Contact September 2016

འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།

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Contact

A Free Monthly Publication For Tibetan Issues and Community Information RGD No. HPENG/2013/51798 Volume: XVIII Issue: 9 30 SEPTEMBER 2016

Live From Tibet

New Chief: More Crackdowns

by Tenzin Samten Simon Denyer, China Bureau Chief of the Washington Post, made history this month when he broadcast live on Facebook from Tibet on September 11. He stood in front of the Potala Palace to report on his trip to Tibet and answered questions posted by viewers online.

“I’m here on a government trip, a very rare trip for Continued on page 3

by Jamie Adams Wu Yingjie’s appointment last month as the new Communist Party chief of Tibet has been followed by calls from the Chinese government for stronger military crackdowns in Tibet - specifically for harsher denunciations of the Dalai Lama and continued pressure on Buddhist monks and nuns to conform to the Communist Party.

Continued on page 6

EU Chief Stands By His Holiness Sending a Message to China

by Leigh Hunter His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited Belgium, France and Poland during a 15-day tour this month. While in France, he met European Parliament President Martin Schulz in Strasbourg on September 15, prompting an outcry from Beijing who have threatened to postpone an upcoming

by Shawnee Undell Mr Thomas Mann, President of the Tibet Interest Group in the European Parliament, speaking at the seventh International Tibet Support Groups (TSG) conference,said that this conference was an excellent opportunity to send a message to China regarding the “deficit of human rights

Continued on page 6

Continued on page 5

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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.

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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.

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Please contact the office: office@lhasocialwork.org (0) 98823-23455 / 1892-220992 SEPTEMBER 2016

Live From Tibet Continued from page 1

foreign journalists to Tibet. In fact there have only been a handful of trips for foreign journalists to Tibet in the last decade. It’s a harder place to get to than North Korea,” says Denyer in his Facebook Live post.

Tibet has been shut down under Chinese rule throughout the last decade and the restrictions on access to the international press have made it difficult to cover the situation there.

Social media has been the only effective means of getting news out of Tibet.

However, a group of 17 international journalists and other overseas guests was invited to Lhasa to coincide with the China Tibet Tourism and Culture Exposition. “The Chinese government is promoting tourism in Tibet” said Denyer. He continued, “by 2020, they expect 35 million tourists to come here”, 95% of whom will be Han Chinese. China does not currently

encourage foreign travellers to come to Tibet, especially individuals, and permits are restricted for group tours.

China is reported as saying they will allow western tourists into Tibet when they have created a world class infrastructure – a claim which Denyer says is “nonsense”.

Denyer reported that despite police surveillance everywhere, he was quite surprised to experience a fairly relaxed trip compared to his previous trips to Tibet. He put this down to the Tourism Exposition and speculated that it could be because there has not been a repeat of the unrest which happened in Lhasa in the run up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Denyer spoke about two pressing concerns: managing tourist problems in Lhasa, and Tibetans losing their grip on their own language. He said both the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple were packed with Chinese tourists

NEWS & ISSUES taking selfies. The Jokhang Temple is the holiest site in Tibetan Buddhism but he said it was crammed with tourists and the atmosphere there was not holy. He did speak to a few Tibetans and said their common concern was their children not learning to speak or write Tibetan properly because they grew up learning Mandarin, and this is the language which will enable them to progress in life there.

The broadcast from the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, was significant because the Potala was the official residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama before he fled to India in 1959. Denyer said that unlike a decade ago, Lhasa today is filled with Chinese people and Chinese development. “But the city is still incredibly beautiful and retains a strong element of Tibetan culture and the importance of historic sites”.

[See also article on page 9]

International Call to Safeguard Tibet’s Rivers

by Mary Trewartha and Dorji Kyi Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) India hosted an international seminar Damming Crisis in Tibet as part of their campaign Tibet’s Rivers, Asia’s Lifeline, to examine the growing crises resulting from both climate change and the hundreds of dams being built on Tibet’s rivers.

The seminar, which was held at the India International Centre in New Delhi on September 23 and attended by more than 200 people, focused on two Tibetan rivers, the Yarlung Tsangpo, known in India as the Brahmaputra, and the Dzachu, known in southeast Asia as the Mekong.

At the conference, experts urged the ten nations downstream of Tibet to pressure China into signing a trans-border water sharing treaty to counter its massive damming policies.

China does not have a single treaty or agreement with any neighbouring countries on water issues. According to International Rivers, an American non-profit organisation which works to protect rivers and defend the rights Contact

of communities that depend on them, today there are more than 87,000 dams in China and many of these projects have forced over 23 million people from their own homes and land. Many of these people are still suffering from the impacts of displacement.

Prof Milap Chandra Sharma, an expert on Himalayan glaciers at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, expressed concerns about the possible effects on India, “Besides having environmental issues those dams in Tibet can be disastrous for us. They can unleash their fury during earthquakes, accidents or by intentional destruction can easily be used against India during war”, he said.

Tempa Gyaltsen, a research scholar based at the Tibet Policy Institute in Dharamsala, also spoke of the concerns that China could use its control over water supplies as a weapon and that this was a good reason for the downstream nations to unite to compel China to agree to a water treaty.

Tanasak Phosrikun, a Mekong River 3

activist from Thailand, spoke of the effect the dams on the Mekong river have for people in Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia.

“The 4,900 km Mekong river feeds 70 million people” he said, and continued by saying that, fearing damage, China often opens its dams during heavy rains leading to flash floods causing extreme scarcity of food and life security in the lower Mekong region.

The Director of SFT-India Tenzin Tselha said that SFT aims to “build a network of civil society and environment stakeholders to collectively call for saving Tibet’s rivers”, she added, “Tibet’s rivers feed two billion people in east and southeast Asia.”

This is the first SFT conference to examine the threats posed to the water supplies in downstream southeast Asia.

The seminar was timed for the lead up to World Rivers Day on September 25.

SFT is a global grassroots network of people campaigning for Tibet’s independence and the fundamental rights of the Tibetan people.

SEPTEMBER 2016

NEWS & ISSUES Arrests and Releases Inside Tibet this Month

Sep 30: Released Chodzin, a Tibetan who was sentenced to three years in prison after being linked to his sister’s self-immolation in 2013, has been released after completing his sentence and returned to his village in Dzamthang in Sichuan. His sister Kalkyi, 30, died during her protest in their village in March 2013.

Sep 28: Another Detention Dowa Samdrub, a friend of popular Tibetan writer Gangkye Drubpa Kyab who was rearrested last week, has been detained by police in southwestern China’s Sichuan province. Samdrub took part in a reception ceremony and was photographed with a picture of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he also greeted Kyab on his brief release from prison.

Samdrub is only recently released from prison himself.

Sep 16: Four Monks Sentenced Four monks from Ngaba County in the Amdo region who carried out solitary protests last year have been sentenced to three years each on charges of “inciting separatism”. The four are Lobsang, 23; Adrak, 21; Jamyang Phuntsok, 22 and Lobsang Kelsang, 20, they were arrested separately in September. The families of all four have had no information about them since their detention.

Sep 16: Writer Released Gangkye Drubpa Kyab, 36, a popular Tibetan writer and teacher, has been released from prison a year before the end of his five and a half year term and has returned to his village in Kardze in Serthar county. Kyab’s writings about the 2008 protest movement in Tibet were published in exile in 2013 as A Year Written in Blood. He was arrested in February 2012 for “instigating campaigns for Tibet”. Kyab was rearrested on the day following his release after attending a reception in his honour and told he would be held for at least 15 days. He was told to “change his thoughts and embrace the official political line” or risk being thrown back into jail.

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Sep 15: Very Frail Jamyang Kunkhen, 43, a teacher and musician who has been in prison since 2007, is reported by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) as having been released on August 21 from Mianyang prison near Chengdu in Sichuan, in an extremely frail physical condition. TCHRD is concerned that Kunkhen’s parole conditions, which include deprivation of political rights and surveillance, may prevent him from obtaining the medical treatment he needs.

September 12: Two Monks Sentenced Jinpa Gyatso, 39, and Kalsang Monlam, 37, two monks from Labrang monastery in Amdo have each been sentenced to one and half years in prison. They were separately arrested on June 4 last year, accused of sharing online information and images about Sangye Tso’s self-immolation protest in May that year. Both of them are being held in Menkar Prison in Sangchu County.

Sep 12: Second Monk Detained Lobsang Sherab, 35, a second monk living at Thangkor Sockstang monastery in Ngaba, has been detained along with Gedun Drakpa, reports Radio Free Asia. Sherab’s room mates were threatened at gunpoint when he was detained - the police forcing one of them to the ground and injuring him. It is 17 days since Sherab and Drakpa’s detention and there is no word of their whereabouts.

Sep 9: Monk’s Disappearance Gendun Drakpa, 39, a Tibetan monk working in Thangkor Socktsang monastery in Ngaba prefecture’s Dzoege County, has disappeared after his arrest on August 24. The monastery was informed by Chinese police that he was in detention and no further details were provided. His friends believe that Drakpa viewed news programmes broadcast from outside Tibet and that this might have led to his detention.

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Sep 6: Released from Prison Samdup, 35, a Tibetan man from the Gonchuk region in Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, was released on August 20 from a Chinese prison, reports Gu-Chu-Sum, a Dharamshala based Tibetan non-government organisation. It was confirmed that he was arrested on June 13, 2012 on suspicion of carrying out political activities. However, no further details on his charges are available.

