Contact September 2013 by Lha Charitable Trust

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འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།

www.contactmagazine.net

contact

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

A Friend of Tibet Dies by Mary Threwartha Robert Webster Ford, a lifelong friend of Tibet and the first foreigner to serve in the Tibetan government services, has died. He was born in March 1923 in Burton-on-Trent, England, and died on September 20 in London aged 90. Robert Ford joined the British Mission in Lhasa as a radio officer in 1945, and when India gained independence in 1947 he was appointed by the Government of Tibet. He started Tibet’s first broadcasting station, trained Tibetan radio operators and set up a radio communications

Volume: XV Issue: 8

30 September 2013

Taking Tibet to the World by Apurva Kashyap His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit this month to the European countries Latvia, Lithuania, Czech Republic and Germany to give talks on peace, compassion and solidarity attracted a huge following. His tour began with Prague, where, referring to the recent racial attacks in the Czech Republic, he was asked if there was any racial tension between Tibet and China. His Holiness replied that Tibet and China have been on unfriendly terms and the best way to counter this is for Tibetans to reach out to their Chinese brothers and sisters. While in Prague, His Holiness had a meeting with fellow Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Dalai Lama also met Chen Guangcheng, a human rights activist

His Holiness and fellow Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in Prague, Czech Republic Photo: OHHDL

and a fellow panelist at the Charles University in Prague. He then visited the Lithuania Continued on page 5

Indian Citizenship: a Dilemma for Tibetans

The PLA arrests Robert Ford in 1950

network throughout Tibet. He spent five years in Tibet, declaring that he “had the opportunity to witness and experience at first hand the reality of Tibetan independence…It was a… country with its own government, its own language, culture, customs and way of life.” Ford had his first audience with the then 14-year-old Dalai Lama in Lhasa, and his last earlier this year when His Holiness honoured him with the International Campaign for Tibet’s “Light of Truth Award” which recognised his “tireless advocacy on behalf of Tibet for more than half Continued on page 9

by Tenzin Younten Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, the de facto Prime minister of the Tibetan Government-in-exile, said on August 21 in Dharamsala, “The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) cannot prevent any Tibetan from applying for Indian citizenship”, thus confirming that Tibetans living in India can apply for Indian citizenship and the CTA will help them by providing supporting documents. He continued, “The decision to apply for Indian or any other country’s citizenship is a personal choice. The Indian Citizenship act of 1986 grants citizenship rights to Tibetans born in India between 26th January 1950 and 1987,” He also added, “at the same time, the CTA cannot compel Tibetans to apply for the Indian citizenship”.

According to the Indian Constitution, Section 3, Citizenship by birth: every person born in India, (a) on or after the 26th January, 1950,

The Delhi High Court declared Namgyal Dolkar Lhagyari an Indian citizen by birth and issued her an Indian passport in 2010. Photo: Phayul

but before the commencement of the Citizenship (Amendment) act, 1986 (51 of 1986); and (b) on or after such commencement and either of whose parents is a citizen of India at the time Continued on page 9

about lha & contact

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

Background:

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

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

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Contact Magazine

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

Contact, a free monthly publication of Lha Charitable Trust, is a recognised and registered publication under the Registrar Office of the Newspaper, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Government of India. The registration number is HPENG/2013/51798. Recognised by Lonely Planet and other international travel resources, Contact has been a popular source of news and information on Tibetan issues, and the Dharamsala community, for over 14 years. 700 - 1,000 copies are printed per issue and distributed in the greater Dharamsala area and in Delhi, and various diplomatic missions to India. Contact keeps readers up-to-date on current issues and events, and provides networking, education and volunteer opportunities, as well as social services information. Contact staff and contributors hope you will enjoy and benefit from our modest efforts to build a community through communication. May peace and love prevail! Guidelines for submission: Contact welcomes submissions of articles, news and photography. We also gladly accept information about upcoming events, volunteer work and special projects. All material intended for publication in Contact must be submitted by the 20th of each month. Your letter may not be printed if it is unsigned, illegible, slanderous or malicious. We reserve the right to edit submissions for spelling, grammar and length. Send your material via email to editor@contactmagazine.net Please Note: The articles, stories and other material in Contact represent the views of the authors and not necessarily the views of the Contact editing staff or Lha Social Work. If you would like to contact Contact, call Lobsang Rabsel at 981-615-5523 or the Lha office at Temple Road (ph. 01892-220992). All comments on this issue should be submitted by email to editor@contactmagazine.net Contact is available at many places around McLeod Ganj including the Lha office, libraries, travel agencies, hotels, restuarants and shops. SEPTEMBER 2013

about lha & contact

Interested in a Tibetan Homestay? 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 in an intensive way. Spend your time in Dharamsala learning the language, cooking Tibetan meals, sharing rituals with a family, and making friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Homestays include accomodation, breakfast, and dinner. If you’re interested in a Tibetan Homestay, contact Lha at office@ lhasocialwork.org, or stop by the main Lha office on Temple Road in McLeod Ganj. Tashi Delek!

Tibet-Related Websites News: tibet.net - official website of the Central Tibetan Administration in exile phayul.com - up to date online news on Tibetan issues rfa.org/english/news/tibet - Radio Free Asia’s mission is to provide accurate and timely news and information to Asian countries whose governments prohibit access to a free press voatibetanenglish.com - Voice of America’s Tibet pages – VOA is an international multimedia broadcasting service funded by the US government contactmagazine.net - Contact Magazine online guardian.co.uk/world/tibet - the UK Guardian newspaper’s Tibet pages scmp.com/news/china - the South China Morning Post – one of the more independent news sources in China Campaigning: tchrd.org - Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy - a nongovernment organisation and a research

centre to protect the human rights of Tibetan people and promote the principles of democracy tibetanyouthcongress.org - an international non-government organisation that advocates full independence for Tibet from China studentsforafreetibet.org - a global grass roots group campaigning for full Tibetan independence savetibet.org - international campaign for Tibet and a good resource for news, campaigns, fundraising and projects tibetnetwork.org/home - a coalition of more than 190 Tibet organisations dedicated to campaigning to end human rights violations in Tibet and restoring rights to the Tibetan people Writings: highpeakspureearth.com/category/ woeser - occasional translations of Woeser’s enormously popular blog – Woeser lives in Beijing and is continually harassed by the Chinese government for her courageous writings

