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འབྲེས་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།
Contact
A Free Monthly Publication For Tibetan Issues and Community Information RGD No. HPENG/2013/51798 Volume: XVII Issue: 4 31 May 2015
Happy 80th Birthday!
Warm greetings on this auspicious occasion. We thank you for being a great leader for Tibet, and for the world.
Long Live His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama W www.contactmagazine.net
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about lha & contact Contact, a free monthly publication of Lha Charitable Trust, is a recognised and registered publication under the Registrar Office of the Newspaper, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India. The registration number is HPENG/2013/51798. Acknowledged by Lonely Planet and other international travel resources, Contact has been a popular source of news and information on Tibetan issues, and the Dharamshala community, for over 14 years. 700 - 1,000 copies are printed per issue and distributed in the Dharamshala area, Delhi, and various diplomatic missions to India. Copies are also sent to various Tibetan schools, settlements, offices and NGOs in India. Please Note: The articles, stories and other material in Contact represent the views of the authors and are not necessarily the views of the Contact editing staff or Lha Social Work. All comments on this issue should be submitted by email to: editor@contactmagazine.net
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Background:
Lha is a Tibetan grassroots nonprofit organisation based in Dharamshala, India. It is one of the largest social work organisations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population and people from the Himalayan regions. Lha offers free English, French and Chinese classes, cultural exchange programmes, IT classes, vocational training, health and environmental awareness education, distribution of clothes and medicine, a community kitchen, and many other programmes and activities. Through rehabilitation resources and social and educational services, Lha facilitates an easy transition for the Tibetan refugee community to India. On a daily basis, Lha serves over 250 people, hosts between 15 and 25 volunteers and provides up to 20 different services, including on average 50 nutritious meals per day for financially disadvantaged people. For more information about Lha, please visit: www.lhasocialwork.org Facebook: Lhasocialwork Twitter: Lhasocialwork
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RECEPTION & ORIENTATION Our services help smooth your arrival in Delhi and your onward travel to Dharamshala. We also orientate you to the Tibetan community here. Avoid the scams at Delhi Airport! Highly recommended for people who want a stress-free arrival, especially if you are arriving late at night or early in the morning, and can be purchased online in advance of your travel to India. TIBETAN COOKING CLASS Individuals and small groups can learn to prepare a variety of traditional and modern vegetarian Tibetan foods including momos, thukpa and Tibetan bread, with a qualified teacher. For information on cost, times and/or registration, please visit: Lha office, Temple Road, McLeod Ganj-176219 Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra H.P. (Mon-Sat: 9am-1pm & 2-5pm) office@lhasocialwork.org (0) 1892-220992 Websites associated with Lha: www.lhasocialwork.org www.samdhongrinpoche.com www.tibetfairtrade.com www.tibetnature.net 2
Acknowledgement
This issue of Contact is sponsored by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD). TFD’s kind contribution has made this publication possible. We thank TFD for supporting the publication of Contact.
Can you Donate to Lha? Lha collects all kinds of donations in the form of clothing, shoes, books, and language resources, computer and medical supplies, as well as any other useful items. Monetary donations are extremely helpful and are greatly appreciated, large or small. Please contact the office: office@lhasocialwork.org (0) 98823-23455 / 1892-220992 MAY 2015
news & issues
May Brings Two More Self-immolations This month, two more Tibetans selfimmolated in Tibet, protesting against the Chinese government’s repressive policies. Sangye Tso, a 36-year old Tibetan woman from Amdo Choney
Sangye Tso (left) and her two children Khatso and Tsering Dhondup
County, Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Tibet has died after a self-immolation protest on May 27. Sangye Tso set herself on fire at around 4am local time at the entrance to a
Chinese government building near the monastery of Tashi Choekhorling in Dorkok township, where authorities of the Public Security Bureau and People’s Armed Police are stationed. After the protest, local authorities took the body away and interrogated Sangye Tso’s family members while restricting their movements. Some of her relatives were also detained. Sangye Tso is survived by her husband Tamdin Wangyal and their two children, Tsering Dhondup and Khatso. On May 20, a father of four died after setting himself on fire in protest. Tenzin Gyatso, 35, from Khangsar township in Tawu County, eastern Tibet self-immolated outside the venue of a government officials’ meeting; he was protesting against weeks of harrassment and police intimidation in Tawu County where Tibetans have
been planning to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday. Gyatso was
Tenzin Gyatso
married to Sonam Dolma, with four children. The authorities informed his relatives that he had died and told them to come for his remains. The self-immolations in May bring the total number of Tibetan selfimmolation protest to 146 (six have occured outside Tibet). Of these, around 125 have died whereas the status of the rest continue to remain unknown.
