: Gu-Chu-Sum hall on Jogiwara Rd, next to the Lung-ta Japanese Restaurant 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: 10:00am-1:00pm & 2:00pm-5:00pm

Naam Art Gallery

LOCATION: Main Road Sidhbari Dharamshala PHONE: 9816043708

Form Gallery

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

JANUARY 2014

activities & services HEALTH SERVICES

Language and Computer Classes at Lha

Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Dr Natasha Mehra

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

Dr. Sant Marwah Clinic

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

Lha’s various language classes and computer classes are growing everyday. Our classrooms are packed with students of all ages. Since schools are on winter break more students have joined different classes at Lha.

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

Maanav Health Clinic

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

Men-Tsee-Khang

LOCATION: Between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-226138 / 223113 EMAIL: info@mentsekhang.org

Our English Beginner’s class

A peek into the English Advance class

Students of Chinese language class engaged in a learning activity

Young students practice what they learn in the Computer class

Primary Health Centre

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

Nature Cure Health Club

LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House-Map #10 HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm PHONE: : 94181-30119 / 97363-33888 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com

Tibetan Delek Hospital

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

Tibetan Language Program 2014 3 month crash course

8 week intermediate course

– only a few places available still

19 May – 18 July, 5 days/week, total 5 hrs a day. Main focus is on improving colloquial Tibetan; we are also looking at the first stages of developing literary Tibetan skills using simple texts. Private time with teachers is available. (Schedule will be adjusted to accommodate His Holiness the Dalai Lamaʼs Kalachakra teachings in Leh).

THÖSAMLING INSTITUTE For International Buddhist Women

8 week Dharma language course 4 August – 26 September 5 days/week, total 5 hrs a day.

Regis for all ctroation is now ouprses en

6 week Intermediate Literary Tibetan with Prof. William Magee

(UMA Institute for Tibetan Studies; Go-mang Translation Project)

For people coming from McLeod Ganj, daily transport can be arranged.

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

JANUARY 2014

news and issues Continued from page 9

Lha’s 2013 Annual Report

IMPORTANT INITIATIVES IN 2013 • 3120 students attended language classes on a monthly basis • 806 new students enrolled for language classes • 234 students attended Beginner and Intermediate computer classes • Over 1766 free articles of clothing were distributed to both the Tibetan and local Indian communities • 40-50 financially disadvantaged people ate daily at the Lha community kitchen, which provides clean water and nutritious meals. • 108 Tibetan refugees received free eye examinations, and 80 were provided with free glasses • Organised a mass clean-up program in Mcleod Ganj alongside the Tibetan Settlement office • Provided recommendation letters for 204 students. The Indian Government requires letters from an educational institution as proof from newly arrived refugees that have registered as relocating to India for educational opportunities • Worked with 619 new volunteers, who donated their valuable time and energy • Organised Cultural Exchange Programs for 9 University and High School Groups from the USA, France

and Mexico, with 120 participants • Held free acupuncture treatment at Jampaling elder peoples home • Organised massage therapy training • 8400 free copies of Contact

Meals being served at Lha Soup Kitchen Photo: Lha

Magazine distributed and published (700-1000 copies published every month). • Installation of five brand new water filtration systems in five schools, serving around 2000 people with pure clean water for both their drinking and cooking needs. QUICK FACTS FROM 2003 TO 2013 • Over 5,807 volunteers from 40 different countries have contributed to Lha’s work. • Approximately 909 students from international education institutes

participated in the organised cultural exchange program • 33,000 free books were distributed to Tibetan and local Indian schools and libraries • More than 30,779 articles of clothing were collected and distributed through the donation center • 9,525 students have benefited from our language courses • 2,556 students have benefited from our computer and IT workshops • 296 free eye check-ups and glasses provided for more than 226 people • 169 people have graduated from Lha’s massage course • 67 people have graduated from Lha’s photography course • The Lha Community Soup Kitchen has fed between 40-50 financially disadvantaged people daily, and 168 have benefited since its opening in July, 2011 • Installation of nine brand new water filtration systems in nine schools, serving around 4000 people with pure clean water for both their drinking and cooking needs. • Provided recommendation letters for 368 students. The Indian Government requires letters from an educational institution as proof from newly arrived refugees that have registered as relocating to India for educational opportunities.

Tibetan Man Tortured Sources in Nepal, speaking on condition of anonymity, have told Radio Free Asia (RFA) that Norgay, a day labourer from Dingri county in the Shigatse prefecture, was detained in Lhasa on Jan 14 following a random police check which revealed that he had photos and audio recordings of speeches by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his mobile phone. “Police found audio teachings and pictures of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Norgyay’s mobile handset, and he was detained,” RFA reported, Contact

Photos and recordings of the Dalai Lama are banned in Tibet Photo: Contact/Lha

citing a source with close contacts in the region. “The audio content was of the recent teachings by His Holiness in South India,” the source told RFA, and added ,“Chinese police warned him to sever all connections with outside contacts”. Norgay is being held at a detention centre near Lhasa’s Ramoche neighbourhood. Photos and recordings of the Dalai Lama are banned in Tibet and this ban has led to the imprisonment of many Tibetans in past years. JANUARY 2014