Contact March 2013 by Lha Charitable Trust

འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་དུས་དེབ།

www.contactmagazine.net 31 March 2013

Volume: XV Issue: 3

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

Recent Self-Immolations

March 26: Kunchok Tenzin, 28, set himself on fire in an apparent protest against China’s continuing occupation of Tibet. He was monk from Mogri Monastery in Luchu in Eastern Tibet and set himself ablaze at a road intersection near his monastery at 7pm. He died in his fiery protest. Local Tibetans took his body inside the monastery premises and cremated it on the same night to prevent the body from falling into Chinese hands. Mar 25: Lhamo Kyab, 43, set himself ablaze at Lushoe village in Tsoe region, Eastern Tibet, in an apparent protest against China’s continuing occupation of Tibet. The self-immolation took place around 10pm at the forest where he worked. Following his selfimmolation protest, armed security personnel arrived and the situation in the region is described as tense “under strict surveillance”. Mar 24: Kal Kyi, 30, set herself ablaze near Jonang Monastery in Zamthang in Eastern Tibet at 3.30pm. She died from injuries. Kyi is survived by her husband, Gyepo, and their four children. Local Tibetans carried her charred body inside the monastery premises to prevent it from falling into the hands of Chinese security personnel. Mar 16: Lobsang Thokmey, 28, a monk at the Kirti Monastry in the Ngaba region of Eastern Tibet set himself on fire to mark five years since 28 Tibetans were shot dead by Chinese security forces during a peaceful protest in 2008, triggering the continuing wave of self-immolations. Chinese security personnel took away his body. He is Continued on page 20

National Uprising Day sees thousands in the streets for Tibet

by Olivia Engel ON March 10, thousands around the globe crowded streets with Tibetan flags and bold signs to show solidarity for the Tibetan independence movement which has intensified this year in the wake of, at the time, 107 Tibetan selfimmolations. Speakers at the National Uprising Day protests mourned and prayed for the martyrs, but reassured their communities of the struggle’s gained momentum. A wave of international support from the world’s governments surged for Tibet in the week following. Since 1959’s bloody revolt in Lhasa against the Chinese occupation,

struggle. In McLeod, Tsug-la Khang, the main temple and residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, was decorated with Tibetan flags, and there was a festive atmosphere with people carrying and wearing flags. The rally began with children from TCV in traditional dress leading the crowd singing the National Anthem as the Prime Minister of the Tibetan Governent in Exile, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, unfurled the Tibetan flag, followed by a minute’s silence for Tibet’s martyrs. After the Prayer for Compassion, Sangay addressed the crowd’s spirit of resistance: “The yearning for freedom that moved our elders... is a beacon that guides our present-day struggle to secure our basic freedom, dignity, and identity,” he said. “The character of our people is being shaped by our endurance of the darkest period of Tibetan history.” He concluded that his administration Sikyong Lobsang Sangay at Tsug-la Khang, the main temple in will continue to call for Dharamsala on March 10. international support for (Photo: Lha) Tibetan human rights, National Uprising Day – also recently and that the Middle Way approach is dubbed “Martyrs’ Day” by the Tibetan in the “best interests of both China and Parliament in Exile – is a day for Tibet”. those united for Tibetan freedom or Afterwards, protesters carrying flags autonomy take to the streets, calling and chanting slogans marched down to on their governments to hold the Lower Dharamsala where they gathered People’s Republic of China (PRC) for a rally of music, songs, and speakers accountable for human rights violations from the Indian government and leaders and environmental destruction in Tibet. from Tibetan NGOs. Students for a Supporters wore black to mourn those Free Tibet addressed the crowd with harmed or lost in the decades-long an activist’s messages of hope and Continued on page 4

about lha & contact

Lha Charitable Trust

Institute for Social Work & Education Mission Statement:

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

Background:

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

Become a Sponsor for Lha’s Soup Kitchen

On 6 July 2011, Lha opened its community soup kitchen at its new building, Ahimsa House. This is the first soup kitchen in Dharamsala and serves low-cost and nutritious meals to the Tibetan refugee community. Forty to 50 needy refugees can take advantage of this service every day for a nominal fee of 15 rupees per person, per meal. Meals are completely free for those who cannot afford to pay. The kitchen’s primary objective is to provide refugees with lowcost and nutritious meals while educating them about healthy eating and living. The kitchen will also serve as a space where refugees can receive formal training for the service and resaurant industry.

Sponsor an Issue of Contact Magazine!

Can you Donate to Lha?

Lha collects all kinds of donations If you would like to sponsor in the form of clothing, shoes, an issue of Contact Magazine, books, and language, computer please contact and medical supplies, as well as us. This any other useful items.

space would Monetary donations are extremely be used to helpful and are greatly appreciated, present your large or small. photo, profile, and any message you want to Please contact the office: office@lhasocialwork.org share with the community and (0) 1892-220992 visitors. We will thank you for many lifetimes! Contact Magazine

Contact Magazine is a free monthly publication of Lha Charitable Trust. It contains Tibetan issues, international news and local information that aspires to bring the West and East together in a meaningful and beneficial way. 700 - 1,000 copies are printed per issue and distributed in the greater Dharamsala area and (in the future) in Delhi, Rishikesh, Manali, Goa, and various diplomatic missions to India. Contact keeps readers up-to-date on current issues and events, and provides networking, education and volunteer opportunities, as well as social services information. Contact staff and contributors hope you will enjoy and benefit from our modest efforts to build a community through communication. May peace and love prevail! Guidelines for submission: Contact welcomes submissions of articles, news and photography. We also gladly accept information about upcoming events, volunteer work and special projects. All material intended for publication in Contact must be submitted by the 20th of each month. Your letter may not be printed if it is unsigned, illegible, slanderous or malicious. We reserve the right to edit submissions for spelling, grammar and length. Send your material via email to editor@contactmagazine.net Please Note: The articles, stories and other material in Contact represent the views of the authors and not necessarily the views of the Contact editing staff. If you would like to contact Contact, call Lobsang Rabsel at 981-615-5523 or the Lha office at Temple Road (ph. 01892-220992). All comments on this issue should be submitted by email to editor@contactmagazine.net Contact is available at many places around McLeod Ganj including the Lha office, libraries, travel agencies, hotels, restuarants and shops. MARCH 2013

about lha & contact

འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་དུས་དེབ།

Contact Magazine Editor Jenny James Sub Editor Tenzin Younten Assistant Editor Palden Choedon Layout Design Tamdin Yangzom Circulation Manager Lobsang Rabsel Published by Lha Charitable Trust Web: www.lhasocialwork.org www.contactmagazine.net Phone: 91(0)1892-220992 Email: editor@contactmagazine.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ contactnews Twitter: https://twitter.com/ CONTACTmagTibet Printed at Imperial Printing, Dharamsala Phone: 222390

Lha water project

A critical need of the Tibetan refugee community in Dharamsala, like any community that hopes to prosper, is to have safe, reliable drinking water. During the monsoon season, because the septic and drainage systems are simply overwhelmed, serious water-borne disease, including typhoid and cholera, are a major problem. In late 2010 Lha started a project to install institutional size, point-of service water filtration units at nine critical sites in our community. These locations were largely selected to target the most vulnerable segment of our refugee population, the children. Four units were installed in the first eighteen months of the project but then we lost momentum due to a funding shortfall. In February, we placed a renewed emphasis on completing the remainder of the project before the monsoons begin this year. Subsequently we successfully funded

the fifth unit which was installed on March 20 at the Yongling School and Kindergarten. That system will support over two hundred and fifty young students and staff as well as the babies in day care there.

