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འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།
Contact
A Free Monthly Publication For Tibetan Issues and Community Information RGD No. HPENG/2013/51798 Volume: XVII Issue: 8 30 September 2015
Hunger Strike by Rohini Kejriwal Three council members of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on September 10. TYC, the largest non-government pro-independence group of the Tibetan exile community, is jubilant that their strike is fulfilling its aim to draw the world’s attention to the situation inside Tibet, and to show solidarity with their fellow Tibetans. The strike is timed to coincide with Read more on page 3
Tibetan Woman Self-immolates in Gansu
Tashi Kyi, a woman in her mid 50s, died after setting herself on fire on August 27 in northwest China’s Gansu province. Nearby people tried to save her but she died and her body was taken away by the authorities, despite appeals to let the family perform the last rites.There is no information about whether she shouted any slogans during her protest. Read more on page 11
Obama Speaks Up to Xi by Mary Trewartha Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States has attracted protests and demonstrations from Tibet supporters and other human rights activists including Ughyrs, the minority muslim ethnic group from Xinjiang or East Turkestan in North West China, and Chinese human rights activists and groups such as China Rights Now.
Read more on page 5
Tibetan Government Challenges China
by Tenzin Samten The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has challenged China’s latest White Paper on Tibet which claims that the legitimacy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama depends on China’s recognition and approval. The CTA’s response entitled Tibet was not part of China but the Middle Way remains a viable solution was presented by the Department Read more on page 7
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about lha & contact Contact, a free monthly magazine published by Lha Charitable Trust, is a recognised and registered publication under the Registrar Office of the Newspaper, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India. The registration number is HPENG/2013/51798. Acknowledged by Lonely Planet and other international travel resources, Contact has been a popular source of news and information on Tibetan issues, and the Dharamshala community, for over 16 years. 700 - 1,000 copies are printed per issue and distributed in the Dharamshala area, Delhi, and various diplomatic missions of India. Copies are also sent to various Tibetan schools, settlements, offices and NGOs in India and abroad. Please Note: The articles, stories and other material in Contact represent the views of the authors and are not necessarily the views of the Contact editing staff or Lha Social Work. All comments on this issue should be submitted by email to: editor@contactmagazine.net
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Lha is a Tibetan grassroots nonprofit organisation based in Dharamshala, India. It is one of the largest social work organisations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population and people from the Himalayan regions. Lha offers free English, French and Chinese classes, cultural exchange programmes, IT classes, vocational training, health and environmental awareness education, distribution of clothes and medicine, a community kitchen, and many other programmes and activities. Through rehabilitation resources and social and educational services, Lha facilitates an easy transition for the Tibetan refugee community to India. On a daily basis, Lha serves over 250 people, hosts between 15 and 25 volunteers and provides up to 20 different services, including on average 50 nutritious meals per day for financially disadvantaged people. For more information about Lha, please visit: www.lhasocialwork.org Facebook: Lhasocialwork Twitter: Lhasocialwork
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RECEPTION & ORIENTATION Our services help smooth your arrival in Delhi and your onward travel to Dharamshala. We also orientate you to the Tibetan community here. Avoid the scams at Delhi Airport! 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. 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. For information on cost, times and/or registration, please visit: Lha office, Temple Road, McLeod Ganj-176219 Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra H.P. (Mon-Sat: 9am-1pm & 2-5pm) office@lhasocialwork.org (0) 1892-220992 Websites associated with Lha: www.lhasocialwork.org www.samdhongrinpoche.com www.tibetfairtrade.com www.tibetnature.net 2
Acknowledgement
This issue of Contact is sponsored by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD). TFD’s kind contribution has made this publication possible. We thank TFD for supporting the publication of Contact.
Can you Donate to Lha? Lha collects all kinds of donations in the form of clothing, shoes, books, and language resources, computer and medical supplies, as well as any other useful items. Monetary donations are extremely helpful and are greatly appreciated, large or small. Please contact the office: office@lhasocialwork.org (0) 98823-23455 / 1892-220992 SEPTEMBER 2015
Hunger Strike Continued from page 1
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States and the United Nations Human Rights Council session in Geneva, as well as in retaliation to the Chinese-imposed celebrations in Tibet of their founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The participants - Vice President TamdinHrichoe, Information and International Relations Secretary Tsewang Dolma, and Finance Secretary Tenzin Wangchuk - have made five demands to the UN. These are: to raise the issue of Tibet in its General Assembly and Human Rights Council Session; to urge China to address the demands of the selfimmolators in Tibet; to urge China to provide evidence that the 11th Panchen Lama Gendun Choekyi Nyima is alive; to urge China to immediately release innocent Tibetans imprisoned as political prisoners and lastly, to send a special delegation to assess the current critical situation in Tibet. On September 22 the Tibet issue was being raised at the Human Rights Council in Geneva by representatives of US and the EU. The following day, TYC announced, “13 days and 312 hours later, without any food, the three TYC Executive members on hunger
strikes bodies are weak but their minds are strong and their will to go on with conviction and determination is even greater.” On September 28, Day 19, the hunger strikers and their supporters marched to the UN offices in New Delhi to present their demands. The protesters submitted memorandums to Indian Prime Minister Modi, Minister
Tibetan exiles protest outside the United Nations office in New Delhi Monday, September. 28, Photo: Saurabh Das
Sushma Swaraj, Minister ArunJaitley and Minister KirrenRijiju. The following day, Day 20, SmtManeka Sanjay Gandhi, MP and Co-Convener of the All Party Indian Parliamentarian Forum for Tibet, wrote to the UN General Secretary Ban Ki Moon, saying “I strongly believe that the UN and its member states must act immediately and hold
Election news China responsible for their actions in Tibet.” He then lists the hunger strikers’ five demands. As this month draws to a close, and the health of the participants continues to deteriorate, especially Tsewang Dolma’s, they have decided to continue the movement. “We will continue until we receive a positive response from the UN,” said TYC President Tenzing Jigme. He added, “We are wary of interventions that might forcefully stop the hunger strike like it has been in the past but we have prepared and have discussed those contingencies. We are determined to make this campaign a fruitful one.” Referring to a White Paper released by the Chinese government this month that claimed that Tibet is “now in its golden age”, Tenzin Jigme said, “this is certainly not the Golden Age but is the Darkest Age in the history of Tibet and there is nothing to celebrate.” TYC has previously organised three indefinite hunger strikes in New Delhi, Geneva and New York. The third, in New Delhi, was in September 2012. The strikers were forcibly removed from their site at the JantarMantar on the 20th day of their fast and taken to hospital to recover. They had each lost more than 10 kg.
Evicted Nomads Detained and Beaten
by Tenzin Samten Twelve Tibetan nomads were detained and one was severely beaten in Thangkor town, Dzoege County in Ngaba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture on September 22. Radio Free Asia reported that the nomads were detained when they appealed for redress for land grabbed from them by force in 2010. The Chinese authorities forcibly took land belonging to the residents of Thangkor town, saying it was needed for government projects and evicting 20 families from their homes. However, no projects have been started and there are reports that the land has been leased to private individuals, provoking the former Contact
residents to appeal for the return of their land. This appeal provoked the authorities to withdraw the subsidies
The site of the land grab Photo: Tibet.net
they had provided to the Tibetans in that area, and did not return their land. When locals complained, the 3
officials promised to solve the issue by September 20. After that deadline the villagers reoccupied their land prompting a crackdown by the Chinese authorities in the area. One local, Jigje Kyab, 39, organised a protest in the Sichuan provincial capital Chengdu in January. According to local sources he is missing and no one knows about his condition. His sister Tsokyi was severely beaten by officials following the recent appeal. She was released later although other Tibetans arrested with her are still in custody. Phayul reports that the land is attracting a lucrative income for the government from the million Chinese tourists coming annually to the area. SEPTEMBER 2015
news & issues
50 Years of Persecution and Propaganda in Tibet
by Hannah Dellabosca Festivities and a large public parade have taken place in Lhasa this month to commemorate the 50th anniversary of China’s founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region. All events were organised and overseen by the Chinese Government, with regional unity and the increased welfare and happiness of the Tibetan community emphasised throughout. This event has been heavily criticised by the Tibetan exile community, who dismiss it as Chinese propaganda used to push an unfounded image of a prospering, content and happy Tibetan community. According to Tenzing Jigme, President of the Tibetan Youth Congress in Dharamsala, “the case is that Tibetans are still being denied basic human rights - freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of press and so we are totally against this kind of false celebration.” Photographs of the anniversary parade show Tibetan and Chinese
people from all over the region standing in front of the Potala Palace, waving Chinese and commemorative 50th anniversary flags. Parade floats featured slogans such as “Forever following the Communist Party” and “Strengthen Ethnic Unity, Build Beautiful Tibet”, and were followed
People gathered in front of the Potala Palace Photo: scmp.com
by Chinese marching bands and military troops. Chinese media outlets were flooded with articles on the anniversary festivities, lauding China’s occupation
as a “great leap forward” for the Tibetan community, praising the superior economic and educational conditions in post-invasion Tibet. However, not all Chinese coverage followed the party line. The South China Morning Post published an article acknowledging the “far darker reality” of the anniversary, suggesting that the central government was “painting over the cracks” in the TAR with this event. The article went on to suggest that the government take a hard look at their own policies in order to address increasing protests and self-immolations from the Tibetan community, rather than using militant surveillance to enforce cultural and religious repression. Whilst His Holiness the Dalai Lama has not commented publicly upon this event or the comments of the Chinese, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay gave a brief statement. “There is nothing to celebrate in Tibet. Tibet is still under occupation and Tibetans are still brutally repressed.”
