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འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།
Contact
A Free Monthly Publication For Tibetan Issues and Community Information RGD No. HPENG/2013/51798 Volume: XIX Issue:8 SEPTEMBER 30, 2017
His Holiness Visits Europe
Parliamentary Session Roundup
Subverting the HR System
Tibet’s Water in Jeopardy
by Vasudha Bhatia His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited four countries in Europe during a 20-day tour from September 9-27. The tour took him to Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Latvia. Northern Ireland: His Holiness started his tour with a talk, Educating the Continued on page 4
by Vasudha Bhatia The international advocacy group Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a 96-page report, The Cost of International Advocacy: China’s Interference in United Nations Human Rights Mechanisms, on September 5 in Geneva. The report starts with concerns about the apparent willingness of the United Nations to comply with China’s Continued on page 3
W www.contactmagazine.net
by Lodoe Gyatso The Fourth Session of the 16th Tibetan Parliament in Exile (TPiE) saw the discussion of the annual reports of the seven departments of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). It also deliberated on the urgent situation prevailing inside Tibet and discussed burning issues within the Tibetan community in exile. Continued on page 5
by Mary Trewartha The global environmental concerns over the growing consumption of bottled water are reaching the remote uplands of Tibet. Tibet’s water is being extracted and sold for profit. One example is in Hong Kong where sales of the Brand Tibet 5100 are booming. Tibet 5100 is water said to be bottled at the “source of Tibetan glaciers”, at an altitude Continued on page 6
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ABOUT LHA & CONTACT Contact, a free monthly magazine published by Lha Charitable Trust, is a recognised and registered publication under the Registrar Office of the Newspaper, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India. The registration number is HPENG/2013/51798. Acknowledged by Lonely Planet and other international travel resources, Contact has been a popular source of news and information on Tibetan issues, and the Dharamshala community, for over 20 years. 700 - 1,000 copies are printed per issue and distributed in the Dharamshala area, Delhi, and various diplomatic missions of India. Copies are also sent to various Tibetan schools, settlements, offices and NGOs in India and abroad. Please Note: The articles, stories and other material in Contact represent the views of the authors and are not necessarily the views of the Contact editing staff or Lha Social Work. All comments on this issue should be submitted by email to: editor@contactmagazine.net
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Acknowledgement
This issue of Contact is sponsored by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD). TFD’s kind contribution has made this publication possible. We thank TFD for supporting the publication of Contact.
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NEWS & ISSUES
Continued from page 1
Subverting the Human Rights System
demands by restricting access to meetings and talks for activists and non government organisations (NGOs) critical of China, “The UN’s handling of these situations points to larger concerns about the treatment and protection of human rights activists critical of China as they seek to participate in UN human rights mechanisms—intended to protect the rights of all—and about China’s attempts to thwart UN scrutiny of its own human rights record.” The report states, “China has generally directed its energies in the Council [the United Nations Human Rights Council] toward shielding itself from human rights scrutiny, opposing country-specific resolutions, and defending concepts such as national sovereignty at the expense of international human rights monitoring.” The report accused China of harassing and intimidating activists, primarily those from China, saying, “Chinese officials have photographed and filmed activists on UN premises,
in violation of UN rules, and restricted travel by mainland activists to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. China has also used its membership on the Economic and Social Council’s Committee on NGOs to block NGOs critical of China from being granted UN accreditation and it has sought to blacklist accredited activists to bar their attendance.” The report explains the value of the role of NGOs, quoting the former High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, who said, speaking of NGOs, “One cannot overestimate the contribution that civil society has made towards the development of international human rights standards...” It also accuses China of inappropriate attempts to influence UN personnel: “Chinese diplomats, in violation of UN rules, have contacted UN staff and experts on treaty bodies and special procedures (independent experts focusing on specific human rights issues), including behaviour that at times has amounted to harassment and intimidation.”
It says that China’s actions against NGOs, “Amount to what appears to be a systematic attempt to subvert the ability of the UN human rights system to confront abuses in China and beyond.” The HRW reports gives an example of activist Cao Shunli who was detained by the Chinese authorities in 2013. She had urged Beijing to consult Chinese civil society in drafting its UN human rights review and had tried to travel to Geneva to participate in human rights training sessions. She died in detention after becoming gravely ill. The HRW Chief, Kenneth Roth, said that, “China engages with the UN on human rights but often with the goal of aggressively silencing criticism and eroding access for activists who work on China.” The HRW chief also said that, “Unless the UN and concerned governments put a stop to China’s efforts to manipulate or weaken UN human rights mechanisms, the UN’s credibility, and indeed its ability to defend rights in China and around the globe, are at risk.”
Tibetan Nomads Forced off their Land
by Lodoe Gyatso Tibetan nomads in China’s northwestern Qinghai province are being forced to abandon their traditional grazing lands. Anyone found remaining in banned areas faces stiff fines and jail sentences. The nomads in Golog prefecture’s Darlag county were given no reason for the move. It is customary for Tibetan nomads to release their livestock into the grassland for summer grazing, but this year the Chinese authorities ordered them off the land, giving them until August 23 to move. Officials called in armed police to threaten those that did not leave in time. Each of them was fined 1,000 Yuan [US$155; £120] and told that anyone who stayed would be jailed. Meanwhile, nomads living in the Horkor and Takor villages of Darlag’s Dernang township have been ordered Contact
to move from their winter camps without being given an alternative place to live. Tibetan nomads are not allowed to graze in “some of the best pasture land in all of the Tibetan Plateau, especially in the key prefectures of Yulshul and Golog,” Tibet environmental expert Gabriel Lafitte said, adding that Chinese policy specifies that resettled
Map showing Darlag county in Golog Prefecture
nomads be given vocational training and access to markets. “[However], in reality, there is very little vocational training, and resettled nomads have 3
few opportunities to enter the modern economy,” he continued. In response Tibetan nomads in the Golog region have appealed to the Chinese authorities. The English version of the petition stated that, “officials started implementation of a new policy restricting the rights of native pastoralists to use their pastures.” Citing relevant laws within the Chinese constitution as well as the Qinghai province grassland law, the petitioners stated that they are, “forced to appeal in the hope that the officials of the Peoples’ Republic of China’s People’s Government, putting the interests of the people first, and being committed to the principle of ‘ruling the country by law’ and ‘ruling the country as per law’, will show concern, and make a decision that is in accordance with law and not against custom.” SEPTEMBER 2017
NEWS & ISSUES His Holiness Visits Europe Continued from page 1
Heart, at the Millennium Forum in Northern Ireland. This talk was organised by Children in Crossfire, an organisation which works for the rights and needs of children and young people caught in the crossfire of global poverty, injustice and inequality. His Holiness said he appreciated the work of this organisation in helping thousands of needy children, especially in the African states, and expressed his gratitude to the founder, Richard Moore, and all the people working for Children in Crossfire. He said, “If we make an effort we can change the world. Those who are still young can make a difference and shape a better future. For my part, I try to encourage interest in inner values and I believe that if I influence ten people and each of them does the same, we’ve reached one hundred. And so it goes on. This is the way to educate people.” Germany: Members of the Tibetan community offered His Holiness a traditional welcome in Frankfurt on September 12. He gave a talk, Global Ethics – Shared Values, at the Jahrhunderthalle Convention Centre in Frankfurt on the following day where he mentioned that, “Most of the problems in many countries today, except for the natural disasters, are created by us and our differences. We need to go deeper to understand that all human beings are same and I consider myself one among several billion human beings.” While in Frankfurt, His Holiness spoke to1,600 students from over 60 schools, telling them of his concerns over the sufferings of human beings which, he said, originate from increasing violence, starvation, selfishness and indifference. “There are a lot of problems in this 21st century”, he said, “Leaving the natural disasters aside, most of the problems are our own creation”. He continued, “The future of the world is in our hands. The future depends on the present. The past is gone. We can only learn from the past, we cannot change it.” He then embarked on a question and answer
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session with the students. He concluded his two-day tour of Germany by participating in the conference Western Science and Buddhist Perspectives. In his address he said, “Today’s world has seen a lot of progress in the materialistic, economic and other fields, but I think in today’s world there is some kind of mental crisis. Too much fear, too much anger… leading to use of physical action like bullying and neglecting thousands of people…Then there is the big question, whether we can do something or not. Mental consciousness is important in order to keep peace of mind and through that better health.” Italy: His Holiness arrived in Italy on September 16 and gave a talk on the subject of “Peace” at the Ancient Greek - Roman theatre of Taormina. On the following day he visited Sicily where he was greeted by the Archbishop of Messina, Giovanni Accolla, and gave a talk, Joy in Education. Arriving in
His Holiness with the Mayor of Pisa in Italy Photo:Olivier Adam
Florence, he spoke on Peace through Education, before travelling to Pisa, Tuscany, for a two-day symposium Buddhist Science and Modern Science. His Holiness was escorted to Piazza dei Cavalieri on September 20 by the mayor of Pisa, Marco Filippeschi, where over 3,700 people were gathered to listen to his talks. In one of his talks His Holiness said, “It is my conviction that a genuine collaboration between contemporary psychological sciences and the ancient Indian science of the mind is possible. 4
It has the potential to make a significant contribution to scientific understanding and the development of useful educational and therapeutic techniques. The application of mindfulness and practices involving kindness and compassion are proving particularly effective.” In Messina, His Holiness was awarded the prize for the Builder of Peace, Justice and Nonviolence on September 17 as well as an Honorary Masters Degree by the University of Pisa in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the understanding of psychology and for his inspirational guidance and leadership in promoting the study of Buddhist science. Two towns in the province of Sicily, Italy awarded His Holiness honorary citizenship. Latvia: His Holiness arrived in Riga, Latvia, on September 22 where he gave a twoday teaching on Kamalashila’s The Middling Stages of Meditation and Tsongkhapa’s Concise Stages of the Path to Enlightenment. On his final day in Riga, His Holiness gave a public talk, Harmony without Boundaries, at Skonto Hall. While in Latvia, His Holiness was asked during an interview on Latvian Television what he meant by “the world being in crisis” and replied that the crisis in the world is brought about by the presence of fear and anger, unfulfilled desires, exploitation and the huge gap between the rich and the poor. “All these problems faced by humanity are of our own making”, he said. When asked about terrorism, His Holiness said, “The problem of terrorism can only be solved if we can reach out to them, keeping in mind that they too are human beings”.. His Holiness returned to Dharamshala on September 27 and was greeted at Kangra airport by Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, the President of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile. He will be giving a four-day teaching in Dharmashala on October 3-6 on Chandrakirti’s Entering the Middle Way (umajukpa). SEPTEMBER 2017
NEWS & ISSUES Continued from page 1
Parliamentary Session Roundup
Parliament opened on September 19 with resolutions of mourning for various Tibetans who had passed away since the previous sitting. A unanimous resolution to express solidarity with the plight of the Tibetan people inside Tibet under China was also passed. The Speaker of the TPiE, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, of the necessity to prevail upon the Chinese government to resume dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the CTA. Jhonang activists requested parliament members to reconsider their appeal to recognise their school of Tibetan Buddhism as the fifth prominent sect of Tibet. Human Rights group the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy submitted a report of their survey about Electoral Reform which had been conducted within the exile community. A petition to consider the case of
MP Dawa Tsering and the Yongling School was tabled along with signatures from 2,660 Tibetans. During the remainder of the sessions the seven departments of the Central Tibetan Administration
Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel Photo: VOT
presented their annual reports. Parliament also considered various aspects of proposed legislation. Parliament unanimously resolved to implement the Tibetan language as the primary medium in official
correspondence. There was some drama during the sessions. On September 21 a dispute occurred when the majority of the House boycotted the after-lunch session in protest at a statement made by a legislator earlier that day. The business of the TPiE only continued when a clarification was received from the office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama which was followed by the withdrawal of the statement by the parliamentarian. There was some controversy too. Kagyu MP Tenpa Yarphel said on September 20 that the exile Tibetan government is greatly overstating the importance of deities and that beseeching heavenly deities is not proper Buddhism, whilst arguing that the role of state oracle Nechung should be done away with. The Fourth Session of the 16th Tibetan Parliament in Exile ran from September 19-28.
