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འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།
Contact
A Free Monthly Publication For Tibetan Issues and Community Information RGD No. HPENG/2013/51798 Volume: XVIII Issue: 6 30 JUNE 2016
His Holiness and Obama
by Charlotte Wigram-Evans Defying China and deepening his ties of friendship with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, United States President Barack Obama welcomed the revered spiritual leader to the White House on June 15, 2016. Despite repeated threats from China, the two men have met four times, publicly declaring themselves friends and Continued on page 3
Democracy Service Medal by Dorji Kyi Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche has been posthumously awarded the Democracy Service Medal by the National Endowment of Democracy (NED) in Washington to honour his courageous work. The late monk was a prominent Tibetan political prisoner and died in a Chinese prison in
Democracy Applauded
by Tenzin Samten The Tibetan Prime Minister or Sikyong, Dr Lobsang Sangay, was honoured by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in Washington on June 15 in recognition of the democratic accomplishments of the Central Tibetan Administration in exile (CTA). He was given a framed certificate featuring a statement Continued on page 3
Largest Monastery in Danger
by Tenzin Samten The largest Buddhist centre in Tibet is under threat of demolition. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Serta county in Kardze is home to over 10,000 monks, nuns and lay people but may be torn down to comply with China’s new tougher regulations on the number of people who can
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about lha & contact Contact, a free monthly magazine published by Lha Charitable Trust, is a recognised and registered publication under the Registrar Office of the Newspaper, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India. The registration number is HPENG/2013/51798. Acknowledged by Lonely Planet and other international travel resources, Contact has been a popular source of news and information on Tibetan issues, and the Dharamshala community, for over 18 years. 700 - 1,000 copies are printed per issue and distributed in the Dharamshala area, Delhi, and various diplomatic missions of India. Copies are also sent to various Tibetan schools, settlements, offices and NGOs in India and abroad. Please Note: The articles, stories and other material in Contact represent the views of the authors and are not necessarily the views of the Contact editing staff or Lha Social Work. All comments on this issue should be submitted by email to: editor@contactmagazine.net
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His Holiness and Obama Continued from page 1
grasping each other affectionately on their latest reunion. The meeting was deliberately closed-door, demonstrating to the world its personal nature, and conversation turned first to the Orlando terrorist attack – the worst mass shooting in American history. The president thanked the Dalai Lama for his condolences. The previous day His Holiness had led a minute of silent prayer for the victims of the attack during an appearance at the US Institute of Peace in Washington. Obama continued by praising the spiritual leader for his continuous efforts in endorsing compassion, empathy, and respect for others. The Tibet issue was also touched upon, and while the US president made it clear that his country’s official stand remains unaltered – America does not recognise Tibet as its own country – he emphasised the need to preserve its unique religious, cultural, and
linguistic traditions. He also expressed hope that the continuation of the Middle Way
His Holiness and US President Barack Obama during their 2014 meeting Photo:White House Photo
Policy would enable talks between the Dalai Lama and Chinese authorities to recommence. All attempts over the last six years to make contact with Beijing have proved futile. China has used this most recent meeting between His Holiness and Obama as an opportunity to demonstrate their continued mistrust of His Holiness.“If such a meeting goes through, it will send a wrong
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signal to the separatist forces seeking Tibet independence and it will damage mutual trust and cooperation,” China’s foreign ministry spokesman, Lu Kang told reporters before it took place. His Holiness’ reunion with Obama was one of pleasure on a tight schedule of official engagements in the American capital. While there, His Holiness attended a conference with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee discussing, amongst other things, the environmental decline of the Tibetan Plateau. He took the opportunity to stress his continued desire for autonomy from China, while making clear he is not seeking independence. He also met members of the International Campaign for Tibet at the American University, an organisation which works to promote human rights and democratic freedom in Tibet. His departure from the stage was met with cheers and chants of “long live the Dalai Lama,” and so his tour of the US continues. Next stop: California.
Democracy Applauded Continued from page 1
by the United States on one side, and an excerpt from the CTA’s statement on other. Martin Frost, Chairman of the Board of Directors of NED, led the presentation in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, US Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, long time Tibet supporter Richard Gere and Senator Diane Feinstein, as well as other friends of Tibet. “This recognition and honour of Tibetan democracy will send a strong message of hope to Tibetans inside Tibet and a message of solidarity to Tibetan political prisoners,” said Dr Sangay as he accepted the certificate. “I feel fortunate to have received this honour on behalf of the CTA in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It is an honour to head the democratic institution envisioned by His Holiness.” Contact
Dr Sangay also spoke about the strength and evolution of Tibetan democracy in exile under the vision and guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Mr Frost expressed the organisation’s admiration of the
Sikyong speaking on the evolution of Tibetan democracy Photo: tibet.net
guidance His Holiness gives to the Tibetan people. He said that the success of the Tibetans in exile was “neither 3
predetermined nor guaranteed” under the circumstances but that they have “thrived under the leadership of His Holiness and the Central Tibetan Administration.” “Even after six decades of exile, Tibetans have retained a distinct sense of identity and community. There are many reasons to honour the Central Tibetan Administration but principally among them is the establishment of an effective and representative government,” he said. He further added that the recognition from NED was a symbol of their democratic solidarity with the Tibetan people. In addition to the NED event Dr Sangay, who was on a nine day official visit to Washington, met dignitaries and senior officials from United States government and non government organisations and was back in his office in Dharamshala on June 19. JUNE 2016
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Arrests and Releases Inside Tibet this Month
June 25: Film Maker Arrested Pema Tseden, aged 47 and a leading Tibetan film maker, was arrested from Qinghai airport and taken to a detention centre in Xining city. Local sources are reported as saying he was assaulted and interrogated throughout night of June 25, before being taken to a hospital in Xining city for emergency treatment. He was detained on the charge of disturbing public order, no further details have been released by the authorities. Tseden rose to fame with his films Old Dog and Tharlo. Tibetans across the world are voicing their concerns on social media platforms. The Film Directors Guild of China issued a statement calling for the authorities to provide details of why Tseden was subject to forceful measures as well as the reason for the arrest. June 24: Five Detained Five Tibetans have been detained and assaulted by Chinese police following a protest against the demolition of houses and shops near Qinghai Lake. Eight people had been badly beaten and left seriously injured the previous day at the protest following a police attack. The detained Tibetans were given no explanation or documents concerning their arrest. Four of the detainees were Lhachen Kyab, Jigje Delek Gyatso, Rinchen Bum, and Tashi Dolma. “It was a sheer displayof force and intimidation,” said Radio Free Asia’s source. June 24: Released Tsering, also known as Tsering Contact
Yoyoling and a former monk from Kirti monastery, has been released after serving his five year sentence at Sichuan’s D e y a n g prison. He was detained for taking part in protests outside the Ngaba county office during the wider regional uprising in 2008 but he managed to evade capture until 2011 by living as a fugitive. Jun 18: Detained Again Choesang Gyatso, a monk from Lutsang monastery in Mangra county in Tsolho in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, was detained for a second time by Chinese police on May 29. The reason for this second arrest and his whereabouts are unknown. Gyatso heads an association that promotes education among Tibetan children in nomadic regions and was also an editor of the journal, The Sound of Hoofbeats. Education programmes set up in Tibetan areas are sometimes deemed “illegal associations” and seen as challenging Beijing’s rule. Gyatso’s previous detention lasted one month, following which he was freed without explanation. News of his arrest did not reach the exile community for several weeks due to communication restrictions in the area. Jun 9: Released from Detention Tsering Kyi, 35, has been released following two weeks detention in the Meruma Township in Ngaba County, Sichuan Province. She is a native of the Merema Township’s Division three village and was detained on suspicion of having links with exile “separatists”, sending information 4
out and “endangering state security”. Her release was reported by the Dharamshala based Gu-Chu-Sum organisation for former Tibetan political prisoners who have released a photo of Tsering Kyi being welcomed home with traditional Tibetan white scarves; there is no information available about her detention and on what condition she obtained her release. Tsering Kyi runs a small tea shop in the village. June 7: Solo Protest Lobsang Tsering, also known as Abe and a young monk in his 20s from Kirti monastery in Ngaba county in Tibet, has been detained after staging a solo protest. He carried a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on a street known locally as Heroes’ Road in the main town of Ngaba. Radio Free Asia reports a local source as saying “While walking in protest through the street, he carried a photo of the Dalai Lama and a ceremonial scarf raised high over his head, calling out loudly for the Dalai Lama’s long life...Soon afterward, police overpowered him and took him away”. Additional police were deployed in the town and members of Kirti monastery’s government-run management committee were later seen at the site of the protest. Tsering’s current whereabouts are unknown. He was born in Lhade Gabma in Ngaba and his parents are Ngore and Yukho. He was enrolled in the Kalachakra College at Kirti monastery. With group demonstrations prohibited, solo protests are becoming the only means of publicly voicing concerns inside Tibet. JUNE 2016
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Democracy Service Medal Continued from page 1
2015 under mysterious circumstances. He had been incarcerated for thirteen years. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Sikong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the leader of the Tibetan Government-inExile, were also present at the award ceremony. The award was received on Rinpoche’s behalf by Ven Jamyang Nyima, Rinpoche’s cousin and student. He said “Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was a man who was fiercely loyal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and devoutly followed His Holiness’ principles of nonviolent action and public service. For this reason, he was arrested by Chinese authorities in 2002 under false charges.” He also expressed his gratitude to NED for honouring Rinpoche who, he said, had dedicated his life to the preservation of the Tibetan
people’s identity, language, culture and environment. He also worked to develop social, medical, educational and religious institutes for Tibetan nomads in eastern Tibet. “On behalf of his family and his followers, I express my deepest gratitude.
Ven Jamyang Nyima receiving the award Photo: Tibet.net
This award is not only recognition of Rinpoche alone, but a tribute to all those Tibetans who languish in Chinese prisons for seeking their freedom and human rights,” he said. A substantive report by Human
Rights Watch in 2004 concluded that the charges against Tenzin Delek Rinpoche were politically motivated, aimed at undermining His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a religious leader as well as the Tibetan movement. Sources in Tibet have also maintained that the charges against Rinpoche were fabricated and that the real reasons for his arrest were his growing popularity and his steadfast loyalty to the Dalai Lama. Rinpoche is know as an inspiration for Tibetans struggling to retain their cultural identity in the face of China’s harsh policies. The National Endowment for Democracy is a private, nonprofit foundation dedicated to the growth and strengthening of democratic institutions around the world. Each year, NED awards more than 1,000 grants to non government organisations abroad whose work promotes democratic goals in more than 90 countries.
