Contact September 2014 by Lha Charitable Trust

འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།

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contact

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

A Tibetan Student Succumbs to Self-immolation Lhamo Tashi, 22, set fire to himself at midnight on September 17, outside a police station in Tsoe city, Kanlho, in the traditional Amdo region. Tashi’s parents Chopa Tsering and Dhukar Tso, who live in Drukdo village, Amchok township, were informed of their son’s self-immolation by the security police who told them that he had died. They travelled to Tsoe to request their son’s body but were told that Lhamo Tashi had already been cremated, and were then given some ashes which they were told were Tashi’s. Lhamo Tashi, a student, is the 132nd Tibetan to self-immolate inside Tibet since 2009. It is not yet known whether he left behind a statement. Sources say that Tashi called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom for Tibetans. Tashi took part in the 2008 protests and was detained at the time, then subsequently released. A relative has described him as “a student dedicated to preserving his Tibetan heritage”. The Central Tibetan Administration held a prayer service for Lhamo Tashi and all the Tibetan self-immolators at Tsuglakhang, Dharamshala. His Eminence Kirti Rinpoche presided over the prayer service.

Volume: XVI Issue: 8

30 September 2014

Xi Jinping: Investment, Border Spats and Silence on Tibet By Rohini Kejriwal Chinese president Xi Jinping, in a historic visit to India, has opened up new windows of opportunity and signed landmark deals with the country. Not only will India see China investing $20 billion in infrastructure over the next five years, but both sides also focused on increasing cooperation in trade, space exploration and civil nuclear energy. Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s hospitality had a notable personal touch as the visit began in his own state of Gujarat, rather than the capital, New Delhi, as is conventional. For the Tibetan community in India, one of the largest in the world outside Tibet, this visit symbolised a hope for the bringing up the issue of Tibet, one that has consequences for India too and not Tibet alone. Petitions were sent to Modi by various activist groups, including international Free Tibet organisations Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) and the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), urging him to raise the issue with Xi. The two organisations also spearheaded peaceful demonstrations staged in New Delhi and Ahmedabad, which were both visited by Xi during his three-day visit. During past visits of Chinese officials, Indian police have prevented Tibetans from protesting against China’s control of Tibet, which Beijing claims as its own territory. Since Xi’s arrival, groups of protesters, many of whom were college-going students, were escorted away from the Chinese embassy in New Delhi, while shouting

anti-China slogans. In New Delhi’s main Tibetan neighbourhood, Majnu Ka Tilla, hundreds of Tibetans took to the streets after they were barred from carrying out a protest march from Ram Lila Maidan to Jantar Mantar in central Delhi. As talks took place between Modi and Xi, protests in Gujarat were also curbed, with around 60 Tibetan students being detained by the Gujarat police as a pre-emptive measure. The connectedness of the three countries in question – India, Tibet and China – goes back a long way. India had a long and complex relationship with Tibet, even before its own independence. When China’s military

Indian PM Modi with Chinese President Xi Photo: BBC/EPA

pushed into Tibet a half-century ago, thousands of people - including the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, His Holiness the Dalai Lama - fled to India, who welcomed them with open arms, a move that has since strained India-China relations. Between India and China, two emerging superpowers in the world, mutual suspicion has always been the chosen mode of conduct. The two countries share a long militarised border, went to war Continued on page 6

about lha & contact

Lha Charitable Trust

Institute for Social Work & Education Mission Statement:

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

Background:

Lha is a Tibetan grassroots nonprofit organisation based in Dharamshala, India. It is one of the largest social work organisations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population, and people from the Himalayan regions. Lha offers free English, French and Chinese classes, cultural exchange programs, IT classes, vocational training,

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

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

Acknowledgement

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Contact

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

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

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

Contact, a free monthly publication of Lha Charitable Trust, is a recognised and registered publication under the Registrar Office of the Newspaper, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India. The registration number is HPENG/2013/51798. Recognised by Lonely Planet and other international travel resources, Contact has been a popular source of news and information on Tibetan issues, and the Dharamshala community, for over 14 years. 700 - 1,000 copies are printed per issue and distributed in the greater Dharamshala area and in Delhi, and various diplomatic missions to India. Copies are also sent to various Tibetan schools, settlements, offices and NGOs in India.

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

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

about lha

Lha has recently established the Lha Tibet Fair Trade store (LTFT) to support its charitable work through the sale of traditional Tibetan goods made by local

Goods on show at the LTFT showroom Photo: Lha

craftspeople. The LTFT store is located on the floor below the Lha office in McLeod Ganj. Through LTFT, Lha aims to promote awareness and appreciation of Tibetan

culture while providing a source of income for local artists and craftspeople to improve their standard of living. In addition, the LTFT store supports Lha’s numerous charitable projects and helps Lha to become more sustainable and self-sufficient. The LTFT store is pleased to welcome any businesses wishing to form partnerships and set up exhibition tours. LTFT acts as a certified co-operative, offering a wide range of handmade Tibetan craftworks - from handloom textiles to jewellery, home décor and personal accessories to traditional Tibetan art. LTFT is a licensed manufacturer, retailer, importer, exporter, and wholesale company. The LTFT store is open for wholesale and retail business. Online shopping on LTFT’s website will be available soon.

LTFT welcomes any enquiries from wholesale traders and from producers of other retail products, and is pleased

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

to discuss prices. You can visit the showroom here in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, HP. For more information, please visit the LTFT website:

www.tibetfairtrade.com

Lha Traveler Services & Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer

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

Classes and Services

TIBETAN COOKING CLASS Individuals and small groups can learn to prepare a variety of traditional and modern vegetarian Tibetan foods

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

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

news & issues

Fostering Harmony and Tolerance By Rohini Kejriwal His Holiness the Dalai Lama has hosted a two-day meeting in celebration of spiritual and religious diversity and to promote harmony through dialogue. The “Meeting of Diverse Spiritual Traditions in India” took place in New Delhi on September 20 and 21. The conclave had been rescheduled to avoid clashing with Chinese President Xi’s visit, and was attended by members of nine faiths. The Chairman of the Preparatory Committee, Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, the venerated spiritual leader and former head of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile gave the welcome speech during the inaugural ceremony. Rinpoche, also a passionate and well-known advocate of nonviolence, spoke about how, despite the great progress being made in scientific and technological developments, the persistence of violence in the world and damage to the natural environment were among the reasons that prompted His Holiness to host this meeting. This was followed by a performance by members of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) and the reciting of prayers by representatives of nine faiths.