Sikyong in Mexico and the US
by Vasudha Bhatia The President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, visited Mexico and the United States of America during September 2017. His four-day visit to Mexico was covered by the media extensively. He was featured on the cover of Spanish Newsweek magazine. The cover story included an interview with Dr Sangay and was entitled Tibet is vital for the rest of the world: Lobsang Sangay. His interview was telecast on the largest television network of the Spanish community and three local radio networks as well as the most influential newspaper in Mexico. Dr Sangay also addressed the students of three prominent universities in Mexico and gave a lecture at Casa Tibet Mexico, the Tibetan cultural institution. In his interviews, Dr Sangay called upon Latin America, and especially Contact
Mexico, to review and understand the history of Tibet, saying it is the second least free nation in the world, which continues with its struggle to achieve freedom from the People’s Republic of China in a peaceful and nonviolent way. Dr Sangay attended the 16th annual conference of the North American Tibetan Association in New York
Sikyong features on the cover of Newsweek magazine
City, USA, from September 8-10 and was the chief guest at the inaugural session. In his opening address, he acknowledged the growing awareness of Tibetan issues amongst 5
the people of the world and said that conditions for the worldwide Tibetan exile community, including North America, has vastly improved. He mentioned that Tibetans in North American should instil Tibetan values in their children, teach them the Tibetan language and encourage Tibetan students in the US to intern at government and lawmakers offices. He further highlighted the importance of unity among Tibetans and insisted that there should be an end to any divisive activities based on religious beliefs. The conference in New York City was organised by the Office of Tibet, Washington DC and the Tibetan community of New York and New Jersey and the meetings were streamed live on Facebook and on the official page of the Office of Tibet. It was attended by 62 representatives from 28 different Tibetan associations. SEPTEMBER 2017
NEWS & ISSUES
Tibet’s Water in Jeopardy
Continued from page 1 fastest expanding of these and aims to produce 10 million cubic meters of 5,100 metres. Tibet 5100 is on sale in of bottled water by 2025, and to supermarkets in plastic 1.5 litre or 500 export worldwide. The company ml bottles costing HK$13.5 [£1.30; gets government subsidies and is US$1.70] and HK$8 [£0.75; US£1] said to have received US$50million respectively and the company, Tibet [£37million] before 2013, as well as Water Resources, which was founded other benefits : tax cuts, tax holidays in 2006, has a year-on-year expansion and cheap loans. of 5%. The plastic bottles are an environmental concern for Hong Kong where they are consumed, but the environmental implications for Tibet, where the water is sourced, are significant in a country already facing major environmental pressures. The springs that supply the water are on the Qinghai Map showing the location of some of the major bottled Tibetan plateau in the water companies in Tibet Himalayas, in an area The company is flourishing but the where water concerns affect not only the local area but the millions Tibetans living in the area have no of people living downstream and say in the decision-making process who rely on Tibetan water for their about what happens to their water, and no share in the profits. daily needs. Environmental studies show In 2015 the Tibet Autonomous Region’s government released a 10-year plan to encourage the expansion of the bottled water industry. Tibetan water is much cheaper than in other parts of China and water bottled from the snowcapped peaks commands a premium as it is perceived as pure. Qomolangma Glacier Water is extracted from a national nature reserve only 80 kilometres from Everest Base Camp. changes in water flows in the China is the world’s largest bottled Himalayan region, and attribute water consumer and a major producer, these mostly to artificial dams and but its per capita consumption is low industrial exploitation, as well as so the market is expected to continue the worldwide rise in temperatures. to rise and with this, the pressure on These changes are contributing to abnormal water patterns downriver Tibet’s water is likely to increase. By the end of 2014, 28 companies in Tibet and its neighbours in South had been granted licences and and Southeast Asia. There is a complex and delicate Tibet Water Resources is one of the Contact
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ecosystem on the Himalayan plateau and it is under stress. Scientists have confirmed that melting permafrost caused a recent flood of water, mud and grass following unusually heavy rainfall and that the permafrost melt rate is increasing. The region is vulnerable to climate change. The Chinese Academy of Sciences report that glaciers in the Qinghai - Tibetan plateau have already shrunk 15% over the past three decades. In the long term, rivers will dry up with disastrous consequences downstream. Increased industry and exploitation of the water resources can only add to the problems facing this region and in turn, the millions of people living downstream. China Water Risk is a non-profit initiative looking at the impact of the risks associated with water exploitation. They have looked at bottled water consumption in Hong Kong and the factors that encourage people to buy it. They found that over half (53%) of people they surveyed drink bottled water – and half of these are regular purchasers. Their research showed the purchasers’ main consideration is convenience – although they may agree that plastic waste is an issue it does not stop them buying and they do not regard the quality of tap water as an issue. Although China Water Risk suggest that conveniently located water dispensers will encourage people to use refillable personal water bottles and thus reduce the dependence on bottled water, this attempt to change the trend is in competition with the massive bottled water industry with its impetus and marketing strategies. SEPTEMBER 2017
NEWS & ISSUES
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Appeals to Aung San Suu Kyi by Jigme Wangchuk Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has been entreated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to act against the persecution of the Muslim Rohingya minority in Myanmar. His Holiness, who is a Nobel peace laureate himself, said that Suu Kyi must speak up on the sectarian crisis and the discriminatory treatment meted out by the country’s Buddhist majority. “It’s very sad. In the Burmese case I hope Aung San Suu Kyi, as a Nobel laureate, can do something,” the Dalai Lama was quoted as saying to The Australian’s Thursdaypaper. The Dalai Lama said that it was not the first time he had urged the Burmese opposition leader to do something about the crisis. “I met her two times, first in London and then the Czech Republic. I mentioned this problem and she told me she found some difficulties, that things were not simple but very complicated.” “But in spite of that I feel she can do something,” he added. His Holiness also said that to ask for help for the persecuted Rohingya was not enough. “There’s
something wrong with humanity’s way of thinking. Ultimately we are lacking concern for others’ lives, others’ wellbeing,” he said. The violence has been attributed to the rise of Buddhist nationalism in Burma, a country which has
Photo: OHHDL / Jeremy Russell
started the transition to democracy. Buddhist nationalists are seen by some to perceive Muslims as a threat against their religion and the situation has been very tense for some years. Myanmar denies that its treatment of Rohingya Muslims amounts to “ethnic cleansing”, blaming Rohingya insurgents for the violence in Rakhine state. Their military says
it is fighting Rohingya militants and denies targeting civilians. Violence has escalated over the last month since Rohingya militants attacked police posts in response to the Burmese troops and civilians who are, they say, attacking and killing civilians as well as burning their villages. Around 370,000 Rohingyas have escaped to Bangladesh during the last month. There are reports that thousands may be trapped on boats in their attempt to escape the persecution. Aung San Suu Kyi, who is the leader of the National League for Democracy of Myanmar and is widely recognised as the de facto leader of Myanmar, has been widely criticised for remaining silent on the sectarian violence in the country. Analysts say that Suu Kyi does not want to alienate voters ahead of the November election. Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. She chose non-violence as an expedient political tactic, made evident by her statement in 2007 where she said: “I do not hold to non-violence for moral reasons, but for political and practical reasons.”