Tibetans Celebrate 55th Democracy Day
by Tenzin Samten Hundreds of Tibetans gathered in Tsugla Khang courtyard, the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, to celebrate the 55th Tibetan Democracy day on September 2. The event was organised by the Tibetan Government-in-Exile and the elected leader Sikyong Lobsang Sangay addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for gifting democracy and initiating the democratic system for the wellbeing of the Tibetan people. Sikyong said“This gift has been the most inspiring and transformative experience to the Tibetan people.” Guest of honour was Maneka Gandhi, the Union Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development in India, who spoke about her family’s long association with the Tibetan movement saying she appreciated the Contact
Tibetan spirit to love and nurture their traditions, even in exile. “We know the struggle will be long and hard and we in India appreciate your bravery and today we celebrate the gift by His Holiness. I assure you that we will see
Chief guest Manika Gandhi addressing the audience Photo:Contact/Lha
that your stay in India and association with us will be a happy one.” The Kashag issued a statement saying there is no cause for celebration given what is happening in Tibet; this refers to Beijing’s current celebration of the 50th anniversary of their “Tibet Autonomous Region”. 4
Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, condemned Chinese injustice and the deteriorating situation inside Tibet and urged the United Nations Human Rights Council and countries that love democracy, justice and freedom to bring pressure on the government of China. The Tibetan Government-in-Exile department heads took part in the celebrations, along with members of All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet such as Mr Shanta Kumar, the former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and Union Minister in the Central Government of India and other visiting Indian dignitaries. They joined with everyone who had gathered there to enjoy a pageant of cultural dances and songs performed by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, students and other groups. SEPTEMBER 2015
& issues No Misunderstandings for the Election Procedures news
by Hannah Dellabosca The first vote in the Tibetan election of 2015/16 is fast approaching, and the Election Commission of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) released a clarified version of the election regulations on September 3. These regulations act as a code of conduct for candidates and their supporters, covering a range of issues in order to increase procedural transparency and fairness. Chief Election Commissioner Sonam Choephel Shosur gave the reason for the announcement, “There are possibilities of individuals misunderstanding the rules and regulations laid out for the upcoming elections”. Facing only the second ever democratic vote for Sikyong, the Election Commission is focusing on fairness for candidates and voters in an effort to minimise unnecessary political drama for the Tibetan community-in-exile. Article 25 of the Electoral Rules and Regulations covers the giving and receiving of bribes, manipulating candidates, or unfairly affecting the ability of unbiased
voting. This regulation also specifies election etiquette for candidates and their representatives, including a warning against tactics of character assassination or campaigning against specific rivals through negative propaganda. This comes as a direct
The Election Commissioners Photo:Tibet.net
response to the “many unverified and unauthorised documents and pamphlets being circulated” according to Shosur. Whilst the damage may have already been done, Shosur added that the EC would like these documents to be considered null and void by voters. These legal conditions aim not only to make the election a professional, rational race for candidates, but also to ensure that political unrest amongst the Tibetan community is minimised. Financial and procedural
transparency for candidates and parties is emphasised, with large penalties for evasion or lack of cooperation. Existing CTA members who wish to run for office must not use their CTA position or CTA resources to personal advantage. Maximum expenditure and spending guidelines have been clearly outlined for candidates, and all expenditure should be accounted for by the CTA. The EC has also stressed that no candidate may use the Dalai Lama’s image, a map of Tibet or the Tibetan flag in any campaign materials. These symbols of national and cultural identity are legally exempt from the political maelstrom of the election. Incidences that contravene the Election Commission’s regulations will bring about legal punishment, the nullification of a percentage or all of votes for an offending candidate, and/ or cancellation of the right to vote or stand for election for up to ten years. The EC is encouraging the Tibetan community-in-exile to help police and enforce these regulations in an effort to ensure stability and fairness to both candidates and outcome.
Obama Speaks Up to Xi Continued from page 1
US President Barak Obama brought up the subject of Tibet in public, at a press conference. Speaking directly to Xi, he said “Even as we recognise Tibet as part of the People’s Republic of China, we continue to encourage Chinese authorities to preserve the religious and cultural identity of the Tibetan people, and to engage the Dalai Lama or his representatives.” The Tibetan world is delighted that Obama has made such a public statement on behalf of Tibet, although many say they would have liked him to go further. Speaking on human rights, Obama said “I again affirmed America’s unwavering support for the human rights and fundamental freedoms Contact
of all people, including freedom of assembly and expression, freedom of the press and freedom of religion. And I expressed in candid terms our strong view that preventing journalists, lawyers, NGOs and civil
President Obama and Xi Jinping during their joint press conference at White House Photo:Evan Vucci
society groups from operating freely, 5
or closing churches and denying ethnic minorities equal treatment are all problematic, in our view, and actually prevent China and its people from realising its full potential.” The press conference was held at the White House on September 25 with Tibetan groups demonstrating outside,including Capital Area Tibetan Association, Regional Capital Area, Tibetan Youth Congress, Students for a Free Tibet, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress NY&NJ and the Charlottesville Tibetan Association. Pro-China demonstrators were also represented, the two sides separated by police and metal barriers, and the chants of both groups were said to be heard several blocks away. SEPTEMBER 2015
news & issues
“Peace of Mind is Within Us” by Vanshika Tripathi His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited the United Kingdom on a nine-day tour starting on September 14. At Magdalene College in Cambridge, His Holiness spoke of his role as a Buddhist monk, and his desire to encourage an atmosphere of religious harmony within the current climate of religious conflict and violence. His Holiness then interacted with primary school students at Rhodes House in Oxford. His message was a hopeful one: “The 20th century generation to which I belong created all sorts of problems that will be up to you to resolve. You are our source of
His Holiness at a dialogue on “Growing Wisdom, Changing People” at Magdalene College’s Cripps Court in Cambridge, UK Photo: Ian Cumming
hope, so perhaps the end of the 21st century will be peaceful and happier.” His Holiness met students at the Oxford Tibetan Studies Department where he emphasised the need to preserve the language and traditions unique to Tibetan culture, and later met around fifty Chinese students. Returning to Magdalene College in Cambridge, he delivered the talk Growing Wisdom, Changing People, showing how the inherent goodness of human nature can be distracted by materialistic pursuits, and later took part in discussions on topics which included the distinguishing features of religion and spirituality, the sublime consciousness, and conserving Tibet’s religious, cultural, and linguistic heritage. His Holiness gave interviews to The Times and The Big Issue as well as the London Evening Standard and The Contact
Sun. When asked whether he still feels displaced, he said, “We Tibetans have a saying: ‘Wherever you are happy is home, Whoever is kind to you is like your parents.’ ” 700 Tibetans were graced with His Holiness’s presence on September 19 when he talked about Tibetan Buddhist education, saying “We need to be proud of our traditions without being arrogant. The Chinese Communists have been killing and torturing Tibetans for years, but our spirit is still strong. We’re tough. This can’t have been what they expected. We need to keep it up, particularly with regard to our standards of education.” Later the same day His Holiness gave a talk to thousands at the 02 Arena, where he was entertained with songs and dances from the Tibetan community in Britain, and spoke on topics ranging from the importance of parental affection to how compassion is an inherent part of human nature. As well as being his usual genial self, His Holiness dealt courteously and effectively with a woman who attempted to disrupt his question and answer session, prompting spontaneous applause. The day ended with His Holiness cutting a cake prepared in honour of his 80th birthday.
