Contact October 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

A Self-immolation in Golug Kunchok, 42, burned himself in front of a police station in Tsang Khor town in Gade County, in the Golog region of Tibet on September 16. Tibetans nearby managed to douse the flames and rushed Kunchok to hospital in Xining where his medical condition is reported to be very serious with most of his body burned. His family are concerned that he will not survive. reports Radio Free Asia. Information about Kunchok’s selfimmolation is surfacing only now as local Tibetans did not want to put him or those who assisted him at risk of arrest, and details of the hospital in which he is being kept are being withheld to prevent him being detained by security forces. Most surviving self-immolators are detained incommunicado; those who die in custody or whose bodies are taken by the police are usually cremated by the authorities who return the ashes to the family, preventing them from conducting normal funeral services. “He is now in great pain...he often breaks down in tears over his failure to die in the self-immolation. He regrets not accomplishing what he planned to do” a source has told Radio Free Asia. Kunchok’s chances of survival are said to be “slim”. He has a son and a daughter who are a monk and a nun in a local monastery.

Volume: XVI Issue: 9

31 october 2014

The New UN Rights Commissioner Turns His Attentions to Tibet By Annie Padwick Zeid Ra’ad Al-Hussein, the new United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, has announced

Zeid Ra’ad Al-Hussein Photo: Reuters/Denis Balibouse

plans to visit Tibet. During a media briefing he expressed his intention to “move around” the region in a multi-day visit, but said he is still in preliminary discussions with the Chinese authorities to arrange this. China provisionally agreed to a visit from the UN rights chief during a periodic review at the UN Human Rights Council last year. Groundwork for the visit was established by Ms Navi Pillay, predecessor to Al-Hussein, who had urged China to address the allegations of rights violations in Tibet, and the alarming escalation of desperate forms of protest in the region. Tibet has been a focus for many UN Human Rights chiefs, but repeated requests to visit have been turned down. Following a UN review of China’s human rights record, China rejected all recommendations except the one to facilitate a visit from the UN High Commissioner for Human

Rights and Special Rapporteur to Tibet. If Al-Hussein’s visit to Tibet goes ahead as planned, he will be the first UN Rights chief to visit China and Tibet since 1998. The Human Rights Commissioner for the UN is mandated to promote and protect the enjoyment and full realisation, by all people, of all rights established in the UN Charter and in international human rights laws and treaties. Al-Hussein, previously Jordan’s ambassador to the United States, has been outspoken on human rights since his appointment in September this year, and his interest in China and Tibet has been highly commended by Tibetan activists and supporters. When asked at a press conference if he might visit other areas of China, Al-Hussein answered, “In the initial dialogue, we spoke of a multi-day visit, so I suspect that I would move around if indeed we are able to get the visit in place soon.” Many hope that

Al-Hussein will also include a visit to Xinjiang, an area which has seen escalating protest and unrest, together with disproportionate crackdown by Chinese authorities on the minority Muslim Uyghur community in recent years.

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 programmes, IT classes, vocational

training, health and environmental awareness education, distribution of clothes and medicine, a community kitchen, and many other programmes 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 July 6, 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 Rs15 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

Can you Donate to Lha?

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 sent 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. 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 and medical supplies, as well as any other useful items.

Please Note: The articles, stories and other material in Contact represent the views of the authors and not necessarily the views of the Contact editing staff or Lha Social Work. All comments on this issue should be submitted by email to: editor@contactmagazine.net

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

around McLeod Ganj including the Lha office, libraries, travel agencies, hotels, restuarants and shops.

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. Contact is available at many places publication possible. We thank TFD for supporting the publication of Contact. Contact

OCTOBER 2014

about lha

Lha Projects in the Tibetan Exile Community Clean Water for Elderly People

Lha has installed its 14th water purification system at Jampaling Old People’s Home, Dharamshala, as part of the Lha Clean Water Project. Jampaling Old People’s Home was established in 1991 and takes care of 148 elderly people. It is located near Tsuglahkang Temple where residents feel very lucky and blessed to be living so close to the residence of HH the Dalai Lama. The water purification system is an RO+UV+ UF and TTS, considered one of the best systems available in the area. It will provide more than 100 litres per hour of safe drinking water, to help alleviate illnesses, eg typhoid and cholera which are common in this region, and contribute to the good health of the residents. We have

worked with the Home Department of the CTA who requested this project. Lha, and everybody at Jampaling, all extend our deepest appreciation to the Tibet Fund, USA, for their support for this, and our next two water filter systems. Four more clean water systems will be installed before the end of the year; all this year’s water projects form Lha’s contribution to mark 2014 as the year of HH the Dalai Lama. So far around 6,300 people have benefited from Lha’s Clean Water Project, and we hope to install more with help from our generous donors around the globe.

Spreading the Word: HIV/AIDS

Lha has taken the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project to Shimla, where Demay Tsering, Lha’s Environment and Health Officer, gave a presentation on HIV/AIDS and substance abuse to students of the Central School for Tibetans, which is run by the Central

Tibetan Schools Association. More than 150 students took part. The main objective of the talk was to create awareness about the concept of the disease and how to take preventive measures to avoid it. Lha started the awareness project earlier this year. Although data on the HIV/AIDS situation in Tibetan communities in exile is limited, Tibetans in exile are categorised as a high risk group for HIV infection due to their high mobility and lack of awareness of the disease. Lha Charitable Trust intends to tackle the problem and raise awareness to help reduce the incidence of HIV/ AIDS among Tibetans living in exile The project will also address drug abuse in the community.