An anonymous donor has pledged to pay for half of two additional filtration units if we can find matching donations to pay for the other half by April 15. We are desperately seeking those matching funds immediately so we can make safe drinking water for the Tibetan refugee community a reality.

Lha Traveler Services & Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer

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

Classes and Services

TIBETAN LANGUAGE CLASS Learn more about the Tibetan people, culture, and Buddhism by learning the Tibetan language! Beginner and intermediate class levels with qualified teachers for individuals and small groups. TIBETAN COOKING CLASS Individuals and small groups can learn to prepare a variety of traditional and modern vegetarian Tibetan foods including momo, thukpa and Tibetan bread with a qualified teacher. TIBETAN ARTS CLASS Learn the basic traditional Tibetan form of painting, drawing, and how to use colour for individuals and small groups with a qualified artist. TIBETAN HOME-STAY Lha arranges home-stays with refugee families giving visitors the chance to experience the Tibetan life style and a chance to connect and learn about each other’s cultures. 3

RECEPTION & ORIENTATION Our services help smooth your arrival in Delhi, and your onward travel to Dharamsala, and also to orientate you to the Tibetan community here. Avoid the scams at Delhi Airport! These services are highly recommended for people who want a stress-free arrival, especially if you are arriving late at night or early in the morning and can be purchased online in advance of your travel to India There is a discount for people travelling together. *All donations and fees from Lha classes and services directly benefit Lha community social work projects. For information on cost, times and/or registration, please visit: Lha office, Temple Road McLeod Ganj-176219 Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra H.P. (Mon-Sat: 9:00am-12:00pm & 1:00-5:00pm) office@lhasocialwork.org (0) 1892-220992 www.lhasocialwork.org www.contactmagazine.net MARCH 2013

news & issues

National Uprising Day sees thousands in the streets for Tibet

Continued from page 1

movement: “There is a new revolution we are seeing inside Tibet,” Tenzin Jigdal said. “Tibetans inside Tibet are in search of Tibetan identity and their aspiration has never been stronger.” Though SFT is staunchly proindependence, Jigdal explained to the crowd that ideology is not as important as the current, urgent situation that Tibetans face within Tibet today and that the top priority must be to relieve their suffering. The march in Dharamsala was organised by the five main NGO’s of the Tibetan exile community: Tibetan Youth Congress, Students for a Free Tibet, Tibetan Women’s Association, Gu Chu-Sum, and National Democratic Party of Tibet. As the presenters broadcast speeches, one man named Dawa, in his 30’s, attempted to self-immolate but was prevented and rushed to Delek Hospital. He remains in stable condition. In PRC-controlled Tibet, however, freedom of speech was not an option. Radio Free Asia wrote that Tibetan

by Miranda Hall

European Solidarity Rally in Brussels (Photo: belgium4tibet)

Police presence was tripled in efforts to dissuade any March 10 protests and five Tibetans were arrested in Sichuan for involvement in a demonstration. One monk from the Kirti Monastary in Tsepak was arrested the previous evening for unknown reasons. In India, not only did many cities

stage protests on Martyrs’ Day but a solidarity rally in New Delhi drew over 2000 Tibetan supporters. The rally began with an inter-faith prayer and a minute’s silence for fallen Tibetan protestors. Prominent Indian leaders from numerous parties spoke at the rally, and Dr NK Trikha, National Convener of Core Group for Tibetan Cause, expressed concern on behalf on the Indian nation and reaffirmed that the Indian people had always, and would continue to, stand by Tibet. This year saw strong international support, with protests in over 30 countries. Over 5,000 protestors massed in Brussels, Belgium; 3,000 in New York City, USA; 1,200 in Taipei, Taiwan; and many thousands more across the globe. The Central Tibetan Administration sent Kalons to other exile Tibetan communities, to inform them of the CTA’s policies and efforts on behalf of the violence and oppression in Tibet. Delegations spoke in France, Australia, Belgium, Japan, India (Ladakh), the USA, and Taiwan.

Tibetan women raise their voices

On March 12, the Tibetan Women's Association (TWA) commemorated the 54th anniversary of the National Tibetan Women's Uprising. On this day in 1959, thousands of Tibetan women in Lhasa peacefully protested against the Chinese A protestor at the occupation of Tibet. Martyrs’ Pillar The authorities (Photo: Lha) responded with force, resulting in deaths, torture and many arrests. The commemoration honoured not only those who lost their lives in this brutal crackdown but all past Tibetan female martyrs, including the 14 female self-immolators. Hundreds of Tibetan women, as well as foreign supporters, took part in the function held at the Martyrs' Pillar in Contact Magazine

sources reported a massive security sweep in Lhasa, starting three days before Uprising Day and aimed at cell phones and computers. Following the destruction of satellites in Eastern Tibet last month, the PRC aims to further cut Tibetans off from exchanging news with the exiled community, particularly on Martyrs’ Day.

Dharamsala. Addressing the crowd, TWA president Kirti Dolker Lhamo condemned China's “brutal policies of bloodshed and provocation in Tibet” and urged the UN to do intensive research on the actual causes of selfimmolation. A new scholarship for female Tibetan students to study either gynaecology or pediatrics was announced, and four books were released. Protestors then marched down to lower Dharamsala, chanting and raising banners. TWA organised a three day campaign in Delhi: “Tibetans stand together in Joy and Sorrow”. On the first day, media attention was drawn to the campaign when a group of 13 Tibetan female students from Delhi University stormed the Chinese Embassy. Wearing t-shirts with pictures of self-immolators, they locked themselves together and shouted for China to “get out of Tibet”. As part of their effort to “empower 4

Tibetan women to stand shoulder-toshoulder with their male counterparts in society”, this month TWA also organised a seven day leadership training course for nuns. “There is scope for nuns to be politicians and to be literary masters” said Geshe Tharchin of the CTA. “It is