Tibetan Athletes Shine at the Chinese National Games by Vasudha Bhatia Three Tibetan athletes have outshone the opposition in the 13th National Games of China held in Tianjin, a port city in northeastern China, from August 28 to September 9. Topgyal won a gold medal in the 10 km men’s run and Mingyur Nima won a bronze medal in the same category. Cheoying Kyi won the silver medal in 20 km women’s race walk which she completed in 1 hour 23 minutes and 33 seconds. Cheoying Kyi is the first Tibetan athlete to have participated and won a Contact
medal, in the Olympics. She took part in both the 2012 London Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics. In the 2012 London Olympics, she bagged the silver medal. She is from Tsojhang in the eastern Tibetan region of Amdo. Choeying Kyi Track athlete Topgyal is a marathon runner and completed the 10 km race in 28.26 minutes, just 2 minutes short of the current world record in the same category. He 7
had earlier represented China in the 2016 Rio Olympics. He is a native of Taktse county near Tibet’s capital Lhasa and is 23 years old. Topgyal has also participated in the Asian Games, Asian Championships, Beijing Track and Field World Championships, and the IAAF Diamond Topgyal League. Tibetans worldwide are proud of their compatriots’ achievements. SEPTEMBER 2017
NEWS & ISSUES by Lodoe Gyatso The results of a survey of the views of Tibetans with respect to democratic processes has been presented to Parliamentary representatives following a campaign to educate voters. In July the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) and Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) organised a two-week campaign, Mangtso: Tibetan Democracy Awareness Tour, to encourage and promote free and open public discussion on some of the major issues related to the reform and strengthening of Tibetan democracy. Discussions were held in various Tibetan communities located in Dehra Dun, Delhi, Bangalore, Bylakuppe, Mundgod and Orissa. Workshops were also held at four major academic institutions as well as two monasteries: Sera and Drepung. “We began this campaign with the aim to create a bridge between the lawmakers and the general public so that the public’s suggestions will reach the authorities and subsequently, they will act
Democracy in Action accordingly,” said Tsering Tsomo, Executive Director of TCHRD. Dolma Yangchen, President of TWA said, “Tibetans must recognise that the democracy given to us by His Holiness is not just a right but a responsibility as well. Hence, we must utilise this prize appropriately”. During the campaign a survey was conducted on electoral issues,
File Photo
TCHRD reported. “Among the responses received, a little over 74% agreed that the current practice of holding two rounds of election for Sikyong and the parliament should be continued, although more than 74% said the time taken to declare the primary results should be shortened. About 54% of the respondents did not find the common date for Sikyong and parliamentary
elections problematic. The two-vote privilege enjoyed by the monastic population is seen as undemocratic by 70%. But at the same time, more than 57% do not see any problem with monks and nuns taking part in politics.” The full results of the survey will be incorporated in a in a special report on Tibetan democracy to be released in March next year. Videos of the various workshops are available at tchrd.org as well as Facebook and YouTube. It was anticipated that the findings of the survey would be debated at the Tibetan Parliament sessions in September, but Electoral Reform was not on the agenda.. It is expected that these issues will be discussed in the March 2018 sitting of Parliament. TCHRD works to protect the human rights of the Tibetan people in Tibet and to promote democratic principles in the exile Tibetan community. The TWA aims to promote the social, political, economic and educational empowerment of Tibetan women in exile, and to ensure they have access to adequate education and resources.
Thousands Gather for Winter Teaching
by Mary Trewartha Monks have gathered in Rebgong county for the Jang Gunchoe, or Winter Teaching, which is being held in Rongwo monastery in Amdo from September 22. The nine-day teaching is the 24th to be held in the region and thousands of monks have travelled from monasteries across the province to attend. Radio Free Asia reports a source as saying, on condition of anonymity, that “Religious debates and other activities will be held each day for different groups and classes”.The source continued by saying that the senior monk at Rongwo, Kalden Gyatso, has called on participants to work hard and said that they should Contact
maintain their moral discipline, protect their vows, and thoroughly study the major Buddhist texts. RFA also quotes their source as saying, “Many learned lamas have been invited to give talks and they are advising their followers to spread the Buddhist teachings, and the younger generation to learn the Tibetan language”. RFA reports that the Chinese authorities in the area have not objected to the teaching going ahead and that public assemblies at monasteries in Tibet are on the increase with numbers in the tens of thousands gathering together for teachings, seeing it as a way to assert their national and cultural identity 8
in the face of Chinese domination. This despite events involving large crowds frequently being closed
Tibetan monks engage in religious debate in Rongwo monastery Photo: RFA
down by the security forces, fearful of protests against Beijing’s rule in Tibet. SEPTEMBER 2017
NEWS & ISSUES Turning the Wetlands Green Again
by Mary Trewartha Herding yaks on Tibet’s uplands is helping to save the wetlands from desertification. A report by chinadialogue – an independent organisation dedicated to promoting understanding of China’s urgent environmental challenges – details the decline in the wetlands and lakes of Zoigê county, situated at an altitude of 3,500 metres and the meeting point of the Sichuan, Gansu and Qinghai provinces. It is one of China’s three largest wetland ecosystems and the world’s largest high-altitude marsh. The Sichuan Desertification Monitoring Centre reported in 2009 that more than 200 high-altitude lakes there had dried up and 46,700 hectares of grassland had become desert. More is at risk of desertification. Human activity is in part to blame for this. The land had been overgrazed and then in the 1970s work started on
digging 200 kilometres of ditches in order to drain 1,400 square kilometres of wetland and turn it to much needed pasture. This was still ongoing in the 1990s. The local mining industry has also played a part: gold miners
use cloud-seeding cannons to reduce rainfall and this is now affecting the efforts to reverse the desertification. Over the past seven years local herders have been planting grass and some areas are now beginning to turn green again. Shelterbelts of trees,
windbreaks made from straw, and the mixed planting of good quality fodder all had some benefit, but with only partial success. It is difficult to establish growth in the desert as seeds are blown away and do not have water to initiate germination. Then one of the project leaders heard two women chatting and commenting that yaks are heavy, and “couldn’t they tread the seeds deeper into the soil?” He realised this was true – and that yak dung would make a good fertiliser. Now yaks are let into fencedoff areas for an evening to tread down the seeds and it has been shown that an appropriate level of herding can help degraded grasslands recover quicker. The Chinese Academy of Sciences at Chengdu Institute of Biology has studied the desertification of the grasslands in Zoigê and found that moderate grazing helps accelerate restoration and this model is being replicated elsewhere.
Tibet Closed to Travellers in October
by Tenzin Samten Chinese authorities have issued orders banning travellers to Tibet during the month of October. From October 18 to 28, the Chinese Communist Party’s 19th National Congress will be held in Beijing – this meeting takes place every five years. During that time, foreigners as well as residents from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan who require special permits to enter Tibet will be banned. Tibetans from Amdo region will not be allowed into the Tibetan Autonomous Region. An announcement was made that tourists should leave by October 17. “During the sensitive, high-level talks, Tibet will close its borders to foreigners, while visitors travelling the country during that period will likewise be required to leave by October 17,” reports Agence France Presse (AFP). Contact
This ban will be a blow to the local tourist industry as October is a popular month for tourists. Chinese officials have frequently banned entry into Tibet during politically important events since
Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet
the 2008 uprising in Lhasa which spread across Tibet. Beijing has adopted far stiffer security and travel restrictions in Tibet than any other part of China. Foreigners and even those residing in China require special permission to enter Tibet. Sources also reported that highlevel official meetings have been 9
scheduled in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet during the time of the ban. The ban is seen as a way of China enforcing their policy of silencing dissenting human rights voices and avoiding protests during times when politically important meetings are taking place. Tibet is known to be closed every March – another politically sensitive month. March 10, 1959, is commemorated as Tibetan National Uprising day; it marks the day when thousands of Tibetans in Lhasa rose up against China’s regime in Tibet and the subsequent violent crackdown that saw thousands killed. In March 2008, a series of protests against China’s rule spread across Tibetan regions, again sparking a crackdown during which hundreds of Tibetans were shot, detained and beaten by armed Chinese security forces. SEPTEMBER 2017
NEWS & ISSUES by Vasudha Bhatia and Mary Trewartha Kyabje Menri Trizin Lungtok Tenpai Nyima Rinpoche, the 33rd abbot of Menri Bon monastery and the spiritual head of the Bon tradition, died on the evening of September 14 at Pal Shenten Menriling Monastery in Dolanji, Himachal Pradesh. He was aged 90. His monastery has released a note to say that Rinpoche was in a meditative state at the time of his demise. According to Tibetan
Buddhist Tantric practice, it is a state when the body retains its heat, emits no odours or shows signs of decay despite being clinically dead. The posture can be lying down or sitting. A public viewing to receive blessings took place at the Menriling Monastery from September 16 to October 2. A prayer service was held for Rinpoche at his monastery, attended by Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, leader of the Tibetan Governmentin-exile, who urged everyone to engage in virtuous activities for the swift rebirth of Rinpoche. Sikyong continued, “Rinpoche was instrumental in the restoration of the Bon tradition both inside and outside Tibet following the brutal annihilation of Tibetan culture by Contact
Menri Trizin Rinpoche Chinese forces in 1959. It is indeed a sad day for all Tibetans”. Rinpoche was born in Tibet in 1929 in the village of Kyongtsang in Amdo in eastern Tibet near the Chinese border. His mother died when he was a child, and A-Nyen Machen, an elderly friend of his family, brought him up. At the age of eight his father, JaloJongdong, took him to the nearby monastery of Phuntsog Dargye Ling where he began his studies of the Bon religion as well as learning to read, write and chant. He completed his Geshe degree in philosophy when he was 25 and continued to study Bon at various monasteries in Tibet before escaping to Nepal in 1959, bringing with him many important Bon texts. Arriving in India in 1961, he continued his lifelong commitment to copy, print and preserve invaluable sacred Bon texts and literature. He travelled and studied in England and Europe, often studying at Christian monasteries and he was granted a private audience with Pope Paul VI in Rome. Back in India, and at the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he was involved in the opening of a high school in Mussoorie in northern India for Tibetan refugee boys. He was known as a great teacher and taught Tibetan history and religion at the University of Oslo, Norway, before being asking to lead the followers of the Bon tradition. A permanent camp for Tibetan Bonpos was established at Dolanji in India’s Himachal Pradesh in the 1960s. In 1969 Rinpoche assumed his duties there as the 33rd Abbot of Menri and accepted the responsibility of leading the effort to reestablish the original Menri Monastery at Dolanji. This monastery had been founded in 1405 in the Tibetan province of 10
Tsang and was destroyed during the Chinese Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. Menri Trizin Lungtok Tenpai Nyima focused his time and attention towards creating a vibrant and authentic learning centre of Bon culture and tradition
at the monastery in Dolanji. He also founded an orphanage at the monastery for Bon children, the Bon Children’s Welfare Centre. Today there are approximately 400 Tibetans living in Dolanji, along with 100 orphans and 100 monks. 250 Bon children from all over India and Nepal attend the boarding school in the village. Bon is the oldest spiritual tradition of Tibet – it was the religion of Tibet for centuries before the arrival of Buddhism to Tibet in the eighth century. The ancient roots of the Bon religion derive from a profound respect for nature and emphasise the healing of physical and environmental as well as spiritual afflictions. Buddhist influences are evident in the Bon religion as it currently exists. The two religions are distinct in many ways but share a strong and identical commitment to bringing an end to all suffering. His Holiness the Dalai Lama said in a letter to The Bon Foundation, “We Tibetans regard Bon as the ancient, indigenous religious and cultural tradition of our ancestors, which is the source and embodiment of many aspects of the Tibetan way of life. With the advent of Buddhism in the Land of Snows, most Tibetans became Buddhists.” SEPTEMBER 2017
by Vasudha Bhatia The 57th Tibetan Democracy Day was celebrated by Tibetans in exile all over the world and by those here in Dharamshala, on September 2. Democracy Day marks the anniversary of the day the first elected representatives took oath in 1960 to establish the democratic system of government for the Tibetan community-in-exile, as set up by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A special event was held at Tsuglag Khang, the main temple in Dharamshala, which was attended by parliamentarians from the Tibetan Government-in-exile, Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioners and the Health Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mr Kaul Singh Thakur, who was also the chief guest. Mr Kaul Singh Thakur gave a short speech on this occasion and said that democracy was the best form of government since the power in a democratic form of government lies with the people who can elect a
Gift of Democracy
suitable candidate to carry out the basic functions of the government. He also wished His Holiness the Dalai Lama good health and a long life so that he may continue to spread the message of peace and continue to bless us in the future, and said he wished that the aspirations of the Tibetan people come true. Mr Carl Schlyter, a member of the Swedish Parliament, was the guest of honour at the event. He said in his address, “His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama did the most difficult thing which other leaders of power would not dare to do. He gave away his power to his people as a gift, in the form of Democracy.” He also said that, “There is a saying among our people, which conveys that if you understand what your adversary wants then you can always come to a mutual solution that is favourable to both sides. The saying is called ‘the golden path of the middle way.’ Sweden
NEWS & ISSUES has remained a war-free country for almost 203 years. You, like us, have the right to freedom, the right to live in your country. I know and hope that you will be able to achieve that in the near future.” The students of Peteon School performed a cultural dance programme and an award ceremony took place to recognise meritorious students and Tibetan Entrepreneurship Development investment award winners. On September 1, the day before Democracy Day, the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy and the Tibetan Women’s Association jointly launched a public awareness campaign to improve and strengthen Tibetan democracy. This campaign aims to create a bridge between the lawmakers and the general public so that the public’s suggestions will reach the authorities. [See article Democracy in Action on page 8.]