China Violates Tibetans’ Freedom of Movement by Sam Ferguson The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) this month expressed concern over restrictions placed upon Tibetan’s rights in relation to international travel. Since 2012, Tibetans in Tibet have faced universal passport confiscations. In April 2012, “guiding opinions” were published by the Chinese government relating to Tibetan passport applications. Replacement electronic passports are only issued after “strict investigations”. The application is reviewed in ten stages by Public Security Bureaus at the county, township, prefecture, and regional level. A less restrictive option, say the TCHRD, would have been to allow valid passports to expire naturally before replacing them with the new electronic documents. In 2014, further restrictions have also prevented Tibetans from travelling to religious ceremonies and sacred sites. There is no time frame attached to any stage of the application process. Nor is there mention of a right to Contact
appeal against any decision not to issue a passport. Tibetans who navigate the official channels are made to sign a contract promising not to harm China’s security or interests. Any involvement in criminal acts results in the passport being revoked. Tibetans returning from abroad must surrender their passports within seven days and attend an interview regarding their travels. These conditions, along with the presumed need to re-apply for A Chinese passport a surrendered passport, severely restrict freedom of movement. None of the above measures are imposed on other Chinese citizens. Freedom of movement is guaranteed under international law by Article 12(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which the People’s Republic of China 3
has signed. The ICCPR commits its parties to respect the civil and political rights of individuals. Freedom of movement should only be restricted in exceptional circumstances when it is necessary to protect national security, public order, public health or morals and the rights and freedoms of others. The People’s Republic of China have signed the convention, but have not yet ratified it. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) stated in its 2015 annual report that China imposes “harsh policies of repression on Buddhists” across the Tibetan plateau. The 232-page annual report documents religious freedom violation in 33 countries and makes country-specific recommendations to the State Department under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998. The USCIRF has recommended re-designating China as a “country of particular concern”, emphasising growing international criticism of the restriction placed upon Tibetans. MAY 2015
news & issues
20th anniversary of the Panchen Lama’s Disappearance by Tenzin Samten Tibetans and Tibetan supporters across the world observed International Solidarity Day on May 17 to commemorate the 20th year of the Panchen Lama’s enforced disappearance. In Dharamshala, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) held an event which featured a public talk about the Panchen Lama, Tibet’s Stolen Child, a documentary film, and a photo exhibition on Tibetan selfimmolation. The speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Penpa Tsering; Director of the Tibet Policy Institute, Sonam Norbu Dagpo; the Secretary of the Department of Information and International Relations, and Tsering Tsomo, Director of Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, were all present at the event. “On this day, we once again appeal
to the international community to launch a concerted effort to urge China to release the Panchen Lama and all political prisoners in Tibet. We
Speakers at the event held in Dharamshala Photo: Phayul/Kunsang Gashon
renew our pledge to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Tibet and pray for the earliest resolution of the issue of Tibet,” said a CTA spokesperson. Mr Wangdue Tsering, press spokesperson of the office of Tibet in
London, said that Tibetans in London gathered for a candle-lit vigil outside the Chinese embassy there. Tibetans are requesting the world community to help them find the Panchen Lama, said Wangdue in a BBC report. The six-year old Gedun Choekyi Nyima was recognised as the reincarnation of 10th Panchen Lama by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1995. Three days after the announcement, Gedun and his family were abducted by the Chinese authorities. He was considered then to be the youngest political prisoner in the world. It has been 20 years since his abduction and his whereabouts are still unknown. Despite a number of calls for the release of the Panchen Lama by international human rights bodies, China has refused to provide any information about his whereabouts, education or well-being.
Modi and Xi Strengthen Ties by Rohini Kejriwal When the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi went on his threeday visit to China on May 14-16, a tremendous amount of interest was generated in both countries. Other than strengthening ties and deepening bilateral relations, it was a milestone for the relations between developing countries in Asia and around the world. On the first day of his arrival, there was much Chinese culture to be taken
Modi with Xi at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Photo: internet
in - from the dances by the Tang dynasty to the visits to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, Daxingshan Temple and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. But more important were the extensive Contact
talks with President Xi Jinping about issues such as boundaries, peace, trade imbalance, connectivity and terrorism, among others, to enhance ties, as announced by S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary. The two world leaders also seemed to bond on a more personal level after Xi’s recent visit to India last September. This was clear when the PM gifted him replicas of a stone casket of Buddhist relics and a stone statue of Buddha that were excavated from the 3rd-4th century stupa at Dev-ni-More near Gujarat. He also presented Xi with archaeological drawings of excavations at Vadnagar, which was once visited by the famous Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang around 641 AD. The second day was marked with the signing of over 20 bilateral agreements, covering diverse areas of co-operation. On the boundary issue, there is to be clarification of the Line of Actual Control, trans-border rivers, an enhanced border defence co-operation with a hotline to work between the Military Headquarters 4
and the extension of electronic tourist visas to Chinese nationals. There will also be annual visits and exchanges between the two military headquarters and neighbouring military commands. Most importantly, peace and tranquility on the India-China border has been recognised as an important guarantor for the development and continued growth of bilateral relations. Common global and regional interests were expressed, for example the shared interest in international climate change negotiations, emphasising the importance of working together and with other countries to conclude an ambitious, comprehensive, universal, balanced and equitable climate agreement at the forthcoming Paris Conference. Combating terrorism was also brought to the table, with both parties agreeing that terrorism is not justified and to urge all countries to disrupt terrorist networks and their financing, and stop cross-border movement of terrorists. The two sides agreed to broaden cooperation in the various international Continued on page 9 MAY 2015
news & issues
Nepal: a Protracted Tragedy by Sarah Gittleman People in Nepal and neighbouring regions continue to be affected after the devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake last month on April 25. Not only did the country experience another major earthquake on May 12, which registered at 7.3 on the Richter scale, but it has also felt hundreds of aftershocks, as well as some
A temporary camp in Nepal Photo: Reuters/Adnan Abidi
landslides and avalanches, since the initial tectonic rupture. Additionally, with the monsoon season rapidly approaching, many worry about the potential impact of exposure, continuing natural disasters, disease and dwindling resources.
