Contact May 2014 by Lha Charitable Trust

འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།

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contact

A Free Monthly Publication For Tibetan Issues & Community Information Rgd No. HPENG/2013/51798

Sanctuary for Film-makers By Edward Janich Tibetan activist and film maker Dhondup Wangchen is due to be released from prison on June 5, and his leading co-director, missing monk

Golog Jigme (2nd from left) at the press conference organised jointly by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy and Filming for Tibet Photo: Contact/Lha

Golog Jigme Gyatso, has come out of hiding in Tibet, and arrived in Dharamshala. The pair were arrested by Chinese authorities in 2008 following the release of their documentary film “Leaving Fear Behind”. The film featured testimonials from native Tibetans within Tibet and China, expressing their views on Chinese Dhondup Wangchen Photo: filmingfortibet oppression a n d affirming their allegiance to the Dalai Lama. The New York Times has described the documentary as “an unadorned indictment of the Chinese government”. Continued on page 7

Volume: XVI Issue: 4

31 MAY 2014

Tibetan-American Arrested in Nepal By Peter Newman The severity of Nepal’s crackdown on its once vocal Tibetan refugee communities became apparent on March 19, when an American citizen wearing a “Team Tibet” jacket, and his Canadian friend, were arrested and briefly detained by police in Kathmandu. The story was only made public by the American on May 21 in order to avoid jeopardising an immigration process his brother was involved in at the time. Ngodup Tsering, a resident of Minnesota and a man of Tibetan ancestry, was visiting Kathmandu’s famed Swayambhunath Temple on March 19 when he was approached by 15 armed Nepali policemen, required to remove the “Team Tibet” jacket, arrested, and taken to a district police station. Although Tsering’s friend wore no Tibet-related clothing, he too was arrested. Tsering reports that during detention, Nepali security stated “these words [‘Team Tibet’] are illegal in Nepal,” and that the Nepali police have “direct and clear orders from China.” After communicating with the American embassy in Kathmandu, the two men were released, though the jacket was not returned. The arrest appears to confirm reports of an increasing crackdown on Tibetans and pro-Tibet activism in Nepal. Tibetan refugees living in Nepal have enjoyed relative freedom for many years, and areas like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Mustang, and Gyalsa have existed as both vibrant scenes of Tibetan culture and focal points of pro-Tibet political activism.

Since the 2008 uprising in Tibet and the subsequent security crackdown by the Chinese government, China has developed increasingly close diplomatic and economic relationships with Nepal, quickly becoming the nation’s top foreign direct investor. A recent Human Rights Watch (HRW) report details strengthening ties between China and Nepal which

The “Team Tibet” jacket Photo: VoA

have correlated with an increasing crackdown on Tibetan refugees living in Nepal. HRW and other rights groups have argued that China’s investments have bought it increased control over Nepal’s Tibetan refugee policies. Though reports from Nepal’s Tibetan communities in recent years had already revealed an abundance of government abuses, including arbitrary arrest and detention, silencing of free speech, and intrusive surveillance, Tsering’s arrest highlights just how closely Nepal is enforcing the crackdown on Tibetans, and the degree to which Nepal is willing to go to prevent the pro-Tibet activism that once thrived there. Despite their release after only a short detention, the mens’ arrest raises concerns about the future of Nepal’s Tibetan refugee communities.

about lha & contact

Lha Charitable Trust

Institute for Social Work & Education Mission Statement:

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

Background:

Lha is a Tibetan grassroots nonprofit organisation based in Dharamshala, India. It 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. Through rehabilitation resources and social and educational services, Lha facilitates an easy transition for the Tibetan refugee community to India. On a daily basis, Lha serves over 250 people, hosts between 15 and 25 volunteers and provides up to 20 different services, including on average 50 nutritious meals per day for financially disadvantaged people. For more information about Lha, please visit: www.lhasocialwork.org

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

Acknowledgement

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Contact

Contact keeps readers up-to-date on current issues and events, and provides networking, education and volunteer opportunities, as well as social services information. Contact staff and contributors hope you will enjoy and benefit from our modest efforts to build a community through communication. May peace and love prevail! Guidelines for submission: Contact welcomes submissions of articles, news and photography. We also gladly accept information about upcoming events, volunteer work and special projects. All material intended for publication in Contact must be submitted by the 20th of each month. Your letter may not be printed if it is unsigned, illegible, slanderous or malicious. We reserve the right to edit submissions for spelling, grammar and length. Send your material via email to editor@contactmagazine.net

Lha collects all kinds of donations in the form of clothing, shoes, books, Please Note: and language resources, computer The articles, stories and other material and medical supplies, as well as any in Contact represent the views of the authors and not necessarily the views other useful items.

This Issue of Contact is sponsored by the Taiwan Foundation for Monetary donations are extremely Democracy (TFD). TFD’s kind helpful and are greatly appreciated, contribution has made this large or small. publication possible. We thank TFD for supporting the publication of Contact.

Contact, a free monthly publication of 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. Recognised 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 14 years. 700 - 1,000 copies are printed per issue and distributed in the greater Dharamshala area and in Delhi, and various diplomatic missions to India. Copies are also send to various Tibetan schools, settlements, offices and NGOs in India.

Please contact the office: office@lhasocialwork.org (0) 1892-220992 2

of the Contact editing staff or Lha Social Work. All comments on this issue should be submitted by email to editor@ contactmagazine.net Contact is available at many places around McLeod Ganj including the Lha office, libraries, travel agencies, hotels, restuarants and shops. MAY 2014

about lha & contact

Lha Installs 3 More Water Filter Systems

During the month of May, Lha successfully installed its 11th, 12th and 13th Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Purification Systems as a part of its Clean Water Project. The filters are RO+UV+ UF and TTS, and each system will provide more than 100 litres of safe drinking water per hour. The filtration systems each include a stainless steel tank with a 500-litre holding capacity. Lha hopes that these water purification systems will help to alleviate major waterborne illnesses like typhoid and cholera. The 11th system was installed at Sambhota Tibetan School in Paonta in Himachal Pradesh on May 6. The

primary and secondary schools water supply suffered from a high alkaline content and was vulnerable to chemicals used by farmers in the surrounding area. The new system will bring safe drinking water to 354 students and 65 staff. Lha would like to offer sincere gratitude to the Heidi Kieselstein Family from the United States (USA) who sponsored the project. The 12th filtration system was installed at the Dawa Rinjue School Society in Herbertpu, Uttarakhand state on May 6. The regular water supply to the school was causing multiple health issues on campus. The new system will vastly improve the quality of drinking

water for the school’s 475 students and 25 staff. Lha extends its deep appreciation to former Lha volunteer Ryan Lockee and his 6th Grade Class of St Gabriel’s School, San Francisco, USA who sponsored the project. The 13th system was installed on May 13 at the Government College of Teachers Education in Dharamshala. The system will benefit over 300 students and 50 staff members at the college. Lha would like to thank Mike Emanaker, a former Lha volunteer and the fundraiser for this water filter project, and the employees and friends of Valley View Hospital, Colorado, USA, who sponsored the project.

