Contact July 2013 by Lha Charitable Trust

འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་དུས་དེབ།

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31 July 2013 Volume: XV Issue: 7

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

Young Monk Brings Self-Immolations Toll to 120

Kunchok Sonam, an 18 year-old monk from the Zoege Monastery, died after a selfimmolation protest in the Ngaba prefecture, in Sichuan province in eastern Tibet. On July 20, at around 8:30 in the morning, Kunchok Sonam set himself on fire. With his hands clasped in a praying gesture, Kunchok shouted slogans, a local resident said. Apparently, monks and local Tibetans held a prayer service for the deceased at Tashi Thekchokling Monastery on the very same day. Local police arrived, and surrounded the monastery immediately after the incident. The police pressured the monks to hand over the body, but failed to take the body due to the presence of a large number of Tibetans. Following the incident, more than a dozen Tibetans were arbitrarily detained. According to sources, Kunchok’s mother, his teacher and relatives were released after a day’s detention but the condition and whereabouts of six other detainees remain unknown. Konchok Sonam was born in Soktsang village in Thangkor township in Dzoege County to parents Sonam Palden and Lentrug. This latest incident has increased to 120 the total number of selfimmolations.

Tibetans Shot at Prayer Service for Dalai Lama’s Birthday in Tibet by Wendhe Choetsoe On July 6, and despite severe restrictions, many Tibetans in Tibet marked the 78th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Birthday celebrations were reported in various Tibetan areas such as the Tawu, Kardze and Drakgo region of Kham; and Golok, Tawo, Labrang, Chabcha, and Kumbum in the Amdo region of Tibet. In Chabcha and Kumbum, and others, people quietly “marked the Dalai Lama’s birthday in their homes, wary that any public celebration could endanger a tentative softening by Chinese authorities”, wrote Sui-Lee Wee on Reuters.

Tibetans offer Khatak “white scarves” to a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his birthday in Tawu, Tibet

Hundreds of Tibetans, including laypeople, monks from Nyitso monastery and nuns from Geden Choeling nunnery, gathered in the early morning of July 6 to hold a prayer service and sangsol, an incense offering ceremony, on a sacred hill in Tawu, in Kardze county. Vehicle loads of armed police arrived at the scene and attempted to stop the celebration. Some of the Tibetans there questioned the police about the legality of their actions, saying that burning incense was not a crime. Police opened fire without warning on the unarmed crowd

and used teargas, according to several Tibetan sources. At least ten Tibetans have sustained serious gunshot wounds and are in a critical condition, and many more were injured. Graphic images received by the Tibetan exile community show a monk, identified as Tashi Sonam, with a severe head wound and other gunshot wounds. “Many others have been injured after paramilitary forces from People’s Armed Police lobbed teargas shells and beat them”, the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) reported. TCHRD said that 18 Tibetans were detained after the incident, of whom 14 have sustained gunshot wounds and are receiving treatment. There is no death reported yet although the injured are not out of danger. Defying threats from the local authorities, Tibetans offered prayers in front of a large portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Lithang monastery in Kardze county, and displayed a huge banner reading “Celebration of the 78th

Armed police stop Tibetans from reaching the celebration venue in Tawu Photo: tchrd.org

birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Nobel Peace Laureate”. The Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Continued on page 5

about lha & contact

Lha Charitable Trust

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

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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

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

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Contact Magazine is a free monthly publication of Lha Charitable Trust. It contains Tibetan issues, international news and local information that aspires to bring the West and East together in a meaningful and beneficial way. 700 - 1,000 copies are printed per issue and distributed in the greater Dharamsala area and (in the future) in Delhi, Rishikesh, Manali, Goa, and various diplomatic missions to India. Contact keeps readers up-to-date on current issues and events, and provides networking, education and volunteer opportunities, as well as social services information. Contact staff and contributors hope you will enjoy and benefit from our modest efforts to build a community through communication. May peace and love prevail! Guidelines for submission: Contact welcomes submissions of articles, news and photography. We also gladly accept information about upcoming events, volunteer work and special projects. All material intended for publication in Contact must be submitted by the 20th of each month. Your letter may not be printed if it is unsigned, illegible, slanderous or malicious. We reserve the right to edit submissions for spelling, grammar and length. Send your material via email to editor@contactmagazine.net Please Note: The articles, stories and other material in Contact represent the views of the authors and not necessarily the views of the Contact editing staff or Lha Social Work.

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འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་དུས་དེབ། Contact Magazine Managing Director Ngawang Rabgyal Editor-in-Chief Jenny James Editor Dukthen Kyi Sub Editor Tenzin Younten Assistant Editor Palden Choedon 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: facebook.com/contactnews Twitter: contactlha Printed at Imperial Printing, Dharamsala Phone: 222390

Lha’s Student Exchange Groups During July, Lha hosted three student groups, one from Rustic Pathways Inn (picture below) and the other two from Lifeworks International. The Rustic Pathway group participated in the mutual learning program from July 19-22. The groups from Lifeworks International also took part in the various activities of Lha. We paired the groups with our Tibetan students for one-on-one English conversation skills practice, and to enable our group from abroad to get a meaningful experience connecting with local Tibetan refugees from this mutual learning program. This is a great way for international exchange students to learn more about Dharamsala and the Tibetan way of life. It is a mutually beneficial relationship which fosters a deeper cultural

understanding, with the Tibetans’ unique stories of their life in exile; life in Tibet under Chinese atrocities and their experience fleeing from Tibet. Leaving behind their loved ones is always heart breaking and never easy, but the Tibetan skill of resilience ensures their survival in exile. Besides the mutual learning program they also took part in different lectures by influential people on various Tibetan issues. The international exchange students will learn about Tibetan culture, the political situation in Tibet, and what life is like for a refugee.