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

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

news & issues

6,000 People attend His Holiness’s Teaching by Zalina Gamat His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave teachings from September 3-5 in Tsuglakhang, the main temple in Dharamsala, at the request of a group of Southeast Asian devotees. Over 6,000 people of all faiths, from over 50 countries attended the teachings. The organising committee was comprised of representatives from several Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia. In his introductory speech, His Holiness said that inter-religious harmony was the need of the hour, and that every religion preached the same truths of love, compassion and peace. He recalled his experience of interfaith tolerance in Tibet, “Though my country is a predominantly Buddhist region, I remember hundreds of

Muslims co-exist with Tibetans and that the Fifth Dalai Lama provided land for Muslims to build mosques in Tibet”. The topic of the teaching

His Holiness greeting members of the audience attending the final day of teaching Photo: OHHDL

was Shantideva’s A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (chodjug) from Chapter V: Guarding Introspection. On the last day His

Holiness bestowed the Bodhisattva Vows, and in the afternoon he held a special question and answer session with his Southeast Asian devotees. Thai monk Phra Eakkaluk Pengprom, 29, said that attending the teachings was a great experience for him, “I really respect the Dalai Lama as he practices what he preaches. He said that the Hinayana and Mahayana traditions are equally important as both stem from the teachings of the Buddha. His Holiness was kind enough to come to the section where we, the Thai monks were seated. He greeted and talked to some of us. We also had the opportunity to present prayers in Pali, but in the Thai style before him. He said that he liked our prayer recitation!” His Holiness the Dalai Lama is returning to Dharamsala to give further teachings from September 30

The UK Challenges China by Vanshika Tripathi William Hague, the British Foreign Secretary, has petitioned China for leniency for Dolma Kyab who faces the death sentence, and has urged China to carry out a fair trial as approved by international standards. Concerning the death sentence, Hague said “We urge Chinese authorities to commute the sentence and give a reprieve.” In August this year, Dolma Kyab was sentenced to death for the supposed killing of his wife, British Forign Secretary William Hague Kunchok Wangmo. However, according to Tibetans in the exile community, she died after Contact Magazine

succumbing to injuries inflicted from self-immolation in protest against China’s human rights violations against Tibetans. Dolma Kyab, who is from Zoege County in Tibet, was detained by Chinese authorities after he refused to obey their orders to cite volatile family relations as the reason for Kunchok Wangmo’s self-immolation. The reason Kunchok Wangmo set herself on fire was understood to be a protest against the Chinese government. Responding to the growing numbers of self-immolations amongst Tibetans, Hague asked all parties to “use their influence to bring an end to self-immolations”. Regarding China and its denying of religious and political freedom, Hague stated that “[we] should always be clear in the United Kingdom about the belief in universal human rights and never be afraid to give advocacy on those rights. That includes relations 4

with China.” In August, the Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy, a human rights group based in Dharamshala, denounced the use of the death penalty, stating “it violates the fundamental right to life and the right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.” The group further said that “the persistent use of death penalty demonstrates China’s rejection of the United Nations Global Moratorium on the Death Penalty, adopted in 2007, which establishes a suspension on executions with the view to abolish the death penalty.” Since 2009 as many as 120 selfimmolations have occurred in Tibet, in protest against the Chinese government and its many human rights violations involving Tibetans, and calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. SEPTEMBER 2013

news & issues

EU Visit to Tibet Raises Concerns for Human Rights by Mary Trewartha The EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Mr Stavros Lambrinidis, made an official visit to Tibet from September 9-18, hosted by the Chinese Ministry for Foreign Affairs. “During my visit the Chinese authorities allowed for meetings and open discussions with a broad range of stakeholders. I had the opportunity to be informed of progress on a number of important economic and social fronts, including poverty eradication and education,” said Mr Lambrinidis. He visited an agricultural cooperative and a newly built village for resettled nomads. He met professors and students at Tibet University and editors of the Tibet Daily, as well as visiting the Potala Palace and Jokhang, and the Sera Monasteries in Lhasa. Mr Lambrinidis held wideranging talks with officials in Tibet, covering security, stability and due process of law, including in the context of self-immolations; the free

Continued from page 1

Mr Stavros Lambrinidis, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights Photo: Tibet.net/file

cultural identity and heritage, also looking at bilingual education. In Beijing, Mr Lambrinidis met the Chinese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs. “The visit provided opportunities for the EU and China to engage in in-depth discussions on human rights at a senior level....I

noted worrying trends in key areas of human rights concern... as well as the persecution, arrest, and detention of people for peacefully expressing their views or legally exercising their professional duties” said Mr Lambrinidis. Mr Lambrinidis and the Chinese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs discussed China’s commitments under the UN’s Universal Periodic Review, including the human rights situation in minority areas. They discussed freedom of expression, information, and association; freedom of religion and belief; death penalty reform; progress on economic and social rights; the universality of human rights and the role of civil society and protection against arbitrary harassment, arrests, and detentions. “Throughout my visit, I underlined the EU’s readiness to continue to work with China in promoting respective adherence to international human rights obligations and standards,’’ added Mr Lambrinidis.

