Contact October 2013 by Lha Charitable Trust

འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།

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

Self-immolation in Ngaba Shichung, 41, a farmer and tailor, died after setting himself on fire on September 28 in Gomang Thawa township in Ngaba County. Local Tibetans took the body to his home, but were then confronted by 150 officials who confiscated the body and drove with it towards Ngaba county. They later cremated his body and forced the family members to throw the remains into a river. Around 200 monks from the Jonang Se monastery arrived at Shichung’s home and performed the final rites. Local Tibetans also paid their last respects. Shichung had returned home after attending Man-sTon, an annual prayer ceremony held in the village. He lit a butter lamp in front of a portrait of the Dalai Lama before setting himself on fire. He had reportedly told his friends few days earlier, Troops at the site of “ T h e s e Shichung’s self-immolation Chinese Photo: savetibet.org will not let us live, I think I should burn myself in front of them.” Shichung is survived by his wife, Palo, 36, and two children.

Volume: XV Issue: 10

31 October 2013

Lockdown in Driru by Tashan Mehta The county of Driru in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) is currently under a security lockdown. The lockdown began when locals of Mowa

Taring gathered on the same day to appeal to the local authorities not to use force against the Tibetans in Mowa. They were arrested. This led to a thousand Tibetans gathering outside the Chinese Government administrative compound to participate in a twentyfour hour hunger strike to protest against the arrests. Because of their efforts, a TAR official, Wu Ying Jie, and a Tibetan county official, Dorthup, ordered the forty prisoners freed. Many of the prisoners Police arrived in Driru County to clampdown on the villagers carried wounds on their Photo: Tibet.net heads which had been village refused to fly the Chinese flag inflicted by iron batons. from their rooftops, a space traditionally Flying the Chinese flag on rooftops reserved for sacred prayer flags. is part of the Chinese “Nine Must Chinese flags had been given out Haves” initiative, which outlines nine to villagers, and on September 28 a essential things a Tibetan community three-hour clash with the Chinese and household must have. Since security forces was sparked when September 10, over 1800 Chinese people expressed their disapproval by throwing the flags into the nearby river. Later army and military forces arrived to rein in the locals. “Tibetans who were involved in the anti-Chinese protests were threatened that they would be barred from using hospital facilities,” Security forces parading in Driru County says Ngawang Tharpa, Photo: RFA a Tibetan living in Dharamsala with contacts in the region, cadres have been stationed in the Driru “and their children would be expelled area to make sure that this initiative, from their schools.” along with other measures in President Over forty Tibetans from the nearby Xi Jinping’s “Mass-Line” policy, are villages of Taklha, Baro, Neshod and implemented. Continued on page 5

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Lha Charitable Trust

Institute for Social Work & Education Mission Statement:

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

Background:

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

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On 6 July 2011, Lha opened its community soup kitchen at its new building, Ahimsa House. This is the first soup kitchen in Dharamsala and serves low-cost and nutritious meals to the Tibetan refugee community. Forty to 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 resaurant industry.

Acknowledgement

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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 Dharamsala community, for over 14 years. 700 - 1,000 copies are printed per issue and distributed in the greater Dharamsala area and in Delhi, and various diplomatic missions to India. Copies are also send to various Tibetan schools, settlements, offices and NGOs in India. Contact keeps readers up-to-date on current issues and events, and provides networking, education and volunteer opportunities, as well as social services information. Contact staff and contributors hope you will enjoy and benefit from our modest efforts to build a community through communication. May peace and love prevail! Guidelines for submission: Contact welcomes submissions of articles, news and photography. We also gladly accept information about upcoming events, volunteer work and special projects. All material intended for publication in Contact must be submitted by the 20th of each month. Your letter may not be printed if it is unsigned, illegible, slanderous or malicious. We reserve the right to edit submissions for spelling, grammar and length. Send your material via email to editor@contactmagazine.net

Lha collects all kinds of donations in the form of clothing, shoes, books, and language resources, computer Please Note: and medical supplies, as well as any The articles, stories and other material in Contact represent the views of the 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.

authors and 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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Contact is available at many places around McLeod Ganj including the Lha office, libraries, travel agencies, hotels, restuarants and shops.

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OCTOBER 2013

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Dharma-based Tibetan Language Course

Lha Student Exchange Groups

24th March-May 16th 2014 Taught by Gavin Kilty

(Full time Tibetan translator, trained language teacher) Organised by Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translation Program Cost US$1000

• A Tibetan course for beginners focused on the aims of reading Dharma texts, listening to teachings, and speaking with Tibetan teachers. • 2 ½ hours classroom work on colloquial and reading • 2 hour practice sessions with Tibetan conversation partners. • A basic ability to read and pronounce, however badly, the written text is a prerequisite for attending the course.

www.lrztp.org/intensive-courses or CONTACT: LRZTP on 9882 817610, lrztp6@yahoo.in

Lha welcomed two cultural exchange groups to Dharamsala from September to October. On October 8, a group of 17 students and four teachers from Lycee de Vincendo High School in Reunion Island, France arrived in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala. They were here for a week during which they engaged in various activities arranged by Lha. The other group, consisting of 13 social work students from Tulane University School in New Orleans, US, arrived on September 9. Both groups went for a sight-seeing tour around the town, visited various offices and learned more about the Tibetan refugee community here.

At Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) School, Lower Dharamsala, the French group played games with the students. The cultural exchange group from the Tulane University School was fortunate to receive a private audience and one hour interaction with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on September 26.The French group made many donations: stationery items for the Dharamkot government school; two months’ groceries for Gamru Village School through the Dharamsala Rotary Club; sports equipment to Lower TCV School and clothing to Lha. We thank the group for their kind donations. We hope to see you all again soon.