Largest Monastery in Danger Continued from page 1
be accommodated in one location. Orders to massively cut back on numbers have already started with the eviction of residents, sources in Tibet have reported. Authorities have announced that 1,200 nuns and monks must leave the centre this year, 600 of whom have travelled from far flung regions of Tibet to be there. Around 1,500 houses will also be demolished. Chinese officials announced that the number of people must be reduced to 5,000 by September 2017, half the number of current residents. At the moment the centre accommodates almost 10,000 nuns, monks and lay people according to official documents obtained by Radio Free Asia’s (RFA) Tibetan service. “About 60 -70 percent of the houses of monks and nuns are being marked for demolition,” said one RFA source from Tibet, adding that the order to reduce the number of residents in Larung Gar Monastery came from “higher authorities” and not from Contact
Serta county officials. “Halving the size of the population of the historic monastery would leave thousands homeless,” said United States organisation Human Rights
Photo:Amusing Planet Website
Watch (HRW) as it appealed to China to negotiate with the Buddhist community. “China’s authorities should not be determining the size of monasteries or any other religious institution, but should accept that religious freedom means letting people decide for themselves their religious practices,” said Sophie Richardson, HRW’s China Director. “If authorities somehow believe 5
that the Larung Gar facilities are overcrowded, the answer is simple: allow Tibetans and other Buddhists to build more monasteries,” she said. Larung Gar, which accommodates hundreds of ethnic Chinese followers as well as Tibetan devotees, is known for its democratic and equalitarian practices, and for its commitment to gender and ethnic equality, reported Human Rights Watch. Richardson said that the order to demolish it is a step backwards for Chinese religious policy. “By imposing such stringent demands on such a prominent monastery, the government is raising alarms for religious institutions across China,” she added. The Larung Ghar is the world’s largest Buddhist academy. It was founded in 1980 by the late Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok who died in 2004. The Larung Gar has been devastated in the past: in 2001 local authorities deployed teams of police who bulldozed most of the monks and nuns residences and there is concern that the same thing may happen again. JUNE 2016
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 19 Day US Trip by Vanshika Tripathi nature is compassionate. Whether we His Holiness the Dalai Lama has believe in religion or not, affection visited five states in nineteen days and compassion are key factors in our during his United States tour this peace of mind, while constant anger month. He left Dharamshala on and fear are said to undermine our June 10, arriving in the US to attend immune system.” meetings, give teachings and to visit The Dalai Lama also mentioned President Barack Obama. both Pali and Sanskrit traditions. An audience consisting of 275 “While the Pali tradition thrives in people was graced with His Holiness’ Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia presence during the Women in and Sri Lanka, the Sanskrit tradition, Compassionate Leadership breakfast including the Nalanda tradition, was in Los Angeles, California on June conveyed to China from where it 17. During this event the Dalai spread to Korea, Japan and Vietnam. Lama touched upon the importance Later, in the 8th century, the Nalanda of education for the betterment of the tradition was brought to Tibet world. directly from India by the Abbot “Education is the key to a healthy Shantarakshita. Within the Tibetan and happy humanity,” he stated. Buddhist tradition we distinguish two “Having a healthy mind is crucial waves of translation, the old and the to our physical health. Destructive new, depending on whether they took emotions like anger disturb our peace place before or after Rinchen Zangpo, of mind and distract our ability to a translator during the 11th century. judge right from The Tibetan wrong. Love and language compassion—the evolved during essence of all the process of major religious translation of traditions—are Indian Buddhist fundamental to literature so that human happiness. it remains today What we need the language is an education most capable His Holiness with Maria Schriver in warmof accurately during their live interview Photo:OHHDL heartedness. And expressing the since women are more sensitive to Buddha’s teachings,” he said. others’ needs, it’s possible that if a On the morning of June 19 over 400 majority of the world’s 200 or so members of the Tibetan Association of countries were women, the world Southern California met His Holiness might be a more peaceful place.” the Dalai Lama. During his discourse His Holiness also spoke in depth he spoke about the political unrest that about the root causes of anger and Tibet is currently facing along with attachment, their detrimental effects, the severe persecution of countless and how they can be overcome. He Tibetans by the Chinese government. then participated in a live Facebook “We’re passing through the most interview with well known journalist difficult period in the last 2,000 years and activist Maria Schriver. of our recorded history,” he stated. The following day His Holiness was “We used only to quarrel among welcomed to the Dieu Ngu Buddhist ourselves to the detriment of the entire Temple in Westminster, California. He three provinces of Tibet, but now talked about the connection between we’re facing a life or death struggle compassion and human wellbeing for our culture and identity. This may saying: “Scientists have found be the fruit of our karma, yet among evidence to show that basic human Tibetans in exile as well as those in Contact
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Tibet, our spirit remains strong.” Later that day His Holiness returned to the Dieu Ngu Buddhist Temple to deliver a keynote address for its inauguration ceremony. The Lam Rim prayer, Heart Sutra and the Mangala Sutta were some of the auspicious verses that were recited during the opening ceremony. The Dalai Lama explained the significance of the Heart Sutra stating: “We recited the Heart Sutra which is a concise rendering of the
His Holiness speaking at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Centre in Salt Lake City Photo:OHHDL
Perfection of Wisdom teachings that explain emptiness. The sutra says that the five aggregates are also empty of inherent existence, a declaration of the selflessness of phenomena in addition to the selflessness of persons.” A discourse, Compassion and Universal Responsibility, followed on June 21 at the University of Utah. During the event he also received the President’s Medal for his ceaseless quest to make the world a more peaceful place. At the Coors Event Centre on June 23 His Holiness spoke on the topic of Geshe Langri Thangpa’s Eight Verses of Training the Mind and later that day gave another speech, Educating The Heart and Mind. His Holiness the Dalai Lama ended his US visit with a discourse, Compassion as a Pillar of World Peace, at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. He will return to India before his birthday on July 6 which he will celebrate in Mungod settlement in South India. JUNE 2016
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Mining in Tibet Indensifies Bringing on a Spate of Protests
by Charlotte Wigram-Evans protection. Prime Minister Dr Lobsang Sangay One protester described the brutal has spoken out against the illegal way in which the Chinese military mining projects that are increasing broke up the demonstration: “Six of in strength and fervour across Tibet, the protest leaders were beaten, one as well as the violent suppression of so severely that he was rushed to a peaceful demonstrations. hospital in the provincial capital Three protests in different regions Chengdu while the other five were of the country are known to have taken to a nearby military hospital.” taken place last month with local people becoming increasingly distressed by what Dr Sangay describes as the “occupation of Tibet, the repression of the Tibetan people and the environmental destruction”. The sacred mountain of Nyenchen Gong-ngon Lari is being mined for Tibetans in Sangchu county protesting against mining gold and large areas have Photo:TPI been gravely damaged. About 300 Tibetans, including both Two of the six have since been named monks and lay people, took to the as Tsewang Kyab of Amchok’s Angon streets for several days, demanding village and Gogen of Pung village the immediate withdrawal of Chinese and all were released from hospital on June 6. excavators and a halt to the digging. The mining of Nyenchen GongThe protestors gathered in the ngon Lari has been in operation for town of Achok Yultso, Amdo with a 16 years and has intensified despite huge red banner reading: “Prevent Nyenchen Gong-ngon Lari from repeated appeals to stop. In November mining” in both Tibetan and Chinese. 2012, two Tibetans self-immolated at People could be heard shouting: “please protect the environment,” “stop mining,” “protect the holy mountain,” “we want people’s safety” and “victory of the Holy Mountain.” They also called the Chinese out on their hypocrisy; mining land without the local people’s consent is against the law yet is happening more and more frequently. In other footage, more than 100 Chinese military police deployed in Amchok people can be seen confronting armed township during anti-mining protest police outside the local government Photo:RFA office shouting: “Stop the destruction of the environment”. One local made the entrance to the gold mine. Tsering references to the speeches of Chinese Dhondup, 35, set fire to himself on Communist Party leader Xi Jinping, November 20 and Konchok Tsering, many of which have voiced support 18, did the same six days later. for ecological and environmental “Tsering wanted to highlight Contact
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the hardship and suffering of the local Tibetans harmed by mining activities,” one friend said of him, describing him as a “gentle character” devoted to both environmental issues and Tibet’s cause as a whole. A third Tibetan who selfimmolated also wrote about the suffering that Tibetans faced due to Chinese mining activities in the area in his last ever written statement. Tibet has become an important source of minerals needed for China’s economic growth, and experts have observed that mining operations have led to widespread environmental damage including the pollution of water sources for livestock and humans, as well as the destruction of sacred sites. Two similar demonstrations - both where holy ground is being destroyed in the search for minerals – have also been reported in the Akhore Township of Chuchen County in Amdo, and Yulshok Gargye in the Kham Province of eastern Tibet. Armed police have been sent to Akhore to monitor Tibetans where they have been subjected to roundthe-clock surveillance and repeated threats of arrest. Warnings made through loud speakers promise severe reprisals including fines and prison sentences to anyone caught disrupting the mining project. Protests against mining and to protect the environment are becoming increasingly common. They are also extremely dangerous. As Chinese authorities accelerate large scale operations to excavate copper, gold, silver, chromium and lithium, Tibetans who convey concern about the impact of toxic waste, deforestation and erosion risk being imprisoned, tortured or even killed. JUNE 2016
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Over 100 Women Protest against Government Land Grab
by Tenzin Samten More than 100 Tibetan women took to the streets carrying a huge Chinese flag and blown up photos of China’s leaders to protest against the confiscation of farmland on June 13 and 14, according to Radio Free Asia (RFA). The women, from Gachoe village in Phampo county in Tibet Autonomous Region, gathered to protest in front of the local county office, saying that Tibetan farmers in the region have been driven to despair. The recent move by Chinese officials to take their land and use it for construction projects without paying the promised compensation has left many destitute. Farmers were paid considerably less than they had been promised, reports RFA. The protesters called out for the government to recognise its failure in giving them proper reimbursement and voiced their fears that the seizing
and demolition of their ancestral land will leave them poverty stricken for generations to come. “New cities are being built in the area, and the farmers are being tricked in various ways into giving up their
land,” said one RFA source in the region. This person also said that the same thing is set to happen in many other counties this year. The all-women protest was used in an attempt to evade violent crackdowns by Chinese police and this tactic was apparently successful.