His Holiness with 200 students attending the interactive meeting at Rhodes House in Oxford, UK Photo: Ian Cumming
Outside the O2 arena, the Shugden community, who tried to disrupt the event with chanting and banners, found themselves barricaded some distance away from the entrance where the Tibetan community were 6
attracting attention and support by peacefully singing mantras and showing solidarity with His Holiness. The following day His Holiness spoke at the London Coliseum in honour of Ahimsa-India Day, saying “We need the 21st century to be an era of peace. We need to take a more human approach to conflict and seek to resolve it through dialogue instead of resorting to military force.” During the final day of his UK visit, His Holiness spoke at an interfaith meeting. He talked about how Muslims are incorrectly viewed as being militant saying “Muslim friends have told me that if you shed
A group of young Tibetan children who performed before His Holiness’s talk at the O2 Arena in London, England Photo: Ian Cumming
blood you are no longer a genuine Muslim and that Muslims have a commitment to respect all the creatures of Allah. They also tell me that the word ‘jihad’ is misunderstood. It doesn’t have anything to do with fighting other people, but refers to combating disturbing emotions within yourself”. His Holiness also said that the different religions of the world all preach the importance of compassion, self-discipline, and tolerance. His Holiness concluded his visit by addressing the audience at the “Action for Happiness” programme at the Lyceum Theatre where he spoke on the topic of peace, saying“Peace means no disturbance, no danger. It relates to our mental attitude. If we have a calm mind, obstacles will be less disruptive. The important thing is to realise that ultimately peace of mind is within us, it takes a warm heart and using our intelligence.” SEPTEMBER 2015
news & issues
Tibetan Government Challenges China Continued from page 1
of Information and International Relations at a press conference on September 1. As well as challenging China’s claim about the legitimacy of His Holiness’s reincarnation, the response also provides a comprehensive explanation that China’s allegations about their role in the reincarnation claims not only territorial dominance but also dominance over the soul of the Tibetan people. The CTA’s paper also argues that the Middle Way Approach (MWA) is the way to resolve the issue. Despite China’s repeated rejection of MWA, the CTA says that Chinese leaders should look closely at the proposal which seeks autonomy for all Tibetans under a single administration, preserving the territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China. The response confirmed that an increasing number of Chinese intellectuals within and outside China, includingNobel Peace Laureate Liu Xiaobo, support this initiative.
It also says that recognising the aspirations of the Tibetan people can greatly pave ways to enhance China’s soft power around the world in the making of global leadership. Sikyong, or Prime Minister, Lobsang Sangay said at the press
conference that it is an historically proven fact that Tibet was a free country and the legitimacy or authority to decide about the reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama lies solely with Dalai Lama. The issue of Tibet is in the Chinese public eye at present. From September 1, Beijing celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment
of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Earlier, on August 24-25, a meeting of the sixth Tibet Work Forum was held in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping presiding over top Chinese leaders. This meeting reinforced China’s uncompromising stance regarding the Middle Way Approach:President Xi Jinping said, “Key efforts in the work for Tibet should be spent on ensuring national unity and consolidating ethnic unity, with realising long-term and comprehensive social stability as an obligatory task.” As reported on Tibet.net, the groundwork for these issues was initiated by the White Paper on Tibet which China published on April 15 this year. This White Paper focused on economic development in Tibet, and denouncement of the Middle Way as advocated by his Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. *The full text of the CTA’s response can be found at Tibet.net
China Breaks Years of Silence Over the Panchen Lama by Tenzin Samten This year marks the 20th year since the disappearance of Gedun Choekyi Nyima. After decades of silence from the Chinese Government about his abduction, on September 6, a leading Chinese Official, Norbu Dundup, commented at a news conference that Gedun Choekyi Nyima is growing up healthily, receiving education and does not wish to be disturbed. Norbu Dundup is a member of the Tibet Autonomous Region’s United Front Work Department and also serves as the liaison officer to Tibetans. At the age of six Gedun Choekyi Nyima, who was born in Tibet, was recognised as the reincarnation of Panchen Lama by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Since his abduction then, he has been missing and his fate Contact
remains a deep concern for Tibetans across the world. Norbu Dundup said “The identification was done without authorisation. It was illegal and invalid,” referring to the Dalai Lama’s recognition of Gedun
Gedun Choekyi Nyima, still missing
Choekyi Nyima. He further defended the role the Chinese government is assuming in the Tibetan Buddhist system of reincarnation by saying, “no matter what the Dalai Lama says or does, he can’t deny the central government’s right to confirm the new 7
reincarnation.” Norbu accused the Dalai Lama of violating historical conventions and religious rituals by choosing the Panchen Lama. China’s remark on the wellbeing of the Panchen Lama and his selection by the Dalai Lama at this particular time of global concern over His Holiness’s succession is thought by Tibetans to show that the Chinese wish to reaffirm their claim of a legitimate role in the Buddhist tradition of reincarnation. Gedun Choekyi Nyima was recognised by Dalai Lama in 1995 as the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama. The Chinese government came up with another boy, Gyaltsen Norbu,who they declared to be the Panchen Lama. Tibetans consider him to be a mere figurehead installed by the Chinese. SEPTEMBER 2015
news & issues
The Election: Awareness Raising and Campaigning by Tenzin Samten The 2016 preliminary election for Sikyong (prime minister) and Chithue (members of parliament) of the Tibetan-Government-in Exile is just a month away and the season of Tibetan election campaigning is well underway. Tibetans living in exile are becoming energetically involved in democracy as they gear up for the 2016 election. The Election Commission team (which is run by the Central Tibetan Administration) is running programmes to raise awareness
TWA, said “We don’t promote or campaign for any candidate. The aim of our workshop is to encourage the maximum participation of the general public in the election so that the best candidate can lead our society.” The general public’s participation and interest in the process of democratically electing their leader is evident from the large numbers of people attending the talks of each of the Sikyong candidates. A new development for this election is the use of social media to share stories, opinions and information about the candidates via platforms such as Facebook, Wechat, Whatsapp etc. Groups on various social media platforms having discussion and debates about the candidacies are seen as a positive development of the
TWA workshop at Tibetan settlement, Delhi Photo:Vot.org
about the forthcoming election; they started this programme with a three-day workshop in July for over 80 administrators and members of the regional election commission team. In addition, the Election Commissioner and the two Additional Election Commissioners have to date visited around 84 Tibetan settlements and communities to raise public awareness about the election rules and regulations, their involvement and responsibilities. On September 3, the Election Commission released a clarified version of the election code of conduct for the candidates and their supporters. The Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA), one of the largest Tibetan nongovernment organisations in exile, has conducted workshops in 42 Tibetan settlements across India, Nepal and Bhutan on democracy and the election. Tsering Dolma, Vice-President of
Additional Election Commissioner with Tibetan college students, Baroda Photo:Tibet.net
people’s involvement in the evolution of democratic system. One such ongoing debate in the exile community was about the statement made by Penpa Tsering, the current speaker of Parliament and one of the five candidates for the Sikyong post, that he will not share a podium with individuals who have made defaming statements against His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Articles have been written about this issue in English and in Tibetan. Many individual responses were also circulated. “It is my right to not associate with a person who has made derogatory remarks towards the Dalai Lama, I am exercising my right which does not restrict the other person’s right to speak
or do anything,” said Penpa Tsering to Phayul. He further explained that he is not against people who stand for independence as their goal for Tibet. He draws a distinction between people supporting independence as an approach for Tibet’s struggle and those who make derogatory remarks towards His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Lukar Jam is the only one of the five Sikyong candidates who stand for independence, whilst the other four support the current government’s Middle Way Approach. Based on his views and works, Lukar has been labelled by some people as “anti-Dalai Lama”. When approached by Phayul for a comment on these allegations he said, “Running for Sikyong this time has given me an opportunity to tell people about my true stand and my views on His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I am happy for that”. In the midst of all this, Lukar Jam believes that he can win the Sikyong post with the growing number of people striving for Rangzen (complete independence from China), and people losing faith in the current official Middle Way Approach. The Tibetan Political Review is concerned that the election rules published by the Election Commission last month may not be strictly adhered to by all five candidates, and speculates on whether this will result in the penalties stipulated by the Commission. They acknowledge the difficulties of differentiating between official government business carried out by candidates who currently hold positions in the government, and their campaigning activities, but suggest that the Commission might want to clarify their intentions regarding the enforcement of the rules about using images of His Holiness, the Tibetan flag, or the CTA logo in campaigning materials.
