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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: XIX Issue: 4 MAY 31, 2017
Two Self-Immolations in Tibet
His Holiness Travels India
US Delegation Visits Dhasa
Zero US Aid for Tibetans
by Mary Trewartha This month, two self-immolations in Tibet have brought the total to 150, according to data collected by the Washington based International Campaign for Tibet. On May 2 Chagdor Kyab, 16, self-immolated in Bora in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Amdo, in protest against Chinese rule. Chagdor Kyab is a student Continued on page 3
by Sarah Parsons West A United States Congressional Delegation to Dharamshala was greeted with a public event in Tsuglakhang, the main temple in Dharamshala. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, along with a large crowd of Tibetans and visitors, welcomed the delegation and the message was one of hope and appreciation. Continued on page 6
W www.contactmagazine.net
by Mary Trewartha His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s schedule this month has taken him from meeting international students in his home town of Dharamshala, to Bengaluru in south India for a state level seminar, before returning to Delhi for a book launch and home to Dharamshala where he celebrated the beginning of Sagadawa by giving the Avalokiteshvara Continued on page 9
by Charlotte Wigram-Evans The newly-elected American president Donald Trump has proposed calling a halt to Tibetan assistance from as soon as the start of 2018. The move reverses decadesold American policy of providing aid to the Tibetan community in order to protect their unique identity, and, furthermore, he wants other countries to follow suit. Continued on page 5
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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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RECEPTION & ORIENTATION Our services help smooth your arrival in Delhi and your onward travel to Dharamshala. We also orientate you to the Tibetan community here. Avoid the scams at Delhi Airport! 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. TIBETAN COOKING CLASS Individuals and small groups can learn to prepare a variety of traditional and modern vegetarian Tibetan foods including momos, thukpa and Tibetan bread, with a qualified teacher. For information on cost, times and/or registration, please visit: Lha office, Temple Road, McLeod Ganj-176219 Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra H.P. (Mon-Sat: 9am-1pm & 2-5pm) office@lhasocialwork.org (0) 1892-220992 Websites associated with Lha: www.lhasocialwork.org www.samdhongrinpoche.com www.tibetfairtrade.com www.tibetnature.net 2
Acknowledgement
This issue of Contact is sponsored by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD). TFD’s kind contribution has made this publication possible. We thank TFD for supporting the publication of Contact.
Can you Donate to Lha? Lha collects all kinds of donations in the form of clothing, shoes, books, and language resources, computer and medical supplies, as well as any other useful items. Monetary donations are extremely helpful and are greatly appreciated, large or small. Please contact the office: office@lhasocialwork.org (0) 98823-23455 / 1892-220992 MAY 2017
NEWS & ISSUES
Continued from page 1
Two Self-Immolations in Tibet
from a farming family and staged his protest near Bora monastery which is a branch of Labrang Tashi Kyil monastery. He is reported as shouting “Tibet wants freedom” and “let His Holiness the Dalai Lama come back to Tibet” while he burned. Radio Free Asia has reported that he tried to run towards the Chinese government offices but collapsed. Chinese police and military swiftly arrived at the scene, extinguished the flames and removed the body. It is not known whether he survived. His parents are farmers from Dardo. His mother is named Dolma Tso, his father Zoepa. Tight security and communications restrictions in the area delayed news and information
about this protest reaching the outside world. The boy’s parents are reported as having restrictions imposed on them by the authorities. They are not allowed to invite monks to the house to hold prayer services for their son, nor to have visits from relatives and friends, reports Radio Free Asia. Jamyang Losal, 22, a monk from Gyerteng Monastry in Kagtsa’s Nangra township, self-immolated on May 19 near the People’s Hospital in Kangtsa county in Qinghai’s Tsojang Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. He did not survive his protest; the police removed his body and have not responded to requests from the family to release his remains. Losal
was a native of Dong Gya village in Nangra township. Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, the President of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, said, “It deeply concerns us to see young Tibetans selfimmolate. Such sacrifices by Tibetans in Tibet evidences that repression in Tibet under the Chinese rule is making lives unlivable. Therefore it is time the Chinese Government heed the calls of Tibetans in Tibet who long for freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama back to Tibet. China must address the legitimate grievances of people in Tibet. The issue of Tibet can be best resolved amicably through the Middle Way Approach, by resuming dialogue with Tibetan representatives.”
Polygraph Tests for Tibetan Officials
by Ben Byrne Communist Party officials in the eastern Tibetan province of Sichuan are being forced to undergo polygraph, or lie detector, tests. The Chinese government claims that the tests, which have been conducted on more than 168 cadres since April, are being imposed in order to establish the “psychological stability” of officials in the region. The test is considered to be a part of “progressive training” and requires candidates to answer questions that will expose their true feelings and ideas. The tests come in the wake of a rare disclosure by the Communist Party that revealed some cadres were secretly funding the Dalai Lama by sending donations to him. A 2016 report issued by Tibet’s discipline watchdog linked “15 party officials to alleged illegal overseas separatist organisations in 2014 who provided intelligence to the Dalai Lama clique and funded secessionist activities”. Wang Yongjun, head of the discipline watchdog, was quoted as saying that the officials involved were neglecting important political issues and the country’s anti-separatist struggle. The move has been condemned by international human rights groups. Contact
The Washington based International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) said the tests exposed the heightened paranoia and mistrust in the Communist Party and said that the measures were intended to stifle dissent and further grasp control over its members. The ICT also stated that the tests were “an implicit acknowledgement that in the official sphere as well as in the wider society, many Tibetans remain loyal to the Dalai Lama and maintain their
strong sense of identity as Tibetans”. The instrument typically used to conduct polygraph tests consists of a physiological recorder that assesses three indicators of autonomic arousal: heart rate/blood pressure, respiration and skin conductivity. Most examiners today use computerised recording systems. Rate and depth of respiration are measured by pneumographs wrapped around a subject’s chest. 3
Cardiovascular activity is assessed by a blood pressure cuff. Skin conductivity is measured through electrodes attached to a subject’s fingertips. Several questioning techniques are commonly used in polygraph tests. The most widely used format is the Control Question Test (CQT). The CQT compares responses to “relevant” questions, such as “Did you donate money to the Dalai Lama?” with responses to “control” questions, like “Did you have a cup of tea this morning?” Some researchers are concerned that when wrong, the tests produce more false positives (meaning innocent people who wrongly fail) than false negatives (meaning guilty people who wrongly pass). Some people who are telling the truth can fail polygraph tests by trying too hard to control their body’s responses. “When truthful persons alter their physiology, thinking they will help themselves pass the polygraph, polygraph literature suggests that many of these truthful examinees are classified as deceptive when they do so,” said Walt Goodson, the President of the American Polygraph Association. See also article on page 7 MAY 2017
NEWS & ISSUES Arrests and Releases in This Month
May 19: Detained Again Soepa and Drolma Tso, who are the parents of Chagdor Kyab, the 16 year old student who selfimmolated at Bora Monastery
in Gansu on May 2, have been detained twice since Kyab’s protest. Along with their daughter they were detained, questioned and then released following their son’s protest. Kyab’s sister was ill in bed and was not taken the second time, but Soepa and Drolma Tso remain in detention and there is concern for their well being. May 10: Self-Immolator Released Lobsang Gyatso, 24, a monk who self-immolated five years ago in Sichuan, has been released after
serving his full prison term. He staged his protest in February 2012 in Ngaba; he survived but was taken into custody and beaten. Radio Free Asia reports a local source as saying he had been “subjected to extreme torture and harassment”. There is no news of Gyatso’s health at the moment. May 9: Monk Detained Gonpo, a Tibetan monk in his early forties, has been detained on suspicion of spreading news of the recent self-immolation by Chagdor Kyab to the outside world. Gonpo Contact
is a monk at Oephung monastery in Kardze prefecture’s Nyagrong county in Sichuan. Radio Free Asia reports that he is known for his patriotism and dedication. There is no news of his whereabouts or well-being.