For once, there were no reports of violence at the scene. Tibetans carrying out protests are usually labeled “splittists” by the Chinese government and can face harsh punishment. Chinese flags and photos of Chinese leaders are used to highlight that, rather than campaigning for a free Tibet, they are simply fighting against unjust laws on environmental protection and the forceful eviction of farmers. With China’s plan to rapidly build more cities and towns in Tibetan regions, these protests against land grab have become more frequent in recent years and are likely to become even more so. In this year, four Tibetan men from the Dzoege county of Ngaba Prefecture were arrested in connection with a campaign to reclaim their lands which had been confiscated earlier by the government. They were given varying sentences.
UK Urged to Challenge China by Charlotte Wigram-Evans China’s dismal human rights record in Tibet must be discussed at the ongoing session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, a group of British Parliament members has urged the United Kingdon government. MPs and Lords who make up the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet (APPGT) wrote letters to both Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and the UK’s permanent representative at the UN in Geneva, Julian Braithwaite. In the correspondence the APPGT stress the importance of keeping the “human rights violations by China firmly on the Council’s agenda,” urging them not to ignore the suffering of the Tibetan people. More specifically, the group would like raised China’s current “stability maintenance” campaign, a programme that has led to the imprisonment of hundreds of peaceful protesters across Tibet. They urge the government to demand the release of all political prisoners, in particular Contact
that of four high profile detainees – monk and community leader Khenpo Kartse, human rights defender Tashi Wangchuk, primary school teacher Lhamo Kyab and retired doctor Yeshe Choedron. The recent death in prison of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a revered Buddhist leader from Tibet’s Sichuan province,
David Cameron with Xi Jinping
has seen waves of anger and resentment ripple through the community. Arrested in 2002, Rinpoche was accused of being involved in a bomb blast in Chengdu city but has always maintained his innocence. The APPGT outline the case in their letters, asking 8
the UK to demand that China allow UN representatives to visit Tibet and assess the circumstances surrounding Rinpoche’s death, along with reports that torture is rife in prisons throughout the country. Although the UK has previously condemned China’s human rights abuses – it, along with 11 other countries issued a joint statement slamming the superpower in 2015 – recently it turns an increasingly blind eye. Prime Minister David Cameron has faced growing criticism over the way in which his government appears to prioritise economic ties over human rights. Last year the UK went as far as to praise China for protecting the civil and political rights of its citizens on the UN’s Human Rights Day. This was in direct contrast to countries such as the United States whose Beijing ambassador, Max Baucus, accused China of treating peaceful activists and human rights lawyers as “enemies”. JUNE 2016
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Destruction and Detentions: All in a Day’s Work by Dorji Kyi Tibetan owned restaurants, shops and private homes have been demolished by Chinese authorities at a lakeside Tibetan colony in north western China’s Qinghai province. According to Radio Free Asia (RFA), hundreds of Chinese police officers marched into Tanakma Township in Chabcha County with heavy machinery, ready to tear down the buildings. Around 600 homes, shops and restaurants have been destroyed and sources say that the demolition will continue. On June 23 and 24, hundreds of Tibetans protested against the Chinese authorities, carrying a banner that read: “We Need to Eat, We Need to Survive.” Eight people were seriously injured and five were taken into custody without any notice or explanations during the protest. “The police began to demolish all the structures built by the Tibetan residents on their own land and the owners were not allowed to retrieve
their belongings from their houses before the demolition work began,” a source told RFA. The campaign has also affected Muslims and Han Chinese property owners in the area. The reason given by the Chinese authorities for destroying the buildings was that they were “illegal
constructions”. However the truth, according to the same witness, is that the owners failed to pay bribes to the officials to gain building permission so the authorities rejected their applications. RFA reports that five property owners - three Tibetans and two Muslims - protested against the demolition of their property. They
were detained for a day and brutally beaten before being released. “We fear that neighbouring areas like Chang Shikhuk, Hodon Yangtrang, and Chik Nga Chik may be the next targets of the government’s plan,” the source added. Tibetans are often forced to sell their properties and when they try to resist, they are beaten or imprisoned. “It is extremely rare to find even one county leader who is fair and reasonable in his dealings with Tibetans,” the unnamed witness said to RFA. “Both officials and business owners exploit the land owned by the nomadic community.” On October 22, 2015, Chinese authorities knocked down 240 houses built by Tibetans in the same county and gave no reason for it. According to RFA’s report, 960 Tibetans were left without a home and had to live in tents. They were not allowed to question the authority’s action, neither were they permitted to go anywhere near their destroyed houses.
Focus on China’s HR Abuses at UN Council by Meghna Prakash The 32nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) has begun, and China is at the forefront of the debate. In his opening statement Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, voiced his concerns about China’s worsening human rights record. He gave numerous examples, from the detainment and interrogation of lawyers, to the harassment of government critics and the intimidation of NGO (non government organsation) workers. The free Tibet movement was discussed at length. During the second week of sessions the Society for Threatened Peoples sponsored a side event coordinated by the Tibet Bureau in Geneva and the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) in Berlin. It was led by two panellists, Tienchi Martin, President of the Independent Chinese PEN Centre, and Kai Müller, Contact
a prominent member of ICT, and addressed China’s human rights issues. Ngodup Dorjee, a representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was also present to moderate it. Mrs Martin raised numerous issues about human rights violations in Tibet. Attention was drawn to the many cases in recent years, for example, of established artists and leaders being detained and sentenced for allegedly promoting anti-nationalistic behaviour. Chinese freelance writers including Zhao Changqing, Zhang Baocheng, and the well revered poet Liang Taiping, together with a number of human rights lawyers, have been prosecuted by the Chinese government. The wife of Nobel Laureate Liu Xiabo was put under house arrest. Mrs Martin also referred to the violations of religious freedom in Tibet. China is well known for controlling and interfering in religious practices 9
and has demolished thousands of holy buildings. The issue of the forced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama was raised. He has been missing since 1995; it is widely believed that the Chinese government abducted him and is detaining him and his family in China. The case of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a revered Tibetan Buddhist leader who died in prison recently, was also discussed. Mrs Martin urged the Chinese government to release religious and political prisoners and to resume dialogue with the Dalai Lama’s representatives, saying that the best strategy to achieve this would be for the EU to step in and set up a liaison office for the two parties in Lhasa. It was widely agreed that in order to achieve real stability in Tibet, laws in China must be written and enforced in accordance with international human rights standards. JUNE 2016
news & ISSUES
Should Miss Tibet Speak Her Mother Tongue? by Charlotte Wigram-Evans Dramatic debate has followed the recent enthroning of the new Miss Tibet. As soon as the crown was placed on 21 year old Tenzing Sangnyi’s head, people took to the internet to express their opinions on her looks, body, and even more vehemently, her fluency in Tibetan. “It’s shameful,” Phurbu Tralsar Chorion posted on the social media site Facebook while another user stated: “It is okay an exiled girl doesn’t speak Tibetan (forget about writing) although she spent her entire life in the Tibetan refugee community (because many youths in exile have this ‘I don’t care mentality’) but it is not okay when it comes to a ‘Miss Tibet’ who claims herself as a ‘cultural ambassador’”. Tenzing Sangnyi, a nursing student, grew up in a small Tibetan exile community in Manali. However, during the competition her grasp of her native tongue was shown to be extremely weak. Doubts have since surfaced as to whether she can be deeply passionate about her country when learning her own language has taken such a back seat. Scrutiny has always gone hand in hand with victory in the competition. Last year’s winner, Pema Choedon, 25, is no stranger to being judged: “You should not be wearing ripped jeans,” one stranger spat at her recently. In retaliation, Miss Choedon is using her title to bolster her role in
the emerging wave of feminism within the community. “Tibetan women fear being judged so much, they never come on stage. What they require are not just platforms but role models,” she said. Tenzing Sangnyi too wants to make the most of her new found influence, encouraging young women to pursue education, but as local website manager Sangay Dorjee asked: “How will she be able to use her station for good when she does not have an understanding of Tibetan?” The debate continues to rage online, those defending Miss Sangnyi proving
themselves equally as passionate. “How can you expect a child to know the importance of preserving one’s language?” one person asked. “By the time our children grow up to understand the importance of language and begin to make an effort to come back into the culture, they face nonconstructive criticism from people who are more interested in shaming them than in asking questions of our own community. Where have the elders failed in transmitting language?” Many have agreed that in being
so quick to point the finger at her, Tibetans fail to accept that it is both a community-wide problem, and a community-wide responsibility. Tsering Choedon posted her view on Facebook that “it’s not only her fault but largely the failure of her parents, teachers and all those responsible who couldn’t be good role models for her in promoting a conducive environment for speaking good Tibetan. It’s sad but this is the fact of the matter in many of our youngsters today. This episode is a grim reminder for all of us to take charge of the deteriorating situation of our language.” Miss Tibet herself has also spoken out in her own defence, assuring everyone of her determination to improve her mother tongue but stating: “I am confident that my shortcomings in language do not make me any less of a Tibetan. I am more determined than ever to do something for my country. I request all Tibetans to stand as one and stop bullying anyone for their colour, appearance, or speech. Instead, encourage them and help them overcome their shortcomings.” Tenzing Sangnyi has sparked a debate that runs much deeper than the Miss Tibet contest; a debate about what it truly means to be Tibetan; and how to carry that inherent “Tibetaness” forward into a future that may not include a return to the land of snow. It is a crucial question, and one which must be addressed by all those living in exile.