In his address, His Holiness the Dalai Lama emphasised the need for all spiritual leaders to come together to make the 21st century an age of peace, compassion and tranquility and to look beyond the key elements of division, political conflict, violence and self-centred attitudes. “I don’t think of myself as a Tibetan, a

At the opening ceremony Photo: OHHDL/ choejor

Buddhist or as somebody special like His Holiness the Dalai Lama. All of us human beings are the same physically, mentally and emotionally. We all want to live a happy life and we have a right to do so. And yet many of the problems we face are our own creations. Why? Because we think only of ourselves and neglect others,” he said.

The first day saw a plenary session “Inter-religious Understanding and Human Values” and talks by Chief Guest Najeeb Jung, Karma Paljor, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati, Paul Dhinakaran, Sheikhul Masheikh Dewan Syed Zainul Abedin Ali Khan and Lochen Rinpoche among others. Day two began with the second plenary session on “Environment, Education and Society”, where moderator Arun Kapur opened the discussion with the idea that we seem to live in competition with nature. The third and final plenary session was dedicated to refining a report of the meeting and a proposed action plan. The most effective outcome of this meeting was the declaration adopted by the participants to foster harmony and tolerance in society through inter-religious dialogue. It recognised India’s heritage of an ancient civilization, celebrating the diversity of various spiritual and religious traditions; that the values of altruism, self-discipline and compassion are common to all faiths and are the bedrock of the shared future of their diverse local communities; and that religious harmony is imperative for social and economic development.

Kalon Tsering Dhondup takes the Middle-Way to North America By Tsering Wangdue Kalon Tsering Dhondup, the Finance Minister of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), spent two

Kalon Tsering Dhondup in Minnesota, US Photo: Office of Tibet

weeks touring North America early in September, and was welcomed by the Tibetan community in Minesota to Contact

their celebration for the 54th Tibetan Democracy Day on September 2. The Finance Kalon was in America to raise awareness at grass-roots level of the Kashag’s (or CTA Cabinet) Middle-Way Approach, and to promote it to the Tibetan community there. He spoke to them about the evolution and achievements of the policy, and also took the opportunity to underline the responsibility of the older generation to teach traditional culture and values to their children, and to tell them of the debt of gratitude of all Tibetans in exile to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Kalon spoke of the Kashag’s concern over the “Chatrel” or Green Book (annual voluntary contribution) 4

and about the plans to institute easier ways to reduce the problems faced by Tibetans in exile regarding Green Book application procedures. The Green Book has over the years effectively become the passport of exiled Tibetans, allowing them to claim their benefits from the CTA, and will in future become a requirement to claim Tibetan citizenship. Kalon Tsering Dhondup toured America and Canada from August 24 to September 7, visiting Portland, San Francisco, Madison, Chicago, New York and Toronto. He was accompanied by Ngawang Yonten from the Office of Tibet, Washington, DC in the US. SEPTEMBER 2014

news & issues

“A Little Toothache can Paralyse the Entire Body” By Daisy Hughes Hundreds of Indian and Chinese troops are locked into a standoff over border disputes in the contested Chumar region of Ladakh, on the Sino-Indian, or Tibetan, border. This follows reports by Indian military officials of a Chinese incursion into Indian territory during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to India last week. The Times of India reported Prime Minister Modi telling President Xi, “Even such small incidents can impact the biggest of relationships, just as a little toothache can paralyse the entire body.” Following talks between the two premiers, troops have withdrawn from face-to-face confrontation. Currently, India has deployed around 1,500 troops to the region and China around 800 although they are separated from

each other, an Indian government official said. The Chinese Ministry of Defence said in a faxed statement, that “the two countries’ border, to this day, has not been designated.” It added, “both sides, if problems occur in the border area, can reach an appropriate resolution through dialogue and consultation.” The third of a series of flag meetings was held on September 25 to negotiate a resolution to the situation after the first two meetings proved unproductive. During this third meeting, India is reported to have demanded a restoration of a “preSeptember 10” situation. This follows reports of Chinese incursions in the area in early September. Sources stated that from September 5, the Chinese army refused to allow the Leh District Administration to continue construction work on a water supply at T-point in the Demchok area, 300

km from Leh. Indian development plans for this contested border area, including the construction of some 6,000km of roads, are explicitly territorially

The site of a standoff at Chumur in Ladakh Photo: NDTV

focused. Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar described projects as “about defence preparedness.” “On the Chinese side of the border, not only have they built good roads, they are building up their railway network. Our army faces problems because of the bad quality of roads,” he added.

No Resolution to the Unrest in Denma By Vanshika Tripathi Two Tibetans have been detained in Denma in Sershul County by Chinese authorities. Tsekhog and Pelgyal were arrested for taking photographs of the violence that occurred during an initially peaceful protest that took a turn for the worse when Chinese police started firing into the unarmed crowd. The protest took place in early August in response to the imprisonment of Dema Wangdak, the village leader of Shugpa Village. Wangdak had confronted local authorities over an incident where high-ranking Chinese officials harassed a Tibetan woman during a coerced cultural performance in Sershul County. After village chief Dema Wangdak lodged the complaint with local authorities, he was charged with allegedly holding an illegal Tibetan horse festival and subsequently imprisoned. Since the protest, five Tibetans have Contact

died from their gunshot wounds in Chinese custody, never having been allowed to receive medical aid while in prison, and a pregnant woman

