འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་དུས་དེབ།
www.contactmagazine.net 30 JUNE 2012
Volume: XIV Issue: 6
contact magazine A Free Monthly Publication For Tibetan Issues & Community Information
Self-Immolations Continue in Midst of China Crackdown
By Katie Youtz On the afternoon of 20 June, Tenzin Khedup, 24, and Ngawang Norphel, 22, walked to the center of a busy street in Dzatoe, Qinghai Province, carrying the banned Tibetan national flag. Calling out for freedom in Tibet, waving the flags and shouting for the return of the Dalai Lama, the two men set themselves ablaze, running and continuing the chants for a few more seconds before falling to the ground as flames consumed them. Tenzin Khedup died on the spot, while Ngawang Norphel is reportedly being treated for serious injuries at an undisclosed location. Since 2009, 41 Tibetans have self-immolated in protest of restrictive Chinese policies. Most have occurred in traditionally Tibetan areas
of Qinghai and Sichuan provinces, with 28 taking place in 2012 alone. All have shouted slogans calling for freedom in Tibet, reform of Chinese social policy in the region, an end to religious repression, and Ngwang Norphel (left) and Tenzin Khedup (right). the return of the Dalai Lama. 31 out of the 41 have acts is increasing. On 15 June, Tamdin Thar, a herdsman from Amdo thought died as a result of their injuries. While the majority of the self- to be in his 50s, set himself on fire immolators have been monks or outside a People’s Armed Police base nuns, in recent months the number of in Chentsa, Qinghai Province. Tamdin laypeople turning to these desperate Thar had been moved with his Continued on page 4
Dalai Lama’s Envoys Resign Over Stalled Talks with China
By Reece Garrett The two representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama who had been in talks with Chinese officials on the future of Tibet since 2002 have resigned as of 1 June. In their formal resignation letter, Special Envoy Lodi
G. Gyari and Envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen cited the “deteriorating situation inside Tibet since 2008 leading to the increasing cases of selfimmolations by Tibetans.” The envoys also expressed frustration at the lack of progress in talks with China over Tibetan autonomy and blamed the increasingly hard-lined approach of the United Front Work Department. “One of the key Chinese interlocutors in the dialogue process even advocated
abrogation of minority status as stipulated in the Chinese constitution thereby seeming to remove the basis of autonomy,” the letter said in reference to the Chinese representative in the talks, Zhu Weiqun. The letter concluded that “at this particular time, it is difficult to have substantive dialogue.” It was later announced by Beijing that Mr. Weiqun had been replaced by Zhang Yijiong following the Tibetan envoys’ resignations. Mr. Weiqun, then Vice Minister of the United Front Work Department and chief negotiator since 2008, was behind the controversial proposal earlier this year to strip Tibetans of their official minority status. His 67-year old replacement is a long-time member Continued on page 5
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Social Services-Volunteering-Donations
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 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.   Through rehabilitation resources and social and educational services, Lha facilitates an easy transition for the Tibetan refugee community to India. On a daily basis, Lha serves over 250 people, hosts between 15 and 25 volunteers and provides up to 20 different services, including on average 50 nutritious meals per day for financially disadvantaged people. For more information about Lha, please visit: www.lhasocialwork.org
Become a Sponsor for Lha’s Soup Kitchen
On 6 July, 2011, Lha opened its community soup kitchen at its new building, Ahimsa House. This is the first soup kitchen in Dharamsala and serves low-cost and nutritious meals to the Tibetan refugee community. 40-50 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.
Interested in a Tibetan Homestay?
Lha 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 Dharamsala 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.
Sponsor an Issue of Contact Magazine!
If you would like to sponsor an issue of Contact Magazine, please contact us. This space would be used to present your photo, profile and any message you want to share with the community and visitors. We will thank you for many lifetimes! Contact Magazine
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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 copies are printed per issue and distributed in the greater Dharamsala area and (in the future)Delhi, Rishikesh, Manali and Goa, as well as 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. The 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, stories, poems, graphics 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 Remember: The articles, poems, stories and other material in Contact represent the views of the authors and not necessarily the views of the Contact editing staff. Make contact: If you would like to contact Contact magazine, call Lobsang Rabsel at 981-615-5523 or the Lha office at Temple Road (ph. 01892-220992). All comments on this issue should be submitted to the email given above. Where to find Contact: Contact is available at many places around McLeod Ganj including the Lha office, libraries, travel agencies, hotels, restuarants and shops. June 2012
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འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་དུས་དེབ།
Lha Booth at Dalai Lama Teachings
Contact Magazine Managing Director Ngawang Rabgyal
Editor
Reece Garrett
Sub-Editor Katie Youtz
Sub-Editor
Tenzin Dharpo
Assistant Editor Tenzin Younten
Layout Design
Tamdin Yangzom
Circulation Manager Lobsang Rabsel
Published by
Lha Charitable Trust
Web: www.lhasocialwork.org www.contactmagazine.net Phone: 91(0)1892-220992 Email: contact@contactmagazine.net Printed at Imperial Printing, Dharamsala Phone: 222390
Lha Charitable Trust staffed a booth during the Dalai Lama’s teachings in early June. The main purpose was to allow visitors to safely and cheaply store cell phones, cameras and other items which were prohibited inside the temple. Lha also distributed Contact Magazine, free information on Tibet, health magazines published by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and a book on environmental issues in Tibet written by our director, Ngawang Rabgyal. Our new social service for the three days of His Holiness’s teachings was highly successful, efficient, and useful to many people. It was fun, as well as tiring and challenging, but we are glad that we didn’t give up. There are many people who helped out: all the Lha staff; our volunteers who were selfless and helped us with no complaints; Terry, Andy, Zack, Alicia and others. For our success, we thank you. - Lha Charitable Trust
Lha Traveler Services & Volunteer Opportunities
Classes
MASSAGE Complete physical and mental relaxation and stress reduction with revitalizing techniques of deep tissue and acupressure with a professional therapist. TIBETAN LANGUAGE CLASS Learn more about the Tibetan people, culture, and Buddhism by learning the Tibetan language! Beginner and intermediate class levels with qualified teachers for individuals and small groups. TIBETAN COOKING CLASS Individuals and small groups can learn to prepare a variety of traditional and modern vegetarian Tibetan foods including momo, thukpa and Tibetan bread with a qualified teacher. TIBETAN ARTS CLASS Learn the basic traditional Tibetan form of painting, drawing, and how to use color for individuals and small groups with a qualified artist. YOGA For sound physical, mental and emotional development we offer Sivananda and Hatha yoga for beginners with a qualified teacher for small groups. Contact Magazine
Volunteer
Donate
Long- or short-term, skilled or unskilled volunteers needed.