Sep 2: Secret Trial Lobsang Kelsang, 19, a Tibetan monk who was detained last year following a solitary protest in southwestern China’s Sichuan province, has been located in prison in Deyang City. His family spent months tracing him, to find that he was given a three-year sentence in a secret trial. During the protest another Tibetan who tried to help him was also detained.

Sep 2: Kirti Monk Released Yamyang Phuntsok, 43, also known as Jamkho and a monk from Kirti monastery in Ngaba county, was released after seven and half years in prison. Despite a police warning not to welcome Phuntsok home to Julu, his village, many people turned out to welcome him with katakhs (traditional Tibetan scarves).

Phuntsok was detained in March 2009 on suspicion of involvement in separatist activities and sending information to outside contacts.

Sep 2: Monk Freed Ludrub, a monk from Gyalrong Tsodun Kirti monastery in Ngaba, has been released, a year before completing his full prison term.

He was sentenced to five years after being linked to the fatal selfimmolation protest of another monk, 18-year-old Lobsang Lodzin, in 2012 in southwestern China’s Sichuan province. Two others detained with Ludrub, Sangye Gyaltsen and Thargyal, have already been released.

SEPTEMBER 2016

NEWS & ISSUES Continued from page 1

Sending a Message to China

and unacceptable conditions” inside Tibet.

Mr Mann was joined by moderator Tsering Jhampa of the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) Europe and other speakers who echoed her sentiment that “in the face of China’s economic expansion, it is important for bodies like the European Union to develop appropriately strong policies.”

The conference was inaugurated

by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and took place in Brussels, at the heart of the European Union, from September 8 – 10. The conference confirmed the group’s commitment to the policies of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). The CTA said the conference examined the “current situation in Tibet, especially the political, human rights and environmental developments, and drew up plans for coordinated action to amplify the worldwide Tibet movement”.

More than 250 delegates took part, representing over 50 countries and all

continents, including 29 from China and 103 from Europe.

The democratically elected Sikyong or Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile Dr Lobsang Sangay said he hopes for a peaceful conflict to the Tibetan issue. He continued by saying that the Berlin Wall came down in Europe and the wall of injustice in Tibet will also come down, and that the conference would send a strong message to China that Tibetans are not alone.

The conference published action plans under four categories: human rights; reclaiming the truth; Chinese outreach and environmental action.

The strong participation by Chinese human rights activists was welcomed as showing solidarity between Chinese and Tibetan people.

As the guest of honour, His Holiness the Dalai Lama called on his friends and supporters of Tibet to take a broader view; to work to emulate his commitments to promote human happiness and to encourage interreligious harmony. His Holiness said that his retirement allowed him to

work for the preservation of Tibetan culture and language and one of the ways of doing this has been engaging in dialogue with modern scientists.

A final statement from the TSG platform read, “We reaffirm our commitment to support His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration leadership’s persistent call for earnest dialogue to resolve the Tibetan issue. We will further strengthen our efforts to press the international community to persuade the Chinese leadership to resume dialogue and will continue our dedication until a satisfactory solution has been achieved.”

The conference was convened in Brussels by the Tibet Interest Group in the European Parliament, and cohosted by the International Campaign for Tibet, Lights on Tibet, les Amis du Tibet and the Tibetan Community in Belgium. The TSG is a forum for Tibetan supporters from around the globe. The ICT, based in America, works to promote human rights and democratic freedoms for the people of Tibet.

Tibet-Taiwan Collaboration

by Tenzin Samten Members of the newly founded Human Rights Network for Tibet and Taiwan (HRNTT) visited the Tibetan Government-in-exile based in Dharamshala during the first week of this month and have formally announced their collaboration.

“Members of the Human Rights Network for Tibet and Taiwan are pleased to announce its collaboration with the Tibetan Parliament-inExile through the institution of an All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet His Holiness with Legislator Freddy Lim in the Taiwanese Photo:Focus Taiwan news Parliament, to bolster support and understanding for Tibet at the highest levels” said Tashi Tsering, the founder of the HRNTT. Contact

They also announced that during their private audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama they officially invited His Holiness to visit Taiwan, saying that His Holiness replied that he would be very happy to visit Taiwan again.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s last visit to Taiwan was in 2009 when the country was hit by the deadly Typhoon Morakot.

Taiwan’s Legislative Speaker Su Jia-chyuan expressed his warm welcome to His Holiness, saying that their legislative welcomes anyone who facilitates the promotion of democracy and freedom.

The HRNTT visitors were led

by Tashi Tsering, along with two Taiwanese legislators Kolas Yotaka and Freddy Lim and eight other representatives. Speaking about Tibetan supporters in Taiwan, Freddy Lim said that although the Taiwanese government has kept quiet about the 5

human right abuses in Tibet, there are many non-government organisations (NGOs) in Taiwan working hard to create awareness about the Tibetan situation in Taiwan and that support has grown in recent years.

HRNTT will work in collaboration with Tibetan settlements in India to create educational opportunities for Tibetan students to study in Taiwan, and are also planning to publish a Tibetan newspaper for children as a contribution to preserving the Tibetan language.

HRNTT is a coalition of various Taiwan-based NGOs. It was founded in 2015 and its members include Tibetan and Taiwanese students, lawyers, social activists, college professors, writers and legislators, as well as representatives of many other professions.

[See also article on page 7] SEPTEMBER 2016

NEWS & ISSUES

EU Chief Stands By His Holiness

Rudloff Tolerance Prize at a public In Strasbourg he conferred the visit by a European Union economic talk at the Strasbourg Convention. Avalokiteshvara Empowerment, delegation to China.

“Young brothers and sisters, I’m saying that Avalokiteshvara was China said that interactions with happy to be with you. Meeting with the Great Compassionate One. The His Holiness did not support the EU’s younger people like you makes me empowerment entailed giving the commitment to the One China Policy, feel younger”, said His Holiness. vows of a lay-practitioner, generating which states that there is only one He inaugurated the Seventh the awakening and giving the China and Tibet is a part of that one Tibet Support Group Conference bodhisattva vows. He urged everyone China, and that meeting His Holiness at St-Louis University, Brussels on who had taken the empowerment to interferes with China’s domestic September 8. The following day he engage in practice. affairs and harms interactions Nearly nine thousand between the EU and China. people gathered for a teaching President Schulz stood by his at the Zénith de Strasbourg decision to meet His Holiness where His Holiness in his capacity as spiritual explained Nagarjuna’s leader, and a statement from Commentary on Bodhichitta, Mr Schulz’s office said “the saying that the text is related President remains firm in to the Perfection of Wisdom deciding autonomously and Sutras, and that they are “the free from undue pressure most excellent teachings of on who he should meet and the Buddha”. in ensuring the European He finished off his tour by Parliament remains an open spending two days in Poland and pluralistic place for debate, His Holiness with Mr Pedro Agramunt promoting #NoHateNoFear where he and other religious Photo:Olivier Adam hosting a number of guests and leaders attended the World of different opinions.” sat as a panellist at the Mind and Life Peace Day event at the UNESCO His Holiness’s tour included public Dialogue, Power and Care. Mind and world heritage site, the Church of talks, teachings, and dialogues in the Life is a conference which examines Peace in Swidnica. The religious many places he visited. science in addition to a wide range of leaders signed an Appeal for Peace He visited the European Parliament topics with leading experts in the field which has been initiated in response in Strasbourg and addressed the including scientists, economists and to incidents around the world which Committee on Foreign Affairs where influential spiritual leaders. threaten peace, such as Russia’s he expressed his admiration for the His Holiness later gave a public annexation of the Crimea and North “spirit of the European Union”. He talk - Individual Engagement and Korea’s excessive nuclear weapon also visited the Council of Europe and Global Responsibility, which looked testing. spoke to people in the Commission at the idea of applying compassion in “Peace is something that must arise on Human Rights where he offered business, and he explained that when through inner peace. It cannot be built his support for a youth campaign you are motivated for the right reasons on the basis of destructive emotions to counter terrorism - #no hate no you will never have cause for regret. like fear and anger,” His Holiness told fear, and was presented with the While in France, His Holiness the gathering. movement’s badge. attended events in Paris as well His Holiness returned to He was presented with the Marcel as the EU meetings in Strasbourg. Dharamshala on September 23.

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

New Chief: More Crackdowns

Wu Yingjie, 59, has over 40 years of experience working in Tibet and claims to recognise the importance of religious freedom. His first action as chief, however, has been to call for the government to “deepen its exposure and criticism of the Dalai Lama.”

He also made a visit to a Driru Contact

monastery where he stressed the importance of Buddhist monks and nuns being “politically reliable” and continuing to prioritise communist ideals within their religious practice.

Yingjie emphasised the punishments that will result if Tibetans hold photos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama or use traditional prayer stones.

This is apparently in line with the 6

work that Yingjie has been involved with in the past, which includes monastic reform and the promotion of communist propaganda.

Yingjie’s appointment is expected to lead a new wave of intrusive military crackdowns in Tibet, generally seen to be aimed at forestalling future protests similar to the 2008 Lhasa uprising.

SEPTEMBER 2016

NEWS & ISSUES

Parliament Session Looks at Sino-Tibetan Communications

by Jamie Adams The second session of the 16thTibetan parliament-in-exile saw much dialogue on Sino-Tibetan communication, the situation inside Tibet, the status of Tibetans in exile and the future course of the Tibetan movement as well as changes in parliamentary positions and personnel.

The session, held from September 20 – 29, also presented annual reports by the seven departments of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) followed by questions regarding their activities, budgets and implementation of projects.