Tibetans in Denma Shugpa village in Sershul, Kardze protested peacefully in August Photo: RFA

commited suicide upon hearing about her husband’s death. The woman was the wife of Jinpa Tharcin, who was one of the five Tibetans who died in detention. Additionally, another

protester is on the verge of death after being beaten and tortured by Chinese authorities in prison. Dawa Lhamo, 64, has now been sent home. It is believed that her release is due to her low chance of survival. She had been rushed to a hospital with a head trauma inflicted by Chinese police. The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) has stated that Lhamo underwent horrific torture that left her incapable of talking or moving. ICT has furthermore stated that a Chinese officer was killed after mistakenly being shot by the same troops that opened fire on the unarmed Tibetan protesters. This incident has not been reported by China’s official press, nor mentioned by Chinese officials. Since the Kardze protest, ten Tibetans have suffered grave injuries from gunshot wounds, twenty-five Tibetans have been detained, and at least five Tibetans have died while in custody. SEPTEMBER 2014

news & issues

New Appointments in the Central Tibetan Administration By Tsering Wangdue The winter session of the Tibetan Parliament has kicked off with some new appointments. Kargyu Dhondup, 57, the outgoing Auditor General, has been elected as the new Chief Justice Commissioner of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission. He joined t h e Ti b e t a n Government-inKargyu Dhondup, the Exile in 1980 as a junior clerk in newly-elected Chief Justice Commissioner the Office of the Auditor General and in 2004 was appointed Auditor General. Ngodup Tsering, who has been the Education Secretary since 2012, has been appointed as new Kalon in the Department of Education. He was proposed by the leader of the Government-in-Exile, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay. Ngodup Tsering, 61, was a member of the Tibetan People’s Deputies, as the Tibetan Parliament-inExile was formerly known, from 1979-

1982. He went to the University of Punjab and was Director of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts from 1991-1995. Gonpo Phuntsok h a s b e e n Ngodup Tsering, the new Kalon of the Education elected Department Auditor General by an overwhelming majority. He joined the Central Tibetan Administration in 1981 as a senior clerk, and later took one year’s study leave in 1996 in the United States. In 2009 he was promoted to Secretary of the Department of Religion Gonpo Phuntsok, the and Culture, newly-elected Auditor and in 2010 he General was appointed Secretary of Office of Audit General.

Sonam Choephel Shosur, currently Secretary of the Department of Health in the Central Tibetan Administration, has been elected as the new Chief Election Commissioner and Chairman

Sonam Choephel Shosur, the new Chief Election Commissioner and Chairman of the Public Service Commission

of the Public Service Commission. He joined the Central Tibetan Administration in 1982 as a junior clerk. From 2001 – 2008 he served as the Tibetan Settlement Officer in Dharamshala. Sonam Choephel also served as Director of Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts before his appointment at the Department of Health in 2012.

Xi Jinping: Investment, Border Spats and Silence on Tibet

Continued from page 1

briefly in 1962 and have often faced territorial disputes. The border disputes have seen little progress over the years and even a week before Xi’s visit, Chinese soldiers w e r e spotted trying to construct a Tibetan exile groups urging temporary Xi to meet the Dalai Lama road into Photo: goingkuwaiti Indian territory across the Line of Actual Control (the de facto boundary) in the Ladakh region. Indian troops saw more Contact

than 200 Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops with 12 heavy vehicles including cranes, bulldozers and a Hummer trying to level a rivulet and construct a temporary road two kilometres into Indian territory. The Indian forces confronted the PLA and asked them to withdraw, resulting in a series of face-offs that has once again created tension between the two countries. While this was one of the most important diplomatic visits to India, the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, officially known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), sat in Dharamshala hoping for a resolution to the Tibet issue during Xi’s visit, as expressed in the Parliament session 6

in early September. The CTA also submitted an appeal letter to Xi Jinping through the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi, urging him to permit India to send a delegation of Tibetan parliamentarians from exile to find out if China has really lived up to its claims on Tibet’s development and happiness. However, it has not received a response so far. His Holiness the Dalai Lama had also made his hope for the same clear, and Tampa Tsering, His Holiness’s representative in Delhi, had asked India to “proactively take up the Tibet issue” with China and “find a peaceful solution to the issue”. But in the event, Xi Jinping’s visit ended without the emergence of any agenda for Tibet. SEPTEMBER 2014

news & issues

His Holiness is Refused a South African Visa - Again By Ed Janich His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been refused a visa to attend a conference of Nobel Peace Prize winners in South Africa next month. The 14th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, scheduled for October 13 to 15 in Cape Town, coincides with celebrations of the 20th anniversary of constitutional democracy in South Africa. A representative of His Holiness was informed ahead of time that the visa would be refused, whilst officials from the South African Foreign Ministry denied interference, claiming that the application would undergo due process by their representatives in New Delhi. However, the Mayor of Capetown, Patricia de Lille, said the visa had been denied “due to sensitivities related to the Chinese government”. Fourteen of the attending laureates have signed an open letter to the President of South Africa asking him to intervene in the process and grant His Holiness’ visa application. “We are deeply concerned about the damage that will be done to South Africa’s international image by a refusal – or failure – to grant him a visa yet again,” said the laureates in their letter. Signatories include Poland’s Lech Walesa, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Bangladeshi entrepreneur Muhammad

Yunus, Iranian lawyer Shirin Ebadi, Liberian activist Leymah Gbowee and Northern Irish peacemakers David Trimble and John Hume. Nobel laureates initially differed in their views on how to respond, with early calls for a boycott by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, among others. The Mayor of Cape Town also opposed the refusal, warning the government of likely protest by the remaining attendees. “If this last attempt at securing a visa is unsuccessful, the programme of the summit will be adapted to ensure that the Nobel Peace Laureates can make a powerful symbolic protest of the Dalai Lama’s treatment,” she said. Four Laureates, however, have announced that they will boycott the Summit following the campaign by the Tibetan National Congress (TNC). TNC sent over 6,000 signatures to individual Nobel laureates urging them to boycott the Summit unless His Holiness the Dalai Lama is issued with a visa to enable him to attend. His Holiness has been denied a South African visa on two other occasions in the last five years, including a 2009 world peace conference and Desmond Tutu’s 80th birthday in 2011. A 2012 court ruling found that the 2011 visa application had been “unreasonably delayed” in an effort to prevent His