Lady Gaga Blacklisted! by Mary Trewartha American pop sensation Lady Gaga has joined artistes Bon Jovi, Maroon 5, Oasis, Bjork and Selena Gomez along with Hollywood actors Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Sharon Stone and Director of Kundun, Martin Scorsese, in being banned from China because of her friendship with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Lady Gaga met His Holiness during his visit to America this month Contact
and posted a picture of herself with him, prompting China’s Propaganda
Department to ban her. China’s authorities have also banned the 10
picture of her and have given directives to Chinese websites and media houses to “stop uploading or distributing her songs” and to condemn the meeting. The Chinese internet chat site Weibo’s users have accused her of being “insensitive” towards Chinese politics and of giving up on the Chinese market. Lady Gaga was banned from China previously in 2011 for “being vulgar” but the ban was lifted three years later. JUNE 2016
news and issues
Tibetan Headlines Jun 28: Torture Victims The Central Tibetan Administration and former political prisoners’ movement, Gu-Chu-Sum organised a series of events to mark the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. At the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, a play depicting the suffering of Tibetan prisoners was performed. GuChu-Sum held a photo exhibition depicting Tibetan protests, and torture equipment and blood stained clothes were also displayed. In the evening a candlelight vigil was followed by a poetry recital. June 26: Pawo Awarded The Tibetan film Pawo [“martyr” in Tibetan] has won awards in three categories at the Spring 2016 International Independent Film Awards. The film was based on the life of Jamphel Yeshi, a young Tibetan man who self-immolated on March 26, 2012 in Delhi, in protest against China’s continued rule over Tibet. Pawo was made by a TibetGerman crew and features all Tibetan actors. Jun 22: Reforms Committee The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile (TPIE) has started reforming the electoral process. The decision to do so was made during the first session of the 16th TPIE and was mandated in line with the strong opinions and suggestions expressed by the general public following the recent election. A five member committee has been set up to initiate the reform and is inviting suggestions and recommendations from the Tibetan public. Jun 20: US Warned “The US should not interfere in China’s internal affairs when it comes to Tibet,” said China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi to United States Secretary of Contact
State John Kerry during a phone call. According to information posted on the Chinese Foreign Minister’s website, Mr Kerry reaffirmed the US stand on Tibet, saying that it is a part of China. The call followed last week’s meeting between US President Obama and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Jun 17: Tibetans Thank Obama The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile (TPIE), on behalf of Tibetans in and outside Tibet, expressed gratitude to United States President Barack Obama for welcoming HH the Dalai Lama to the White House despite strong objections from the Chinese government. Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of TPIE, thanked the US for their continued support of Tibetans and for encouraging meaningful dialogue between His Holiness’s representatives and the Chinese authorities. Jun 15: Festival of Tibet Tibet House in Paris has successfully concluded a two day festival celebrating Tibet and the Himalayan people. Over 3,000 visitors and supporters attended the festivities. This year’s theme was Tibetan medicine to mark 100 years since the establishment of the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute, Mentsee Khang. The festival aims to promote Tibetan and Himalayan traditions, culture and arts. Jun 13: Women’s Football Team The women’s football tournament at Upper Tibetan Children’s Village School concluded with the Tibetan team losing the trophy to Khad football team from Una. The Executive Secretary of the Tibetan National Sports Association, Kalsang Dhondup, said they are planning to increase the number of Tibetan womens teams for the next tournament. He also announced that the Kollegal Tibetan settlement will host next year’s Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial football tournament. 11
Jun 10: The Middle Way Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, the Prime Minister of the Tibetan Governmentin-exile, made a speech to the newly elected members of the 16th Tibetan Parliament. His talk, Why the Middle Way Approach, explained the viability of the policy in resolving Tibet’s struggle. “It is highly possible for a renewed dialogue, given that our efforts are met with the right opportunity and circumstances,” said Sikyong. Jun 9: New Settlement Officer Dawa Rinchen has been announced as the new Tibetan Settlement Officer for Dharamshala. He gained a decisive number of votes in the final election on June 6. He will be in post for three years, his jurisdiction stretching from Tibetan Children’s Village Upper Dharamshala to Gopalpur school. The role of the Tibetan Settlement Officer is to look after the welfare of Tibetans living in his area of responsibility. Jun 9: Kalachakra Ceremony Thousands of Tibetans have gathered for a four day advance Kalachakra ceremony being held in Machu County in Kanlho in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The teaching was initiated by a senior Tibetan religious leader, Jigme Palden Gyatso. Chinese devotees also attended the teaching. Sources said that several hundred security officers were deployed at the gathering by the Chinese authorities. Jun 7: Prisoner’s Autobiography A Tibetan Nationalist, the autobiography of Thinley Phuntsok, 82, was launched by former Security Minister Dongchung Ngodup in an event organised by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD). TCHRD Director Tsering Tsomo said that the book is evidence of Beijing’s oppressive rule in Tibet. Thinley Phuntsok is a former political prisoner who was unable to attend the event due to poor health. JUNE 2016
news & ISSUES
International Headlines
Jun 28: Civil War Ends The Colombian president, Juan Manuel Santos, and Timoleón Jiménez, the head of Las Farc, one of the largest guerrilla organisations in the world, have signed a truce to put an end to 60 years of conflict. The war has taken the lives of 220,000 Colombians and after 30 years of unsuccessful negotiations, people thought that it would never end. The peace accord is considered a miracle. Jun 26: Taiwan/China Relations Beijing has suspended diplomatic contact with Taiwan, saying the island’s new leader President Tsai Ingwen would not endorse the idea of a single Chinese nation. The move is seen as an effort by Chinese President Xi Jinping to increase pressure on Ms Tsai and discourage any Taiwanese independence movement. Taiwan and China have been estranged since the Communist revolution of 1949, but China regards Taiwan as part of “One China”. Jun 24: UK Votes to Leave EU The United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union in an historic referendum whose effects will be felt across the globe. Leave won by 52% to 48%. UKIP (The United Kingdom Independence Party) leader Nigel Farage hailed it as the UK’s “independence day” but the Remain camp called it a”catastrophe” and the pound has fallen to its lowest rate since 1985. England and Wales voted for Brexit, while London, Scotland and Northern Ireland backed staying in the EU. Jun 23: Abortion Requests Rise Fears over the Zika virus have contributed to a “huge” increase in the number of women in Latin America wanting abortions, researchers say. Estimates suggest that requests are up by a third in Columbia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Equador, Honduras and Venezuela. Over 1,500 babies have been born with tiny brains and many Contact
Jun 17: Population Growth Japan has started paying women to freeze their eggs to combat the country’s chronically low birth rate and falling population. The eastern town of Uruyasi is spending $900,000 on the scheme, believed to be the first of its kind in the world. It will enable women to harvest their eggs, fertilising them years down the line.
Jun 7: Churches Unite Work has begun repairing a chamber at the heart of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, believed by Christians to be Jesus’ burial place. The structure was built in 1810 but has not been maintained because of disputes between the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Armenian denominations who all share responsibility. Archaeologists from Athens will oversee the project which will cost around £2m ($3m).
Jun 14: Economic Disaster Venezuela’s economy is imploding; its people starving. The socialist government used the country’s oil reserves to pay for huge welfare handouts, failing to diversify the economy by investing in domestic production, so when global oil prices crashed last year, so did Venezuela. Unable to pay for imports, poverty, hunger, and widespread unemployment mean the country is racked by chronic shortages and daily riots.
Jun 6: Migrant Crisis Continues The European migrant crisis continues to worsen. Last week three ships sunk in the Mediterranean Sea in three days. More than 700 people died, bringing this year’s death toll to more than 2,000. As summer arrives and the war in Syria rages on, human traffickers take advantage of the good weather and calm seas to cram hundreds of vulnerable people into unseaworthy vessels, many of which do not make it to Europe.
Jun 13: ISIS Strikes Again An American-born man carried an assault rifle into an Orlando gay club, pledged allegiance to ISIS and then gunned down 50 people. The tragedy marks the deadliest mass shooting in the United States history and the nation’s worst terror attack since 9/11. The gunman, Omar Mateen, 29, was interviewed by the FBI in 2013 and 2014 but was not found to be a threat.
Jun 4: Animal Abuse The corpses of 40 tiger cubs have been found at Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua temple in Thailand. It is known as the “Tiger Temple” and operators there are accused of wildlife trafficking and animal abuse. The discovery came during a week-long effort to relocate 137 tigers from the tourist site. As well as the cubs, authorities also found two fully grown tiger skins and 700 amulets made from various parts of the animal.
governments have advised women not to get pregnant to avoid the risk.
Jun 12: Ramadan Restrictions Despite Beijing’s claims that the 10 million Uyghur Muslims living in China’s Xinjiang region enjoy full religious freedom, for many, fasting and religious activities have been banned. The clampdown covers civil servants, students and children, and restaurants have been ordered to stick to their usual opening hours. “China thinks that the Islamic faith of Uyghurs threatens the rule of the Beijing leadership,” said Uyghur activist, Dilxat Raxithim. 12
Jun 1: A New World Record The world’s longest and deepest rail tunnel is to be officially opened in Switzerland, almost two decades after construction work began. It travels up to 2.3 km below the Swiss Alps, through rock that reaches temperatures of 46°C and links northern and southern Europe. Goods currently carried on the route by a million lorries a year will go by train instead. JUNE 2016
DHARAMSHALA VOICES
“Stop Destroying Our Way of Life”
by Tamdin Yangzom I come from a family of Tibetan nomads, known in Tibet as drogpa. My family kept more than a hundred domestic animals such as yak, sheep, horses, goats and dri. I want to make one thing clear: many people say “yak butter” and “yak cheese” etc. It’s a big mistake. The yak is a male and so does not have milk. A yak female is called a dri. You must say “butter from a dri”. Nomads are found in all three traditional regions of Tibet: U-Tsang, Kham and Amdo. We lived in a black tent made of yak wool. You know
Tamdin Yangzom
that we lived in a remote place. Our lives were simple but very happy. I am from the Kham region, I used to be a shepherd when I was six or seven years old. I was very afraid of going into the forest and I cried many times because my animals went everywhere in the forest and I was very scared to go to find them. There is a huge forest where my family lived at Othog. I mean, we lived in the forest in winter
time. We usually moved two or three schools for them to get an education. times every year. We moved to a warm But they naturally have the knowledge place in the winter, and we moved up of our traditional lives and they make beautiful drawings of our national into the hills in the summer. In summer, thirty or forty nomadic animals, and people who are wearing families stay together in a small our traditional clothes with beautiful valley, and more than two or three jewelery, and the different colours of families live very close to each other. rocks. There are nice flat, big stones In winter time, we don’t mix different which we can use for drawing. We neighbours’ animals together because don’t need to buy papers and coloured most of the animals are very weak in the winter time and we need to take extra care of them. In winter time, Tibet is not like India. There is less grass and much snow, and every nomad needs to work harder. Actually Tibetan nomads live in tents we dry grass during summer to feed the animals in pens for drawing. My happiest life has been as a winter, but it’s not really enough so we give it to only the poorest animals. nomad and I really miss it. Sadly at We also give them food like wheat this time, many nomads are made to porridge and roasted barley. Some move to towns because the Chinese animals wear rugs and blankets to government gives them some money keep them warm. I also used to go to build a house and then forces them away with my brothers and sisters, to move to the town. They also give taking the animals to find a good place a high price to buy animals from to have better grass. We lived under nomads. The Chinese try to destroy trees for more than a month at a time. our nomad lifestyle: they don’t want In summer, the dri is milked and nomads to keep animals because we make butter, curd and cheese. We keeping animals is what sustains the are very happy because more than ten nomad lifestyle, so they buy them. families live very close together and Many nomads have moved to town we can mix all the animals and look and sold their animals. I am seriously after them together. All the shepherds worrying about the disappearance gather and play games like Tibetan of nomads because if we don’t have traditional dance, singing and lots of nomads, there isn’t Tibet. Nomads are fun things. We also have competitions the heart and soul and real beauty of for drawing things. Actually nomadic Tibet. I want to appeal to the Chinese children are deprived of education government with all my heart to stop like writing and reading. There are no destroying our nomad way of life.