Lha Traveler Services & Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer

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

Classes and Services

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. TIBETAN HOME-STAY Lha arranges home-stays with refugee families giving visitors the chance to experience the Tibetan life style and a chance to connect and learn about each others’ cultures. Spend your time in Dharamshala learning the language, cooking Tibetan meals, sharing rituals with a family, and making friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Homestays include accomodation, breakfast, and dinner.

RECEPTION & ORIENTATION Our services help smooth your arrival in Delhi, and your onward travel to Dharamshala, and also to orientate you to the Tibetan community here. Avoid the scams at Delhi Airport! These services are highly recommended for people who want a stress-free arrival, especially if you are arriving late at night or early in the morning, and can be purchased online in advance of your travel to India There is a discount for people travelling together. *All donations and fees from Lha classes and services directly benefit Lha community social work projects. For information on cost, times and/or registration, please visit: Lha office, Temple Road McLeod Ganj-176219 Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra H.P. (Mon-Sat: 9:00am-12:00pm & 1:00-5:00pm) office@lhasocialwork.org (0) 1892-220992 www.lhasocialwork.org www.contactmagazine.net www.tibetnature.net MAY 2014

news & issues

Norway and the Dalai Lama Dilemma By Annie Padwick The Dalai Lama’s visit to Norway on May 7-8 marks 25 years since he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in the country’s capital. Yet in a move which some have labelled “putting

The Dalai Lama being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, Dec 1989 Photo: Tibet.net

salmon exports before peace” Foreign Minister Børge Brende announced that no government ministers or authorities would meet the Tibetan

spiritual leader during his visit. China has twice condemned the planned visit, saying it is opposed to any country giving a platform to the Dalai Lama’s views, and Norway does not want to further damage an already icy relationship. When the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo in 2010, China froze diplomatic and economic relations. The backlash saw Chinese demand for Norwegian salmon drop dramatically from 92% of Norway’s total export market to only 29% and since then Norway has been working hard to reduce tensions between the countries. The Dalai Lama’s visit drew mass support from the Norwegian people. All 2,000 tickets for the Dalai Lama’s two public events sold out within 24 hours and a live steam was arranged

to accommodate further guests. A poll in the Norwegian newspaper VG showed half of all Norwegians believe the government is cowardly for not meeting the Dalai Lama. Some critics called for Norway’s King Harald to meet the Nobel Peace Prize winner instead. Hundreds of citizens gathered at the Norwegian parliament to show support for the Dalai Lama’s visit. There they also vented their frustation with what they perceive to be their government bowing to China while neglecting the wishes of the Norwegian people.Ann Kristin Espejord, one of the rally’s organisers, said, “We want the Dalai Lama to know that he is warmly welcome in Norway, and we are proud that he’s coming. We want the world to still know that we are a free people, and we expect that our politicians now stop and think about this.”

Election Day Raises Questions Regarding Tibetan Identity By Peter Newman For the first time in history, Tibetans living in exile joined the ranks of Indian voters participating in the nation’s general election in May. But according to State officials, the Tibetan turnout was very low - a reflection of Tibetans’ concern that registering to vote would draw energy away from the Tibet issue and require relinquishing one’s refugee status. Voting rights for Tibetans living in exile were granted for the first time this February. The action followed in the wake of two High C o u r t rulings in Karnataka and Delhi in August 2013 that Tibetans vote in the Indian m a d e general election citizenship Photo: Kunsang Gashon available to Tibetans born in India between January 1950 and July 1987. As a result, approximately 40,000 Tibetans Contact

in India became eligible to take part in this year’s 16th Indian general election, but only 1,500 registered and voted, and the Tibetan turnout fell far short of the State’s target of 6,000 Tibetan voters. Poet and activist Tenzin Tsundue explains, “We are not immigrants, but political refugees waiting to return home…Indian citizenship may be personally beneficial, but it will leave us divided…[and] culturally diluted.” The turnout is also thought to have been reduced by the concern that voter registration would require Tibetans to surrender their refugee status and refugee Registration Card (popularly known as “RC”), thereby putting in jeopardy a core element of the identity of Tibetans in exile. Not all members of the exile community see voting as counterproductive to the Tibet issue or damaging to Tibetan refugee identity. Lobsang Wangyal, a McLeod Ganjbased entrepreneur and voter stated, “[I] feel that I have a voice in India now. However, my Tibetan roots and the quest for free Tibet will not change…I 4

feel good about [voting].” For others, participation in Indian democracy is imperative, giving Tibetans a powerful platform on which to press the Tibet issue and to alleviate some of the hardships of life in exile in India, such as restrictions on employment and property ownership. As Dibyesh Anand, an associate professor of international relations at London’s Westminster University states, “Tibetans have had to fight at

Lobsang Wangyal casting his vote Photo: Tibetexpress

every level through the court system to get limited rights and recognition within India and this issue is part of that struggle for recognition…” MAY 2014

news & issues

Modi and Tibet: A New Step for India, A New Hope for Tibet? By Wendhe Choetsoe Sikyong Lobsang Sangay attended the swearing-in ceremony of India’s newly elected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The ceremony was held at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan in the capital, New Delhi, on May 26. Modi’s invitation to the Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile to attend the ceremony has received great appreciation from Tibetans and their supporters. Sikyong Sangay was accompanied by Home Kalon (minister) Dolma Gyari of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), and the event provided a good opportunity for both to meet other dignitaries and world leaders attending the ceremony. “Although it was only for a short period of time I saw Sikyong sitting among dignitaries at Modi ji’s swearingin ceremony on television. I felt very proud,” said a young Tibetan woman in Dharamshala. Tibetans shared their joy in cyberspace. Among many others,

Tashi Dorjee wrote on Facebook “Thank you Modi-ji and the BJP for your respect to [the] exile Tibetan government.” A rigorous campaign for a new government for India ended with a landslide victory for the Bharatiya

Sikyong seated with other dignitaries at the swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi, India Photo: Tibet.net/CTA

Janata Party (BJP) on May 18, which defeated the Congress Party after its 30-year rule. Leaders of several countries, including Britain, Bangladesh, Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, congratulated Modi after the results were declared. His Holiness

the Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibet sent a congratulatory letter to the Prime Minister. The Dalai Lama said that he took pride in citing India as a living example of unity in diversity. His Holiness wished him every success in meeting the many challenges that lay ahead and in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of India. The newly elected Indian Prime Minister thanked His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the letter. Modi tweeted, “Extremely grateful to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his wishes and words of appreciation. Narendra Modi is India’s 15th Prime Minister. His election campaign promised to revive the economy, end corruption and provide employment opportunities for India’s young people under the campaign slogan “the good days are about to come”. However, what it will mean to the Tibetans and to the Tibet issue, only time will tell.