New Laws a Threat to “Core Values” by Lodoe Gyatso The Chinese government published revised regulations on religion on September 7. They portrayed the aim of these rules as protecting freedom of religious belief, maintaining religious and social harmony and regulating the management of religious affairs. An advocacy group for Tibet, the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), has reported the negative implications of the legislation for religious freedom in Tibet. Matteo Mecacci, President of the ICT, said: “These revised rules consolidate a legalistic framework of compliance and punishment on matters of deeply-felt personal belief as well as the core values of a religious faith based on principles of compassion. They represent a staggering reach of political power and intrusion into people’s lives by a government that promotes atheism. Tibetans face a very real danger in their struggle to protect and practice their religion, Contact
which is integral to their identity, and will need the spirit and resilience that they continue to demonstrate in holding fast to their teachings. In the focus on the eradication of ‘foreign’ influence, there is no doubt too that
File photo
the intention is to ensure Tibetans in Tibet are separated from the teachings and presence of their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama”. According to the new regulations, religious groups are now bound to practice “core socialist values” – an apparent attempt to use religion to work for the political goals of the 11
Communist Party.The revised law also equates religious practice of all kinds as a potential threat to the state. ICT therefore argues that they would create a more dangerous political environment for Buddhist monks, nuns and laymen. Donations from foreign sources to religious groups are banned. Organisers of unapproved events are subject to fines of 100,000 to 300,000 yuan [INR 1 - 3 million; US$15,000 – 45,000; £10,000 - 30,000]. In conclusion, ICT makes a number of recommendations to both the Chinese government and the international community aimed at aligning Chinese law with international human rights standards. ICT, also known as “Save Tibet” is a non-profit advocacy group based in Washington DC and working to promote democratic freedoms for Tibetans, ensure their human rights, and protect the Tibetan culture and environment. SEPTEMBER 2017
NEWS & ISSUES Sep 27: Monks Warned The heads of Buddhist monasteries in Trika, in Tsolho in the Qinghai province have been summoned for a briefing about the use of social media to view or spread “illegal content” during Communist Party meetings next month in Beijing. “Severe consequences” are threatened for anyone breaching this ban. Sep 24: More Threats Tibetans living around the Guchu River in Rebkong in Tibet are being evicted from their homes and land. The Rebkong County Government says the land is needed to modify, urbanise and beautify the area but locals are sceptical, based on experience of similar land grabs in the past. Sep 24: SFT Demo Students for a Free Tibet marked World River Day with Indus Water, an initiative to draw attention to the India - Pakistan water treaty of 1960, which is regarded as one of the most successful water treaties in the world. The SFT campaign Tibet’s River Asia’s Lifeline calls for binding treaties with China to secure water supplies for the nations downstream from Tibet. Sep 23: Support from Germany In response to questions from the International Campaign for Tibet, the major German political parties have expressed concern over the worsening situation in Tibet; they will support His Holiness the Dalai Lama and are also for pushing China to restart a dialogue with His Holiness’s representatives. Sep 20: Passports Held Passports have not yet been returned to many of the Tibetans whose documents were seized earlier this year as part of China’s measures to prevent pilgrims from travelling to India to attend the Kalachakra in January. The authorities promised to return them by March. Additionally, no new passports are being issued. Sep 19: No Pensions Tibetan veterans of the Special Frontier Contact
Tibetan headlines
Force – an elite paramilitary force of Tibetan refugees recruited by India in 1962 and who saw years of active service – are not getting the pensions they are due. A long campaign to secure the pensions is bogged down in official red tape. Sep 18: Canadian Candidate Bhutila Karpoche, a Canadian - Tibetan woman, has been nominated as the candidate for the New Democratic Party of Canada Member for the Provincial Parliament in the Ontario elections next year. She has been actively involved in the Tibetan movement in Canada for over ten years. Karpoche wrote on her Facebook page, “Let’s build a fairer Ontario.” Sep 15: American Tragedy A Tibetan family living in Colarado in America has won the hearts of Americans with their response to the death of their two-year-old son who was the victim of a hit and run: “…this loss…gives us an opportunity to practice compassion…As a Buddhist family, we forgive the person responsible for our great loss.” The driver has handed himself in. Sep 13: US Aid for Tibet The United States government has approved a US$17 million (£13 million) allocation to support Tibet in its 2018 budget. Funds are earmarked for the Tibetan Government-in-exile’s work to preserve Tibetan “cultural traditions, promote sustainable development and improve the education system”, as well as allocations to various organisations. Sep 13: Tibet at UN The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Prince ZeidRa’ad Al Hussein, raised the issue of Tibet in his opening statement at the UN Human Rights Council. He mentioned prominent Tibetans who have died in detention as well as imprisoned Tibetan language rights activist Tashi Wangchuk. Sep 8: Delegation from Taiwan A four-person delegation from Taiwan is in Dharamshala where they have visited HH the Dalai Lama and met members of 12
the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). The visit is organised by the Tibet Policy Institute, the think-tank of the CTA. One delegate said they hoped to “form a bridge between the Tibetans and Taiwanese”. Sep 7: Tragedy in Switzerland Tashi Namgyal, a Tibetan asylum-seeker in Switzerland, committed suicide on a railway track in Lucerne. Police found a note in his wallet in which Namgyal called on the United Nations to support Tibetan people and urged the Swiss government to grant political asylum to the 300 Tibetans in Switzerland who, like Namgyal, have applied for, and been refused, asylum. Sep 6: Fatal Shooting Tenzin Kunkhyen, 16, a Tibetan boy living in Somerville in America has been shot dead. Jonathan Perry, 17, was arrested but not charged; the two boys knew each other but the details of the shooting have not been established. Also arrested was Keith Harlow, 31, wanted on multiple charges. Sep 4: Monsoon Tragedy His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to the chief ministers of Indian states Bihar and Assam to express his profound sadness over the loss of life and property caused by the monsoon flooding. His Holiness added that as a mark of his sympathy for the people, he was making donations from his office towards the relief and rescue efforts. Sep 2: Political Prisoner Released Sonam Gyalpo, an elderly Tibetan, was released from Chushul prision in Lhasa on August 27 after serving a 12-year sentence. Gyalpo is from Nakartse country in Lhokha Prefecture in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. He had previously served three years following his first arrest in 1987 for taking part in an uprising in Lhasa, and another year from July 1992 for “engagement in political activity”. The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy reported that they have no other information about him or his health following his prison term due to the communications crackdown in the area. SEPTEMBER 2017
NEWS & ISSUES
International headlines
Sep 27: WhatsApp Disrupted The Chinese authorities have disrupted WhatsApp, the popular messaging app, as a security measure ahead of the Communist Party’s National Congress next month. Services in China have been dropping in and out over the last week and have at times only been accessible via virtual private networks which circumvent China’s internet firewall.
Sep 26: WeChat Data Shared Users are being informed that their private data uploaded to WeChat, the messaging app, is being shared with the Chinese government. It has been confirmed that data is “retained, preserved or disclosed” and surrendered to the Chinese regime in compliance with their “applicable laws or regulations”. Sep 23: Malaria Crisis Scientists are saying that a “super malaria” in South East Asia constitutes an alarming global threat. The parasite, which is resistant to the usual antimalaria drugs, emerged in Cambodia and has spread to southern Vietnam. Currently about 700,000 people a year worldwide die from drug-resistant infections, including malaria. Sep 21: Schoolchildren Lost A primary school which collapsed during the 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Mexico City earlier this week has reported at least 21 children and five adults have died. At least 225 people were killed in the quake which caused major damage across the centre of Mexico. The search for survivors continues.
He also gained the Guinness World Records title for the most miles cycled in a month – 7,031 miles (11,315km). This is his second world record – in 2008 he did it in 194 days.
countries to further China’s interests through economic might. He drew attention to countries siding with Beijing over issues such as human rights and international laws.
Sep 18: Gay Pride Ana Brnabic, the prime minister of Serbia, has become the first Balkan head of government to take part in a gay pride march. She is the first gay person, as well as the first woman, to lead Serbia. Gay pride parades in Serbia in the past have attracted anti-gay protestors and the event has not always gone ahead.
Sep 12: Eating More Meat Australians are being advised to eat more kangaroo meat in a bid to reduce the levels of wild kangaroos which have become unsustainable. There were almost 45 million kangaroos in 2016 – nearly double Australia’s human population. There is concern that millions of kangaroos could starve if a dry summer produces a drought.
Sep 16: Iceland in Trouble Iceland’s ruling coalition government has collapsed over a furore over a paedophile’s links to Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson. The Prime Minister’s father wrote a letter of recommendation to help a paedophile get his civil rights restored under a provision of Icelandic law, with the PM’s knowledge. Steps are being taken to change this law.