Lha Traveler Services and 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 and tutors • Computer teachers • Web designers and IT professionals • Contributing writers • Environmental professionals • Medical and healthcare professionals • Fundraisers and grant writers • Project professionals • Chefs and cooks • Human rights and 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 accommodation, 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 OCTOBER 2014

news & issues

India Ratifies New Entitlements for Tibetans By Tsering Wangdue A new policy guideline for the welfare and rehabilitation of Tibetan refugees in India has been formalised by the Government of India’s Ministry

Home Kalon Dolma Gyari with Mr KK Pathak, Under Secretary Mr SK Parida and Home Secretary Mr Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang Photo: tibet.net

of Home Affairs. The Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014 was formally handed over to the Home Kalon Gyari Dolma of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) by Mr KK Pathak, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The policy was the result of extensive liaison between the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, concerned State Governments and representatives of the CTA. The Rehabilitation Policy makes clear the entitlements of Tibetans relating to their welfare in India. The guidelines include the extension of land lease agreements and the benefits available to Tibetans under central and state government welfare schemes. The Policy also grants Tibetans the right to undertake economic activity and pursue any job for which they are professionally qualified; these can include nursing, engineering, accounting, medicine, etc. “Now we Tibetans can start our own franchises and enterprises as we are entitled to get a trade licence and permits under the guidelines of Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014” said a CTA spokesperson. A copy of the policy guidelines

will be sent to all concerned state governments and Tibetan Settlement Officers, to demonstrate the Indian Government’s concern and commitment to set a uniform policy in all states in dealing with the rehabilitation and welfare of Tibetan refugees. The Home Kalon Gyari Dolma of the CTA thanked the Indian Government Ministry of Home Affairs and Joint Secretary for the clear and positive policy guidelines. There are over 100,000 Tibetans living in India and for the first time the Indian Election Commission allowed Indian-born Tibetans to participate in the general election this year, and has given them the right to apply for an Indian passport. Now with this new Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014, Tibetans are seeing positive changes in the Indian Government’s policy towards Tibetan refugees.

Sikyong Speaks Up for Tibet in Europe

By Vanshika Tripathi Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile (CTA) began his four-nation visit to Europe by meeting Czech MPs in Prague. They discussed the Czech government’s policy on Tibet in view of its growing economic ties with China, and their decision to accede to China on the Tibet issue by signing a joint declaration with China earlier this year. Sikyong expressed concern, reminding them that their country is known for its stand for democracy, human rights and equality. While in Prague, Dr Sangay participated in the 18th annual Forum with around 200 global leaders from the areas of politics, academia, civil society, media, business and religion. The theme this year was “Democracy and Its Discontents: A QuarterCentury After the Iron Curtain and Tiananmen”. Sikyong took part in a panel discussion “The Significance Contact

of Vaclav Havel’s Value Based Foreign Policy”. The Forum was founded in 1996 as a joint initiative by the late Czech PresidentVáclav Havel, Japanese philanthropist Yohei Sasakawa, and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Elie Wiesel and provides a platform for discussion on the values of democracy and respect for human rights, assisting the development of civil society, and encouraging religious, cultural and ethnic tolerance. Sikyong arrived in Belgium on October 16 to a welcome from over 500 Tibetans. He spoke to them about the Middle-Way Approach—which is the CTA’s official policy—saying it exists so that Tibet can gain authentic autonomy. Two days later a crowd of 350 Tibetans wearing traditional chubas warmly welcomed Dr Sangay to the Netherlands. “I am honoured and touched by your welcome” he said, and told them that the Middle-Way Approach is essential for improving 4

Tibet-China relations and for gaining Tibetan autonomy.

Sikyong arrives in the Netherlands Photo: Tibet.net

The Sikyong also said that one of the primary reasons for visiting both countries was to gain information about the difficulties that Tibetan asylum applicants are facing, and to speak to the administrations there about their problems. Arriving in Barcelona, Dr Sangay spoke to the Catalonia Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee on the current situation in Tibet andcompleted his European tour with a speech delivered at Casa del Tibet (Tibet House) in Barcelona. OCTOBER 2014

news & issues

Nobel Laureates’ Summit Cancelled By Mary Trewartha The 14th Nobel Laureates’ Peace Summit, due to be held in Cape Town this month, has been suspended because South Africa refused to issue a visa to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Four women laureates refused to attend, and 14 others wrote to the South African President Jacob Zuma urging him to allow the Dalai Lama to visit South Africa, saying they were “deeply concerned about the damage that will be done to South Africa’s international image by a refusal or failure to grant him a visa yet again”.

His Holiness with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in 2008

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a close friend of the Dalai Lama and whose foundation is among the organisers of

this year’s summit, hit out at the South African government for “kowtowing” to China in refusing a visa to the Tibetan leader, saying he was “ashamed to call this lickspittle bunch my government”. This was the third time in five years that His Holiness had been denied a visa to visit South Africa, drawing public outcry by South Africans who see it as a betrayal of the commitment to human rights embraced by their government since the end of apartheid 20 years ago. China, South Africa’s biggest single trading partner, welcomed the move by South Africa. His Holiness accused South Africa of bullying and thanked his fellow peace laureates for their efforts, saying they had worked hard to resolve the issue. Jody Williams, founder of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, and one of the laureates

who pulled out of the summit, accused President Jacob Zuma’s government of “selling its sovereignty” to China, and said it has violated the human rights of the Dalai Lama to attend the summit. The Mayoral Office of Cape Town said the South African government has undermined South Africa’s international standing and embarrassed the country. The Tibetan National Congress (TNC), an independent political party, launched a campaign last month aimed at the Nobel laureates:“We call for the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates to be relocated to a more appropriate Jody Williams venue because Photo: icbl.org the world needs this summit and no authoritarian government should be allowed to control it by censoring which voices get heard,” said TNC President Jigme Ugen.