Delhi University student at the protest (Photo: Phayul)

important to participate in street protests but education is the best weapon we can use in the long run.” MARCH 2013

news & issues

Statements from around the World by James Connell and James Petersen UK: Baroness Warsi Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office “[…] I have real concern about the tragic cases of selfimmolation. Tr a g i c a l l y, those who die do so at great loss to their communities and families, but those who survive end up suffering for many years […]. It is a matter that we continue to raise […]. We are concerned about the lack of meaningful dialogue to address the underlying grievances against a clearly worsening situation”. US: Patrick Ventrell, State Department spokesman “We remain concerned by the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibetan areas, including the numerous tragic selfimmolations that have occurred and related reports of detentions and arrests […]. We continue to call on the Chinese government to permit Tibetans to express grievances freely, publicly, peacefully, and without fear of retribution. And we urge Tibetans to end self-immolations.” US: Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader “It is long past time for the Chinese government to address the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people and cease its Contact Magazine

religious repression. […] The cause of Tibet continues to be a challenge to the conscience of the world. We must heed the guidance of HH the Dalai Lama, and we must not forget the people of Tibet and their ongoing struggle.” UN: EU Delegate at the Human Rights Council During the UN Human Rights Council’s 22nd Session in Geneva, the EU delegate noted the EU’s “profound sadness” at “the numerous self-immolations in Tibetan-inhabited areas”. China was encouraged to “reengage in constructive dialogue with the Tibetan people and to allow free access to the Tibetan autonomous area”. India: Mr Rajeev Chandrasekhar, MP “India has a moral responsibility as the world’s largest democracy to be a flag bearer of hope to any people all over the world, including Tibetans, who are faced with lack of hope. The issue of Indo-Tibetan friendship and Tibet is something that has not been refreshed in recent times [...]. I think it would be fitting for His Holiness the Dalai Lama [...] to address the Parliament and share his views on world and conflicts in specific”. UK: Mr David Sweet, Conservative Member of Parliament “New President Xi Jinping spoke of the earnest expectations of the people for better life [...]. I would like to note that the world is watching how president Xi Jinping’s government lives by those 5

words. [Given the urgency of the increased desperation of Tibetans in Tibet today], we sincerely encourage President Xi Jinping to meet with the leaders of the Tibetan government in exile to discuss the Dalai Lama’s Middle Way [policy] for peace, human rights and stability, and for a reasonable co-existence between the Tibetan and Chinese peoples.” US: Senator Robert Menendez, the Democratic Senator and Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee “Like so many others, I wish that Tibetans would not choose selfimmolations, a horrific act, as a method of protest. [...] At the same time, we must understand that these sorts of acts are indicative of the deep sense of frustration felt by the Tibetan people. This is not a conspiracy of “foreign forces” but indicative of the deep sense of hopelessness of a people denied their basic dignity.” Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, Central Tibetan Administration “The blame and solution lies squarely with Beijing. Occupation and repression are the cause and reform is the solution. If the blame game continues and unless independent fact-finding delegations and the international media are not allowed to visit Tibet to assess the real situation in Tibet, the international community, including the Chinese people, will view the Chinese government with deep scepticism. At the same time, we once again invite the Chinese authorities to Dharamsala to prove their allegations of our alleged role in self-immolations.” MARCH 2013

news & issues

China’s long arm of oppression: Nepal turns its back on Tibetan exiles

by Miranda Hall

THE past few weeks have seen serious crackdowns on the basic freedoms of Tibetans in Nepal. These seem to indicate a worrying trend of Kathmandu distancing itself from the exile community in order to appease its powerful neighbour. In a classic case of cheque-book diplomacy, Beijing has upped its investment in Nepal in exchange for Nepalese commitment to the “One China Policy” (which decrees that Tibet and Taiwan are “inalienable parts of China’) and intolerance of “anti-Chinese activity”.

Nepal President Ram Bavan Yaday reiterated Nepal’s endorsement of the One China Policy and said that Nepal hopes to benefit from “China’s tremendous economic achievement.” (Photo: Wikipedia)

Nepal has been a crucial transit route for Tibetans fleeing their homeland ever since over 20,000 migrated to Nepal following the 1959 Tibet Uprising. Refugees were issued ID cards and benefitted from unofficial economic integration. An informal agreement was then made between the Nepalese government and the UN high commissioner for refugees in which Kathmandu pledged to facilitate

Tibetans travelling through Nepal en route to India. In the past two decades, however, this hospitality has waned, arguably under pressure from Beijing. Kathmandu no longer issues refugee ID cards, leaving Tibetans in Nepal with no legal identity or able to own property, be lawfully employed or receive travel documentation. According to reports from The New Yorker and Time magazine, Nepalese police have even been apprehending Tibetans inside Nepal and returning them to China at gunpoint. In 2012, WikiLeaks revealed that China “rewards [Nepalese forces] by providing financial incentives to officers who hand over Tibetans attempting to exit China”. A number of high-profile cases this month have involved the Nepalese government tightening its grip on Tibetan refugees. Eleven were arrested in Nepal in the aftermath of the National Tibetan Uprising Day on March 10. In the week running up to the event, a home ministry spokesman announced that the government was making “necessary security arrangements in areas deemed sensitive to foil any untoward incidents and a letter was issued to Tibetan activists asking them not to publicly observe the March 10 anniversary because “activities against China violate Nepal’s law”. Media attention has also focused on the Nepalese authority’s refusal to return the body of Drupchen Tsering, who self-immolated in Kathmandu,

to the Tibetan community so that they can carry out the final rites of Buddhist custom. Despite repeated appeals from Tibetans and their supporters to release the body, the Nepalese authorities secretly cremated his body on March 25. They maintained that his body would be released only Drupchen Tsering, to his family (who (Photo: Phayul) are in Tibet and therefore unable to claim the body) or diplomatic representatives (most likely meaning Chinese diplomats). This decision came despite an international campaign by students for a Free Tibet urging Nepal to “respect the basic rights of Tibetan refugees and not kowtow to China’s growing influence”. While distancing itself from the Tibetan exile community, the Nepalese government has been cosying up to Beijing in a series of meetings this month with the new Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Wu Chuntai. By the end of 2013, annual trade between the two countries is expected to hit $1.5 billion, a 25% increase since last year with Chinese-funded projects such as a $1.6bn hydropower plant nearing completion. For the estimated 20,000 Tibetan refugees living in Nepal and the hundreds wishing to escape Tibet each year, China’s ability to buy seemingly limitless influence in Kathmandu is deeply worrying.

leader gives Chinese a history lesson SeenUyghur through the eyes of a foreigner interested in Tibetandiplomats Buddhism and culture, Dharamsala—the home of By Jenny James states named East Turkestan, Inner HEATED debates arose during a Human Rights in China meeting organised in Geneva by the UN. The meeting was attended by Chinese diplomats as well as representatives of the occupied territories of East Turkestan, Inner Mongolia and Tibet who gave examples of oppression, persecution and human rights violations under Chinese occupation. The meeting was marked by the diplomatically discourteous actions Contact Magazine