Taking Tibet to the World

Academy of Arts and gave a speech highlighting the two basic principles of his life - encouraging the adoption of human values as a basic source of happiness and promoting inter-religious harmony. His Holiness then visited the Lithuanian parliament where he spoke

With Chen Guangcheng Photo: OHHDL

about the importance of placing strong ideals and principles over religious practices, thanking Lithuania for their warmth and support towards Tibetans. Contact Magazine

exercise of religion and expression; sustainable development challenges and urbanisation; the livelihood of ex-nomads; the protection of the environment and the preservation of

He addressed an audience comprised of teenagers at Tibet Square where he spoke about anger management. In Latvia, he visited the Parliament and addressed various issues pertaining to the Tibetan struggle. Latvian parliamentarians showed sympathy to the Tibetan cause and their struggle and stated that they would always support the Tibetan effort to preserve their culture and identity. In Germany, he visited a school in Hanover where he spoke to the students about self-confidence, courage and the importance of keeping the mind free of destructive negative emotions. He was received by the mayor and his wife in the town of Wonstorf. His Holiness emphasised the importance of maintaining tolerance and compassion towards one’s enemy. Thousands of monks escorted His 5

Holiness to the Vien Giac Vietnamese Temple in Hanover. He taught the monks how they all can imbibe Gautama

At the Vien Giac Vietnamese Buddhist Temple Photo: OHHDL

Buddha in themselves and concluded his speech with his favourite quote by the Buddha For as long as space endures, And for as long as living beings remain, Until then may I too abide, To dispel the misery of the world. SEPTEMBER 2013

news & issues

China Admits to Killing a Tibetan in the Recent Mining Protest by Eric Goh China has acknowledged that police officers have shot dead a local Tibetan man named Babo. They were responding to the recent mining protest in Gedrong Zatoe County in the Qinghai province in Eastern Tibet. The Chinese news agency Xinhua claimed that the shots were justified in order to defend the police against attacks by local protesters. The official report claimed that Babo was leading a group of protesters and that he was attacking police with knives, clubs and rocks, causing 17 police officers to be injured. “Babo was later fatally wounded by a stray bullet when police fired warning shots with an anti-riot shotgun. He was rushed to hospital but died on August 16,” reported Xinhua. “Two weeks after the event, this admission by the Chinese authorities that by accident they killed a Tibetan who was attacking police is simply not a tenable account of events,” said Mary Beth Market, President of the International Campaign for Tibet.

She also stressed that “imposing a blackout on information from the area once again underlines the vulnerability of the Tibetan people, and the lack of accountability from the Chinese authorities both to the Tibetan people themselves and to the international community.” A Tibetan monk in exile named Kunchok Dhondup said that one of his friends managed to visit a hospital where he witnessed 14 injured Tibetans. He was however blocked from visiting other hospitals in the region. Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, has said that China would never pursue temporary economic growth at the expense of environmental degradation and that environmental polluters will be severely punished, but there is documented evidence of government seals giving central government approval for mining. Zhang Qingli, the Secretary of the Party Committee of the Tibet Autonomous Region said “we won’t let Tibet’s mine reserves just sleep there” and “we also won’t

allow the ecology to be damaged by unregulated mining.” China has been facing difficulties trying to get supplies

Mining protesters in Dzatoe county display banners of President Xi Jinping’s statement urging protection of the environment. Photo: RFA

of raw materials domestically, which has led to an increase in the pace at which Tibetan minerals are being exploited, together with a lack of concern for the environment. Mining work has resumed in the Zatoe area of Qinghai province despite the opposition just weeks earlier.

Tibetan Parliament Calls for Action rule of the Chinese government. The organisations for their resolutions by Darren Wong The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile has resolution said that the new Chinese and statements showing concern over called on the Chinese Government leadership must take a realistic the grim situation in Tibet, and has to look into the grievances called on the international of all the Tibetan people community to press the who have set themselves Chinese government to end on fire, and to resolve the its failed policies in Tibet. issue through dialogue The resolution appealed to with the Tibetan leadership the United Nations Human based on the Middle-Way Rights Council to convene Approach as envisioned an urgent session over the by His Holiness the Dalai critical situation and for Lama. them to send a fact-finding At the start of the new delegation to Tibet. Parliamentary session, There were prayers for three resolutions were those who have died for the Opening the sixth session of the 15th parliament in passed to express solidarity cause of Tibet to be reborn Dharamshala, India. with the Tibetans who have in Tibet, for the immediate Photo: Tibet Sun set themselves on fire for release of those suffering the cause of Tibet. There was praise approach on the issue of Tibet. imprisonment on political reasons, and The Tibetan Parliament expressed for fulfillment of Tibetans’ aspirations for the “indomitable courage and determination” of all those Tibetans deep gratitude to the United Nations, for the return of His Holiness the Dalai who are suffering under the repressive various governments, parliaments and Lama to Tibet. Contact Magazine

SEPTEMBER 2013

news & issues

Commitment to the Middle Way Approach by Mary Trewartha The Kashag has reaffirmed its commitment to pursue the Middle-Way Approach (MWA), describing it as the only way forward to resolve the issue of Tibet, and as a source of growing global support. The discussion took place on the second day of the 6th session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament in Exile. “The Kashag clearly recognises the Middle-Way Approach as the only solution to resolve the problem of Tibet. The growing spotlight on Tibet and support from the international community have resulted from our [Tibetans’] pursuit of Middle-Way approach in the interest of both Chinese and Tibetan peoples,” said Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, reiterating that the Middle-Way Approach, as envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, was democratically approved by the Tibetan Parliament after thorough deliberation by the Tibetan people. Sikyong added that US President Barack Obama has expressed his

strong support for the Middle-Way Approach and that both the European Parliament and the US Senate have passed resolutions on Tibet earlier this year supporting MWA. At the third General meeting of the Tibetan People’s Movement for Middle Way, a group formed by some local politicians in support of the MWA policy, former Kalon Tripa (Tibetan Prime Minister) Professor Samdhong Rinpoche said that Rangzen (independence) advocates are not “antiDalai Lama”. “Currently both the Middle Way Approach and Rangzen advocates’ mission is same, that is to solve the critical situation inside Tibet and put an effort to change the Chinese hardline policies on Tibetans inside Tibet”, said Rinpoche, noting that different political stands can exist in a democratic society. At the Task Force on Sino-Tibetan negotiations (TFN), the Director of the Tibet Policy Institute and the

spokesperson for the TFN, Thupten Samphel, said that clear strategies were discussed on the way forward for the peaceful resolution of the Tibetan issue

Thupten Samphel during the conclusion of Task Force on Negotiation Photo: voatibetanenglish.com

through dialogue between envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and representatives of the new Chinese leadership. His Holiness, at his recent teaching session in Dharamsala, said “I am not seeking independence. The world knows that.”