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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 Magazine

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. 3

RECEPTION & ORIENTATION Our services help smooth your arrival in Delhi, and your onward travel to Dharamsala, 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 JULY 2013

news & issues

The Dalai Lama’s 78th Birthday Celebrations by Olivia Nicolaus Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, who Gyalwang Karmapa Rinpoche and July 6 was the birthday of His was also present at the celebration, top members of the Central Tibetan Holiness the 14th Dalai Administration joined Lama, and Tibetans throngs of Tibetans and other supporters and well-wishers to celebrated his birthday observe cultural songs in Tibetan settlements and dances at the across India and in cities Dalai Lama’s temple around the world. in McLeod Ganj, The official ceremony Tsuklakhang. for the birthday In Delhi, hundreds celebration was held in of Tibetans gathered at Bylakuppe, Karnataka the Tibetan Children’s in South India. Eminent Village day school at the leaders of various Samyeling settlement. His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the public at his 78th birthday religions and top Indian Around the world, celebration in Karnataka, India government officials, large receptions and Photo: tibet.net including the Chief celebrations took Ministers of Karnataka and Arunachal reiterated “the Central Tibetan place in Japan, Belgium, Korea, US, Pradesh, joined the celebration. Administration’s firm commitment to Australia, Taiwan, UK, Switzerland, Thousands of people gathered in the Middle Way Approach in resolving France and various locations across Bylakuppe to celebrate the day. The the Tibet issue”. South Africa. Dalai Lama, in his address to the public, Birthday celebrations also took His Holiness was born to a peasant said that the best gift for him would place in the Dalai Lama’s current family in Taktse, Kumbum in Northern be for everyone to be warmhearted. home of Dharamsala. The 17th Tibet in 1935.

Bodh Gaya Bomb Blasts by Catherina Leipold In the early morning of July 7, the peace of the 1,500-year-old Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO world heritage site, in Bodh Gaya, India, was shattered by a series of bomb blasts. Nine blasts in half an hour targeted the Mahabodhi Temple and the Tergar Monastery which is the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa’s residence, in the sacred town of Bodh Gaya. Two monks were injured and temple properties were damaged, but the structure of the temple and the Bodhi tree remained unscathed. Responses came in following the bombing in Bodh Gaya. His Holiness the Dalai Lama called the attacks “very sad”, and said that it could be an act of a “few individuals….and shouldn’t be considered something serious”. The Karmapa said the incident was “senseless violence” and asked everyone to remain calm to prevent any further escalation of violence. Contact Magazine

The Tibetan religious leader said “This is the place where Buddhist pilgrims from India and the world over pay homage to Lord Buddha and

Sikyong at the Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodh Gaya on 16 July Photo: tibet.net

his teachings” and offered prayers to the victims and their families, saying that the best response to the attacks is to uphold Lord Buddha’s teachings on love and ahimsa. Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay has also expressed his condolences in a public statement. On July 16, Sikyong 4

visited the site to offer sympathies and condolences. He also visited the two injured monks. As a mark of solidarity by all Tibetans, Sikyong donated Rs 100,000 to the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said “Our composite culture and traditions teach us respect for all religions and such attacks on religious places will never be tolerated”. The Indian government has termed the explosions “terror attacks” and has increased security at Buddhist shrines, Buddhist places of worship and Tibetan settlements. Five people, including a woman, were detained in Patna and Gaya in connection with the bombings. They are identified as Gunjan Patel, Hasan Malik, Anand Prakash, Priyanka and Dashrath Yadav. Chandan Kushwaha, a police official from Gaya district, confirmed the arrest of suspect Vinod Mishtri, who was detained on July 7. JULY 2013

news & issues

His Holiness Reaches Out by Eric Goh way the Communist Party treats every of Chinese scholars in Beijing persist His Holiness the Dalai Lama is cultural and religious problem in in the view that the issue will be solved reaching out to Chinese scholars Tibet as subversive is making things when the Dalai Lama dies, focussing with his recent teachings and worse. She called for an immediate the blame for fueling the “Tibetan conferences. Last month, he met up recommencement of talks with the issue” on to His Holiness. with Chinese scholars and friends Dalai Lama’s representatives. In March, the Xinhua News Agency while he was attending the accused the Central Tibetan forum on Happiness and its Administration and the Dalai Causes in Australia, and has Lama of encouraging selfalso participated in a friendly immolations. Within the same conversation with Chinese period, Zhang Dongsheng, scholars during his visit to deputy director of the Sichuan Madison, USA, in May. People’s Congress said, “So His Holiness has remarked I wonder how they learnt to that there has been an increasing do it. The Dalai clique taught number of Chinese visitors to them, for sure.” Dharamsala and that some of In response to these these visitors have connections allegations, Sikyong Lobsang with senior Communist party Sangay said, “We once again The Dalai Lama with Chinese friends and scholars in leaders. He said, “These are invite the Chinese authorities Melbourne, Australia on June 20 very, very encouraging signs.” to Dharamsala to prove their Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL Sikyong Lobsang Sangay said allegations of our alleged role that the Dalai Lama’s outreach in the self-immolation[s].” The to Chinese students and scholars is There has been speculation that New York Times also reported that shaping their attitudes towards Tibet. Jin’s remarks show that there is “Despite the accusations, Chinese Jin Wei, the director of ethnic and discussion about Tibet policy in China. officials have never provided evidence religious studies at the Central Party However, public criticism of the of any connection between the acts School in Beijing, publicly said in Chinese leadership’s handling of the and the Dalai Lama or other Tibetan an interview in Asia Weekly that the Tibetan issue is rare, and the majority leaders in exile.”