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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 LANGUAGE CLASS Learn more about the Tibetan people, culture, and Buddhism by learning the Tibetan language! Beginner and intermediate class levels with qualified teachers for individuals and small groups. TIBETAN COOKING CLASS Individuals and small groups can learn to prepare a variety of traditional and modern vegetarian Tibetan foods including momo, thukpa and Tibetan bread with a qualified teacher. TIBETAN ARTS CLASS Learn the basic traditional Tibetan form of painting, drawing, and how to use colour with a qualified artist. For individuals and small groups. 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.

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

news & issues

Spotlight on China’s Human Rights Record by Mary Trewartha China’s human rights record has come under scrutiny this month at the United Nations Human Rights Council’s four-yearly review of all UN members. The Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group met in Geneva, and on October 21 formally reviewed the human rights situation in China for the first time since Xi Jinping became President in March. Hours before the session began, five Tibetan activists scaled the building and unfurled a banner reading: “China fails human rights in Tibet – UN stand up for Tibet”. UN security detained the activists, who were from Denmark and Britain. A spokeswoman for Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) later said they had not been charged and were expected to return home. “Entire towns and villages in Tibet are under military lockdown. Today, in Geneva, China is finally in the hot seat,” said Padma Dolma, Campaigns Director of SFT. Pema Yoko, also from SFT,

said “The human rights crisis in Tibet demands action by the international

Activists unfurled a banner from the UN building, Geneva Photo: SFT

community and must be front and centre during today’s review”. At the review Western countries accused China of arresting activists, curbing internet use and suppressing ethnic minorities and their religions, including Tibetans and Muslim Uighurs in the western Xinjiang region. China has responded to unrest by intensifying a crackdown by security forces, and Xi Jinping has shown no sign of easing

harsh policies. China’s special envoy Wu Hailong, who led Beijing’s delegation in Geneva, said some of the accusations levelled at China had been “based on misunderstandings and prejudices” and said that minority ethnic groups in China were treated fairly. “I think that there wasn’t really an openness to criticism,” Sharon Hom, executive director of Human Rights in China, told a news briefing. And prominent rights lawyer Wu Hailong Mo Shaoping Photo: Reuters told Reuters “Xi Jinping has definitely taken the country backwards on human rights”. The UPR provides the opportunity for each State to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their countries and to fulfil their human rights obligations.

Former Chinese President Faces Human Rights Charge by Sean Fitzpatrick Former Chinese president Hu Jintao faces charges in Spain over alleged genocide and human rights abuses in Tibet. The claim, brought to Spain’s National Court (Audiencia Nacional) by the non government organisation Comite de Apoyo al Tibet, was originally rejected Hu Jintao before the Photo: Reuters decision was overturned in the Court of Appeals on October 11. Hu Jintao will be charged with human rights abuses committed against Tibetans over the course of his ten year presidency. The court Contact

will also examine a period of Martial Law imposed after anti-government protests in Lhasa, the Tibetan Capital, in 1989. The demonstrations took place during his term as Party Regional Committee Secretary of the Tibetan Autonomous Region. The case will be tried under a legal principle known as Universal Jurisdiction. This principle holds that crimes against humanity, such as torture, terrorism and genocide, may be tried on foreign soil, irrespective of national jurisdictional boundaries. A Foreign Ministry Spokesperson for China, Hau Chunying, has denounced the proceedings, dubbing the case an attempt “to destroy the relations between China and the relevant country and to attack China’s government”. The court’s decision to try the 4

case was reached days before the United Nations Universal Periodic Review, which took place in Geneva

A protester wears a badge on his ankle with a photo of Hu Jintao during a protest against Beijing’s policies. Photo: VOA

from October 22. The review places China’s Human Rights policy under international scrutiny, as their record is assessed by other nations. OCTOBER 2013

news & issues

Lockdown in Driru

Tibetans Arrested in Driru

Continued from page 1

Security in the Driru area has now been severely increased. The authorities have built six more check posts around the Driru area and military camps near Mowa, Traring and Monchen villages. A source speaking to Radio Free Asia (RFA) said that there are around seven soldiers stationed outside each house in Mowa. Other sources say that on October 4 many Tibetans’ mobile phones were seized, and photos of the recent unrest deleted. Sources in the area speaking to Ngawang Tharpa have likened it to the days of the cultural revolution. On October 6, Chinese officials fired into an unarmed group of protesters who were demanding the release of Dorje Draksel who was arrested as one of the leaders of the protests. More than sixty people were wounded, some critically. Amnesty International has condemned the shoot out. “We will never participate in separatist activities, we just want the authorities to respect the rule of law,” demonstrators in Shakchu Village are reported as saying. Officials warned that they would face more repression. To date, four Tibetans have been confirmed dead in the ongoing turmoil. The conflict has now spread to Chentsa county in the Malho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. They too have refused to fly the Chinese flag. So far, only fifteen families out of three hundred h a v e complied and flown the flag. “I Tragyal, a Tibetan man don’t know was shot in his thigh when the Photo: TCHRD rest of our homes will be forced to put up with this,” RFA quotes a Tibetan as saying, “As for myself, I will never raise the flag. Even if it means my death.” Contact

Tsultrim Gyaltsen, a writer, and Yougyal, a former police officer, taken into custody on charges of “disturbing

Tsultrim Gyaltsen (left) and Yougyal Photo: TCHRD

the social stability” and engaging in “splittist activities”. Kalsang Choedar, a monk from Palyul monastery in Palyul county, was detained for giving information about the r e c e n t crackdown to exile “separatists”. Monks appealing for L h u n d u p , Kalsang Choedar’s release 19, and Photo: RFA Jampa, a 20 year old nun from the Yarding township, together with Kalnam, 25, and Jampa Lekshay, 20, from Shundig monastery, have been arrested for the same reason.