Death During Interrogation by Jane Olivier Yu Qiyi, a Communist Party member and chief engineer of a state-owned company, the Wenzhou Industry Investment Group in

Yu Qiyi Photo: AP

Wenzhou, China, has died after interrogation by six Communist Party investigators. According to reports in state-run newspaper the Beijing Times, his head was held in a tub of icy water in an attempt to extract a confession. Contact Magazine

He was taken to hospital and died in the early hours of April 9. The coroner’s report, which was published on the Beijing Times website, said that Mr Yu died after inhaling fluids that caused his lungs to malfunction. Photos published on this site also showed several bruises on his body. The investigators will be tried for intentional assault. Yu Qiyi had been detained since early March for internal investigations into a land deal. He died during the shuanggui process, an internal disciplinary procedure where officials are asked to confess wrongdoings. Yu’s wife, Wu Qian, has said that he had many internal and external injuries and she suggested that he had been tortured in other ways. “Yu Qiyi was a strong man before the shuanggui process, but he was thin by the time he died,” she told the Beijing Times. According to the reports that are 7

available, people facing shuanggui are usually apprehended at their places of work or summoned for “voluntary visits” with investigators. They are then held in an undisclosed location, often a specially designed hotel or office building. There have been reports of psychological manipulation and physical torture such as sleep deprivation, simulated drowning, burning the detainee’s skin with cigarettes, and beating. Since shuanggui is rooted in Party regulations instead of formal legislation, it is a form of extra-legal detention. Because such regulations lack the transparency afforded by a legal system, the extent to which human rights violations are committed during shuanggui is not well documented. Yu Qiyi’s death was initially reported as an accident. SEPTEMBER 2013

news & issues

The Sixth Session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile by Zalina Gamat The sixth session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile was held in Dharamshala on September 18-28. The agenda for the session included the presentation of annual reports of the seven departments of the Central Tibetan Association (CTA), the annual report and recommendations of the 5th Public Accounts Committee, and deliberations about the current situation in Tibet. Speaker Penpa Tsering expressed appreciation of the All India Lobbying Campaign undertaken by the Kashag (Tibetan cabinet) last year to garner support for the Tibetan cause from the various Indian state governments. He said the campaigns would continue. He also reminded the parliamentarians of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s address on Democracy Day during which he had expressed concern over the public servants’ indifferent attitude towards the

general public, and had urged officials to serve and address the grievances of the Tibetan public as a priority. Parliament passed three resolutions unanimously: praising the courage and will of the Tibetan self-immolators, urging China to adopt the Middle-Way Approach and look into the grievances of the self-immolators, and lastly urging the international community to send a fact-finding delegation to Tibet and the UN Human Rights Council to convene an urgent session over the critical situation in Tibet. The Secretary for Religion and Culture, Mr Ngawang Choedak Choetri Tengpa, was appointed as the new Justice Commissioner of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission. Mr Ngawang Choedak earlier served as Secretary of the Commission. The Speaker and Sikyong reported on their audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on September 22, when His Holiness had said that there

will be a resolution for the Tibetan cause and that he will live to see it. Two resolutions were passed in mourning for individuals who had been well associated with the Tibetan cause. Indian Rajya Sabha member, Mohan Singh, was the convener of the All India Parliamentary Forum on Tibet, during whose time the first World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet was held in New Delhi in 1994. Mr Robert W Ford was the first foreigner employed Speaker Penpa Tsering by the Photo: indtvusa.com Tibetan government, he set up the first Radio and Telegraph Office in Lhasa, Tibet’s capital in 1947.

The Solidarity Campaign Gains Momentum by Tara Parashar The Solidarity Campaign is continuing its work, touring much of India, and recently lobbying governments from Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Mumbai, Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu. In late August the South Zone Tibetan Parliamentary Delegation met famous Bollywood actors and directors in Mumbai, including Ileana D’cruz, Lakshmi Rai, Anupam Kher and Vivek Oberoi. All of them expressed solidarity with Tibet; they pledged their continued support and said that they would bring up the issue of Tibet through their films. In Mumbai, Tibetan Parliament member Lobsang Yeshi told Indian politicians that the Peoples Republic of China had an anti-India agenda, and he urged them to take a more aggressive attitude in their relationship with China. In an attempt to foster solidarity between Indians and Tibetans he mentioned Contact Magazine

that all of the Tibetan policies towards China were inspired by the ancient Indian tradition of ahimsa, or nonviolence, which is also a central tenet of Buddhism. The delegation has also visited North India and has met ministers in Rajasthan and Meghalaya. In Rajasthan, the Tibetan Parliamentary

Tibetan Parliamentary delegations greet Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot Photo: tibet.net

delegation called upon Chief Minister Gehlot, urging him to continue his support for the Tibetan cause. Mr Gehlot warmly greeted the delegation 8

and expressed his sincere solidarity with the Tibetan people. The efforts of the delegation are not in vain: on September 18, political leaders from Arunachal Pradesh sent a cross-party memorandum to Prime Minster Manmohan Singh urging him to open a dialogue with China and find a peaceful solution to the Tibet situation. The memorandum was keen to impress upon Singh the historic links between India and Tibet and, in line with Lobsang Yeshi’s statements, that promoting peace on the Tibetan plateau may be crucial for Indian security. In Dharamshala, discussions have taken place to shape the policy and direction of the Solidarity Campaign. The 26th Meeting of the Task Force on Sino-Tibetan Negotiations, held earlier this month in Dharamsala, discussed the dialogue process and possible amendments which could be made to it. SEPTEMBER 2013

news & issues

A Friend of Tibet Dies

Continued from page 1

a century.” At the ceremony he was presented with the last of his salary from his time in Tibet, a 100 Srang note of Tibetan currency. The Chinese authorities had imprisoned Ford before his salary was due. He was arrested in 1950 by the invading Chinese army, along with the Governor General of Kham, Ngabo Ngawang Jigme, and other Tibetan officials. The People’s Republic of China accused him of espionage, spreading anti-communist propaganda and causing the death of Geda Lama. He spent nearly five years in jail, in constant fear of being executed, and was subjected to interrogation and thought reform. In

Continued from page 1

1954 he was allowed to send a letter to his parents. At the end of 1954 his trial was held and he was sentenced to ten years in jail. He was eventually released and expelled in 1955.