Sikyong Rallies Support in Denmark, Norway By Siddharth Sharma Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay travelled to Denmark and Norway for a weeklong visit this month, during which time he met politicians, Tibet support groups, and members of the Tibetan diaspora

Sikyong with Mr Christian Juhl, representative of The Unity List in Denmark Photo: Tibet.net

in order to rally support for the Tibetan cause. From May 18 to May 24, Sikyong campaigned for human rights in Tibet, advocated the Middle-Way Approach to the Tibet issue, and highlighted the dangers which the Tibetan language and Contact

culture currently face in China. During the tour, Sikyong was accompanied by Mr Thubten Samdup, a representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and of the Central Tibetan Administration for Northern Europe. The Sikyong arrived first in Copenhagen, where he met members of the Tibet Support Group (Denmark) and the Danish Tibetan community. Sikyong also spoke with representatives from the Danish Parliament on May 1920, who unanimously expressed their support for the Tibetan people and the Middle-Way Approach. High priority was given to discussing education projects in the Tibetan exile community with University College Copenhagen. The university implements the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) - funded projects in co-operation with the Central Tibetan Administration. Sikyong concluded his time in the country by meeting members

of the Danish Institute for Parties and Democracy, which supports the strengthening of democracy in developing countries. On May 21, Sikyong arrived in Oslo, Norway. The visit began at Civita, a liberal think tank, where Sikyong gave a speech on the current situation in Tibet and the recent visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Norway. The speech was followed by meetings with the leader of the Norwegian parliament’s Tibet Committee and with Youth Party Leaders. At a public talk the next day organised by the Norwegian Tibet Committee, Sikyong spoke on the topic “Tibet Past, Present, and Future: How Can You Help the Cause of Tibet”. On the final day of his visit, strategic meetings were held with the board members of the Norwegian Tibet Committee, Tibetan Community of Norway, Voice of Tibet and members of the Norwegian Youth Committee. MAY 2014

news & issues

The Dalai Lama visits Europe By Stella Schaller On May 5, His Holiness the Dalai Lama began an eleven-day visit to Europe. In four countries he gave public talks and participated in discussions with students, philosophers, journalists and politicians. The aim of the visit was to spread a message of compassion and to foster interfaith dialogue. The trip started in Riga, Latvia, where His Holiness gave two day teachings on the “Heart Sutra” and the “37 Practices of a Bodhisattva”. Some 3,500 devotees from Latvia, Russia, Estonia and Lithuania followed his lessons about non-violent conflict resolution and the different levels of ignorance and destructive emotions. During his address, he said, “I tell people that to be 21st century Buddhists we should follow the Buddha’s advice

to use our intelligence to the full and transform our disturbing emotions.” On his third day, the Dalai Lama met Norwegian supporters in Oslo as well as the Norwegian former Prime Minister and the Chairman of the No-

His Holiness with former Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik in Oslo Photo: OHHDL/Jeremy Russell

bel Peace Prize Committee. Though his visit to Norway was overshadowed by the government’s refusal to give him a formal reception, his teachings

in the country were well attended. His Holiness then continued to the Netherlands and gave a discourse on “The Three Principal Paths” and on “Well-being, Wisdom and Compassion” in Rotterdam. He emphasised his concern regarding the ongoing repression of Tibetan culture as well as his great respect for the Tibetan people: “The spirit of the people in Tibet is very strong; their courage is amazing”, he said in a meeting with Dutch journalists. HH the Dalai Lama dedicated the two final days of his tour to German audiences in Frankfurt, where he gave three public discourses on secular approaches to ethics and self-awareness. At one of the talks in St Paul’s Church, school children were given the opportunity to ask questions and to have face to face discussions with him.

The Sino-Indian Border Conflict By Vanshika Tripathi The border between China and India has long been the subject of a territorial dispute between the two countries. The two areas currently involved in the border conflict are the eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin in Ladakh in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. These disputed claims were one of the main causes of the Sino-Indian war of 1962, as were the border conflicts involving the Central Tibetan Region. The 1914 Simla Accord - also known as the Convention Between Great Britain, China, and Tibet recognised the independence of Tibet, but was not signed until 1938 due to China’s non-adherence to the treaty. The Simla Accord established the Tibet-China-India borders along the McMahon Line, the namesake of Sir Henry McMahon, a British foreign secretary in India and one of the key diplomats involved in the Simla Accord. Following the 1959 Tibetan uprising against the Chinese invaders, the McMahon line became a matter of contention, with China declaring the Contact

border to be invalid. In 1954, the Panchsheel Agreement was signed by India and China as an attempt by Indian Prime Minister Nehru to appease Chinese-Indian

From Right: The 11th Panchen Lama, the 14th Dalai Lama, Pandit Nehru and a representative from China Photo: bhuwanchand.wordpress.com

relations. This pact consisted of five key points: mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty; mutual non-aggression; mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs; equality and co-operation for mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence. At its core, the Panchsheel Agreement was a trading contract for India and China’s trade interests in Tibet. RN Ravi, a former Special Director 6

of the Indian Intelligence Bureau, said “The Panchsheel Agreement... undid the centuries-old India-Tibet symbiotic relations that included free trans-border movements of pilgrims, scholars, artisans, tourists and traders, and undermined the historical treaties between India and Tibet and undercut the tenable bases of the traditionally settled borders.” The election of Narendra Modi as India’s new Prime Minister will prompt a new dynamic in the relations between India and China. During his election campaign Modi stated, “Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and will always remain so... China will...have to leave behind its mindset of expansion.” Former Defense Minister of India and Samajwati Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav stated, “First, BJP’s PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee succumbed and accepted that Tibet is part of China even when Tibet was our friendly nation and we had no threat from its borders. Manmohan Singh too accepted Vajpayee’s blunder and handed over Tibet to China.” MAY 2014

news & issues

The Tibetan Language Under Threat By Tsering Wangdue There is evidence to suggest that the Chinese authorities are following a policy of systematically eradicating the Tibetan language, as highlighted

Poster saying “No mixed languages” Photo: RFA

by a recent event. Radio Free Asia reported that a Tibetan language competition in Muge Norwa town in Zungchu County was cancelled by the local Chinese authorities. The event was scheduled for February 21, a day observed world wide as International Mother Language Day, and required participants to speak pure Tibetan without mixing Chinese or any other language. The organisers, Drime and Lodro Gyaltsen, were ordered to cancel the event by Chinese authorities who said Continued from page 1

editor of the banned magazine Shar Dungri (Eastern snow mountain), and a university student, was arrested. In 2010 thousands of Tibetan students protested against the decision of the Chinese authorities to change the medium of instruction in schools to Chinese. The reality of life in Tibet is that good jobs are only available to those with a knowledge of Chinese, not Tibetan. In the exile communities, His Holiness the Dalai Lama encourages the younger generations to learn and study the Tibetan language as the key to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan culture and Buddhism. And in Tibet, hundreds of ordinary Tibetans - monks, teachers and university students - are taking the preservation of the Tibetan language into their own hands and setting up Tibetan language classes in their communities. In Nepal in 2005, the Tibetan Reception Centre set up a Tibetan language preservation organisation which organises events and debates to create awareness of the importance of preserving the Tibetan language.