Kelsang, a mother of three from Tsala township, on October 11, was arrested for “talking things”, keeping a banned picture of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and having Tibetan songs on WeChatt, Kelsang with her a mobile daughters social Photo: Tibet Times networking app. Police refuse to reveal her whereabouts to her family. Tenzin Rangdol, 34, was arrested in Shakchu village. Hundreds of Tibetans from nearby villages gathered in Shakchu on October 19, demanding his release, 10 people were arrested, some Tenzin Rangdol of whom were Photo: Phayul later released after their finger prints had been taken.

The Nine Must Haves Conflict in Driru has sparked over the Chinese “Nine Must Haves” initiative which requires, among other things, Tibetans to fly the Chinese flag from their rooftops, a space traditionally reserved for sacred flags. The “Nine Must Haves” was launched in December 2011 and is part of the new President Xi Jinping’s Mass-Line policy, which aims to concentrate the “masses” on correct ideas in their everyday life. Mass-Line policies range from propaganda to public administration. The Nine Must Haves are: 1. Must have portraits of Chinese leaders 2. Must have five-starred Chinese flags 3. Must have roads 4. Must have water 5. Must have electricity 6. Must have radios and TVs [only official channels allowed] 7. Must have communication facilities 8. Must have newspapers [only official newspapers] 9. Must have cultural libraries

OCTOBER 2013

news & issues

Mind and Life Conference by Wendhe Choetsoe His Holiness the Dalai Lama returned from the US to join 12 prominent Tibetan Buddhist scholars, world renowned scientists and researchers for the 27th Mind and Life Conference Craving Desire and Addiction at Tsuklakhang, his exile residence in Dharamsala. During the opening session on October 28 the Dalai Lama spoke about desire and controlling hatred and anger in order to protect ourselves from violence. The Mind and Life Institute brought the scholars together for the five day conference and issued a statement: “By bringing

contemplative practitioners and scholars from Buddhist and Christian traditions together with a broad array of scientific researchers in the fields

of desire and addiction, hopefully new understandings will arise that may ultimately lead to improved treatment

of the root causes of craving and its many manifestations.” Participants included Dr Kent Berridge, Psychology and NeuroscienceProfessor at the University of Michigan; Geshe Thupten Jinpa, His Holiness’s principal English translator and Nora Volkow, Director ofthe National Institute on Drug Abuse, US. They all will speak on different related subjects during the conference. Nearly two hundred people, mostly Tibetan monks, doctors and students of Men-Tse-Khang Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute were also present at the conference.

Tibetans from Nagchu under 24-hour Surveillance by Tashan Mehta The county of Driru has now been placed under additional Chinese surveillance. A new notification to various “convenience police posts” in Lhasa and Nagchu has asked officers to monitor the whereabouts of all Nagchu Tibetans. According to Human Rights Watch, there are 676 “convenience police check points” in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (as of July 2012). Officers man these around the clock. The notification seeks to place Nagchu Tibetans in Lhasa under twenty-four hour police surveillance, to make it easier to arrest potential “trouble makers”. According to the notification, information about Nagchu Tibetans is to be passed from checkpoint to checkpoint

via code. The code for Driru is “A”, Suo county “B” and Bachen county

Locations of “convenience police stations” in Lhasa City Photo: RFA

“C”. The secret code for male Nagchu Tibetans is “male tourists” and female Nagchu Tibetans is “female tourists”.

To quote from a rough translation of the official Chinese notification, obtained by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy: “How to Send Secret Codes: For instance, if convenience police station no. 89 learns that three male individuals from Driru County have entered the area under convenience police station no. 91, police station no. 89 must relay this information to station no. 91 through mobile handsets by saying: ‘Station No. 91, three male tourists from “A” have entered your area, please extend hospitality!’” The notification ends on a warning to police officers to be careful while using the codes on mobile handsets, and to remember that “all suspected persons must be subjected to thorough search and vigilance.”

Tiananmen Square by Mary Trewartha Three people drove a SUV into a crowd at Tiananmen Square and set it on fire on October 28, killing themselves and two tourists. 38 bystanders were also injured. It was initially considered to be an accident, but is now a suspected suicide attack. Immediately after the incident, Chinese authorities secured the area Contact

and blocked all roads leading to the site. Foreign journalists were prevented from visiting the site and images from their cameras removed. Chinese social networking sites were bombarded with posts reporting the fire but these were being quickly deleted. Police are searching for two people suspected to be Uighurs from the restive Muslim-dominated Xinjiang 6

region in China’s far west.

OCTOBER 2013

news & issues

Assassination of Akong Tulku Rinpoche in Tibet by Mary Trewartha The revered Tibetan Buddhist Lama, Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche, 73, was stabbed to death in the city of Chengdu, the provincial capital of the Sichuan province, on October 9, along with his nephew Logah and his driver Jigme Wangyal. The head lama of Dolma Lhakang Monastery in the Tsawa Pashoe area of Kham, Akong Rinpoche founded the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the West, Kagyu Samye Ling, in Scotland, in 1967. Samye Ling is now home to around 60 monks and lay people. He was recognised throughout the Buddhist community for his work establishing schools, hospitals and monasteries in China-occupied Tibet through his charity ROKPA. He was visiting one of these schools when he was killed. Dr Akong Rinpoche led the search party that found the Karmapa, bringing the seven year old boy Apo Gaga from a

nomad’s tent in Eastern Tibet to Tsurphu Ladrang, the seat of the Karmapas, where he was enthroned as the 17th Karmapa in 1992. “Akong Tulku has been my friend from the time I was seven. A social activist, he showed great kindness

Akong Rinpoche with the young Karmapa Photo: Facebook

to Tibet by founding schools and hospitals, printing old texts, and helping many people. ” said the Karmapa in a statement on his official website. After his assassination, the Chengdu

police announced that he had been killed by three Tibetans over a money dispute, and have arrested the three suspects. Akong Rinpoche’s body was taken from Chengdu to his monastery in Kham where the police forced his family and the villagers there to cremate his body immediately. The cremation was performed on October 17, with many lamas joining the ceremony to perform the traditional religious rituals normally performed for lamas. Chinese police maintained tight security throughout. Followers around the world are accumulating hundreds of millions of mantras and holding prayer services for Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche. Akong Rinpoche fled Tibet in 1959 during the failed uprising of Tibetans against Chinese occupation. He has lived in Britain since 1963, regularly spending time in Tibet to carry out his ROKPA work.