Indian Citizenship: a Dilemma for Tibetans

of his birth, shall be a citizen of India by birth. Tibetans acknowledge that India has been incredibly generous in her treatment of Tibetan refugees, as has Nepal in the past. Currently, exiled Tibetans in India are considered “foreigners”, lacking even the protection of being officially designated as “refugees”. This raises the question of how the Tibetan people and their exiled government plan to protect themselves if political circumstances cause them to remain in India for another generation or more? India has not ratified the refugee convention, and has chosen not to extend full civil rights to stateless individuals living on its soil. As “foreigners” they are “guests”, and guests can always be asked to leave. Examples of the questions facing the exile Tibetan community are: What if India places greater restrictions on the CTA in order to smooth relations with China? What if India starts to question the benefit of hosting an administration-in-exile run by a group of stateless refugees? What if India simply starts shutting down the CTA’s political components? It is to be Contact Magazine

His Holiness presenting the “Light of Truth Award” to Robert Ford Photo: savetibet.org

In 1957, Ford published his book Captured in Tibet about his experience. He was a founding member of the Tibet Society in 1959 and remained its Vice President for the rest of his life. He wrote extensively and lectured on all aspects of Tibetan and Chinese affairs in the UK, the rest of Europe, Australia and the United States. The Tibetan Parliament-inExile has passed a resolution to sincerely commend Robert Ford’s accomplishments, and to hope that his great visions be realised. Further, there were prayers that he attains noble rebirth, and profound condolences were extended to his family.

hoped that the situation in India will never deteriorate as it has in Nepal, but the fate of the Tibetan community could be out of its own hands. It is this fundamental vulnerability that drives

Tibetan children with their new RC (Registration Certificate) Photo: tcvupdate.wordpress.com

the strongest argument for Tibetans accepting Indian citizenship. Most pressingly, the reality is that Tibetan refugees – including the CTA – exist in India only with the continuing tolerance of the Indian government. As long as Tibetans remain merely stateless foreigners rather than citizens, India’s policy can change… just as Nepal’s did. Tibetans contributing Chatrel, or 9

Tibetan tax, are issued with a Green Book. This book has over the years effectively become the passport of exiled Tibetans, allowing them to claim their rights from the CTA. And in future it will become a base to claim Tibetan citizenship. Today, it is used for school admission, school or university scholarships and employment within the exiled community. Payment of the voluntary contribution is a condition for gaining voting rights in parliamentary elections. What about Tibetan people in India who only have a Registration Certificate (RC – Indian registration for people with refugee status)? Currently, Tibetans in India must generally show their RC in order to get a Green Book and other benefits, for example, most scholarships awarded by the CTA and admissions to Men-tse-khang (Medical Institute) and Sarah Institute (Buddhist studies) generally require an RC. This raises the question of whether the CTA wants to limit these benefits only to truly stateless refugees rather than Tibetans with Indian Citizenship? SEPTEMBER 2013

news & issues

Tibetan Headlines Sep 26: Writer Detained Lobsang Namgyal, 26, was detained in May 2012 in Chengdu, Sichuan province, for printing “politically sensitive documents” and being in possession of the Dalai Lama’s speeches. His family has only now been informed of his whereabouts. In 2011 Lobsang wrote the book Tsol (search). Sep 25: Protest in Dhasa Tibetans in exile protested against the Nepali government’s secret cremation of the body of Karma Nyedon Gyatso, the monk who set himself on fire in Kathmandu last month. Marking the 49th day of his demise, protestors

Demonstration through the streets of McLeod Ganj

denounced the Nepalese government’s failure to release the body and return his ashes to the Tibetan community. Sep 24: Kirti Rinpoche’s Appeal Kirti Rinpoche, the exiled head of the Kirti monasteries in Ngaba in Tibet, has condemned the death sentences of Lobsang Konchok and Dolma Kyab, and said the Chinese legal system is “unfair”. Rinpoche also appealed to the UN and the international community to release all Tibetan political prisoners, including Panchen Rinpoche. Sep 21: Freedom for Writers PEN International, a worldwide association of writers, passed a resolution on Tibet during its 79th Congress held in Iceland, calling on China to allow Tibetans to preserve and freely exercise their own language without interference. It urged China to remove restrictions on Tibetan writers Contact Magazine

and allow freedom of speech, writing and artistic expression in Tibet. Sep 20: New Book Launched The Khawa Karpo Tibet Culture Center in Dharamsala launched the 91 year-old Bawa Phuntsok Wangyal’s new book on nationalism and China’s policies regarding different nationalities. He is a veteran Tibetan communist living in China. Sep 19: Peace Marcher Missing Lingtsa Tseten Dorje, the peace marcher on a “walk to Tibet”, is missing. He was last seen on June 8 at a monastery in Kalimpong, West Bengal. Sep 17: Father of Three Arrested Rinchen Dhargay, 41, was arrested in Kardze County, Tibet. Allegedly, he was among a crowd who prevented authorities from seizing the body of monk Tsewang Norbu who died after a self-immolation protest on August 15, 2011. Rinchen has not been heard of since his arrest. Sep 16: Three Monks Sentenced Monks from the Wonpo Monastery, Choedar, Sonam Gonpo and Sonam Choedar, have been sentenced in Shershul County, Kardze for their alleged connection with a Tibetan flag-