Lha collects all kinds of donations in the form of clothing, shoes, books, and language, computer and medical supplies, as well as any other useful items.
• English conversation, Mon – Fri, 4pm – 5pm • English, French, Spanish, German and Chinese teachers & tutors • Computer teachers • Web designers and IT professionals • IT professionals • Journalists, writers & librarians • Environmental professionals
• Medical & healthcare professionals • Fundraisers & grant writers • Project professionals • Chefs & cooks • Human rights & legal professionals • Personal Assistant (PA) • Yoga teachers & massage therapists • And much more!
Monetary donations are extremely helpful and are greatly appreciated, large or small. For information on cost, times and/or registration, please visit the Lha office (Mon-Sat: 9:00am-12:00pm & 1:005:00pm) on Temple Road. Email: office@lhasocialwork.org, Phone :(0) 1892-220992.
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 organization. Lha volunteers will develop friendships, learn about issues facing the *All donations and fees from Lha classes Tibetan refugee community, and become and services directly benefit immersed in the fascinating cultures of Lha community social work projects. the people they are serving. 3
June 2012
news & issues
Self-Immolations Continue in Midst of China Crackdown Continued from page 1
family to the area several years earlier under a controversial government program housing nomadic families in permanent settlements. Two weeks prior to this incident on 30 May, a 33 year-old mother of three named Rikyo self-immolated in Dzamthang, Sichuan Province. The International Campaign for Tibet reports that thousands of Tibetans gathered for her cremation in the middle of a rainstorm, and did not disperse until nearly 3 AM. The first self-immolations carried out in Lhasa, which is under the greatest level of police surveillance, took place on 27 May. Two young restaurant co-workers – Dargye, 25, from Ngaba and Dorje Tseten, 19, from Labrang – set themselves ablaze in front of the Jokhang Temple, one of Tibet’s holiest religious sites. Dorje Tseten succumbed to his injuries at the scene, and his entire household was detained shortly thereafter. Dargye
is believed to have survived, but his location is unknown. Coinciding with the observance of Saga Dawa, an important religious period for Tibetan Buddhists that commemorates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death, the 27 May immolations prompted the Chinese government to issue an “indefinite” ban on foreign tourists entering the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). The Washington Post reported shortly afterward that Lhasa resembles “an armed camp,” with special police forces patrolling the streets and a highly visible military presence in the city. The travel ban was lifted on 20 June, but restrictions on foreign travelers in the Tibetan capital remain tight. The closure after this most recent spate of self-immolations has renewed criticism from international human rights organizations and governing bodies alike. “Cutting off Tibet to the outside world will not solve tensions
in Tibet,” Amnesty International said in a statement on 11 June. EU Policy Chief, Catherine Ashton, also called publicly for dialogues between China and the Central Tibetan Administration, as well as for freedom of expression, assembly, religion and language inside the TAR. She reiterated the calls of many governing bodies around the world for China to allow foreign diplomats and journalists to visit the area. Meanwhile, China appeared unperturbed as it celebrated its new status as the world’s second largest economy at the 2012 G20 Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico. Given its clout as one of the largest contributors to the International Monetary Fund and other global institutions, as well as its role as a major lender to many recession-ridden Western countries, the global community may be reluctant to pressure China to address the worsening situation in Tibet any time soon.
Dalai Lama Meets Burmese Leader Aung San Suu Kyi in UK
H.H. the Dalai Lama in a private meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi in London.
By Yama Choezom On 19 June, His Holiness the Dalai Lama met privately with Burmese pro-democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi in London. During the 30-minute meeting, the first ever between the two iconic leaders, the Dalai Lama told the fellow Nobel Peace Prize Contact Magazine
Laureate, “I have real admiration for your courage. I am very happy we’ve been able to meet.” He added that he was confident that she would continue her late father’s legacy as a dedicated leader in service to humanity, and wished her success in her goals. Suu Kyi was released from 15 years 4
of house arrest in November 2010 and was in London as part of her European tour. Two days prior to her meeting with the Dalai Lama, she had been in Oslo to deliver her Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, more than 20 years after receiving the honor. H.H. the Dalai Lama was in London on an annual tour of the United Kingdom and praised the country as a place of tolerance in his address to thousands of youngsters at Manchester Arena. “Britain should be very proud of its place in the world,” he said. “It is known as a country which stands up against racism and intolerance, and it has provided a haven for those fleeing torture and oppression.” The address was co-hosted by comedian Russell Brand, who, despite his baudy humor and style, was chosen because he demonstrated “the power of spirituality to effect change in his own life,” according to a representative of the Dalai Lama. June 2012
news & issues
Dalai Lama’s Envoys Resign Over Stalled Talks with China Continued from page 1
of the Communist Party of China and will take over negotiations with the Tibetan task force. Talks between the two sides had been stalled for two years due to differences over the memorandum of genuine autonomy submitted in 2008. Chinese officials said the memorandum amounted to “disguised independence,” and objected strongly to the proposal by the Tibetan task force that Tibetans should have limited legislative powers in both the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and the neighboring provinces of Sichuan, Qinghai, Gansu and Yunnan. Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Head of the Central Tibetan Administration, expressed regret at the resignations but commended the two envoys in their efforts over nine rounds of talks with Chinese representatives since 2002. He added that the Kashag (Tibetan cabinet) “will
Zhang Yijiong (left), the new Chinese representative replacing Zhu Weiqun (right).
continue to rely on them for their wise counsel. They will remain as senior members of the Task Force team.” In a statement on 3 June, the Kashag also announced that the Tibetan Task Force on Negotiations would be expanded and would meet
again in December 2012 to discuss the Chinese leadership transition expected to occur this November. The letter concluded by urging Beijing to accept the “Middle Way” approach that seeks genuine autonomy for Tibetans over outright independence.