Uyghur Congress President Rebiya Kadeer. (Photo: World Bulletin)

of the Chinese representatives. A Chinese diplomat stated that no 6

Mongolia and Tibet existed in China, and that they were historically Chinese territory. World Uyghur Congress President Rebiya Kadeer responded: “We came here to discuss the issue of human rights, not land… History is to be written by historians. You are diplomats, not historians. The Chinese Communist Party cannot write the history of my country.” Continued on page 7 MARCH 2013

news & issues

Another month of injustice in Tibet by Sune Petersen AS March passes, there is no sign of any lessening of the civil unrest within Chinese-occupied Tibet as this month has seen a number of arrests. March is considered a sensitive period by the Chinese government, due to both National Uprising Day on March 10, and March 14, which marks the fifth anniversary of the 2008 Lhasa uprisings. Existing Chinese security policies have been hardened with new strategies implemented leading to an increase in arrests and long sentences for Tibetans for even minor violations. According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, the police reported that after arrests in late February, the “…suspects were on the spot to take photos and send them abroad”. The five arrested have been blamed for “recruiting and encouraging” the selfimmolation protests. As National Uprising Day approached, a number of arrests were reported within both Tibet and China. On March 8, a demonstration conducted by three monks of the Yaso monastery in the Bathang region of Eastern Tibet was brought to an end when Chinese security personnel arrived on the scene. Although the demonstration was peaceful, authorities attempted to arrest the protestors. As one of the monks was taken away, the remaining two managed to escape and are currently on the run, their whereabouts is at time of writing unknown. The same day, a Tibetan sought by the police for more than a year was arrested in Sichuan. The Tibetan, wanted for his involvement in a protest last year, was arrested while visiting family members in the region. During a raid the following night, a

Tibetan monk from the Kirti monastery in the Ngaba County was arrested by the Chinese police. According to witnesses, the monk was taken away while nursing a relative at a nearby village. The relatives still don’t know the reasons behind his arrest and current whereabouts. On National Uprising Day itself, Chinese authorities arrested three monks who staged a demonstration in the Sichuan province. The monks, belonging to Mangey monastery, demanded freedom and democracy in Tibet. Moreover, two lay Tibetans that tried to intervene in the arrests were also taken away.

Lo Lo (Photo: Phayul)

Chinese authorities however, have not only been cracking down on political gatherings. On March 13, Phayul reported that popular Tibetan singer Lo Lo had been sentenced to six years in prison for raising separatist sentiments in his politically charged songs. Lo Lo has been arrested before but was released again after a short detention.

As a means to restrict the flow of information and stopping the spread of “separatism”, Chinese authorities have conducted a major crackdown on mobile phones in Tibet in March. According to Dharamsala-based rights group Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), a team of “experts on cellphone technology” arrived in the Tibetan capital on March 7. The following day, they initiated security sweeps of mobile phones in all of Lhasa’s major monasteries, where they are searching for sensitive, politically charged material in the form of images and writings. TCHRD said that the special search team are staying four to five days in each monastery as “local authorities have vowed to undertake severe measures including detention and imprisonment against attempts to share information about Tibet”. The rights group added that the view from Beijing is that “… one is a criminal if one tries to share information about human rights abuses in one’s country or community”. The Chinese crackdown on mobile phones follows the increased restrictions on news, media, and communications in Tibet, aimed at ensuring what Party Secretary Chen Quanguo of the Tibetan Autonomous Region last year called ‘absolute security of Tibet’s ideological and cultural realm”. As this month comes to an end, the Chinese hardline-policy is strikingly clear as tighter policing of monasteries, controls on visits to Lhasa, surveillance on all forms of communication and arbitrary arrests of Tibetans voicing their resentment or even being related to self-immolators are all part of daily life in the Chinese-occupied country of Tibet.

leader gives Chinese a history lesson SeenUyghur through the eyes of a foreigner interested in Tibetandiplomats Buddhism and culture, Dharamsala—the home of Continued from page 6 His Holiness th6 Kadeer continued, “Occupied land kill the Tibetan people because they

During the debates, Chinese diplomats caused a scandal by furiously throwing down the microphones placed on their table by media representatives. In addressing the issue of other ethnic minorities, Kadeer said, “You Contact Magazine

want you to implement the autonomy you have provided them!… You are accusing us Uyghurs and the Mongols living in Inner Mongolia of separatism since we demand our natural and human rights!” 7

never belongs to the occupier. You invaded our territory in 1949.” The heated debate and verbal exchanges were a first in United Nations history. MARCH 2013

news & issues

New Session of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile

by Dave Wood

ON March 18, the Tibetan Parliament in exile began its annual budget session in Dharamsala. Held under the shadow of increasing tensions and the ongoing self-immolations within Tibet, the parliament opened with Speaker PenpaTsering criticising the Chinese government in its approach to Tibetan grievances and echoing the calls of the wider Tibetan leadership to resolve the crisis with opened dialogue with new Chinese leader, Xi Jinping. The Parliament of the Central Tibetan Administration is a democratically elected group, set to represent all areas of Tibet as well as the interests of Tibetans in exile. This includes not only geographic representation, but also religious figures from all four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism and the Bon faith. The parliamentary system aims to “instill the seeds of self-reliance, combining democratic functioning with Tibetan values” through a system of representation and frequent tours of Tibetan exile settlements. This led to the announcement on March 10, 2011 that HH the Dalai Lama would stand down from all political responsibilities in favour of political autonomy and the devolution of “formal authority to the elected leader”.

The roles of the Parliament today are as varied as any Parliamentary system globally, and operate to represent the interests of the Tibetan population in exile. The March session addressing budget allocation is an important demonstration of this. Whilst this remains the primary focus of the Parliamentary body, Speaker PenpaTsering stressed further

international outreach is necessary, in order to highlight Tibetan issues on a global platform and promote the Tibetan cause to a wide audience. The budget session was concluded on Mar 28. The total budget of Rs1,280,329,262 is allocated between the five divisions of Parliament: 1. Administration and its related offices for the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and the Judiciary: Supreme Justice Commission: Rs 1,661,083 2. Legislature, including the MPs office, Tibetan courts and local Tibetan government administration: Rs 40, 675, 313

3. Political Activities and other related offices including new political activities, and inlcuding Secretariat, security department, international relations and the Representative Offices which looks after Tibetan activities worldwide: Rs 403,580,862 4.Administration and other related offices including the election commission, public commission, auditor general and finance department: Rs 155,451,205 5. Social Activities relating to the Tibetan people in exile including the Public Affairs Office, Religion and Cultural Affairs Department, health, eduction, the reception centres, and the Home Department which looks after the exile settlements, and the Sambhata Schools Society: Rs 601,208,999. Funding for the above activities will be allocated from the total budget as follows: regular expenditure fund Rs 456,694,609, special fund Rs180,956,349, direct expenses fund Rs 642,678,304. There is a further account to fund the administration for Tibetans in Southern India, and the exile communities overseas: Rs 39,775,612 There is a budget increase over the previous year (2012-13) to allow for increased spending on education and the home affairs departments.