December last year. He was beaten and tortured in detention before being released in January. May 1: Released From Prison Choktrin Gyatso, 44, a monk from Tsang monastery, has been released a year before completing his 10-
May 2: Woman Released Tsedrup Kyi, 32, has been released after serving a four year prison sentence for links to a selfimmolation in December 2012 by Lobsang Gendun, and trying to
prevent the police from seizing his remains following his protest. While in prison she spent a year in hospital and has been asked to pay back the cost of her treatment there – 30,000 yuan [$4,400 / £3,400]. May 2: Monk Rearrested Khedrup, a monk in his 50s who is also a traditional medicine doctor, has been rearrested in Mura town
in Gansu’s Machu county in the Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Khedrup was originally detained for sending videos of the self-immolation protest by Tashi Rabten to the international media in 4
year prison term in northwestern China’s Qinghai province. He was jailed in 2008 for his role in the widespread protests that year in Tibet. The Tibetan political prisoners association, Gu Ju Sum, reported that he was released on April 15 and they have no special concerns as he appears to be in good health. Apr 30: Released Early Jampal, 45, has been released in poor health from Baiyin prison near China’s Gansu province. He was
arrested for his role in the protests that swept across Tibetan regions in 2008, but was freed three years before the end of his 13-year prison term. Jampal comes from Nangma Tsangkor Village of Machu County’s Tserima Township. He was taken into custody on March 14, 2008 and was later sentenced. MAY 2017
NEWS & ISSUES Continued from page 1
Zero US Aid for Tibetans
The State Department sent the detailed proposal to Congress as part of Trump’s initial annual budget, describing the move as necessary after a funding cut itself of more than 20%. It was one of the “tough choices made to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of US taxpayers’ dollars,” one spokesman announced. The US policy towards Tibet is currently driven by the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002, signed by former president George W Bush. The Act, among other things, includes US government assistance for nongovernment organisations to work in Tibetan communities in Tibet; an educational and cultural exchange programme with “the people of Tibet”; Voice of America and Radio Free Asia Tibetanlanguage broadcasting into Tibet and help for Tibetan refugees in South Asia. Although Tibetan leaders have
so far refrained from making any comment on the proposal, the move is likely to resonate ominously with the diaspora. Since 2002, the majority of assistance to the Tibetan
community has been congressionally led and over the past two years has accounted for more than a million dollars (£780,000). American democratic leader Nancy Pelosi has expressed concern over the proposal. She had, earlier this month, taken a congressional
delegation to Dharamshala to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama and her spokesman said of the aid slashing: “If the US does not speak out for human rights in China, we lose all moral authority to talk about it elsewhere in the world. That includes critical funding through the State Department for important efforts, like those in support of a genuinely autonomous Tibet, that advance and protect America’s interests in the world,” Congress is expected to widely oppose the move to abolish the Tibet fund,but this is unlikely to assuage the concerns of the Tibetan people. President of the Tibetan Governmentin-Exile Dr Lobsang Sangay, who is currently on a courtesy visit to the US and has met several members of congress, said last week that the Chinese regime “is hell bent upon the destruction of Buddhism”. Without aid, there is only so much that can be done to protect this ancient culture.
Tibetan Leaders Congratulate French President-Elect by Marine Ragueneau Tibetan leaders have voiced their support for France’s new presidentelect, Emmanuel Macron, following the May 7 French presidential election. Macron, who won the election by a decisive 66.1% over his far-right opponent Marine Le Pen, is also the youngest president-elect in France’s history. Emanuel Macron has spoken out on the Tibetan issue in the past, and met His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2016. His Holiness has written to the new president congratulating him on the victory and expressing his shared sentiments for strengthening the fabric of the European Union, saying “As you know, I am an enthusiastic admirer of the spirit of the European Union – putting the wider community’s long-term common interest ahead of national and other local concerns. I hope the European Union will grow from strength to strength and that it Contact
will be a model for other continents to follow in times to come. Since France is one of the pillars of the European Union, I am confident that you will
be able to play an active role in its successfully meeting the challenges that lie ahead.” President of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay, congratulated Macron on the victory, stating that it is a “testament to the strength and resonance of France’s three founding principles – Liberty, 5
Fraternity and Equality – in these divided times.” Dr Sangay remains optimistic that France will continue to be a strong supporter of “the Tibet issue based on the Middle Way Approach”. Both Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of the Tibetan Parliamentin-Exile and Representative Tashi Phunstok, Western Europe’s representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, also congratulated Emmanuel Macron and stressed the importance of France’s continued support for Tibet in these difficult times. Emmanuel Macron’s victory is being hailed as a positive step for France in the face of the recent national front anti-immigration, antiEU shift which has sprung up amid anger and division in the country. And for the global political landscape as France, like Tibet and the world at large, faces an uncertain future. MAY 2017
NEWS & ISSUES Continued from page 1
US Delegation Visits Dhasa
The visit of the US Congressional delegation, led by House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, reaffirms the US commitment to the cause of the Tibetan people, and support for the work of His Holiness world wide. His Holiness described the United States as the global leader for world peace. “America is a leading nation of the free world and plays a pivotal role in the promotion of peace around the world… Nancy Pelosi has been one of the longest friends and supporters of the Tibetan people…I thank all of you today,” said His Holiness. He continued, “It is important to remember that Tibet supporters are not merely supporting us because of attachment; they are supporting the spirit of truth and justice, which is the core strength of our struggle. The Tibetan struggle represents that of
Ms Pelosi addressing the gathering Photo : Contact /Lha
truth, justice, nonviolence, and the Tibetan people’s determination to preserve this culture has generated intense support for Tibet from people of all corners of the world.” His Holiness reaffirmed his commitment to nonviolence, and said that the challenge before us is to make the new century a century of nonviolence and dialogue. Ms Pelosi spoke of the hope Tibetans have to preserve their culture while in exile, as well as the ever present hope of returning to their Contact
country. “To quote His Holiness, hope exists between faith and religion,” she said. She continued with the need for support through action, for the dignity
Photo: Contact/Lha
of all people throughout the world. “We lose all authority to speak about the morality of human rights if we do not speak out against China, simply because of their economic power.” Eliot Engel, a US delegate from New York, spoke on the same point, “To the leadership in Beijing, get out of Tibet.” Representative Jim McGovern agreed, “We ask China to let go of the repression,” highlighting the delegation’s desire for a ChinaTibet dialogue to be restarted. “We hope China will see the light,” said Ms Pelosi. “For the US, the autonomy of Tibet is inevitable.” “His Holiness is the heart and soul of Tibet,” said Lobsang Sangay, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) President of the Tibetan Governmentin-exile. Mr Sangay recalled meeting
Photo: Contact /Lha
the delegates in Washington, DC three years earlier to set plans for Tibet. “Seven out of eight points that 6
the delegation set for Tibet have been implemented. You don’t just talk the talk; you walk the walk.” Further expressing his appreciation for US support he said, “Your delegation sends a message of hope to Tibetans inside Tibet and a message of hope for freedom to the world.” Mr Sangay voiced his desire for the current US administration to continue their support: “We hope President Trump will encourage dialogue between Chinese leadership and the Dalai Lama soon.” He continued, “As long as there’s a Tibet, a Dalai Lama will exist to fight for the freedom of Tibet.” “There’s no disagreement on our love and respect for His Holiness and the oppression of the Tibetan people,” Republican delegate Jim
TIPA performers Photo: Contact /Lha
Sensenbrenner said. “This is a civil rights issue of suppression, and we in congress are with you and your cause. With justice comes freedom.” Performers from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) sang between speeches, including a song that celebrates the 80th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Meanwhile, China lodged a diplomatic protest with the US about the visit, saying it violated America’s commitment not to support Tibet’s independence. Geng Shuang, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said, “The meeting has sent very wrong signal to the world about supporting Tibetan independence.” MAY 2017
NEWS & ISSUES
A Tibetan Environmentalist v China’s Gold Mining by Tenzin Samten Tsewang Kyab, one of the Tibetan community leaders who led the protest against the Chinese government’s gold mining operation in Amchok Township in Sangchu county, eastern Tibet, died on April 25 following a prolonged illness. In May and June 2016, over 300 Tibetans from eight villages in Amchok Township gathered to protest
Tsewang Kyap Photo: Screengrab
against the gold mining operation at the mountain of Nyenchen Gong-ngon Lari which they consider sacred and a divine protector over the centuries. Kyab was one of the community leaders who were taken into police custody shortly after the protest and reportedly suffered internal organ damage due to police beatings and tortures. Though he was released shortly
after his detention, locals believe that those injuries caused the illness which eventually led to his death. In a video footage, Tibetan protestors were shown speaking to the Chinese authorities, requesting them to stop the mining project. Kyab was seen passionately speaking in the video demanding they “stop the destruction of the environment”. The villagers’ protests in May and June last year were brutally broken up by the Chinese military. The protests followed 16 years of frustration and repeated appeals to the authorities to stop the gold mining in Nyenchen Gong-ngon Lari. Two Tibetans carried out self-immolation protests in November 2012 at the entrance to the gold mine –Tsering Dhondup, 35, set fire to himself on November 20, 2012, and Konchok Tsering, 18, did the same six days later. “Tsering wanted to highlight 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. Tibet – also known as the roof of
the world – is the highest and largest plateau in the world. Environmentalists say it sustains a unique but fragile high altitude eco-system that has remained unspoiled due to its remoteness. With China’s occupation of Tibet since 1959,
Protestors demonstrating against the mining Photo: TCHRD
exploitation of its natural resources to meet China’s economic growth has led to widespread environmental destruction in the form of damming, mining, deforestation and nuclear activities. These issues have become an ongoing cause of unrest among Tibetans. The International Campaign for Tibet said that their Environmental Rights Initiative portrays the Tibetans’ right to be decision-makers over a range of issues critical to Tibet’s environment, including population resettlement, natural resource extraction, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development.