Chinese Officials Leave Conference Over Tibetan Presence
By Dean Alynn A Chinese delegation of Buddhist officials and monks abruptly departed from a religious conference in Yeosu, South Korea, on 13 June after Tibetan attendees refused to yield to Chinese demands that they leave. During the opening ceremony of the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) the previous evening, the Chinese delegation walked out over the Tibetans’ participation in the event. Claiming that the two Tibetans, one of whom was a senior envoy of the Dalai Lama, represented Tibet’s governContact Magazine
ment-in-exile, the Chinese requested that they leave. When the Tibetans refused the request, the Chinese delegation reportedly left for Busan, South Korea, in a vehicle provided by the Chinese embassy. In a telephone interview with the Korea Herald, Pema Chinjor, Tibet’s minister of religion and culture, said, “Nothing so special. Chinese are always like that. We are here at the invitation of the organizers and were attending the ceremony because I (as the member of the organization) was allowed to.” “Organizers came to me asking to go outside for some time as Chinese kept complaining... But I said I am here on invitation and this is Korea, not Beijing,” he added. 5
Organizers said they had hoped for China’s understanding on the issue as it is a religious event, not a political one. “This was not the first time that delegates from China and Tibet have met at a conference. They met at a previous conference held in Sri Lanka two years ago, but it ended smoothly,” said a spokesman for the WFB conference in South Korea. Mr. Chinjor attended the event, held on the sidelines of the Expo 2012 Yeosu, with Samdhong Rinpoche, a former prime minister of Tibet’s government-in-exile. The two are the highest-ranking Tibetan officials to visit South Korea so far. In a previous interview, event organizers said Chinjor’s and Rinpoche’s visit was regarded as a low-profile trip for the purpose of meeting Buddhist delegates from other nations to exchange views on religious matters. Approximately 1000 delegates from 33 countries took part in the event, which ended on 15 June. June 2012
news & issues
Dharamsala Hosts Indian ‘Tibet Support Groups’ Conference By Tenzin Younten The 4th All India Tibet Support Groups Conference, a group convened to support the preservation of Tibet’s culture and natural environment, met in Dharamsala from 9 to 11 June. His Holiness the Dalai Lama inaugurated the conference attended by over 150 Indian supporters, and expressed concern over environmental degradation, resource exploitation and threatened wildlife on the Tibetan plateau. His Holiness also took aim at China, pointing out that for “millions of Chinese who have lost morality and way of life, Tibetan Buddhist culture of peace and compassion can help them immensely.” “The preservation of Tibetan culture is not only concerned with 6 million Tibetans, but it is in the larger interest of Central Asia, including China,” His Holiness added. The conference hosted many eminent panelists including Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay, who
H.H. the Dalai Lama with Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay at the conference.
appealed to India to play a greater role in finding a permanent solution to the Tibet issue. “Over the last more than 50 years, the Indian people have stood for justice and freedom of Tibetans,” Dr. Sangay said. Bashisht Narain Singh, a member of the Rajya Sabha (India’s upper house of Parliament), said that “steadfast efforts should be made through literature, peaceful demonstrations, debate, photography, etc. [to] support Tibetans in their struggle for truth and justice. We will succeed if we sustain our firm determination and
committment to fight in support of the Tibetan people.” On the final day of the conference, the support groups made a declaration stating that “meaningful and sincere negotiations with a sense of urgency between the representatives of the Dalai Lama... the Central Tibetan Administration and the Chinese leadership is the only way to resolve the issue of Tibet, and there is a need for immediate resumption of stalled talks.” The conference attendees also adopted a ten-point action plan which included a resolution to undertake a nationwide campaign urging the Indian government and other Asian countries to pressure China into changing its ecologically disastrous policies on the Tibetan plateau. Support group members will also impress on India’s government the need for a meeting between the Indian Parliament’s standing committee on foreign affairs and the Kalon Tripa.
Letter from Lha interested Volunteers: Putting Face on Tibethome of Seen through the eyes of a foreigner in Tibetan Buddhism and a culture, Dharamsala—the Names: Ken, Todd, & Ash (USA) Jobs at Lha: English teachers As the three of us were meeting with our students for the last time, we were very aware and grateful for the powerful gifts that they had given us. We—Ashish, Ken and Todd—are all from San Francisco, California. Ashish was born of Indian parents but raised in the US. Todd is a computer guy with an appetite for adventure and new experiences. One of us, Ken, has been a Buddhist for almost 40 years. Before we arrived, we had more than a few assumptions about what we would experience. We had all heard about the Dalai Lama as a spiritual leader—no group of refugees could have a better spokesperson—but he’s just one person, and there are now several generations of Tibetans who were born in India as well as those who continue to make it across the border from Tibet. Contact Magazine
We knew about the Chinese occupation of the Tibetan homeland. We even read, and heard second-hand, heroic accounts of refugees escaping, walking at night with no torches across the highest mountains in the world. Now that we have spent three months in McLeod Ganj, we have begun to put faces of real people into the stories that drew us here. We met Tinzin, a nun who walked 47 days over the Himalayas. She always greeted us with an engaging smile—which we loved—and when we experienced the way she treated her nun sisters, our respect and admiration grew. We had heard that one of the first tasks the refugees undertook in India was to provide for the care and education of future generations that would have to live in exile. Jigme, a young monk from Bir, is a Tibetan born in India and a TCV graduate who is learning English as his third language. He always said his prayers, 6
did his homework thoroughly and still had time to polish his Karan skills and play basketball. We’ll miss his enthusiastic “Hi’s” as we walked down Jogiwara on our way home. Unlike the Tibetans here, none of us ever had to find a job or start a business in a country where expectations were very different from the country where we started life. We, unlike some of our students, never had to learn a language way beyond the age when learning a language is effortless. We were happy to help them work for the well-being of their families. Our Tibetan and Nepalese students were very generous when we couldn’t pronounce their names correctly. Mr. Ladakh is our nickname for a young Tibetan monk from Jammu and Kashmir. We will always remember him as well as so many of the people we met and worked with. A big “thank you” to all our students as well as the wonderful staff at Lha! June 2012
news & issues
EU Parliament Demands End to Human Rights Abuses in Tibet
By Dickyi Peldon On 14 June, the European Parliament passed a new resolution during its plenary session in Strasbourg calling on the Chinese government to put an end to human rights abuses in Tibet. The resolution criticizes China’s ban on elections for the Tibetan government-in-exile in Nepal and demands China to reveal the fate and whereabouts of Chedun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama.