Sep 8: Poet Detained Wu Mingliang, also known as Langzi, a celebrated Chinese poet from Guandong in south China, has been detained following his help in producing an anthology of poems commemorating the dissident Chinese Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo, who died recently in prison. Publication of the anthology has been suspended.
Sep 15: Sanctuary for Rohingyas Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed her local government to take care of the sick and wounded Rohingyas arriving from Myanmar, saying : “If we can feed 160 million [Bangladeshis], we can also feed 700,000 Rohingya refugees” but she also asked, “Does the Myanmar government not have a conscience? How can they displace hundreds or thousands of people because of a few?”
Sep 20: U-Boat Wreck Found The wreck of a German submarine, in good condition, has been found in the North Sea off the Belgian coast where it sank during World War One. It is believed there may be 23 bodies inside. It is lying at a depth of 30m (100ft) and is thought to have been sunk by a mine.
Sep 14: Not a Spy? Chinese-born Jian Yang, 55, a New Zealand MP, has been investigated by New Zealand’s intelligence services. Mr Yang denies that he is a Chinese spy. Prime Minister Bill English says he was aware of Jian Yang’s background – Mr Yang spent ten years in China at “spy schools” where he received military and intelligence training.
Sep 19: Record Breaker! Scottish cyclist Mark Beaumont has broken the world record for cycling around the world. He cycled 18,000 miles [29,000 km] in 79 days – 44 days quicker than the previous world record.
Sep 12: EU Power German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel has called on European Union nations to band together against China, saying the country is trying to divide the EU by aggressively courting European
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Sep 6: World’s Hardest Cliff Top rock climber, Adam Ondra, has successfully climbed the “world’s hardest cliff”. The granite cave in Flatanger, Norway is considered by many climbers as the world’s greatest climbing venue. Ondra is the first person to do so and said when he got to the top: “All I could feel was tears in my eyes.” Sep 6: Journalist Killed A prominent Indian journalist who has been critical of rising Hindu nationalism was shot and killed on her doorstep by attackers on a motorbike. The murder of Gauri Lankesh, 55, has raised fresh concerns about press freedom in India and triggered widespread protests. She was a fierce advocate of secularism. Sep 5: Hurricane Irma Hurricane Irma has been upgraded to a powerful category four storm with winds up to 140mph (220kmh), and warnings have been issued for several Caribbean islands. Irma is projected to cause storm surges, life-threatening winds and torrential rain. It comes only a week after hurricane Harvey and the US state of Florida has now declared a state of emergency. SEPTEMBER 2017
DHARAMSHALA VOICES
Compassion, Love and Contentment
by Lodoe Gyatso Lhakpa Tsering stands outside his antiques stall on Temple Road, a wide smile on his face for everyone who comes past. He is a devoted Buddhist, but this has not always been the case. He has come through many trials to reach this point in his life. He was born in Dharamshala of Tibetan parents and went to an Indian government school. He was not interested in learning. Early on he got into a fight with an older boy and won. After that he developed a bad reputation: fighting, smoking, drinking alcohol, doing drugs and having many girls. He did not complete his board exams after a dispute with the principal of the school. He got a job in construction making 50 Rupees per day, but he left that after 6 weeks. A friend suggested that he join the army. He enjoyed target shooting. He was bad at first, but with training became very good. He also took part in boxing and reached the finals of a boxing tournament. He became a paratrooper. He enjoyed the jumps. “In the last moments before the jump there’s a time of hectic activity. This all changes after the jump. No noise, no hurry, relaxed. You feel like a free man,” he muses. He found that it was hard to be a Buddhist in the army. One day he was ordered to kill a sheep, but he just could not do it no matter how hard he tried. Eventually he went back to his officer and asked that someone else be given the job.
After two years he did the parachute instructor’s course. This was tough: each day they had to do 300 push-ups, 600 sit-ups and 24 pull-ups. In addition they had to run at least 25 kilometres. As an instructor he had a very responsible job ensuring that recruits did everything just right. Any mistake might cost a life. A student died on his second jump when his
parachute did not open. This had a huge effect on Lhakpa Tsering. Later he was on patrol when his squad was ambushed by a group of terrorists. They were fortunate that the enemy fired too soon. In the fire fight that followed three terrorists were killed as well as his “body pair”, his closest companion. At the time he did not feel anything except the desire to escape and kill the enemy. “Afterward I felt a vibration inside. I felt scared and very excited.” The incident still haunts him to this day. He then had a period of being a computer clerk. There were few soldiers who had expertise in computers in 2002, and he was posted to Head Quarters. This was a time of ease. There was none of the challenging physical training he had
faced in his earlier army placements and he had a relaxed time of working in offices. “For four years I lived like a king,” he fondly recalls. He applied for a discharge from the army, and with the help of his Commanding Officer he was granted discharge in record time. For two years he lived the bachelor’s life, partying with friends. At the end of that time he was out of money. On a visit to Dharamshala he was struck by the demand for antiques. He joined his brother in Goa and worked in his shop. He found that he had a natural flair for the business. This was a turning point in his life. In order to become skilled in antiques he read about Buddhist philosophy and studied His Holiness’s teachings. A change came into his life. Where he used to be aggressive, he came to realise that compassion and love are much better. The teachings make it easier to control the situation. “If you have love and compassion, you’re a Buddhist,” he says. In 2013 he moved to Dharamshala and set up his own stall. He got married and he and his wife have a daughter who will be turning three in a few weeks. He has seen much, and it has changed him. “Stay away from drugs and alcohol,” he advises sadly. “They killed many of my friends.” For the future he sees only a settled life, improving his stall and caring for his family. And with that he is content.
Every month we feature somebody from the Tibetan community on our Dharamshala Voices page. You can read more Dharamshala Voices stories on the Contact website: http://www.contactmagazine.net/dharamasla-life/ The People stories on the Dharamshala Voices page online tell the stories of the people who make up the Tibetan exile community in Dharamshala and elsewhere, as well as the stories of Lha students and volunteers, told in their own words. Contact
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SEPTEMBER 2017
LHA NEWS AND PROJECTS Cultural Exchange
Lha hosted a group of seven women from the United States for a week in September, 2017. Members of the group were from different walks of life and everyone had a keen interest in Tibetan Buddhism and the unique culture of Tibet. Staying at Lha’s Ahimsa House, they participated in our English conversation classes to help the students practice their spoken English and visited several Tibetan institutes to enhance their knowledge of the situation in Tibet. They were overjoyed when His Eminence Prof Samdhong Rinpoche spoke to them on Mindfulness in Tibetan Buddhism. The group also visited Bir Tibetan settlement and the monasteries there.
Mass Cleanup
Lha staff, students and volunteers gathered on September 16 for a cleanup around the main temple. Around 60 people took part in the day which was a part of our monthly mass cleanup programme. This monthly mass cleanup takes place every third Saturday and all offers of help are very much appreciated. For further environmental information, please visit the Lha’s website www.tibetnature.net/en/ which provides information about the current environmental situation in Tibet and the importance of environmental protection there. There has been much in the news recently about the environmental degradation in Tibet which is distressing for all the Tibetans whether living in Tibet or in exile and thinking about their homeland.
Lha could not provide the services we do without the support of our wonderful volunteers who help in so many ways and inspire us with their enthusiasm. Every month we ask a volunteer to share their story. This month Kenny McCann from the United States tells us his story.
Lessons from the Tibetan Community: Attachment and Non-Violence
Volunteer Job at Lha: Volunteer Coordinator Assistant I came to Dharamsala because I was inspired by the compassionate resolve of the Tibetan people. I am now leaving with a genuine love and respect for the Tibetan community and culture. You have shown me what it truly means to be free from attachment even in a dire situation of exile and oppression. While you are dedicated to stand against the Chinese oppression of your land and people, you have not let it define your happiness. This is true strength. I have been met with more kindness, smiles, and hospitality on a daily basis by your community than I was in my own home of the United States. For this lesson of love and a true example of freedom from attachment I am forever grateful and forever changed. I have had the pleasure of living within your community in McLeod Ganj and volunteering for the last 3 months in the Lha office. I worked as the volunteer coordinator with Lobsang Rabsel. Most of the time spent at Lha was spent laughing and
chatting with Rabsel and the Lha staff and working with incoming volunteers. The Lha staff is truly a wonderful group of people who are dedicated to this community that I too have come to love. It was an amazing experience to meet and work with so many generous volunteers from all over the world. I came to find I am not the only one who was inspired by the Tibetan people. I left my career and life in the United States to seek a new path of putting my skills and education to a cause greater than myself. As I was deciding where I wanted to start my year volunteering, I was saddened by learning more about the current situation in Tibet but inspired by your unwavering dedication to non-violent activism in the face of a violent oppressor. As I leave now to continue my work with refugee communities in Israel and Palestine, I will take these lessons from the Tibetan people with me. I will take your example of nonviolence in action with the hope that it may be contagious and humankind can be lead by Tibet’s example to resolve its differences without anger, without bloodshed, and without fear. Thank you so much to the entire staff at Lha and to every person I encountered on my walk through town each day. Your smiles were enough to sustain me and lift me up in this new life and in new parts of the world. Thank you! Love without reason.