Tsering Woeser wins 2013 Woman of Courage Award by Olivia Engel ON March 8, the US Department of State presented its annual Woman of Courage Award to Tibetan writer, poet, and activist Tsering Woeser, who, under house arrest in Beijing, was not permitted to leave China to receive her award. She dedicated the award to the 100+ self-immolators in Tibet. Secretary of State John Kerry presented the award to Woeser and nine other women and spoke of his admiration and respect for Woeser’s bravery in the face of Chinese oppression and threats. In addition, she has been documenting each self-immolator on her blog with pictures and information as a resource for the rest of the world. Woeser has married a Chinese Tibetology scholar and continues to release forbidden information to the neticizens of the world. Woeser has fearlessly stood against threats of violence and imprisonment from Contact Magazine

Tsering Woeser (Photo: Tibet.net)

Chinese forces, once stating,“You have guns, I have a pen.” Woeser refuses to back down for the sake of the self-immolators. “[They] are the reason why I will not give up, and why I will not compromise.” In her interview with Radio Free Asia, she specified that the award should go to the self-immolators, saying that she was “honoured” by the award and that she thinks “it is an expression of concern for Tibet”. Woeser writes in Mandarin,and English translations of her work can 8

be found on High Peaks Pure Earth’s website. She is the author of the book Notes on Tibet and the blogs Maroon Map and The Woeser Blog. She received the Prince Claus Award in 2011 but was refused a passport then as well. Chinese spokespeople have vehemently chided the United States for awarding Woeser, who they claim is a separatist and is “twisting facts about Tibet,” thereby “sabotaging Chinese national security.” “For America to award a prize to such a person is no different from publicly supporting her words intended to separate China,” said spokeswoman Hua Chunying. This form of “interference” in Chinese internal affairs was discouraged by China as the US Department of State announced its decision. For the time being, Woeser has a police guard inside her home, and is escorted by police at all times. MARCH 2013

news & issues

New Chinese Leadership reasserts the “Chinese Dream”

by Conor Meade

XI Jinping has been confirmed as the new President of China, succeeding Hu Jintao, and completing the highly orchestrated once-in-a-decade shift in leadership. The National People’s Congress, the party-controlled state legislature, rubber-stamped the election of the sole candidate by 2,952 votes to one in what was a purely ceremonial process at B e i j i n g ’s Great Hall. Li Keqiang In a similarly (Photo: Wikimedia) ritual ballot, Li Keqiang succeeded Wen Jiabao as premier, China’s number-two position. The National People’s Congress, technically a meeting of China’s

parliament, brings together almost 3,000 members to vote on legislation. However, legislation is always passed. The leadership is instead decided over the course of many years of behindthe-scenes manoeuvring and bargaining within the party. There has been hope in the Tibetan exile community that a new Chinese leadership might signal a change in policy towards Tibet. Students For A Free Tibet has launched a campaign called “Xi Jinping’s Tibet Challenge”, calling on the newly appointed president to address the crisis in Tibet and bring in an end to the widespread human rights abuses committed by Chinese officials. However, Mr Xi’s initial public speeches have implied continuity of the One China policy (which decrees that Tibet and Taiwan are “inalienable parts of China). In his inaugural address as president, Mr Xi affirmed the “Chinese

Dream”: “The Chinese spirit brings us together and builds our country

Xi Jinping (Photo: yahoo news)

together,” said Mr Xi. “To create the Chinese Dream, we must unite all Chinese power.” Although Mr Xi’s position as leader is confirmed, he still faces a battle to consolidate his power against party elders who retain strong influence. Any significant shift in policy will be slow. For now at least, the Chinese Dream will prolong the Tibetan nightmare.

Kirti Rinpoche tours Europe by Tenzin Younten

THIS month, the Kyabje Kirti Rinpoche began a tour of six European nations to highlight 60 years of China’s oppressive

Kirti Rinpoche in Europe (Photo: Flickr)

policies aimed at destroying the Tibetan religion, culture, environment, and language and to promote discussion about the Tibetans’ protests and selfimolations. The 11th Kyabje Kirti Rinpoche, Lobsang Tenzin Jigme Yeshi Gyamtso Pal Sangpom, was born in 1942 and pursued his basic religious studies and training at Kirti monastery in Amdo. Following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959, Rinpoche followed His Holiness the Dalai Lama in exile to India. Contact Magazine

After 27 years of strict examination and EP resolution demanding the release debate at the three great monasteries of of jailed Tibetan activists, full access Sera in Southern India, Kirti Rinpoche to foreign media in Tibet, and the was honored with the highest degree of withdrawal of Chinese forces from Geshe in 1986. He was Minister in the Tibet territory. department of Culture and Religion at The co-presidents of the French CTA for some years. Parliament’s Assemblee Nationale for On tour, he talked about the unfounded accusation by the Chinese that the local Kirti Monastery collaborates with exiled Tibetans to organise protests. Chinese security forces have kept the monastery and the town under virtual lockdown since 2008 when 28 Tibetans were killed on a single day by Chinese security forces during a peaceful protest in Ngaba. Tibetans in Ngaba have Kirti Rinpoche at a prayer service in Rikon Monastery, Switzerland – organised by Swiss suffered for three generations under Chol-Kha-Sum Associations the communist Chinese, starting (Phto: tibet.net) with Mao’s long march in the area in 1936-1937. Tibet have since reiterated their firm Kirti Rinpoche said that Tibetans in support for the Tibetan people and their Tibet are looking to the exile community fundamental human rights, and said that for support. He called on the European the group would be urging the French Parliament’s (EP) Human Rights sub- President to raise the issue of Tibet committee to help, and requested an during his upcoming visit to China. 9

MARCH 2013

news & issues Mar 31: Landslide disaster

TWO Tibtans are among the 83 workers buried in a major landslide which hit a mining area in Medro Gungkar near Lhasa. The miners worked for a subsidiary of the China National Gold Group Corp, a state-owned enterprise. It is China’s largest gold producer. Mar 29: Jampel Yeshi’s Statue THE Tibetan Youth Congress have unveiled a statue at of Jampel Yeshi, who self-immolated in Delhi a year ago. “As a Tibetan, he thought that his country was taken away from him and he has no other way to resist except to sacrifice his life,” said former political prisoner Yeshi’s statue Palden Gyatso. (Photo: Phayul) Yeshi’s statue is installed at Lhagyal Ri in Dharamsala, next to Thupten Ngodup’s, who was the first Tibetan to self-immolate in exile.

Mar 28: Middle Way Policy

CHETHNU Karma Choephel withdrew his support for the Middle Way Policy during the fifth session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament in Exile. Chethu has a long standing connection with the Tibetan Youth Congress and their Free Tibet policy. Speaker Penpa Tsering explained, “An individual memberof-parliament’s personal statement in the house cannot affect whatsoever the unanimously adopted Middle Way Policy of the Central Tibetan Administration”.

Mar 27: Chinese silenced

THE Chinese Consulate at Chicago abandoned the opening ceremony of their exhibit Tibet Today: Sight of Western China Photo Exhibition at the University of Minnesota when local Tibetan organisations opened a parallel exhibit Tibet Today: Exposing the Truth Contact Magazine

Tibetan Headlines

with pictures of independent Tibet, selfimmolations and China’s repression in Tibet.

helpful in gaining a better understanding of the Tibetan issue”.