Contact Magazine
The parliamentarians expressed their deep concern over the 42 Tibetans who have self-immolated since 2009 in protest against restrictive Chinese policies in Tibet, and asked the authorities of the People’s Republic of China to allow independent international inspection of prisons and detention centers. The resolution also asks EU foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, to appoint a special coordinator to report
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regularly on the situation in Tibet and provide assistance to refugees. The European Parliament is not the first democratic body to call on China to meaningfully address the situation in Tibet in recent months. On 30 March, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution urging the Chinese government to end its repressive policies in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The resolution also called on China to release all persons who have been arbitrarily detained and to allow unrestricted access to journalists, foreign diplomats and international organizations inside Tibet. China responded by accusing lawmakers in Washington of interfering with its internal affairs. The whereabouts of many who survived their protests remains unknown. Despite support from the international community, self-immolations and human rights abuses continue unabated, and the practical effects of political resolutions on Tibet by foreign governments remain to be seen.
June 2012
news & issues
Tibetan Headlines
H.H. the Dalai Lama giving teachings to a packed stadium in Milan, Italy.
29 JUNE • H.H. the Dalai Lama concluded his visit to Italy by delivering teachings to a stadium filled to its 10,000-person capacity in Milan. While in Italy, His Holiness also visited earthquake survivors in Mirandola and met with fellow Nobel Peace Laureate Betty Williams to support her work to create a “City of Peace” where refugees from war, hunger or social, economic or political upheaval can be rehabilitated. • The Tibetan government-in-exile will soon take over control of Tibetan schools that are currently run and funded by the Indian government. The 71 schools included in the change are spread across India and enroll over 8000 students. The reason cited for the policy shift is the superior performance of Tibetan students in schools run by the Central Tibetan Administration. • The European Union and seven countries including the United States, Czech Republic, France, Switzerland, Sweden, Canada and Belgium all pushed for a “strong” resolution on China’s human rights violations in Tibet at the ongoing UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session in Geneva. A petition with 55,000 signatures was also delivered to the UNHRC urging UN action on Tibet. 28 JUNE • Around 30 members of Australia’s parliament met Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay. During their hour-long meeting, Dr. Sangay discussed TibetChina relations, Tibetan democracy, and China’s upcoming leadership change. He also encouraged Australia to “intervene and assess the ground reality as to why Tibetans are self-immolating, why they are proContact Magazine
testing, why they’re getting shot at.” • The Chinese government announced plans to allocate more than $63 million USD to build 22 “model villages” in Nyingtri (321 kilometers south of Lhasa) in an attempt to turn the area into an international tourist attraction. The Chinese authorities have stated that they hope local residents will benefit economically by providing hotel services and other tourist infrastructure to visitors. 27 JUNE • The Central Tibetan Administration announced the launch of a global torch relay to highlight the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet. The “Flame of Truth” relay will begin in Leh, Ladakh, and will continue to hundreds of cities around the world. The Tibetan Parliament’s statement said the relay will be conducted in “solidarity with... our brave brothers and sisters inside Tibet and to make the world aware of their selfless acts and aspirations.”
although her exact whereabouts and state of well-being remain unknown. 19 JUNE • A group of young Tibetans in Los Angeles came up with the idea of observing the Tibetan Buddhist holy month of Saga Dawa by serving up food to the homeless in the second most populous city in the United States. Surveys have shown that the area, also known as Skid Row, is home to over 4000 homeless people. • His Holiness the Dalai Lama met Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in a private meeting in London. It was the first time the two Nobel Peace Laureates had met, as Suu Kyi spent much of the past 15 years under house arrest by Burma’s military junta.
EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.
Tibetan students tasting the results of the new filter.
• Lha Charitable Trust has successfully installed a brand new water filtration system in Sambhota Model Gangkyi Day School in Dharamsala. The filter, provided by the US-based Himalaya Village Fund, will provide clean and safe drinking water to 209 students and their 25 teachers and staff members. This is Lha’s second successful clean water project in the Tibetan refugee community. 24 JUNE • A 17-year old Tibetan girl, Jigme Dolma, was arrested and severely beaten after carrying out a lone protest against China’s occupation of Tibet. She is reported to be in critical condition in the Kardze region of eastern Tibet, 8
15 JUNE • In an unexpected ruling, a court in Nepal sentenced Tsetan Dorjee, the Tibetan who was on a march back to Tibet, to over five years in prison for illegally entering Nepal. Dorjee was kept in detention for nearly two months before his sentencing and had reportedly refused to bribe police at the Nepali border. • European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, Catherine Ashton, said that the EU is concerned over the deteriorating human rights situation inside Tibet. “In recent days, the EU has been particularly concerned by the news of mass arrests and detentions taking place in the Tibetan Autonomous Region following self-immolations in Lhasa, as well as at reports that the TAR has been closed to foreigners,” Ashton said. June 2012
news & issues
International Headlines
29 JUNE • A Chinese spacecraft carrying three astronauts touched down in Mongolia after carrying out a manual docking with an orbiting module, a first for the country as it strives to match American and Russian exploits in space. The Chinese astronauts, including 33-year-old Liu Yang, China’s first female space traveler, have been living and working in the module as part of preparations for manning a permanent space station.
election over Ahmed Shafiq. Interim military rulers have said Mr. Morsi will have full presidential powers, although it remains to be seen what power sharing arrangement will be made between Egypt’s military elite and the newly elected Islamist leader.
Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi (Credit: Jonathan Rashad)
U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, DC.