Contact magazine is published by Lha Charitable Trust
Lha Charitable Trust is an award-winning, grassroots, non-profit organisation and one of the largest Tibetan social work institutes based in Dharamshala, India. Lha has been striving to provide vital resources for Tibetan refugees, local Indian communities, and people from the Himalayan regions for 20 years. Lha was registered as a charitable trust by the Indian Government in 2005. For more information, please visit www.lhasocialwork.org To keep up to date with news of what’s happening in Tibet and in the Tibetan exile community, follow Contact magazine online at www.contactmagazine.net Facebook: Contact News / Twitter: Contact News Contact
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SEPTEMBER 2017
around town
Charities and Organisations
Central Tibetan Administration
The CTA serves in Dharamshala as the government in exile of Tibet. It is democratic with judiciary, legislative, and executive branches. Within the Executive branch there is the Kashag, consisting of the departments of Religion and Culture, Home, Education, Finance, Security, Information and International Relations and Health, and Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay. WEB: www.tibet.net LOCATION: Near Library PHONE: 01892-222218 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:00 am-5:00 pm EMAIL: kashag@tibet.net
The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)
OHHDL is the personal office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The office organises his schedule, including appointments and travel plans, diplomatic and personal correspondence, and liaises with officials of the Central Tibetan Administration. WEB: www.dalailama.com LOCATION: McLeod Ganj, PHONE: 01892-221343 / 221210 EMAIL: ohhdl@dalailama.com
Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)
The TYC is an advocacy and political action organisation with chapters around the world. The TYC organises cultural exhibitions, educational campaigns and social welfare activities. WEB: www. tibetanyouthcongress.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala -176219 PHONE: 01892-221554 EMAIL:president@tibetanyouthcongress.org, tyc@tibetanyouthcongress.org
Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA)
The TWA conducts workshops on gender sensitization and domestic violence throughout Tibetan settlements in India, provides Tibetan women with education scholarships, and connects women with international sponsors. WEB: www. tibetanwomen.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-221527 EMAIL: tibwomen@gmail.com
Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)
TCV provides care to Tibetan children by creating a nurturing environment and fostering Tibetan values and culture while delivering a modern education. There is an Upper and Lower residential school in Dharamshala and day school in McLeod Ganj, with other branches throughout India. WEB: www.tcv.org.in LOCATION: Dharamshala Cantt.176216 PHONE: 01892-221354 / 221348 EMAIL: headoffice@tcv.org.in
Men-Tsee-Khang: Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute
Men-Tsee-Khang is a facility for research, training and practice of traditional Tibetan medicine. Patients may seek treatment at Men-TseeKhang for both acute and chronic conditions. The facility provides extensive training and produces traditional pharmaceuticals.
Contact
WEB: www.men-tsee-khang.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org
Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)
The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives has the purpose to restore, protect, preserve, and promote Tibetan culture in all its aspects. They offer courses in Tibetan and Hindi language and Buddhist philosophy and can provide affordable accommodation for those enrolled in two or more courses. WEB: ltwa.net, tibetanlibrary.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong PHONE: 98822-55047 EMAIL: ltwa1970@gmail.com
Delek Hospital
Delek Hospital is a small, Tibetan run hospital in Dharamshala. It has 45 inpatient beds, holds outpatient hours from 9am to 12pm Monday through Friday, and can handle most small procedures. Patients are responsible for a 10 Rupees registration fee. The hospital has a pharmacy on site. WEB:www.delekhospital.org LOCATION: Kharadanda Rd, Dharamshala; Delek Clinic, Bhagsu Rd, Dharamshala HOURS: Outpatient, Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00 pm-4:30 pm; Emergencies, 24 hours daily PHONE: 01892-222053 / 223381 EMAIL: delek@bsnl.in hospitaldelek@yahoo.com
Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society The society was established in 1999 to provide educational and administrative guidance to all Tibetan schools in remote areas of India and Bhutan that do not fall under the guidance of Tibetan Childrens Village. Today there are 12 schools under this organisation. WEB: www.sambhota.org LOCATION: Session Rd, Dharamshala176215 PHONE: 01892 - 228877 | 226877 EMAIL: stss1999@gmail.com
Tong-Len Charitable Trust
Tong-Len’s mission is to help displaced communities in North India achieve a secure and sustainable future. Tong-Len projects include educational and health programs, childhood education and sponsorship, primary and nursery tent schools, and children’s support hostels. Volunteer opportunities available. WEB: www. tong-len.org LOCATION: Top Floor, Bank Of Baroda, Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala-176215 PHONE: 01892-223930 EMAIL: jamyang@tong-len.org
Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)
SFT is an international NGO that promotes the Tibetan cause among the non-Tibetan community. The organisation attempts to build international solidarity by advocating for a free Tibet through chapter organisations at Universities around the world. WEB:www.sftindia.org, www.studentsforafreetibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 9882786875
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Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD)
TCHRD advocates for human rights and provides education on the human rights situation in Tibet. The centre publishes journals and articles, as well as conducting workshops and campaigns. WEB: www.tchrd.org LOCATION: CTA, Dharamshala - 176215 PHONE: 01892-223363 EMAIL: office@tchrd.org
Lha Charitable Trust (Lha)
Lha, a Tibetan grassroots NGO based in Dharamshala, is one of the largest social work organisations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population, and people from the Himalayan regions. Lha offers free English, French and Chinese classes, cultural exchange programs, IT classes, vocational training, health and environmental awareness education, distribution of clothes and medicine, a community kitchen, and many other programs and activities. (see page 2) WEB:www.lhasocialwork.org LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj, Opposite State Bank of India PHONE: 01892-220992, 988-2323-455 EMAIL: office@lhasocialwork.org
The Kangra Distt. Red Cross Society
The Kangra District Red Cross Society renders its humanitarian services, projects and activities with the help and the co-operation of people at all levels of society by donation. WEB: www.redcrosskangra.org LOCATION: Red Cross Bhawan, Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-224888 / 9418832244 EMAIL: sharmaopl12345@gmail.com
Gu-Chu-Sum Movement Association of Tibet is an organisation of former political prisoners of Tibet and former activists currently in exile that engages in their complete assistance from medical, financial, basic education and vocational training. It also organises lobby and advocacies about human rights abuses in Tibet. WEB: www.guchusum.org LOCATION: Jogibara Road, McLeod Ganj, PHONE: 01892-220680 / 220679 EMAIL: guchusum1991@gmail.com
Tibet Charity
Tibet Charity provides programs including English and computer classes, an animal care program, and a variety of medical and educational financial support programs. WEB: www.tibetcharity.in LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-221790 / 221877 EMAIL: director@tibetcharity.in
Norbulingka Institue
Centre for Tibetan culture with studios and artists at work. Temple, tour guides of the workshops, and gardens. L O C AT I O N : S i d h p u r, Dharamshala PHONE:9882144210 EMAIL: info@norbulingka.org WEB:www.norbulingka.org
SEPTEMBER 2017
around town
Charities and Organisations
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA)
Established in 1959, under the vision of HH the Dalai Lama, TIPA strives to preserve and promote Tibetan theatrical tradition. The Insitute imparts comprehensive training and lessons on Tibetan folk dance, folk song, traditional instruments and tradition of Tibetan opera. TIPA also hosts a beautiful theatrical museum which remains open during working days. We organise a special group tour of our campus every Wednesday (10 am). WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: TIPA Road, McLeod Ganj Dharamshala-176219 PHONE: 01892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com
Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT)
Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT) is a nongovernment, non-profit adult education centre in Dharamshala, North India. LIT provides Free Education, Health Care and Skills Training to Tibetan Refugees to help eradicate poverty and illiteracy amongst the Tibetan population. WEB: www.learningandideasfortibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala 176219 PHONE: 01892-220690 EMAIL: learningandideasfortibet@gmail.com
Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR)
Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution is a nonprofit, educational organisation dedicated to the non-violent management of conflicts in the Tibetan Community and the world as a whole. They work to promote the approaches and tools of non-violent conflict resolution and democratic processes in the Tibetan community in exile and elsewhere. WEB: http://tccr.org LOCATION: Session Road, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-226627 EMAIL: tccrteam@gmail.com
Rogpa Baby Care Centre
The Rogpa Baby Care Centre helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so that their parents can work. The centre needs volunteers to help with art, games, singing and other tasks including diaper changing. WEB: www.tibetrogpa.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala- 176219 PHONE: 9857973026 EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com
Gamru Village School
Gamru Village School is a successful NGO that provides free high-quality education to any children who encounter serious barriers to education and who have a low standard of living. WEB: www.gamruschool.com LOCATION: Village Gamru, P.O Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala, Distt Kangra 176215 PHONE: 9816105554 EMAIL: tashu72004@yahoo.com
Contact
Clean Upper Dharamshala Project
Founded in 1994 to provide a waste management system in and around McLeod Ganj, the Green Workers, the Handmade Recycled Paper Factory, the Green Shop and the Environmental Education Centre are part of the Clean Upper Dharamshala Project. Weekly guided tours are offered on Wednesdays at 3 pm. WEB: www.tsodhasa.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - 176219 PHONE: 01892-221059 EMAIL: cudpswm@gmail.com
Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage)
Nyingtob Ling supports Tibetan children from disadvantaged families. The children make handicrafts and paintings. They are so friendly and love to have visitors. WEB: www.nyingtobling.org LOCATION: Near Norbulingka, Sidhpur PHONE:01892 211042 / 9816028149 EMAIL: nyingtob_ling@hotmail.com
Women’s Team
The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)
ANEC facilitates trainings, workshops and open forum discussions on nonviolent strategies to help resolve disagreements and differences at all levels of human society. ANEC welcomes volunteers from western countries to participate in informal panel discussions on ideas of regional and global peace and nonviolent strategies. Free lunch and tea and many more benefits for volunteers. LOCATION: No. 262, 1st floor, Khajanchi -Mohalla, Khunyara Rd, Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 9882077708 / 9882921477 EMAIL: wangduemiddleway@gmail.com Website: www.anec-india.net Facebook: www/facebook.com/anecpeace
National Democratic Party of Tibet
The NDPT is currently the only Tibetan political party. With 5000 members in 36 regional chapters throughout the world, the main aim and objectives of the NDPT are to prepare for the establishment of a political party in a future Tibet, to promote democracy, to educate the Tibetan people about the significance of political parties and to create awareness among the people about Tibetan issues. WEB: www.ndp4tibet.org LOCATION: Dharamshala–176219 EMAIL: tibetparty4@gmail.com PHONE: 9882787633 / 9882673330
Volunteers needed to teach English to Indian women and children in the village of Kaniyara near Dharamshala. Contact Jitender. EMAIL: jitenderje@gmail.com PHONE: 7831956680 / 08894435595 BUS SCHEDULE
* Times and prices may vary. Please check with the bus stand ahead of departure. Leaving from the McLeod Ganj bus stand, unless otherwise stated: DELHI: Ordinary Bus: 4:00am (Rs 554), 6pm (Rs 580), 7:30 pm (Rs 570) Semi Deluxe Bus: 5pm (Rs 590) , 6:30pm (Rs 590) Full Deluxe Bus: (Rs683) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8:15 am (Rs 1243), 5:35pm (Rs 1275), 7:00pm (Rs 1275), 8:50pm (Rs1275) AC TATA: 5:50pm (Rs 972) AMRITSAR: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs257) *from Dharamshala DEHRADUN: Ordinary Bus: 2pm (Rs 560) 8pm (Rs 551); VOLVO: 7pm (Rs 1199) MANALI: Ordinary Bus: 7:10am (Rs358 *from Dharamshala / VOLVO: 11:30 pm (Rs 782) PATHANKOT: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs 136) * from Dharamshala SHIMLA: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs 408), 6am (Rs 360), 7:50am (Rs 375), 8:am (Rs 520) 7:45 pm (Rs 363), 12pm (Rs 367) *from Dharamshala, Semi-Deluxe Bus: 9:30pm (Rs455) *from Dharamshala FOR BOOKINGS: Location: Ticket stand under McLLo’s, McLeod Ganj Main square Hours: 10am-5pm, daily Phone: 220026 (McLeod bus stand), 224903 (Dharamshala) For deluxe buses, book through any travel agency. TA X I S A private taxi to Lower Dharamshala will cost you Rs 200. Cram into a jeep (from the bus stand), and it’ll only cost you Rs15.