Is China’s Economy Growth Sustainable? by Eric Goh China’s economic condition seems promising at the moment, but economists remain sceptical whether such a prospect is sustainable in the long term. The Chinese economy grew this year by 7.8 per cent more than last year, with the best economic performance during the period from July to September. Analysts suggest that Beijing is on course with their 2013 growth target of 7.5 per cent. However, this would still be China’s worst growth in 23 years. There is evidence of growth in industrial output, retail sales and fixed asset investment. Factory output witnessed a rise of 10.2 per cent last month, followed by a 13.3 per cent rise in retail sales and a 20.2 per cent rise in fixed asset investment. Analysts estimate that a quarter of investment in China is devoted to property. Shen Jianguang, chief China economist with Mizuho Securities in Hong Kong Contact

said, “We think the recovery in the third quarter was mainly driven by the strong momentum of the property market.” The increase in prices within the property markets has led to speculation that asset bubbles may occur in due time. “Between real estate and the lending environment, there are concerns that things may be heating up,” said Mr Nash, Managing Director of IHS Consulting in Asia, a global company that supplies information and data. In September, inflation was at a seven-month high of 3.1 per cent and China is experiencing a rising currency, which makes Chinese exports less competitive. This, coupled with a slowdown in major markets such as the US and Europe, amplifies the negative effects on Chinese exports. Consequently, China has been trying to shift from an exportoriented economy to one that is driven

by consumption, which typifies the economies of the developed countries. Analysts predict that China will keep its interest rates constant in the next 18 months to stabilise the economy. Shen Jianguang predicts gross domestic product (GDP) growth, which is an indicator to measure a country’s economic performance, to decrease to 7.6 per cent in the next

China’s stock market Photo: Getty

three months. “We continue to expect gross GDP to slow next year to around 7 per cent,” said Mark Williams of Capital Economics in London. OCTOBER 2013

news & issues

His Holiness Teaches in America by Vanshika Tripathi and Sean Fitzpatrick Thousands of people gathered to hear His Holiness the Dalai Lama teaching in Atlanta, Mexico and New York. In Atlanta, Georgia from October 8 – 10, he spoke about the tragic wars and bloodshed of the 20th century in his talk Pillars of Responsible Citizenship in the 21st Century Global Village. “Historians say 200 million people died violently during the twentieth century”, said His Holiness. “Despite many wonderful developments, it was a period of bloodshed and violence. I believe that if we think of others as our human brothers and sisters there will be no room to cheat, deceive and fight them”. He said that the solution to the world’s countless problems rests in the power of dialogue. A panel discussion, Secular Ethics and Education followed the talk, and later His Holiness met members of Tibetan Medicinal Research and the Emory-Tibet Medical Science Initiative to discuss their recent studies into Tibetan medicine. The Dalai Lama’s visit to Atlanta was associated with Emory University, where he received the title of Presidential Distinguished Professor. Around ten thousand people attended

His Holiness’s talk. 42,000 people attended His Holiness’ Mexican talks from October 12 to 16 where he gave a speech at

At the conclusion of the public talk in Mexico City on October 14. Photo: Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

Universidad Pontificia de México, a Mexican university established by the Vatican Holy See, followed by a three day teaching at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City. The initial teachings focused on A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (Bodhicaryāvatāra) by Śāntideva. The ten part text describes a method for cultivating the “the mind of enlightenment”, a state of mind which prepares the practitioner for a life of compassion and Buddhahood. His Holiness spoke about other religions. “All the major religious traditions hold the practice of

love and compassion... tolerance and forgiveness, self-discipline and contentment”, he said, and recommended that “people are better to stay with the spiritual traditions they are born to”. He said that that ignorance is the source of all unhappiness, and that only by deep consideration and understanding can we overcome the suffering of this world. On October 18, the Dalai Lama arrived in New York for teachings at the Beacon Theatre, examining several Buddhist texts, including The Heart Sutra, The Sutra of Truly Remembering the Sublime Three Jewels, and the chapter on The Perfection of Wisdom from Śāntideva’s Bodhicaryāvatāra. The talk was named The Virtue of Nonviolence, and promoted inner peace and communal harmony. The New York teachings were requested by The Gere Foundation and The Tibet Center, two American organisations which support cultural preservation within the Tibetan community. All the teachings were available to view live on www.dalailama.com, where you can see recordings of many of his teachings, with English translations.

Athletes Unable to Compete in China by Swati Mittal Two young archers from Arunachal Pradesh, Maselo Mihu and Sorang Yumi, have been prevented from competing in the Youth World Archery Championships in Wuxi, China. They were unable to board their China-bound flight from Delhi Airport on October 10 because immigration officials refused to give them clearance due to their stapled visas. The 14 year old girls were members of the Indian team selected by the Archery Association of India. Stapled visas are visitors’ entry visas issued on a separate paper which is then stapled to the passport, rather than Contact