Holiness attending the gathering. The administration reportedly cited wishes to maintain good relations with China, their biggest trading partner, as justification for witholding the visa. China has previously been accused of using their political and economic power to prevent foreign governments

His Holiness with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Dharamshala, 2012 Photo: AP

granting His Holiness legitimacy on their soil. His Holiness was notably refused a meeting with the Norwegian government earlier this year, another country heavily dependant on Chinese trade. Fifteen individuals and eight organisations have confirmed they will attend the event next month, including the two surviving South African Peace laureates, de Klerk and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Disruptions at Tibetan Film Festival By Daisy Hughes Disturbances have been reported at the Tibet Film Festival which took place in Hong Kong from September 26. A group of around twenty people are said to have disrupted the threeday festival which screened films and micro movies related to Tibet, including “Old Dog”, “Bringing Tibet Home” and “Tibet in Song”. The Hong Kong Tibet Film Festival Council said that they selected films “to help people to comprehend Tibetans’ sight of life, identity, reflections and affection.” Such hopes for harmony were, however, undercut by the violent Contact

disruption. Reports say that one of the organisers was “slapped” when trying

Mob creating ruckus at the film festival Photo: Tibet.net

to protect Mr Tashi, the President of the Taiwan Tibetan Welfare Association.

“These people are simply local goons on the payroll of Chinese government,” said Tashi. He added, “the goons left only after threatening to come back again.” Order was restored to the festival when the police were called. The festival programme includes a special recorded message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a series of discussion sessions on the topics “Tibetan culture and economic crisis,” “Why Tibetans in exile?” and “The importance of the Sino-Tibetan dialogue.” The festival also features an exhibition on self-immolation protests in Tibet. SEPTEMBER 2014

news & issues

Tibetan Parliament’s 8th Session By Wendhe Choetsoe visit on September 17, Lhamo Tashi, a The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile 22-year-old Tibetan student, set himself has urged the Chinese government on fire near a police station in Tsoe, to investigate the situation inside Kanlho in the traditional Amdo region Tibet, particularly the 132 instances of Tibet, and died protesting against of self-immolation in which at least 113 Tibetans have died. The appeal came during the 8th Tibetan parliament session which was held in Dharamshala, India from September 12 to 24. The Tibetan parliament passed resolutions of solidarity for the Tibetan self-immolators and to express condolences to the family members of those who have died of The 8th Tibetan parliament session in progress, at the parliament hall, Dharamshala torture in Chinese prisons. It appealed Photo: Lha/Contact to the leaders of the world to honour their responsibilities and urge Chinese China’s rule of Tibet. Phayul quotes leaders to respect human rights in Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Tibet. Parliament-in-Exile as saying, “I hope Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit the Chinese President Xi Jinping will to India earlier this month took place take a personal interest in Tibet and while the Parliament session was in probe the real situation inside Tibet. I progress. Coinciding with Xi Jinping’g sincerely hope that the Chinese president

will engage the Tibetan representatives into substantive dialogue regarding Tibet’s future”. The Tibetan parliament had submitted an appeal letter to Xi Jinping through the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi urging him to send a delegation of Tibetan parliamentarians from exile to Tibet, but there was no response from the Chinese office. Discussing Xi Jinping’s India visit, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, the elected leader of the Tibetan administration in exile, said he hopes that President Xi will take in the ideals of democracy from India. The Tibetan parliament reviewed and discussed the annual reports submitted by the seven departments of the Central Tibetan Administration. The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile holds two sessions a year: a summer budget session in March and a winter session in September.

Is Hong Kong under Beijing’s Control? by Annapurna Mellor Support for the democracy movement in Hong Kong is growing, with protests and student boycotts taking place across the city. The outrage was sparked when Beijing announced it would pre-screen candidates for the chief executive election in 2017, allowing the Hong Kong public to vote between two or three finalists selected by Beijing. Many believe this contravenes Hong Kong’s right to democracy under the “one country, two systems” policy put in place when Britain passed control of Hong Kong to China in 1997. The “one country, two systems” policy was set up to ensure that Hong Kong would have its own legal system and rights to freedom of speech, and that freedom of assembly would be protected under the ruling, which is valid for 50 years. However, a recent Beijing White Paper stressed that Hong Kong does not have full autonomy from China and says it is Contact

still under Beijing control. This has led to an outcry from pro-democracy supporters in Hong Kong, led by the organisation Occupy Central. Occupy Central organised an unofficial political referendum in June, which led to a pro-democracy

Many protesters slept on the streets Photo: Reuters

rally with an estimated turnout of over 150,000. Leaders of the Occupy Central movement have admitted that support for the movement is unlikely to sway the Chinese government, but say that public protests cement peoples’ rights to free speech and the 8

right to protest, rights which those in mainland China do not have. During the rally, police arrested 500 peaceful protesters, a move which Amnesty International describes as “disturbing”. Student groups are boycotting classes, with up to 13,000 students taking part in individual boycotts. China maintains that it will select candidates for the election, commenting that openly nominating candidates would create a “chaotic society”. British ex-governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten, has commented that Britain has a “moral obligation” to speak up for democracy in Hong Kong, and not fear “commercial consequences when our honour is on the line”. The UK has called for the right to protest to be protected. As this paper goes to press the protests are escalating with tens of thousands in the streets and the Chinese authorities insisting that the protests are illegal. SEPTEMBER 2014

Photo: Facebook

news & issues

His Holiness says “Take Care of Others” By Lauren Hendin Thousands of supporters gathered in Dharamshala’s main Tibetan temple, Tsuglakhang, for three days of teachings

His Holiness greets the audience at the teaching in Tsuglakhang Photo: OHHDL/ Tenzin Choejor

from His Holiness the Dalai Lama from September 24 to 26. The teachings were held at the request of a group

of Southeast Asians from countries which included Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam. The population of Dharamsala was out in droves to attend the teachings and much of the world was represented, with over 6,000 people from 62 countries. The teachings were on Shantideva’s “A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life” (chonjug). In his opening remarks His Holiness spoke about a universal responsibility to teach and follow the message of love and compassion, no matter what religion you belong to. “As a human being I promote secular ethics which covers all 7 billion human beings on earth,” he said and added that all people should respect each other’s religions, put differences and problems aside and think of others before oneself.