28 JUNE • The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld key provisions in President Barack Obama’s healthcare overhaul law, ruling that the insurance mandate requiring most Americans to obtain insurance or pay a penalty is constitutional under Congress’s power to levy taxes. The vote was 5 to 4, with Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. joining the court’s four more liberal members. 26 JUNE • Turkey has warned Syria it will respond decisively to any further military action following an incident on 22 June during which a Turkish jet was shot down by Syria. Syria claimed the warplane violated its airspace, while Turkey maintains it was shot down in international airspace. Turkey had sought advice from its NATO allies on the incident and has reportedly moved troops to the Syrian border. 24 JUNE • Egypt’s Presidential Election Commission ruled that Mohammed Morsi, head of the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party, has won the historic presidential Contact Magazine
23 JUNE • At least 14 people have been killed and more than 450,000 affected by flash floods in southern China. Torrential rainfall began in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, triggering mudslides and flooding which have destroyed almost 100,000 houses and 17,000 hectares of farmland. • Cyprus became the fifth eurozone country to request financial aid from its partners in the troubled European currency union as it struggles to shore up banks that took heavy losses on Greek debt. Government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou would not say how much Cyprus would request from the European bailout fund, saying the amount will be subject to negotiations in the coming days. 20 JUNE • President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a joint statement from the Mexico G20 Summit which called for a “phased approach” to resolving the nuclear stand-off with Iran. The two countries agreed to keep lines of communication with Iran open to avoid the possibility of future military strikes. 18 JUNE • Greece has voted to continue its membership in the troubled euro zone. The pro-austerity New Democracy 9
party won the parliamentary election by a narrow margin, which means leaders will have to form a coalition government with the socialist Syzira party which opposes the strict austerity measures demanded by European and world leaders. 15 JUNE • Rulings by Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court allowed Hosni Mubarak’s last prime minister, Ahmed Shafik, to run for president and dissolved the country’s parliament two days before the presidential run-off. Islamists and others labeled the rulings an effective coup by the military in opposition to the popularly elected Muslim Brotherhood. 13 JUNE • The United States has accused Russia of manufacturing and selling arms—including Soviet-era attack helicopters—to Syria’s Assad regime that continue to kill Syrians on “an hourly basis.” Russia has denied these claims and accuses the U.S. of arming the Syrian opposition. • The UN’s peacekeeping chief asserted that the Syrian conflict has descended into civil war, but both opposition activists and the Syrian government have disputed this claim. Violence in Syria has continued to escalate despite former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s peace plan to which both sides agreed earlier this year.
Syrians protesting the Assad regime in March (Credit: Freedom House)
9 JUNE • Spain will seek a European bailout worth as much as 100 million euros to prop up ailing banks, making it the largest economy and fourth country to receive financial assistance within the troubled euro zone. June 2012
around town
Charities and Organizations
Central Tibetan Administration
The Central Tibetan Administration serves in Dharamsala, India 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 the Kalon Tripa, or Executive Chief, 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)
The Tibetans Children’s Villages (TCVs) 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.
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WEB: www.tcv.org.in LOCATION: Dharamsala Cantt.176216 PHONE: 01892-220356 / 221348 EMAIL: headoffice@tcv.org.in
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 Sunday, Closed 2nd and 4th Saturday every month EMAIL: office@ltwa.net
Delek Hospital
Delek Hospital is a small, Tibetan run hospital in Dharamsala. It has 20 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
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 District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India PHONE: 01892-220589
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Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy 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
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 Opp. Art Gallery, Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamsala176215 PHONE: 01892-223113 / 223222 EMAIL: jamyang@tong-len.org
Tibet Charity
Tibet Charity provides programs to support the Tibetan community, 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
CHOICE HIV/AIDS Initiative
CHOICE HIV/AIDS Initiative provides HIV/ AIDS education, prevention and care services in Tibetan settlements throughout India. The services provided by CHOICE range from individual counseling to organizational training. CHOICE has a sponsorship program and occasionally utilizes volunteers. WEB: www.choicehivaids.org LOCATION: Arora House, 2nd Floor, Temple Road, Dharamsala PHONE: 01892-220239, 941-831-6896 EMAIL: choicehivaids@gmail.com
June 2012
around town
Charities and Organizations
Kunphen Center for Substance Dependence
The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)
Rogpa Baby Care Center
Dharamsala Dog Rescue
Nyingtob Ling (‘Realm of Courage’)
Clean Upper Dharamsala Project
Kunphen is a substance abuse center that provides counseling, education, and referral services to members of the Tibetan community who abuse drugs and alcohol. The organization also offers an after-care program that offers vocational skills training and job search assistance for those returning from a rehabilitation program. Kunphen utilizes qualified volunteers to provide counseling to clients. WEB: www.kunphen.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala – 176219 PHONE: 01892-220565 EMAIL: kunphen@mail.com Dharamsala Dog Rescue is in urgent need of vet volunteers, animal experts and sponsors. We are in immediate need of sponsors for two paralysed dogs that need a home, wheelchair, monthly food and medicine. Please contact us if you see an injured/sick dog. WEB: www.hnsindia.org LOCATION: Behind the District Court Complex on Chilgari St, Lower Dharamsala PHONE: 981-622-0841 EMAIL: friendsforanimals@gmail.com
Om Massage Center For Healing all Kinds of Body Pain Stiffness For Acute and Chronic Problems Especially for Paralysis, Epilepsy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Obesity, Sciatica and Nephritis Tibetan Traditional Healing Massage Deep Tissue Massage Reflexology Heat Compress Therapy Massage Course Available Treatment given by both male and female therapists Visit us on Bhagsu Road, Opposite Green Hotel, McLeod Ganj
Mobile: 9857999373 / 9736477656
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: 941-809-4476, 941-898-7745 EMAIL: executive_directoranec@yahoo.com
Nyingtob Ling supports Tibetan children from disadvantaged families. The children work hard at making delightful handicrafts and paintings. They are so friendly and love to have visitors. WEB: www.nyingtobling.org LOCATION: Near Norbulingka, Sidhpur PHONE: 01892-246366, 981-685-1841 EMAIL: nyingtobling@hotmail.com
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 PHONE: 981-665-9549 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 8:00 am-12:00 pm or 1:00 pm- 5 :00 pm (located near no.13 on map) EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com
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
Nature Cure Health Club with Mahinder Kapoor
Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House - Map # 13, Mobile: 94181 30119 or 09736333888 Email: mahinder_m@hotmail.com,
12 years’ experience & recommended by the Lonely Planet Visit us for: Swedish massage courses & treatment, Zen Shiatsu courses, treatment, reflexology treatment, SPA , Singing Bowl Treatment, steambaths, sauna & mud baths. Our teacher has had experience teaching in Israel.