Mar 27: Chinese Hack Mobiles

AN attack has been launched against Tibetan and Uyghur activists on their Android-based mobile devices. The attack targeted a high-profile Tibetan activist, infecting smart phones with malicious viruses, and sent “spearphishing” emails attaching an .APK file containing a malicious program. Certain characteristics of the attack suggest that it was designed by Chinesespeaking authors.

Mar 26: BRICS Summit

THE Tibetan Women’s Association and Students for a Free Tibet India have issued a press statement demanding action for Tibet, for the attention of Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, who is attending his first BRICS summit in Durban. BRICS, comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has become a serious force to be reckoned with both in economic and political terms.

March 22: Security Tightens

CHINA has recently announced a new security system in Tibet, the “grid”, which will expand an already heavy security presence, significantly increasing surveillance and monitoring, particularly of “special groups” – among others, former prisoners and those who have returned from the exile community in India.

Mar 19: Chinese Tibetan Talks

MORE than a dozen Chinese scholars and students met with Tibetans in New York at a gathering organised by the Office of Tibet for an open exchange of ideas on the current crisis inside Tibet. Chinese participants said that the The Tibet Today “Exposing the Truth” exhibition meeting was (Photo: SFT) “extremely 10

Lobbyists taking part in Tibet Lobby, in Westminster Hall, Houses of Parliament, London March 13 2013. (Photo: Paul Golding)

March 17: UK MPs

TIBETANS and supporters in the UK took part in the fifth annual Tibet Lobby this week at the Houses of Parliament, and in local constituencies around the UK. The focus was to “call on MPs to ask David Cameron to make a public statement of concern on Tibet and to urge the UK government to work with other governments to find a solution to the Tibet crisis.”

March 16: Indian Ssupport

A “Tibet Advocacy Campaign” held in New Delhi from March 13 to 15 lobbied senior Indian leaders and received support from across party lines. The three-day campaign aimed to “gather Government support and diplomatic intervention to redress the grim situation inside Tibet”, and was jointly organised by the Tibetan Women’s Association and Students for a Free Tibet, India, and co-ordinated by the International Tibet Network.

March 8: CTA respond to China

XINHUA News Agency has accused the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and the Dalai Lama of encouraging self-immolations in Tibet through blog postings by a former member of the Tibetan Parliament in exile now living in France. The CTA responded: “Such writings are irresponsible and unnecessarily give excuses to the Chinese government to resort to the blame game and shirk its responsibility for the root causes leading to selfimmolations.” MARCH 2013

news & issues

International Headlines

Mar 31: Filming cyberattack-

FILMMAKERS Christian Johnston and Darren Mann, who posed as carpet salesmen and traveled to Tibet with the aim of documenting the human rights abuses there, have been the victims of a cyberattack. A laptop was hacked, its operating system wiped out and a related web site in Los Angeles deluged with so much traffic that it crashed. There is circumstantial evidence linking the attack to China.

Mar 28: NY Smoking Ban

NEW York City is marking 10 years since its ban on smoking in indoor public places. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that “fewer New Yorkers are smoking” and (Photo: cityroom blogs) “we are living longer”, and officials estimated the ban has prevented 10,000 premature deaths.

Mar 26: Constitution suspended

THE leader of rebels who have seized the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), Michel Djotodia, says he is suspending the constitution and dissolving parliament, and that he would uphold a peace deal that promises elections in three years. CAR has been unstable since its independence from France in 1960 and is one of the leastdeveloped countries in the world.

Mar 21: Cyber attack

UNIDENTIFIED hackers used a Chinese IP address to contact servers of South Korean banks and plant malware which attacked their computers, South Korean officials say. Hackers can route their attacks through addresses in other countries, but the discovery has strengthened speculation that North Korea was behind the attack.

Mar 19: Nuclear power failure

A POWER failure at Japan’s tsunami-hit Fukushima nuclear plant has affected cooling systems for the ponds which Contact Magazine

store spent fuel from the reactors. The plant went into meltdown in the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and tens of thousands of evacuees remain unable to return home.

Mar 16: Pakistan makes History

RAJA Pervez Ashraf, Pakistan’s PM, has hailed as “a victory” for democracy the completion of a full term by an elected government for the first time in the country’s history. “No-one will be able to harm democracy in future” Mr Ashraf said.

Mar 15: China warns Pope

WHILE congratulating the new Pope, China has warned that the Vatican “must stop interfering in China’s internal affairs, including in the name of religion”.

Mar 12: Falklands Referendum

THE people of the Falkland Islands have voted overwhelmingly in favour of remaining a Parade in Stanley UK overseas (Photo:yahoo) t e r r i t o r y. Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner had said the inhabitants’ wishes were not relevant in what is a territorial issue.

Mar 11: Rapist Dead

A SUSPECT in the abduction, rape and murder of a student in Delhi has been found dead in prison. Police say Ram Singh hanged himself in Tihar jail, although defence lawyers have questioned this. He was one of five men being held in the case. They all deny the charges.

Mar 8: Peace Pact scrapped

NORTH Korea says it is scrapping all non-aggression pacts with South Korea, closing its hotline with Seoul and shutting their shared border point. This follows UN sanctions punishing Pyongyang for its nuclear test last month. 11

Earlier, Pyongyang said it reserved the right to a pre-emptive nuclear strike against its “aggressors”.

Mar 7: Citizens’ rights

FORMER Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has denounced new laws passed in Russia as an “attack on citizens’ rights”. He has called on President Vladimir Putin “not to be afraid of his own people”. The laws include fines for organising unsanctioned protests, stiffer libel penalties, a wider definition of treason and restrictions on websites.

Mar 4: Voting in Kenya

KENYANS are voting in an election tescribed as the most important in the country’s history. It is the first time a vote has taken place under a new constitution, designed to prevent a repeat of violence that followed the 2007 polls when more than 1,000 people died in ethnic and political violence following claims the poll had been rigged.

Mar 3: Pakistan Bomb

A suspected suicide bomber attacked Shi’ite Muslims as they were leaving a mosque in Pakistan’s commercial capital on Sunday, killing at least 45 people. Sunni groups, most prominently the al Qaeda-linked Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, have escalated attacks against Shi’ites, who they believe are non-Muslims.