He impressed upon his diverse audience the need to work past the barriers in our minds and our societies to find harmony amongst all people and to help each other before ourselves, no matter how hard this may be. “We suffer together, we also enjoy together,” said His Holiness, “If you take care of others, you also benefit.” He said that much of his teachings on respecting others and ourselves were simply a general logic and responsibility of human beings and not based on religion alone. The Dalai Lama will be teaching again for four days beginning on October 6 at the request of a Taiwanese group. His teaching will be based on Nagarjuna’s “Fundamental Wisdom Treatise of the Middle Way” (uma tsawa sherab).

Crowds Gather to Celebrate Tibetan Democracy Day By Tsering Wangdue Tibetans in exile across the world celebrated their 54th democracy day on September 2, the anniversary of the day in 1960 when the first members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile took their oaths of office. Thousands of Tibetans and visitors gathered at Tsuklakhang, the main temple of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, for the celebration and enjoyed cultural dance and songs performed by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) said, “We express our gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for granting us the most valuable gift of democracy”. The Kashag, or Cabinet, said in a statement, “We will never lose hope and will continue our non-violent struggle till His Holiness the Dalai Lama can be once again reunited with our brothers and sisters in Tibet.” The chief guest at the celebration was Mr Shri Ravi Thakur, Member of the Legislative Assembly and Contact

Vice Chairman of the Government of India’s National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. He said that it is inspirational to witness the successful

Mr Shri Ravi Thakur, the chief guest, arriving with leaders of the CTA Photo: Lha/Contact

construction of a democracy under the remarkable leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He said the sacrifices made by the Tibetan self-immolators “will not go in vain”. Interviewed on SBS TV, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said he is hopeful that he may be able to return to Tibet as “things are changing”, and of Chinese rule, he said, “You use force, you create fear. Fear destroys trust. Trust is the basis of harmony.” There were celebrations in Delhi at

the Tibetan colony in Majnu ka Tilla where the guest speaker was Gyari Dolma, the Home Kalon of CTA. Kasur Tempa Tsering, the Dalai Lama’s representative, advised people not to burn the Chinese national flag and effigies of the Chinese President during his forthcoming visit to India. In Russia, friends and supporters of Tibet in Moscow joined a gala event with local Tibetans, watching the film “TIBET: Cry of the Snow Lion”. This was followed by an open discussion. Russian Member of Parliament Mr Vladislav Panteleevitch was present and said that he visited China several times and commented that China was changing, and he was hopeful the Tibetan problem would be resolved in the near future. While Tibetans in exile across the world celebrated Democracy day, Tibetans in Nepal were denied the right to hold any event or to celebrate in public. Tibetan national flags were removed from houses and monasteries, and armed security forces were deployed in the major Tibetan residential areas. SEPTEMBER 2014

news & issues

Tibetan Headlines Sep 30: More Mining Protests More than 1,000 Tibetan villagers have protested against Chinese mining operations in Maldro Gongkar county in the Tibet Autonomous Region, saying runoff from the mines has polluted local rivers and streams, destroying fish and crops and causing health problems. “The county officials only became angry and refused to listen, Tibetan residents of the area have been appealing for help for the past five years,” said a local witness. Sep 24: Footballers of the Future A five-a-side football tournament for under tens was held at TCV Day School in Mcleod Ganj to commemorate World Peace Day. The tournament was the first of its kind in Mcleod Ganj and saw boys’ and girls’ teams from four schools competing against each other for two days. TCV Gopalpur were the winners. Sep 23: Detention Centre Expands Chinese authorities are enlarging a police detention centre in Tibet’s restive Driru county in anticipation of more detentions as residents resist forced displays of loyalty to Beijing. “The authorities are saying that this will be a major prison for those who conduct activities against the [Chinese] government and its policies,” a local resident told Radio Free Asia. Sep 21: Appeal to HRC The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) has raised the issue of deteriorating human rights in Tibet at the 27th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, Switzerland. TCHRD Director Tsering Tsomo, speaking for the Society for Threatened Peoples, called for the HRC to intervene. TCHRD noted that China has 13 outstanding requests from the HRC Contact

Special Procedures. Sep 20: Arrested for Messaging Jamyang Wangtso, 32, and Namgyal Wangchuk, 43, both monks from Wuran Village have been sentenced to five and seven years in prison for “picking quarrels and provoking trouble”. They shared pictures and texts on WeChat, the China-based messaging application, of people wearing fur Chupas (Traditional Tibetan dress), captioned “Good environment needs...wild animals... Please care for them with compassion, don’t kill them brutally for meat and fur.” Sep 19: 10-Year Sentence Lobsang Gedun, 21, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for shouting the slogans “Tibet is an independent country” and “Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama.” From Drongsar Monastery in Dhakshang village, he has been held in a detention centre in Chamdho, in the Kham region of eastern Tibet for more than a year. He was beaten and tortured in custody. Sep 17: Centenary Celebration Tibetan artist Amdo Jampa, also known as Jampa Tseten, has been the inspiration for a celebration in Lhasa. Jampa was born in Chentsa, Qinghai Province in 1914 and was the first Tibetan artist to study at a Chinese art college. His was renowned for his thangka paintings, his photo-realistic style and his portraits of the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama. Sep 13: Villagers Beaten Dozens of Tibetan villagers were detained and beaten in northwestern China’s Qinghai province last month. The police intervened in violent clashes over grazing rights between 10