Tibetans Shot at Prayer Service for Dalai Lama’s Birthday in Tibet Continued from page 1 based in Dharamsala, condemned China’s use of lethal force on unarmed Tibetans. In its statement, the Tibetan Parliament said that the indiscriminate firing by Chinese police on Tibetans holding a prayer service “is an extremely brutal and inhuman act” while urging “governments to condemn such human rights violations committed by the Chinese government in Tibet”. TCHRD, which has been keeping a close watch on the incident has released more details. When Chinese armed police stopped the ceremony at Tawu, the Tibetans moved to another nearby venue and held prayers and made offerings in front of a portrait of the Dalai Lama. TCHRD later identified more of Contact Magazine

the injured Tibetans, including Yama Tsering, 72, who was “severely beaten and got four of his ribs broken.” Dekyi Gonpo has reportedly become deaf in one ear due to the beatings while Ngawang, a former administrator at Nyatso Monastery, layman Tamka Choeden, and school student Palden Wangmo have been injured in police beatings. Armed police also took Palden Wangmo’s gold earrings and wristwatch which had not been returned to her. Ugyen Tashi, a layman, received eight bullet shots and both he and Tashi Sonam, who was shot in the head, are reported to be in a critical condition and are undergoing treatment. Gyaltsen, a Tibetan environmental activist, was also severely beaten and 5

two of his ribs broken and Tsewang Choephel, a senior monk and administrator at Nyatso Monastery was shot multiple times on his hands and legs and remains in a critical condition. Later in the evening, over 3,000 local Tibetans reportedly gathered at Nyatso Monastery, demanding the release of those detained earlier that day and threatening non-violent direct actions such as withdrawal of their children from Chinese government-run schools, boycotting farming, and blocking all traffic movement in Tawu. TCHRD has reported that the Chinese authorities released the detained Tibetans at around midnight on July 7. JULY 2013

news & issues

China’s Heavy-handed Sentencing by Zalina Gamat A Chinese court in Siling, eastern Tibet has dealt harshly with three Tibetans connected with the rising wave of self-immolation protests inside Tibet. The court sentenced Doptrug, 51, to ten years imprisonment, Ugyen Dorjee, 40, to 21 months, and Choekyab to 18 months. The three took part in a protest last December demanding the body of Lobsang Gendun, a 29 year-old monk of the Penag Kadak Troedreling Monastery in the Seley Thang region, who set himself on fire on December 3 last year in protest over China’s continued occupation of Tibet. China has declared the selfimmolation protests “criminal” and has sentenced several people to imprisonment on charges of “intentional homicide”. Tibetans have been barred from offering prayers or showing any form of solidarity with the families

of self-immolators. There have been threats to cancel development funds in villages where self-immolations have taken place.

Tsultrim Kalsang, 25, a monk from Dzatoe County, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Photo: tchrd.org

Earlier this month, on July 12, Tsultrim Kalsang, a 25 year-old monk from Nyatso Zilkar monastery in Dzatoe County of Tridu region was sentenced to ten years imprisonment by an Intermediate People’s Court in Siling city for “intentional homicide”.

Tsultrim Kalsang had been detained earlier on September 1, 2012 in a major raid in which sixty vehicles with armed Chinese police had entered the monastery and confiscated computers and CDs, and arrested Kalsang along with four other monks. In January, a 40 year-old monk Lobsang Konchok, from Ngaba Kirti monastery was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve, and Lobsang Tsering, 31, to ten years imprisonment on similar charges. Such heavy-handed sentences by the Chinese authorities have evoked protests by various governments and human rights groups, including the New York based Human Rights Watch, which said the prosecutions were “utterly without credibility” and stated that the these “incitement” cases by the Chinese government was “compounding the tragedy” of the selfimmolation protests.

China Denies a Reversal of Policy by Alfredo Aguirre denied any reversal of its policy the Dalai Lama and the display of his Monks at the Gaden monastery in regarding the Dalai Lama, saying there image has not changed. The statement Tibet’s capital Lhasa, and in areas of had been “no policy change.” The said “[w]e clearly announce that there Kardze, were informed in June that government maintained that China’s is no change in the policy of the CCP they can now display pictures of [Chinese Communist Party] and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Government toward the 14th Dalai According to reports received [sic]” and that rumours of change in the exile community, the 17were “only exaggeration”, spread year ban on portraits of the Tibetan by those who “intend to ruin the spiritual leader had been lifted development and security of the and the Chinese government was Tibetan area”. allowing the display of the Dalai The statement was distributed by Lama’s image in certain Tibetan an SMS text message system used areas of Amdo and Kham, and by the Propaganda Committee. It allowing worship of him as a is not clear how many residents of religious, but not political, leader. A large portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama the area received the message. Beijing authorities have been publicly displayed in Serthar County in Kardze, On July 18 China announced on October 1, 2011. careful not to give any written more stringent measures to Photo: woeser.middle-way.net endorsements of their policy to the crackdown on what it calls “illegal Tibetan monasteries. According publications” and “reactionary to analysts, Chinese authorities are policy towards the Dalai Lama, promotional products”. uncertain of the outcome or response considered by Beijing a “splittist,” China deems publications on to their new approach to the issue of was “consistent and clear”. the Dalai Lama, the exile Tibetan the Dalai Lama’s image. On June 28, Chinese authorities in administration, the Tibetan freedom Soon after the news broke of this Qinghai Province sent a text message to struggle and literature on human rights shift in Chinese policy, China’s State Tibetan residents with mobile phones as “illegal” and “reactionary.” Administration for Religious Affairs to say that the regime’s policy towards Contact Magazine

JULY 2013

news & issues

“They Say We Should Be Grateful” by Dave Wood A new Human Rights Watch (HRW) report has condemned the continued Chinese state policy of mass rehousing and relocation in Tibet which, to date, has caused the resettlement of more than two million Tibetans. Whilst Chinese authorities claim that all relocation is performed in