Maselo Mihu (left) and Sorang Yumi (center) with VK Malhotra, President of Archery Association of India Photo: NDTV

stamped on the passport. China issues stapled visas for Arunachal residents as it regards the Indian State as Chinese territory. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said that it is “a flexible way” of enabling personnel movement “pending an overall resolution of the boundary question” and shows “the two sides’ commitment and sincerity to uphold peace and stability” in border areas. India has made strong protests about the issue to China, but has been met with the same response, that China had a “consistent” visa policy for disputed territories. OCTOBER 2013

news & issues

Tibet Film Festival by Zalina Gamat Scheduled prior to the Dharamsala International Film Festival (DIFF), the modest Tibet Film Festival was held at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) in Dharamshala on October 19 - 20. The Tibet Film Festival is special as it screens only films made by Tibetans, from within Tibet and in exile. In its fifth edition, the festival is held simultaneously in Zurich and Dharamshala. It was dedicated to Dhondhup Wangchen, the

Unlike film festivals where stars and glamour are the highlight, the festival opened with a tender message read out by Dhondhup’s teenage son, Tenzin Norbu, to his father on his 39th birthday. The festival included a short film competition, a discussion on film appreciation, a panel discussion on the status of Tibetan filmmaking, and performances by JJI Exile Brothers and the Dharamshala Dance Troupe. Filmmaker Tsering Tashi Gyalthang, who is based in Vietnam, was invited to speak on film appreciation. Voicing a concern that Tibetan filmmakers and artists may feel pressured to adopt political themes, Gyalthang said filmmakers should make films “not necessarily political or about freedom but about who we are, our identity, our belief system.” In addition to the films for the short film competition, the first Calling for the safe return of Dhondhup Wangchen day featured “Summer Pasture” Photo: SFT by Lynn True, Nelson Walker documentary filmmaker who was and Tsering Perlo (USA), “Khayr” by imprisoned in China for six years Kalsang Rinchen (India), “Crossings” in 2009 shortly after completing the by Lobsang Choephel (USA), “Scent shooting of his film “Leaving Fear of Juniper” by Tashi Wangchuk (USA), Behind”. “The Incomplete Story” by Taklha Right from the start the festival (India) and “Shenphenn: Journey of created a buzz, with its controversial a Dream” by Shenphenn Khymsar poster depicting a Tibetan girl’s (Canada). chuba flying up Marilyn Monroe style Two films that stood out on the (pictured below). There were lively first day were “Khayr” and “The discussions on social media whether Incomplete Story”. Based on a short story by Bhuchung D Sonam, “Khayr” revolves around the friendship between a Tibetan boy and a Kashmiri militant. Its strong storyline and decent acting made up for the conventional narrative style. The surprise of the day was the five-minute “The Incomplete Story” which played with non-linearity, time and the notion of reality, and displayed this depicted Tibetan culture, was a a wonderful control and understanding misappropriation of a western icon, of the film medium by the director. is good fun, or just plain sexist, and The second day opened with “Who raised questions of what constitutes killed Johnny” by actress Yangzom “Tibetan-ness” more than fifty years Brauen (Switzerland), followed by the after the Chinese take-over. documentary “Stranger in my Native Contact

Land” by pioneering filmmakers in exile Tenzing Sonam and Ritu Sarin (India). The film is an honest and touching account of Tenzing’s journey back to Tibet in 1995. “Amdo has long lost its culture, its language. Most Tibetans who live here don’t speak Tibetan, they speak a Chinese dialect. So going there to my father’s village was really depressing”, said Tenzing. Tenzing has already written the script for their second fiction film and they hope to shoot it next year. “We Corner People” by Kesang Tsetan (Nepal), was an engaging documentary exploring life in a remote village of Nepal, structured around the building of a bridge over a nearby turbulent river. The winners of the short film competition were: First Prize ($500) - “sBett” by Lobsang Reichlin (Switzerland), Second Prize ($300) “TCV and I” by Palden Khar (India), Third Prize ($200) and Audience Award ($200) - “The Pond” by Tenzin Phuljung (India). The closing film was Pema Tseden’s first feature “The Silent Holy Stones”. Internationally acclaimed filmmaker Pema Tseden, an alumni of the Beijing Film Academy, is the trailblazer of

Audience members at the festival Photo: SFT

Tibetan cinema emerging from within Tibet. His seemingly simple human stories depict Tibetan identity and cultural change beautifully, without being overtly political. The classically composed shots of “The Silent Holy Stones” unfold the story of a young monk obsessed with a television series. OCTOBER 2013

news & issues

Tibetan Headlines Oct 26: Tibetan Officials Fired Three local Tibetan officials; Khetsa Soetop, Gyaltsen and Bhudak, in Tibet’s Zatoe County in Yushul have been fired from their posts for their involvement in the anti-mining protest last month. In protest, others in Zachen also quit their jobs. Oct 25: Train Collision A stationary passenger train on the Tsongon-Lhasa line in Tsongon Amdo region (Qinghai province) was hit by an empty train, leaving one person dead and over 50 injured. There were around 454 people on board, Xinhua, the state news agency reported. Oct 24: TCV Anniversary The Upper Tibetan Children’s Village School in Dharamsala celebrated its 53rd founding anniversary. His Eminence the Karmapa, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, also the Education Kalon, and Speaker

Calisthenic display by TCV students Photo: Phayul

Penpa Tsering joined the celebrations on the first day of the three day festival. Oct 23: Ngaba Tibetans Sentenced China has sentenced three Tibetans from Khyungchu County in Tibet’s Ngaba region for preventing police and authorities from extinguishing the fire on Tibetan self-immolator Dupchok on January 18. A Kyungchu County court

has sentenced Gurgon, Sonam Yarphel and Norbu Dorjee to up to five years. They are currently in Mianyang Prison in the Sichuan province. Contact