From left: Choedar, Sonam Gonpo and Sonam Choedar Photo: TCHRD

raising incident.They have since been kept incommunicado. Choedar, 47, was sentenced to one year and the other two, both 22, to four years each. Sep 15: Jetsun Pema Honoured Jetsun Pema, the Dalai Lama’s younger sister, has been honoured with the Light of Education Award in Uzwil, Swizerland for her services to the Tibetan Children’s Village School. 10

Sep 13: Gold Medal Winner Tsomo Kyi, a 21 year-old Tibetan girl from Dashi County in Tsojhang, TAR, has won a gold medal in the 10,000 metre marathon at China’s 12th National Games held in Shenyang city. She broke Qinghai provincial athletic meet’s record of 20 years. Sep 12: “Badly Beaten” An elderly Tibetan was “beaten so badly that he was left in critical condition in a local hospital” for speaking out against the Chinese government’s campaign of “political education” in villages in Tibet. Dayang, 67, of Nagchu in Driru County, called for Tibet’s independence and long life of the Dalai Lama. Sep 12: Prisoner Released A Tibetan prisoner sentenced to a threeyear term has been released early in a poor health. Sonam Choegyal, 20, from Kaka village in Kardze, Tibet, had staged a protest against Chinese rule in 2011, along with Tenzin Nyima who was released two months earlier. Sep 11: More Life Sentences News has just emerged of two Tibetan tour guides sentenced to life imprisonment in 2010. Tsering Samdup, in his mid 20s from Shigatse was sentenced when an American climber from his group hoisted a Tibetan national flag at Mt Everest base camp and took pictures of it. Another unidentified Tibetan guide was sentenced to life for infringing the official descriptions of the Dalai Lama to foreign tourists visiting the Potala Palace. Sep 10: Attempted Suicide Dolma Yankyi, a woman in Tibet’s Nagchu County, has deliberately crashed her motorcycle and tried to kill herself following “harassment” by Chinese authorities during a brawl with security personnel stationed at the Shag Rongpo Ganden Dhargyeling monastery, which was closed in July. Her husband had been arrested among 50 other protesters. She was hospitalised under close watch. SEPTEMBER 2013

news & issues

International Headlines Sep 26: Kashmir Attack At least eight people have been killed in Kashmir (India) after suspected militants attacked a police post and an army camp close to the border with Pakistan. Four policemen, two soldiers and two militants were killed. Peace talks between Pakistan and India, who both claim Kashmir, have been stalled, and a meeting is due at the UN to open a dialogue aimed at easing tensions.

Sep 20: Tibet at UNHRC During the 24th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the US, UK, Germany, Czech Republic and Austria issued statements urging China to respect human rights in Tibet. They expressed concerns about the current situation in Tibet, including reports of the use of force against peaceful protests, increased internet controls and the ongoing self-immolations.

Sep 25: Weapons Exports Banned China’s Commerce Ministry has said that it has banned exports to North Korea of technologies which could be used in the development of nuclear weapons, with immediate effect. The banned exports include components for nuclear explosive devices and rocket systems. The Ministry said the move would help implement UN resolutions on North Korea.

Sep 18: China in Pokhara China has asked permission from Nepal to set up a consulate in Pokhara, causing concern about the strategic implications for India. The Pokhara region is important for Indian counterterrorism and Chinese consolidation there could lead to protective cover for Pakistani terror groups targeting India. The Pokhara consulate is said to be a reciprocal gesture to a proposed Nepali consulate in Guangzhou in China.

Sep 24: Russia Holds Activists Russian prosecutors are holding 30 Greenpeace activists, accusing them of piracy, and say they will prosecute them for trying to board a Russian Arctic oil platform. Russia’s Investigative Committee, modelled on the FBI, will question the activists. Sep 22: Nairobi Mall Attacked Kenyan security forces have rescued hostages held by militants in a Nairobi shopping mall following a terror attack. Armed men stormed the shopping centre u s i n g grenades and rifles, leaving at least 68 people d e a d and 175 wounded. The Somalian militant group, al-Shabaab, claimed responsibility for the attack. Contact Magazine

Sep 17: Red Flag Protest Tibetans and supporters protested against the proposed hoisting of the Chinese flag in San Leandro, US on October 1. The City Council there has

Tibetans and supporters protesting outside San Leandro Hall Photo: sanleandro.patch.com

passed a bill to fly the flag to welcome, and show appreciation, to the Chinese community and businesses. Sep 16: No Chemical Weapons UN chemical weapons inspectors have handed their report into an alleged gas attack last month in Syria to Ban Kimoon, the UN Secretary General. The inspection team was mandated to report which chemical agents were used not on who was responsible. In a deal brokered by Russia, Syria has agreed 11

to reveal its stockpile, and eliminate the chemical arsenal by mid-2014. Sep 15: Poll Protests Deadly violence broke out during an election fraud protest in Cambodia. Thousands of Cambodians were calling for an independent probe into charges of election fraud, which the opposition claims robbed them of victory in the July polls. Security forces shot dead one protester and wounded several others when they opened fire and used teargas and water cannons against protesters. Sep 14: Rapists Death Sentence Four men have been found guilty of the fatal 2012 Delhi gang rape of a 23 year old student and sentenced to death. The woman was brutally assaulted on a bus and died two weeks later. Her death led to days of massive protests across India in a wave of unprecedented anger. Sep 13: Taliban Attack Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan have attacked the US consulate in the western city of Herat. A truck carrying attackers drove to the front gate and started attacking Afghan Protective forces. The truck exploded and other attackers opened fire on the consulate killing security personnel and injuring several civilians. Sep 8: New Road Australia has elected a new government. The Liberal-National coalition won 88 seats to Labor’s 57 in the 150seat parliament. Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott promised a competent and trustworthy government, while planning policies to cut pledges in foreign aid. The money saved will be reallocated to road projects in the country’s cities. SEPTEMBER 2013

around town

Charities and Organisations

Central Tibetan Administration

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

The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)