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Ambulance: 01892-102, 222189
Police Superintendent: 01892-222244
Tibetan Delek Hospital Location: Gangchen Kyishong, CTA Hours: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, MonSat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, Wed only; Emergencies: 24-hrs, daily. Phone: 222 053,223 381
Police Contact Information Location: Past St.John’s Church on the road to Dharamshala in Cantt. area. Phone: 221 483
Kangra Airport: 01892-232374 Bhagsu Taxi Union: 01892-221034 Tourism Office: 01892-224430 , 223325 Rail Booking & Enquiry: 01892-265026
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McLeod Ganj Post Office Location: Jogiwara Rd, past Peace Cafe Hours: 9:30am-1pm and 2-5pm, Mon-Fri; 9:30am-noon, Sat. Parcels and money orders can be sent in the mornings only. Phone: 01892-221 924
SEPTEMBER 2017
activities and information UPCOMING EVENTS October 3 - 6, 2017 : His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teaching in Dharamshala (refer to www. dalailama.com) October 2, 2017: Mahatma Gandhi Birthday October 13 - 15, 2017: Tibet Film Festival October 20, 2017: Mahtma Gandhi’s Birthday November 10, 2017: Lha-bab-due-chen
BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY Library of Tibetan Works and Archives WEB: www.ltwa.net/library LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9-10 am, 11-12noon PHONE: 921-842-2467/9882255047
Public Audience with HH Karmapa WEB: www.kagyuoffice.org LOCATION: Sidhpur HOURS: Wed & Sat: 2:30pm PHONE: 01892-235307
YOGA AND REIKI Om Yoga, Meditation and Reiki Centre LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, behind Akash Hotel, on Jogiwara Rd HOURS: 8:00am-5:30pm PHONE: 980-569-3514
Siddhartha Retreat and Yoga Centre LOCATION: Upper Bhagsu PHONE: 098165-65138 WEB: www.shivamneelkant.yoga.com
MASSAGE Nature Cure Health Club
Shiatsu massage LOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka, Jogiwara Road PHONE: 07833047078 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com
Men-Tsee-Khang
LOCATION: Mcleod Ganj Branch Clinic, 1st floor, TIPA Road (2 mins from Main Square) PHONE: 98828-60505 EMAIL: therapycenter@men-tsee-khang.org
Om Massage Centre
LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, Opposite the Green Hotel, Mcleod Ganj PHONE:7018483961/9857999373 EMAIL: kunsangdolma75@gmail.com
Dorjee Spa LOCATION: Pema Thang Guest house, Hotel Bhagsu Road PHONE:9816393673 / 9857108408 WhatsApp: 9816393673
Contact
MEDITATION Ocean of Harmony
Taught by an experienced and qualified coach WEB: www.oceanofharmony.org PHONE: (+91) 99798-94585 EMAIL: ohlifeandwellness@gmail.com
Tushita Meditation Center WEB: www.tushita.info LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:30-11:30am PHONE: 0898-816-0988 EMAIL: spc@tushita.info
Shivan Neel Kanth Yoga
WEBSITE:www.shivamneelkant.yoga.com LOCATION: Bhagsu Nag, Near High Sky PHONE: 09816565138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@yahoo.co.in
COOKING Lha Tibetan Cooking Classes - for groups LOCATION: Lha Soup Kitchen, Temple Rd, Just below the Dalai Lama’s temple HOURS: Registration, 9:00-11:00am PHONE: 01892-220992
Indian Cooking and Knitting with Ms Rita Kapoor LOCATION: Old German Bakery, 1st Floor, Room No. 2, Opp. Buddha Hall, Bhagsunag PHONE: 94592-06586
Indian Cooking Classes
LOCATION:Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guesthouse HOURS: 10:00am-6:00pm PHONE: 07833047078 / 0988230136 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com
Lhamo’s Kitchen: Tibetan Cooking Classes
LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop HOURS: 8:00am-9:00pm PHONE: 981-646-8719
Sangye’s Kitchen: Traditional Tibetan Cooking Classes
LOCATION: Lung-ta Restaurant, below the Tashi Choeling Monastery on Jogiwara Road HOURS:10:00am - 4:00pm PHONE: 981-616-4540 EMAIL: sangyla_tashi@yahoo.co.in
COMPUTER CLASSES Tibetan Career Centre, Dharamshala LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj HOURS: 9:00am-6pm PHONE: 9882321424 /9880969175 Email at : yesheadconsultant@tibet.net
Lha Charitable Truse
LOCATION: Near Dolma Chowk, Mcleod Ganj PHONE: 9882323455 / +91 (0)1892 -220992 WEB: www.lhasocialwork.org
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LANGUAGES Tibetan Language Class
Contact: Lha office at Mcleod Ganj Phone : 9882323455 / 9805881883 Teacher : Lobsang Damchoe
Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translators Program LOCATION: Rato Chuwar Labrang, Phuntsok Gatsel Session Road Hours: 10:45-5pm Email: lrztp.manager@gmail.com
Rita Thakur Hindi Classes
LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Rd, beside the Korean Restaurant PHONE: 981-649-4732
Tibetan Language
LOCATION: The Tibetan Library *see Buddhist Philosophy Listing
Hindi Lessons with Kailash
LOCATION: Hotel India House, Bhagsu Rd PHONE: 01892-20063, 941-816-1947
Esukhia Online Tibetan Courses and Tibetan Immersion Spoken LOCATION:Tilak Ray Building, Bhagsu Rd PHONE: 8679502538 / 98820-04965 EMAIL: contact@esukhia.org
ART AND MUSEUMS Tibet Museum
LOCATION:Near the Main Temple and Namgyal Monastery gate, McLeod Ganj HOURS: Tue-Sun: 9:00am-5:00pm
Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression
LOCATION: Gu-Chu-Sum hall, Jogiwara Rd HOURS: Mon, Wed & Fri: 2:00pm-5:00pm
The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA)
WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 1892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com
Kangra Art Museum
LOCATION: Near Bus Stand, Kotwali Bazaar PHONE: 01892 224214 HOURS: Tue-Sun: 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm
Men-Tsee-Khang Museum
LOCATION: Near CTA, Gangchen Kyishong PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org HOURS: 9am-5pm. Closed on Sun, 2 and 4th Sat
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
SEPTEMBER 2017
activities and information HEALTH SERVICES Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Dr Natasha Mehra LOCATION: Near Hotel Mount View, Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 09218742046 EMAIL: perfect32dentalclinic@gmail.com Tibetan Physiotherapy Clinic Specialised in Muscle and Joint Pain LOCATION: Near Delek Hospital, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 HOURS: 10am - 5pm (Appointment Bases) PHONE: 9882322783 / 9882321532 EMAIL: jigten17@yahoo.co.in WEBSITE : tibetanphysiotherapy.com Tibetan Delek Hospital LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-22053 / 223381 HOURS: Outpatient services, Mon-Sat: 9:00am-1:00pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00-4:30pm; Emergencies: 24 hrs daily Maanav Health Clinic LOCATION: Main Square HOURS: 10:00am-12:30pm and 2:00-5:00pm PHONE: 941-815-5795 EMAIL: maanavcare@yahoo.co.in Men-Tsee-Khang LOCATION: Below Delek Hospital, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org Primary Health Centre LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, main market HOURS: 9:30am-4pm, Mon-Sat Nature Cure Health Club LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House-Map #10 HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm PHONE: 7833047078 / 9882320136 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com Dr Tandon Advanced Dental Orthodontic & Implant Centre Location: Opp. AP Travels, Mcleod Ganj Phone:9418462936 Email: dr.rahultandon@gmail.com
Tibet-Related Websites
News:
tibet.net - official website of the Central Tibetan Administration in exile phayul.com -Phayul is published in Dharamshala,has opinion, reviews, photos, etc contactmagazine.net - Contact magazine online news rfa.org/english/news/tibet - Radio Free Asia’s mission is to provide accurate and timely news and information to Asian countries whose governments prohibit access to a free press voatibetanenglish.com - Voice of America’s Tibet pages - VOA is an international multimedia broadcasting service funded by the US government thetibetpost.com - Tibet Post International online news tibetexpress.net - Tibet Express online news guardian.co.uk/world/tibet - the UK Guardian newspaper’s Tibet pages scmp.com/news/china - the South China Morning Post – one of the more independent news sources in China thetibetpost.com and tibetexpress.net are both sources of news and information
News, information and campaigning:
dalailama.com - for broadcasts of His Holiness’s teachings, his schedule and information about Tibet and the Dalai Lama tchrd.org - Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy - a nongovernmental organisation and a research centre to protect the human rights of Tibetan people and promote the principles of democracy tibetanyouthcongress.org - an international non-governmental organisation that advocates full independence for Tibet from China studentsforafreetibet.org - a global grass roots group campaigning for full Tibetan independence tibetanreview.net - news, opinions, reviews and information freetibet.org: - UK-based campaigning organisation, also a good news source savetibet.org - Website of the International Campaign for Tibet and a good resource for news, campaigns, fundraising and projects tibetnetwork.org/home - a coalition of more than 190 Tibet organisations dedicated to campaigning to end human rights violations in Tibet and restoring rights to the Tibetan people tibetanjournal.com - Tibetan Journal - news, reviews and opinions
Writings:
highpeakspureearth.com/category/woeser - occasional translations of Woeser’s enormously popular blog – Woeser lives in Beijing and is continually harassed by the Chinese government for her courageous writings.
Interested in a Tibetan Homestay?
Is Arriving in India a Nightmare?
Thinking about Volunteering?