Keep up to date with Election 2016 news at http://www.contactmagazine.net/category/election-2016/ Contact
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SEPTEMBER 2015
news & issues
China’s HR Violations in the Spotlight by Tenzin Samten Human rights abuses in China have been questioned and criticised during the current 30th United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. Representatives of the United States and Europe raised concerns regarding the deteriorating human rights scenario in China under Agenda Item 4 of the session entitled Human Rights Situation that requires the Council’s attention. The EU delegation condemned China’s recent mass arrest of human rights lawyers and defenders, saying “China should release all those detained for seeking to protect the rights of others and for exercising their freedom of expression and association, including Liu Xiaobo, Ilham Tohti, Gao Yu and Pu Zhiqiang.” In addition, the EU urged China to address the root causes of the endless unrest and seek peaceful dialogue with ethnic minority groups, especially in
Tibet and Xinjiang. The US Permanent Representative Keith Harper also called for the Council’s attention regarding the immediate release of lawyers and activists who are still in Chinese
UNHRC session at Geneva Photo:Tibetanreview.net
custody. Representatives from other European countries also considered the mass arrest of Chinese lawyers a common concern for all nations. The US delegation urged China to “cease undue restrictions on religion in Tibet and Xinjiang and stop church demolitions and cross removals
in Zhejiang, which contravene international standards,” states a report in Tibet.net. Mr Dawa Tsultrim from Switzerland’s Office of Tibet issued both oral and written statements during the first session under Agenda Item 4 regarding the following concerns: the worsening human rights situation inside Tibet; the rising number of self-immolations, and the enforced disappearance, detention and death of Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche in Chinese prison. These statements were issued on behalf of the Society for Threatened Peoples, a non-government organisation with special consultative status. The current UNHRC meeting began on September 14 and concludes on October 2. The UNHRC hold three annual sessions in March, June and September. Members of the UNHRC are responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights around the world.
Final Resolutions from the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile by Tenzin Samten The tenth and final session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-exile (TPie) opened on September 15, the last session before the Tibetan preelections get underway in October. The session opened with discussion and debate on how to resolve the critical situation inside Tibet, introduced by the Speaker of the House Penpa Tsering. There was discussion around how Parliament can urge foreign governments and the international community to extend their support in resolving the plight of Tibetans. It was generally concluded that China’s recently released White Paper on Tibet is mostly anti-Tibet propaganda, and that the Tibetan Government’s Middle Way Approach remains the best possible solution to resolve the Tibet-China issue.There was concern that China’s current economic situation may bring social and political changes affecting Tibet, Contact
and should be analysed and monitored by Parliament. Five resolutions were passed on the first day: a resolution for solidarity with the sufferings of Tibetans inside
Speaker Penpa Tsering at the inauguration of the tentth session of the 15th TPie Photo:Tibet.net
Tibet; a resolution to mourn and pay homage for Tibetan self-immolators and also for the deaths of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of India; Sadhutsang Rinchen Dhondup, former Kalon (minister); and Gadong Tenzin Wangdak, former Kashang Secretary and the official medium for Gadhong oracle. 9
With the tenth Parliament session being carried out in the midst of election fever, Penpa Tsering emphasised the need for parliamentarians to abide by the rules of the House to prevent disparity between candidates. Annual reports were received from all seven departments under the Kashag. The session concluded on September 25. Members of the Jhonang tradition, a Tibetan Buddhist sect not currently represented in parliament, gathered outside with posters and banners and demonstrated throughout the duration of the parliament session. They submitted a seven-point petition, of which four of their points have been accepted. However their request for two seats in Parliament has not been met – this would have given them equal status with the other three Buddhist traditions and the Bon tradition. Sikyong and the Speaker met the protesters to explain the decision. SEPTEMBER 2015
Election candidate profile Tashi Topgyal: “For the benefit of the Tibetan people” by Hannah Dellabosca Key Points: • Improving settlement equality, sustainability and stability • Educational reform • Increasing community participation in public forums and political decisions • Fostering a greater sense of unity within both the settlement community and with those inside Tibet As the last to announce his Sikyong bid, Tashi Topgyal’s addition to the field of candidates has stimulated significant political discussion. Just a few weeks ago, the former shepherd made his formal debut into politics. Whilst he has long been vocal in the community regarding his political
Tashi Topgyal, Sikyong candidate Photo:Vot.org
and social observations, his bid marks a step to formalise his ideas and get people’s attention. “I am standing for the post for awareness and to make people think and know about the issues I raised.“ The youngest of seven children, Topgyal spent his childhood as a nomadic shepherd in Ladakh before entering the Indian military at 16. For Topgyal, this transition was made more pronounced by the fact that he had never attended school. “When I joined the army, I didn’t know anything. People looked down on me, but even so I did well there”. Topgyal’s progression through the military ranks despite this lack of formal schooling is a source of pride for him. “ It makes me very happy, considering where I came from.” It may come as no surprise then, that Topgyal’s top priority is Contact
improving the standard of and access to education within the community. He believes that quality education starts with quality teachers and as Sikyong he would increase the salary of the profession in order to attract the best staff for the next generations of Tibetans. He would employ additional maintenance staff in Tibetan Children’s Village schools so that students no longer need to perform cleaning and food preparation work, and can better focus on their studies. Topgyal would also reinstall corporal punishment in Tibetan schools, in line with traditionally accepted methods of discipline. He believes that it was mistakenly discontinued in deference to Western traditions. “We don’t have to look [to] them [the West] for everything. We need to follow what is good for us.” Another political priority is his longtime focus on community solidarity, which stems from his observations of settled Tibetans-inexile and those newly arrived from Tibet. He identifies greater financial equality as a way forward. “A gap grew between people”he said and he wants a strong connection between different Tibetan groups. The prospect of working within the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) seems to appeal to Topgyal. He wants to encourage all Tibetans to take a more active stance on political issues, in India as well as within Tibet. He believes that low participation in CTA public meetings and general affairs reflects the growing complacency in many Tibetans due to their increasing financial stability. Topgyal hopes to increase overall social participation in CTA projects that would improve society for all. Topgyal advocates the MiddleWay Approach (MWA)*, believing that the active pursuit of MWA goals is the only way to improve conditions for the Tibetan community. “You just can’t raise your hand and say I support MWA. Everyone has to work for it as 10
much as you support the approach.” For Topgyal, this means improving the living, educational and economic standards of the Tibetan community. He believes that these improvements, as well as a greater sense of unity and trust in the community, will allow the CTA to negotiate with China from a position of strength. “Now China is a strong developing country. But while they develop, we too are developing. I will try hard and make sure to have the dialogue and resolve the issue while His Holiness is with us. Otherwise, I don’t believe in begging them to negotiate with us.” Topgyal has received significant criticism on social media for his Sikyong bid, with people telling him that his bid is “an insult” because of his lack of formal education and political experience. “For someone like me standing for Sikyong post, my lack of education qualifications are a weakness” he acknowledges, “but I am using my other potential qualities and running for the post.” Topgyal maintains this sense of perspective
Tashi Topgyal, Sikyong candidate 2016 Photo:Contact/Lha
when dealing with his critics. “We as humans should know the value of ourselves. Those people calling me such names are the ones who don’t know their values or who don’t give value to one as a human.” Topgyal maintains that he “did all this for the benefit of the Tibetan people and not for myself.” *MWA is the official stance of the Central Tibetan Administration and seeks to negotiate genuine autonomy for Tibet under Chinese rule, not complete independence as advocated by Rangzen supporters. SEPTEMBER 2015
news & issues
Arrests, Sentences and Releases in Tibet This Month Sep 18: One of the bystanders arrested for supporting the two solo protesters of September 10 has been identified as Aye Gumo, 64, from division no 2 of Kharsar village in the Rong area of Ngaba county. Her current whereabouts and condition are not known. She was a street cleaner in Ngaba town. Two young people arrested with her have not been identified. Sep 13: Dekyi Dolma, 22, was detained after a solo protest in Ngaba County in the Sichuan province calling for an end to the oppressive Chinese policies in the region. According to local sources, the place was under complete security clampdown since the arrest of two monks on September 10 after their separate solo protests at the same region. Sep 11: Lobsang Tsering, 29, a monk from Kirti Monastery in Ngaba County and a Tibetan political prisoner, was released from Mianyang prison near Chengdu in Sichuan on completion of three years’
imprisonment. He was arrested on June 26, 2012 for distributing leaflets containing messages that were deemed to be “separatist” in nature. Lobsang’s parents are Tharco and Takyith, and he has three brothers and a sister. Sep 10: Lobsang Drakpa, 20, also known as Adrak, and another person, also called Lobsang, both monks, have been detained after separate solo protests protesting against China’s rule in Ngaba county in the Sichuan province. Both protestors were taken into custody, one of them was beaten, and several bystanders were also detained after clashes with police. Communications to outside areas have been cut under a security clampdown in Ngaba. Sep 10: Gomar Choephel, a wellrespected monk who was arrested on July 7, has been traced to Dragmer Detention Centre in Rebkong County in Tibet. Choephel, a monk at Rongwo monastery, comes from the village of Gomar in Rebkong. His family had no knowledge of his whereabouts after his arrest, and no reason had been given for the arrest,
although it is understood he was suspected of sharing a picture of the Dalai Lama on his phone. Sep 9: Jampal Gyatso, 21, a monk from Kirti monastery, was arrested after walking along Ngaba town’s main street holding a photo of the Dalai Lama and calling out for Tibetan freedom. Police arrived and took him away, since when there has been no information about his detention, although it is reported that police searched his room in the monastery. Gyatso and his family are from Meruma village group number 3. Sep 7: Lobsang Kalsang, 19, a monk from Kirti Monastery, was arrested following a lone peaceful protest against Chinese rule in Ngaba County in north-eastern Tibet. He shouted slogans including “freedom for Tibetans” and was arrested i m m e d i a t e l y. Local people gathered at the police station to show solidarity. Another lay Tibetan was also detained. Kalsang’s brother Losang Tenpa, 21, also from Kirti, is currently serving a two-year sentence.