“In the light of ongoing repression of the Tibetan language, identity and religion, Chinese policies on Tibet are seen to be explicitly severe and more repressive,” said Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel. He praised the “courage and spirit of the Tibetan people” remaining under Chinese rule inside Tibet.

The current situation regarding SinoTibetan communication was discussed.

Members questioned Sikyong Lobsang Sangay about the effectiveness of the

Tibetan parliament’s current strategy for initiating dialogue with the Chinese government. Former envoy for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kelsang Gyaltsen, suggested that communication has remained stagnant since 2010 due to a lack of pressure on the Chinese from the Tibetan government-in-Exile.

Dr Sangay responded that he and his cabinet are continuing to strive toward discussion between Bejing and Dharamshala, and drew attention to the importance of the Chinese government’s lack of response to Tibetan efforts. Dr Sangay said the issue is sensitive and called on parliament to cease questioning the details.

This session also saw changes in parliamentary positions. Dr Ngawang Rabgyal gained the majority vote to replace Tsering Dhondup as the new Justice Commissioner of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission.Dr Rabgyal has served the CTA since 1980, with positions including Representative of HH the Dalai Lama in the United States and Russia, and most recently, in 2015, as Secretary of the Department of

Education.

Tenzin Dhardon Sharling was voted out as potential Kalon for the Department of Information and International Relations. Sharling was Sikyong Lobsang Sangay’s nominee for the position.

Khenpo Sonam Tenphel in his concluding speech stressed the importance of engaging in discussions based on reason and logic instead of resorting to personal attacks during parliamentary proceedings. He appealed to Tibetans to renew their efforts to contribute in their own capacity to the preservation of the rich Tibetan linguistic heritage.

The Hon Professor Shanta Kumar, former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and Convener of the All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum, for Tibet graced the Tibetan parliament session.

A two-member delegation from the Indian Parliament, Shri Satyavrat Chaturvedi, MP, Rajya Sabha and Shri Tamradhwaj Sahu, MP, Lok Sabha, together with five officials, visited the Tibetan parliament to observe its session.

No Welcome to Taiwan for the Dalai Lama Says China

by Tenzin Samten China has warned Taiwan not to allow His Holiness the Dalai Lama to visit the country. This warning follows the recent invitation extended to His Holiness by Freddy Lim, Taiwan’s legislator, during his visit to Dharamshala earlier this month with the Human Rights Network for Tibet and Taiwan, a coalition of various human rights non-government organisations (NGOs) based in Taiwan.

[See article on page 5, Tibet-Taiwan Collaboration] Taiwan is a self-ruled island country, which China claims as its own. A spokesman for China’s Taiwan Affairs Ma Xiaoguang said, “The intention of some forces in Taiwan to collude with separatists seeking ‘Tibet independence’ and to create disturbances will have a severe impact on relations across the Taiwan Strait,” in a warning to Taiwan not to worsen their already poor ties with Contact

China. “We firmly oppose any form of visit,” he added.

China has labelled His Holiness the Dalai Lama a separatist and considers him to be a threat to China’s stability, this despite the Tibetan leader repeatedly saying that he calls for a genuine autonomy for Tibet and not

complete independence from China.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen, who vowed to reduce Taiwan’s dependence on China following her election earlier this year, has not yet specified whether her government will go ahead with the invitation or not. Freddy Lim, who officially 7

invited His Holiness to Taiwan, is an outspoken critic of China.

“If he [the Dalai Lama] submits his [visa] application, our government will handle it based on relevant rules,” the Taiwan Foreign Minister spokeswoman told Reuters.

Freddy Lim appeared at a rally in Times Square, New York in America, on September 17, demanding United Nations membership for Taiwan. The message of the rally was that Taiwan is an island nation that has its own government and administration, its own military and taxation, its own democracy, its own civic culture and national identity, its own currency and banking system, its own national beer, and an unstoppable collective aspiration for full sovereignty and that Taiwan should have a seat on the UN like any other country that controls its own borders.

SEPTEMBER 2016

NEWS & ISSUES

The Fight to Liberate Tashi Wangchuk Continues

by Rohini Kejriwal It’s all over the international news: Tashi Wangchuk, a young 31-yearold Tibetan who advocates for greater Tibetan language education in schools, has been detained by the Chinese authorities since January 27 this year in Yushu, Qinghai Province, in western China.

The case against Tashi arose after his interviews with the New York Times, which brought to light Tashi Wangchuk’s campaigning work to ensure that the Tibetan language was taught all across Tibet. He also appeared in a nineminute documentary video on the newspaper’s website, which followed Tashi to Beijing where he was trying to file a lawsuit against officials in Yushu County. The lawsuite related to voice his concerns that his niece and other Tibetan children would not reach fluency in their native language following the forced cancellation of Tibetan classes in a local monastery.

The video also showed how no law firm was willing to take on his lawsuit, and media outlets refused to report on his case at the time of release.

A month later, in February, he was arrested and was denied access to both a lawyer and his family, who were not informed of his detention until March 24. This was all for a man who wrote about the disintegration of the Tibetan language among younger Tibetans and urged governments in the region

to adopt true bilingual education.

Tashi has been charged with the crime of “inciting separatism” and could face up to 15 years in prison if found guilty. Sadly, the statistics

Tashi Wangchuk

are not in his favour as China’s 90 percent conviction rate means that he is likely to be imprisoned. In China, inciting separatism is seen as a serious political charge, which is manipulated to silence people from ethnic minority groups like Tibetans who are deemed troublemakers by officials.

Liang Xiaojun, Tashi’s lawyer, informs that the case has entered a new phase and the Chinese police officers are pushing for a court trial, having completed an investigation requested by the prosecutors. They now have about 90 days to decide whether the

case should go to court.

“I met Tashi in the detention centre for more than one hour. Tashi was doing well. He thinks that what he did wasn’t wrong. Tashi said he had had no intention of inciting separatism. All he wants is to try to preserve Tibetan culture,” said Liang.

Tashi has no known record of advocating Tibetan independence or separatism, and has never commented on the Chinese occupation of Tibet.

Instead he has called for greater regional autonomy, especially in language use and education. He has even praised Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The detention of advocates like Tashi draws attention to the plight of the many political prisoners there are in Tibet whom nobody hears about because of the lack of international media attention. In April, Amnesty International urged people to call on the Chinese government to “immediately and unconditionally” release Tashi.

Today, the Free Tibet campaign and international human rights groups and Tibet advocacy groups are joining hands to fight for Tashi, with petitions being signed, pressure being put by world governments, and over 2,000 supporters taking action and writing to their Foreign Ministers to intervene.

Only time can tell what his fate has in store for him.

New Indian Railways to be Built Close to Tibet

by Lauren Chaplin The Indian Railway has revealed plans to build a railway network in areas located close to Tibet, in reaction to China’s build-up of railway networks in the region. According to Indian media reports, the plan was unveiled following concerns raised by India’s Defence Ministry about China building railway tracks close to the Indian border.

In May this year, the Chinese Global Times announced that the status of the Tibet Military Command Contact

facing India from Arunachal Pradesh to Ladakh was to be raised as part of the in-depth reforms instituted by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

With an estimated cost of of at least INR 22,000 crore, [$3.3bn £2.5 bn] the Indian Railway Ministry has set up an office in Leh, Ladakh to work on the project. Top officials from the ministry have already met locally elected representatives to discuss the railway extension.

The 498 kilometre railway line, which will pass through Bilaspur, 8

Mandi, Kullu and the LahaulSpiti district of Himachal Pradesh, ultimately reaching Leh, is expected to boost tourism as well as acting as a foil to China’s aggression. According to a report in The Free Press Journal, this follows more recent Indian railway expansions in the Kashmir valley as well as in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Railway Ministry is also seeking to strengthen its network near Nepal, following China’s move to establish a rail link closer to Kathmandu.

SEPTEMBER 2016

NEWS & ISSUES Indian Citizenship for Tibetans

by Rohini Kejriwal In an historic judgement the Delhi High Court has ordered the Ministry of External Affairs to treat all Tibetans who meet the criteria of being Indian citizens by birth as Indians, and guided the legislature to issue them passports and identification, if they opt for it.

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva held that the question of nationality does not arise in cases where a person is considered a citizen of India according to the Citizenship Act, which states that a person born on or after the 26th day of January,1950, but before the 1st day of July, 1987, will be considered an Indian Citizen.

The judgement came on September 22 in response to three separate writs, filed by Phuntsok Wangyal, Lobsang Wangyal, and Tenzin Dhonden - three Tibetans who had been told to apply for and receive a citizenship certificate from the Ministry of Home Affairs in order to legally procure a passport, despite all of them owning other proofs of their Indian citizenship, for example, a Voter ID. The Court observed that while

Phuntsok and Lobsang were eligible for Indian Citizenship as they were born in 1977 and 1970 respectively, even Tenzin, who was born in 1992 (after 1987), was to be considered a citizen of India as his Tibetan father was born in India in 1966. The Ministry of External Affairs has been ordered to furnish passports to the three petitioners within the next four weeks.

Taking a further positive stance towards the issue, the Court also quashed a letter written by the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Election Commission which stated that all Tibetans, irrespective of their date of birth, could not be presumed to be Indian, viewing it as a violation of the Citizenship Act. Tibetans living in exile in India or any other country have the option to seek citizenship or retain their identity as Tibetans. Since many of the Tibetans do not know any “home” other than the country they are living in, obtaining citizenship in another country may make sense to them.