Mar 1: Bradley Manning

THE US soldier accused of leaking large numbers of secret documents to Wikileaks has pleaded guilty to 10 of the 22 charges against him. He denied the most serious charge against him, aiding Bradley Manning the enemy, but (Photo: Yahoo) could face up to 20 years in prison. Manning told a court he divulged the documents to spark public debate about US actions and insists he is a whistleblower, not a traitor. MARCH 2013

around town

Charities and Organisations

Central Tibetan Administration

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

The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)

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

Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)

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

Tibetan Women’s Association

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

Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

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

Contact Magazine

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

Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)

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

Delek Hospital

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

Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society

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

Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)

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

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

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

Lha Charitable Trust (Lha)

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

Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet

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

Tong-Len Charitable Trust

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

Tibet Charity

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

MARCH 2013

around town CHOICE HIV/AIDS Initiative

Charities and Organisations

CHOICE HIV/AIDS Initiative provides HIV/ AIDS education, prevention and care services in Tibetan settlements throughout India. The services provided by CHOICE range from individual counseling to organizational training. CHOICE has a sponsorship program and occasionally utilizes volunteers. WEB: www.choicehivaids.org LOCATION: Arora House, 2nd Floor, Temple Road, Dharamsala PHONE: 01892-220239, 941-831-6896 EMAIL: choicehivaids@gmail.com

Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR)

Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution is a nonprofit, educational organisation dedicated to the non-violent management of conflicts in the Tibetan Community and the world as a whole. They work to promote the approaches and tools of non-violent conflict resolution and democratic processes in the Tibetan community in exile and elsewhere. WEB: http://tccr.org LOCATION: Session Road, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala 176215 PHONE: 0189 222 6627 EMAIL: tccroffice@yahoo.com

Rogpa Baby Care Center

The Rogpa Baby Care Center helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so their parents can work. The center needs volunteers to help with art, games, singing and other tasks including diaper changing. WEB: www.tibetrogpa.org LOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka Guest House, Jogiwara Rd., McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala - 176219 (near no.13 on map) PHONE: 981-665-9549 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 8:00 am-12:00 pm or 1:00 pm- 5 :00 pm EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com

Dharamsala Dog Rescue

Dharamsala Dog Rescue is in urgent need of vet volunteers, animal experts and sponsors. We are in immediate need of sponsors for two paralysed dogs that need a home, wheelchair, monthly food and medicine. Please contact us if you see an injured/sick dog. WEB: www.hnsindia.org LOCATION: Behind the District Court Complex on Chilgari St, Lower Dharamsala PHONE: 981-622-0841 EMAIL: friendsforanimals@gmail.com

Clean Upper Dharamsala Project

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

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The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)

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

National Democratic Party of Tibet

The NDPT is currently the only Tibetan political party. With 5000 members in 36 regional

chapters throughout the world, the main aim and objectives of the NDPT are to prepare for the establishment of a political party in a future Tibet, to promote democracy, to educate the Tibetan people about the significance of political parties, and to create awareness among the people about Tibetan issues. WEB: www.ndp4tibet.org LOCATION: Dharamsala–176219 EMAIL: tibetparty4@gmail.com

Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage)

Nyingtob Ling supports Tibetan children from disadvantaged families. The children work hard at making delightful handicrafts and paintings. They are so friendly and love to have visitors. WEB: www.nyingtobling.org LOCATION: Near Norbulingka, Sidhpur PHONE: 01892-246366, 981-685-1841 EMAIL: nyingtobling@hotmail.com

Colonialism? Seen through Gap the eyesYear of a foreigner interested in Tibetan Buddhism

Name: Miranda Hall

Job at Lha: Teacher and Contributing Writer

A lot of things have been said

local community so they know what

and culture, Dharamsala—the home itofneeds. His Holiness the Dalai Lama— recently about volunteering abroad always in the me.Library Having and notevoked many ofsome them special, are nice. unique andI spiritual will missfeeling sitting in spent the past eightofyears with variouswhile studies and readings aboutfun Tibet, A google search “voluntourism” too-cool Tenzin makes of brings up multiple assertingpeople me and about hisuseful escapades, and I was very eager toarticles meet Tibetan andtalks to become to their that volunteer programmes perpetuate I will miss being greeted at Common community.

negative stereotypes of Western Ground by Rabsel’s infectious “colonialism”: a newwith way development for the chuckle and Ginger, the fattest Given my experience issues and my current stud-dog West to assert its power. Voluntourists in Dharamshala. And most of and all I ies, I decided in January 2012 that I would come to McLeod Ganj are depicted as self-congratulatory, will miss my students and the Tibetan make my long-term dream a reality. Among all organizations that I condisingenuous hedonists looking to people who I would call my good tacted, Lhaego, provided me with the handiest and most practical informaboost their or misplaced idealists friends. tion. Soon after our first emails, I felt attached not wait to inadvertently doing more harm than But am and I stillcould a self-congratulatory, arrive articles, and imagining myself to good. here. Watching videos, readingdisingenuous hedonist looking walking the streets of McLeod Ganj made me feel already involved But can all volunteer work today boost my ego? I’d like to think not, with thebeTibetan community. really compared with the “white but I do feel looking back on my time man’s burden” of the past? in Mcleod that I learnt more from it It is important fordays people to be I than anyarrived of my students, and after not just After spending some in Delhi, finally to McLeod critically conscious when choosing because I had to re-teach myself an exciting journey on the twisting roads up to the Himalayas. The all who to volunteer UK-basedandthe rules of the unfathomable English welcoming of Lha,with. their guidance the introduction to the Tibetan specialist Year organisations system. society wasGap a stunning experience forgrammar me. I knew on my first day that I charge volunteers up to £4,500 for All the Tibetans I’ve met have was going to have a wonderful time. The four weeks I spent here were a two-month experience, and are a story to tell, for the most part filled withbuilt an interesting mixture of official research, unofficial talks, arguably to maximise profits involving repression by the Chinese impressions and feelings, all of whichauthorities, helped me to get to know Tibetwithout investing in the local months-long journeys over ans better by finding out more about the realities they face. community. the Himalayas and leaving behind Having worked at Lha for almost their entire families. But they tell I two spent my days offices Tibetan NGOs engaged months nowvisiting I wouldthe argue that oftheir stories so willingly andinasposoon none ofsocial these and charges can be levelled finishthe they are welcoming laughing and litical, human rights issues.asI they received most against Lha. Firstly fundamentally, again. methere a group approach and I amand very grateful to alljoking people whoI have werenever always for Lhanever-ending is not run by aquestions. foreign NGO but toofyou, people who much. a my Thanks I got onlaugh a newsopath to It’s know by Tibetans. The Lha staff: both cliché but it makes me question what you better, not merely from books and teachings, but by getting some Ngawangs, Rabsel, Tenzin, Yangzom, we spend all ourto time worrying real-life experience. Through my engagement, I aim offer a long-and Palden and Tapsang are part of that complaining about back home.

term assistance to Lha and to do my best in the West to raise further 13

MARCH 2013

activities and tourist info Upcoming Events

MEDITATION

Mar 10: Tibet Uprising Day 8am Gathering and ceremony at Main Temple, McLeod Ganj 10.30am Protest March to Lower Dharamshala. Commemorating 54 years since the Chinese invasion of Tibet, this has been a major annual event since the big uprising in 2008. (times are approximate) Jun 1-4: HH The Dalai Lama teachings at the Main Temple in Dharamsala, on Shantideva’s A Guide to the Boddhisattva’s Way of Life (chodjug) at the request of a group of Indians.