Cover picture of the Human Rights Watch report “They Say We Should Be Grateful” Photo: Human Rights Watch

accordance with “the will of the Tibetan farmers and herders”, the report suggests that a significant

majority were either never consulted, or were not offered any viable alternatives. HRW questions the admissions of some Tibetans who say they willingly chose to move. One interviewee stated that “no one here would think of complaining to the authorities”. The document also reports convictions handed out as a result of protests against relocation, saying that “opposing resettlement was akin to breaking the law”. An example was given from July 2012 when Pulten Tsang and Gyurko Tsamtsang, two men from Sichuan province, were given four and three years imprisonment respectively after being convicted of staging a protest against relocation. The problems do not end with relocation. Many Tibetan families are forced into “Comfortable Housing Loans”, which can lead to massive debt. The houses themselves have often proved unsuitable and unsafe,

with some of the Government’s own sources pointing to serious problems leaving residents at risk of landslides, flooding or total building collapse. Robert Barnett, director of Modern Tibetan Studies at Columbia University, states that “the cultural cost of disrupting this nomadic life is hard to measure but the price is high”. The problem is attempting to measure cultural loss versus the easily measurable financial and general economic gain claimed by the Chinese government. TCHRD points to the inability to protest as being one of the greatest obstacles facing Tibetans, saying “addressing these legitimate grievances peacefully should be the priority to ensure true harmony and stability in Tibet”. In centring this report around those affected, HRW has given them a platform upon which to voice their grievances in the hope that, this time, the world will stand up and take notice.

Sikyong’s Tour of Karnataka and Uttarakhand by Palden Choedon Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, toured Tibetan settlements in Karnataka and Uttarakhand from July 6 – 14. After attending His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday celebrations in Bylakuppe, Sikyong launched “Dikyi Khangsar”, the Federation of Tibetan Cooperatives (FTCI) new building. The Karnataka Government has given land to FTCI on a long term lease for the construction of an office and staff quarters. Sikyong then travelled to visit Tibetan settlements in the floodravaged state of Uttarakhand. Speaking to students at the Tibetan Homes Foundation and Central School for Tibetans in Mussoorie, he urged them to excel in their studies, adding that nothing is impossible if they have the determination and enthusiasm to study hard. Contact Magazine

Travelling to Dehradun, Dr Sangay addressed Tibetans living in Tsering Dhonden, and the Dhondupling Tibetan Settlement at Clement-town, and later visited Tibetan Children’s Village school at Selakui near Dehradun. He also visited Sakya Monastery and Ngoenga School for Tibetan Children with Special Needs, and met elderly people at the old peoples’ home at Rajpur. Tibetan groups and monastic institutions in Uttarakhand had joined in the relief efforts, setting up a camp at the Dehradun Airport, to provide basic amenities to the injured upon their arrival at the base camp there. Local Tibetan monasteries raised Rs400,000 towards the relief and rescue fund. The Doon Tibetan community held a prayer service and lit hundreds of butter lamps to pay homage to victims of the catastrophe. Sikyong met the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Vijay Bahuguna, and 7

conveyed messages of sympathy and support from the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration. He handed over donations for the relief mission of Rs 300,000 from

Sikyong addressing students of the Tibetan Homes Foundation, Mussoorie Photo: tibet.net

the Central Tibetan Administration, and Rs 238,201 from the Tibetan community in Dharamsala. Sikyong sought support from the Chief Minister for some problems faced by the Tibetan community in the state. The Chief Minister gave his assurance that he would give his best possible support. JULY 2013

news & issues

Chinese Gang Attacks Tibetans Over Land Dispute by Wendhe Choetsoe Over a dozen Tibetans were seriously injured after a violent clash with up to 100 Chinese thugs. The Chinese gang

the two villages has seen many quarrels but this attack is amongst the most serious of the clashes. “There were about 33 Tibetans at the post at the time of the attack,” said Arik Gyurmey, a Tibetan in Dharamsala citing contacts in the region. At least 17 Tibetans were seriously wounded. “Rabten, the head

Another unidentified Tibetan wounded in the attack Photo: rfa.org

An unidentified Tibetan injured in the attack Photo: phayul.com

attacked with sharp weapons, batons and stones over a land dispute in a village in Tibet’s Amdo region. The incident occurred on July 17 in Dola County’s Arik Dragkar village in Qinghai province, which borders the Chinese township of Tsomen in Menli County (Gansu province). Allegedly the Chinese residents in Tsomen hired a mob that launched a surprise raid on a Tibetan security post in the village, which was manned by Tibetans living in tents. For decades the land dispute between

they promised to ease up the situation and to protect local Tibetans.”

Rabten, the head of Dragkar village, who suffered broken legs and arms in the attack Photo: phayul.com

of Dragkar village, has both the legs and arms broken”, he said. Others have suffered serious injuries to their head and legs and are undergoing treatment at Menli hospitals. Gyurmey continued: “Several officials and police from Dola and Menli counties later arrived at the scene and

“Arik Dragkar is part of the traditional province of Amdo in Tibet. [It] has been locked in a long-standing land dispute with hundreds of Tibetan families, who maintain that the Han Chinese of Tsomen village have illegally tried to grab their land,” Gyurmey added. Tibetan residents in Qinghai have long been engulfed in land disputes amid allegations that in some cases the Chinese authorities have been seizing their land and giving it to new Chinese migrants.

Demotion for Popular Communist Party Chief by James Thomas A popular Communist Party chief has been demoted after five selfimmolations this year in Dzoege county in Sichuan province where he was stationed. Local opinion however suggests he was moved because of his rising popularity. Tenzin Yarphel, the ruling county party secretary in Dzoege (in Chinese: Ruo’ergai) county, situated in the Ngaba (Aba) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, was moved to a low-ranking position within the Environment Agency on June 8. An anonymous source told the Radio Free Asia website: “The authorities did not like his popularity with the local community and the approval of a special religious congregation. Therefore he was transferred to the Contact Magazine

prefecture’s headquarters in Barkham (in Chinese Ma’erkang) county.” He added: “Tenzin Yarphel was very popular in Dzoege as he was