However they face a dilemma as

citizenship of another country can be seen as a loss of their Tibetan identity and detrimental to the Tibetan cause to gain independence from China.

The debate continues about what can be done to help Tibetans retain their identity and sense of home while living in exile and with the knowledge of the difficulties faced by their kinsmen inside Tibet.

Meanwhile there is good news for Tibetans in Nepal where the government has issued a notice to INHURED, a nongovernment human rights organisation which promotes democracy and world peace, stating that Tibetan refugees in Nepal will be issued Registration Certificates.

Since 1996 most of the twenty thousand Tibetan refugees living in Nepal have been without any identity papers.

INHURED’s statement read “With the assistance from the commission, we have been able to receive a written letter from the Government reiterating rights of Tibetan refugees to obtain vital registration certificates. This will be applicable to all Tibetan refugees residing in Nepal.”

The Issue of the Panchen Lama Hits the International Media

by Mary Trewartha Simon Denyer, the American Washington Post’s bureau chief in China, recently made history by being the first journalist to broadcast live from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and to respond, live online, to questions from the international public [See also lead article Live From Tibet] His latest Washington Post article on Tibet focuses on the Panchen Lama.

The Chinese abducted Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the six-year-old incarnation of the Panchen Lama, 21 years ago and he has not been seen since. In his place the Chinese appointed Gyaltsen Norbu and expect the world to recognise him and revere him as a major spiritual leader.

Below are extracts from Mr Denyer’s article China prepares for Dalai Lama’s death by looking to its own top Tibetan cleric.

Contact

In the contest for Tibetan hearts and minds, a 26-year-old Buddhist monk is emerging into the spotlight. He is the Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama, and he is being groomed by the Communist Party to fill an important political and religious role in Tibet.

Obedient to the party and loyal to the Chinese state, the “Chinese Panchen” is being pushed forward as an alternative to the Dalai Lama, a man widely loved

by Tibetans as their supreme religious leader but reviled by the Chinese Communist Party as a “wolf in monk’s clothing” trying to split Tibet from the motherland.

Experts are sceptical about whether ordinary Tibetans will accept this young man’s credentials: His status as the true reincarnation of the Panchen Lama - Tibetan Buddhism’s second-mostimportant living religious figure - is the 9

subject of bitter controversy.

Mr Denyer comments that when the Dalai Lama dies the Panchen Lama will play a key role in the Chinese government’s efforts to install a new Dalai Lama who is more amenable to Communist Party rule than the current one.

He quotes the Chinese Global Times as saying “An increasingly active Panchen Lama is expected to mitigate the Dalai’s influence” and China’s state media reported that 100,000 people had attended each day of the four-day Kalachakra ceremony, the most important Buddhist teaching, led by their Panchen Lama.

Mr Denyer, however, says “But on a recent visit to Tibet, it was hard to find much enthusiasm for the Chinese Panchen Lama.” And that the people he spoke to still talk about the boy recognised by the Dalai Lama and then abducted by the Chinese.

SEPTEMBER 2016

NEWS & ISSUES The TYC Votes Against Changes to its Policies

by Sam Ferguson The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) held its 16th annual General Body Meeting, which took place in Dharamsala from September 3. During the meeting executive elections took place, as well as voting on proposed changes to its core rules.

The meeting was attended by 140 delegates, representing 40 chapters around the world. The elections confirmed six of the ten executive members in their posts for a second term. These include President Tenzing Jigme, Vice President Tamding Richoe, and, General Secretary Tashi Lamsang. Four new executive members were also elected.

The TYC delegates also voted against proposed amendments to two much debated clauses. The first of four clauses, which bind all members and chapters, states that the TYC will “adhere to and follow the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”,

while the fourth clause seeks “total independence for Tibet”.The clauses have been described as contradictory.

After a debate the TYC delegates voted against amendments to both clauses by majorities of 54 to 24 and 45 to 39 respectively.

A separate vote was held during the meeting on potential amendments to a resolution passed in 2013 that cut ties with the Tibetan National Congress.

The TYC voted against any amendments to this resolution by a majority of 79 votes out of the 140 present delegates.

Resolutions against organisations or individuals seeking to vilify or disparage the Dalai Lama, and to engage in lobbying on behalf of

Tibetan self-immolators, the Tibetan environment and social services were also passed.

TYC President Tenzing Jigme emphasised that the resolutions which did not pass were the result of democratically conducted voting and that people should respect the outcome. In reference to the Dalai Lama, he added “His Holiness the Dalai Lama continues to remain as the central figure in unifying the Tibetans and keeping the struggle alive. The TYC will keep His Holiness in the fore while performing any activity in the future.”

The TYC was formed in Dharamsala in 1970, and advocates total Tibetan independence from China. The organisation undertakes a broad range of activities, including, but not limited to, cultural exhibitions, adult education, health education, and community infrastructure activities.

TWA Celebrates the Past by Looking to the Future

by Theadora Walsh Commencing with a moment of silence for martyrs who sacrificed their lives in Tibet’s struggle for independence, the Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) anniversary celebration went on to directly confront abuses and repressive activity affecting Tibet today. TWA implored the international community to leverage diplomatic pressure and encourage China to reenter dialogue with the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) as outlined in His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Middle Way approach.

The TWA was celebrating the 32nd anniversary of their re-establishment in exile and their celebration not only paid tribute and homage to the past, but introduced a list of demands and appeals addressing the future of Tibet. They called for the unconditional release of all Tibetan political prisoners being detained by the Chinese government and also for the United Nations Committee on Contact

Enforced Disappearances to demand the release of His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama who has been in Chinese captivity for over 21 years.

Also in key focus was China’s oppressive campaign to level Tibetan

TWA celebrating its 32nd anniversary at Club House, Mcleod Ganj Photo:TPI

buildings and forcibly close cultural institutions. TWA called upon the international community to take immediate action to stop China from demolishing Larung Gar, Tibet’s largest Buddhist Institute in Serthar County, Eastern Tibet.

TWA President Dolma Yangchen 10

said, “While we are celebrating the 32nd year of re-establishment and our success during these years, we look back to the great sacrifices made by those brave women who stood and fought against the ruthless Chinese armed forces during the first ever great uprising of Tibetan women on March 12, 1959.”

“Years have rolled by but the memory of the sacrifices made by those brave and selfless women cannot be erased from our mind. As the true representatives of the Tibetan women inside and outside of Tibet, we, the Tibetan Women’s Association, will never give up our fight for the cause of Tibet and Tibetan people.”

Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in-exile Acharaya Yeshi Phuntsok attended as the event’s Chief Guest. Rinchen Khado, the former Kalon of the CTA and Ajay Singh Mankotia, President of the Indo -Tibetan Friendship Association, attended as special guests.

SEPTEMBER 2016

NEWS & ISSUES Sep 29: A Monk’s Detention News has emerged from Tibet that Lodroe, 36, a monk at Jonang monastery in Dzamthang county who was detained in June, has vanished in custody in Sichuan province. He was seized as he walked on the street with friends and no information is available as to his whereabouts or any charges made against him. He comes from Ngatoe Tsida village in Ngaba county.

Sep 28: 25th Anniversary The former political prisoners group Gu-Chu-Sum is celebrating its 25th Anniversary while holding their threeday Seventh General Body meeting.

President Lukar Jam Atsok opened the meeting, saying the biggest weapon Tibetans hold against the Chinese Communist government is the unfathomable spirit of the Tibetan self-immolators and the political prisoners. Gu-Chu-Sum provides support to ex-political prisoners and works to secure the release of political prisoners in Tibet.

Sep 23: Festival in Japan Hundreds of people gathered for the Kiki Soso Tibet Festival which celebrates Tibetan culture and history near the city of Matsumoto in northern Japan. The festival has the goal of strengthening exchange between Japanese and Tibetans. The festival started with a traditional Sangsol smoke offering ceremony.

Sep 23: Students Protest Tibetan students from the Northwest University of Nationalities in the provincial capital Lanzhou in northwestern China’s Gansu province are complaining about about a large hike in school fees which have doubled to 8,220 yuan (US$1,200, £920). They have also been forced to move to a remote campus without residential halls or a library.

Sep 19: Tibet Film Festival The 7th Tibet Film Festival is Contact

Tibetan Headlines underway in Dharamshala and in Switzerland, premiering with the Tibetan film Pawo [Hero], a TibetanGerman film looking at the issues around self-immolation. The theme for the short film competition this year is Food.

Sep 17: Kalachakra.org The official Kalachakra 2017 website has been launched: www. kalachakra2017.net or www. kalachakra2017.org.

The 34th Kalachakra Initiation will be conferred by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on January 3-14 next year at Bodhgaya, Bihar, India and the website provides information on facilities for the event including tents, medical, sanitation and registration arrangements.

Sep 16: Tibet Solidarity Rally 1,500 people attended a Tibet Solidarity Rally in Geneva, Switzerland, calling for freedom of religion and human rights. Tibet support non-government organisations and members of the Tibetan community were joined by Uyghur people from East Turkestan in China; the date coincides with the ongoing United Nations session.

Sep 16: Nuns’ Teaching Nuns at the Ganden Shedrub Choephel Ling convent in the Sichuan province hosted a Jang Gunchoe, or Winter Teaching, from September 4 – 9. It is the first time ever that nuns have held a Jang Gunchoe and it was attended by hundreds of participants from nunneries across Sichuan and neighbouring Qinghai.