Oct 22: Mine Spill A Chinese mining site in a Tibetanpopulated area in Sichuan province has spilled polluted water into a nearby river “resulting in the deaths of countless numbers of fish and other animals” owned by villagers. “The spill has also contaminated the drinking water of five to six villages,” a local resident was quoted by Radio Free Asia. Complaints to the authorities resulted in troops arriving in the area. Oct 22: Monk Released Choedrak Gyatso, 31, has been released early from prison after serving five years of his eight year term for his role in a 2008 protest. The reason for his early release is not known. He is a monk from Shitsang Monastery in Luchu County in the Gansu Province. Oct 19: Cyclone Disaster The Dalai Lama has expressed his condolences at the loss of lives and the destruction caused by Cyclone Phailin in Odisha, India. Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay also wrote to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to send his condolences for the tragic losses. Oct 18: Nagpur Tibet Campaign The India-Tibet Coordination Office and National Campaign for Tibetan Support organised a Tibet Campaign in Nagpur, India on the occasion of Dr B R Ambedkar’s Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din. Campaigners set up a banner with Dr Ambedkar’s statement at a stall that displayed and distributed books on Tibet, and films about His Holiness the Dalai Lama were screened. Oct 13: Another Tibetan Sentenced Washul Dotruk, 51, has been sentenced to 10 years in jail. A community leader, he is said to be a popular negotiator in resolving disputes and lives in Dungda township, Pema county, in Golog (Guoluo) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Although the details are unclear, locals believe his arrest is linked with a self-immolation by the monk Lobsang Gendun in Dec 2012. 10

Oct 9: Beaten and Sentenced Dayang, 68, from Dongla Rudo village in Tsachu township, has been sentenced to two years and five months in jail for shouting slogans of Free Tibet in Driru County on September 3. He was brought to a hospital in Lhasa a month after he was beaten up by security personnel. Oct 6: Solidarity March Over 80 Tibetans in Switzerland, on a solidarity peace march, will walk 388 kilometers to highlight the Tibetan self-immolations and to “draw the international community’s attention to the grave situation in Tibet”. The march will be concluded in Geneva on October 22. Oct 6: Students Denied Passports Chinese authorities have refused to issue passports to Tibetan students who were selected to study in Japan and the US. The students w e r e mostly from poor nomadic families and from the Girls’ School of the Tibetan Pastureland and the Qinghai Institute of Nationalities. Oct 1: Released! Joleb Dawa, 41, editor of Dus-rab kyi nga (This Century’s Self), has been released after completing his three year sentence. From Tibet’s Ngaba region, Dawa was held in Mianyang prison near Chengdu, in Sichuan. He was jailed on “trumped up charges of separatism.” OCTOBER 2013

news & issues

International Headlines Oct 26: Driving Ban Saudi activists have cancelled a planned weekend campaign against the ban on women driving, after authorities warned them of legal action. The Interior Ministry said it would crack down against anyone who attempts to “disturb public peace” by congregating or marching “under the pretext of an alleged day of female driving.” Oct 25: US Spying Row The discovery that the US is spying on EU leaders by tapping their phones, including that of German Chancellor Angela Merkell, has sparked a row. World leaders are also concerned that the consequent lack of trust will hamper intelligencegathering co-operation, which could harm the fight against terrorism. Oct 25: Japan’s Secrecy Act Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government is planning a state secrets act that could curtail public access to information on a wide range of issues, including tensions with China and the Fukushima nuclear crisis. A protester against the move said, “You could be subject to punishments just for revealing what needs to be revealed to the public.” Oct 20: Nuclear Reactor Deals China is making nuclear reactor copies to sell to Pakistan. China has agreed to provide two new nuclear reactors to Pakistan, causing serious concern to many, including India. The “indigenised” Chinese reactor will help China overcome a key objection by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) that forbids sale of nuclear reactors or components to third countries without NSG’s approval. Oct 19: China Rebukes Dalai Lama A senior Chinese official has denounced Contact

the Dalai Lama’s pursuit of autonomy for Tibet, describing it as equivalent to advocating Tibet independence. “In the fundamental sense, ‘high-level autonomy’ means Tibet’s independence,” the China Daily newspaper quoted Zhu Weiqun, Chairman of the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Committee. Oct 18: Second Hanging Amnesty International has urged Iran not to go ahead with a repeat execution for a drug smuggler who survived his first hanging. Alireza M, 37, was hung for twelve minutes before being declared dead by the doctor last week. His family, however, found him breathing in the morgue the next day. Oct 17: Honorary Citizenship Pakistani Malala Yousafzai is to be awarded honorary Canadian citizenship, an honour extended to only five other people, including the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela. Malala, 16, survived a Ta l i b a n assassination a year ago for advocating education for girls. She was awarded the EU Sarkahov human rights prize, and was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Oct 16: “Allah” is Muslim-Only A Malaysian court has ruled that nonMuslims cannot use the word “Allah” to refer to God. In 2009, the Home Ministry threatened to revoke the Catholic Herald newspaper’s publishing rights for using the word. When a lower court lifted the ban, riots broke out. The Herald’s editor said that “Allah” has been used extensively in Malay versions of the bible. Oct 15: HIV Patients Ban China plans to ban HIV patients, along with people with sexually transmitted diseases and skin diseases, from public

baths. The United Nations Aid Agency has condemned the proposal. “There is no evidence that people can be infected with HIV in public bathhouses,” says Wu Hao, from the Beijing Research Centre on Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Aids. Oct 14: Governer Arrestted The governor of La Guajira Province, Columbia, Juan Francisco Kiko Gomez, has been accused of murdering political rivals. Local reports say the governor attempted to resist arrest. He is also facing five charges of corruption and has been linked to paramilitaries, accused of human rights abuses to civilians. Oct 10: Key to Alzheimers The discovery of the first chemical to prevent the death of brain tissue has been hailed as a significant moment in research. More work needs to be done to develop a drug that can be taken by patients, but it is believed that the resulting medicine could treat Alzheimers, Parkinsons, Huntingtons and other diseases. Oct 5: Migrant Tragedy A boat carrying five hundred immigrants, mostly Eritrean and Somali, who were fleeing to Europe for a better life, caught fire and capsized near the southern Italian island of Lampedusa. Only 155 migrants survived. The captain of the migrant boat has been arrested on multiple charges. Oct 1: Venezuela Expells US Venezuela is expelling three US diplomats, accusing them of plotting to sabotage the economy. They have 48 hours to leave the country. President Nicolas Maduro says he has evidence that the trio took part in a power-grid sabotage and had bribed Venezuelan companies to cut down production. OCTOBER 2013

around town

Charities and Organisations

Central Tibetan Administration

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

The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)