Communist Party Row Over Suspected Funding for the Dalai Lama by Ben Byrne An article published in the Chinese state-run Global Times has stated that officials from the from the Communist Party of China (CCP) in the Tibetan Autonomous Region have been secretly donating money to the exiled Tibetan leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Along with providing monetary support, these officials have also been accused of leaking classified information. The New Indian Express has published an article which quotes the head of the Central Commission of Discipline and Inspection, Wang Yongjun, as saying in a Communist Party of China magazine that some officials had donated money to His Holiness as well as joining underground organisations and providing intelligence to overseas organisations. He further Contact
stated that these officials had failed to uphold their political discipline affecting the coherence of the CPC and its ability
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
to fight separatism. The identities of the accused officials were not released. However, there is speculation that the officials were of Tibetan origin. This revelation has apparently caused considerable embarrassment to the Chinese government, which labels 7
His Holiness a “demon” who is trying to separate Tibet from China under the garb of religion. Religious persecution against His Holiness forced him into exile to India in 1959. Since then thousands of Tibetans, deeply religious in nature and fiercely proud of their cultural identity, have fled to India and Nepal, while others have self-immolated as a means to protest against the cultural genocide of the Tibetan people perpetrated by the Chinese government. The constant violation of Tibetan human rights has caused a great deal of conflict between Tibet and China. Movements to free Tibet from this oppression have been gaining momentum in order to restore Tibet’s cultural identity. see also article on page 3 MAY 2017
NEWS & ISSUES Raising Support in the US
by Agnes Kugler Dr Lobsang Sangay, the President of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile – the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) – was in Washington DC in America for the first visit under the new United States’ Administration. Dr Sangay met members of the Congress from both parties. The CTA’s President spoke at the Heritage Foundation on May 25 to over 50 scholars and intellectuals and met scholars at the American Enterprise Institute which is dedicated to defending human dignity. “China should grant genuine autonomy for Tibet within the framework of the Chinese Constitution. If the Chinese government implements their own laws listed in the Constitution and minorities nationalities act we could take that as genuine autonomy”, said Dr Sangay. He met US House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi who visited
Dharamshala with a US delegation earlier this month. Sikyong updated the US representatives and officials on the current situation inside Tibet as well as the status of dialogue
Dr Lobsang Sangay with Republican Senator Cotton in Washington DC Photo: tibet.net
with Chinese officials and spoke of what the US Administration can do to support the Tibetan issue. He also spoke about the 149 selfimmolations, saying they are a form of protest against the “grim political situation prevailing inside Tibet”.
He continued, “Reporters without Borders [launched] a report which again stated that going to Tibet is more difficult than gaining access to North Korea”. US leaders, as well as members of the public, expressed support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the cause of Tibet. Sikyong called on US President Donald Trump to meet His Holiness. “We [Tibetans] remain hopeful that President Trump will continue the tradition of US Presidents meeting His Holiness … If he can meet all leaders of major traditions, I think it’s just logical that he meet with the most prominent Buddhist leader”, he said. On his last day he met Senator Cotton, the youngest senator of Arkansas and one of the closest allies of President Donald Trump. Cotton is known as a supporter of the Tibetan cause and assured Dr Sangay of his assistance.
Dr Lobsang Sangay in Australia and New Zealand
by Fanny Belhomme The President of the Tibetan Government-in-exile, Dr Lobsang Sangay, visited Australia and New Zealand from April 28 to May 4 to seek support for the freedom process of Tibet and to highlight the struggle of the Tibetan people. Dr Sangay began his journey by attending the 9th Festival of Tibet in Brisbane, held to support and expand the rich and dynamic culture of Tibet abroad and to assert the “liveliness” of the Tibetan civilisation, which, as the President reminded the people, is not “a relic to preserve in a museum”. Lhakpa Tshoko, the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Australia, introduced Dr Sangay at the Festival and while in Brisbane the President also met a group of Chinese students. They shared their views about the relationships between Tibet and China. Dr Sangay asserted that “Tibet was never a part of China” and told the students that a nonviolent approach leading to a Contact
genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people, under the framework of the Chinese constitution, would be an acceptable solution. Arriving in Auckland, New Zealand, on April 30 for a four
Dr Sangay with members of the New Zealand Parliament, May 3 Photo/Rebecca McMillan
day stay in the country, Dr Sangay gave public talks, met politicians, students, members of New Zealand Tibetan communities, associations and the media to highlight the Tibetan situation and promote the Middle Way Approach, as initiated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He mentioned that New Zealand gained its freedom thanks to the 8
endorsement of other countries and by fighting for the same values that the Tibetan people seek today: democracy and human rights. Sikyong reminded people about what is happening at Larung Gar Monastery in Tibet which is undergoing large scale demolition and a reduction to half of the number of monks and nuns remaining there. He also spoke of the environmental consequences of Chinese mining in Tibet and said that the 149 selfimmolations that had taken place in Tibet since 2009 bear witness to the urgency of the situation. Sikyong met Green Party Member of Parliament Gareth Hughes in Wellington where he spoke at Victoria University and took part in a conference about the environmental, political and cultural challenges facing Tibet in the 21st century. During his speeches he emphasised the value of unity and education to strengthen the survival of the Tibet movement. MAY 2017
NEWS & ISSUES His Holiness Travels India Continued from page 1
Empowerment. Three student groups met His Holiness at his residence on May 19: from the University of Minnesota, the University of Guelph, Canada, and students and staff from Tong Len Charitable Trust. His Holiness told them, “My generation seems to have created a lot of problems on this planet that your generation will have to work to resolve”. His Holiness flew to Bengaluru in Karnataka, south India, where he spoke at the state level seminar Social Justice and Dr B R Ambedkar on May 23, saying that as a lawyer, economist and social reformer, Ambedkar brought about a revival of Buddhism in India. The seminar was organised by the Social Justice Department of the Karnataka state government to commemorate Ambedkar’s 125th birth anniversary.