Sep 14: Jang Gunchoe This year’s Jang Gunchoe, or Winter Teaching, is being held at Drakkar monastery in Tsigorthang county in the Qinghai province, attended by hundreds of Tibetan monks and laypeople who have gathered for the eight-day teaching. It is the 13th to be held in Drakkar and is also attended by monks from the Bon tradition.

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Sep 13: Solitary Confinement Lobsang Tashi, known as Tapey, who was the first Tibetan to self-immolate in 2009, has been put into solitary confinement for three months in his prison in Sichuan. Radio Free Asia has reported that Tapey was confronted by prison guards over the television programme he was watching with fellow prisoner Kunchok Lodoe and both were put into solitary confinement. Tapey was a monk from Kirti Monastary in Ngaba County.

Sep 6: Tenzin Gompo Tenzin Gompo, 56, former Tibetan parliamentarian, has died at Delek Hospital in Dharamshala after a prolonged illness. Gompo was born in Tsolho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Amdo Tso-ngon Province. He escaped to India in 1986 and worked in the Tibetan community in various roles. Gompo was elected as the member of the 12th, 13th and 14th Tibetan Parliament-in-exile representing Domey province.

Sep 5: Goodwill Meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama, along with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, held a meeting with a party of Indian leaders who were in Dharamshala to attend the 56th Democracy Day anniversary celebrations. His Holiness expressed gratitude to the Indian government and people of India for unwavering support.

Sep 3: Democracy Day The 56th Tibetan democracy day was celebrated throughout the Tibetan exile community; the official event was held at Tsuglagkhang, the main temple in Dharamshala, with chief guest Mr Mukuth Mithi, former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, and special guest Dr Arun Kumar, an Indian Member of Parliament. Tibetan Parliament leader Sikyong Dr Lobsang paid tribute to HH the Dalai Lama’s vision and leadership.

SEPTEMBER 2016

NEWS & ISSUES International Headlines

Sep 29: Shimon Peres RIP Former Israeli Prime Minister and president Shimon Peres has died aged 93. He was the last of a generation of Israeli politicians who were present at the nation’s birth in 1948. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 for his role negotiating the Oslo peace accords with the Palestinians, sharing the prize with Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Sep 28: 3-Person DNA Baby A five-month old baby has been revealed as the world’s first baby to be born using a new “three person” fertility technique. The baby boy has the usual DNA from his mother and father, plus a tiny bit of genetic code from a donor to ensure he would be free of a genetic condition that his mother carries in her genes. The technology is called mitochondrial donation.

Sep 27: Womens’ Rights Women in Saudi Arabia are calling for an end to the country’s male guardianship system. A petition signed by more than 14,000 Saudi women has been handed to the government.

Currently women need the consent of a male guardian to travel abroad and often need permission to work or study. In addition permission is often required to rent property, undergo hospital treatment or file a legal claim.

Sep 26: More Surveillance In Switzerland, voters have approved a law giving new surveillance powers to their intelligence agencies who will now be able to tap phones, snoop on email and deploy hidden cameras and bugs. Authorisation for the surveillance from a court, the defence ministry and the cabinet will be needed.

Sep 24: Women Get to Vote Women in a town in the southern Mexico state of Oaxaca have voted Contact

for the first time in local elections.

Their vote follows a three-year battle.

Women in Mexico have voted in presidential, general and regional elections since 1953, but local polls in many Oaxaca towns are men-only.

Sep 23: Remove Statue?

A statue of Mahatma Gandhi which was a gift to the Ghanaian government from the Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has caused controversy as 1,000 people signed a petition calling for the statue’s removal. University of Ghana professors are saying that Gandhi was a racist, quoting his writings which talk about “savages or the Natives of Africa”.

suffered a form of repeated psychosis in his final 18 months, according to a gathering of medical professionals and art historians in Amsterdam who have studied evidence. They said alcohol or stress probably caused him to cut off his own ear. Van Gogh died in 1980 in an apparent suicide.

Sep 14: EU’s Future European Union leaders are meeting in Bratislava, the Slovak capital, to discuss the future of the EU without the United Kingdom. There are concerns about the migrant crisis and possible rifts between western and eastern EU countries.

Sep 21: Help for Refugees 50 nations have pledged to take in 360,000 refugees from war-torn countries this year. Germany and Canada have vowed to double the number they took in last year and the United States one third more. The UN says that around 21 million refugees have been forced to flee their countries due to conflict or persecution.

Sep 6: Merkel in Trouble German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s CDU party has been beaten in a regional election by an antiimmigration party, prompting calls for her to change her policies on refugees. Mrs Merkel, said she was “very unhappy” with the election result and defended her policies. 1.1 million refugees and migrants entered Germany last year.

Sep 20: Fire in Camp The Moria camp for migrants on the Greek island of Lesbos is on fire. 3,000 - 4,000 people have been evacuated as the fire destroys their tents and prefabricated homes. Police are investigating whether the fire was started deliberately. There are reports of a brawl in the camp yesterday following a rumour that the refugees would all be deported to Turkey.

Sep 5: Hong Kong Vote Young pro-democracy leaders have won seats in the elections for the Hong Kong Legislative Council (LegCo). A record high of a 58% turnout of voters caused delays at the polling stations as they voted in leaders who want greater autonomy and changes to the way Hong Kong is governed by China.

China’s supporters will continue to hold the majority of seats.

Sep 19: Uri Terror Attack The Indian army based in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir state was attacked and at least 17 Indian soldiers killed. All four of the attackers were killed. Reacting to the incident, the Indian Home Minister called Pakistan a “terrorist state”.

Pakistan denied the allegation.

Sep 2: Concerts Cancelled!

Two concerts commemorating the death of former Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong scheduled to be held in Australia’s Sydney and Melbourne have been cancelled following an international campaign.

Chinese citizens in Australia complained that the Glory and Dream concerts would lionize a leader they see as responsible for millions of deaths.

Sep 17: Van Gogh Illness Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh 12

SEPTEMBER 2016

DHARAMSHALA VOICES

“This is me Mariko right now”

by Charlotte Wigram-Evans Mariko could have stepped off the streets of London as she sashays into Kunga’s guest house, hips swaying, pout in place.

She has lips no money could buy, and a face so feminine you wonder how she could have been born a boy. “Oh when I was a kid I was always very feminine,” she tells me. “The way I played and danced, it was all like a girl. My friends used to tell me when you are 18 you will become a girl and now the same people say look, we were right!”

But it was not until June last year that Mariko became the woman and muchloved local celebrity she is today. She was born Tenzin Ugen in Bir, to parents both of whom worked in the local school. Her family lived on the school grounds, for all practical purposes an excellent set up, but one which Mariko found suffocating.

“For me and my younger brother, we were there in the same place the whole time. For nine years I never left school.

Every holiday other kids would travel home, or go away, taking trains, buses, cars. I was so jealous, it all seemed so exciting to me. So when my dad told us that we were both going to become monks in Darjeeling it sounded like a vacation. I didn’t stop to think that I wouldn’t be coming back.”

Mariko’s near-perfect English with an American twang is telling of the western fashion programmes she loves, and growing up half a world away has by no means hampered her sense of style. She shows me – on the latest iPhone – pictures of her both in trousers and traditional Tibetan chupas, her photos pulling in more than a thousand Facebook likes…on a slow day.

She does not resent her father for sending her away, gushing about the sound moral grounding monastic life gave her. “They teach you so many positive things: how to be a good person

in your life, how to respect others, how to be honest. I am realising now that I am the person I am because I was given that knowledge when I was a kid.”

When she was 14, Mariko graduated from Samdrub Darjay Choling Monastery and moved to another in Nepal to continue her studies. But she missed her family. She hadn’t seen, and had hardly spoken to her parents for five years. They had moved to McLeod, her brother had gone home before her, and she longed to be a part of their new

life. She ran away, catching a bus to Delhi, another to Dharamsala, and after wandering the streets for what felt like hours, stumbled across an old family friend who pointed her in the direction of home.

Her decision to stop being a monk took three years, intertwined as it was with her growing desire to become a woman. She lived at home, and free from the rules that govern monastic life, began to embrace her femininity more and more. “Everybody thought I was a nun,” she explains. “All my clothes were so fitted, and so clean, always pressed.

So many people got confused.”

A friend’s wedding party was the catalyst that pushed Mariko to finally

renounce her robe. The celebration was in Delhi, no one from McLeod would be there: it was the perfect place to give being a girl a test-run. She swapped her robe for a dress, sandals for stilettos, and wearing a wig and a lipsticked smile, did not leave the dance floor.

Wechat turned out to be both her downfall and her salvation. On returning to McLeod, Mariko realised that the game was up. The whole town had seen a video of her dancing and though she vehemently denied that it was her, no one believed it, forcing her to think about what she truly wanted from life.

“Do what makes you happy,” her parents told her. So she disrobed. But it was almost a year before she mustered up the courage to publicly declare herself a woman. “I wasn’t a monk anymore, but I was still not how I wanted to be. For eight months I was like, I don’t know what to do, at that time I couldn’t move forward in my life. I felt completely stuck.”

“Then in June last year, my friends persuaded me to dance in the Miss Tibet pageant. It was amazing, and afterwards I was like, yeh, this is me Mariko right now.”

And this is without a doubt “Mariko right now.” She overflows with happiness and confidence. Her fan base grows daily, Tibetans clamour for her autograph, and tickets to her dance shows sell out every time. It is the show of support, not the fame, however, that means most to her.

Only 18 years old, Mariko lives in the moment, practicing her dance, teaching makeup classes and generally having fun, but she is also strangely wise.