Tenzin Yarphel in an undated photo Photo: rfa.org

very responsive to the problems of the community.” However in the last year there have been five self-immolations in Dzoege county, including a “twin burnings”, 8

and the controversial case of Kunchok Wangmo, 31, a Tibetan woman who burned herself to death in March. This is the official reason for his removal from office. Apparently the Chinese police tried to cover up Kunchok Wangmo’s story and blamed the incident on a domestic dispute, contradicting eyewitness accounts stating that she had “sacrificed her life for the Tibetans”. After she had torched herself, the authorities allegedly offered her family 1 million yuan (U.S. $163,000) if they cooperated with the “official story”. The parents and husband refused, leaving the husband imprisoned, still, it is believed, to this day. Tragically, 120 Tibetans have selfimmolated in protest over Chinese rule since early 2009. JULY 2013

news & issues

Propaganda Veto by James Thomas China has vowed to intensify the crackdown on “pro-Tibetan propaganda” according to reports published by the state-run Xinhua News Agency. Li Changjiang, a senior official from the National Anti-Pornography & Anti-Illegal Publications Office was quoted saying: “Sharing information and investigating cases will be part of joint prevention and control efforts among multiple provincial departments.” Mr Li also stated that the

authorities will focus their efforts on books, newspapers, magazines

China tightens publications ban Photo: thetibetpost.com

and promotional leaflets, audio and visual products alongside radio and

TV, electronic publications as well as personal text messages. There was a call for local governments to take the initiative in investigating such publications and for all relevant departments to cooperate fully in any investigations. Official figures released by the government show that more than 1.32 million illegal publications and promotional items have been confiscated since 2011 in the Tibet Autonomous Region. This equates to an average of almost 1,500 documents each day.

The Campaign Continues Around the World the Middle Way Approach and the negotiations on autonomy between by Mary Trewartha As the toll of self-immolations support for this policy from both Beijing and the Tibetan community reaches 120, the Tibetan Parliament- the international community and are key to resolving the tensions and in-Exile has reiterated its appeal to the Chinese people. He also attended ending the spate of self-immolations United Nations and governments to an international conference on Tibet by Tibetan protesters. “We believe send fact-finding missions to Tibetan in Turin, Italy, and in Rome he met there’s an opportunity for pursuing areas, and has called on the 47 autonomy”, Carr said, adding that member states of the UN Human “China said things that encourage Rights Council to hold an urgent us to think that the talks could be meeting on the crisis in Tibet. given a new lease of life.” UN High Commissioner for The United States said that it Human Rights, Ms Navi Pillay, has raised the issue of human rights in recently said: “I have issued public Tibet during talks with China during statements, asking China…to look the two-day US-China Strategic into the root causes of the suffering and Economic Dialogue held in of the Tibetans and why they are… Washington. “We…expressed our driven to such extreme measures of ongoing concerns about human protests”. rights in China, particularly recent In an editorial “Fighting Fear”, instability in Tibetan and Uighur the Indian Telegraph has said that areas of China” Deputy Secretary China can ensure peace and stability of State William Burns said, adding in Tibet only through resumption Ms Maya Grag, Speaker of the Swiss Parliament, (C) “We firmly believe that respect for of the stalled talks with the Tibetan Mr Penpa Tsering, Speaker of Tibetan Parliament, universal rights and fundamental (L) and Mr Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa (R) leadership, and acceptance of freedoms will make China more Photo: tibet.net the Dalai Lama’s moral presence peaceful, more prosperous, and among the Tibetans, adding “Beijing’s with long-time Tibet supporters and ultimately more secure”. policy on Tibet relies so heavily on members of the Italian Parliament. The US annual human rights State violence because it is driven by The Italian parliamentarians agreed dialogue with China is scheduled to set up a Tibet Group within the for July 30-31. “The two sides will fear.” In Zurich, the Speaker of the Swiss parliament. discuss rule of law, freedom of Australian Foreign Minister Bob religion, freedom of expression, labor Parliament, Ms Maya Graf, met Mr Penpa Tsering, the Speaker of the Carr has voiced hope for an easing of rights and rights of ethnic minorities, Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, who tensions in Tibetan regions. Addressing and other human rights issues over the briefed her on the present situation the Australian Chamber of Commerce course of the dialogue,” said US state inside Tibet. Mr Tsering spoke about in Hong Kong, Carr told reporters that department spokesperson Jen Psaki. Contact Magazine

JULY 2013

news & issues

Tibetan Headlines Jul 31: Boudha Surveillance Nepali police have installed stringent forms of surveillance around Boudha, Kathmandu in response to Pro-Tibetan activities. These include 35 newly equipped CCTV cameras, designed to keep the predominately Tibetan community under close watch.

after India’s National Investigation Agency alerted the Himachal Pradesh police of possible terror attacks. People visiting Tsuglagkhang, the main temple, are barred from carrying cell phones, lighters and electronic gadgets since the Bodh Gaya bomb blasts earlier this month.

Jul 30: “No Tibetans Hired” New York based NGO, China Labor Watch, revealed discriminatory recruitment policies against Tibetans in Chinese factories by Pegatron, one of the main suppliers to Apple, whose recruitment posters reportedly say “Hui, Sala, Yi, Tibetan, Uighur etc. who have unique lifestyles and customs, will not be accepted.”