A Double Celebration By Loren Hendin Tibetans in exile, together with many visitors from around the world, gathered at Tsuglakhang, the main temple in Dharamshala, to celebrate two very special occasions on October 2 – the 25th anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize and the 145th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth. The message was for Tibetans to continue their struggle by following the path of peace led by Mahatma Gandhi and His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself. “Following Gandhi’s way of living and principles will bring inner peace and contentment in our daily life,” said His Holiness. Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, added that the Nobel Peace Prize represents everything Contact

Mahatma Gandhi fought for and that he is a person who truly deserves high honour.

His Holiness with Nobel laureates Jody Williams and Shirin Ebadi Photo: Tibet.net

Fellow Nobel Peace Laureates Jody Williams from the United States and Shirin Ebadi of Iran joined His Holiness in addressing the audience of thousands,

speaking on the strength and importance of the Tibetan struggle. “Tibetans inside Tibet and in exile should know that we always support you,” said Jody Williams. “The nonviolent struggle of Tibetans led by His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a model of peaceful conflict resolution.” Shirin Ebadi added that she admires the way Tibetans have preserved their culture and kept the Tibetan spirit alive under the leadership of His Holiness. “The people of the world and Iran have learned a lot from His Holiness the Dalai Lama on how not to lose hope under difficult circumstances.” Both Laureates stood firm on their decision to boycott the Nobel Prize Winners’ summit in South Africa which was scheduled to take place this month. OCTOBER 2014

news & issues

Long Life Ceremony for His Holiness

By Loren Hendin emphasise more on the principals in north-east Tibet to find the 13th His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave to attain a deeper and purer level of Dalai Lama’s reincarnation, then a a four-day teaching “Nagarjuna’s understanding.” small boy. At Chija Taktser, a village Fundamental Wisdom in the vicinity of Kumbum, Treatise of the Middle they conducted traditional Way”, starting on October tests to confirm that the boy 6, at Dharamshala’s main was the reincarnation. The temple, Tsuglakhang. Dalai Lama happily received The teaching was at the the Long Life Ceremony, request of a group of conducted by monks of Taiwanese Buddhists. Namgyal Monastery, led His audience numbered by their Abbot, Thamtog over 4,000 people, with Rinpoche, while audience 800 from Taiwan and members shared snacks and people representing 61 butter tea. other countries. On the third day, His His Holiness began Holiness led a ceremony to his teachings with an generate the awakening mind introduction to the major His Holiness with Kewtsang Rinpoche during the Long-Life Ceremony of bodhichitta. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL branches of Buddhism. His Holiness spoke of the He asked his audience to remember On the morning of October 8, the need to remove negative emotions, the roots of Buddhism and that, third day of the teachings and a full- to save ourselves and others from despite differences between Buddhist moon day, which is propitious, His suffering, and to find lasting, rather sects, they are all one. Holiness was offered a Long Life than temporary, happiness. He said “We all are followers of Nagarjuna. Ceremony by Keutsang Rinpoche. that enlightenment is to find peace of We are all one in that sense. Even in His Holiness declared a special mind and integrity within ourselves, the various sects of Tibetan Buddhism, affection for Rinpoche because it was but is also for the benefit of all sentient though there may be several minor his predecessor who discovered him beings. Throughout the teachings differences in the branches, the in 1937. Keutsang Rinpoche was part he reiterated, “As human beings we foundation is the same. So, we should of the delegation dispatched to Amdo survive on love and affection.”

Chinese Police Open Fire on Anti-Mining Protesters By Tsering Wangdue

Chinese police opened fire on peaceful protesters in Tsang Topgyal in Namling County, in the Shigatse prefecture in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) earlier this year. The villagers were protesting against mining activities in the area. Thirteen people were wounded, including a pregnant woman who was shot in the leg. The injured people were taken to Shigatse Hospital, or to the County hospital. The incident, which took place on August 9, was only reported this month, the news delayed by blocks on internet and communication systems by the Chinese authorities. “The protesters surrounded the township office buildings and armed police came and opened fire on the Contact

crowd”, said an anonymous source speaking to Radio Free Asia. Chinese mining companies operating in Namling County extract gold, copper and other metals and minerals used to produce weapons. “The local officials are known for taking perks from the mining companies and allowing the mining to proceed, saying they have permission from the Central Government of China” said the source. The Tibetans living in Tsang Topgyal have frequently appealed to the authorities to stop mining activities, deciding to launch a protest when they received no positive response. Most of the residents of the 16 villages in the Tsang Topgyal Township participated in the protest. “The protesters responded by 6

throwing stones after being fired on. People on both sides were injured” the source added. There is no further information available regarding the condition of the injured protesters, or whether the protests are continuing in the area. The Tibetan plateau is a rich source of minerals which are seen as important for China’s economic growth. Chinese mining operations affect Tibet’s fragile environment, polluting the rivers, destroying natural aquatic life and crops, causing health problems and disrupting significant spiritual sites. More than 1,000 Tibetan villagers in the Tibetan Autonomous Region are known to have protested against the Chinese mining operations there to date. OCTOBER 2014

news & issues

Talks with Beijing? By Rohini Kejriwal The last couple of weeks have seen media coverage worldwide suggesting a possible visit by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to China, or his return to Tibet. However, these are merely reports with nothing on this issue having been officially declared by His Holiness himself. Several reports suggest that he is in informal talks with Beijing over his long-held wish to make a pilgrimage to Wutai Shan, a mountain in China’s Shanxi province that is considered sacred by both Tibetan and Chinese Buddhists. “It’s not finalised, not yet, but the idea is there,” said His Holiness in an interview with the Agence FrancePresse news agency, and added that talks were being held through contacts. Announcing this, an anonymous blog posting on China’s Sina.com on September 17 discussed the Dalai Lama’s possible return to China: “According to informed sources familiar with the situation, the Dalai Lama’s recent communications with

the central government in Beijing have gone very smoothly, with the Dalai Lama expressing a strong wish to return

Buddhist temples on Wutai Shan Mountain Photo: imaginechina

to the country. The Dalai Lama’s path to returning home doesn’t seem to be far off,” the post read. However, this was removed the following day after being viewed by thousands of people. Soon after the idea of this historic pilgrimage was brought up and talks reportedly resumed between His Holiness and the Chinese government, China dismissed the possibility of the Dalai Lama’s return to Tibet, saying that their “position on the Dalai Lama is consistent and clear”.