“You only get this one life,” she tells me. “The past is done, so forget it, the present is right now so live it with no regrets, and the future is yet to come so dream it. When you’re eyes are shut that is it, it’s finished, so don’t be afraid to be yourself.”

Every month we feature somebody from the Tibetan community on our Dharamshala Voices page.

You can read more Dharamshala Voices stories on the Contact website: http://www.contactmagazine.net/dharamasla-life/ The People stories on the Dharamshala Voices page online tell the stories of the people who make up the Tibetan exile community in Dharamshala and elsewhere, as well as the stories of Lha students and volunteers, told in their own words.

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SEPTEMBER 2016

LHA NEWS AND PROJECTS

English Conversation Class

One of Lha’s services for Tibetan refugees and the local Himalayan population is to provide language training. As well as classes in English, French, Chinese, Tibetan and German, we offer a daily English conversation class for students to practice their new language skills.

For the language classes, we need long term volunteers to teach for at least a month or more. However, for English conversation classes, we welcome any drop-in volunteers who can speak English. Our English conversation class are always packed with students who are full of enthusiasm.

We asked the students to share their experiences in their conversation classes.

“When I was in school, we didn’t have opportunity to talk with foreign people. So that’s why we didn’t have habit to talk in English. It is very hard to speak.” – Tsedup, 22 “English is a language that you can use in almost all the countries that you ever dream to go. I am learning English not because I like English but because of the importance of the language. And because I got a cause to fight and I want to tell the world about my cause.

In order to do that I need to make them understand what I am standing for.

That’s a bigger part of learning English.”

- Alden, 23

motivations. Thanks to these classes, I understand that people from different backgrounds can be united.”

- Palden, 35 “To me, these classes are very important because I get to speak English and meet different people.”

– Dickyi, 33 “I come here to meet people from all different cultures and help others with

“I can communicate with people especially when I help other people.”

– Tsultrim Tenzin “It helps me while I am travelling – asking for the road etc.”

– Lobsang Gyaltsen, 25 “Earlier, I was afraid of making mistakes while speaking and I can see that my level of English has improved.” – Sonam Choejor, 31 “When I came here two years ago, I couldn’t speak any English and I have benefitted a lot from these classes. I take this class every day and feel that my English improves every day. I am very grateful to Lha for organising it.”

– Gelek, 32 “I feel more confident because I meet different people from different countries with different cultures and Contact

speaking English. It helps me to learn and solve many problems. I want to collect all goodness from different people including myself.”

– Shabir, 31 “So many students with one teacher and there is time limitation – one on one is better for students. Students in group have to wait too long to talk. It would be better if students or volunteer teachers choose a subject and discuss in depth.” – Anonymous “I like conversation class because I think conversation is very important and also it is beneficial to me.”

– Samdup, 29 “I come to Lha’s conversation classes 14

every day. It is helping my speaking skill and I also get to meet new people from different countries. It gives me a lot of benefit and opportunity to listen to different accents. It is very useful class and I would to say thank you to Lha.” – Lobsang Gyaltsen, 25 “We are fortunate to have such free English conversation classes at Lha. But only problem is there are so many group students in one group and duration of conversation class is only one hour. Most of the time, introducing ourselves takes times most of the time and less time for conversation.

I have been with the same teacher for two weeks.

If Lha could change the teacher to a different group, it will be very kind.”

– Jampa Sangpo, 29 “It has been three weeks since I joined classes in Lha. Life is so good. I am learning Tibetan, English and Chinese language at Lha.” – Tenzin Thuwang, 22 “I like sentences and stories. I like making sentence. I like the story made in group.”- Dolma, 19 “I like to learn English and speak in English. I enjoy meeting many people from different countries. I hope to return to Bhutan eventually and use English language to do business.”

- Tsering from Bhutan, 23 “Conversation class helps in my daily life. It helps to me to meet people, make friends and most importantly it helps me to communicate better in English.” - Tashi Samdup, 32 SEPTEMBER 2016

Student Exchange

This month Lha hosted a student group from Tulane University’s School of Social Work in New Orleans. The nine students and two professors were in Dharamshala for two weeks. During their stay, the students were paired with Lha’s students to help them improve their English language. They also volunteered at Tonglen Charitable Trust in Dharamshala for few days.

Apart from volunteering at nongovernment organisations, Lha organised two talks for the student group by two prominent local people and a visit to AmaAdhe – a former Tibetan political prisoner.

Geshe Lhakdor gave them a talk on Mental Health and Happiness through Mind Training.

His Eminence Professor Samdhong Rinpoche spoke to the students on Tibetan perspectives on death and dying, and the importance of having a healthy relationship with this natural part of life in Lha’s Ahimsa House.

Rinpoche explained the topics – the concept of death, how different believers have different way of looking at death, the nature of death in the Buddhist perspective and fear of death.

In addition, Rinpoche shared many important insights on the understanding of death and its process. The talk ended with a question and answer session with the students. His talk was streamed live and is available on Prof Samdhong Rinpoche’s Youtube channel.

Every summer, Lha Charitable Trust works with student groups from the School of Social Work from Tulane University, Centenary College, Loyola University, Rustic Path Way, Lifework International and other United States universities and high schools as well as students from a Mexican university.

LHA NEWS AND PROJECTS Lha could not provide the services we do without the support of our wonderful volunteers who help in so many ways and inspire us with their enthusiasm. Every month we ask a volunteer to share their story. This month Angela West-Sharma from Germany tells us her story.

Meditations on Teaching

Name: Angela West-Sharma Volunteer Job at Lha:German Teacher “Do you meditate? Do you practice meditation?” The question of the young Tibetan, who caught me on the Kora, walking the wrong direction, ie not clockwise, and was patiently answering my questions about Buddhism, made me smile. Yes indeed, I practise meditation, but not sitting and contemplating, but often doing whatever I do with intensity and inner joy. From this point of view I can say that I spent the last five weeks in McLeod Ganj in a nearly constant meditation, teaching German at Lha to wonderful, attentive, zealous and hardworking female students, preparing individual lessons, feeling and enjoying the creative inputs, hiking in the afternoon and at the weekends and so coming in touch with the vibrant atmosphere of this fantastic area, a melting pot of different cultures, inspiring and fascinating at the same time. There was no single moment I felt annoyed or exhausted.

When I came in March this year for the first time to McLeod Ganj, I took a cup of tea in a small café, watching a Dutch volunteer teaching English to a Buddhist monk at the table next to us. Inwardly I was “co-

teaching”, thinking about the way I would try to communicate, to explain and to motivate. I decided to return to McLeod as a volunteer.

In a way a big dream of my life came true: teaching and learning in an individual way, not following some instructions and stiff curricula but being flexible and creative by taking the inputs from the students.

And at the end of these rich and intensive five weeks, I questioned myself about whether it was right for me to go back to a teaching system which I feel can be harmful for students as it forces them to learn subjects they are not necessarily interested in, just to get good marks. Why should I support a system I don’t agree with? Wouldn’t it be better if I could find a way to teach and learn in an atmosphere of voluntary engagement and commitment out of interest and selfmotivation, like I found it at Lha? Now, I am on my way back home to Germany, taking with me the memories of my students. My backpack is filled with farewell gifts and my heart reaches out to all my new friends. The experience of this learning and teaching in relation makes me “meditate” about a way to continue what I started in McLeodGanj – the opportunity to experience a different way of learning and teaching.

Contact magazine is published by Lha Charitable Trust Lha Charitable Trust is an award-winning, grassroots, non-profit organisation and one of the largest Tibetan social work institutes based in Dharamshala, India. Lha has been striving to provide vital resources for Tibetan refugees, local Indian communities, and people from the Himalayan regions for over 18 years. Lha was registered as a charitable trust by the Indian Government in 2005.

For more information, please visit www.lhasocialwork.org To keep up to date with news of what’s happening in Tibet and in the Tibetan exile community, follow Contact magazine online at www.contactmagazine.net Facebook: Contact News Twitter: Contact News Contact

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SEPTEMBER 2016

around town

Charities and Organisations

Central Tibetan Administration

The CTA serves in Dharamshala as the government in exile of Tibet. It is democratic with judiciary, legislative, and executive branches.

Within the Executive branch there is the Kashag, consisting of the departments of Religion and Culture, Home, Education, Finance, Security, Information and International Relations and Health, and Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay.

WEB: www.tibet.net LOCATION: Near Library PHONE: 01892-222218 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:00 am-5:00 pm EMAIL: kashag@tibet.net

The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)

OHHDL is the personal office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The office organises his schedule, including appointments and travel plans, diplomatic and personal correspondence, and liaises with officials of the Central Tibetan Administration.

WEB: www.dalailama.com LOCATION: McLeod Ganj, PHONE: 01892-221343 / 221210 EMAIL: ohhdl@dalailama.com

Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)

The TYC is an advocacy and political action organisation with chapters around the world.

The TYC organises cultural exhibitions, educational campaigns and social welfare activities.

WEB: www. tibetanyouthcongress.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala -176219 PHONE: 01892-221554 EMAIL:president@tibetanyouthcongress.org, tyc@tibetanyouthcongress.org

Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA)

The TWA conducts workshops on gender sensitization and domestic violence throughout Tibetan settlements in India, provides Tibetan women with education scholarships, and connects women with international sponsors.