Every month we feature somebody from the Tibetan community on our Dharamshala Voices page. You can read more Dharamshala Voices stories on the Contact website: http://www.contactmagazine.net/dharamasla-life/ The People stories on the Dharamshala Voices page online tells the stories of the people who make up the Tibetan exile community in Dharamshala and elsewhere, as well as the stories of Lha students and volunteers, told in their own words. Contact
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JUNE 2016
lha news and projects
Multi-Purpose New Hall
We at Lha are thrilled to share the good news with our dear donors and supporters that after three months we have successfully finished work on a new state of the art hall on the top floor of Ahimsa house. His eminence Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, despite his busy schedule, inaugurated and consecrated our new hall and blessed the staff and volunteers gathered for the special event on June 6. Ahimsa’s new multi-purpose room boasts a top quality projector and sound system, high speed Wifi, and air conditioning. It will be used for conferences, meetings and workshops
On June 4 Lha organised a charity clothes giveaway in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala where around 28,000 new or old clothing items were distributed completely free of charge. Approximately 300 local Tibetans and Indians came to the event and everybody was allowed to take up to seven pieces. There was something there for everyone with clothing items including men’s and women’s summer and winter wear, shoes, bags, sleeping bags, shawls and children’s clothes and toys. Our primary aim was to help as many people in need as possible, so in the run up to the event we put up
and can hold up to 30-40 people. Thanks to the public’s generosity, meetings that previously took place in a small room in Lha’s main building on
Prof Samdhong Rinpoche inaugurating the new hall
Temple Road will now have the space and facilities to grow and prosper.
Free Clothes For All notices around Dharamshala. As well as clothes, Lha collects donations of all kinds from stationery to medicine to pairs of glasses, relying
on the generosity of our volunteers, tourists and anyone else who is able to donate. We do not set specific dates for our distribution events, but try to hold as many as possible so once we
As well as using the hall ourselves, for the sustainability and self reliance of the organisation we also aim to rent it out to those looking to host events. We will be happy to provide facilities including video cameras, cameras, etc to anyone wishing to use the hall which has up to 7/8 hours electricity back-up for the added convenience of guests. We sincerely want to thank our supporters for their contributions which have made this achievement possible with special thanks to Mr Luke Ding. For those interested in renting our hall, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
have a sizeable collection we organise a giveaway. Lha started collecting clothes donations in 2003 and the last distribution was in 2014. Then we partnered with the Dharamshala Rotary Club to help people living in the slums near lower Dharamshala, but this time decided to focus on those living locally to McLeod Ganj. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has donated clothing and other items to Lha so that their possessions can once again come in useful. It means a huge amount to us, and even more so to all those in need.
Lha Celebrates World Environment Day On June 5 Lha, in collaboration with Tibet Charity, organised a mass clean up to mark World Environment Day. There were more than 120 participants including volunteers, students and staff members who eagerly took part in picking up rubbish around Temple Road. While some volunteers focused on Lingkor Road and the Kora, or circumambulation, around the Dalai Lama’s residence, others cleaned up the roads and forest near Lha’s soup kitchen. More than 20 bags of Contact
rubbish were collected and driven away to the local tip.
For several years Lha has been working with many local 14
organisations to keep the town clean and green.Lha’s Environment Care Project works at educating the public through our environment website (www.tibetnature.net), trilingual brochures and organising mass clean ups. We are so grateful for the cooperation and support of everyone who takes part in our clean up sessions. Thank you very much and your support in our future mass clean up programmes will be highly appreciated! JUNE 2016
lha news and projects
Cultural Exchange Group As a part of our Cultural Exchange Programme Lha hosted three different groups of American students in June. The first group included 14 students from Tulane University who stayed in Dharamsala from June 6 to 24. They participated in our mutual learning programme and helped our Tibetan students to learn English. The American students also visited many Tibetan institutes and offices to learn about Tibet and its current situation and visited a Tibetan settlement in Bir to find out more about Tibetan refugees. Our second and third groups consisted of 29 students from different universities in America. They stayed in Mcleod Ganj for a few days. We coordinated the programme with Rustic Pathways, an American organisation which provides “meaningful student travel and services”, organising volunteer and study programmes around the world. The students came to learn about Tibet and its culture, they also helped our Lha students improve their English. In addition to visits and lectures on different aspects of Tibetan life and culture in exile, every
group member spent three hours a day with their Lha student partner. The visiting students were each paired with a Lha student for the duration of their stay to enable mutual learning and an exchange of ideas, as well as an opportunity for one-to-one tuition in English. We are looking forward to welcoming more student groups next month. We all enjoy meeting and working with young and enthusiastic volunteers from around the world. Contact
Lha could not provide the services we do without the support of our wonderful volunteers who help in so many ways and inspire us with their enthusiasm. Every month we ask a volunteer to share their story. This month Aline Arcis from France tells us her story.
Swapping Pigeons for Eagles Volunteer Jobs at Lha:French teacher, writer for Contact Since my childhood, my parents awakened in me an awareness for the Tibetan cause and its incredibly rich culture. I always knew I would end up one day in Dharamshala, I just didn’t expect it to come this early in my life. I arrived at the start of April when the city was still fresh and quiet. My first two weeks were a bit chaotic since I had to take over all the French classes and open a new level. Then I was quite lucky to replace a dear friend to assist Rabsel Ji with his job of coordinating the Lha volunteers and I also got the opportunity to write for C o n t a c t Magazine. Combining those three tasks meant I got to know better the staff and to meet all the incoming volunteers. I immediately decided to stay longer than planned. Teaching French was not as challenging as I initially expected thanks to the enthusiasm and motivation of my students. It was a real pleasure to see them every day and to witness their progress. It has been an incredible experience where I have been able to develop genuine
friendships with some of my students, other volunteers and staff members. I am eternally grateful to Lha for providing such a fantastic place of exchange. For two months I have swapped a view of a concrete backyard for a
Aline with the French beginners class at Lha
room facing eternal snows, pigeons for eagles and Saturday nights out for Dharma conversations with both friends and strangers. I had the chance to meet amazing people. What was initially supposed to be a tour of northern India, jumping from place to place, turned out to be another type of journey. I learnt how to take my time and to put people before places. Moreover it has been a joyous encounter with Buddhist philosophy and the Tibetan language. I am definitely coming back to this blessed place. My short stay has shown me a glimpse of the complexity and the depth of Tibetan culture. I now understand better how tradition meets modernity in exile and will do my best to support its development.
Contact magazine is published by Lha Charitable Trust in Dharamshala which offers support and services to Tibetan refugees and people from the surrounding Himalayan communities. Lha helps Tibetan refugees settle in India by offering language and computer classes as well as individual tuition, and Lha’s soup kitchen provides healthy food to needy Tibetans on a daily basis. To find out more about Lha’s work and projects please visit our website : www.lhasocialwork.org 15
JUNE 2016
around town
Charities and Organisations
Central Tibetan Administration
The CTA serves in Dharamshala as the government in exile of Tibet. It is democratic with judiciary, legislative, and executive branches. Within the Executive branch there is the Kashag, consisting of the departments of Religion and Culture, Home, Education, Finance, Security, Information and International Relations and Health, and Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay. WEB: www.tibet.net LOCATION: Near Library PHONE: 01892-222218 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:00 am-5:00 pm EMAIL: kashag@tibet.net
The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)
OHHDL is the personal office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The office organises his schedule, including appointments and travel plans, diplomatic and personal correspondence, and liaises with officials of the Central Tibetan Administration. WEB: www.dalailama.com LOCATION: McLeod Ganj, PHONE: 01892-221343 / 221210 EMAIL: ohhdl@dalailama.com
Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)
The TYC is an advocacy and political action organisation with chapters around the world. The TYC organises cultural exhibitions, educational campaigns and social welfare activities. WEB: www. tibetanyouthcongress.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala -176219 PHONE: 01892-221554 EMAIL:president@tibetanyouthcongress.org, tyc@tibetanyouthcongress.org
Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA)
The TWA conducts workshops on gender sensitization and domestic violence throughout Tibetan settlements in India, provides Tibetan women with education scholarships, and connects women with international sponsors. WEB: www. tibetanwomen.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-221527 EMAIL: tibwomen@gmail.com
Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)
TCV provides care to Tibetan children by creating a nurturing environment and fostering Tibetan values and culture while delivering a modern education. There is an Upper and Lower residential school in Dharamshala and day school in McLeod Ganj, with other branches throughout India. WEB: www.tcv.org.in LOCATION: Dharamshala Cantt.176216 PHONE: 01892-221354 / 221348 EMAIL: headoffice@tcv.org.in
Men-Tsee-Khang: Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute
Men-Tsee-Khang is a facility for research, training and practice of traditional Tibetan medicine. Patients may seek treatment at Men-TseeKhang for both acute and chronic conditions. The facility provides extensive training and produces traditional pharmaceuticals.