Sanctuary for Film-makers

Dhondup Wangchen was sentenced to six years of forced labour on the charge of “subversion” on December 28, 2009, after 20 months unofficial detention. Wangchen was refused access to his lawyer following his initial hearing, leaving him unable to appeal against his verdict. He was later moved to Xichuan Labour Camp in Qinghai Province, a camp known for harsh treatment of detainees. He has since contracted Hepatitis B. Golog Jigme Gyatso was held for seven months for his role in the production, and was reportedly tortured and beaten by Chinese authorities. Facing further harassment upon his release, Gyatso went in to hiding in September 2012. China issued a warrant for his arrest accusing him of “murder” later that Contact

it had “political implications”, and that the Tibetan language contains words that go against the interest of the Chinese authorities. They were warned that they would face serious consequences if they did not comply with the closure. The Chinese authorities have arrested many writers and poets who write in the Tibetan language. The exile poet and activist Tenzin Tsundue says “In Tibet...people follow the writers, poets, intellectuals, stand-up comedians, bloggers and musicians. These are our celebrated heroes. That’s why China targets these public figures. Because art has a compulsive habit of policing liars. That is why Liu Xiabo is in jail in China and Chinese dictators are infuriated by the antics of artists such as Ai Wei Wei or bloggers such as Woeser.” In October last year, Tibetan writer Tsultrim Gyaltsen was arrested. After completing his studies he opened a guest house where he teaches Tibetan creative writing and Chinese language to local Tibetans. In October 2009 Tashi Rabten, a Tibetan writer and

year. The monk resurfaced on May 18 in Dharamshala, causing much celebration in the Tibetan community. He is currently staying at the Reception Centre for Tibetan refugees. Golog Jigme was nominated as one of “100 Information Heroes” by Reporters Without Borders on World Press Freedom Day. He held a press conference in Dharamshala on May 28 during which he described his escape across the Himalayas and his torture in prison. He spoke about being hung from the ceiling overnight and repeatedly beaten, saying he still suffers subsequent long-term damage to his health. He considered selfimmolation but decided not to in order to continue his work. Jigme said that his “spirit is unbroken” and continued, “I express my support towards the

Dalai Lama’s Middle-Way Approach to resolve the Tibet issue. Along with me, 99 percent of Tibetans inside Tibet support this approach.” Dhondup Wangchen’s wife and family moved to Dharamshala ahead of the film’s premiere, fearing the response of the Chinese government. They are now living in the United States, where they have been pleading for Wangchen’s freedom. Several international human rights groups, including Amnesty International, joined them in their campaign, claiming Wangchen was being denied necessary medical treatment. As his sentence nears its end, they continue to advocate for his healthy and timely release while the exile Tibetan community is counting down the days and publicising his story. MAY 2014

news & issues

Bringing Tibet to Taipei By Wendhe Choetsoe Seven Tibetans from India represented Tibet at the 9th Inter-ethnic, Inter-faith Leadership Conference held in Taipei, Taiwan. The four-day meeting, which started on April 24, was attended by more than 70 participants, including democracy activists, human rights lawyers, writers, activists and policy makers, from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet, Southern (Inner) Mongolia, Macau, Mainland China, Uyghur and representatives of the Christian Church Movement and Falung Gong.* The participants came together to find a common ground to challenge the Chinese government and to be “united to build a viable Democratic opposition”. During the inaugural ceremony, a written message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama was read: “China needs human rights, democracy and the rule of law because these values are the foundation of a free and dynamic society. They are the source of true peace and stability. A democratic China is also in the interest of the international community in general and of China’s neighbours in

particular. I will have no doubt either that an increasingly open, free and democratic China will be of benefit to the Tibetan people too.” The Tibetan group represented Tibet as an occupied country and talked about its current situation under the repressive policies of the Communist Party of China. The seven Tibetans were: Bawa Kalsang

At the inaguaration ceremony of the Tibetan-Chinese PEN Centre Photo: ContactMagazine/Lha

Gyaltsen and Dhardon Sharling, Tibetan parliamentarians; Yeshi Tenzin, Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration; Dorjee Tseten, Asia Director of Students for a Free Tibet; Lobsang Tseten, Asia Coordinator of the International Tibet Network; Dukthen Kyi, editor

of Contact Magazine, Lha and Dr Chok Tenzin Monlam, researcher and writer, who highlighted the grave situation in Tibet, including the selfimmolations and the repercussions on the immolators and their families. In addition to the Conference programme of talks and discussions there were many opportunities for the participants to network informally and to forge alliances for the future. After the successful conclusion of the conference, which was organised by Initiatives for China/Citizen Power for China and sponsored by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and the National Endowment for Democracy, four of the Tibetans attended the inauguration ceremony of the Tibetan-Chinese PEN Centre. The PEN Centre aims to build understanding between Tibetans and Chinese people through literary works. *Falun Gong is a spiritual discipline which combines the practice of meditation and slowmoving exercises. The Chinese government views Falun Gong practice as a potential threat due to its growing popularity and size and initiated a nationwide crackdown and multifaceted propaganda campaign against the practice in 1999.