WEB: www. tibetanwomen.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-221527 EMAIL: tibwomen@gmail.com

Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

TCV provides care to Tibetan children by creating a nurturing environment and fostering Tibetan values and culture while delivering a modern education. There is an Upper and Lower residential school in Dharamshala and day school in McLeod Ganj, with other branches throughout India.

WEB: www.tcv.org.in LOCATION: Dharamshala Cantt.176216 PHONE: 01892-221354 / 221348 EMAIL: headoffice@tcv.org.in

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

Men-Tsee-Khang is a facility for research, training and practice of traditional Tibetan medicine.

Patients may seek treatment at Men-TseeKhang for both acute and chronic conditions.

The facility provides extensive training and produces traditional pharmaceuticals.

Contact

WEB: www.men-tsee-khang.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org

Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)

The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives has the purpose to restore, protect, preserve, and promote Tibetan culture in all its aspects. They offer courses in Tibetan and Hindi language and Buddhist philosophy and can provide affordable accommodation for those enrolled in two or more courses.

WEB: ltwa.net, tibetanlibrary.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong PHONE: 98822-55047 EMAIL: ltwa1970@gmail.com

Delek Hospital

Delek Hospital is a small, Tibetan run hospital in Dharamshala. It has 45 inpatient beds, holds outpatient hours from 9am to 12pm Monday through Friday, and can handle most small procedures. Patients are responsible for a 10 Rupees registration fee. The hospital has a pharmacy on site.

WEB:www.delekhospital.org LOCATION: Kharadanda Rd, Dharamshala; Delek Clinic, Bhagsu Rd, Dharamshala HOURS: Outpatient, Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00 pm-4:30 pm; Emergencies, 24 hours daily PHONE: 01892-222053 / 223381 EMAIL: delek@bsnl.in hospitaldelek@yahoo.com

Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society

The society was established in 1999 to provide educational and administrative guidance to all Tibetan schools in remote areas of India and Bhutan that do not fall under the guidance of Tibetan Childrens Village. Today there are 12 schools under this organisation.

WEB: www.sambhota.org LOCATION: Session Rd, Dharamshala176215 PHONE: 01892 - 228877 | 226877 EMAIL: stss1999@gmail.com

Tong-Len Charitable Trust

Tong-Len’s mission is to help displaced communities in North India achieve a secure and sustainable future. Tong-Len projects include educational and health programs, childhood education and sponsorship, primary and nursery tent schools, and children’s support hostels. Volunteer opportunities available.

WEB: www. tong-len.org LOCATION: Top Floor, Bank Of Baroda, Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala-176215 PHONE: 01892-223930 EMAIL: jamyang@tong-len.org

Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)

SFT is an international NGO that promotes the Tibetan cause among the non-Tibetan community.

The organisation attempts to build international solidarity by advocating for a free Tibet through chapter organisations at Universities around the world.

WEB:www.sftindia.org, www.studentsforafreetibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 9882786875

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Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD)

TCHRD advocates for human rights and provides education on the human rights situation in Tibet. The centre publishes journals and articles, as well as conducting workshops and campaigns.

WEB: www.tchrd.org LOCATION: CTA, Dharamshala - 176215 PHONE: 01892-223363 EMAIL: office@tchrd.org

Lha Charitable Trust (Lha)

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

The Kangra Distt. Red Cross Society

The Kangra District Red Cross Society renders its humanitarian services, projects and activities with the help and the co-operation of people at all levels of society by donation.

WEB: www.redcrosskangra.org LOCATION: Red Cross Bhawan, Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-224888 / 9418832244 EMAIL: sharmaopl12345@gmail.com

Gu-Chu-Sum Movement Association of Tibet is an organisation of former political

prisoners of Tibet and former activists currently in exile that engages in their complete assistance from medical, financial, basic education and vocational training. It also organises lobby and advocacies about human rights abuses in Tibet.

WEB: www.guchusum.org LOCATION: Jogibara Road, McLeod Ganj, PHONE: 01892-220680 / 220679 EMAIL: guchusum1991@gmail.com

Tibet Charity

Tibet Charity provides programs including English and computer classes, an animal care program, and a variety of medical and educational financial support programs.

WEB: www.tibetcharity.in LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-221790 / 221877 EMAIL: director@tibetcharity.in

Norbulingka Institue

Centre for Tibetan culture with studios and artists at work.

Temple, tour guides of the workshops, and gardens.

L O C AT I O N : S i d h p u r, Dharamshala PHONE:9882144210 EMAIL: info@norbulingka.org WEB:www.norbulingka.org

SEPTEMBER 2016

around town

Charities and Organisations

Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA)

Established in 1959, under the vision of HH the Dalai Lama, TIPA strives to preserve and promote Tibetan theatrical tradition. The Insitute imparts comprehensive training and lessons on Tibetan folk dance, folk song, traditional instruments and tradition of Tibetan opera.

TIPA also hosts a beautiful theatrical museum which remains open during working days. We organise a special group tour of our campus every Wednesday (10 am).

WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: TIPA Road, McLeod Ganj Dharamshala-176219 PHONE: 01892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com

Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT)

Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT) is a nongovernment, non-profit adult education centre in Dharamshala, North India. LIT provides Free Education, Health Care and Skills Training to Tibetan Refugees to help eradicate poverty and illiteracy amongst the Tibetan population.

WEB: www.learningandideasfortibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala 176219 PHONE: 01892-220690 EMAIL: learningandideasfortibet@gmail.com

Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR)

Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution is a nonprofit, educational organisation dedicated to the non-violent management of conflicts in the Tibetan Community and the world as a whole.

They work to promote the approaches and tools of non-violent conflict resolution and democratic processes in the Tibetan community in exile and elsewhere.

WEB: http://tccr.org LOCATION: Session Road, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-226627 EMAIL: tccrteam@gmail.com

Rogpa Baby Care Centre

The Rogpa Baby Care Centre helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so that their parents can work. The centre needs volunteers to help with art, games, singing and other tasks including diaper changing.

WEB: www.tibetrogpa.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala- 176219 PHONE: 9857973026 EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com

Gamru Village School

Gamru Village School is a successful NGO that provides free high-quality education to any children who encounter serious barriers to education and who have a low standard of living.

WEB: www.gamruschool.com LOCATION: Village Gamru, P.O Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala, Distt Kangra 176215 PHONE: 9816105554 EMAIL: tashu72004@yahoo.com

Contact

Clean Upper Dharamshala Project

Founded in 1994 to provide a waste management system in and around McLeod Ganj, the Green Workers, the Handmade Recycled Paper Factory, the Green Shop and the Environmental Education Centre are part of the Clean Upper Dharamshala Project. Weekly guided tours are offered on Wednesdays at 3 pm.

WEB: www.tsodhasa.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - 176219 PHONE: 01892-221059 EMAIL: cudpswm@gmail.com

Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage)

Nyingtob Ling supports Tibetan children from disadvantaged families. The children make handicrafts and paintings. They are so friendly and love to have visitors.

WEB: www.nyingtobling.org LOCATION: Near Norbulingka, Sidhpur PHONE:01892 211042 / 9816028149 EMAIL: nyingtob_ling@hotmail.com

Women’s Team

Volunteers needed to teach English to Indian women and children in the village of Kaniyara near Dharamshala. Contact Jitender.

EMAIL: jitenderje@gmail.com PHONE: 7831956680 / 08894435595

The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)

ANEC facilitates trainings, workshops and open forum discussions on nonviolent strategies to help resolve disagreements and differences at all levels of human society. ANEC welcomes volunteers from western countries to participate in informal panel discussions on ideas of regional and global peace and nonviolent strategies. Free lunch and tea and many more benefits for volunteers.

LOCATION: No. 262, 1st floor, Khajanchi -Mohalla, Khunyara Rd, Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 9882077708 / 9882921477 EMAIL: wangduemiddleway@gmail.com Website: www.anec-india.net Facebook: www/facebook.com/anecpeace

National Democratic Party of Tibet

The NDPT is currently the only Tibetan political party. With 5000 members in 36 regional chapters throughout the world, the main aim and objectives of the NDPT are to prepare for the establishment of a political party in a future Tibet, to promote democracy, to educate the Tibetan people about the significance of political parties and to create awareness among the people about Tibetan issues.