Jul 24: Taipei Tibet Exhibition Jointly organised by the Office of Tibet and the Tibetan Association in Taipei, a week-long exhibition in Taipei is displaying images of Tibetan selfimmolations and explains the reasons

Jul 30: Dalai Lama in Ladakh After concluding a nearly month-long visit and teachings in the southern Indian states of Karnataka and Maharashtra, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has arrived in Ladakh for a three-week meditational retreat at Shiwatsel Phodrang. Jul 29:Tibetan Petitioners Arrested Four Tibetan petitioners, who travelled to Beijing on July 9 to demand the release of Tulku Tenzin Delek, a high ranking Lama on life sentence, have been arrested and detained by Chinese authorities from Nyagchu region of eastern Tibet. The petition has more than 30,000 signatories. Jul 27: Independence Leaflets Leaflets calling for Tibet’s independence and the Dalai Lama’s long life were found scattered on on a mountaintop in the Kardze region of eastern Tibet on July 21. Sources said police are searching for the person who scattered the leaflets. Jul 25: “Remain Alert” Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay appealed to the Tibetan community to remain vigilant Contact Magazine

Jul 9: More Chinese Control The Chinese government has implemented a new regulation under which all religious instructors at Buddhist monasteries in Tibet must be legally registered to teach Buddhist scriptures, and must meet mandatory credentials which include supporting the Chinese Communist Party leadership. Jul 6: Tibetan Monk Detained The whereabouts of Lobsang Gendun, a 20-year-old Tibetan monk arrested on July 1 are unknown. He was arrested for calling for the long life of the Dalai Lama and freedom for Tibet during the official celebrations marking the 92nd anniversary of the Communist Party of China in Pashoe County, Tibet Autonomous Region.

Jul 24: Appeal to UN The Central Tibetan Administration held a prayer service at Tsuglagkhang, the main temple in Dharamsala, over continued Tibetan self-immolations. The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile urged the UN and international community to hold a meeting on the Tibetan crisis.

Jul 3:China’s Panchen in Kumbum Gyaltsen Norbu, the Panchen Lama recognised by the Chinese government, visited Kumbum in eastern Tibet on July 2. Prior to the visit, government authorities instructed local residents to gather at least 10,000 people to cheerfully welcome and greet him, sources said. Extra restrictions and security checkpoints were set up for the visit.

Jul 18: Kanlho Anniversary China celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture amid tight security on July 16. The celebration was held in Tsoe county in Kanlho in Amdo. Armed police circled and patrolled the venue. Tibetans were absent at the funtion.

Jul 2: Tibetan Legal Association The Tibetan Legal Association (TLA) announced its formation at a press conference held at the Central Tibetan Administration, Dharamsala. TLA aims to provide free legal assistance to needy Tibetans and local Indians, and to seek international support for Tibet.

Jul 11: China enters Ladakh, Again On June 17, Chinese troops patrolling in Chumar sector of southern Ladakh reportedly removed a non-functional solar CCTV camera placed about 6 km ahead of an Indian post. China returned the camera on July 3 following “furious negotiations.”

Jul 1: UN on Tibet Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said, “China has to examine and address the grievances of the Tibetans” during an interview on the BBC about the UN’s inability to engage China to address the sufferings of Tibetans.

behind them. An organiser claims “It was aimed to draw a strong attention of Chinese brothers and sisters from China to know about the truth of Tibet and the current urgent situation in Tibet.”

JULY 2013

news & issues

International Headlines Jul 30: Taliban Prison Attack Pakistani Taliban disguised as policemen have attacked a prison designed to hold Taliban members and other militants in Dera Ismail Khan, North-western Pakistan. The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan has accepted responsibility for the attack, which freed 240 prisoners and resulted in the deaths of several other prisoners and officers. Jul 28: Human Rights Talks The annual meeting between US and Chinese diplomats takes place next week in China despite criticism over “lack of progress”. Anger at US criticism led Beijing to refuse talks from 2002 to 2008. The US State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said “The promotion of human rights remains a key tenet of US foreign policy”. Jul 27: PM Threatens Newspaper Turkey’s Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has threatened UK based newspaper, The Times, with legal action for publishing an open letter criticising his response to recent protests. Thirty people, including celebrities and academics, signed the letter condemning the crackdown on anti-government protestors as a sign of “dictatorial rule”. Jul 26: Politician Shot Dead Tunisian opposition politician Mohamed Brahmi was shot dead in front of his house in the capital, Tunis. The Chairman of the Constituent Assembly said that Friday will be a day of mourning. The country’s largest labour organisation also announced a general strike today and all flights to and from Tunisia have been cancelled. Jul 24: Refugees Boat Sinks A boat carrying as many as 170 suspected asylum seekers heading to Australia has sunk off the south coast of Indonesia. While more than 100 people, Contact Magazine

mostly from Iran and Sri Lanka, were rescued by fisherman in the area, around 60 still missing are feared dead. Jul 21: Pesticide Kills Children The free school lunch that killed 23 children last week in Bihar was found to be caused by cooking oil contaminated with concentrated pesticide, according to the forensic report. The lunch was part of India’s Mid Day Meal Scheme

Villagers dig graves to bury the children who died after eating contaminated meals at a school in Bihar, India on July 17. Photo: indiatoday.in

which aims to tackle malnutrition and encourage school attendance,benefitting 120 million children. Jul 19: Russia Sentences Opposition Leader Supporters say the five year jail sentence for theft given to opposition leader Alexei Navalny proves President Putin’s continued use of repression. Navalny, an anti-corruption campaigner, has led the biggest protests against Putin since he took power in 2000. Navalny will be forced to cancel plans to run in the upcoming mayoral and presidential election. Jul 18: Greece Sacks Thousands The parliament in Greece has approved a public sector reform bill that will fire more than 4,000 state employees this year, mainly teachers and municipal police. This triggered a week of almost daily marches, rallies and strikes. “After 12 years on the job, they fire us in one night,” said a 52-year-old school guard, in tears. Jul 16: Greater Human Rights Burma will release all political prisoners “by the end of the year” President Thein 11