“What he needs to do is not make a so-called return to Tibet but give up his position and conduct on splitting China. This will do good for him,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei. In a recent statement which also created a media storm, His Holiness indicated that he might become the last of his line. While his decision not to return as a political leader has been final since 2011, the Dalai Lama publicly stated that he will not make the ultimate decision on whether he will return as a spiritual leader until he is 90 (in 2025). “We had a Dalai Lama for almost five centuries. The 14th Dalai Lama now is very popular. Let us then finish with a popular Dalai Lama…If a weak Dalai Lama comes along, then it will just disgrace the Dalai Lama. Tibetan Buddhism is not dependent on one individual. We have a very good organisational structure with highly trained monks and scholars,” he stated in an interview with German newspaper Welt am Sonntag.

His Holiness in North America

By Rohini Kejriwal His Holiness the Dalai Lama is in Canada and the United States on a threeweek visit. He has participated in a series of public talks, religious teachings and discussions with students, politicians, business leaders, economists, scientists and Tibet supporters. Starting his visit in Vancouver, he visited the University of British Columbia and John Oliver School, meeting leading scientists in the fields of economics, neuroscience, psychology and public policy. The theme of these visits was the development of compassion in young people. The Dalai Lama expressed his concern over the acts of terrorism in Canada, including the recent attack on Parliament. In a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper he Contact

condemned such violence saying it “needs to be met with wisdom and

Recitation of the Heart Sutra at the start of His Holiness’s teachings in Vancouver Photo:Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

far-sightedness”. However, Harper refused to meet him during this visit. His Holiness gave a teaching in Vancouver on Geshe Langri Thangpa’s “Eight Verses of Training the Mind” (Lojong Tsikgyema) and conferred the Avalokiteshvera Empowerment (Chenrezig Wang). “Whenever I give

lectures on Buddhism in the West, I always emphasise that it is better to keep one’s own religious tradition and not convert. It is very important to develop mutual respect and understanding of other religions,” he said. The Dalai Lama then headed to the US where he is scheduled to visit Birmingham, Boston and New York City. In Birmingham, he went to the Alabama Church, one of America’s sacred sanctuaries where four AfricanAmerican girls were killed in a 1963 bombing that galvanised the civil rights movement. In the 16th Street Baptist Church he said that he was overjoyed to stand at the site where Martin Luther King Jr and other civil rights leaders in the 1960s launched rallies for freedom for AfricanAmericans. OCTOBER 2014

news & issues

“Rectification Campaign” Launches in Driru County By Annapurna Mellor Unrest in Driru County continues with the launch of a “Rectification and Cleansing” campaign by the Chinese authorities in the province last month. They instructed that all stupas, mounds, shrines and retreat buildings built after 2010 are illegal and must be destroyed by the villages and monasteries who built them, and gave a deadline to complete this. If people fail to comply, the authorities will destroy the illegal monuments for them. The instruction also requires all monks under the age of twelve to leave the monasteries and return to their families, and states that new admissions to monasteries will be denied. If the family refuses to take their child back, they will face a six-month detention, or one to three years imprisonment. If Lamas and Khenpos hold the monks back, they will be punished and expelled themselves, reports Radio Free Asia.

The 30-page campaign booklet has been distributed to all monasteries and villages in Driru, with the campaign ending on October 20. Earlier this year, another handbook was issued entitled “Two laws by the Peoples’ Government of Driru County”, featuring rules and punishments to prevent Tibetans protesting against the Chinese authorities. Earlier this month, it was also reported that six Tibetan monks from Drongurgon Kagyu Phelgyeling Monastery in Wathang Town in Driru were arrested after removing the Chinese national flag from their monastery terrace and burning it. Driru has seen unrest for over a year, since Chinese authorities began mining at Naglha Zamba, a sacred hill and pilgrimage site. In September last year, Tibetans threw Chinese national flags into a nearby river instead of displaying them from their rooftops as required

on Chinese National Day. Days later, protests were sparked by the detention of a local man, resulting in Chinese

Tibetans faced by armed Chinese military forces in Driru during their peaceful protest last year Photo: TPI

authorities opening fire on the unarmed crowd, leaving around 60 wounded. Two months later, the authorities shut down Drongna monastery and others in the region. In the three-month period of protests and unrest, 1,000 people were detained, around 600 of whom are thought to have received a programme of political “re-education”.

Heightened Security and Punitive Measures By Jigme Thinley China has heightened security and imposed punitive measures on Tibetans in response to the spate of self-immolation protests in Tibetan areas, reports the United States based Congressional Executive Commission on China (CECC). The Commission reports that it has not observed any sign that Party and government leaders intend to respond to Tibetan grievances in a constructive manner or accept any accountability for Tibetan rejection of Chinese policies. In its annual report on Tibet released this month, the Commission notes that the number of self-immolations has declined from 25 last year to eight this year in response to China’s policy of prosecuting and imprisoning Tibetans linked to a self-immolator. The Commission recommends that the Chinese government “refrain from using security and judicial institutions to intimidate Tibetan communities by prosecuting and imprisoning Tibetans Contact

with alleged links to a self-immolator or for sharing information on selfimmolation.” The report also documents the status of Tibetan economic development, language, culture and religious freedom for Tibetans. It urges the