His Holiness spoke of the role of education in eradicating social injustice, especially caste based discrimination in India. A Kannada
Photo: Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
translation of His Holiness’s book Love and Compassion was launched at the seminar. Returning to Delhi the following day, His Holiness was guest at the Express Adda in New Delhi, a series of informal interactions organised by the Indian Express Group which
brings together people at the centre of change. His Holiness said that the only way to eliminate suspicion is to create friendship and spoke of his commitment to the revival of ancient Indian knowledge in its country of origin. On May 25, His Holiness was guest at a book launch in Delhi: Two Saints, speculation around and about Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Ramana Maharshi by former BJP leader and journalist, Arun Shourie in New Delhi. Returning to Dharamshala, on May 28 His Holiness marked the beginning of the sacred month of Sagadawa, a month which honours the life of Buddha, by blessing Tibetans and his devotees with the Chenresig Jigten Wangchuk empowerment, also known as the Avalokiteshvara empowerment, in Dharamshala’s main temple, Tsuglakhang.
The Panchen Lama — The Longest Serving Political Prisoner by Marine Ragueneau The youngest political prisoner in the world has now been in detention for 22 years. Born on April 25, 1989
in Central Tibet, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was six years old when he was recognised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the 11th Panchen Lama, one of the most important religious figures in Tibet. Weeks later, on May 17, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family were removed from their home by the Chinese authorities. Contact
Their whereabouts have remained unknown to the general public ever since. To mark the anniversary, The Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC), the Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) and Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) performed a skit in Mcleod Ganj’s main square. “Through this skit, we call on the Chinese government to disclose the condition and whereabouts of the Panchen Lama. We also call on the international community and world leaders to support the Panchen Lama’s release,” the group said in their statement. The TWA’s central and regional chapters also organised a peaceful rally from Mcleod Ganj to lower Dharamshala, and demanded that the Chinese government release Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who, if alive, is now 28 years old and the longest serving political prisoner in history. In honour of this date, the Tibetan 9
Centre for Human Rights and Democracy released a special report entitled Inevitable Imprisonment: Arbitrary Detention and its Effects on the Exercise of Universal Rights in Tibet. It states that Article 34 of the Chinese constitution gives “all citizens of the People’s Republic of China who have reached the age of 18 the right to religious belief, education and profession”, and thus renders the detainment of the 11th Panchen Lama unconstitutional. Human rights organisations agree that Gedhun Choekyi Nyima must be released immediately and unconditionally, but so far the Chinese government has not released any information on the matter. MAY 2017
NEWS & ISSUES
Xi Jinping’s “Belt and Road” Initiative
by Ben Byrne The “Belt and Road initiative” is a development strategy proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping that will focus on improving connectivity between the Peoples Republic of China and the rest of Eurasia, parts of East Africa and Oceania. The strategy consists of two major components; the land based “Silk Road Economic Belt” and the ocean-going “Maritime Silk Road”. It is estimated that the project will attract investments of between US$ 4 - 8 trillion (£3 – 6 trillion) over an indefinite timescale. At a forum convened to inaugurate the proposal attended by world leaders including Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickramasinge, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President Xi said that throughout the process all countries involved “should respect each other’s sovereignty, dignity and territorial integrity, each other’s development paths and social systems, and each other’s core interests and major concerns”. He added, “The ancient silk routes thrived in times of peace, but lost vigour in times of war. The pursuit of the Belt and Road initiative requires a peaceful and stable environment.” Tegegnework Gettu, United Nations under-secretary general and associate administrator of the United Nations Development Programme,
said at the forum that the proposal was “a very impressive move by China”. Gettu, from Ethiopia, said the initiatives were already bearing fruit, citing the construction of railways, roads and hydropower stations in countries which include Ethiopia, Kenya and Angola. Under the proposal unveiled at the forum, bridges will be built in Bangladesh, railways will connect China and Russia, and pipelines and ports will be constructed in Pakistan. A controversial component is the proposed US$ 50 billion (£ 39 bilion) China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which will go through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Due to its concerns regarding CPEC, the Indian government refused to attend the forum. Indian foreign ministry spokesman Gopal Baglay said that India could not accept a project that compromised its sovereignty. He also warned of the danger of debt for countries which may struggle to pay back the loans required for huge infrastructure projects funded by Chinese companies and banks. As well as the corridor through Pakistan, India is worried more broadly about China’s economic and diplomatic expansion through Asia, and in particular across countries and waterways that it considers within its sphere of influence. Following the forum, the European Union dealt a blow to the plans by refusing to endorse part
by Mary Trewartha There are calls for India to confer the country’s highest civilian honour on His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Bharat Ratna, which translates as “India’s Gem”. The movement has been gaining momentum since Shanta Kumar of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister first suggested it at an event in the main temple in Dharamshala, Tsuglakhang, last November. The Economic Times of India
published an article last month, saying “the move will send the right message to the international stage” and mentioning the “ongoing online campaign”. The Rashtriya Syawamsevak Sangh party (RSS) in Arunachal Pradesh denied that they had launched a signature petition campaign to coincide with His Holiness’s visit there last month. However, their leader Lhundup Chosang was widely reported as saying His Holiness“deserved” the award and
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India’s Gem?
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of the project because it did not include commitments to social and environmental sustainability and transparency. “We made clear that, for Europe, the Belt and Road initiative can only be a success if it’s based on transparency and co-ownership,” said one high-level EU diplomat, “apparently to China’s surprise, the EU was united on this”. Other Western diplomats have expressed unease about the plan as a whole, seeing it as an attempt to promote Chinese influence globally, and calling it a “neo-colonial ruse” to boost China’s own economy by shifting industrial capacity to less developed surrounding nations which will be pulled more tightly into Beijing’s economic sphere of influence. He Jingtong, a business professor at Nankai University in Tianjin, ridiculed these ideas: “I think none of this holds water. If you look at history, tell me when has China been a colonial power? If it hasn’t been in the past, why should it be now?” Matteo Mecacci, President of the International Campaign for Tibet, gave a lukewarm response to the proposal. “While this initiative might benefit some countries’ economic development,” he said, “the international community has an equally important responsibility in ensuring that human rights are not sidelined in the face of economic interests and trade relations with China.”
it would send a message to the world. Meanwhile the campaign is gaining momentum and is attracting press coverage. The Bharat Ratna award is conferred “in recognition of exceptional service/ performance of the highest order”, and recommended by the Prime Minster to the President of India. Two non Indians who have received the award in the past are Pakistan national Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and former South African President Nelson Mandela. MAY 2017
NEWS & ISSUES Congress Considers Major Reform of US Policy Toward Tibet by Sarah Mills-Hicks Jim McGovern, a senior Democrat congressman, has urged the United States Congress to reconsider US policy towards Tibet. The aims of policy reform would be to hold China accountable for human rights abuses currently occurring in the country whilst safeguarding Tibet’s unique cultural identity. McGovern commented on numerous atrocities committed by the Chinese government, including growing concern for the missing Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, first captured in 1995 and whose whereabouts is still unknown. McGovern also noted the death in custody of revered Lama, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche in July 2015, asking China to allow an open investigation into his death. The ongoing conflict and destruction of buildings in Larung Gar was also recognised as an affront to the human rights of Tibetan people. McGovern is also advocating the introduction of a new bill: H.R. 1872
-The Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act. He stated, “If China wants its citizens and officials to travel freely in the US, Americans must be able to travel freely in China and Tibet.” He also asserted: “either Tibetans are Chinese
Congressman Jim McGovern giving his speech at the House of Representatives in Washington DC on May 2 Photo: Screen grab
citizens or they are not. If they are, they must enjoy the same rights and privileges as other Chinese citizens.” As such, the introduction of this bill would also allow for the people of Tibet to have freedom of movement to and from their homeland as well as across the globe. Furthermore, it is hoped that the
act will enable the development of a US Consular Office in Tibet. The benefits of having such an office would be numerous and would ensure, for example, a more immediate international response to disasters such as the 2015 earthquake. McGovern also requested that the US secretary of state meet the president of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay. Such a meeting would allow the government to affirm its international links, creating a powerful group of allies across the globe. Republican congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, who is cosponsoring H.R.1872, The Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, supported him. These acts demonstrate bipartisan US Congressional backing for the country and condemnation of the Chinese regime’s increasing aggression. “It is time to pursue a coordinated international action in support of the Tibetan people,” McGovern concluded.