Tibetan Woman Self-immolates in Gansu Continued from page 1
Local Tibetan villagers believed that Kyi’s self-immolation protest was triggered by the arrival of 150 officers of the Chinese authorities who destroyed Tibetan owned properties, claiming they belonged to the Chinese government.Police and government officials had raided a house, apparently hers, and then started demolishing it and other houses with bulldozers, they also arrested and beat the owner. People were unable to stop them Contact
despite physically hanging onto the demolition equipment. Officials said the houses were being demolished because they did not have valid permits. Kyi was a resident of Ngulra village, Sangkok town in Sangchu county in the Kanlho prefecture and the mother of five children. Local people lit butter lamps to show solidarity. In Dharamshala, hundreds of Tibetans and supporters gathered at TsuglaKhang, the main temple, for a 11
prayer service for Kyi on September 4, held by the Tibetan Governmentin-Exile and led by Ven Thomtok Rinpoche, abbot of Namgyal monastery; and in the streets of McLeod Ganj people held a candle lit vigil. Tashi Kyi is the seventh Tibetan to resort to self-immolation this year and the 142nd since 2009. She is the 25th woman. Since 2009, self-immolation has been the only medium of protest in Tibet.
SEPTEMBER 2015
news & ISSUES
Tibetan Headlines Sep 29: Doctors Advise Rest His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who turned 80 this year, has been told by his doctors to rest for several weeks after a routine checkup in a Minesota clinic in America. The office of the Dalai Lama has announced that His Holiness has had to cancel his engagements for planned his visit to the United States in October. Sep 28: Jang Gunchoe Over 700 Buddhist monks from 27 monasteries have gathered at Ragya monastery in Golog in northwestern China’s Qinghai province for the 21st seven-day Jang Gunchoe, or annual Winter Teachings. Radio Free Asia reports there is a “subdued atmosphere” due to “unprecedented” Chinese security restrictions. Attendees are primarily monks, with very few lay people taking part Sep 21: Scotland Stands with Tibet Forty-two members of the Scottish Parliament have signed the “I Stand with Tibet” petition filed by pro-Tibet groups in Europe. The petition will be presented to the European Parliament and other international bodies in N o v e m b e r. The Cross Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Tibet also held an exhibition in their parliament on the human rights abuse in Tibet. Sep 20: Xi’s Book Launch Members of Students for a Free Tibet have confronted a Chinese official in Washington DC over Chinese President Xi Jinping’s new book, entitled Xi Jinping: Governance of China. The activists staged a protest at a local bookstore, saying that Xi can publish as many books as he wants but he cannot rewrite history and change the fact that Tibet was an independent nation. Contact
Sep 19: Kalachakra in Tibet A four-day Kalachakra ceremony has began at Kumbum monastery in Qinghai’s Tsoshar prefecture. The ceremony was conducted by Geja Rinpoche, a senior Tibetan religious leader. A crowd of around 200,000 people including Tibetans, Mongolians, and Han Chinese was reported to have gathered for the ceremony. Kalachakra has been conducted many times outside Tibet by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Sep 14: UK Press Statements Ahead of the Dalai Lama’s visit to London, UK, the Tibetan Community in Britain and British Buddhist Groups and organisations have issued press statements about Shugden, or Dolgyal, and their expected demonstrations against His Holiness. In the past Shugden has demonstrated outside venues where His Holiness appears. The PRs say that Shugden is influenced by China and its attempts to undermine the Dalai Lama. Sep 14: Petition Refused The British campaigning organisation Free Tibet collected 11,844 signatures on a petition calling for the release of the musicians jailed in Tibet. The Chinese Embassy in London refused to accept the petition and it will be sent by post to Beijing. The petition called for China’s Minister of Justice to release Tibet’s jailed musicians and to ensure that all Tibetans are free to express themselves without fear of punishment. Sep 7: Dalai Lama’s Teaching His Holiness the Dalai Lama is teaching in TsuglaKhang, the main temple in Dharamshala. The four-day teaching is at the request of a group of devotees from Asian countries, and attended by over 5,000 people. The teachings are Shantideva’s 12
A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, Kamalashila’s The Middling States of Meditation, Nagarjuna’s The Precious Garland of the Middle Way, and Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo’s The 37 Practices of Bodhisattvas. Sep 6: Flying the Flag A Tibetan national flag was displayed publicly this week in northwestern China’s Qinghai province in defiance of official bans on the flag, which the Chinese authorities say is a “separatist” symbol of Tibetan nationhood. The flag was hung from a metal frame in Golug, and remained there until noon the next day; it was hung in defiance of China’s official celebration of 60 years since the founding of Pema county. Sep 4: Religious Freedom The United States has asked China to reassess its policies, particularly those which impose restrictions on religious freedom in Tibet. This request follows a recent visit to China by Mr David Saperstein, Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, to discuss issues of human rights violations and religious freedom. He said that China’s policies in Tibet have “nurtured deep resentments among Tibetans”. Sep 3: 49th Day Prayers People in Tibet defied the Chineseimposed crackdown to mark the 49th day since the death in a Chinese prison of the revered monk Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. News is emerging that on Sunday residents of China’s Sichuan province held prayer ceremonies and celebrated the life of Rinpoche despite the clampdown and the restricted communications there. SEPTEMBER 2015
news & issues
International Headlines Sep 28: Independence? Pro-independence for Catalonia parties have won an absolute majority in Spain’s regional elections, winning 72 seats in the 135-seat regional parliament. They say this gives them a clear mandate to form an independent Catalan state, while Spain’s central government in Madrid has pledged to challenge independence in court.
parliament allowing the Japanese military to fight overseas for the first time in 70 years. Public protests were seen across the country, and stalling tactics were used within the parliament to delay the vote. Supporters claim that the new bill is necessary to protect Japan from the regional threats, such as those posed by China and North Korea.
Sep 24: VW Caught Cheating Volkswagen, the German car production company, has been found cheating on diesel emissions tests. The company’s stock market value has crashed and chief executive Martin Winterkorn has resigned. VW is setting aside €6.5bn (£4.7bn) to cover the costs of the scandal. The world’s biggest carmaker, VW admitted installing a device to give more positive results and says this affects 11 million vehicles worldwide.
Sep 18: Clock Boy Feted Ahmed Mohamed, 14, the Muslim boy in Texas who made a clock and showed it to his teacher only to be arrested because the school thought it was a bomb, is receiving an outpouring of support from politicians, celebrities and leading scientists. He has been invited to visit Massachusetts Institute of Technology and says he will accept an invitation to the White House. He plans to change his school.