WEB: www.ndp4tibet.org LOCATION: Dharamshala–176219 EMAIL: tibetparty4@gmail.com PHONE: 9882787633 / 9882673330

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 2016

activities and information Upcoming Events Oct 2: Gandhi Jayanti - Birthday of Gandhi Ji Oct 3 - 6: His Holiness will give a four day teaching at Tsugla-khang, the main temple at Dharamshala Dec 10 : Nobel Peace Prize Day (conferment of Nobel Peac Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama

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

Om Massage Centre

LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, Opposite the Green Hotel, Mcleod Ganj PHONE:9857999373/9805895574 EMAIL: kunsangdolma75@gmail.com

Contact

MEDITATION Ocean of Harmony

Taught by an experienced and qualified coach WEB: www.oceanofharmony.org PHONE: (+91) 99798-94585 EMAIL: ohlifeandwellness@gmail.com

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

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 2016

activities and information HEALTH SERVICES Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Dr Natasha Mehra LOCATION: Near Hotel Mount View, Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 09218742046 EMAIL: perfect32dentalclinic@gmail.com Tibetan Physiotherapy Clinic Specialised in Muscle and Joint Pain LOCATION: Near Delek Hospital, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 HOURS: 10am - 5pm (Appointment Bases) PHONE: 9882322783 / 9882321532 EMAIL: jigten17@yahoo.co.in WEBSITE : tibetanphysiotherapy.com Tibetan Delek Hospital LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-22053 / 223381 HOURS: Outpatient services, Mon-Sat: 9:00am-1:00pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00-4:30pm; Emergencies: 24 hrs daily Maanav Health Clinic LOCATION: Main Square HOURS: 10:00am-12:30pm and 2:00-5:00pm PHONE: 941-815-5795 EMAIL: maanavcare@yahoo.co.in Men-Tsee-Khang LOCATION: Below Delek Hospital, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org Primary Health Centre LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, main market HOURS: 9:30am-4pm, Mon-Sat Nature Cure Health Club LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House-Map #10 HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm PHONE: 7833047078 / 9882320136 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com Dr Tandon Advanced Dental Orthodontic & Implant Centre Location: Opp. AP Travels, Mcleod Ganj Phone:9418462936 Email: dr.rahultandon@gmail.com

Tibet-Related Websites

News:

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 news phayul.com -Phayul is published in Dharamshala,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 nongovernmental organisation and a research centre to protect the human rights of Tibetan people and promote the principles of democracy tibetanyouthcongress.org - an international non-governmental organisation that advocates full independence for Tibet from China studentsforafreetibet.org - a global grass roots group campaigning for full Tibetan independence tibetanreview.net - news, opinions, reviews and information freetibet.org: - UK-based campaigning organisation, also a good news source savetibet.org - 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

Kalachakra 2017:

kalachakra2017.net or www.kalachakra2017.org - Official website. His Holiness the Dalai Lama will confer Kalachakra Initiation at Bodh Gaya from January 3 - 14. The website provides information on facilities for the event including tents, medical and sanitation and registration.

Interested in a Tibetan Homestay?

Is Arriving in India a Nightmare?

Thinking about Volunteering?

Lha Charitable Trust can arrange homestays of one month with a Tibetan refugee family. By sharing day-to-day life with a Tibetan family you will have an opportunity to experience Tibetan culture at first hand as well as making friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

Accommodation, breakfast and dinner included.

Next time you come, use the Lha Reception service at Delhi airport.

We will meet you at the airport, look after you in Delhi and give you a safe place to stay while you wait for your overnight bus to McLeod. We’ll put you on the bus and make sure you are on the right seat! Use our service especially when you are arriving late at night or early morning.

Lha offers you the opportunity to share your knowledge and skills while gaining practical experience with a social work organisation – good for your CV as well as being fun and interesting! Lha volunteers develop friendships as well as learning at first handabout the issues facing the Tibetan refugee community.

Find out more! Call into the Lha office, see Map # 1 Contact

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SEPTEMBER 2016

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DR TANDON’S ADVANCED

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Mobile no: 988222502 - Surinder Address: Jogiwara Road, Green View House after Youngling Schoo Mcleod Ganj, Opposite Pink House

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BLACK TENT CAFE

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Free high-speed Wi-fi

Delicious coffee, authentic homemade Tibetan and western cuisine All food washed in clean filtered water

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 RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA

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

www.rinkutaxihimachal.com

Chapri Handicrafts

Visit Sunanda to see her beautiful shawls, fabrics, gifts, papier-mache, handicrafts, thankas and so much more!

MEXICAN, ITALIAN, INDIAN, CHINESE, Shop no 9, Next Alley to State Bank of India ATM, CONTINENTAL, & THAI FOOD, No MSG Temple Road, Mcleod Ganj Map#27 • Everything washed with sterilized water Tel: 98826-04215 • Wood-fired pizza oven & clay Tandoori oven • Relaxed atmosphere & Japanese-style seating • Live music every Sunday - Map#9 Bhagsu Road, Opp. Green Hotel Mcleod Ganj - Map#26 Located on Jogiwara Road, Email: kunsangdolma75@gmail.com across from the Tibetan Reception Center Contact: 9857999373 /9805895574 (down from Post Office) - Map # 9

Om massage centre

HOTEL LADIES’ VENTURE

“The most suitable place for foreigners, holidaymakers, honeymooners, trekkers, and those who wish to commune with nature!”

8 AUSPICIOUS HIM VIEW HOTEL

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

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

Your Communication Partner

Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House - Map #23 Mobile: 07833047078 Email: mahinder_m@hotmail.com,

Dr Mobile Shop

Mobile Sales, Mobile Repair, Sim Cards, Purchase and Recharge Phone Service

18+ yrs’ experience: Swedish massage courses &

Black Magic Building (underground), Jogiwara Road, Map # 7 McLeod Ganj Phone: 9857011101 Contact

Nature Cure Health Club

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treatment, Zen Shiatsu courses, treatment, reflexology treatment, SPA, Singing Bowl Treatment and many more!

SEPTEMBER 2016

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Contact

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SEPTEMBER 2016

advertisements Map of McLeod Ganj showing locations of places of interest

BHAGSU NAG

Map not to scale

See Advertisement Pages for details of advertisers TIPA

21

DHARAMKOT

26

25 Vipassana Centre

Naddi Village Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

15

Tushita Centre

McLEOD GANJ

22

4

Cantt Police Post

5 MAIN SQUARE

3

6

7

20

23

1 Lha Main Bazaar

24

29

8

9

16

27

10

11

12

28

30 14

2

13

Road to Dharamshala

1. Lha Headquarters 2. Namgyal Cafe 3. Common Ground Cafe 4. Dream Holidays Travel 5. Shangrila Hotel 6. Shambala Coffee Meal 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. Lhamo’s Croissant, Dolma Therapy

16. Rinku Taxi Service 17.Central Tibetan Administration, Tibetan Parliament-in-exile,Tibetan Library 18. LRZTP Tibetan Language Programme 19. Tibetan Museum and Temple 20. Tibetan Handicraft Centre 21. Taste of India 22. SnowLion Custom Tattoo 23. Nature Cure Health Club 24. Dr Tandon’s Advanced Dental 25. Himalayan Yoga Retreat 26. Om Massage Centre 27. Chapri Handicrafts 28. Tibetan Online School 29. Marleen’s Thankas & Gifts 30. Dorjee Spa

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17 18

Road to Dharamshala

Our specialty: Chocolate Vegan cake, Gluten free cake, Fresh Coffee Beans, cappaccino, Chocolate chilli lollipop 9am to 7pm - Closed on Monday

Below “Black Magic Hotel” on Jogiwara Rd -Map#7

Enjoy traditional Taiwanese and Chinese food and peaceful environment, just one minute from the Bus Stand, just behind Asian Plaza! (Map # 3)

Shambala Coffee Meal Jogiwara Roadd, next to Tibet Kitchen Map#6

NEED A DENTIST?

For all your dental requirements under one roof, in a sterile and state of the art clinic

A vegetarian restaurant specialising in variety of Japanese meals: Sushi Rolls, Special noodle Udon, Omthai Rice Coffee / Free Wifi Open every day from 7am to 8pm Mobile: +91 (0) 9882611796

Dr Natasha Mehra @ Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Location: Near Hotel Mount View Jogiwara Rd, McLeod Map #10 Call: 09218742046 Email: perfect32dentalclinic@gmail.com

Tibetan Buddhist Walking Guide

New to the town? Local guide at Mcleod Ganj /Dharamshala.

I can tour you around Mcleod Ganj, Gangkyi, Library, Norbulingka, sight-seeing etc Can speak Tibetan, English, Hindi and Nepali

Name : Dawa Tsering /Mobile no: 8352868671

Contact

22

Lhamo’s Croissant

Vegetarian and Vegan Food Bakery, Coffee shop, French Restaurant Gluten Free and Fresh seasonal juices and salads

Roof top terrace with stunning views Bhagsu Road, just before Kunga Hotel Map#15

SEPTEMBER 2016

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Contact

23

SEPTEMBER 2016

ལྷ་བོད་ཀྱི་ལུགས་མཐུན་བཟོ་ཚོང་ལས་ཁང་།

Lha Tibet Fair Trade Regd No.U74140HP2013PTC000540 IEC No. 2213006741 TIN: 02060101641 CST: 02060101641 PAN: AACCL5897M

What’s LTFT?

Lha Tibet Fair Trade (LTFT) is a certified Fair Trade company which supports Lha’s charitable work through the sale of traditional Tibetan goods made by local craftspeople.

What we have?

Hand-made woollen carpets, singing bowls, jewellery, goods made from recycled paper, Tibetan home decor pieces and many more!

Why LTFT?

Your shopping and support will contribute to Lha’s numerous social projects and help Lha become more sustainable and self-sufficient.

What we do?

Retail outlet, manufacture, wholesale, import & export, support local artisans, tours and travel.The LTFT is pleased to welcome any businesses wishing to form partnerships and set up exhibition tours.

Drop-in at our store at LHA office, Mon-Sat Phone: +91 (0) 98823-23455 / 1892-220992

W www.tibetfairtrade.com

Lha Tibet Fair Trade

Marleen’s Thankas & Gifts We are happy to provide high quality Tibetan thangkas and gifts for all budgets; working with 18 artists we are able to take orders.

Jogiwara Road, 50m down from post office, opposite Tibetan gas office Mc Leod Ganj Map #29 Email: thankas_inn@yahoo.com

May all beings be happy.

Snowlion Custom Tattoo

snowlion custom tattoo : facebook

Artist Passang Location: near Hotel Tibet Professional Tattto Artist / Traditionally Trained Tibetan Thangka Painter 100% Safe & Hygienic Contact: 9459160626 / 9805286528

To advertise call Lha office: 01892-220992 or visit Lha office at Temple Rd, McLeod Ganj Map #1

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 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