Contact
WEB: www.men-tsee-khang.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org
Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)
The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives has the purpose to restore, protect, preserve, and promote Tibetan culture in all its aspects. They offer courses in Tibetan and Hindi language and Buddhist philosophy and can provide affordable accommodation for those enrolled in two or more courses. WEB: ltwa.net, tibetanlibrary.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong PHONE: 98822-55047 EMAIL: ltwa1970@gmail.com
Delek Hospital
Delek Hospital is a small, Tibetan run hospital in Dharamshala. It has 45 inpatient beds, holds outpatient hours from 9am to 12pm Monday through Friday, and can handle most small procedures. Patients are responsible for a 10 Rupees registration fee. The hospital has a pharmacy on site. WEB:www.delekhospital.org LOCATION: Kharadanda Rd, Dharamshala; Delek Clinic, Bhagsu Rd, Dharamshala HOURS: Outpatient, Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00 pm-4:30 pm; Emergencies, 24 hours daily PHONE: 01892-222053 / 223381 EMAIL: delek@bsnl.in hospitaldelek@yahoo.com
Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society
The society was established in 1999 to provide educational and administrative guidance to all Tibetan schools in remote areas of India and Bhutan that do not fall under the guidance of Tibetan Childrens Village. Today there are 12 schools under this organisation. WEB: www.sambhota.org LOCATION: Session Rd, Dharamshala176215 PHONE: 01892 - 228877 | 226877 EMAIL: stss1999@gmail.com
Tong-Len Charitable Trust
Tong-Len’s mission is to help displaced communities in North India achieve a secure and sustainable future. Tong-Len projects include educational and health programs, childhood education and sponsorship, primary and nursery tent schools, and children’s support hostels. Volunteer opportunities available. WEB: www. tong-len.org LOCATION: Top Floor, Bank Of Baroda, Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala-176215 PHONE: 01892-223930 EMAIL: jamyang@tong-len.org
Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)
SFT is an international NGO that promotes the Tibetan cause among the non-Tibetan community. The organisation attempts to build international solidarity by advocating for a free Tibet through chapter organisations at Universities around the world. WEB:www.sftindia.org, www.studentsforafreetibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 9882786875
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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 conducting workshops and campaigns. WEB: www.tchrd.org LOCATION: CTA, Dharamshala - 176215 PHONE: 01892-223363 EMAIL: office@tchrd.org
Lha Charitable Trust (Lha)
Lha, a Tibetan grassroots NGO based in Dharamshala, is one of the largest social work organisations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population, and people from the Himalayan regions. Lha offers free English, French and Chinese classes, cultural exchange programs, IT classes, vocational training, health and environmental awareness education, distribution of clothes and medicine, a community kitchen, and many other programs and activities. (see page 2) WEB:www.lhasocialwork.org LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj, Opposite State Bank of India PHONE: 01892-220992, 988-2323-455 EMAIL: office@lhasocialwork.org
The Kangra Distt. Red Cross Society
The Kangra District Red Cross Society renders its humanitarian services, projects and activities with the help and the co-operation of people at all levels of society by donation. WEB: www.redcrosskangra.org LOCATION: Red Cross Bhawan, Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-224888 / 9418832244 EMAIL: sharmaopl12345@gmail.com
Gu-Chu-Sum Movement Association of Tibet is an organisation of former political
prisoners of Tibet and former activists currently in exile that engages in their complete assistance from medical, financial, basic education and vocational training. It also organises lobby and advocacies about human rights abuses in Tibet. WEB: www.guchusum.org LOCATION: Jogibara Road, McLeod Ganj, PHONE: 01892-220680 / 220679 EMAIL: guchusum1991@gmail.com
Tibet Charity
Tibet Charity provides programs including English and computer classes, an animal care program, and a variety of medical and educational financial support programs. WEB: www.tibetcharity.in LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-221790 / 221877 EMAIL: director@tibetcharity.in
Norbulingka Institue
Centre for Tibetan culture with studios and artists at work. Temple, tour guides of the workshops, and gardens. L O C AT I O N : S i d h p u r, Dharamshala PHONE:9882144210 EMAIL: info@norbulingka.org WEB:www.norbulingka.org
JUNE 2016
around town
Charities and Organisations
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA)
Established in 1959, under the vision of HH the Dalai Lama, TIPA strives to preserve and promote Tibetan theatrical tradition. The Insitute imparts comprehensive training and lessons on Tibetan folk dance, folk song, traditional instruments and tradition of Tibetan opera. TIPA also hosts a beautiful theatrical museum which remains open during working days. We organise a special group tour of our campus every Wednesday (10 am). WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: TIPA Road, McLeod Ganj Dharamshala-176219 PHONE: 01892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com
Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT)
Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT) is a nongovernment, non-profit adult education centre in Dharamshala, North India. LIT provides Free Education, Health Care and Skills Training to Tibetan Refugees to help eradicate poverty and illiteracy amongst the Tibetan population. WEB: www.learningandideasfortibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala 176219 PHONE: 01892-220690 EMAIL: learningandideasfortibet@gmail.com
Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR)
Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution is a nonprofit, educational organisation dedicated to the non-violent management of conflicts in the Tibetan Community and the world as a whole. They work to promote the approaches and tools of non-violent conflict resolution and democratic processes in the Tibetan community in exile and elsewhere. WEB: http://tccr.org LOCATION: Session Road, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-226627 EMAIL: tccrteam@gmail.com
Rogpa Baby Care Centre
The Rogpa Baby Care Centre helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so that their parents can work. The centre needs volunteers to help with art, games, singing and other tasks including diaper changing. WEB: www.tibetrogpa.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala- 176219 PHONE: 9857973026 EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com
Gamru Village School
Gamru Village School is a successful NGO that provides free high-quality education to any children who encounter serious barriers to education and who have a low standard of living. WEB: www.gamruschool.com LOCATION: Village Gamru, P.O Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala, Distt Kangra 176215 PHONE: 9816105554 EMAIL: tashu72004@yahoo.com
Contact
Clean Upper Dharamshala Project
Founded in 1994 to provide a waste management system in and around McLeod Ganj, the Green Workers, the Handmade Recycled Paper Factory, the Green Shop and the Environmental Education Centre are part of the Clean Upper Dharamshala Project. Weekly guided tours are offered on Wednesdays at 3 pm. WEB: www.tsodhasa.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - 176219 PHONE: 01892-221059 EMAIL: cudpswm@gmail.com
Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage)
Nyingtob Ling supports Tibetan children from disadvantaged families. The children make handicrafts and paintings. They are so friendly and love to have visitors. WEB: www.nyingtobling.org LOCATION: Near Norbulingka, Sidhpur PHONE:01892 211042 / 9816028149 EMAIL: nyingtob_ling@hotmail.com
Women’s Team
Volunteers needed to teach English to Indian women and children in the village of Kaniyara near Dharamshala. Contact Jitender. EMAIL: jitenderje@gmail.com PHONE: 7831956680 / 08894435595
The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)
ANEC facilitates trainings, workshops and open forum discussions on nonviolent strategies to help resolve disagreements and differences at all levels of human society. ANEC welcomes volunteers from western countries to participate in informal panel discussions on ideas of regional and global peace and nonviolent strategies. Free lunch and tea and many more benefits for volunteers. LOCATION: No. 262, 1st floor, Khajanchi -Mohalla, Khunyara Rd, Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 9882077708 / 9882921477 EMAIL: wangduemiddleway@gmail.com Website: www.anec-india.net Facebook: www/facebook.com/anecpeace
National Democratic Party of Tibet
The NDPT is currently the only Tibetan political party. With 5000 members in 36 regional chapters throughout the world, the main aim and objectives of the NDPT are to prepare for the establishment of a political party in a future Tibet, to promote democracy, to educate the Tibetan people about the significance of political parties and to create awareness among the people about Tibetan issues. WEB: www.ndp4tibet.org LOCATION: Dharamshala–176219 EMAIL: tibetparty4@gmail.com PHONE: 9882787633 / 9882673330
BUS SCHEDULE
* Times and prices may vary. Please check with the bus stand ahead of departure. Leaving from the McLeod Ganj bus stand, unless otherwise stated: Delhi: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am, 6pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm and 8:30pm (Rs524) Semi Deluxe Bus: 6pm (Rs544) , Full Deluxe Bus: (Rs683) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8pm (Rs1121) AC TATA: 4pm (Rs830) Amritsar: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs245) *from Dharamshala Dehradun: Ordinary Bus: 8pm (Rs524); AC Deluxe: 2pm (Rs664) Manali: Ordinary Bus: 7:10am (Rs676) *from Dharamshala Pathankot: Ordinary Bus: 10am, 11am, 12:10pm, 12:30pm, 2:10pm, 3:50pm, 5pm(Rs150) Shimla: Ordinary Bus: 5am, 5:30am, 6am, 8am, noon and 4:55pm (Rs360) *from Dharamshala, Semi-Deluxe Bus: 8:22am, 7:45pm and 9:30pm (Rs450) *from Dharamshala FOR BOOKINGS: Location: Ticket stand under McLLo’s, McLeod Ganj Main square Hours: 10am-5pm, daily Phone: 220026 (McLeod bus stand), 224903 (Dharamshala) For deluxe buses, book through any travel agency.
TAXIS
A private taxi to Lower Dharamshala will cost you Rs 200. Cram into a jeep (from the bus stand), and it’ll only cost you Rs15.