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

Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)

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

Tibetan Women’s Association

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

Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

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

Contact Magazine

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

Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)

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

Delek Hospital

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

Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society

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

Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)

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

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

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

Lha Charitable Trust (Lha)

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

Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet

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

Tong-Len Charitable Trust

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

Tibet Charity

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

SEPTEMBER 2013

around town

Charities and Organisations

KUNPHEN Centre for Substance Dependence HIV/AIDS&HRD

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

Tibetan Centre 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, Dharamsala 176215 PHONE: 0189-2226627 EMAIL: tccroffice@yahoo.com

The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)

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

National Democratic Party of Tibet

The NDPT is currently the only Tibetan political party. With 5000 members in 36 regional chapters throughout the world, the main aim and objectives of the NDPT are to prepare for the establishment of a political party in a future

Gamru Village School

Gamru Village School is a successful NGO that provides free high-quality education to any children who encounter serious barriers to education and who have a low standard of living. WEB: www.gamruschool.com LOCATION: Village Gamru, P.O Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamsala, Distt Kangra 176215 PHONE: 9816105554 EMAIL: (check website)

Clean Upper Dharamsala Project

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

Contact Magazine

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: nyingtobling@hotmail.com

Women’s Team

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

BUS SCHEDULE

* Times and prices may vary. Please check with the bus stand ahead of departure. Leaving from the McLeod Ganj bus stand, unless otherwise stated: Delhi: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am, 6pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm and 8:30pm (Rs330) Semi Deluxe Bus: 6pm (Rs355) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8pm (Rs1035) AC TATA: 8:30pm (Rs840)

Rogpa Baby Care Center

The Rogpa Baby Care Center helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so their parents can work. The center needs volunteers to help with art, games, singing and other tasks including diaper changing. WEB: www.tibetrogpa.org LOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka Guest House, Jogiwara Rd., McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala - 176219 (near no.13 on map) PHONE: 9816659549 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 8:00 am-12:00 pm or 1:00 pm- 5 :00 pm EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com

Tibet, to promote democracy, to educate the Tibetan people about the significance of political parties, and to create awareness among the people about Tibetan issues. WEB: www.ndp4tibet.org LOCATION: Dharamsala–176219 EMAIL: tibetparty4@gmail.com

Amritsar: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am (Rs165)

*from Dharamsala

Dehradun: Ordinary Bus: 9pm; AC Deluxe: 5:30pm Manali: Ordinary Bus: 5:40pm, 8:40pm *from Dharamsala Pathankot: Ordinary Bus: 11am, 12:10pm, 12:30pm, 2:10pm, 3:50pm, 5pm(Rs75)

Shimla: Ordinary Bus: 5am, 5:30am, 6am, 8am, noon and 4:55pm (Rs235) *from Dharamsala Semi-Deluxe Bus: 8:22am, 7:45pm and 9:30pm (Rs???) *from Dharamsala

FOR BOOKINGS: Location: Ticket stand under McLLo’s, main square Hours: 10am-6pm, daily Phone: 221750 For deluxe buses, book through any travel agency.

TAXIS

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

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Ambulance: 01892-102, 222189

Police Superintendent: 01892-222244

Tibetan Delek Hospital Location: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala Hours: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, Mon-Sat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, Mon-Sat; Emergencies: 24-hrs, daily. phone: 222 053,223 381

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

Post Office The McLeod Ganj Post Office is located Kangra Airport: 01892-232374, 232324 on Jogiwara Rd, past Peace Cafe Hours: 9:30am-1pm and 2-5pm, Mon-Fri; Bhagsu Taxi Union: 01892-221034 9:30am-noon, Sat. Phone: 221 924 Tourism Office: 01892-23107 Parcels and money orders can be Rail Booking & Enquiry: 01892-265026 sent in the mornings only. 13

SEPTEMBER 2013

activities and tourist info LANGUAGES

Upcoming Events

MEDITATION

Sep 30- Oct 3 The Dalai Lama teachings: on Nagarjuna’s Sixty Stanzas of Reasoning (rigpa drugchupa) & Tsongkhapa’s Concise Treatises on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment (lamrim dudon) in Dharamsala Oct 2: Gandhi Jayanti (Birthday) Oct 24- 27: Dharamsala International Film Festival: at Tipa, Dharamsala.

Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre

Tibetan Language Class

Tushita Meditation Center

Hindi Classes

BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY

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

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

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

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

Om Yoga Center

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

Nature Cure Health Club

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

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

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

Traditional Thai Massage

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

Contact Magazine

WEB: www.omyogaindia.com LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Road PHONE: 980-569-3514 EMAIL: om.yoga@ymail.com WEB: www.tushita.info LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:30-11:30am PHONE: 0898-816-0988 EMAIL: spc@tushita.info

Vipassana Meditation

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

Rishi Yoga & Meditation Center

LOCATION: Lha Office, Temple Rd HOURS: Registration from 9-11am, Mon-Fri PHONE: 220 992 See ad on pg 3. LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Rd, beside the Korean Restaurant PHONE: 981-649-4732

Hindi Lessons with Sunil

LOCATION: Kunga Guesthouse, Bhagsu Rd and in Dharamkot PHONE: 01892-21942, 941-818-7281 EMAIL: sunilsharma81in@yahoo.co.in

Tibetan Language

LOCATION: The Tibetan Library See Buddhist Philosophy Listing

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

Hindi Lessons with Kailash

School of Life and Spirituality

Tibetan with Pema Youdon

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

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

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

Indian Cooking Classes

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

Lhamo’s Kitchen, Tibetan Cooking Classes

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

Nisha’s Indian Cooking Class

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

Sangye’s Kitchen Traditional Tibetan Cooking Classes

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

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

Esukhia Online Tibetan Courses and Tibetan Immersion Spoken

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

ART & MUSeums Naam Art Gallery

LOCATION: Main Road Sidhbari Dharamsala PHONE: 9816043708

Tibet Museum

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

Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression

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

Kangra Art Museum

LOCATION: Near Bus Stand, Kotwali Bazaar PHONE: 01892 224214 HOURS: Tue-Sun: 10:00am-1:00pm & 2:00pm-5:00pm

The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA) WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: Kotwali Bazaar PHONE: 1892-221478 EMAIL: tipadhasa@hotmail.com

Form Gallery

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

SEPTEMBER 2013

activities & services HEALTH SERVICES Dr. Sant Marwah Clinic

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

Lha Computer Class Lhaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s computer classes are teaching students at all levels to become proficient in a range of computer programmes. Contact Lha office to join the classes!