two village groups in Rebgong county in the Malho in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The assault left many seriously hurt, none of the injured received medical treatment, and restrictions on the movements of Tibetans make access to medical aid difficult. Sep 12: Activist Manhandled Migmar Dolma, a Tibetan Youth Association Europe activist who was peacefully demonstrating outside the Chinese Embassy in Basel, Switzerland, has been manhandled by Chinese embassy staff and pushed to the ground. Dolma was protesting against the Confucius Institute at Basel University, and against Chinese propaganda in Switzerland. She has filed a case against the embassy staff on charges of coercion, assault and vandalising personal property. Sep 9: Five Years Jigme Gyatso, a Tibetan monk from Labrang monastery in Gansu province, has been jailed for five years, charged with being “guilty of actions to split the nation”. Hailed as a hero among Tibetans for his defiance of Chinese authorities, this is the fourth time he has been detained. It was not known where Gyatso is being held and there is concern for his health. Sep 1: No Talk Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, the political head of the Central Tibetan Administration based in Dharamshala, has rejected a claim by Chinese authorities last week that the Dalai Lama is talking to Beijing through his envoys about the possibility of his return to Tibet. “As we have always been transparent, right now there isn’t any official contact or dialogue taking place [with the Chinese leadership],” Sikyong told Radio Free Asia. SEPTEMBER 2014

news & issues

International Headlines Sep 25: Tools of Torture Amnesty International has said in a report that more than 120 Chinese companies are exporting “tools of torture”. Some of the exports are used in legitimate law enforcement operations, while some have inhumane effects, or pose a substantial risk of fuelling human rights violations, the report said. China is the only country known to manufacture spiked batons, which are “specifically designed as implements of torture”. Sep 24: India in Orbit! India has successfully put the satellite Mangalyaan into orbit around Mars, becoming the fourth country to do so, and the first to succeed on its first attempt. The probe will soon begin to study the Red Planet’s atmosphere. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Of 51 missions attempted in the world only 21 have succeeded. We have prevailed.” Sep 24: Life Sentence Ilham Tohti, 44, the Uyghur professor on trial in Xinjiang for separatism, has been given a life sentence, the harshest punishment imposed on a political dissident in recent years. He was charged with organising and leading a separatist group, and “internationalising” the Uyghur issue. Mr Tohti’s bank account has been frozen and his assets confiscated, leaving his young family unprovided for. Seven of his students have also been detained. Sep 23: Help Needed The United Nations refugee agency says that Turkey urgently needs help to care for 130,000 Syrian refugees who have recently arrived in Turkey. The Syrian Kurds are fleeing Islamic State militants who have seized swathes of Iraq and Syria in recent months. Contact

Sep 22: Peoples’ March Around 600,000 people around the world in more than 2,000 locations have participated in street protests, demanding urgent action on climate change. UN chief Ban Ki-moon joined the march in Manhattan, saying “This is the planet where our subsequent generations will live...there is no ‘Plan B’.” Sep 19: “No!” Scotland has voted to stay in the United Kingdom. Voters decisively rejected independence in a referendum which was the culmination of a two-year campaign to become an independent country. Talks will now begin on devolving more powers to Scotland. The “No” vote polled over 2m votes, to the “Yes” 1.6m. It is widely seen as a triumph for the democratic process. Sep 15: China Stops Reporters Conditions for foreign journalists working in China, particularly in sensitive areas such as Tibet and Xinjiang, are worsening, says the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of China in their latest report. Chinese authorities regularly intimidate reporters and their interview subjects and bar journalists from large portions of the country, they withhold visas and block the websites of overseas news outlets. Sep 12: Sanctions New EU sanctions against Russia have been agreed despite the current ceasefire: loans for five big state banks will be blocked and EU business with oil and defense firms curbed. The sanctions will put pressure on Russia over its role in the Ukraine crisis. Russia has about 1,000 heavily armed troops in east Ukraine where it is accused of supporting separatists wishing to be annexed by Russia, and around 20,000 troops near the border. Sep 9: Flood Disaster Rescue teams in India and Pakistan are battling to retrieve hundreds of

thousands of people stranded by floods. In Pakistan, in the province of Punjab, rivers are bursting their banks and in Indian-administered Kashmir, the capital Srinagar is submerged, with many residents waiting for rescue on rooftops. At least 280 people have died. Sep 6: Hope for Cure The World Health Organisation has announced progress in the fight against the Ebola outbreak which has killed over 2,000 people to date. They say that antibodies from the blood of people who have caught and survived Ebola could be given to sufferers to boost their immune system and enable them to fight off the infection. Sep 4: Corruption Kills The United States-based antipoverty organisation One says that $1tn (£600bn) a year is being lost to corruption and crime in poor countries, hampering progress in tackling extreme poverty, availability of education, and medical aid. One says that secrecy allows corruption to thrive, and estimates it causes 3.6 million deaths a year in these poor countries, overshadowing natural disasters and disease as a cause of death, particularly in children. Sep 3: Activist on Trial British activist Andy Hall is on trial in Thailand for defamation. Thailand’s Natural Fruit Company is suing Hall for his part in a report last year by the Finnish watchdog group Finnwatch. The report looks at working conditions in Thailand and says that some companies mistreat workers. A number of European retail and labour organisations have called on Natural Fruit to withdraw its charges and instead investigate Mr Hall’s claims. SEPTEMBER 2014

around town

Charities and Organisations

Central Tibetan Administration

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

The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)

OHHDL is the personal office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The office organises his schedule, including appointments and travel plans, diplomatic and personal correspondence, and liaises with officials of the Central Tibetan Administration. When His Holiness is in Dharamshala, his schedule includes daily religious practice and studies, meeting with private audiences, and congregating with the Tibetan Kashag and senior Tibetan governmental officials. WEB: www.dalailama.com LOCATION: Thekchen Choeling, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala – 176219 PHONE: 01892-221343 / 221210 EMAIL: ohhdl@dalailama.com

Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)

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

Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA)

The TWA conducts workshops on gender sensitization and domestic violence throughout Tibetan settlements in India, provides Tibetan women with education scholarships, and connects women with international sponsors. WEB: www. tibetanwomen.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala – 176219 PHONE: 01892-221527 EMAIL: tibwomen@gmail.com

Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

TCV provides care to Tibetan children by creating a nurturing environment and fostering Tibetan values and culture while delivering a modern education. There is an Upper and Lower residential school in Dharamshala and day school in McLeod Ganj, with other branches throughout India. WEB: www.tcv.org.in LOCATION: Dharamshala Cantt.176216 PHONE: 01892-221354 / 221348 EMAIL: headoffice@tcv.org.in