OM YOGA CENTER TEACHER TRAINING STARTING 1st June - 1st July - 1st August
HATHA, ASHTANGA, AND KUNDALINI YOGA
Learn Hindi... the quick and easy way with an experienced teacher Beginner, intermediate and advanced Contact: Om Yoga Meditation Centre Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Road. Tel. 9816494732 www.omyogaindia.com
CERTIFIED BY YOGA ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL AND INDIAN GOVERNMENT DAILY YOGA CLASS DAILY MEDITATION CLASS 8-9:30 AM AND 4-5:30 PM 7-8 AM AND 5:30-6:30PM
REIKI I, II, III WITH TREATMENT OM YOGA MEDITATION CENTER
KETAN LODGE, JOGIWARA ROAD. TEL: 9805693514 - Map #18, EMAIL: OM.YOGA@YMAIL.COM WEBSITE: WWW.OMYOGAINDIA.COM Contact Magazine
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June 2012
activities & tourist info Upcoming Events
MEDITATION
July (TBA): Dalai Lama teachings in Padum, Zanskar (Ladakh) 3 July: Zam-ling Chi-sang (Universal Prayer Day) 6 July: “Flame of Truth” torch relay begins in Leh (Ladakh) 6 July: Dalai Lama’s Birthday in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala Aug (TBA): Dalai Lama teachings in Leh (Ladakh) 4-6 Sept: Dalai Lama teachings in Dharamsala 14-17 Sept: Dalai Lama visit to Dehradun Area (Uttarakhand) 1-4 Oct: Dalai Lama teachings in Dharamsala
BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY Library of Tibetan Works & Archives
ART & MUSeums
Kailash Tribal Meditation School
Naam Art Gallery
Taught by Yogi Sivadas WEB: www.yogatribe.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, nr the Green Shop HOURS: Daily, 1:00-2:00pm; Closed Tues PHONE: 981-615-0326 EMAIL: yogisivadas@gmail.com
LOCATION: Main Road Sidhbari Dharamsala PHONE: 9816043708
Tibet Museum
Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre WEB: www.omyogaindia.com LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Road PHONE: 980-569-3514 EMAIL: om.yoga@ymail.com
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
Tushita Meditation Center WEB: www.tushita.info LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:30-11:30am PHONE: 01982-21866 EMAIL: spc@tushita.info
Kangra Art Museum
LOCATION: Near Bus Stand, Kotwali Bazaar PHONE: 01892 224214 HOURS: Tue-Sun: 10:00am-1:00pm & 2:00pm-5:00pm
Vipassana Meditation
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
The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA)
WEB: www.sikhara.dhamma.org LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 4:00-5:00pm PHONE: 01982-21309 EMAIL: info@sikhara.dhamma.org
WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: Kotwali Bazaar PHONE: 1892-221478 EMAIL: tipadhasa@hotmail.com
Public Audience with HH Karmapa
Form Gallery
WEB: www.kagyuoffice.org LOCATION: Sidhpur HOURS: Wed & Sat: 2:30pm PHONE: 981-631-5336
LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd. near Oasis Cafe PHONE: 8894-060602 HOURS: Daily, 12:00am-6:00pm
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
BUS SCHEDULE
Ambulance: 01892-102, 222189
* Times and prices may vary. Please check with the bus stand ahead of departure.
Kangra Airport: 01892-232374, 232324 Bhagsu Taxi Union: 01892-221034
Leaving from the McLeod Ganj bus stand, unless otherwise stated: Delhi: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am, 6pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm and 8:30pm (Rs330) Semi Deluxe Bus: 6pm (Rs355) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8pm (Rs1035) AC TATA: 8:30pm (Rs840)
Tourism Office: 01892-23107 Rail Booking & Enquiry: 01892-265026 Police Superintendent: 01892-222244
Amritsar: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am (Rs165) *from Dharamsala
Police Contact Information Location: Past St.John’s Church on the road to Dharamshala in Cantt. area. Phone: 221 483
Dehradun: Ordinary Bus: 9pm; AC Deluxe: 5:30pm Manali: Ordinary Bus: 5:40pm, 8:40pm *from Dharamsala Pathankot: Ordinary Bus: 11am, 12:10pm, 12:30pm, 2:10pm, 3:50pm, 5pm(Rs75)
Shimla: Ordinary Bus: 5am, 5:30am, 6am, 8am, noon and 4:55pm (Rs235) *from Dharamsala Semi-Deluxe Bus: 8:22am, 7:45pm and 9:30pm (Rs???) *from Dharamsala FOR BOOKINGS: Location: Ticket stand under McLLo’s, main square Hours: 10am-6pm, daily Phone: 221750 For deluxe buses, book through any travel agency.
TAXIS A private taxi to Lower Dharamsala will cost you Rs 180. Cram into a jeep (from the bus stand), and it’ll only cost you Rs10. Contact Magazine
LOCATION:Near the Main Temple and the Namgyal Monastery gate, McLeod Ganj HOURS: Tue-Sun: 9:00am-5:00pm
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Tibetan Delek Hospital Location: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala Hours: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, Mon-Sat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, Mon-Sat; Emergencies: 24-hrs, daily. phone: 222 053,223 381 Post Office The McLeod Ganj Post Office is located on location: Jogiwara Rd, past Peace Cafe Hours: 9:30am-1pm and 2-5pm, Mon-Fri; 9:30am-noon, Sat. Phone: 221 924 Parcels and money orders can be sent in the mornings only. June 2012
activities & services LANGUAGES Tibetan Language Class
LOCATION: Lha Office, Temple Rd HOURS: Registration from 9-11am, Mon-Fri PHONE: 220 992 See ad on pg 3.
Hindi Classes
LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Rd, beside the Korean Restaurant PHONE: 981-649-4732
Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Program WEB: www.lrztp.blogspot.com/ LOCATION: Rato Chuwar Labrang Phuntsok Gatsel Session Rd, Dharamsala EMAIL: lrztp6@yahoo.in
Hindi Lessons with Sunil
LOCATION: Kunga Guesthouse, Bhagsu Rd and in Dharamkot PHONE: 01892-21942, 941-818-7281 EMAIL: sunilsharma81in@yahoo.co.in
Tibetan Language
LOCATION: The Tibetan Library See Buddhist Philosophy Listing
Hindi Lessons with Kailash
LOCATION: At Bhimsen’s Indian Cooking Class PHONE: 01892-20063, 941-816-1947 HOURS: Daily, 4:00-6:00pm
Tibetan with Pema Youdon
LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, opposite the post office HOURS: 1:00-4:00pm, or leave a message.