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

Maanav Health Clinic

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

Men-Tsee-Khang

LOCATION: Between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-22618 / 223113 EMAIL: tmai@vsnl.com

Primary Health Centre

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

Nature Cure Health Club

LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House-Map #10 HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm PHONE: : 941-813-0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com

Tibetan Delek Hospital

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

Ayuskam Health Care

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

Reaching out to the Chinese People by Mary Trewartha The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has appointed liaison officers whose brief is to reach out to the Chinese people and raise their understanding of Tibet and the issues faced by the Tibetan people. Chinese liaison officers Dhadon, Lobsang Nyima and Kunga Tashi; based in Europe, Australia and the US respectively, together with Dawa Tsering, the Representative at the Office of Tibet in Taiwan, visited Contact Magazine

Dharamshala earlier this month to meet Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay and Kalon Dicki Chhoyang of the Department of Information and International Relations. The officers took part in the meeting of the Task Force on Sino-Tibetan Negotiations earlier this month. They also met officials of the Tibet Policy Institute, a think tank, and other members of the CTA staff and took the opportunity to share their experiences in reaching out to the Chinese people. 15

From right: The Chinese liaison officers; Kunga Tashi , Lobsang Nyima and Dhadon with Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, DIIR Kalon Dicki Chhoyang and Representative Dawa Tsering Photo: DIIR/CTA SEPTEMBER 2013

news and issues

Monks Protecting Snow Leopards by Jane Olivier Monks on the Tibetan Plateau are serving a critical role in the fight to conserve the endangered snow leopard. Over 300 monasteries inhabit the same sky-high region as the snow leopards of the Tibetan Plateau, and have been shown to protect more snow leopard habitat than local nature reserves. Living at extremely high altitudes and supremely adapted to survive in the harsh conditions on the Tibetan plateau, the snow leopard, one of the most elusive creatures on earth, is known by locals as “the mountain ghost”. Panthera, an organisation whose mission is to ensure the future of wild cats through scientific leadership and global conservation action, published a study earlier this month: Role of Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries in Snow Leopard Conservation. The study was led by Dr Li Juan of Peking University and co-authored by Panthera’s Dr George

Schaller and Dr Tom McCarthy; leading Chinese NGO (non-government organisation) Shan Shui, and the Snow Leopard Trust. Currently, there are between 3,5007,000 snow leopards in 12 Asian countries, with over half in China and

Photo: snowleopard.org

Tibet. The study partners worked with four Tibetan Buddhist monasteries on a programme aimed at mitigating human-snow leopard conflict and training monks to monitor and protect

wildlife. It also supports monasteries in teaching about the conservation value of snow leopards through festivals and education programs. In three years there have been no reports of snow leopards being killed in the study area. Tibetan Buddhism considers the snow leopard and its habitats sacred. Tibetan Buddhism is practised across 80% of the snow leopard range, and so monastery-based snow leopard conservation could apply over a much broader area than the Tibetan Plateau. Panthera’s Vice President, Dr George Schaller, explained, “Buddhism has as a basic tenet of love, respect, and compassion for all living beings. This report illuminates how science and the spiritual values of Tibetan Buddhism can combine their visions and wisdom to help protect China’s natural heritage. Such an approach to environmental conservation needs to be emulated by all the world’s faiths.”

An Australian Diplomat Visits Tibet by Vanshika Tripathi Australian diplomat Frances Adamson, who is based in Beijing, has been to Tibet for a four day visit at the end of August. This trip comes almost 18 months after entry into Tibet was requested by Australian Foreign

Frances Adamson, Australian Ambassador to China, with a Tibetan monk and Mr Bunten at Jokhang Temple in Lhasa Photo: china.embassy.gov

Minister Bob Carr to “investigate the grievances that had led to an appalling spate of self-immolations.” Diplomats and journalists are usually not granted Contact Magazine

access into the Tibetan Autonomous Region by Chinese authorities. Adamson said that she “clearly and directly conveyed the Australian government’s views on the human rights situation in Tibet,” and that she “made the point that […] open and regular access to the Tibetan Autonomous Region for the media, as well as for Australian diplomats [is called for].” During her stay in Tibet, Adamson visited Naidong County and Lhasa. She discussed the development taking place in Tibet, and examined Tibetan agricultureand health-centered projects funded by the Australian government. Though the Chinese government has in the past allowed ambassadors from countries such as the United States, Canada and New Zealand access into Tibet, it specifically restricts access into the Sichuan region where the majority of the self-immolations have taken place. 16

The Director of Modern Tibetan Studies at Columbia University has said that the “[Chinese] authorities were keen to highlight Tibet’s economic progress and tourism potential - and that tightly controlled visits were one factor in the charm offensive.” Though many see the Chinese government’s move of giving access into Tibet as a sign that their new leadership is trying to ease the conflicts in the region, human rights activist groups have expressed concern that the government is confident that it can control and stage-manage the visits, driving attention away from the selfimmolations and diverting criticism from western governments. These groups have cautioned that the Tibet Autonomous Region exists under de facto martial law, and that China is granting access as a way to manipulate journalists and diplomats into being used for the purpose of propaganda. SEPTEMBER 2013