His Holiness the 17th Karmapa’s First Visit to the UK
by Marine Ragueneau His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, made his first visit to the United Kingdom this month. At 31 years old, Ogyen Trinley Dorje is head of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, a reincarnation lineage that dates back more than 900 years. His Holiness was born in eastern Tibet but fled to India in 2000 where he now resides at the Gyuto Monastery near Dharamshala. The Karmapa’s 11-day visit began on May 17 with the first public event held in London’s Battersea Park on May 20. “I would like to express my great delight at this opportunity that has come to pass for me to visit London, the capital of the United Kingdom, for the first time. Especially, I would like to extend my warmest Contact
greetings to all you friends who are gathered here. I have been waiting for a long time to visit the United Kingdom, and now that opportunity has finally arisen and I’m so happy about this. “Even though it’s my first visit,
Photo:kagyuoffice.org
still the time allotted for this visit is very short. However, I consider this to be merely the beginning. I think of this opportunity of this short 11
initial visit as a gateway so that I will be able to come again and again in the future,” said His Holiness in his opening speech. Among several teachings, empowerments and visits, Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje taught a three part teaching, Eight Verses for Training the Mind, based on the lojong text by Geshe Langri Tangpa. He made a visit to the British Parliament and held seminars on animal welfare and the environment at the Cambridge Veterinary School and Cambridge University. Ending the historic visit, His Holiness held a Long Life Empowerment in Surrey on May 27. With further travel scheduled for Canada beginning on May 29 in Toronto, the Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje will continue to bring Tibetan Buddhism to an international audience. MAY 2017
NEWS & ISSUES May 25: Travel Restriction Waived The Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, is to have his travel restrictions lifted. The Indian government has restricted his travel for some years, suspecting him of being a Chinese spy but is now looking to approve a proposal that he be allowed to travel anywhere in India except Sikkim without having to seek permission. May 24: Agreement Remembered The Tibetan Youth Congress in Dharamshala held an event to mark the 66th year since the “17-Point Agreement” – the agreement the Tibetan delegation was forced into signing by China – was signed in 1951. The 17-point Agreement on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet is used by Beijing as proof of their right to control Tibet. May 22: EU Delegation His Holiness the Dalai Lama granted an audience to a seven-member delegation of Assistants to the European Parliament (EU). The EU delegation will visit Tibetan exile institutions based in Dharamshala including the Tibetan Children’s Village school. May 19: Tibet Museum Day To celebrate International Museum Day, the Tibet Museum, a department of the Central Tibetan Administration, organised a two day event which included a tour of the museum, lectures and movie screenings on Tibetan history, culture, the global significance of the Tibetan plateau, gender equality and the 11th Panchen Rinpoche. May 16: Health Initiative A six day training programme for health workers based at branch clinics in Tibetan settlements in north and northeast India and Delhi is underway, organised by the Tibetan Governmentin-Exile’s Department of Health and funded by USAID through the New York based Tibet Fund.The training Contact
Tibetan Headlines
includes field visits, data recording and reporting. May 15: Congratulations From His Holiness His Holiness the Dalai Lama congratulated President elect Moon Jae-in of South Korea for his election. His Holiness said, “Peace and security seem under threat in many places. We take courage from the strength of democracy in the Republic of Korea.” He wished the President-elect every success in meeting the challenges that lie ahead. May 13: Buddha’s Teachings Prakash Javadekar, the Indian Minister for Human Resource Development, announced that the Buddha’s teachings will be included in all the National Council of Educational Research and Training textbooks. “The teachings of Gautama Buddha are ideas of life (Jeevan keVichar)…his teachings give a right direction to life,” he said. May 11: Tibetan Flag Removed The University of East Anglia in England removed the Tibetan Flag from a display at an event to promote global diversity following a complaint from Chinese students that both the Tibetan and Taiwanese flags were undermining China’s sovereignty. The Taiwan flag was not taken down as there were Taiwanese students at the university who lobbied for it to remain. May 6: Animals Slaughtered A group of Tibetans in Sichuan province have been briefly detained and then released after trying to prevent the culling of thousands of poultry and rabbits infected with H7N9 avian flu. The Tibetans had bought the animals as, according to Tibetan religious belief, saving animals from slaughter is a beneficial form of spiritual practice and animals that have been saved should never then be killed. 12
May 6: Tibetan Flag Banned The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, has refused to allow the Tibetan flag to be carried in the Parade of Nations Procession during its commencement ceremony. Kalsang Nangpa, a Tibetan student at the university and SFT leader, sought permission but was turned down – as was her brother two years ago – because Tibet is not recognised as a country by the US Department of State. May 5: Best Academic Award Tenzin Saldon, a Tibetan girl who recently attained her bachelor’s degree in dental science from ITS Dental College and Research Institute in Greater Noida, was awarded the Best Academic Award from India’s union minister for culture and tourism, Sri Mahesh Sharma. Saldon completed her degree thanks to a partial scholarship from the Central Tibetan Administration and was also a recipient of a scholarship for the Tibetan Children’s Village School. May 5: Book Launch Former Tibetan Prime Minister Prof Samdhong Rinpoche has launched a Tibetan translation of HH the Dalai Lama’s autobiography, Freedom in Exile. Tenzin Sherab, the translator of the book, explained that as a Tibetan, it is important to know what is written in it and secondly, it is a well-balanced book touching various topics. May 3: Change in Title The Kashag (Cabinet) of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, officially known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), has announced the change in the English translation of the title for “Sikyong” from “Prime Minister” to the American English term “President”. The secretary of the Kashag told Phayul that the decision was made because there is no uniformly accepted title in English that translates “Sikyong”. MAY 2017
NEWS & ISSUES
International Headlines
May 25: Brazil Riots An estimated 35,000 people are marching on the capital of Brazil, Brazilia. Protesters are demanding the resignation of President Michel Temer who faces allegations of corruption and for the withdrawal of economic reform plans.
May 24: Free Speech Row A Chinese student who praised America’s freedom of speech has apologised. Her United States graduation speech in which she spoke of China’s restrictions on free speech sparked fury in China where she was accused of denigrating her homeland. The Chinese People’s Daily newspaper accused her of making a “biased” speech. May 24: Suicide Bomb A suicide bomb attack at Manchester Arena in north England has left 22 people dead, including children as young as eight years old, and more than 100 injured. The killer was Salman Abedi, 22, who was born in Manchester to a family of Libyan origin. The bomb detonated at the close of a packed Ariana Grande concert. May 23: Drought A drought has been declared in the Western Cape Province in South Africa which is facing its worst water shortage in more than a century. The United Nations estimates that over 40 million people have been affected over the last two years in southern African countries, and expect the crisis to escalate. May 22: Hilary Step Gone The Hilary Step, the rock outcrop near the summit of Mount Everest first climbed by Sir Edmund Hilary in 1953 during the first Everest ascent, has collapsed. It is assumed to have been dislodged by the 2015 earthquake but the spot has been covered by snow until now. Contact
May 19: Prison Breakout An armed attack on Makala Prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo has left dozens of people killed. An estimated 3,000 prisoners escaped, including Ne Muanda Nsemi, leader of the political-religious sect BunduDia Kongo which is campaigning to restore a monarchy. There is speculation that his supporters initiated the attack.
May 8: No Women! Okinoshima, an island in south western Japan, has been recommended for listing as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to the Munakata Taisha Okitsumiya shrine which honours a sea goddess. Only men can visit the island and visitors are not allowed to remove anything, not even a blade of grass.
May 18: Schools Crisis Pureto Rico is to close 179 schools because of the country’s crippling debt of more than $70 bn(£54 bn) which has left schools with an infrastructure crisis and 27,000 students needing relocation. School enrollment has dropped by nearly 50% as people leave Puerto Rico for the American mainland.