Contact

Men-Tsee-Khang: Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute

Men-Tsee-Khang is a facility for research, training and practice of traditional Tibetan medicine. Patients may seek treatment at Men-TseeKhang for both acute and chronic conditions. The facility provides extensive training and produces traditional pharmaceuticals. WEB: www.men-tsee-khang.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala – 176215 PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org

Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)

The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives has the purpose to restore, protect, preserve, and promote Tibetan culture in all its aspects. They offer courses in Tibetan and Hindi language and Buddhist philosophy and can provide affordable accommodation for those enrolled in two or more courses. WEB: ltwa.net, tibetanlibrary.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong Dharamshala - 176215 PHONE: 98822-55047 EMAIL: ltwa1970@gmail.com

Delek Hospital

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

Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society

The society was established in 1999 to provide educational and administrative guidance to all Tibetan schools in remote areas of India and Bhutan that do not fall under the guidance of Tibetan Childrens Village. Today there are 12 schools under this organisation. WEB: www.sambhota.org LOCATION: Session Rd, Dharamshala176215 PHONE: 01892 - 228877 | 226877 EMAIL: stss1999@gmail.com

Tong-Len Charitable Trust

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

Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)

SFT is an international NGO that promotes the Tibetan cause among the non-Tibetan community. The organisation attempts to build international solidarity by advocating for a free Tibet through chapter organisations at Universities around the world. WEB:www.sftindia.org, www.studentsforafreetibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - 176219 PHONE: 9882786875

Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD)

TCHRD advocates for human rights and provides education on the human rights situation in Tibet. The centre publishes journals and articles, as well as conducts workshops and campaigns. WEB: www.tchrd.org LOCATION: CTA, Dharamshala - 176215 PHONE: 01892-223363 EMAIL: office@tchrd.org

Lha Charitable Trust (Lha)

Lha, a Tibetan grassroots NGO based in Dharamshala, is one of the largest social work organisations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population, and people from the Himalayan regions. Lha offers free English, French and Chinese classes, cultural exchange programs, IT classes, vocational training, health and environmental awareness education, distribution of clothes and medicine, a community kitchen, and many other programs and activities. (see page 2) WEB:www.lhasocialwork.org LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-220992, 988-2323-455 EMAIL: office@lhasocialwork.org

The Kangra Distt. Red Cross Society

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

Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet

Gu-Chu-Sum is a social service organisation that provides financial and medical support for ex-political prisoners and political activists from Tibet. WEB: www.guchusum.org LOCATION: Jogibara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala -176219 PHONE: 01892-220680 / 220679 EMAIL: guchusum1991@gmail.com

Tibet Charity

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

SEPTEMBER 2014

around town

Charities and Organisations

Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA)

Established in 1959, under the vision of HH the Dalai Lama, TIPA strives to preserve and promote Tibetan theatrical tradition. The Insitute imparts comprehensive training and lessons on Tibetan folk dance, folk song, traditional instruments and tradition of Tibetan opera. TIPA also hosts a beautiful theatrical museum which remains open during working days. We organise a special group tour of our campus every Wednesday (10 am). WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: TIPA Road, McLeod Ganj Dharamshala-176219 PHONE: 01892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com

Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT)

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

Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR)

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

Rogpa Baby Care Centre

The Rogpa Baby Care Centre helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so their parents can work. The centre needs volunteers to help with art, games, singing and other tasks including diaper changing. WEB: www.tibetrogpa.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala- 176219 PHONE: 9816659549 EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com

Gamru Village School

Gamru Village School is a successful NGO that provides free high-quality education to any children who encounter serious barriers to education and who have a low standard of living. WEB: www.gamruschool.com LOCATION: Village Gamru, P.O Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala, Distt Kangra 176215 PHONE: 9816105554 EMAIL: tashu72004@yahoo.com

Contact

Clean Upper Dharamshala Project

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

Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage)

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

Women’s Team

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

The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)

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

National Democratic Party of Tibet

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

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

TAXIS

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

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Ambulance: 01892-102, 222189

Police Superintendent: 01892-222244

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

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

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

McLeod Ganj Post Office Location: Jogiwara Rd, past Peace Cafe Hours: 9:30am-1pm and 2-5pm, Mon-Fri; 9:30am-noon, Sat. Parcels and money orders can be sent in the mornings only. Phone: 01892-221 924

SEPTEMBER 2014

activities & tourist info Upcoming Events

MEDITATION

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

Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre

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

BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY Library of Tibetan Works & Archives

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

Tushita Meditation Center WEB: www.tushita.info LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:30-11:30am PHONE: 0898-816-0988 EMAIL: spc@tushita.info

Vipassana Meditation

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

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

Siddhartha Retreat Centre

Public Audience with HH Karmapa

School of Life and Spirituality

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

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

Sunita Singh Yoga Class

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

Siddhartha Retreat & Yoga Centre

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

MASSAGE Nature Cure Health Club

WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Nag, Near High Sky PHONE: 09816565138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@yahoo.co.in Meditation and teachers’ training LOCATION: behind Hotel Akashdeep, Bhagsu, Mcleod Ganj, please call before coming WEB: www.devom.org PHONE: 09569221047, 09971608310 EMAIL: dev@devom.org

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

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

Indian Cooking Classes

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

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

Lhamo’s Kitchen: Tibetan Cooking Classes

Men-Tsee-Khang

Nisha’s Indian Cooking Class

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

Traditional Thai Massage

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

Contact

LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop HOURS: 8:00am-9:00pm PHONE: 981-646-8719 LOCATION: Hotel Lotus Leaf, Jogiwara Rd HOURS: 4:00-6:00pm EMAIL: nisha@indiancookingcourse.com

Sangye’s Kitchen: Traditional Tibetan Cooking Classes

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

LANGUAGES Tibetan Language Courses

WEB: www.thosamling.com LOCATION: Thosamling Institute, Sidhpur (near Norbulingka) PHONE: 9882455065 EMAIL: thosamling@gmail.com see ad on opp. page for more information

Rita Thakur Hindi Classes

LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Rd, beside the Korean Restaurant PHONE: 981-649-4732