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

Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)

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

Tibetan Women’s Association

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

Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

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

Contact

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

Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)

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

Delek Hospital

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

Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society

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

Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)

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

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

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

Lha Charitable Trust (Lha)

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

Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet

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

Tong-Len Charitable Trust

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

Tibet Charity

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

OCTOBER 2013

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 the working days. We organise a speical group tour of our campus on every Wednesday (10 am). WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: TIPA Road, McLeod Ganj Dharamsala-176219 PHONE: 01892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com

KUNPHEN Centre for Substance Dependence HIV/AIDS&HRD

KUNPHEN is an Open door Policy drop in Centre providing support, advice, advocacy, counseling, group and alternative healing therapies to those in the Tibetan community suffering from addiction issues. Volunteers needed to carry out action plans. WEB: www.kunphen.org LOCATION: Near Delek Clinic, Bagsunag road, P.O Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala 176219 PHONE: 01892-220565 / 985716806 EMAIL: kunphen@mail.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, Dharamsala 176215 PHONE: 0189-2226627 EMAIL: tccroffice@yahoo.com

Rogpa Baby Care Center

The Rogpa Baby Care Center helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so their parents can work. The center needs volunteers to help with art, games, singing and other tasks including diaper changing. WEB: www.tibetrogpa.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala- 176219 PHONE: 9816659549 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 8am-12pm and 1- 5pm 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, Dharamsala, Distt Kangra 176215 PHONE: 9816105554

Contact

Clean Upper Dharamsala Project

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

executive_directoranec@yahoo.com

National Democratic Party of Tibet

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

Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage)

The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)

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

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: nyingtobling@hotmail.com

Women’s Team

Volunteers needed to teach English to Indian women and children in the village of Kaniyara near Dharamsala. Contact Jitender. EMAIL: jitenderje@gmail.com PHONE: 9817105035 / 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: 4:45am, 6pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm and 8:30pm (Rs330) Semi Deluxe Bus: 6pm (Rs355) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8pm (Rs1035) AC TATA: 8:30pm (Rs840) Amritsar: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am (Rs165) *from Dharamsala Dehradun: Ordinary Bus: 9pm; AC Deluxe: 5:30pm Manali: Ordinary Bus: 5:40pm, 8:40pm *from Dharamsala Pathankot: Ordinary Bus: 11am, 12:10pm, 12:30pm, 2:10pm, 3:50pm, 5pm(Rs75) Shimla: Ordinary Bus: 5am, 5:30am, 6am, 8am, noon and 4:55pm (Rs235)*from Dharamsala Semi-Deluxe Bus: 8:22am, 7:45pm and 9:30pm (Rs???) *from Dharamsala FOR BOOKINGS: Location: Ticket stand under McLLo’s, McLeod Ganj Main square Hours: 10am-6pm, daily Phone: 221750 For deluxe buses, book through any travel agency.

TAXIS

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

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, Mon-Sat; 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, 232324 Bhagsu Taxi Union: 01892-221034 Tourism Office: 01892-23107 Rail Booking & Enquiry: 01892-265026

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

OCTOBER 2013

activities and tourist info Upcoming Events Nov 16 - 17: Tibetan Women’s Association is giving a 2 day workshop on Legal Empowerment of Tibetan Women in Exile at the Settlement office hall, McLeod Ganj Dec 10: Nobel Peace Prize Day Celebration of the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama

BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY

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

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

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

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

Om Yoga Center

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

Nature Cure Health Club

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

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

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

Traditional Thai Massage

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

Contact

MEDITATION

LANGUAGES

Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre

Tibetan Language Class

Tushita Meditation Center

Hindi Classes

WEB: www.omyogaindia.com LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Road PHONE: 980-569-3514 EMAIL: om.yoga@ymail.com 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

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

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

Hindi Lessons with Kailash

School of Life and Spirituality

Tibetan with Pema Youdon

Meditation and teachers’ training LOCATION: behind Hotel Akashdeep, Bhagsu, Mcleodganj, please all before coming WEB: 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

Nisha’s Indian Cooking Class

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

Sangye’s Kitchen Traditional Tibetan Cooking Classes

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

LOCATION: At Bhimsen’s Indian Cooking Class PHONE: 01892-20063, 941-816-1947 HOURS: Daily, 4:00-6:00pm LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, opposite the post office HOURS: 1:00-4:00pm, or leave a message.

Esukhia Online Tibetan Courses and Tibetan Immersion Spoken

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

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 Dharamsala PHONE: 9816043708

Form Gallery

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

OCTOBER 2013

activities & services HEALTH SERVICES

Reflections of a Volunteer Teaching English at Lha

Dr. Sant Marwah Clinic

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

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: 01892-22618 / 223113 EMAIL: tmai@vsnl.com

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: : 941-813-0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com