Sein has said during a speech in London, after talks with Prime Minister David Cameron. Burma has freed hundreds of political detainees since Thein Sein took power in March 2010. The Burmese President is to discuss trade and military ties on his first official visit to the UK. Jul 14: Caught in Sudan Clashes The UN has said thousands of people are hiding in the bush in East Sudan to escape conflict between the army of South Sudan and local politician David Yau Yau, Jonglei state. New clashes have also broken out between rival Lou Nuer and Murle tribes. At least 200 wounded people have arrived in Manyabol village in urgent need of medical attention. Jul 7: Death Penalty Reinstated In a move condemned by international organisations, Pakistan has ended a ban on the death penalty in an attempt to rein in escalating crime and militancy. The present government has no plan to extend the 2008 moratorium, which expired on June 30. About 400 people are estimated to be held on death row. Jul 4: Army Ousts Morsi The Egyptian army has overthrown President Mohammed Morsi, suspended the constitution, and promised new elections. Morsi and the entire presidential team are under house arrest. Dozens have been killed and wounded in clashes following the coup. In the immediate aftermath, leaders from many nations have called for restraint and the early implementation of democracy. JULY 2013

around town

Charities and Organisations

Central Tibetan Administration

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

The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)

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

Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)

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

Tibetan Women’s Association

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

Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

TCV provides care to Tibetan children by creating a nurturing environment and fostering Tibetan values and culture while delivering a modern education. There is an Upper and Lower residential school in Dharamsala and day school in McLeod Ganj, with other branches throughout India. WEB: www.tcv.org.in LOCATION: Dharamsala Cantt.176216 PHONE: 01892-220356 / 221348 EMAIL: headoffice@tcv.org.in

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

Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)

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

Delek Hospital

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

Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society

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

Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)

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

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

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

Lha Charitable Trust (Lha)

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

Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet

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

Tong-Len Charitable Trust

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

Tibet Charity

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

JULY 2013

around town

Charities and Organisations

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, Dharamsala 176219 PHONE: 01892-220565 / 985716806 EMAIL: kunphen@mail.com

Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR)

Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution is a nonprofit, educational organisation dedicated to the non-violent management of conflicts in the Tibetan Community and the world as a whole. They work to promote the approaches and tools of non-violent conflict resolution and democratic processes in the Tibetan community in exile and elsewhere. WEB: http://tccr.org LOCATION: Session Road, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala 176215 PHONE: 0189-2226627 EMAIL: tccroffice@yahoo.com

The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)

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

National Democratic Party of Tibet

The NDPT is currently the only Tibetan political party. With 5000 members in 36 regional chapters throughout the world, the main aim and objectives of the NDPT are to prepare for the establishment of a political party in a future

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, Dharamsala, Distt Kangra 176215 PHONE: 9816105554 EMAIL: (check website)

Clean Upper Dharamsala Project

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

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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 Dharamsala. Contact Jitender. EMAIL: jagori@yahoo.com PHONE: 9817105035 / 08894435595

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)

Rogpa Baby Care Center

The Rogpa Baby Care Center helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so their parents can work. The center needs volunteers to help with art, games, singing and other tasks including diaper changing. WEB: www.tibetrogpa.org LOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka Guest House, Jogiwara Rd., McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala - 176219 (near no.13 on map) PHONE: 9816659549 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 8:00 am-12:00 pm or 1:00 pm- 5 :00 pm EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com

Tibet, to promote democracy, to educate the Tibetan people about the significance of political parties, and to create awareness among the people about Tibetan issues. WEB: www.ndp4tibet.org LOCATION: Dharamsala–176219 EMAIL: tibetparty4@gmail.com

Amritsar: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am (Rs165)

*from Dharamsala

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

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

TAXIS

A private taxi to Lower Dharamsala will cost you Rs 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, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala Hours: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, Mon-Sat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, Mon-Sat; Emergencies: 24-hrs, daily. phone: 222 053,223 381

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

Post Office The McLeod Ganj Post Office is located Kangra Airport: 01892-232374, 232324 on Jogiwara Rd, past Peace Cafe Hours: 9:30am-1pm and 2-5pm, Mon-Fri; Bhagsu Taxi Union: 01892-221034 9:30am-noon, Sat. Phone: 221 924 Tourism Office: 01892-23107 Parcels and money orders can be Rail Booking & Enquiry: 01892-265026 sent in the mornings only. 13

JULY 2013

activities and tourist info Upcoming Events Aug 15: Independence Day of India Aug 25-27 HH The Dalai Lama teachings at the Main Temple in Dharamsala, on Tsongkhapa’s scriptures. Sep 3-5 HH The Dalai Lama teachings will continue on Shantideva’s A Guide to the Boddhisattva’s Way of Life (chodjug) in Dharamsala.

BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY

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

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

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

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MEDITATION

LANGUAGES

Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre

Tibetan Language Class

Tushita Meditation Center

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

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

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

Hindi Lessons with Kailash

School of Life and Spirituality

Tibetan with Pema Youdon

Meditation and teachers’ training LOCATION: behind Hotel Akashdeep, Bhagsu, Mcleodganj, please all before coming WEB: 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-12:00pm & 4:00-6:00pm PHONE: 981-616-4540 EMAIL: sangyla_tashi@yahoo.co.in

LOCATION: At Bhimsen’s Indian Cooking Class PHONE: 01892-20063, 941-816-1947 HOURS: Daily, 4:00-6:00pm LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, opposite the post office HOURS: 1:00-4:00pm, or leave a message.

Esukhia Online Tibetan Courses and Tibetan Immersion Spoken

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

ART & MUSeums Naam Art Gallery

LOCATION: Main Road Sidhbari Dharamsala PHONE: 9816043708

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

Kangra Art Museum

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

The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA) WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: Kotwali Bazaar PHONE: 1892-221478 EMAIL: tipadhasa@hotmail.com

Form Gallery

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

JULY 2013

activities & services HEALTH SERVICES Dr. Sant Marwah Clinic

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

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

Maanav Health Clinic

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

Men-Tsee-Khang

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

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: : 941-813-0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com

Tibetan Delek Hospital

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

Ayuskam Health Care

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

Reflections of a Volunteer French Conversation Classes at Lha

Name: Dr Aliza Florenthal

Job at Lha: French conversation class

His Holiness the Dalai Lama teaches us about compassion, donating, and doing something useful for the benefit of others in our short life. That is how my daughter and I came to step into the Lha office. At Lha you are received with a big smile, suddenly you are needed! So I stopped my vacation and was recruited, even though French is not my first, nor my second language – that is what was needed. French conversation class gives the students a chance to practice what they have learned and improve their talking skills. So why should Tibetan women learn French? Let us look at Pema (Pema is not her real name). Pema is 30. Her husband has moved to France to find a better life. If Pema’s dream comes true, her husband will get French papers, and a job, and she will join him and be able to show knowledge of the local language there. I found Pema to be a woman who fights for her dream of a good life, an identity card and a family, and believes in working hard. She gets up every morning at 5am and does 1,000 prostrations (I could not even manage one!). She prays a lot and takes care of the house, and at 2pm she comes to Lha for her French lesson, and then at 3 o’clock she joins the conversation class where we sit on the floor in a very small room with no air conditioning and practice speaking French. I don’t know how she does it!