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
Kumar Ayurvedic and Panchkarma WEB: www.kumarayurveda.com/ LOCATION: Hotel Surya Rd., opposite the Tourism Information Center HOURS: 10:00am-2:00pm & 2:30-7:00pm PHONE: 941-824-9399, 981-667-6079 EMAIL: anishbhatia2003@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
Contact Magazine
Nature Cure Health Club
Indian Cooking Classes
Tibetan Delek Hospital
Lhamo’s Kitchen, Tibetan Cooking Classes
LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House-Map #10 HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm PHONE: : 941-813-0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com
LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamsala PHONE: 01892-22053 / 223381 HOURS: Outpatient services, Mon-Sat: 9:00am-1:00pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00-4:30pm; Emergencies: 24 hrs daily
Ayuskam Health Care
WEB: www.ayuskama.com LOCATION: First floor Hotel Anand Place, near Bhagsu taxi stand and near Tibetan Hotel Ashoka Guest House McLeod Ganj PHONE: 980-592-8923, 973-621-1210
YOGA & REIKI Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre
WEB: www.hiyogacentre.com LOCATION: Dharamkot, on the footpath to Bhagsu EMAIL: info@hiyogacentre.com
Kailash Tribal School,
(Yoga Alliance USA Recognized) WEB: www.yogatribe.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop HOURS: Daily, 1:30 pm; Closed on Tues PHONE: 981-615-0326 EMAIL: yogisivadas@gmail.com
Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, behind Akash Hotel, on Jogiwara Rd - Map #11 HOURS: 8:00am-6:00pm PHONE: 980-569-3514
Rishi Yoga Centre with Yogi Shivam WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org LOCATION: Himalyan Paradise Hotel Jogiwara Rd - Map #15 HOURS: 7:00-8:00am & 6:15-7:15pm PHONE: 981-656-5138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@yahoo.com
Siddhartha Yoga Centre with Yogi Shivam WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org LOCATION: Upper Bagsu Nag HOURS: 7:00-8:00am & 6:15-7:15pm PHONE: 981-656-5138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@yahoo.com
Universal Yoga with Vijay
Recognized by Yoga Alliance WEB: www.vijaypoweryoga.com LOCATION: Room #5, Yongling School Building, Jogiwara Rd HOURS: 9:00 -11:10am & 2:00 - 4:00Pm EMAIL: vijayamar@yahoo.com
COOKING CLASS Lha Tibetan Cooking School LOCATION: Lha Office, Temple Rd HOURS: Registration, 9:00-11:00am PHONE: 01892-20992
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LOCATION:Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guesthouse HOURS: 10:00am-6:00pm PHONE: 941-813-0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com
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
MASSAGE Angel Massage Center
LOCATION: Ping House, below Yongling School, Jogiwara Rd - Map #1 PHONE: 973-608-3627, 973-608-3554 EMAIL: delima1959@yahoo.com
Lha Healing Oil Massage Courses & Treatment LOCATION: Lha Office, Temple Rd PHONE: 01892-20992 HOURS: Registration, 9:00am-11:00am
Kailash Tribal School
Taught byYogi Sivadas WEB: www.yogatribe.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop HOURS: Daily, 1:00-2:00pm; Closed Tues PHONE: 981-615-0326 EMAIL: yogisivadas@gmail.com
Nature Cure Health Club
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
June 2012
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1992 Royal Enfield Motorcycle
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If interested, please contact Ngawang at 981-668-9222
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June 2012
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GOING TO AMRITSAR?
Norbulingka
Come see us at Tourist Guest House British colonial mansion turned into beautiful guest house that tourists have been flocking to for a taste of the Raj life style. We have Internet connection at Rs 1/min.
Where nature flourishes and tranquility prevails
Preserving Tibetan Culture
Comfortable stay with home cooked meals. Dorm bed Rs 85, Single/dble w. bath Rs 125-250. Walking distance from train and bus. Private parking. Recommended in travel guide ‘Lets Go-2000’.
LIVE ART FINE SHOPPING
Contact Harindar at : 0183-2553830 / 09356003219 E-mail : bubblesgoolry@yahoo.com
ART GALLERY DOLL MUSEUM SERENE GARDEN CAFE INNOVATIVE CRAFT AND DESIGN Guided Tour, Round Trip Sharing Ride Minimum Four People Required Rs. 150 per person from McLeod Ganj Tickets Available at Chonor Guest House Contact: Chonor Reception #01892-221 468/01892-221006 Trisong Dorjee #9816523556 Website: www.norbulingka.org
W W W. T H E S A N C T U A R Y. I N
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Pure Korean Food Available For both Veg & Non Veg We serve special Kimbab (Sushi) For every day veg, tuna, avocado, And many other naturally Korean foods Kimchi, Bulgogi, Very Clean & Delicious!!! Also good Music Classics, Jazz, Pop, Korean & we have nice fireplace
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+91 - 98056 61222 Dr. Mobile Shop Your Communication Partner
Open 10:00am~Closed 10:00pm Located on Jogiwara Road-Map #11 Near the Japanese Restaurant Contact Magazine
Mobile Sales, Mobile Repair, Sim Cards, Purchase and Recharge Phone Service Black Magic Building (underground), Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj Phone: 221663 (Map #9) 15
June 2012
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Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen
-has opened a new branch-
Main market, just opposite of prayer wheels on the second floor. Jogiwara Road, McLeod - Map #6 Contact: 9857121027 / 9816124833 Come for fine Italian food, amazing views from the roof top terrace garden, live music, stylish decor & yummy desserts!
CARPE DIEM RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA
“Your Health is our Happiness” MEXICAN, ITALIAN, INDIAN, CHINESE, CONTINENTAL, & THAI FOOD • • • • • •
Enjoy traditional Taiwanese and Chinese food and peaceful environment, just one minute from the Bus Stand, just behind Asian Plaza! (Map #3)
Common Grounds Cafe is a nonprofit venture of Common Grounds Project, an NGO with a mission to establish and promote innovative forums to achieve common grounds of shared understanding between Chinese and Tibetan people. We also host weekly programs including screenings, discussions, & workshops.
TIBET KITCHEN
Healthy hygiene, No MSG Everything washed with sterilized water RESTAURANT & BEANS CAFE Homemade muesli & homemade curd BEST AUTHENTIC TIBETAN CUISINE IN TOWN Large variety of fresh juices SPECIALIZING IN THAI, BHUTANESE, & CHINESE Wood-fired pizza oven & clay Tandoori oven WE ALSO SERVE FRESH BEAN COFFEE Relaxed atmosphere including roof top tables Healthy Hygienic - Only A.C. Restaurant in town & Japanese-style seating area Homemade Noodles - Internet surfing
Party Bookings Available
Located on Jogiwara Road, across from the Tibetan Reception Center (down from Post Office) - Map #8
Open 11:00 am to 9:30 pm. Located at the Main Square Contact: 01892-221980, Mobile: 98058 75626 - Map #5
HOTEL LADIES’ VENTURE
Are you reading this by
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“The most suitable place for foreigners, holidaymakers, honeymooners, trekkers, and those who wish to commune with nature!”