Chinese Authorities Establish Racist Policy in Lhasa’s hotels By Shikha Gautam A new Chinese policy requires hotels in Lhasa to report their Tibetan guests to the police within fifteen minutes of their arrival. The policy applies particularly to Tibetan guests from “politically sensitive” areas, but makes no requirement for the reporting of Han Chinese guests. The policy was made public when a copy of a police order distributed to Lhasa’s hotels was leaked and spread via Twitter in December 2013. An updated order allegedly requires hotels to report in particular on guests from Nagchu Prefecture’s Sog, Driru, and Drachen Counties - areas that have seen increased protest and been subject to tough security crackdowns in recent years. According to the police orders, Contact

Tibetan guests from areas tagged as “politically sensitive” are required to wait for the completion of investigations and for permission to stay from local authorities. Any hotel that refuses to follow the orders is liable to have its staff members arrested. A number of Western hotel companies operate in Lhasa, including the Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), Wyndham Worldwide (Super 8), and Starwood (the St. Regis and Four Points Sheraton). Because the policy explicitly applies only to ethnic Tibetans, hotels in Lhasa risk participating not only in racial profiling but also in an abuse of Tibetan human rights. Free Tibet’s Director Eleanor Byrne-Rosengren’s comments on the Intercontinental Hotel in Lhasa 8

articulate the moral dilemma that Lhasa hotels now face: “[It] will either have to comply with a racist policy directly

Activsts stage protest at the London Intercontinental Hotel Photo: Free Tibet

implicating the company in the abuse of Tibetans’ human rights, or it will have to defy the Chinese authorities in Tibet.. Every hotel in Lhasa must address this very serious issue.” MAY 2014

news & issues

Arrests of Tibetans Continue; Some Find Early Release By Peter Newman The month of May was witness to further arrests of Tibetan protesters, monks and artists by Chinese authorities, but saw too the early release of a small number of Tibetan political prisoners. May 3: Lobsang Dhonyoe, 52, a monk from Gonsar Monastery in Dege County, Kardze, has been released after spending six years in a Chinese jail. Lobsang was accused of “splittist” activities against the government including leading a major anti-China protest in 2008. It is believed he was subjected to severe torture in prison. May 8: Tibetans’ protests against Chinese gold mining in the Dzogang region of Tibet’s Chamdo Prefecture turned lethal when Phakpa Gyaltsen, 32, stabbed himself and jumped from the roof of a building in Tongbar town. Gyaltsen (pictured above) took the action after several local protests against the mining had been dispersed by Chinese authorities. May 10: The death of Phakpa Gyaltsen sparked a wider protest when villagers demonstrated outside local government offices and another man attempted suicide. Tibetans argue that

Chinese mining has disrupted sites of spiritual significance and polluted the environment. May12: Five days after the suicide of his nephew Phakpa Gyaltsen in Tongbar town, Jampa Choephel was detained by Chinese authorities. No justification for the detention was given by police. May 14: Khenpo Rabgyal, the abbot of Karma Monastery in Chamdo Prefecture, was rearrested one day after his recent release on May 5. After serving two and a half years of his prison sentence for refusing to “co-operate” with Chinese patriotic re-education campaigns, Rabgyal had been sent home and prohibited from returning to his monastery. His current whereabouts are unknown. May 15: Choeying Kalden, a monk at Tsandan Monastery in Sog County in Nagchu Prefecture was arrested for writing a poem critical of China. Choeying, 20, has been a regular contributor to local publications on Tibetan language, literature, and culture. May 16: Sonam Yarphel, 34, who was jailed for his role in the protests in March 2008, has been released after serving six years of his 12-year prison sentence. He received a hero’s welcome at his home village of Dilyu in Kardze Prefecture’s Drango County in Sichuan

province. May 24: Gatruk Dorje, a monk from Beri monastery, Kardze has been released from prison after serving six of his eight-year sentence. Dorje was jailed for setting fire to a bridge to prevent Chinese security forces from approaching Beri monastery, of placing nail-studded wooden boards on the road to stop Chinese vehicles carrying police and paramilitary forces, and of distributing protest fliers in 2008. May 26: Chinese authorities have arrested Gaybay, a popular Tibetan singer from the restive Ngaba region. Gaybay (pictured below) was arrested by Barkham county police and taken to an unknown location shortly after participating in a local talent show. He has released songs about the situation in Tibet and the Tibetan language. May 27: Younten, a political prisoner in Tibet, has been released three years before the completion of his nine-year sentence. He was arrested for his participation in the 2008 nationwide protests in Tibet. The reason for his early release and his current health condition are not known.

Tibetan Substitute Teachers March, Calling for Better Pay By Stella Schaller Frustrated by substantial inequalities in pay conditions, more than 100 Tibetan school teachers launched a protest in Tibet’s Mahlo Prefecture on May 7, beginning a march to provincial headquarters in Qinghai in order to demand better pay, increased benefits, and equal pay for equal work. The teachers first aired their grievances on April 30, when around 160 instructors participated in a sitting protest outside Mahlo Prefecture’s government offices. When the teachers’ concerns were not addressed, the group of instructors took more decisive action, Contact

Teachers protesting in Malho Photo: RFA

setting off to make their demands known at in the provincial capitol. The teachers, mostly Tibetan and a small number of Han Chinese, are certified instructors of primary and middle school from Mahlo’s

Rebgong County. Local sources state that though they work full-time, the teachers are given the title “substitute” or “contractor.” This hiring practice has enabled local schools to deny the “substitute” instructors the same salary that full-time teachers receive, though they do equal work. The protest march reflects broader issues in Tibetan employment: as more Han Chinese move to Tibet to seek a living, Tibetans are often marginalised in the employment marketplace, especially as fluency in Chinese becomes an increasingly common prerequisite for employment. MAY 2014

news & issues

Tibetan Headlines May 30: Class XII Result The results of this year’s Class XII Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) exams have revealed that 87% of the test-takers passed the exam. Additionally, more than twice as many students scored above 75% compared to 2010 results. May 29: Rinpoche in Russia Professor Samdhong Rinpoche is in Ulan-Ude in Russia for the international conference of the Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies. Rinpoche’s talk, “Challenges Faced by Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan Community in the Modern World”, was attended by prominent p e o p l e including K a l m y k i a ’s Lama Telo Rinpoche and Professor Robert Thurman, Columbia University. May 28: Public Audience His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave a public audience for Indians and foreigners at the main Tibetan Temple courtyard. Around 1500 foreigners from over 60 countries gathered at Tsuglakhang where spoke about the sources for living a happy life by citing examples from his life. May 24: Year of the Dalai Lama The Central Tibetan Administration, has announced that 2014 will be observed as the “Year of His Holiness the Dalai Lama” in order to to express gratitude to His Holiness for his advocacy of the Tibetan cause and his promotion of the ideals of nonviolence and human values. 25 events around the globe will be held this year in celebration. May 22: Classes Discouraged Community gatherings and classes held to study the Tibetan language and religion are being “discouraged” in Tibetan-populated counties of China’s Contact