As Israelis, we know what being a refugee means. My father lost his family in Lithuania and came to Israel as an orphan. He started a new life and learned a new language in a new and small country. At that time no one mentioned the word “trauma”, but many Jewish people who had fled from Europe after the Second World War were post traumatic. I was born at the same time my country was born. I met His Holiness in Israel and there are many Israelis who love Tibet. The two nations have much in common with their traumatic pasts. My daughter Yael started helping with English conversation classes, and said she feels that she is the one who is learning from the Tibetans, rather than the opposite. Every day she learned about their culture, the challenges they went through, and about their hopes and way of life. Both of us found a new aim in our vacation which was very meaningful for us, finding it very challenging and fulfilling to help others. There is a Hebrew proverb: “From all my teachers I have learned, but from my students more than all”. I salute each and every one of my students and wish them an easier life and great success. I have learned a great lesson – never stop believing, never stop hoping.

The Middle Way: Workshop in New Delhi by Zalina Gamat A two-day workshop on “The Middle Way Approach” was held in Samyeling Tibetan Colony, New Delhi by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) on July 13-14. The workshop was attended by 22 young representatives from India, Nepal and Bhutan to assess the viability of the Middle Way Approach, especially in the Tibetan provinces of U-tsang, Amdo and Kham, within the framework of the People’s Republic Contact Magazine

of China. Just a few days earlier, on July 11, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, addressing the Tibetan community in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, stressed the commitment of the CTA in using the Middle Way Approach in dialogues with China. He said that this policy, initiated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is finding acceptance amongst prominent Tibetans in Tibet and amongst Chinese intellectuals as well, including the imprisoned Nobel 15

Laureate Liu Xiaobo. Sikyong also said that this policy has enabled several governments to raise the issue of Tibet in their bilateral talks with China, including the Obama government. Furthermore, he stated that it has established a series of talks between Chinese representatives and the envoys of His Holiness Dalai Lama, and has facilitated the passage of several students and monastics to India. JULY 2013

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Tibetology Conference in Mongolia by Mary Trewartha The biggest ever conference of Tibetology was held in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar this month. The 13th seminar of the International Association for Tibetan Studies (IATS) drew Tibetan scholars from across the world, with over 460 participants for the seven day conference. Over 730 applications to attend were received, but many Tibetans from Tibet were not able to go because China denied them visas. Only around 50 Tibetans from Tibet and 30 more from exile were able

to join the gathering. The conference noted the connections between Tibet and Mongolia, based on Buddhism, which started in the time of Genghis Khan and culminated in the enthronement of the great Fifth Dalai Lama in 1642. Tibetan scholars from Tibet and in exile engaged on a session entitled “History of Tibetan Religious Practices” which was conducted entirely in Tibetan. Mr Tempa Gyaltsen of the Environmental Desk, Central Tibetan Administration, gave a presentation on

“Climate change on Tibetan Plateau and its Impact on Asian Water resources” which was followed by a discussion with eminent scientists, archeologists, professors and researchers. Mr Tsering Shakya, a historian and expert on Tibetan literature and a professor at the University of British Columbia, was elected new President of IATS. The Mongolian Association for Tibetan Studies was launched at the conference.

Global Record Deal for the Gyuto Monks

by Miranda Hall Monks from the Gyuto Monastery, the abode of the Karmapa, took the stage at Glastonbury Festival, UK last month after signing a deal with Decca records, once the label of the Rolling Stones. The performance coincided with the year of the 100th anniversary of the Tibetan Declaration of Independence. The Gyuto monks are based in exile in Dharamshala and the group’s oldest member, Lobsang Tsering, 78, was among 80 monks who fled Tibet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the wake of the 1959 uprising. The monks were impressed by their first experience of Glastonbury. Ngawang Namdol said, “It has the same

kind of high-octane spiritual energy you get from being in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. There is a good energy here” and a fellow group member commented that they did not mind the rain as it is considered lucky in Tibetan culture. The Dalai Lama endorsed the performance, saying “The work that the Gyuto monks do in the West has my full support.” They have recently finished recording a new album “Chants: The spirit of Tibet” at their monastery. Their UK

producer, Youth, has worked with Paul McCartney, U2 and Depeche Mode among others. He said: “To me they seemed like they were in the engine room of the world, diligently turning these huge invisible karmic wheels with their voices and mantras”. The last time the Gyuto monks performed in the UK was at the Royal Albert Hall in 1973. Over the years they have played at New York’s Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House and toured with US rock band The Grateful Dead. They claim that listening to their guttural chanting has the power to repair brain cells and bring you closer to enlightenment.

Shivani Clinic and Panchakarma Centre

Bhagsunag - map # 22 Empower Yourself Ayurvedic consultations for acute and chronic diseases with ayurvedic therapies, herbs and panchakarma, with world renowned doctors working in collabration with naturopaths in Europe and America. Treatments starting from one hour to three weeks, depending on your problems. Contact Magazine

visit : www.ashoayurvedahealing.com email: drshivani.mahehskumar@gmail.com call: 9418069406 weekdays 5- 7pm JULY 2013