Sep 22: Coup To End The national army of the west African country of Burkina Faso has delivered an ultimatum which is likely to put an end to the coup undertaken by the presidential guard, led by General Diendere. Negotiations are being held with a view to avoiding violence, and the army has given Diendere until 10:00 GMT to give up the capital of Ouagadougou. Sep 20: Nepal’s New Constitution Nepal has peacefully adopted its first democratic constitution in a move that is intended to unite the nation. Nepal’s President Ram Baran Yadav is promoting the new charter, despite significant protests and violence in recent weeks. Today in Kathmandu a crowd of over 2,000 people cheered in support of the new constitution and there were no reports of major violence. Sep 19: Japan’s Military Move A bill has been passed in the Japanese Contact
Sep 17: Combating Malaria More than 650 million cases of malaria have been prevented in Africa since 2000 according to a report published in Nature. The report says this is a 50% drop, with bed nets responsible for the majority of the decrease: a billion insecticide-treated bed nets were distributed. There are now calls for more funding to maintain progress. Despite this, a child still dies from malaria every minute in Africa. Sep 16: “Dislike”! Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has announced a new “dislike” button is to be added to the social network. The button would be used to express empathy, he said people have been asking for this for many years. Mr Zuckerberg was clear that will not be a mechanism for people to “down vote” others’ posts, it will be for times when clicking “like” on “sad” posts feels insensitive. 13
Sep 11: New Species of Homo Scientists in South Africa have discovered 15 partial skeletons of a human-like species in a burial chamber in a cave system. They claim that it will change ideas about our human ancestors. The individuals were capable of ritual behaviour and belong to the genus Homo, the same as modern humans, and the scientists say they may have been the first Homo, living up to 3 million years ago. Sep 10: Concert Cancelled Bon Jovi’s first ever concert in China has been cancelled because the band used an image of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a backdrop to their concert in Taiwan in 2010. The Culture Ministry cancelled the concerts which were slated for next week in Shanghai and Beijing. Other bands and celebrities have been either banned from China, or made unwelcome, after showing support for the Dalai Lama. Sep 8: Humanitarian Crisis European leaders are trying to agree tactics to deal with the influx of hundreds of thousands of people seeking asylum, the biggest such crisis since the second world war. Many of the people are fleeing Islamic State influence in Syria, and are trying to reach the west by any means possible. Thousands of European residents are offering to host families in their own homes. Sep 4: Photo: Anguish A picture of the body of a three year old Syrian boy washed up on a Turkish beach has sparked a massive online and on-air debate about the humanitarian crisis of the people fleeing arab states and Islamic State rule to try and reach western European countries and seek asylum there. There is strong feeling that this image epitomises the crisis and has changed peoples’ perception of what is happening. SEPTEMBER 2015
lha news and projects
Lha Participates in World Cleanup Day
A mass cleanup took place in Dharamshala on September 20 to mark World Cleanup Day, organised by Lha in collaboration with the Clean Upper Dharamshala Program (CUDP) and Tibetan Women’s Association. Volunteers and students joined the organisations’ staff members in distributing brochures in Tibetan, Hindi, and English on environmental awareness and the management of waste material in the town. More than 100 people took part, including people from the IndoTibetan Friendship Association. The
focus of this event was on cleaning the Bhagsu area, particularly the river
Organisers and volunteers at Bhagsu river Photo:Contact/Lha
and the area surrounding as it is the main tourist destination. Lha has been working together with
the CUDP and other organisations to keep the town clean and green for several years. Our major initiatives under the Environment Care Project have been educating the public through our environment website (www.tibetnature.net) and trilingual brochures as well as organising mass cleanups. Lha appreciates the co-operation and support of everyone who participates in our programmes. Thank you everyone, and your support in our future mass cleanup programmes will be highly appreciated!
Visiting Group from Tulane University
Lha hosted a group of 14 students who were participating in our Cultural Exchange Programme, they were from the School of Social Work at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and led by Dr Ron Marks, Dean of the School of Social Work and Professor Carolyn Weaver. They stayed in Dharamshala for around two weeks, visiting the
various Tibetan Government-in-Exile departments and non-government
Lha’s Deputy Director, Lobsang Rabsel thanked the student group
organisations to learn about Tibetan community and culture. They participated in the Lha eye and dental care project, part of our Clear Vision Project. To find out more about the project, visit the Clear Vision page on our website. As well as participating in Lha projects the students also volunteered at the TongLen Charitable Trust.
Uninterrupted Power Supply for Lha!
Lha has been gifted a new On-Line UPS (uninterrupted Power Supply) by the student group and Dr Ron Marks from Tulane. The UPS will enable us to continue to provide our services in the face of the erratic local electricity supply with its frequent and unpredictable power cuts which have so disrupted our activities
in the past. The Tulane University Lha’s tenth year and to acknowledge group made the donation to celebrate Lha’s social welfare and community services which benefit thousands of Tibetan refugees, local Indians and people from Himalayan region. Lha would like to express our huge appreciation of this gift and the students’ time and support for the Lha’s Director, Ngawang Rabgyal thanked local community services. professors who led the student group
Acupuncture for the Tibetan Community
Dr Dong Giao Tran, his wife, Sanh Hy Ngyuyen and friend, Uyen Trinh came from Canada to provide a volunteer acupuncture service through Lha. Dr Tran Dong Giao is a traditional Chinese herbalist and an acupuncturist. Over the first ten days of their stay, they treated more than 50 people from Jampaling home for elderly Tibetans and then for the five following days they volunteered to treat anyone from
Dr Dong Giao Tran treating people at Jampaling home for elderly people
the community. Many people from
all walks of life responded to Lha’s notices around the town and came for the consultations at Lha’sAhimsa House. As well as donating their time, the three volunteers generously gave the residents of the Jampaling home lunch treats and gifts, as well as some pocket money. They are looking forward to coming back in the future and helping more people.
To find out more about Lha visit our website www.lhasocialwork.org Contact
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SEPTEMBER 2015
lha news and projects
Meet Some of our Lha English Language Students
My name is Sonam Dolma. I was about the Tibetans in India. When first I arrived in Dharamsala, born in Tibet. The reason why I came here was that I couldn’t practice I got a great opportunity to see His Buddhism and couldn’t learn the Holiness the Dalai Lama. I felt more Tibetan language in Tibet. Moreover, happy than I can say. Then I got a I couldn’t visit His Holiness the Dalai wonderful chance to go to school by Lama and also we couldn’t keep his the grace of His Holiness.So, now I photo in our home. My parents are can read and write. This is not because farmers. They don’t have a job. So my of myself. What I am today is because parents said that my younger sister of my parents, His Holiness and my dear teachers, so I am very thankful to and I must go to India. But when I first came here the first these great people. big problem was that I couldn’t communicate with anyone and I was so upset during that time. I started to learn different languages. Now my life has changed a lot. Now I’m so happy here, I love this small and warm town. No matter where I will be, I would never forget every moment which I spent here. I have one aim which is to Group photot of Lha’s English language students become a translator. When my aim comes true, after that, I would like to I am Dolma. When I was in Tibet, I provide one good life for my sister. I went to school but I was very naughty and didn’t study hard. My teacher was love my sister very much. very scary and he beat me and gave Hi my name is Lhakpa. I was born me very hard punishment. Sometimes in Tibet in 1980. I left Tibet in 2012. when I saw him I scurried away but My family is a nomadic family. I have he was very good at catching children been a monk for 15 years. I have been who ran away! I escaped from Tibet to India. I learning English since September. My English is improving daily. I am was eight years old. We slept on the expecting my English will be perfect mountain from 6am to 6pm at night, next year, and then I am planning next and from 6pm at night to 6am in the that I will start to learn the Chinese morning we walked. We walked like this for 30 days. We were very language. afraid because we thought that the My name is Lhamo. I was born in Chinese would catch us and put us in Lithang in Kham, in Tibet. I am 20 prison. Also, on the way our food and years old. When I was in Tibet, I was drink was finished and some days we just a poor sheep farmer, or nomad had to beg. We saw one person die girl who did not know how to read on the way. During that time I was or write any languages. Because my very afraid because I thought that we family are nomads we depended on would die. At the boundary with Nepal there our livestock and always looked after the sheep and yaks. I wanted to go were police but we hid in a truck and to school but it is impossible for a they put so many tables over us, and nomad child like me to get a chance also many other things to hide us to go to school in Chinese occupied when we reached the border. They Tibet. Then I thought that if I can checked the truck; when we heard the go to India, I will get a good chance police walking on the table I was very to study because I heard something afraid and started vomiting. There Contact
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was nowhere to vomit so I used a plastic bag. We entered Nepal and we were free to go where we wanted. When I was at home I didn’t obey my parents. Now I regret this very much, and am grateful to my teacher in Tibet because he made me into a good student and taught me many things when I was there. At the time I was very afraid of him because he beat me but now I understand very well, and have learned that whatever you do, think first! Marhaba, friends. My friends call me Sam. I was born in Medina, Saudi Arabia. I wanted to come to India to experience the culture. I met a Tibetan lecturer from Delhi University and he advised me that I could find both English and an interesting, cold climate community in Dharamsala. When I arrived in McLeod Ganj, I made friends with two Tibetans who became like a family to me, and I stayed with them whilst I lived here. I enrolled at Lha in Beginner Chinese and Intermediate English. All my Tibetan friends helped me to understand and succeed. The presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in McLeod Ganj makes everything feel calm and blessed. My favourite Tibetan food is Tibetan bread with salty butter. I would like to continue to travel and explore the whole world alone. Thank you to everyone in Lha, I hope to come back soon. Hello everyone. I am ChuskitAngmo. I am from Ladakh. I think the English language is important and useful for us, it became an international language. So, if we speak English we can go anywhere in this world. I am learning English because I want to teach English in Ladakh for those students who are not going to school. And last, I want to say immense thanks to Lha which gives me self confidence and leads me towards a beautiful life. SEPTEMBER 2015