Hindi Lessons with Sunil

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

Tibetan Language

LOCATION: The Tibetan Library See Buddhist Philosophy Listing

Hindi Lessons with Kailash

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

Tibetan with Pema Youdon

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

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

ART & MUSeums Tibet Museum

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

Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression

LOCATION: Gu-Chu-Sum hall, Jogiwara Rd HOURS: Mon, Wed & Fri: 2:00pm-5:00pm

The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA)

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

Kangra Art Museum

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

Men-Tsee-Khang Museum

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

Form Gallery

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

SEPTEMBER 2014

activities & news HEALTH SERVICES

Reflections of a Volunteer: A Deeper Understanding

Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Dr Natasha Mehra

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

Dr Sant Marwah Clinic

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

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

Maanav Health Clinic

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

Men-Tsee-Khang

LOCATION: Below Delek Hospital, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org

Primary Health Centre

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

Nature Cure Health Club

LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House-Map #10 HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm PHONE: : 94181-30119 / 97363-33888 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com

Tibetan Delek Hospital

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

Name: Vanshika Tripathi Volunteer Job at Lha: Writer for Contact My first visit to Dharamshala took place during a visit to family in India in 2011, the summer before my senior year of high school. A usual trip to India would mean spending around two months shuffling from one relative’s house to another. Luckily, in 2011, some of my relatives happened to be living in Dharamshala. My first impression of the place was of course how extraordinary its scenic beauty was. What struck me the most, though, was the pleasant expression upon the faces of the people that lived here - especially the people from the Tibetan community - which I thought had something to do with the fresh mountain air. At that point in time I was not well aware of the issues that the Tibetan community had been facing. On my return to the States I could not get Dharamshala out of my mind and when I heard the news that I would be returning in 2013 I was beyond ecstatic. I started to search for any kind of volunteer opportunities based there, and it was then that I came across Lha Charitable Trust and Contact Magazine and got in touch with Rabsel and Jenny in January of 2013. Even though I wouldn’t be in Dharamshala for another six months, I

really wanted to contribute to Contact in whatever way I could. I wrote my first article in February 2013, and have been writing for Contact ever since. Most of my articles have been written from home in the States, and sent in by email. With each article I write, I gain a deeper understanding of the issues that Tibet has been facing and my respect for the Tibetan community keeps growing. Writing about Tibetan current events has also given me a more empathetic perspective and a deeper understanding of the struggles of minority groups in the United States. Learning about the persecution of countless Tibetans has replaced my once naïve outlook towards the world with a solemn awareness. More than anything, the Tibetan cause has instilled in me an unshakable feeling of hope. When I returned to Dharamshala in 2013, it somehow felt like I had never left. The faces carrying such kindly expressions meant so much more now that I understood the struggle that they have faced for so long. Despite the hardships, the warmth that I received from Dharamshala’s Tibetan community was unparalleled, and I am now awaiting my next return.

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

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

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

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

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

T he cour ses are free for Sangha.

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

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

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

THOSAMLING INSTITUTE For International Buddhist Women

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

SEPTEMBER 2014

news, issues & lha news

Tibetans Tortured and Beaten by Drunken Chinese Police There are reports that drunken Chinese police have detained and tortured Tibetan spectators at an international archery competition held from September 10-12 at Markuthang town, Chentsa County in Malho Prefecture. Witnesses reported that the police demanded the Tibetans drink alcohol with them, and when they refused, the police threatened to close the festival early. A local Tibetan businessman Wangchuk, his brother, and Tenzin Rinchen tried to intervene but were forced into a police truck and taken to the local police station. That night, about eight policemen brought in

boxes of beer, hung the Tibetans from the ceiling, and after drinking the beer, struck them with the empty bottles on their ribs and knees, later forcing them to the floor and urinating on them, Jamyang Dargyal, a Tibetan living in exile told Radio Free Asia. On September 12, Tenzin Rinchen was found in a “critical” condition. He was taken to a hospital in the provincial capital Xining, which reported that he had suffered six broken ribs. Sources say that Rinchen could neither eat nor speak. It was reported that Wangchuk and his brother were released on September

22. Their medical condition is not known. Chentsa police have denied the account.

Tenzin Rinchen lying injured in hospital Photo: RFA

Lha Cultural Exchange Groups Lha hosted two student groups for the Cultural Exchange programme in September. A group from the School of Social Work at Tulane University in New Orleans arrived on September 8 for a two week stay, led by Dr Ronald Marks, Professor Carolyn Weaver and Professor Michael Smith. The second group was from Rustic Pathways, Australia which runs over 90 programmes in 18 countries introducing students to a range of experiences “off the beaten track”. This group of 12 people arrived in Dharamshala on September 23, led

by Divya Parameshwara. The student groups participated in the mutual

The Tulane University group Photo: Lha

learning programme to explore the Tibetan community and to learn more about the Tibetan culture and

tradition. They were also introduced to Tibetan Buddhism and the current political situation in Tibet. The Tulane University group also attended a special talk introducing them to Buddhism by Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, the venerated spiritual leader and former head of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, and a wellknown advocate of non-violence. So far, Lha has hosted 14 student exchange group this year. Lha expects to host four more groups before the end of this year making a total of around 250 people from abroad during 2014.

Tibet-Related Websites News: tibet.net - official website of the Central Tibetan Administration in exile rfa.org/english/news/tibet - Radio Free Asia’s mission is to provide accurate and timely news and information to Asian countries whose governments prohibit access to a free press voatibetanenglish.com - Voice of America’s Tibet pages – VOA is an international multimedia broadcasting service funded by the US government contactmagazine.net - Contact magazine online phayul.com - news on Tibetan issues guardian.co.uk/world/tibet - the UK Guardian newspaper’s Tibet pages scmp.com/news/china - the South China Contact

Morning Post – one of the more independent news sources in China Campaigning: tchrd.org - Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy - a non-government 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 16

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 freetibet.org/ - a UK-based group that campaigns against China’s occupation of Tibet. Find an interactive map of protests in Tibet on http://freetibet.org/about/tibetsresistance 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. SEPTEMBER 2014