Tibetan Delek Hospital

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

Ayuskam Health Care

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

Name: Maddi Check Job at Lha: English teacher/conversation class After nearly three and a half years of travelling, I decided to put my teaching skills and awful singing voice to good use. I am from Australia and somehow found myself living in Mcleod Ganj and teaching Elementary English at Lha to Tibetans in exile. I’ve always felt for the Tibetan community and their situation; their commitment to nonviolence and Buddhism had always resonated with me. As I soon discovered, teaching students who know absolutely no English can be a challenge at first; it’s hard to know where to begin, and the puzzled looks they give you most days are not reassuring. Thankfully I have a wonderful Tibetan teacher’s assistant, who can translate my jumble when things get a bit confusing, and we are so grateful to Tsering Dolma for all her help and time. The students are eager for new information, more phrases to allow them to communicate and express themselves, and their knowledge about the world. The students’ appreciation is overwhelming, I will never tire of the students saying “thank you, teacher, see you tomorrow,” at the end of every lesson. The moment I walked into Mcleod

Ganj, it felt like home only with more impressive mountains. I grew up in Tasmania, and haven’t felt so much a part of a community since I left my hometown. Here it’s hard to leave your guesthouse without someone, from the shop keepers to the students and staff from Lha, stopping to have a chat and drink endless cups of tea with you. This is where tea addictions and friendships begin. Through volunteering I have got to know so many people, their stories, their lives, their hopes, dreams and disappointments. The Tibetan staff at Lha are warm and friendly and always there to help. And then there is the Lha volunteer community. Quite a few of us are staying long term and we regularly get together to hike, go on day trips, eat meals together, and go out. It’s a nice mix of expats and locals and tea. I am amazed by Tibetan hospitality and their openness about themselves and their lives. They have taught me so much about their culture, history and life in exile. And like many other volunteers have said “I’ll be back!”

Run for Tibet by Nicola Rieke On October 7, the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the largest proindependence group in exile, organised a mini marathon race in Dharamsala on its 44th founding anniversary. More than 70 Tibetans and supporters participated in the run which led from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts via the TCV Handicraft Centre, Forsyth Ganj and McLeod Ganj and back to the start. The runners were between 16 and 65 years old. Tsering Contact

Dorjee (Sherab Gatsel Lobling School) and Dolma Lhamo (Tibetan Children’s village Gopalpur) finished the distance first and received the prize money of Rs. 10,000 and a gold medal each, each. TYC president Tenzin Jigme appealed to the public to be vigilant and continue the fight for justice with firm determination. “So until Tibet is free and until His Holiness the Dalai Lama is able to return to Tibet, we will keep the struggle alive and we will work for all of us.”

Winners of the mini marathon Photo: Phayul OCTOBER 2013

news and issues

Climate Change in Tibet by Kunal Mathur One in five people in the world get their water from river systems linked to the Tibetan plateau. The plateau governs the Asian weather system. The monsoon rains originate there each summer, and it affects westerly wind currents from as far away as the Mediterranean. With an average elevation of over 4,500 metres, its lakes, glaciers and wetlands act like a huge water tower for the whole of Asia and the plateau is often referred to as “The Third Pole” by scientists. Climate change is affecting the Tibetan plateau. Like the North Pole, it has been warming much faster than the rest of the world over the past 50 years, and many of its 46,000 glaciers are shrinking. The first signs of the impact of climate change on the ecological balance appeared in the 1980s and 1990s. Lakes started drying up, large

patches of brown dirt appeared, Pika mammal (small mammals living underground) populations soared and the caterpillar fungus, a traditional medicine and a valuable source of livelihood for Tibetans living in the

A dried-up riverlet in Tibet Photo: chinadigitaltimes.net

region, has depleted. The government and local people disagree over the cause, and scientists say that insufficient research has been carried out. In 1997, a 700km stretch of the Yellow River dried up for more than eight months. The government created

the “Three River Source” region (Sanjiangyuan in Chinese) and spent Rmb 7.6bn (£800m) implementing policies to protect it and its water. It is an area roughly the size of Great Britain, and the source of the Yellow, Yangtze and Mekong rivers. To combat the perceived overgrazing, many of the traditional Tibetan herders have been moved into governmentbuilt towns and given stipends which they say are barely enough to live on. Toxins are used to control pika, grazing grounds have been fenced, grass has been planted, and artificial rain has even been used. Research has shown that the science behind the state’s aggressive policies is misguided or incomplete, and that some of these policies are having detrimental effects. The government, however, is set to continue, and has allocated Rmb 20 billion (over £2billion) for the next phase.

The Chinese Government: Concern about Infiltration, or Reform? by Eric Goh The Communist Party has recently held a series of meetings around China, with senior Party leaders issuing warnings in a memo referred to as “Document No. 9”. This document outlines seven key issues that require immediate attention to eradicate “subversive currents coursing through Chinese society”. These include: Western constitutional democracy; promoting universal values of human rights; Western-inspired notions of media independence and civic participation; relaxation of grips to allow for a freer market and “nihilist” criticisms of the party’s past. “Document No. 9”, which was approved by China’s President Xi Jinping, says that “Western forces hostile to China and dissidents within the country are still constantly infiltrating the ideological sphere.” Xiao Gongqin, a history professor at Shanghai Normal University said, “The...rifts are unusually open and they Contact

could widen and bog down Mr. Xi.” Mr Xi’s hard line has disappointed Chinese liberals and there is speculation that “Document No. 9” has been issued in an attempt to prevent escalation of the growing calls for reform and

Chinese President Xi Jinping Photo: Jason Lee/Reuters

challenges by liberals impatient for political change, and the perceived threat of Western democratic ideals. The document has not been openly published, but a version has been 16

viewed and verified by the New York Times. There are some signs of change. Ties between Britain and China had stagnated after British Prime Minister David Cameron met the Dalai Lama last year, but China has now signalled that policy reform is being considered by agreeing to allow BBC reporter John Simpson to conduct interviews and attend the Party Congress. Simpson quoted one dissident figure he interviewed as believing that the next five to seven years will change everything and saying “I would expect to see a popularly elected parliament in that time”. However, two prominent human rights advocates, Yang Maodong and Cao Shunli, have been detained recently for their involvement in publicly advocating greater transparency and an end to corruption. OCTOBER 2013