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. The hospital has a pharmacy on site. WEB:www.delekhospital.org LOCATION: Kharadanda Rd, Dharamshala; Delek Clinic, Bhagsu Rd, Dharamshala HOURS: Outpatient, Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00 pm-4:30 pm; Emergencies, 24 hours daily PHONE: 01892-222053 / 223381 EMAIL: delek@bsnl.in hospitaldelek@yahoo.com
Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society
The society was established in 1999 to provide educational and administrative guidance to all Tibetan schools in remote areas of India and Bhutan that do not fall under the guidance of Tibetan Childrens Village. Today there are 12 schools under this organisation. WEB: www.sambhota.org LOCATION: Session Rd, Dharamshala176215 PHONE: 01892 - 228877 | 226877 EMAIL: stss1999@gmail.com
Tong-Len Charitable Trust
Tong-Len’s mission is to help displaced communities in North India achieve a secure and sustainable future. Tong-Len projects include educational and health programs, childhood education and sponsorship, primary and nursery tent schools, and children’s support hostels. Volunteer opportunities available. WEB: www. tong-len.org LOCATION: Top Floor, Bank Of Baroda, Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala-176215 PHONE: 01892-223930 EMAIL: jamyang@tong-len.org
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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, Opposite State Bank of India PHONE: 01892-220992, 988-2323-455 EMAIL: office@lhasocialwork.org
The Kangra Distt. Red Cross Society
The Kangra District Red Cross Society renders its humanitarian services, projects and activities with the help and the co-operation of people at all levels of society by donation. WEB: www.redcrosskangra.org LOCATION: Red Cross Bhawan, Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-224888 / 9418832244 EMAIL: sharmaopl12345@gmail.com
Gu-Chu-Sum Movement 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: director@tibetcharity.in
SEPTEMBER 2015
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: 9857973026 EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com
Gamru Village School
Gamru Village School is a successful NGO that provides free high-quality education to any children who encounter serious barriers to education and who have a low standard of living. WEB: www.gamruschool.com LOCATION: Village Gamru, P.O Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala, Distt Kangra 176215 PHONE: 9816105554 EMAIL: tashu72004@yahoo.com
Contact
Clean Upper Dharamshala Project
Founded in 1994 to provide a waste management system in and around McLeod Ganj, the Green Workers, the Handmade Recycled Paper Factory, the Green Shop and the Environmental Education Centre are part of the Clean Upper 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: cudpswm@gmail.com
Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage)
Nyingtob Ling supports Tibetan children from disadvantaged families. The children make handicrafts and paintings. They are so friendly and love to have visitors. WEB: www.nyingtobling.org LOCATION: Near Norbulingka, Sidhpur PHONE:01892 211042 / 9816028149 EMAIL: nyingtob_ling@hotmail.com
Women’s Team
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 (Rs245) *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
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McLeod Ganj Post Office Location: Jogiwara Rd, past Peace Cafe Hours: 9:30am-1pm and 2-5pm, Mon-Fri; 9:30am-noon, Sat. Parcels and money orders can be sent in the mornings only. Phone: 01892-221 924
SEPTEMBER 2015
activities and information Upcoming Events Oct 2: Gandhi Jayanti, Occcasion of Gandhi’s birthday
MEDITATION Ocean of Harmony
Nov 3:Lha-bab-due-chen, Buddha Shakyamuni’s Descent from Heaven)
Taught by an experienced and qualified coach WEB: www.oceanofharmony.org PHONE: (+91) 99798-94585 EMAIL: ohlifeandwellness@gmail.com
Nov 5-8: Dharamshala Film Festival
Tushita Meditation Center
Nov 12- 13 : His Holiness will take part in conference on Quantum Physics and Madhyamika Philosophical at Jawaharlal Nehru University
BUDDHIST PHILoSOPHY Library of Tibetan Works and Archives WEB: www.ltwa.net/library LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9-10 am, 11-12noon PHONE: 921-842-2467
Public Audience with HH Karmapa WEB: www.kagyuoffice.org LOCATION: Sidhpur HOURS: Wed & Sat: 2:30pm PHONE: 01892-235307
yoga and reiki Om Yoga, Meditation and Reiki Centre LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, behind Akash Hotel, on Jogiwara Rd HOURS: 8:00am-5:30pm PHONE: 980-569-3514
Sunita Singh Yoga Class
LOCATION: Singh Corner, nr Magic Tree Upper Bhagsu PHONE: 98058-89060 WEB: www.maashakktiyoga.com
Siddhartha Retreat and Yoga Centre LOCATION: Upper Bhagsu PHONE: 098165-65138 WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org
MASSAGE Nature Cure Health Club
Shiatsu massage LOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka, Jogiwara Road PHONE: 941-813-0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com
Men-Tsee-Khang
LOCATION: Mcleod Ganj Branch Clinic, 1st floor, TIPA Road (2 mins from Main Square) PHONE: 98828-60505 EMAIL: therapycenter@men-tsee-khang.org
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
WEB: www.tushita.info LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:30-11:30am PHONE: 0898-816-0988 EMAIL: spc@tushita.info
Siddhartha Retreat Centre
WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Nag, Near High Sky PHONE: 09816565138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@yahoo.co.in
Taxi services Rinku Taxi Services
LOCATION: Opposite Club House, near Tourist Information Office, Hotel Surya Road PHONE: (+91) 9418687343, 9857030707 WEB: www.rinkutaxihimachal.com
COOKING Lha Tibetan Cooking Classes - for groups LOCATION: Lha Soup Kitchen, Temple Rd, Just below the Dalai Lama’s temple HOURS: Registration, 9:00-11:00am PHONE: 01892-220992
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
LRZTP Tibetan Language Program LOCATION: near Mentsekhang, VOT building EMAIL: Lrztp108@gmail.com WEB: www.LRZTP.org *see ad on pg 23
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, 98055-96741 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
Esukhia Online Tibetan Courses and Tibetan Immersion Spoken Location:Tilak Ray Building, Bhagsu Rd PHONE: 8679502538 / 98820-04965 EMAIL: contact@esukhia.org
art and museums
Indian Cooking and Knitting with Ms Rita Kapoor
Tibet Museum
Indian Cooking Classes
Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression
LOCATION: Old German Bakery, 1st Floor, Room No. 2, Opp. Buddha Hall, Bhagsunag PHONE: 94592-06586 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: The flourishing flora, Opp. TIPA, Dharamkot road, Mcleodganj HOURS: 4:00-6:00pm PHONE: 9882599093 EMAIL: nishaanilsarin@hotmail.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
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LOCATION:Near the Main Temple and Namgyal Monastery gate, McLeod Ganj HOURS: Tue-Sun: 9:00am-5:00pm
LOCATION: Gu-Chu-Sum hall, Jogiwara Rd HOURS: Mon, Wed & Fri: 2:00pm-5:00pm
The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA)
WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 1892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com
Kangra Art Museum
LOCATION: Near Bus Stand, Kotwali Bazaar PHONE: 01892 224214 HOURS: Tue-Sun: 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm
Men-Tsee-Khang Museum
LOCATION: Near CTA, Gangchen Kyishong PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org HOURS: 9am-5pm. Closed on Sun, 2 and 4th Sat
Form Gallery
LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd. near Oasis Cafe PHONE: 8894-060602 HOURS: Daily, 12:00pm-6:00pm
SEPTEMBER 2015
activities and information HEALTH SERVICES Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Dr Natasha Mehra
LOCATION: Near Hotel Mount View, Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 09218742046 EMAIL: perfect32dentalclinic@gmail.com
Dadon Physiotherapy Clinic
LOCATION: 310, Geden Choeling Nunnery, Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj HOURS: 9am - 7pm PHONE: 9882323598 EMAIL: dadonphysio@gmail.com
Dr Kumar Ayurvedic - Panchkarma
WEB: www.kumarayurveda.com LOCATION: Hotel Surya Rd., opp 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: 7833047078 / 9882320136 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
Contact
Tibet-Related Websites News:
rfa.org/english/news/tibet - Radio Free Asia’s mission is to provide accurate and timely news and information to Asian countries whose governments prohibit access to a free press voatibetanenglish.com - Voice of America’s Tibet pages - VOA is an international multimedia broadcasting service funded by the US government contactmagazine.net - Contact magazine online phayul.com -Phayul is published in Dharamshala,also has opinion, reviews, photos, etc guardian.co.uk/world/tibet - the UK Guardian newspaper’s Tibet pages scmp.com/news/china - the South China Morning Post – one of the more independent news sources in China thetibetpost.com and tibetexpress.net are both sources of news and information
News, information and campaigning:
tibet.net - official website of the Central Tibetan Administration in exile dalailama.com - for broadcasts of His Holiness’s teachings, his schedule and information about Tibet and the Dalai Lama tchrd.org - Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy - a 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 tibetanreview.net - news, opinions, reviews and information freetibet.org: - UK-based campaigning organisation, also a good news source 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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SEPTEMBER 2015
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Best taxi & car rental services in Himachal, Tour Packages Pick-up & Drop-in to Airports, Rail station, Bus stop Opp. Club House, near Tourist Information Office Hotel Surya Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - Map#16 PHONE: (+91) 94186-87343, 98570-30707
Free movies on Saturdays at 7.30pm Live Tibetan music every Wednesday at 6.30pm
Jogiwara Road (near post office), McLeod Ganj – Map # 8
CARPE DIEM
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THE TASTE OF INDIA since 1995
RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA
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CONTINENTAL, & THAI FOOD, No MSG • Everything washed with sterilized water • Wood-fired pizza oven & clay Tandoori oven • Relaxed atmosphere & Japanese-style seating • Live music every Sunday Located on Jogiwara Road, across from the Tibetan Reception Center (down from Post Office) - Map # 9
HOTEL LADIES’ VENTURE
“The most suitable place for foreigners, holidaymakers, honeymooners, trekkers, and those who wish to commune with nature!”