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

Public Audience with HH Karmapa

ART & MUSeums

Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre WEB: www.omyogaindia.com LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Road PHONE: 980-569-3514 EMAIL: om.yoga@ymail.com

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

Tushita Meditation Center WEB: www.tushita.info LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:30-11:30am PHONE: 01982-21866 EMAIL: spc@tushita.info

Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression

LOCATION: Gu-Chu-Sum hall on Jogiwara Rd, next to the Lung-ta Japanese Restaurant HOURS: Mon, Wed & Fri: 2:00pm-5:00pm

Vipassana Meditation

Kangra Art Museum

WEB: www.sikhara.dhamma.org LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 4:00-5:00pm PHONE: 01982-21309 EMAIL: info@sikhara.dhamma.org

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

The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA)

Rishi Yoga & Meditation Center

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

WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: Kotwali Bazaar PHONE: 1892-221478 EMAIL: tipadhasa@hotmail.com

Form Gallery

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

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

BUS SCHEDULE

Ambulance: 01892-102, 222189

* Times and prices may vary. Please check with the bus stand ahead of departure.

Kangra Airport: 01892-232374, 232324 Bhagsu Taxi Union: 01892-221034

Leaving from the McLeod Ganj bus stand, unless otherwise stated: Delhi: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am, 6pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm and 8:30pm (Rs330) Semi Deluxe Bus: 6pm (Rs355) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8pm (Rs1035) AC TATA: 8:30pm (Rs840)

Tourism Office: 01892-23107 Rail Booking & Enquiry: 01892-265026 Police Superintendent: 01892-222244

Amritsar: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am (Rs165) *from Dharamsala

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

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

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

TAXIS A private taxi to Lower Dharamsala will cost you Rs 200. Cram into a jeep (from the bus stand), and it’ll only cost you Rs10. Contact Magazine

LOCATION: Main Road Sidhbari Dharamsala PHONE: 9816043708

Tibet Museum

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

Naam Art Gallery

Tibetan Delek Hospital Location: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala Hours: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, Mon-Sat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, Mon-Sat; Emergencies: 24-hrs, daily. phone: 222 053,223 381 Post Office The McLeod Ganj Post Office is located on Jogiwara Rd, past Peace Cafe Hours: 9:30am-1pm and 2-5pm, Mon-Fri; 9:30am-noon, Sat. Phone: 221 924 Parcels and money orders can be sent in the mornings only.

MARCH 2013

activities & services LANGUAGES Tibetan Language Class

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

Hindi Classes

LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Rd, beside the Korean Restaurant PHONE: 981-649-4732

Hindi Lessons with Sunil

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

Tibetan Language

LOCATION: The Tibetan Library See Buddhist Philosophy Listing

Hindi Lessons with Kailash

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

Tibetan with Pema Youdon

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

Esukhia Online Tibetan Courses and Tibetan Immersion Spoken

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

HEALTH SERVICES

Men-Tsee-Khang

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

Primary Health Centre

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

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

Maanav Health Clinic

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

Contact Magazine

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

Nisha’s Indian Cooking Class

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

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

Nature Cure Health Club

Sangye’s Kitchen Traditional Tibetan Cooking Classes

LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House-Map #10 HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm PHONE: : 941-813-0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com

Tibetan Delek Hospital

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

Ayuskam Health Care

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

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

Rishi Yoga & Meditation Center Dr. Sant Marwah Clinic

Lhamo’s Kitchen, Tibetan Cooking Classes

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

LOCATION: Lung-ta Restaurant, below the Tashi Choeling Monastery on Jogiwara Rd HOURS:10:00am-12:00pm & 4:00-6:00pm PHONE: 981-616-4540 EMAIL: sangyla_tashi@yahoo.co.in

Mr. Rita Kapoor’s Indian Cooking, Knitting & Momos LOCATION: Old German Bakery, 1st Floor, Room No. 2, Opp. Buddha Hall, Bhagsunag PHONE: 94592 06586

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

Om Yoga Center

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

Nature Cure Health Club

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

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

COOKING Synergy Ayuredic Massage Center Lha Tibetan Cooking School

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

Indian Cooking Classes

Traditional Thai Massage

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

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

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

MARCH 2013

news and advertisements by Lha Intermediate English Class Students

Sikyong visits Canada

SIKYONG Dr Lobsang Sangay, the Indian-born, Harvard-educated political head of the Tibetan Government-inExile paid a visit to Canada on February 25. He met with cabinet members and other notables, urging them to encourage the Chinese to find a permanent and just solution to the unavoidable problem of Tibet. He also had meetings with MPs from the parliamentary friends of Tibet group and Canada’s minister of immigration and citizenship. He claimed that the rising number of self-immolations stems from the repression of political and religious freedoms and crackdowns on other forms of protest. He also spoke of the economic disenfranchisement of Tibetans by the Chinese on their own land and the related environmental issues. Other highlights of his visit included his meeting with the Canadian official

opposition leader, and addressing the Subcommittee of International Human Rights of the Canadian Parliament. The Subcommittee members declared themselves impressed with the scope and clarity of the information provided.

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay and Mr Jason Kenney, Canada’s Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism (Photo: tibet.net)

Sikyong called upon the newly instated Ambassador for Religious Freedom, Andrew Bennett, to visit Tibet and personally acquaint himself with the situation. However, the Canadian ambassador to China was recently

turned down from travelling to Tibet. That permission to enter Tibet is subject to Chinese government approval could similarly prevent Bennett. The visit received significant attention from Canada’s most prestigious print and media outlets which Sangay used to discuss the painful issue of the tide of self-immolations sweeping Tibet. He appeared on CTV News, Power and Politics and Cpac. Canada’s most important newspaper, The Globe, also featured an in-depth interview with him on its front page, ensuring nationwide coverage of the visit. Hopefully, this visit will have improved the Canadian people’s understanding of the current situation in Tibet and they will then encourage their authorities to hold discussions with the Chinese Government. Sikyong wishes for freedom and for the Dalai Lama to be able to return to Tibet. These are not only his wishes but those of all Tibetans.

New developments at Buddhism Contact Seen through the eyes of a foreigner interested in Tibetan andMagazine! culture, Dharamsala—the home of

AT Contact, we are always looking for new writers and we are delighted that our students are now contributing to the magazine. This month our Intermediate English class has written the news article above and it was a real team collaboration: the teacher made the initial suggestion following a class exercise in reading and analysing

newspaper articles; the editor briefed the class in what was needed; the students wrote the story and a volunteer writer did the editing. Did you know that Contact is also online? And online you can see our exciting new Dharamsala Stories where you will find stories about people who live here, some of these are written

by our students too. Check it out at contactmagazine.net, or follow us on facebook at Contact News. All our writers are volunteers and we encourage new writers to contribute. If you live locally, or are staying for some time, please email editor@ contactmagazine.net if you would like to be involved.

Shivani Clinic and Panchakarma Centre

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