Chinese authorities to honour the Chinese Constitution’s reference to freedoms of speech, association, assembly and religion and to refrain from using the security establishment, courts, and law to infringe upon and repress Tibetans’ exercise of such rights. The Commission notes that it has not observed any indication of official Chinese interest in resuming a dialogue that takes into account Tibetan 8

concerns in Tibetan autonomous areas, saying, “A Chinese government decision to engage in dialogue can result in a durable and mutually beneficial outcome for the government and Tibetans that will benefit local and regional security in coming decades”. Formal dialogue between the Dalai Lama’s representatives and Chinese Communist Party and government officials has been stalled since January 2010, the longest interval since such contacts resumed in 2002. The report also questions the whereabouts of the Panchen Lama Gedun Choekyi Nyima, who went missing with his family after his recognition by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1995. The CECC was set up by the US Congress in 2000, with the legislative mandate to monitor human rights and the development of the rule of law inside China, and to submit annual reports to the President and the Congress. OCTOBER 2014

news & issues

Sentences, Arrests and Releases in Tibet Chinese security forces when he was found throwing lungta (windhorse flags) into the air in his village in a lone protest. Dori is a former monk from Nubsoor Monastery and now a small business owner from Horshul Village, Serta County. He is currently under detention at an unknown location. Oct 25: Tsangyang Gyamtso, the chant master of Drilda Monastery and one of four monks arrested in March in Sog County in the Nagchu Prefecture, has now reportedly been sentenced to 12 years in prison. He is charged with contacting overseas Tibetans and influencing other monks to engage in anti-China activities. The current whereabouts and condition of the four monks are not known.

Oct 19: Khenpo Kartse, the renowned Buddhist teacher and Abbot of Japa Monastery, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison. Kartse, who was arrested in December 2013 and detained until now for allegedly harbouring a fugitive monk, was sentenced in a secret trial in Chamdo Prefecture. The Abbot’s lawyer was permitted to meet Kartse twice, and eventually retracted the case under pressure from the government. Oct 18: Dorjee Rinchen, popularly known as “Dori,” was taken into custody by Contact

Oct 16: Tibetans in Sichuan Province’s Litang County gathered this week in order to pray for imprisoned Buddhist t e a c h e r Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, and to protest against his incarceration. They made offerings, praying for Rinpoche’s release and displaying large images of both Rinpoche and the Dalai Lama. Though speakers at the event openly criticised a number of Chinese officials’ roles in Rinpoche’s imprisonment, the gathering was left undisturbed by security forces. Oct 6: Kalsang Tsultim, the Tibetan writer, has been released from prison after serving a four year sentence. Tsultim, also known as Gyitsang Takmig, was sentenced and

Oct 4: Passang Wangchuk, 37, was arrested in Kardze County after a solo protest against the Chinese

government. He was chanting slogans and carrying a large banner that demanded human rights for Tibetans, Tibet’s freedom, freedom of religion and the Dalai Lama’s right to return to Tibet. Wangchuk’s whereabouts and situation remain unknown since his arrest. He is described as an outspoken man for justice. Oct 2: Six monks from the Drongurgon Kagyu Phelgyeling Monastery, located in Wathang Town, Driru County, have been arrested for the removal and burning of a Chinese flag that flew from the terrace of their monastery. [see article opposite]

imprisoned in 2011 for sharing a video describing the hardships of Tibetans under Chinese rule, and urging the international community to intervene on their behalf. Tsultim has been warned that further political activity could result in further detention.

OCTOBER 2014

news & issues Oct 27: Ordered Home

Residents of Jomda county in the Chamdo prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region have been ordered to recall home any family members who are monks or nuns enrolled at Buddhist centres in western Chinese provinces. They have threatened families failing to comply with punishment, including withdrawal of all forms of government aid. Opportunties to study near Jomda are extremely limited. Oct 27: Tibet Charity Celebrates Tibet Charity (India) has celebrated its 10th anniversary with Sikyong Lobsang Sangay as Chief Guest at the ceremony. The charity, which works in close collaboration with the CTA, is well known for its services for the most marginalised sectors of the Tibetan community: the elderly and the sick, it also provides shelter to homeless and injured dogs and cats. Oct 26: Journalist in Tibet A journalist with the Irish TV news channel RTÉ, has visited Tibet and conducted a series of interviews, some of which describe benefits under Chinese rule, some are seen abruptly cut short by a Chinese-speaking escort. Mr Bromwell reported seeing tight security, describing the visit as “carefully choreographed” and acknowledging that a true picture of Tibetan life is still “out of reach”. Oct 24: Mining Banned Chinese authorities have banned mining operations in Dzatoe county in Yulshul, in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in an environmentally sensitive area where clashes last year between police and Tibetan protesters left dozens injured and eight detained. This follows widespread coverage in foreign news media of the protests and community leaders petitioning Contact

Tibetan Headlines

the central government in Beijing, and the area affected has been declared a protected zone. Oct 23: “Forever Gratitude” Tibetan Children’s Village school in Dharamsala celebrated its 54th anniversary by paying tribute to HH the Dalai Lama with their theme, “Forever Gratitude to HH the Dalai Lama”. TCV was set up in 1960 with 51 students and now has 35 schools throughout India and has supported more than 14,000 students during the past 54 years. Oct 22: Delek Hospital: 43 Years The Tibetan Delek hospital at Gangchen Kyishong celebrated its 43rd anniversary in a ceremony graced by His Eminence the Karmapa Rinpoche. A new doctors’ residence was inaugurated, and the ceremony finished with a cultural performance by the Thangthong Lukar group. The ceremony also marked the “2014 – Year of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama”. Oct 21: Confusius Campaign Students for a Free Tibet have persuaded the Trustees of the Toronto District School Board to vote on cancelling their agreement with the Confucius Institute, with the aim of shutting China’s Confucius Institute out of Toronto’s secondary schools in Canada. The Chinese government directly manages the Confucius Institute, which has branches worldwide, and is using it to influence school curricula. Oct 15: Nobel Prize Winners Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay has commended 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Winners Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi. In a congratulatory note, Sikyong praised the Nobel recipients for fighting against the suppression 10