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Deals in: Precious & Semi-Precious Stones Gold & Silver Jewellery Pashmina Shawls ♦ Thangkas ♦ Carpets, etc. Also Made to Order
On hotel Surya Road, Mcleodganj - Map # 14
Shop No. 11, Mount View Complex, Temple Road, McLeod Ganj (inside Hotel M, opposite reception desk - Map #2) Mobile: +91-9816559319 / 9960802594 Also visit us in Goa, near the CSM Hotel, Baga **Bring in this ad and receive 11% off any one item!** (expires 31 July 2012)
Contact Magazine
Result guaranteed life-style ideas & discussions at 6:00PM every evening Tuesday through Friday. Reiki Meditation Healing, Crystals, Pashmina Carpets Every product a labor of love 16
June 2012
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Map not to scale
For Details See Advertisement Pages Thank you for patronizing our advertisers!
TIPA
DHARAMKOT
Vipassana Centre
Naddi Village Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)
4
Tushita Centre
18
MAIN SQUARE
3
10
McLEOD GANJ
8
9
6
5
15
14
Cantt Police Post
12
19
21 Lha
2
Main Bazaar
11 1
13
16 17
Road to Dharamshala
20
1. Angel Massage 2. Glorious Arts 3. Common Ground Cafe 4. Kunga Guest House & Nick’s Italian Kitchen 5. Tibetan Kitchen 6. Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen 8. Carpe Diem Restaurant 9. Dr. Mobile 10. Hotel Ladies’ Venture 11. Seven Hills of Dokibe & Om Yoga Center
12. 8 Auspicious Him View Hotel 13. Destination Travels 14. Kundalini 15. Hotel Nataraj 16. Pema Thang Guest House 17. Chonor House 18. Dream Holidays Travel 19. Crepe Pancake Hut 20. Ahimsa House & Lha Soup Kitchen 21. Lha Headquarters
Road to Dharamshala
Destination Travels A N G E L M A S S A G E C E N T R E
We are certified, trained and experienced therapists from a recognised Institute of India. We perform the following therapies
Authorised agent for Jet Airways and Air Sahara instant tickets Online reservations / availability
Our Services:
• International and domestic flight tickets on all airlines • Dharamshala to Delhi & Kullu to Kelhi flight tickets available • Online reservations • Special youth / student fares • Hotel reservations / Transfers • Hotel in Thailand / Malaysia / Singapore
Swedish Massage
Thai Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Balinese Massage
Hawaiian Massage
Reflexology
Aromatherapy
Enjoy the therapy with soft music Massage courses and treatment are available Visit Us at Hotel Misty Woods, 44/3 Jogiwara Rd Mcleod Ganj (near Chocolate Log) Map #1
Ph: 9736083627-9736083554
8 AUSPICIOUS HIM VIEW HOTEL
Located below Ghu Chum Movement at Jogiwara Road (Map #12). We have 8 beautiful, well-decorated rooms with good-luck symbols in each.
All rooms have a balcony facing the Himalayan Range. Enjoy the sunrise from your bed!
Temple Road, McLeod Ganj Phone: 01892 220 399 / 220012 Mobile: 94180 41414 Email: sales@destinationtravels.co.in Web: www.destinationtravels.net - Map #13 Contact Magazine
Tibetan Massage
Our restaurant serves Vegetarian Tibetan and Continental dishes. We also have a coffee and juice bar featuring homemade cakes.
Phone: 01892 220567 Cell: 9418236603 Email: tseringd@aushimview.com 17
June 2012
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Chonor
Crepe Pancake Hut
House
Chonor House (map #17) is centrally located overlooking His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s temple. We have eleven uniquely decorated and well-appointed rooms with room service and housekeeping. Internet is available in our Cyber Yak. Our chefs create a wide range of Tibetan and International specialties which can be enjoyed in our beautiful restaurant, our peaceful gardens, or on your own private balcony. Visit our bakery for freshly-made cakes and cookies to enjoy here or to take away. For that special gift to take home, visit our shops, Chonor Designs and Norling Designs (on Temple Road) and choose from our exclusive range of jewellery, clothing, and handicraft items. Phone: 221815 Talented artisans from Norbulingka Institute create all of our designs. Phone: +91(0)1 892 221 006/221 077 Fax: +91 (0) 1892 221648 Email: chonorhs@sancharnet.in - or - chonorhs@norbulingka.org Website: www.norbulingka.org/site/visitor.htm
Spacious rooms with views over the valley, and...
Visit our Café for organic flour-made pancakes with fresh fruit sauce, a variety of fillings & Green and Home baked cakes, quiches, Grain salads
NICK’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Come to enjoy our homemade Pineapple beer & Ginger beer
Pema Thang Guest House and Restaurant Charming, comfortable, and scrupulously clean Minutes from Main Temple and Market, tucked on a quiet street with magnificent view of the Kangra Valley.
Rooms feature kitchenette. New addition: Yoga Hall Traditional Tibetan Musical Evening with Buffet Dinner Every Month Adjoining Restaurant offers delicious local and continental fare described by Wikitravel as “lip-smackingly yummy.” Hotel Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj: Map #16 Phone: 221871/221001 www.pemathang.net Contact Magazine
KUNGA GUEST HOUSE
18
Jogiwara Road, opposite Mountview Guesthouse (Map #19) Mobile: 9418607037
pies, pastas, cheese, & Italian favourites served on our massive terrace. We also have on sale the
Rigpa Tibetan Calendar Bhagsu Road - Map #4 Phone: 221 180
DR. KUMAR CLINIC
FACILITIES: OPD, MEDICINE, LAB TEST • AYURVEDIC BODY DIAGNOSIS & DIET RECOMMENDATION • 24 HR MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Call: 088 944 92837 Email: Satinder3737@gmail.com Website: kumarayurveda.com
Sunset View from Open Terrace All Rooms Valley & Temple View
Restaurant, Bar, Pool Table and Snooker McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, Ph: 221575, 221529 - Map #15 Email: hotelnatraj@sancharnet.in hotelnatraj@indiatimes.com www.hotelnatraj.co.in June 2012