Sichuan province. Although Chinese authorities plan to impose restrictions on the classes, so far none have been introduced. Authorities fear that the classes, taught by monks and nuns, fuel opposition to Chinese rule. May 20: Meeting with Ministers The Kalon for the Home Department, Dolma Gyari, has met Indian Ministers in Shimla to discuss issues relating to Tibetan roadside vendors in Mcleod Ganj and the eviction of 210 families residing on TIPA and Bhagsu Roads, as well as the rehabilitation of 125 Tibetan refugee families in Shimla. May 17: Abduction Anniversary Tibetans and supporters in McLeod Ganj marked 19 years since Gendun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, was illegally kidnapped by the Chinese government. The Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Women’s Association and Students for a Free Tibet jointly organised a visual freeze action in the square, depicting the 6-year-old Panchen behind bars. May 16: Monastery Control A forced structural change in the management of Nyasto Zilkar Monastery in Tridu County has taken place; senior monks have been removed and replaced with Chinese officials. Though the monastery has a long tradition of self-management, the monks were given no say and it is feared the monastery will be under complete control by Beijing. May 14: More Mining Protests Hundreds of armed police have been deployed in a further crackdown over the last two months to control mining protests in Lathok in Tibet’s Chamdo county, near Dzogang county. “Many Tibetans have been beaten and detained” reported a source in Lathok, “We have been trying to send this information to you for some time.” May 11: Child Killed A five-year-old Tibetan boy died and 10

his aunt was seriously injured when a tunnel under construction collapsed in Tibet’s Dege County on April 26. Local Tibetans are demanding compensation for the two victims as well as for those Tibetans whose houses were destroyed last year in the pre-construction works. Protesters tried to halt tunnel construction in December last year. May 7: China’s National Award A Tibetan sculptor from Derge in the Tibetan province of Kham has won one of China’s top national awards. Achung, a master of Tibetan religious sculpture received the award on April 28 in Fujian Province after building a three-foot tall statue of the Buddha. May 6: Europe MP Tethong Tenzin Wangpo has been sworn-in as a member of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile from Europe, following Ms Chungdak Koren’s recent resignation. He is a Tibetan activist based in Switzerland and has worked as the party secretary and spokesperson for the Green Party in Canton Zürich. May 1: School Visit His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited Gopalpur Tibetan Children’s Village School in Kangra district, home to over a thousand Tibetan students. “You are the new generation of the 21st century. So, it is up to you to make this 21st

His Holiness looking at students’ project Photo: OHHDL/Tenzin Choejor

century a century of love, peace and equality,” His Holiness said, adding that the younger generation of Tibetan people will be the ones who have to shape the future of Tibet. MAY 2014

news & issues

International Headlines May 29: Baby Saved by fb A new-born baby stolen from hospital in Quebec in Canada has been returned to her parents, safe and well. The baby had been snatched from her hospital cot by a woman dressed as a nurse, but when her picture was circulated on social media she was recognised, identified, and within three hours of the snatch the baby was returned to her parents. The woman is in custody. May 27: Queer Film Festival The five-day Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival concluded after showing 154 films centred around gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender themes. India’s LGBT community faces an uncertain future under the new BJP government headed by Prime Minister Narender Modi. May 24: Plea for Peace Pope Francis travelled to the Middle East in Jordan where he conducted an open air mass at a stadium in Amman and a service at a church next to the River Jordan. Pope Francis made a passionate plea for an end to the conflict in Syria which has now claimed an estimated 160,000 lives. The Pope travels next to Bethlehem and the West Bank. May 25: European Election Results from the European Union (EU) Parliamentary elections indicate victories for anti-EU fringe groups in Britain, France, Denmark, and Greece. The results reveal voters’ declining confidence in the EU and growing concern with immigration. The openly racist, xenophobic, and anti-Semitic positions of some of the groups have worried many, though centre-right and centre-left parties continue to control the assembly. Contact

May 23: Thai Coup The army in Thailand has taken control of the country and suspended the constitution, declaring martial law and imposing a curfew along with a ban on political gatherings. Key political figures have been detained or ordered to report to the military. The army says it needs to restore order and enact political reforms after the months of turmoil. May 22: Xinjiang Violence More violence is reported in Xinjiang, the north western region of China where the Muslim minority Uighurs are protesting against Chinese oppression. Two cars crashed into shoppers and explosives were thrown into a market in the regional capital Urumqi, killing 31 people and injuring more than 90. May 20: Wanted! Five members of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army have been indicted by a United States grand jury for cyber espionage, for spying on American nuclear power, metals and solar products industries. This is the

A poster showing the five Chinese spy wanted by the FBI Photo: BBC

first time the US has publicly accused China of cyber spying, saying it was done to advantage state-owned companies and other interests in China, at the expense of US businesses. May 19: War Crimes Trial Former Bosnian Serb army chief Ratko Mladic, 72, is on trial on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity in the International

Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. He is accused of a role in the massacre of more than 7,000 Bosniak men and boys at Srebrenica in the 1992-95 Bosnian war. Mladic denies the charges. May 13: Torture Amnesty International’s new report “Torture in 2014 - 30 Years of Broken Promises” reveals that the use of torture is still widespread, 30 years after the United Nations adopted a convention outlawing the practice. May 12: South Sudan The government and rebels in Sudan accuse each other of launching attacks in Bentiu despite the peace deal signed by President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar. Machar has said he remains committed to the deal. The UN has accused both the government and rebels of crimes against humanity. May 6: PM on Trial Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is appearing before the Constitutional Court in Bangkok, accused of abusing power. Her Pheu Thai party allegedly benefited from improperly transferring her national security chief in 2011. She is also accused of negligence. Antigovernment protesters want the government replaced by an unelected “people’s council” but Ms Yingluck remains popular in rural areas leaving Thailand polarised. May 3: Abducted Schoolgirls Over 220 schoolgirls who were abducted in Borno state, Nigeria, more than two weeks ago are still missing. The girls were taken from their school by members of the Islamist militant group Boko Haram. 53 girls are believed to have escaped. MAY 2014

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: Dharamshala – 176215 PHONE: 01892-222218 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:00 am-5:00 pm EMAIL: kashag@tibet.net

The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)

OHHDL is the personal office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The office organises his schedule, including appointments and travel plans, diplomatic and personal correspondence, and liaises with officials of the Central Tibetan Administration. When His Holiness is in Dharamshala, his schedule includes daily religious practice and studies, meeting with private audiences, and congregating with the Tibetan Kashag and senior Tibetan governmental officials. WEB: www.dalailama.com LOCATION: Thekchen Choeling, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala – 176219 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 Tibetan Youth Congress organises cultural exhibitions, educational campaigns and social welfare activities. The organisation publishes a series of periodicals and magazines on the Tibetan cause. 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, Dharamshala – 176219 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

Contact

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. WEB: www.men-tsee-khang.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala – 176215 PHONE: 01892-223222 EMAIL: tmai@men-tsee-khang.org

Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)

The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives has the purpose to restore, protect, preserve, and promote Tibetan culture in all its aspects. They offer courses in Tibetan and Hindi language and Buddhist philosophy and can provide affordable accommodation for those enrolled in two or more courses. WEB: ltwa.net, tibetanlibrary.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong Dharamshala - 176215 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, although this is waived for those who fall under the poverty line. The hospital has a pharmacy on site. WEB:www.delekhospital.org LOCATION: Kharadanda Rd, Dharamshala 176215; Delek Clinic, Bhagsu Rd,Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-222053 / 223381 HOURS: Outpatient, Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00 pm-4:30 pm; Emergencies, 24 hours daily EMAIL: delek@sancharnet.in

Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society

The society was established in 1999 to provide educational and administrative guidance to all Tibetan schools in remote areas of India and Bhutan that do not fall under the guidance of Tibetan Childrens Village. Today there are 12 schools under this 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: 01892-223113 / 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, Dharamshala - 176219 PHONE: 01892-220589 !

Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) TCHRD advocates for human rights and provides education on the human rights situation in Tibet. The centre publishes journals and articles, as well as conducts workshops and campaigns. WEB: www.tchrd.org LOCATION: 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 PHONE: 01892-220992 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 of Tibet

Gu-Chu-Sum is a social service organisation that provides financial and medical support for ex-political prisoners and political activists from Tibet. WEB: www.guchusum.org LOCATION: Jogibara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala -176219 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:mail@tibetcharity.in, tibccharity@gmail. com

MAY 2014

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 lesson 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 Resolution (TCCR)

for

Conflict

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 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: 9816659549 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

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 Center are part of the Clean Upper Daramsala Project. Weekly guided tours are offered on Wednesdays at 3 pm. WEB: www.tsodhasa.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - 176219 PHONE: 01892-221059 EMAIL: office@tsodhasa.org

Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage)

Nyingtob Ling supports Tibetan children from disadvantaged families. The children make handicrafts and paintings. They are so friendly and love to have visitors. WEB: www.nyingtobling.org LOCATION: Near Norbulingka, Sidhpur PHONE:01892 211042 / 9816028149 EMAIL: nyingtob_ling@hotmail.com

Women’s Team

Volunteers needed to teach English to Indian women and children in the village of Kaniyara near Dharamshala. Contact Jitender. EMAIL: jitenderje@gmail.com PHONE: 9817105035 / 08894435595

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 for volunteers. WEB: www.anec.org.in LOCATION: No. 262, 1st floor, Khajanchi -Mohalla, Khunyara Rd, Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 981-632-7158 / 867-990-4767 EMAIL: tcsamkhar@gmail.com, executive_directoranec@yahoo.com

National Democratic Party of Tibet

The NDPT is currently the only Tibetan political party. With 5000 members in 36 regional chapters throughout the world, the main aim and objectives of the NDPT are to prepare for the establishment of a political party in a future Tibet, to promote democracy, to educate the Tibetan people about the significance of political parties and to create awareness among the people about Tibetan issues. WEB: www.ndp4tibet.org LOCATION: Dharamshala–176219 EMAIL: tibetparty4@gmail.com PHONE: 9882787633 / 9882673330

BUS SCHEDULE * Times and prices may vary. Please check with the bus stand ahead of departure. Leaving from the McLeod Ganj bus stand, unless otherwise stated: Delhi: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am, 6pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm and 8:30pm (Rs524) Semi Deluxe Bus: 6pm (Rs544) , Full Deluxe Bus: (Rs683) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8pm (Rs1121) AC TATA: 4pm (Rs830) Amritsar: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs223) *from Dharamshala Dehradun: Ordinary Bus: 8pm (Rs524); AC Deluxe: 2pm (Rs664) Manali: Ordinary Bus: 7:10am (Rs676) *from Dharamshala Pathankot: Ordinary Bus: 10am, 11am, 12:10pm, 12:30pm, 2:10pm, 3:50pm, 5pm(Rs150) Shimla: Ordinary Bus: 5am, 5:30am, 6am, 8am, noon and 4:55pm (Rs360) *from Dharamshala, Semi-Deluxe Bus: 8:22am, 7:45pm and 9:30pm (Rs450) *from Dharamshala FOR BOOKINGS: Location: Ticket stand under McLLo’s, McLeod Ganj Main square Hours: 10am-5pm, daily Phone: 220026 (McLeod bus stand), 224903 (Dharamshala) For deluxe buses, book through any travel agency.

TAXIS

A private taxi to Lower Dharamshala will cost you Rs 200. Cram into a jeep (from the bus stand), and it’ll only cost you Rs15.

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Ambulance: 01892-102, 222189

Police Superintendent: 01892-222244

Tibetan Delek Hospital Location: Gangchen Kyishong, CTA Hours: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, MonSat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, Wed only; Emergencies: 24-hrs, daily. Phone: 222 053,223 381

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

Kangra Airport: 01892-232374 Bhagsu Taxi Union: 01892-221034 Tourism Office: 01892-224430 , 223325 Rail Booking & Enquiry: 01892-265026

Contact

The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)

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 2014

activities and tourist info Upcoming Events June 4-6: HH the Dalai Lama’s teaching to the Tibetan youth at Upper TCV school, Dharamshala Cantt. June 5: World Environment Day June 13: Sa-ka Da-wa Buddha Shakyamuni’s Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana Day July 6: Birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama

BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY Library of Tibetan Works & Archives WEB: www.ltwa.net/library LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9-10 am, 11-12noon PHONE: 921-842-2467

Public Audience with HH Karmapa WEB: www.kagyuoffice.org LOCATION: Sidhpur HOURS: Wed & Sat: 2:30pm PHONE: 01892-235307

3-month Middle Lamrim Course

with Lharampa Geshe Tsewang Nyima Till end of June every Fri/Sat/Sun 9-11am, Noon discussion 1.30pm. Teachings for free. Lunch available after reservation.

YOGA & REIKI Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, behind Akash Hotel, on Jogiwara Rd - Map #11 HOURS: 8:00am-5:30pm PHONE: 980-569-3514

MASSAGE Lotus Healing Touch

LOCATION: Mcleod Ganj PHONE: 86791-64778 EMAIL: Lotus_healingtouch@hotmail.com House call treatment offered as well!