of children and promoting universal education, calling their efforts “heroic and iconic to the rest of the world…an inspiration to many.” Oct 10: Intimidation Chinese authorities have built a large police station and detention centre near the centuries-old Muge monastery in Ngaba, in an apparent bid to intimidate the monks there who are required to report all their activities. There is speculation that it may also be used for government workers sent to monitor the monks’ activities and give classes in Chinese law. Oct 9: Military Upgrade China’s high level Military Commission headed by President Xi Jinping has upgraded the status of Tibet’s top police force to that of a military body in a move aimed at better safeguarding the region’s stability. Chinese People’s Armed Police have reportedly played a major role in controlling the recent selfimmolations in Tibet. Oct 5: “Ama” Wager Mourned HH the Dalai Lama and the CTA have conveyed their grief at the passing of Ms Imtraut “Ama” Wager, longtime advocate of the welfare and education of exiled Tibetans, saying “She was truly a beacon of light”. Oct 2: PEN Resolution Over 200 delegates from more than 80 regional centres of PEN, the international Tibetan Writers Group, attended the 80th PEN International Congress held in Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. The conference called on the Chinese government to restore the right to freedom of speech, rehabilitation of imprisoned writers in Tibet, and to release imprisoned Tibetan writers and artistes. OCTOBER 2014

news & issues

International Headlines Oct 27: Gender Gap The global gender gap has narrowed over the last ten years, says the World Economic Forum (WEF), with increased access for women to politics and the workforce. Looking at economic factors, health, education and political participation, WEF reports “sweeping changes” in many countries, with 105 becoming more equal since 2005. Iceland tops the list, with Yemen placed last. Six nations have seen their gender gap increase. Oct 25: Transplant Breakthrough Surgeons in Sydney, Australia say they have performed the first heart transplant using a “dead heart”, reviving and then transplanting hearts that had stopped beating for up to 20 minutes. Hearts are the only organs not used after the heart has stopped beating. The first patient who received a heart said she felt a decade younger.

Oct 24: Artefacts Returned The United States has returned about 20 ancient artefacts to Peru. The objects, some more than 1,800 years old, include pottery and pieces looted from ancient Peruvian graves dating back from before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th Century. They had been stolen from burial sites and then smuggled from Peru to the States. Oct 23: Executions China executed 2,400 people last year, a statistic Beijing tries to keep a state secret. The Dui Hua Foundation, a US-based human rights group said “China currently executes more people every year than the rest of the world combined”, and that they obtained the figures from “a judicial Contact

official with access to the number of executions carried out each year”. Oct 22: Top HR Prize Dr Denis Mukwege of the Democratic Republic of Congo has won Europe’s top human r i g h t s prize, the Sakharov prize. He set up the Panzi hospital to treat thousands of women who have been subject to horrific sexual violence and gang rapes. Two years ago he survived an assassination attempt after condemning the use of sexual violence in DR Congo by forces fighting to control the country’s vast mineral wealth. Oct 18: UN Urges Action The United Nations Security Council has urged the international community to go to greater lengths to stop Islamic State (IS) advances in Iraq and Syria. The Council requested that more nations support the Iraqi government and security forces, and expand bombing raids against the group. The announcement comes in light of IS gains in the region. Oct 17: Militants Captured Afghan security forces have captured two high-ranking members of the Haqqani militant group: Anas Haqqani, son of the Haqqani group’s founder, and Hafiz Rashid, a senior

commander in the organisation. They are thought to have played crucial roles in the group’s fund-raising, recruiting, and training operations.

Oct 14: UK Recognises Palestine In an effort to realise a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, British lawmakers have voted to recognise Palestine as a state. The outcome is a symbolic victory for Palestinians pursuing an independent Palestinian nation. Oct 13: Landslide Victory In a landslide victory Bolivian President Evo Morales has been re-elected for a third term as the nation’s leader. Morales, Bolivia’s first indigenous president, framed the win as a victory for his socialist and infrastructure development policies that have characterised his first two terms. Oct 6: Farmers Struggling Millions of farmers in Thailand are facing severe difficulties. Low rainfall and poor water reservoir management suggest coming drought, which could exacerbate rapidly increasing household debt in Thailand, already high among the nation’s farmers. Many in Thailand’s rice-growing heartland face the possibility of greater financial instability. Oct 5: Aid Lacking A majority of wealthy nations failed to meet their development aid pledges for 2013, according to the One Campaign’s recently released aid data report. Of the aid contributed, only one third reached the world’s poorest nations. However, aid contributions increased by 5.3% to $131.2 billion in 2013, an improvement over previous years. Oct 3: Myanmar Conflict General Secretary of the United Nations Ban Ki Moon has expressed deep concern regarding violence between Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslim and Buddhist communities. Secretary Moon’s report focused on the state of Rakhine, in which religious and ethnic tensions have led to continuing conflict since 2012. OCTOBER 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 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org

Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)

The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives has the purpose to restore, protect, preserve, and promote Tibetan culture in all its aspects. They offer courses in Tibetan and Hindi language and Buddhist philosophy and can provide affordable accommodation for those enrolled in two or more courses. WEB: ltwa.net, tibetanlibrary.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong 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: 01892-223930 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: 9882786875

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, 988-2323-455 EMAIL: office@lhasocialwork.org

The Kangra Distt. Red Cross Society

The Kangra District Red Cross Society renders its humanitarian services, projects and activities with the help and the co-operation of people at all levels of society by donation. WEB: www.redcrosskangra.org LOCATION: Red Cross Bhawan, Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-224888 / 9418832244 EMAIL: sharmaopl12345@gmail.com