We offer: Affordable dormitories, well-appointed rooms, boarding, and McLeod Ganj’s FINEST hospitality! Jogiwara Road - Map #11 Mobile - 981 623 5648 Hotel - 01892 22 1559
Dr Mobile Shop
• •
FREE HOME DELIVERY* CALL: 9736083878, 9736040937. (8:30am – 10:30pm) Opp. TIPA, Dharamkot Road, Mcleod Ganj, Map # 17 www.mcleodganjhomestay.net
8 AUSPICIOUS HIM VIEW HOTEL
8 beautiful rooms with balcony facing the Himalayan Range. Enjoy the sunrise from your bed! Phone: 01892-220567 Cell: 9418236603 Jogiwara Rd (Map #12) Email: tseringd@aushimview.com
Pema Thang Guest House
and Restaurant
Your Communication Partner
Mobile Sales, Mobile Repair, Sim Cards, Purchase and Recharge Phone Service
Black Magic Building (underground), Jogiwara Road, Map # 8 McLeod Ganj Phone: 9857011101 Contact
•
Unique Garden restaurant and “HOMESTAY” home cooked wheat porridge, fluffy pancakes and paranthas, BBQ, kababs, Naans and many more Enjoy our garden café with fibre roof and amongst unique plants surrounded with pine trees Neat & clean rooms with beautiful valley view High speed Wi-Fi
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Charming, comfortable, and scrupulously clean; minutes from the Main Temple and McLeod Ganj Market; Hotel Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj: Map #15 Phone: 221871/221001 www.pemathang.net SEPTEMBER 2015
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Contact
21
SEPTEMBER 2015
advertisements Locations of important places around McLeod Ganj
BHAGSU NAG
Map not to scale
See Advertisement Pages for details of advertisers
TIPA
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DHARAMKOT
Vipassana Centre
Naddi Village
Tushita Centre
12
11 3
McLEOD GANJ 4
5 MAIN SQUARE
Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)
Cantt Police Post
6 7
Main Bazaar
20
89
1 Lha
16
10 15 14
2
13
Road to Dharamshala
1. Lha Headquarters 2. Namgyal Cafe 3. Common Ground Cafe 4. Dream Holidays Travel 5. Shangrila Hotel 6. Nature Cure Health Club 7. Dr Mobile, Woeser Bakery 8. Black Tent Cafe 9. Carpe Diem Restaurant 10. Perfect 32 Dental Clinic 11. Hotel Ladies’ Venture
12. 8 Auspicious Him View Hotel 13. Ahimsa House & Lha Soup Kitchen 14. Chonor House 15. Pema Thang 16. Rinku Taxi Service 17. Central Tibetan Administration, Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Tibetan Library 18. LRZTP Tibetan Language Program 19. Tibetan Museum and Temple 20. Tibetan Handicraft Centre 21. Taste of India
Our specialty: Chocolate Vegan cake, Gluten free cake, Fresh Coffe Beans, cappaccino, Chocolate chilli lollipop
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17 18
Road to Dharamshala
Namgyal Cafe
9am to 7pm - Closed on Monday Below “Black Magic Hotel” on Jogiwara Rd - Map # 7 The famous and popular Namgyal Cafe has merged
Dream Holidays Since 1998
Ground Floor of Asian Plaza Hotel, Main Square, McLeod Ganj (3rd office inside Mall) - Map #4 +Worldwide Air Travel Arrangements +AC/Non-AC cars jeeps for tours +Flight/Rail tickets, hotel reservations contact: 98160-87878 / 94180-97149, vineet_dream@yahoo.com
NEED A DENTIST?
with Om Hotel right off the main square - Map # 2 • • • •
Extensive vegetarian menu Terrace dining with beautiful view Best pizza in McLeod Ganj Good music and friendly staffs
Open every day from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm Mobile: 9882649768
Nature Cure Health Club
Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House - Map # 6 Mobile: 07833047078 Email: mahinder_m@hotmail.com,
For all your dental requirements under one roof, in a sterile clinic CONTACT
18+ yrs’ experience: Swedish massage courses & treatment, Zen Shiatsu courses, treatment, reflexology treatment, SPA, Singing Bowl Treatment and many more!
Dr Natasha Mehra @
Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Near Hotel Mount View Jogiwara Rd, McLeod Map# 10
Enjoy traditional Taiwanese and Chinese food and peaceful environment, just one minute from the Bus Stand, just behind Asian Plaza! (Map # 3)
Call: 09218742046 perfect32dentalclinic@ gmail.com Contact
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SEPTEMBER 2015
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SEPTEMBER 2015
ལྷ་བོད་ཀྱི་ལུགས་མཐུན་བཟོ་ཚོང་ལས་ཁང་།
Lha Tibet Fair Trade Regd No.U74140HP2013PTC000540 IEC No. 2213006741 TIN: 02060101641 CST: 02060101641 PAN: AACCL5897M
What’s LTFT?
Lha Tibet Fair Trade (LTFT) is a certified Fair Trade company which supports Lha’s charitable work through the sale of traditional Tibetan goods made by local craftspeople.
What we have?
Handmade woollen carpets, singing bowls, jewellery, goods made from recycled paper, Tibetan home decor pieces and many more!
What we do?
Retail outlet, manufacture, wholesale, import & export, support local artisans, tours and travel. The LTFT is pleased to welcome any businesses wishing to form partnerships and set up exhibition tours.
Why LTFT?
Your shopping and support will contribute to Lha’s numerous social projects and help Lha become more sustainable and self-sufficient.
Drop-in at our store at LHA office, Mon-Sat Phone: +91 (0) 98823-23455 / 1892-220992
W www.tibetfairtrade.com
Lha Tibet Fair Trade
To Let Where?
Just behind the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Gangchen Kyishong neat CTA
When?
From 1 November 2015 till 30 March 2016 (5 months)
What?
One well furnished large bed- with bathroom attached, one living room cum dining room seating 6 people with attached kitchen. Fridge/microwave beside gas cooker.
To advertise call Lha office: 01892-220992 or visit Lha office at Temple Rd, McLeod Ganj
Speed 512 mbs unlimited by Airjaldi (Rs. 1095 monthly)
Map #1
Internet Who?
c/o Yangzom, Crepe Pancake, Mob. No. 862 881 3700
How much? Rs. 10’000/- per month, payable in advance
Follow Contact website using the QR code!
Tibet Fair Trade འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།
Contact Newsletter
Managing Director Ngawang Rabgyal Editor-in-Chief Jenny James Editor Tenzin Samten Assistant Editor Tsering Wangdue Reporter Dorji Kyi Layout Design Tamdin Yangzom Circulation Manager Lobsang Rabsel Published by Lha Charitable Trust Web: www.lhasocialwork.org www.contactmagazine.net Phone: 91(0)1892-220992 Email:editor@contactmagazine.net Facebook: ContactNews Twitter: @ContactTibet Printed at Imperial Printing, Dharamshala Phone: 222390 Email:ippdsala@gmail.com