May 5: Russia’s Gas Quest Russia is to build the world’s first unarmed nuclear-powered submarine to search for oil and gas in the Arctic. Several other states with polar territory including Canada, the US, Denmark and Norway have submitted bids to the United Nations for the right to exploit these vast reserves.
May 15: Hijra Employment Scheme Transgender women in Kochi, India, are to be employed on the local metro. 23 people from the hijra community — born male, but living as women — will join the staff rota. The initiative, driven by the local community, aims to improve social integration for transgender people who were once revered in India but now suffer rampant discrimination. May 12: Ancient Tomb Found A 3,700 year old tomb has been found near the remains of a recently discovered pyramid in Egypt. The chamber is at the Dashur royal necropolis, south of Cairo, and contains remains believed to be the daughter of the Pharaoh King Emnikamaw.
May 3: Singing Dog Survives The survival of an ancient species of dog in the remote mountains of New Guinea has been confirmed by a team from Indonesia’s University of Papua. It is the first sighting of one in the wild for nearly 30 years. It is known as the “singing dog” because of its melodious howl that is often performed in chorus with the rest of the pack. May 2: 10,000 Sacked In Tanzania, President John Magufuli has sacked nearly 10,000 civil servants. A government report into fraudulent qualifications in the public sector exposed a scam in which people used relatives’ school certificates, or did not appear on official records at all. They have been given until May 15 to resign or face legal action.
May 9: Nigerian Girls Freed 82 girls who were among those abducted by Boko Haram in Chibok in north eastern Nigeria in 2014 have been freed by the militants in return for the release of five of their people. It is believed that Boko Haram still hold at least 100 of the original 276 girls abducted.
May 1: Ace Climber Dies UeliSteck, 40, a Swiss climber, has been killed on Nuptse in Nepal. Known as the “Swiss Machine”, Steck apparently slipped on the Nuptse wall while acclimatising for an attempt on Everest without oxygen and by a new route on the west ridge on the Nepal side. He has won multiple awards and was known for his rapid ascents.
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DHARAMSHALA VOICES By Tenzin Tsomo, with Wendhe Choetsoe
Wendhe: I see this Tibetan woman almost every day, standing on the roadside. She will smile as we greet each other and always offer me laphing*. I, one of her regular customers, asked her a few questions and her answers tell her story. Besides being one of her regular customers, the story-teller in me wanted to know more about her. Here is her story. Tenzin Tsomo: My name is Tenzin Tsomo. I came to India in 2008 around Losar (Tibetan New Year) time. I was on the way to Nepal when the 2008 uprising was happening in Lhasa. After reaching Dharamshala, I went to the Tibetan Transit School for nearly a month. I left the school because I could not learn or understand anything. I am a rat according to Tibetan horoscope so that means I am 45 years old now which means I was around 39 when I came to India. So I was too old to start school. I had never been to school before coming to exile. In Tibet, my family are nomadic farmers. We have around a dozen domestic animals like yaks, sheep and pigs. The thing I miss most about Tibet is my family. I don’t have any relatives in India. So after leaving school, I worked in a restaurant. I met my husband there. He was a driver and I washed dishes. After some time my husband got tuberculosis and had to leave his job. We had a baby and he was just one year old at that time. I had to look after my son and husband as well as work. That was the most difficult time I have experienced since coming here. My family sent some money at that time but they couldn’t send it forever so I had to sell laphing to support my family here. I also couldn’t work
Dust, Rain or Heat… under other people because they looked down upon me. I went on to run my own laphing business. Life in exile is difficult especially when you don’t know any other languages [many Tibetans speak
Photo : Contact / Lha
Hindi and/or English] and you are illiterate. I was a student at Lha also. My friend told me that I should try to learn something and I joined Lha classes but I could not continue as I have to sell laphing as well as do other work. When there are many people in McLeod Ganj, I wake up to make laphing for the day at around
one or two o’clock in the morning and when there are not so many people, I wake up at around four o’clock. I sell laphing until everything is sold, or until around seven in the evening. Then I have to cook dinner, bath my son and do housework. Selling laphing at the road side is not easy. Whether you have any business or not, you have to stand by the road in the dust, in the rain
or the heat. It is better when it is sunny. I sell laphing every day of the week. When I am sick or if I have much work at home, then I don’t sell laphing. If I don’t sell laphing we won’t have money. I have to pay rent, look after three people including myself, and pay for my son’s school fees. I earn just enough money for our daily expenses. I feel very happy when business is good but when it is not, sometimes I feel very sad. When there are teachings then business is good. It is Gyalwa Rinpoche’s [His Holiness the Dalai Lama] grace that so many people come here to his teachings. My happiest moment in exile was when I had an audience with His Holiness just after I reached India. My son goes to the Tibetan Peteon School. He is five years old and he is in kindergarden now. I want my son to study well. I want him to become a doctor, like my father. My father is dead now but he was a doctor in Tibet. My son is learning Tibetan very well. His teachers are very good and I am very thankful to them. He is even learning the Tibetan honorific language. I don’t know Tibetan honorifics well but he can correct me and teach me. He has become my teacher! [Wendhe: She said this with a big, proud smile on her face] I will keep selling laphing as long as they allow me to stay on the roadside and I will see my son grow up to become a well-educated person. Laphing is a Tibetan delicacy made of cornflour (white laphing) or wheatflour (yellow laphing) that is cooked. Once cooled, it is mixed with spices and soybean sauce and served.
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/ Contact
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LHA NEWS AND PROJECTS Community Cleanup Lha’s monthly mass clean up took place on May 20 with around 90 people taking part. Lha students and volunteers were joined by the people who eat at our community
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 Tony Collier, who is English and living in Australia, tells us his story.
Fun In Learning
Volunteer Job at Lha: English teacher
There’s a saying which goes “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. Volunteering with Lha offers you just that. I first volunteered with Lha back in 2010 as an English teacher to the Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced classes and my experience then was one of utmost joy as I relished in the curiosity
Photo : Contact / Lha
soup kitchen and cleared up one of the largest illegal dump sites on Jogiwara road in Mcleod Ganj. The Clean Upper Dharamsala Programme (CUDP) organised the garbage truck to remove the piles of rubbish collected during the day. Lha hopes that this monthly cleanup programme will encourage people to care about the environment and
Photo : Contact / Lha
do their part in keeping Dharamsala clean. It’s a monthly event, welcome to all, anyone wanting to take part should come to Mcleod Main Square at 9:30 am on the third Saturday of the month. A huge thank you to everyone who took part this month – the event was a great success!
and wonder of the hustle and bustle of McLeod Ganj (McLo) and the spiritual serenity that only India can offer and provide. Outside McLo, I frequently enjoyed the wooded beauty of the mountain trails and hiking up to Triund became a regular pastime. These experiences were just as equally matched in the classroom. The students, who came from a variety of cultures, were eager and attentive. They appreciated you and the time you offered to assist them in their growth. As time
went by, I found that I’d developed a genuine bond with them and this fuelled my determination to ensure that they received the best of my time and energy. I recall standing at the back of the class (in the larger classroom) watching the students completing a regular test, looking out the window to the nearby mountains and wooded hillsides while listening to the noises from Jogiwara Road below that I felt deeply content. Such feelings are so rare in our western fast paced consumer lifestyles and this treasured memory and feeling has remained with me ever since. I returned to volunteer in 2017. Although for a shorter period (2.5 months) my experience was no less rewarding. While things had changed in McLo, the vibrancy had remained and Lha happily, had continued unchanged. My experiences this second time were uniquely different and enjoyable. I saw McLo and teaching through older eyes and this was especially rewarding for me personally. The students were, as ever, eager and attentive and I understood their learning needs from wiser eyes. This time we, collectively as a class, had a lot more fun in learning. They, in learning English from me and me in learning about myself through both them and their experience. As a result, I regard this recent time as a volunteer as the most successful and rewarding, both from the students learning point of view and from my own perspective of learning about myself. So, there’s truth in that saying. Lose yourself in the service of others and you will find yourself.