Gu-Chu-Sum Movement 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

OCTOBER 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 lessons on Tibetan folk dance, folk song, traditional instruments and tradition of Tibetan opera. TIPA also hosts a beautiful theatrical museum which remains open during working days. We organise a special group tour of our campus every Wednesday (10 am). WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: TIPA Road, McLeod Ganj Dharamshala-176219 PHONE: 01892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com

Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT)

Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT) is a nongovernment, non-profit adult education centre in Dharamshala, North India. LIT provides Free Education, Health Care and Skills Training to Tibetan Refugees to help eradicate poverty and illiteracy amongst the Tibetan population. WEB: www.learningandideasfortibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala 176219 PHONE: 01892-220690 EMAIL: learningandideasfortibet@gmail.com

Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR)

Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution is a nonprofit, educational organisation dedicated to the non-violent management of conflicts in the Tibetan Community and the world as a whole. They work to promote the approaches and tools of non-violent conflict resolution and democratic processes in the Tibetan community in exile and elsewhere. WEB: http://tccr.org LOCATION: Session Road, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-226627 EMAIL: tccrteam@gmail.com

Rogpa Baby Care Centre

The Rogpa Baby Care Centre helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so 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

Contact

Clean Upper Dharamshala Project

Founded in 1994 to provide a waste management system in and around McLeod Ganj, the Green Workers, the Handmade Recycled Paper Factory, the Green Shop and the Environmental Education Centre are part of the Clean Upper 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

The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)

ANEC facilitates trainings, workshops and open forum discussions on nonviolent strategies to help resolve disagreements and differences at all levels of human society. ANEC welcomes volunteers from western countries to participate in informal panel discussions on ideas of regional and global peace and nonviolent strategies. Free lunch and tea and many more benefits for volunteers. LOCATION: No. 262, 1st floor, Khajanchi -Mohalla, Khunyara Rd, Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 98051-47048 / 94180-94476 EMAIL: tcsamkhar@gmail.com, Facebook: Anec Peace

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

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 2014

activities & tourist info Upcoming Events

MEDITATION

Nov 11-13:HH the Dalai Lama’s teaching on Nagarjuna’s Precious Garland of the Middle Way (uma rinchen trengwa) at Tsuglakhang

Om Yoga, Meditation and Reiki Centre

Nov 13: Lhabab Duechen Buddha Shakyamuni’s Descent from Heaven Dec 10: Nobel Peace Prize Day Commemoration of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama Dec 10: International Human Rights Day

BUDDHIST PHILoSOPHY Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

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

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

Siddhartha Retreat Centre

Public Audience with HH Karmapa

School of Life and Spirituality

WEB: www.kagyuoffice.org LOCATION: Sidhpur HOURS: Wed & Sat: 2:30pm PHONE: 01892-235307

WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Nag, Near High Sky PHONE: 09816565138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@yahoo.co.in

yoga and reiki

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

Om Yoga, Meditation and Reiki Centre

COOKING

LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, behind Akash Hotel, on Jogiwara Rd - Map #11 HOURS: 8:00am-5:30pm PHONE: 980-569-3514

Sunita Singh Yoga Class

LOCATION: Singh Corner, nr Magic Tree Upper Bhagsu (see ad on pg 19) PHONE: 9805889060 WEB: www.maashakktiyoga.com

Siddhartha Retreat and Yoga Centre LOCATION: Upper Bhagsu (see ad on pg 20) PHONE: 098165-65138 WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org

MASSAGE Nature Cure Health Club

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

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

Lhamo’s Kitchen: Tibetan Cooking Classes

Men-Tsee-Khang

Nisha’s Indian Cooking Class

LOCATION: Mcleod Ganj Branch Clinic, 1st floor, Tipa Road (2 mins from Main Square) PHONE: 98828-60505 EMAIL: therapycenter@men-tsee-khang.org

Traditional Thai Massage

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

Contact

LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop HOURS: 8:00am-9:00pm PHONE: 981-646-8719 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 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) PHONE: 9882455065 EMAIL: thosamling@gmail.com see ad on opp. page for more information

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 and 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, Jogiwara Rd HOURS: Mon, Wed & Fri: 2:00pm-5:00pm

The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA)

WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 1892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com

Kangra Art Museum

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

Men-Tsee-Khang Museum

LOCATION: Near CTA, Gangchen Kyishong PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org HOURS: 9am-5pm. Closed on Sun, 2 and 4th Sat

Form Gallery

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

OCTOBER 2014

activities & news

Standing in Solidarity

HEALTH SERVICES Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Dr Natasha Mehra

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

Dadon Physiotherapy Clinic

LOCATION: 310, Geden Choeling Nunnery, Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj HOURS: 9am - 7pm PHONE: 9882323598 EMAIL: dadonphysio@gmail.com

Dr Kumar Ayurvedic and Panchkarma WEB: www.kumarayurveda.com LOCATION: Hotel Surya Rd., opposite 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: Below Delek Hospital, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org

Primary Health Centre

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

Nature Cure Health Club

LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House-Map #10 HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm PHONE: 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