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Ambulance: 01892-102, 222189
Police Superintendent: 01892-222244
Tibetan Delek Hospital Location: Gangchen Kyishong, CTA Hours: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, MonSat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, Wed only; Emergencies: 24-hrs, daily. Phone: 222 053,223 381
Police Contact Information Location: Past St.John’s Church on the road to Dharamshala in Cantt. area. Phone: 221 483
Kangra Airport: 01892-232374 Bhagsu Taxi Union: 01892-221034 Tourism Office: 01892-224430 , 223325 Rail Booking & Enquiry: 01892-265026
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McLeod Ganj Post Office Location: Jogiwara Rd, past Peace Cafe Hours: 9:30am-1pm and 2-5pm, Mon-Fri; 9:30am-noon, Sat. Parcels and money orders can be sent in the mornings only. Phone: 01892-221 924
JUNE 2016
activities and information Upcoming Events July 6 : His Holiness the Dalai Lama will attend his 81st brithday celebration in Mungod, Karnataka state July 19: Universal Prayer Day July 13: Teaching in Rewalsar (Tso Pema) in Himachal Pradeshi by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
BUDDHIST PHILoSOPHY Library of Tibetan Works and Archives WEB: www.ltwa.net/library LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9-10 am, 11-12noon PHONE: 921-842-2467
Public Audience with HH Karmapa WEB: www.kagyuoffice.org LOCATION: Sidhpur HOURS: Wed & Sat: 2:30pm PHONE: 01892-235307
yoga and reiki Om Yoga, Meditation and Reiki Centre LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, behind Akash Hotel, on Jogiwara Rd HOURS: 8:00am-5:30pm PHONE: 980-569-3514
Sunita Singh Yoga Class
LOCATION: Singh Corner, nr Magic Tree Upper Bhagsu PHONE: 98058-89060 WEB: www.maashakktiyoga.com
Siddhartha Retreat and Yoga Centre LOCATION: Upper Bhagsu PHONE: 098165-65138 WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org
MASSAGE Nature Cure Health Club
Shiatsu massage LOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka, Jogiwara Road PHONE: 941-813-0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com
Men-Tsee-Khang
LOCATION: Mcleod Ganj Branch Clinic, 1st floor, TIPA Road (2 mins from Main Square) PHONE: 98828-60505 EMAIL: therapycenter@men-tsee-khang.org
Om Massage Centre
LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, Opposite the Green Hotel, Mcleod Ganj PHONE:9857999373/9805895574 EMAIL: kunsangdolma75@gmail.com
Contact
MEDITATION Ocean of Harmony
Taught by an experienced and qualified coach WEB: www.oceanofharmony.org PHONE: (+91) 99798-94585 EMAIL: ohlifeandwellness@gmail.com
Tushita Meditation Center WEB: www.tushita.info LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:30-11:30am PHONE: 0898-816-0988 EMAIL: spc@tushita.info
Siddhartha Retreat Centre
WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Nag, Near High Sky PHONE: 09816565138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@yahoo.co.in
Taxi services Rinku Taxi Services
LOCATION: Opposite Club House, near Tourist Information Office, Hotel Surya Road PHONE: (+91) 9418687343, 9857030707 WEB: www.rinkutaxihimachal.com
COOKING Lha Tibetan Cooking Classes - for groups LOCATION: Lha Soup Kitchen, Temple Rd, Just below the Dalai Lama’s temple HOURS: Registration, 9:00-11:00am PHONE: 01892-220992
LANGUAGES Tibetan Language Courses
WEB: www.thosamling.com LOCATION: Thosamling Institute, Sidhpur (near Norbulingka) PHONE: 9882455065 EMAIL: thosamling@gmail.com *see ad on opp. page for more information
LRZTP Tibetan Language Program LOCATION: near Mentsekhang, VOT building EMAIL: Lrztp108@gmail.com WEB: www.LRZTP.org *see ad on pg 23
Rita Thakur Hindi Classes
LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Rd, beside the Korean Restaurant PHONE: 981-649-4732
Hindi Lessons with Sunil
LOCATION: Kunga Guesthouse, Bhagsu Rd and in Dharamkot PHONE: 01892-21942, 98055-96741 EMAIL: sunilsharma81in@yahoo.co.in
Tibetan Language
LOCATION: The Tibetan Library *see Buddhist Philosophy Listing
Hindi Lessons with Kailash
LOCATION: At Bhimsen’s Indian Cooking Class PHONE: 01892-20063, 941-816-1947
Esukhia Online Tibetan Courses and Tibetan Immersion Spoken Location:Tilak Ray Building, Bhagsu Rd PHONE: 8679502538 / 98820-04965 EMAIL: contact@esukhia.org
art and museums
Indian Cooking and Knitting with Ms Rita Kapoor
Tibet Museum
Indian Cooking Classes
Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression
LOCATION: Old German Bakery, 1st Floor, Room No. 2, Opp. Buddha Hall, Bhagsunag PHONE: 94592-06586 LOCATION:Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guesthouse HOURS: 10:00am-6:00pm PHONE: 941-813-0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com
Lhamo’s Kitchen: Tibetan Cooking Classes
LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop HOURS: 8:00am-9:00pm PHONE: 981-646-8719
Nisha’s Indian Cooking Class
LOCATION: The flourishing flora, Opp. TIPA, Dharamkot road, Mcleodganj HOURS: 4:00-6:00pm PHONE: 9882599093 EMAIL: nishaanilsarin@hotmail.com
Sangye’s Kitchen: Traditional Tibetan Cooking Classes
LOCATION: Lung-ta Restaurant, below the Tashi Choeling Monastery on Jogiwara Road HOURS:10:00am - 4:00pm PHONE: 981-616-4540 EMAIL: sangyla_tashi@yahoo.co.in
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LOCATION:Near the Main Temple and Namgyal Monastery gate, McLeod Ganj HOURS: Tue-Sun: 9:00am-5:00pm
LOCATION: Gu-Chu-Sum hall, Jogiwara Rd HOURS: Mon, Wed & Fri: 2:00pm-5:00pm
The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA)
WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 1892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com
Kangra Art Museum
LOCATION: Near Bus Stand, Kotwali Bazaar PHONE: 01892 224214 HOURS: Tue-Sun: 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm
Men-Tsee-Khang Museum
LOCATION: Near CTA, Gangchen Kyishong PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org HOURS: 9am-5pm. Closed on Sun, 2 and 4th Sat
Form Gallery
LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd. near Oasis Cafe PHONE: 8894-060602 HOURS: Daily, 12:00pm-6:00pm
JUNE 2016
activities and information HEALTH SERVICES Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Dr Natasha Mehra LOCATION: Near Hotel Mount View, Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 09218742046 EMAIL: perfect32dentalclinic@gmail.com Tibetan Physiotherapy Clinic Specialised in Muscle and Joint Pain LOCATION: Near Delek Hospital, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 HOURS: 10am - 5pm (Appointment Bases) PHONE: 9882322783 / 9882321532 EMAIL: jigten17@yahoo.co.in WEBSITE : tibetanphysiotherapy.com Tibetan Delek Hospital LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-22053 / 223381 HOURS: Outpatient services, Mon-Sat: 9:00am-1:00pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00-4:30pm; Emergencies: 24 hrs daily Maanav Health Clinic LOCATION: Main Square HOURS: 10:00am-12:30pm and 2:00-5:00pm PHONE: 941-815-5795 EMAIL: maanavcare@yahoo.co.in Men-Tsee-Khang LOCATION: Below Delek Hospital, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org Primary Health Centre LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, main market HOURS: 9:30am-4pm, Mon-Sat Nature Cure Health Club LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House-Map #10 HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm PHONE: 7833047078 / 9882320136 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com Dr Tandon Advanced Dental Orthodontic & Implant Centre Location: Opp. AP Travels, Mcleod Ganj Phone:9418462936 Email: dr.rahultandon@gmail.com
Tibet-Related Websites
News:
rfa.org/english/news/tibet - Radio Free Asia’s mission is to provide accurate and timely news and information to Asian countries whose governments prohibit access to a free press voatibetanenglish.com - Voice of America’s Tibet pages - VOA is an international multimedia broadcasting service funded by the US government contactmagazine.net - Contact magazine online phayul.com -Phayul is published in Dharamshala,also has opinion, reviews, photos, etc guardian.co.uk/world/tibet - the UK Guardian newspaper’s Tibet pages scmp.com/news/china - the South China Morning Post – one of the more independent news sources in China thetibetpost.com and tibetexpress.net are both sources of news and information
News, information and campaigning:
tibet.net - official website of the Central Tibetan Administration in exile dalailama.com - for broadcasts of His Holiness’s teachings, his schedule and information about Tibet and the Dalai Lama tchrd.org - Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy - a nongovernmental organisation and a research centre to protect the human rights of Tibetan people and promote the principles of democracy tibetanyouthcongress.org - an international non-governmental organisation that advocates full independence for Tibet from China studentsforafreetibet.org - a global grass roots group campaigning for full Tibetan independence tibetanreview.net - news, opinions, reviews and information freetibet.org: - UK-based campaigning organisation, also a good news source savetibet.org - international campaign for Tibet and a good resource for news, campaigns, fundraising and projects tibetnetwork.org/home - a coalition of more than 190 Tibet organisations dedicated to campaigning to end human rights violations in Tibet and restoring rights to the Tibetan people
Writings:
highpeakspureearth.com/category/woeser - occasional translations of Woeser’s enormously popular blog – Woeser lives in Beijing and is continually harassed by the Chinese government for her courageous writings.
T H O S A M L I N G ’s Tibe tan Language Program 2016/17
� �� � �� � � � �� � �� � � �
� Beginner’s Course
• 29 Aug – 18 Nov, 2016 • 13 Feb – 12 May, 2017 5 days/week, total 4.5 hrs/day
Start with the alphabet and learn to read and write basic Tibetan in two weeks! Our new textbook as well as audio and video materials ensure quick progress.
� Intermediate Course
13 June – 26 August, 2016 29 May – 25 August, 2017 5 days/week, total 4.5 hrs/day
Main focus is on colloquial Tibetan and first stages of literary Tibetan.
A f re e l l c o u rse fo r o s S a n g hrda i n e d Dharma Language Course combined with � a! Introduction to Debate (Dudra-Lorig-Tarig) 15 May – 17 November, 2017 5 days/week, total 2.5 hrs/day & afternoon debate sessions Main focus is on literary and colloquial Tibetan. We work with audio materials, transcripts and translations of oral teachings and their root texts. Debate opens many doors to the Dharma and sharpens the mind.
For a minimum of fi ve people coming from McLeod Ganj: inexpensi ve daily transport can be arranged.