Contact magazine is published by Lha Charitable Trust
Lha Charitable Trust is an award-winning, grassroots, non-profit organisation and one of the largest Tibetan social work institutes based in Dharamshala, India. Lha has been striving to provide vital resources for Tibetan refugees, local Indian communities, and people from the Himalayan regions for over 18 years. Lha was registered as a charitable trust by the Indian Government in 2005. For more information, please visit www.lhasocialwork.org To keep up to date with news of what’s happening in Tibet and in the Tibetan exile community, follow Contact magazine online at www.contactmagazine.net Facebook: Contact News / Twitter: Contact News Contact
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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
MAY 2017
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
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
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 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: 4:00am (Rs 554), 6pm (Rs 580), 7:30 pm (Rs 570) Semi Deluxe Bus: 5pm (Rs 590) , 6:30pm (Rs 590) Full Deluxe Bus: (Rs683) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8:15 am (Rs 1243), 5:35pm (Rs 1275), 7:00pm (Rs 1275), 8:50pm (Rs1275) AC TATA: 5:50pm (Rs 972) AMRITSAR: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs257) *from Dharamshala DEHRADUN: Ordinary Bus: 2pm (Rs 560) 8pm (Rs 551); VOLVO: 7pm (Rs 1199) MANALI: Ordinary Bus: 7:10am (Rs358 *from Dharamshala / VOLVO: 11:30 pm (Rs 782) PATHANKOT: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs 136) * from Dharamshala SHIMLA: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs 408), 6am (Rs 360), 7:50am (Rs 375), 8:am (Rs 520) 7:45 pm (Rs 363), 12pm (Rs 367) *from Dharamshala, Semi-Deluxe Bus: 9:30pm (Rs455) *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. TA X I S 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
MAY 2017
activities and information UPCOMING EVENTS June 2 - 4, 2017: Miss Tibet Pageant June 5 - 7, 2017 : His Holiness teaching in Dharamshala June 6, 2017 : 15th Day of Sakadawa (The fourth Tibetan holy month) July 6, 2017 : Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama August 29 - September 1, 2017 : His Holiness teaching at Dharamshala
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: 921-842-2467/9882255047
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
Siddhartha Retreat and Yoga Centre LOCATION: Upper Bhagsu PHONE: 098165-65138 WEB: www.shivamneelkant.yoga.com
MASSAGE Nature Cure Health Club
Shiatsu massage LOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka, Jogiwara Road PHONE: 07833047078 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:7018483961/9857999373 EMAIL: kunsangdolma75@gmail.com
Dorjee Spa LOCATION: Pema Thang Guest house, Hotel Bhagsu Road PHONE:9816393673 / 9857108408 WhatsApp: 9816393673
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
WEBSITE:www.shivamneelkant.yoga.com LOCATION: Bhagsu Nag, Near High Sky PHONE: 09816565138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@yahoo.co.in
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
Indian Cooking and Knitting with Ms Rita Kapoor LOCATION: Old German Bakery, 1st Floor, Room No. 2, Opp. Buddha Hall, Bhagsunag PHONE: 94592-06586
Indian Cooking Classes
LOCATION:Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guesthouse HOURS: 10:00am-6:00pm PHONE: 07833047078 / 0988230136 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
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
COMPUTER CLASSES Tibetan Career Centre, Dharamshala LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj HOURS: 9:00am-6pm PHONE: 9882321424 /9880969175 Email at : yesheadconsultant@tibet.net
Lha Charitable Truse
LOCATION: Near Dolma Chowk, Mcleod Ganj PHONE: 9882323455 / +91 (0)1892 -220992 WEB: www.lhasocialwork.org
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LANGUAGES Tibetan Language Class
Contact: Lha office at Mcleod Ganj Phone : 9882323455 / 9805881883 Teacher : Lobsang Damchoe
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: Hotel India House, Bhagsu Rd 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 Tibet Museum
LOCATION:Near the Main Temple and Namgyal Monastery gate, McLeod Ganj HOURS: Tue-Sun: 9:00am-5:00pm
Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression
LOCATION: Gu-Chu-Sum hall, 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
Hope Gallery/ Wild Yak Studio
LOCATION: Jogiwara Road McleodganjPHONE: 098821 62770 EMAIL: iinfo@wildyakstudio.com
MAY 2017
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 news phayul.com -Phayul is published in Dharamshala,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 - Website of the 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.
Interested in a Tibetan Homestay?
Is Arriving in India a Nightmare?
Thinking about Volunteering?
Lha Charitable Trust can arrange homestays of one month with a Tibetan refugee family. By sharing day-to-day life with a Tibetan family you will have an opportunity to experience Tibetan culture at first hand as well as making friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Accommodation, breakfast and dinner included.
Next time you come, use the Lha Reception service at Delhi airport. We will meet you at the airport, look after you in Delhi and give you a safe place to stay while you wait for your overnight bus to McLeod. We’ll put you on the bus and make sure you are on the right seat! Use our service especially when you are arriving late at night or early morning.
Lha offers you the opportunity to share your knowledge and skills while gaining practical experience with a social work organisation – good for your CV as well as being fun and interesting! Lha volunteers develop friendships as well as learning at first handabout the issues facing the Tibetan refugee community.
Find out more! Call into the Lha office, see Map # 1 Contact
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MAY 2017
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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
DrYourMobile Shop Communication Partner
ORTHODONTIC & IMPLANT CENTRE
Mcleod Add: Downstairs Opp. AB Travels Temple Road Mcleod Ganj Dharamshala Add: Opp. Canara Bank Kotwali Bazaar Dharamshala
A centre with multispeiciality dental treatment facility since 2000. Map#24
Mobile Sales, Mobile Repair, Sim Cards, Purchase and Recharge Phone Service
website: www.himachaldentist.com Email: dr.rahultandon@gmail.com Appointment/Emergency call: 9418462936
Black Magic Building (underground), Jogiwara Road, Map #4 McLeod Ganj Phone: 9857011101
HIMALAYAN YOGA RETREAT
Nature Cure Health Club
Yoga Time: 8:30 am to 9:30 am 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House - Map #23 Mobile: 07833047078 /09882320136 / Email: mahinder_m@ hotmail.com 20+ yrs’ experience: Swedish massage courses & treatment, Zen Shiatsu courses, treatment, reflexology treatment, SPA, Singing Bowl Treatment and many more!
Drop-in Classes/ Weekly Courses/ Reiki Course & Treatment Teacher Training Course (200 hours) Map#26
Mobile no: 988222502 - Surinder
Address: Jogiwara Road, Green View House after Youngling Schoo Mcleod Ganj, Opposite Pink House www.himalayanyogacentre.com / Email:surinderlala@yahoo.in
BLACK TENT CAFE
Chapri Handicrafts
Free high-speed Wi-fi
Visit Sunanda to see her beautiful shawls, fabrics, gifts, papier-mache, handicrafts, thankas and so much more!
Delicious coffee, authentic homemade Tibetan and western cuisine All food washed in clean filtered water
Free movies on Saturdays at 7.30pm Live Tibetan music every Wednesday at 6.30pm
Shop no 9, Next Alley to State Bank of India ATM, Temple Road, Mcleod Ganj Map#28 Tel: 98826-04215
Jogiwara Road (near post office), McLeod Ganj – Map #5
8 AUSPICIOUS HIM VIEW HOTEL
CARPE DIEM RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA
8 beautiful rooms with balcony facing the Himalayan Range.