Name: Rohini Kejriwal Volunteer Job at Lha: Writer for Contact and English tutor One of the toughest decisions I made in my life was to quit my job as a journalist at a well respected English daily. Luckily for me, Lha and the experience of Tibetan culture changed everything. I found myself high up in the gorgeous state of Himachal Pradesh, teaching English to a wonderful 29-year-old called Karma (who loved the story of Little Red Riding Hood and Clifford the big red dog!), asking nuns how they feel about being bald and receiving intriguing answers and spending an hour every evening talking to people from Tibet about their notions of home, belonging and family. Despite words being what I’m supposed to be good at, it’s hard to sum up the experience of Lha as a volunteer. My month at Lha was as much about receiving and learning as about giving and teaching. It amazed me to find that for some of the young people living in Dharamsala, who have never been to Tibet nor escaped from it, the idea of freedom was exactly the same as the angry refugee who walked for days to enter India. I discovered facts that previously seemed like fiction but that could be nothing but the truth after hearing the voices and looking into the eyes of the storyteller. There were tough days, when the group I sat with refused to

acknowledge my being an Indian woman who genuinely wanted to know their stories and help them express themselves. But those were quickly replaced by days when I got positive feedback, when I saw a curiosity being sparked in my student. Occasional talks discussing the present Tibetan scenario; helping with some social media problems or running Prof Rinpoche’s account; each experience was as special as the other. Not to mention my lovely editor (who recently assigned me a really interesting story to work on about the Chinese president’s visit to India) Dukthen: 2 years in a newspaper and I hardly felt like I was making a difference and 2 days at Lha and I could already see the change. Each day at Lha was a special one, be it for some fascinating interaction with one of the new volunteers or getting an opportunity to stand in solidarity with Tibet and hold their flag during the Indian Independence Day celebrations at the town square. I’m truly grateful to the entire team at Lha for allowing me to experience everything I did with the intensity that I did. Tibet deserves to be free and from wherever I am in the future, I will support you in every way possible. I’m going to be back very soon :)

THOSAMLING’s Tibetan Language Program 2014/15 MODULE 1 Beginner Course 5 Jan – 27 Feb 2015 5 days/week, total 4.5 hrs/day. Start with the alphabet and learn to read and write basic Tibetan in two weeks. Audio and video materials help students progress as quickly as possible.

MODULE 2 Intermediate Course 27 Oct – 19 Dec 2014 5 days/week, total 4.5 hrs/day.

Main focus is on colloquial Tibetan and first stages of developing literary Tibetan skills using simple texts. Private time with teachers is available.

MODULE 3 Dharma Language Course 5 Jan – 27 Feb 2015 5 days/week, total 2.5 hrs/day.

Main focus is on literary/colloquial Tibetan. We work with audio materials, transcripts and translations of oral teachings and their root texts to deepen understandings.

T he cour ses are free for Sangha.

MODULE 4 Introduction to Debate 13 Oct – 19 Dec 2014 5 days/week, total 2.5 hrs/day & afternoon debate sessions.

Debate opens many doors to the Dharma and sharpens the mind. Re g ist fo r a ll cratio n our is op e n se s !

For a minimum of five people coming from McLeod Ganj: inexpensive daily transport can be arranged.

THOSAMLING INSTITUTE For International Buddhist Women

thosamling@gmail.com • www.thosamling.com • Sidhpur • 176057 Dharamsala • mob 9882455065 Contact

OCTOBER 2014

information and news

Lha invites you to visit our newlyestablished Lha Tibet Fair Trade (LTFT) store. The store sells traditional Tibetan goods made by local craftspeople and is

Goods on show at the LTFT showroom Photo: Lha

located on the floor below the Lha office on Temple Road in McLeod Ganj.

By Annapurna Mellor

Handmade books and boxes which are made with recycled paper Photo: Lha

For more information, please visit the LTFT website:

www.tibetfairtrade.com

the resignation of current Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, who has failed to show any support for Hong Kong’s right to democracy and has encouraged protesters to back down. Hong Kong protesters are demanding their right to “a high degree of autonomy” from China, with “one country, two systems”, as promised when the British handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997. Protesters, often numbering over 10,000, are sleeping on the streets.

Talks have taken place between the Hong Kong government and student protest leaders, and there was talk of a vote on how to proceed. However, it was cancelled at the last minute. With no sign of China reconsidering, some protesters are struggling to see a suitable resolution. Protester Jo Tai told the Guardian UK “I think we should think about our plan and think about whether to retreat. We can’t occupy the streets with no time limitations”.

The TYC Celebrates 45 Years

The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) celebrated its 45th anniversary on October 7 with a call to Tibetan young people “to participate in protests and campaigns to intensify the Tibetan movement and make it more effective on the global stage.” The TYC was founded in 1970 and now stands as the largest pro-independence group in exile, with 35,000 active members. In their anniversary statement, the TYC condemned China’s “abuse of basic human rights of the Tibetan people by denying Tibetans their freedom of religion, freedom of Contact

wishing to form partnerships and set up exhibition tours.

Hong Kong: No End in Sight

The month-long protests in Hong Kong have continued throughout October with protesters still occupying the streets and demanding democracy for Hong Kong. China refuses to back down on their decision to screen candidates for the 2017 elections for Chief Executive in Hong Kong. Protesters have insisted that the only solution is for the Hong Kong local government to fight for their rights against China. They also demand

By Daisy Hughes

Through LTFT, Lha aims to promote awareness and appreciation of Tibetan culture while providing a source of income for local artists and craftspeople to improve their standard of living. In addition, the store supports Lha’s many charitable projects, helping us to become more sustainable and selfsufficient. LTFT acts as a certified co-operative, offering a wide range of handmade Tibetan craftworks - from handloom textiles to jewellery, home décor and personal accessories to traditional Tibetan art. LTFT is a licensed manufacturer, retailer, importer, exporter, and wholesale company. We welcome enquiries from any businesses

expression, freedom of movement and destruction of the fragile Tibetan environment through rampant mining activities and deforestation.” They declared their intention to “leave no stone unturned to prepare

and struggle for the cause of Tibet rather than hope for someone else to solve the issue.” Historically, tensions exist within 16

the movement as the TYC has chosen explicitly to campaign for total independence rather than supporting HH the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration’s Middle-Way Approach. However, conscious of the dangers of divisive action they began their anniversary statement with “deepest respects” to His Holiness. Tenzing Jigme, President of the TYC, said “these are tough times for the Tibetan movement but we are a strong and resilient group of people. The Chinese government will never be able to break the will and spirit of the Tibetan people”. OCTOBER 2014