T H O S A M L I N G I N S T I T U T E for International Buddhist Women
TO REGISTER: thosamling@gmail.com • Info: www.thosamling.com • Sidhpur • 176057 Dharamsala • mobile 9882455065 Contact
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JUNE 2016
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DR TANDON’S ADVANCED
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A centre with multispeiciality dental treatment facility since 2000. Map#24 website: www.himachaldentist.com Email: dr.rahultandon@gmail.com Appointment/Emergency call: 9418462936
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Best taxi & car rental services in Himachal, Tour Packages Pick-up & Drop-in to Airports, Rail station, Bus stop
Free high-speed Wi-fi
Delicious coffee, authentic homemade Tibetan and western cuisine All food washed in clean filtered water
Opp. Club House, near Tourist Information Office Hotel Surya Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - Map#16 PHONE: (+91) 94186-87343, 98570-30707
Free movies on Saturdays at 7.30pm Live Tibetan music every Wednesday at 6.30pm
www.rinkutaxihimachal.com
Jogiwara Road (near post office), McLeod Ganj – Map # 8
CARPE DIEM
Chapri Handicrafts
Visit Sunanda to see her beautiful shawls, fabrics, gifts, papier-mache, handicrafts, thankas and so much more!
RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA
MEXICAN, ITALIAN, INDIAN, CHINESE, Shop no 9, Next Alley to State Bank of India ATM, CONTINENTAL, & THAI FOOD, No MSG Temple Road, Mcleod Ganj Map#27 • Everything washed with sterilized water Tel: 98826-04215 • Wood-fired pizza oven & clay Tandoori oven • Relaxed atmosphere & Japanese-style seating • Live music every Sunday - Map#9 Bhagsu Road, Opp. Green Hotel Mcleod Ganj - Map#26 Located on Jogiwara Road, Email: kunsangdolma75@gmail.com across from the Tibetan Reception Center Contact: 9857999373 /9805895574 (down from Post Office) - Map # 9
Om massage centre 8 AUSPICIOUS HIM VIEW HOTEL
HOTEL LADIES’ VENTURE
“The most suitable place for foreigners, holidaymakers, honeymooners, trekkers, and those who wish to commune with nature!”
We offer: Affordable dormitories, well-appointed rooms, boarding, and McLeod Ganj’s FINEST hospitality! Jogiwara Road - Map #11 Mobile - 981 623 5648 Hotel - 01892 22 1559
8 beautiful rooms with balcony facing the Himalayan Range. Enjoy the sunrise from your bed! Phone: 01892-220567 Cell: 9418236603 Jogiwara Rd (Map #12) Email: tseringd@aushimview.com
Your Communication Partner
Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House - Map #23 Mobile: 07833047078 Email: mahinder_m@hotmail.com,
Dr Mobile Shop
Mobile Sales, Mobile Repair, Sim Cards, Purchase and Recharge Phone Service
Black Magic Building (underground), Jogiwara Road, Map # 7 McLeod Ganj Phone: 9857011101 Contact
Nature Cure Health Club
18+ yrs’ experience: Swedish massage courses &
treatment, Zen Shiatsu courses, treatment, reflexology treatment, SPA, Singing Bowl Treatment and many more! 20
JUNE 2016
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Contact
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JUNE 2016
advertisements Map of McLeod Ganj showing locations of places of interest
BHAGSU NAG
Map not to scale
See Advertisement Pages for details of advertisers TIPA
21
DHARAMKOT
26
25 Vipassana Centre
Naddi Village
15
Tushita Centre
Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)
McLEOD GANJ
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4
5 MAIN SQUARE
3
Cantt Police Post
6
7
20
23
1 Lha Main Bazaar
24
29
8
9
11
10
12
28
16
27
14
2
13
Road to Dharamshala
1. Lha Headquarters 2. Namgyal Cafe 3. Common Ground Cafe 4. Dream Holidays Travel 5. Shangrila Hotel 6. Shambala Coffee Meal 7. Dr Mobile, Woeser Bakery 8. Black Tent Cafe 9. Carpe Diem Restaurant 10. Perfect 32 Dental Clinic 11. Hotel Ladies’ Venture 12. 8 Auspicious Him View Hotel 13. Ahimsa House & Lha Soup Kitchen 14. Chonor House 15. Lhamo’s Croissant, Dolma Therapy 16. Rinku Taxi Service 17. Central Tibetan Administration, Tibetan
Parliament-in-exile, Tibetan Library 18. LRZTP Tibetan Language Programme 19. Tibetan Museum and Temple 20. Tibetan Handicraft Centre 21. Taste of India 22. SnowLion Custom Tattoo 23. Nature Cure Health Club 24. Dr Tandon’s Advanced Dental 25. Himalayan Yoga Retreat 26. Om Massage Centre 27. Chapri Handicrafts 28. Tibetan Online School 29. Marleen’s Thankas & Gifts
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17 18
Road to Dharamshala
Our specialty: Chocolate Vegan cake, Gluten free cake, Fresh Coffee Beans, cappaccino, Chocolate chilli lollipop 9am to 7pm - Closed on Monday
Namgyal Cafe
Below “Black Magic Hotel” on Jogiwara Rd -Map#7 The famous and popular Namgyal Cafe has merged
Dream Holidays
with Om Hotel right off the main square - Map # 2 • • • •
Since 1998
Ground Floor of Asian Plaza Hotel, Main Square, McLeod Ganj (3rd office inside Mall) - Map #4 +Worldwide Air Travel Arrangements +AC/Non-AC cars jeeps for tours +Flight/Rail tickets, hotel reservations contact: 98160-87878 / 94180-97149, vineet_dream@yahoo.com
Open every day from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm Mobile: 9882649768
Shambala Coffee Meal Jogiwara Roadd, next to Tibet Kitchen Map#6
NEED A DENTIST? For all your dental requirements under one roof, in a sterile and state of the art clinic
A vegetarian restaurant specialising in variety of Japanese meals: Sushi Rolls, Special noodle Udon, Omthai Rice Coffee / Free Wifi Open every day from 7am to 8pm Mobile: +91 (0) 9882611796
Dr Natasha Mehra @
Lhamo’s Croissant
Perfect 32 Dental Clinic
Vegetarian and Vegan Food Bakery, Coffee shop, French Restaurant Gluten Free and Fresh seasonal juices and salads
CONTACT
Near Hotel Mount View Jogiwara Rd, McLeod Map# 10
Call: 09218742046
Rooftop terrace with stunning views
perfect32dentalclinic@gmail. com
Contact
Extensive vegetarian menu Terrace dining with beautiful view Best pizza in McLeod Ganj Good music and friendly staffs
Bhagsu Road, just before Kunga Hotel Map#15
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Tibetan Online School
Marleen’s Thankas & Gifts
Jogiwara Road, Opp, Lungta Restaurant Mcleod Ganj Map#28 Tibetan & English Language Courses Available Online or Private Classroom Lessons Contact: 9816272816 / tibetschool@gmail.com
We are happy to provide high quality Tibetan thangkas and gifts for all budgets; working with 18 artists we are able to take orders.
Dolma Therapy
Jogiwara Road, 50m down from post office, opposite Tibetan gas office Mc Leod Ganj Map #29
Traditional Tibetan Massage & Courses
Massages offered: full body/ head./ back/ foot Massage courses: 3 - 7 Days
Email: thankas_inn@yahoo.com
Bhagsu Road, Mcloed Ganj Behind Lhamo’s Croissant Map#15 Contact: tsedol1107@gmail.com / 9882456837
May all beings be happy.
Enjoy traditional Taiwanese and Chinese food and peaceful environment, just one minute from the Bus Stand, just behind Asian Plaza! (Map # 3)
snowlion
tattoo
custom
To advertise on this page, call Lha office at 01892-220992 or visit the office at Temple Rd, Opp State Bank of India Mcleod Ganj - Map#1
Artist PASSANG
Location: near Hotel Tibet
Professional Tattoo Artist Traditionally Trained Tibetan Thangka Painter
100% Safe & Hygienic Contact: 9459160626-9805286528 snowlion custom tattoo : facebook A Fundraising Event On Behalf of Lha
To be held on 9th July 2016 at 12 pm The 1st Grand Garden BBQ Party at Ahimsa House Temple Road (below Dalai Lama Temple) MAP #13 Please bring all your family & friends to this Grand “Fruit Time” Event Facebook: Lha Social Work
Contact
23
JUNE 2016
༸སྐུའི་འཁྲུངས་སྐར་ལ་སྒོ་གསུམ་གུས་པས་
འཚམས་འདྲིའི་བཀྲ་ཤིས་བདེ་ལེགས་གྲངས་མེད་ཞུ།།
Happy Birthday, Your Holiness
The staff, students and volunteers of Lha and Contact magazine would like to wish His Holiness the Dalai Lama a very happy birthday and continued good health. To advertise call Lha office: 01892-220992 or visit Lha office at Temple Rd, McLeod Ganj Map #1
Yoga Teacher Training
200 Hr Teacher Trainings: 13th June & 11th July, 2016 300 Hr Teacher Traings: 19th September, 2016 Daily Drop-Ins : 8:00 Am & 5 PM Deepen your practice of Yoga, Meditation & Pranayama Expand your consciousness even further Learn how to give the gift of Yoga to others
Registration open - Apply online now Login to : www.sarvagunayoga.org Email us at: info@sarvagunayoga.org Contact or Whats App : +91 9882369775, +91 9816693444 Facebook: SarvagunaYogaDhaama
Venue : SARVAGUNA YOGA
Oasis House, Upper Bhagsu, Dharamshala Himalayas Registered Yoga School Yoga Alliance, USA
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འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།
Contact Newsletter
Managing Director Ngawang Rabgyal Editor-in-Chief Jenny James Editor Tenzin Samten Assistant Editors Charlotte Wigram Evans Tsering Wangdue Reporter Dorji Kyi Layout Design Tamdin Yangzom Circulation Manager Lobsang Rabsel Published by Lha Charitable Trust Web: www.lhasocialwork.org www.contactmagazine.net Phone: 91(0)1892-220992 Email:editor@contactmagazine.net Facebook: ContactNews Twitter: @ContactTibet Printed at Imperial Printing, Dharamshala Phone: 222390 Email:ippdsala@gmail.com