Enjoy the sunrise from your bed! MEXICAN, ITALIAN, INDIAN, CHINESE, Phone: 01892-220567 Cell: 9418236603 Jogiwara Rd (Map #12) CONTINENTAL, & THAI FOOD, No MSG Email: tseringd@aushimview.com • Everything washed with sterilized water • Wood-fired pizza oven & clay Tandoori oven TIBETAN OM MASSAGE THERAPY Bhagsu Road, Opp.Green Hotel Mcleod Ganj - Map #27 • Relaxed atmosphere & Japanese-style seating Email: kunsangdolma75@gmail / Mobile : 7018483961 / 9857999373 • Live music every Sunday - Map#6 I) COURSES • Thai Massage ( 90 minutes for 3 days - Rs 4500 ) Located on Jogiwara Road, • Traditional /Ayurvedic Acupressure (90 minutes for 3 days - Rs 4500 ) across from the Tibetan Reception Center • Litho Us Therapy (60 minutes for 3 days - Rs 4000) • Deep Tissue (90 minutes for 2 days - Rs 3000) (down from Post Office) - Map # 9 • Swedish Massage (90 minutes for 2 days - Rs 2000) • Foot Reflexology (90 minutes for 1 day - Rs 2000) • Back Massage (120 minutes for 1 day - Rs 2000) • Head Massage (90 minutes for 1 day - Rs 1500) • Chair Massage (90 minutes for 1 day - Rs 1500) • Yoga Classes (5 days course - Rs 1000)
TO POST YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE
II) MASSAGES
Call on our number - 9882323455
• Lithos Therapy ( 70 minutes - Rs 1600) • Thai Massage ( 60 minutes - Rs 1500) • Deep Tissue Massage ( 60 minutes - Rs 1300) • Compresss Therapy ( 60 minutes - Rs 1300 ) • Kerala Traditonal Massage ( 60 minutes - Rs 1000) • Swedish Massage (60 minutes - Rs 1000 / 90 minutes - Rs 1500) • Reflexology ( 30 minutes - Rs 600) • Chair Massage ( 30 minutes - Rs 600) • Baliness Back Massage ( 30 minutes - Rs 500) •Ayurvedic Head Massage ( 30 minutes - Rs 500)
TO POST YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE Call on our number - 9882323455
Contact
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MAY 2017
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Contact
21
MAY 2017
advertisements Map not to scale
Map of McLeod Ganj showing locations of places of interest
BHAGSU NAG
See advertisement pages for details of advertisers TIPA
21
DHARAMKOT
27
26
Vipassana Centre
Naddi Village Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)
15
Tushita Centre
McLEOD GANJ
22
MAIN SQUARE
3
Cantt Police Post
6
23
4
20
1 Lha Main Bazaar
2
27
24
25
5
12
11
10 29 30
16
28
14
13
Road to Dharamshala
1. Lha Headquarters and Tibet Fair Trade 2. Namgyal Cafe (at Om Hotel) 3. Common Ground Cafe 4. Dr Mobile, Woeser Bakery 5. Black Tent Cafe 6. Carpe Diem Restaurant 10. Perfect 32 Dental Clinic 11. Hotel Ladies’ Venture 12. 8 Auspicious Him View Hotel 13. Ahimsa House and 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. Smile Dental Clinice & Implant Center 26. Himalayan Yoga Retreat 27. Om Massage Centre 28. Chapri Handicrafts 29. Marleen’s Thankas & Gifts 30. Dorjee Spa
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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
Below “Black Magic Hotel” on Jogiwara Rd -Map#4
Enjoy traditional Taiwanese and Chinese food and peaceful environment, just one minute from the Bus Stand, just behind Asian Plaza! (Map # 3)
NEED A DENTIST?
To advertise here, Contact Lha office at Temple Road, McLeod Ganj
For all your dental requirements under one roof, in a sterile and state of the art clinic
Dr Natasha Mehra @ Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Location: Near Hotel Mount View Jogiwara Rd, McLeod Map #10 Call: 09218742046 Email: perfect32dentalclinic@gmail.com
Lhamo’s Croissant
Tibetan Buddhist Walking Guide
Vegetarian and Vegan Food
New to the town? Local guide at Mcleod Ganj /Dharamshala. I can tour you around Mcleod Ganj, Gangkyi, Library, Norbulingka, sight-seeing etc Can speak Tibetan, English, Hindi and Nepali
Bakery, Coffee shop, Gluten Free and Fresh seasonal juices and salads
Roof top terrace with stunning views
Name : Dawa Tsering /Mobile no: 8352868671
Contact
Bhagsu Road, just after Tibetan Settlement Office Map#15 22
MAY 2017
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HOTEL D’S CASA
Club House Road, Near Liaison Office, Mcleodgan, Himachal Pradesh 176219
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Tel: +91-9857118523 / 9857118380 Email:dscaste;1234@gmail.com :dscasa6@gmail.com Web: www.dscastle.com
Tour & Travel (A Complete Travel House)
Smile Dental Clinic & Implant Center
Mobile: 98058-75922 93186-75922 98163-68680
Oppo. Walia Medical Store Near State Bank of India ATM, Mcleod Ganj. MOBILE NO: 7018354594 / 8091162609 Map#25 website: smiledentalclinicmcleodganj.com
Contact for: All types of Transportation Trekking, Paragliding, Hotels etc ... Address: Club House Road, Mcleodganj, H.P -176219
Ocean of Harmony Programmes for Wellbeing
ཡེ་ཤེས་བསམ་གཏན།
For upcoming events, visit www.oceanofharmony.org Meditation Intensives For intensive trainings Meditation Therapies around the world (any country) Intensive Yoga Courses/Retreats contact: Shalu Patel Stress Management (experienced & qualified life Integrated Healing Therapies and wellness coach for Wellness Retreats international trainings)
Contact:+918894431157 / 7018480513 Email : yeshimail2017@gmail.com Wechat ID: yeshi8899
རྒྱབ་ཤ་དང་དེབ་གཟུགས་སྒྲིག་སྦྱོར་བ། དཔེ་དེབ་རྒྱབ་ཤ། > Book Cover དེབ་གཟུགས་སྒྲིག་སྦྱོར། > Book Layout
BOOK DESIGNER ཡིག་འཇུག >Typing སྒྲ་ཕབ། > Transcription
Phone: (+91) 9979894585 Email: ohlifeandwellness@gmail.com
To advertise here, Contact Lha office near Dolma Chowk, opposite State Bank of India, McLeod Ganj Contact numbers: 9882323455 01892-22092 Contact
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MAY 2017
ལྷ་བོད་ཀྱི་ལུགས་མཐུན་བཟོ་ཚོང་ལས་ཁང་།
Lha Tibet Fair Trade Regd No.U74140HP2013PTC000540 IEC No. 2213006741 TIN: 02060101641 CST: 02060101641 PAN: AACCL5897M
What’s LTFT?
Lha Tibet Fair Trade (LTFT) is a certified Fair Trade company which supports Lha’s charitable work through the sale of traditional Tibetan goods made by local craftspeople.
What we have?
Hand-made woollen carpets, singing bowls, jewellery, goods made from recycled paper, Tibetan home decor pieces and many more!
Why LTFT?
Your shopping and support will contribute to Lha’s numerous social projects and help Lha become more sustainable and self-sufficient.
What we do?
Retail outlet, manufacture, wholesale, import & export, support local artisans, tours and travel.The LTFT is pleased to welcome any businesses wishing to form partnerships and set up exhibition tours.
Drop-in at our store at LHA office, Mon-Sat Phone: +91 (0) 98823-23455 / 1892-220992
W www.tibetfairtrade.com
Lha Tibet Fair Trade To advertise call Lha office: 01892-220992 or visit Lha office at Temple Rd, McLeod Ganj Map #1
Follow Contact website using the QR code!
Tibet Fair Trade འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།
Contact Newsletter Managing Director Ngawang Rabgyal Editor-in-Chief Jenny James Editor Tenzin Samten Assistant Editor Dorji Kyi Circulation Manager Lobsang Rabsel Published by Lha Charitable Trust Web: www.lhasocialwork.org www.contactmagazine.net www.samdhongrinpoche.com Phone: 91(0)1892-220992 Email:editor@contactmagazine.net Facebook: ContactNews Twitter: @ContactTibet Printed at Imperial Printing, Dharamshala Phone: 222390 Email:ippdsala@gmail.com