Nature Cure Health Club

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

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

Vipassana Meditation

WEB: www.sikhara.dhamma.org LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 4:00-5:00pm PHONE: 01892-21309 EMAIL: info@sikhara.dhamma.org

Rishi Yoga & Meditation Center WEB: www.rishiyogaindia.com LOCATION: Tokyo House, Mcleod Ganj PHONE: 09816565138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@yahoo.co.in

School of Life and Spirituality

Meditation and teachers’ training LOCATION: behind Hotel Akashdeep, Bhagsu, Mcleod Ganj, please call before coming WEB: www.devom.org PHONE: 09569221047, 09971608310 EMAIL: dev@devom.org

COOKING Indian Cooking and Knitting with Ms. Rita Kapoor LOCATION: Old German Bakery, 1st Floor, Room No. 2, Opp. Buddha Hall, Bhagsunag PHONE: 94592 06586

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

Indian Cooking Classes

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

Lhamo’s Kitchen: Tibetan Cooking Classes

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

Synergy Ayuredic Massage Center

Nisha’s Indian Cooking Class

Traditional Thai Massage

Sangye’s Kitchen: Traditional Tibetan Cooking Classes

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

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

Contact

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

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

LANGUAGES Tibetan Language Courses

WEB: www.thosamling.com LOCATION: Thosamling Institute, Sidhpur (near Norbulingka) HOURS: 4 hours/day PHONE: 9882455065 EMAIL: thosamling@gmail.com

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, 941-818-7281 EMAIL: sunilsharma81in@yahoo.co.in

Tibetan Language

LOCATION: The Tibetan Library See Buddhist Philosophy Listing

Hindi Lessons with Kailash

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

Tibetan with Pema Youdon

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

Esukhia Online Tibetan Courses and Tibetan Immersion Spoken Location:Tilak Ray Building, Bhagsu Rd WEB: www.esukhia.org PHONE: 8679502538 / 9882004965 EMAIL: contact@esukhia.org

ART & MUSeums Tibet Museum

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

Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression

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

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: 10:00am-1:00pm & 2:00pm-5:00pm

Naam Art Gallery

LOCATION: Main Road Sidhbari Dharamshala PHONE: 9816043708

Form Gallery

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

MAY 2014

activities HEALTH SERVICES Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Dr Natasha Mehra

LOCATION: Near Hotel Mount View, Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala PHONE: 09218742046 EMAIL: perfect32dentalclinic@gmail.com

Dr Sant Marwah Clinic

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

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

Maanav Health Clinic

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

Men-Tsee-Khang

LOCATION: Between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-226138 / 223113 EMAIL: info@mentsekhang.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: : 94181-30119 / 97363-33888 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.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

Contact

& News

First Cultural Exchange Program of 2014 Lha’s f i r s t cultural exchange program this year came to a successful conclusion on May 27. The student group, from Centenary College, Louisiana, USA, consisted of 10 students led by Professor David Otto and Michael Smith. During the three-week programme the students

engaged in mutual learning exchanges with Lha’s students, received lectures from former Tibetan political prisoners and others, visited the Central Tibetan Administration complex and Tibetan library, and went sightseeing in Dharamshala. They also visited Bir Tibetan settlement, Tsopema and Mandi. Lha, it’s staff members and students would like to extend their sincere thanks to all the exchange students from Centenary College for taking part in this programme.

Lha’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Talk On May 16, Lha conducted an HIV/ AIDS awareness talk for the adult Lha language students. More than 40 students participated in the talk and the question and answer session that followed. Lha distributed brochures on HIV/AIDS in both English and Tibetan, and a Hindi-language version is soon to come. HIV/AIDS is a serious issue in Dharamshala, both as an illness and as a source of discrimination. In order to reduce the stigmatisation and discrimination of those living with HIV/ AIDS, Lha is working hard to create awareness of the disease. There are few non-governmental organisations in Dharamsala raising awareness of HIV/AIDS, and as a result Lha plans to conduct more workshops in the community, some with an emphasis on counselling for those living with, or recently diagnosed with, the disease.

Lha Charitable Trust is committed to improving the health care and education of the Dharamsala community. It has appointed an Environment and Health Officer to take up major healthcare initiatives, and is putting a special emphasis on increasing HIV/AIDS awareness in 2014. Lha would like to extend its appreciation to Jade Conlon for giving the talk and to Scott Stevenson for helping to create the brochure. Lha thanks all of its supporters and the volunteers who have contributed to this awareness project.

MAY 2014

news and issues

Who’s Watching You On Wechat? By David Jones Troubling new information concerning Chinese surveillance of Tibetans and media censorship has become available in recent months, this time in connection with the popular mobile messaging app “WeChat.” As reports mount of Tibetans being detained for sharing “politically sensitive” content on their mobile phones via WeChat, concern is growing within the international Tibetan community that WeChat is closely monitored and puts its users in danger. WeChat is a social networking app that enables users to send text, voice, and “walkie-talkie” style messages to friends in a chat-room environment. It is also a platform for “self-media,” where information visible to public subscribers can be published on user accounts. This feature has become increasingly utilised by independent journalists and activists

voicing opinions critical of China’s government. WeChat quickly amassed an enormous following in China and Tibet after it became known in the summer of 2013 that the Chinese micro-blogging site Sina Weibo was being closely monitored and censored by Chinese authorities. Many Weibo users, such as Hu Jia, a Chinese environmental and human rights activist, switched to WeChat as a result. Jia states, “[I] assumed WeChat was relatively safe.” However he knew there was a problem with WeChat when Chinese security officers recited voice messages he had sent in detail. Hu Jia’s experience is not unique. On March 14, WeChat began a crackdown on its user base, deleting the public accounts of numerous users critical of the Chinese government. The censorship of mobile communication took a more serious turn on March 15

and again on April 11, when a total of six Tibetans from Sog County in Tibet’s Nagchu Prefecture were arrested for sharing “politically restricted” messages and images on their phones via WeChat. The Tibet Action Institute (TAI), a project of Students for a Free Tibet, has launched awareness campaigns in response to the growing surveillance of Tibetans’ mobile communications. It warns that modern phones have microphones, cameras and GPS trackers that can all be used to collect information. The TAI advises that to ensure one’s privacy ( and to avoid detention) it is best to communicate in person, leave your electronic devices in another room, and to use code words when any sensitive information must be shared via WeChat.

Tibet-Related Websites

News: tibet.net - official website of the Central Tibetan Administration in exile rfa.org/english/news/tibet - Radio Free Asia’s mission is to provide accurate and timely news and information to Asian countries whose governments prohibit access to a free press voatibetanenglish.com - Voice of America’s Tibet pages - VOA is an international multimedia broadcasting service funded by the US government contactmagazine.net - Contact magazine online phayul.com - news on Tibetan issues 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 Campaigning: tchrd.org - Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy - a nongovernment organisation and a research centre to protect the human rights of Tibetan people and promote the principles of democracy tibetanyouthcongress.org - an international non-government organisation that advocates full independence for Tibet from China studentsforafreetibet.org - a global grass roots group campaigning for full Tibetan independence savetibet.org - international campaign for Tibet and a good resource for news, campaigns, fundraising and projects tibetnetwork.org/home - a coalition of more than 190 Tibet organisations dedicated to campaigning to end human rights violations in Tibet and restoring rights to the Tibetan people Writings: highpeakspureearth.com/category/woeser - occasional translations of Woeser’s enormously popular blog – Woeser lives in Beijing and is continually harassed by the Chinese government for her courageous writings. Contact

MAY 2014