Lha Charitable Trust can arrange homestays of one month with a Tibetan refugee family. By sharing day-to-day life with a Tibetan family you will have an opportunity to experience Tibetan culture at first hand as well as making friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Accommodation, breakfast and dinner included.
Next time you come, use the Lha Reception service at Delhi airport. We will meet you at the airport, look after you in Delhi and give you a safe place to stay while you wait for your overnight bus to McLeod. We’ll put you on the bus and make sure you are on the right seat! Use our service especially when you are arriving late at night or early morning.
Lha offers you the opportunity to share your knowledge and skills while gaining practical experience with a social work organisation – good for your CV as well as being fun and interesting! Lha volunteers develop friendships as well as learning at first handabout the issues facing the Tibetan refugee community.
Find out more! Call into the Lha office, see Map # 1 Contact
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SEPTEMBER 2017
advertisements
HOTEL LADIES’ VENTURE DR TANDON’S ADVANCED DENTAL We offer: Affordable dormitories, well-appointed rooms, “The most suitable place for foreigners, holidaymakers, honeymooners, trekkers, and those who wish to commune with nature!”
ORTHODONTIC & IMPLANT CENTRE
boarding, and McLeod Ganj’s FINEST hospitality! Jogiwara Road - Map #11 Mobile - 981 623 5648 / Hotel - 01892 22 1559
Mcleod Add: Downstairs Opp. AB Travels Temple Road Mcleod Ganj Dharamshala Add: Opp. Canara Bank Kotwali Bazaar Dharamshala
CARPE DIEM RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA
MEXICAN, ITALIAN, INDIAN, CHINESE, CONTINENTAL, & THAI FOOD, No MSG • Everything washed with sterilized water • Wood-fired pizza oven & clay Tandoori oven • Relaxed atmosphere & Japanese-style seating • Live music every Sunday - Map#6 Located on Jogiwara Road, across from the Tibetan Reception Center (down from Post Office) - Map # 9
A centre with multispeiciality dental treatment facility since 2000. Map#24 website: www.himachaldentist.com Email: dr.rahultandon@gmail.com Appointment/Emergency call: 9418462936
HIMALAYAN YOGA RETREAT Yoga Time: 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Drop-in Classes/ Weekly Courses/ Reiki Course & Treatment Teacher Training Course (200 hours) Map#26
Mobile no: 988222502 - Surinder
Address: Jogiwara Road, Green View House after Youngling Schoo Mcleod Ganj, Opposite Pink House www.himalayanyogacentre.com / Email:surinderlala@yahoo.in
8 AUSPICIOUS HIM VIEW HOTEL
DrYourMobile Shop Communication Partner
Mobile Sales, Mobile Repair, Sim Cards, Purchase and Recharge Phone Service
8 beautiful rooms with balcony facing the Himalayan Range. Enjoy the sunrise from your bed! Phone: 01892-220567 Cell: 9418236603 Jogiwara Rd (Map #12) Email: tseringd@aushimview.com
Black Magic Building (underground), Jogiwara Road, Map #4 McLeod Ganj Phone: 9857011101
Nature Cure Health Club
Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House - Map #23 Mobile: 07833047078 /09882320136 / Email: mahinder_m@ hotmail.com 20+ yrs’ experience: Swedish massage courses & treatment, Zen Shiatsu courses, treatment, reflexology treatment, SPA, Singing Bowl Treatment and many more!
TIBETAN OM MASSAGE THERAPY Bhagsu Road, Opp.Green Hotel Mcleod Ganj - Map #27 Email: kunsangdolma75@gmail / Mobile : 7018483961 / 9857999373
I) COURSES
• Thai Massage ( 90 minutes for 3 days - Rs 4500 ) • Traditional /Ayurvedic Acupressure (90 minutes for 3 days - Rs 4500 ) • Litho Us Therapy (60 minutes for 3 days - Rs 4000) • Deep Tissue (90 minutes for 2 days - Rs 3000) • Swedish Massage (90 minutes for 2 days - Rs 2000) • Foot Reflexology (90 minutes for 1 day - Rs 2000) • Back Massage (120 minutes for 1 day - Rs 2000) • Head Massage (90 minutes for 1 day - Rs 1500) • Chair Massage (90 minutes for 1 day - Rs 1500) • Yoga Classes (5 days course - Rs 1000)
To advertise here, Contact Lha office at Temple Road, McLeod Ganj Or Call on our number 9882323455 Price of advertisements depends on the size of your Ad Contact
II) MASSAGES
• Lithos Therapy ( 70 minutes - Rs 1600) • Thai Massage ( 60 minutes - Rs 1500) • Deep Tissue Massage ( 60 minutes - Rs 1300) • Compresss Therapy ( 60 minutes - Rs 1300 ) • Kerala Traditonal Massage ( 60 minutes - Rs 1000) • Swedish Massage (60 minutes - Rs 1000 / 90 minutes - Rs 1500) • Reflexology ( 30 minutes - Rs 600) • Chair Massage ( 30 minutes - Rs 600) • Baliness Back Massage ( 30 minutes - Rs 500) •Ayurvedic Head Massage ( 30 minutes - Rs 500)
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SEPTEMBER 2017
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Contact
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SEPTEMBER 2017
advertisements Map not to scale
Map of McLeod Ganj showing locations of places of interest
BHAGSU NAG
See advertisement pages for details of advertisers TIPA
21
DHARAMKOT
27
26
Vipassana Centre
Naddi Village Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)
15
Tushita Centre
McLEOD GANJ
22
MAIN SQUARE
3
Cantt Police Post
25 Main Bazaar
2
27
20
28
24
6
23
4
1
Lha
12
11
10
5
16
29 14
13
Road to Dharamshala
1. Lha Headquarters and Tibet Fair Trade 2. Namgyal Cafe (at Om Hotel) 3. Common Ground Cafe 4. Dr Mobile, Woeser Bakery 5. Black Tent Cafe 6. Carpe Diem Restaurant 10. Perfect 32 Dental Clinic 11. Hotel Ladies’ Venture 12. 8 Auspicious Him View Hotel 13. Ahimsa House and Lha Soup Kitchen 14. Chonor House 15. Lhamo’s Croissant, Dolma Therapy 16. Rinku Taxi Service
17. Central Tibetan Administration,Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, Tibetan Library 18. LRZTP Tibetan Language Programme 19. Tibetan Museum and Temple 20. Tibetan Handicraft Centre 21. Taste of India 22. SnowLion Custom Tattoo 23. Nature Cure Health Club 24. Dr Tandon’s Advanced Dental 25. Smile Dental Clinice & Implant Center 26. Himalayan Yoga Retreat 27. Om Massage Centre 28. Chapri Handicrafts 29. Dorjee Spa
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17 18
Road to Dharamshala
Our specialty: Chocolate Vegan cake, Gluten free cake, Fresh Coffee Beans, cappaccino, Chocolate chilli lollipop 9am to 7pm - Closed on Monday
Below “Black Magic Hotel” on Jogiwara Rd -Map#4
Enjoy traditional Taiwanese and Chinese food and peaceful environment, just one minute from the Bus Stand, just behind Asian Plaza! (Map # 3)
NEED A DENTIST?
To advertise here, Contact Lha office at Temple Road, McLeod Ganj
For all your dental requirements under one roof, in a sterile and state of the art clinic
Dr Natasha Mehra @ Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Location: Near Hotel Mount View Jogiwara Rd, McLeod Map #10 Call: 09218742046 Email: perfect32dentalclinic@gmail.com
Lhamo’s Croissant
To advertise here, Contact Lha office at Temple Road, McLeod Ganj
Vegetarian and Vegan Food
Bakery, Coffee shop, Gluten Free and Fresh seasonal juices and salads
Roof top terrace with stunning views
Bhagsu Road, just after Tibetan Settlement Office Map#15 Contact
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SEPTEMBER 2017
advertisements
Smile Dental Clinic & Implant Center
Oppo. Walia Medical Store Near State Bank of India ATM, Mcleod Ganj. MOBILE NO: 7018354594 / 8629011445 Map#25 website: smiledentalclinicmcleodganj.com
Ocean of Harmony Programmes for Wellbeing For upcoming events, visit www.oceanofharmony.org Meditation Intensives For intensive trainings Meditation Therapies around the world (any country) Intensive Yoga Courses/Retreats contact: Shalu Patel Stress Management (experienced & qualified life Integrated Healing Therapies and wellness coach for Wellness Retreats international trainings)
Phone: (+91) 9979894585 Email: ohlifeandwellness@gmail.com
To advertise here, Contact Lha office near Dolma Chowk, opposite State Bank of India, McLeod Ganj Contact numbers: 9882323455 01892-22092 Contact
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SEPTEMBER 2017
ལྷ་བོད་ཀྱི་ལུགས་མཐུན་བཟོ་ཚོང་ལས་ཁང་།
Lha Tibet Fair Trade Regd No.U74140HP2013PTC000540 IEC No. 2213006741 TIN: 02060101641 CST: 02060101641 PAN: AACCL5897M
What’s LTFT?
Lha Tibet Fair Trade (LTFT) is a certified Fair Trade company which supports Lha’s charitable work through the sale of traditional Tibetan goods made by local craftspeople.
What we have?
Hand-made woollen carpets, singing bowls, jewellery, goods made from recycled paper, Tibetan home decor pieces and many more!
Why LTFT?
Your shopping and support will contribute to Lha’s numerous social projects and help Lha become more sustainable and self-sufficient.
What we do?
Retail outlet, manufacture, wholesale, import & export, support local artisans, tours and travel.The LTFT is pleased to welcome any businesses wishing to form partnerships and set up exhibition tours.
Drop-in at our store at LHA office, Mon-Sat Phone: +91 (0) 98823-23455 / 1892-220992
W www.tibetfairtrade.com
Lha Tibet Fair Trade To advertise call Lha office: 01892-220992 or visit Lha office at Temple Rd, McLeod Ganj Map #1
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Tibet Fair Trade འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།
Contact Newsletter Managing Director Ngawang Rabgyal Editor-in-Chief Jenny James Editor Tenzin Samten Assistant Editor Dorji Kyi Circulation Manager Lobsang Rabsel Published by Lha Charitable Trust Web: www.lhasocialwork.org www.contactmagazine.net www.samdhongrinpoche.com Phone: 91(0)1892-220992 Email:editor@contactmagazine.net Facebook: ContactNews Twitter: @ContactTibet Printed at Imperial Printing, Dharamshala Phone: 222390 Email:ippdsala@gmail.com