The current death toll in Nepal stands at 8,413, including approximately 100 people killed within Tibet and India, and 6 US Marines who died in a helicopter crash while delivering aid within Nepal. 366 people are still missing. However, the biggest challenge now facing Nepal is the number of people made homeless by the tragedy. 299,588 homes were entirely destroyed and 269,107 were significantly damaged as entire villages were flattened. Additionally, on the Tibetan side of the mountainous border with Nepal, nearly 80 percent of houses in the counties of Kyidrong (Kyirong), Nyalam and Dingri (Tingri) are said to have been destroyed. Of particular concern to the Tibetan community is the large number of Tibetan refugees living in exile in Nepal, often in remote areas, who have been affected. In response to the problem of homelessness, many relief organisations are trying to focus on the task of providing basic shelter, but in both Nepal and Tibet, this
task has been complicated by the fact that many places have remained inaccessible for great lengths of time. With the monsoon season expected to bring additional landslides and flooding, this problem will only be exacerbated. Additionally, the aid provided so far has not been enough. In fact, only a very small fraction of Nepal’s need for aid has been met, according to The Nepal Earthquake Flash Appeal launched by the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Many areas of Nepal do not have access to clean water, and others have lost all their water and sanitation facilities. This has created an increased risk of communicable disease. To try to combat this growing problem, many countries including China, India, Israel, and the United States, and a large number of others have contributed medical aid in the form of mobile field hospitals, skilled specialists and physicians, medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, Continued on page 7
The Importance of Living as a 21st Century Buddhist by Rebecca Dumas Thousands of individuals made their way to the Gyuto Tantric Monastery in Sidhbari on May 10 to attend the fourday teaching given by his Holiness the Dalai Lama. The teachings were based on texts which included The Three Principal Aspects of the Path, The Concise Stages of the Path and Praise to Dependent Rising. Among the attendees were monks and nuns, foreign visitors, Tibetans and a number of Chinese people. His Holiness acknowledged the latter demographic and asked them to be attentive to the study of dharma. “Put efforts even for your own practice. If you are able to do your own practice based on understanding what are the methods or the wisdom and so forth, then your practice will be stable”, he said. A strong theme emphasised Contact
throughout this lecture series was the importance of living as a “21st century Buddhist”. His Holiness explained that one should not merely have
His Holiness arriving at Gyuto monastery Photo: OHHDL
faith; the need to study and analyse the written texts is vital. The Buddha instructed his followers not to simply accept what was being taught, but to examine, to explore and to experiment what was communicated. “Today…we should not follow our own Buddhist tradition merely based on faith but 5
through understanding and if you can practice them, then you will become 21st century Buddhists. Otherwise if you just think Buddhism is like a custom, when it comes to the certain challenges then you are not able to deal with them”, said His Holiness. His Holiness also spoke of the acts of violence that are taking place throughout the world in the name of religion. He expressed his confusion regarding these incidents especially, because religions are based on love and compassion. However, he said that ignorance is at the root of these problems. The teachings were spoken in Tibetan with live translations in English, Chinese, Vietnamese and Hindi. Next, His Holiness will make his way to Australia where he will travel throughout the country and continue his teachings. MAY 2015
news & issues
Authenticating Tibet by Prachi Joshi The Tibetan version of the book Authenticating Tibet: Answers to China’s 100 Questions was launched on May 6 at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamshala.
At the book launch Photo: Tibet.net
The book, originally published in French in 2002, by Anne-Marie Blondeau and Katia Buffetrille was a response to a booklet published by the Chinese government in 1989. This booklet, which contained 100 questions and answers on Tibet, was
an attempt by the Chinese government to provide the “truth” about Tibet and counter the criticisms generated by Tibetans. Anne-Marie Blondeau and Katia Buffetrille, two of the leading scholars of the renowned Tibetan Studies faculty at the École Pratique des Hautes Etudes in Paris, assembled an international group of distinguished experts from France, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, England, Canada and the United States: specialists in Tibetan history, language, religion, economics, politics, and society. Each expert was assigned a number of the Chinese questions and asked to write clear, concise, and historically accurate answers. The project resulted in a book entitled Le Tibet est-il Chinois? (Is Tibet Chinese?), which appeared under the imprint of the leading French publisher Albin Michelin Paris in 2002.
The English language translation of the book Authenticating Tibet was published in 2008. The Tibetan version of the book was translated by Mr Jampa Tenzin, a researcher at the Tibet Policy Institute. Addressing the book launch, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, the elected leader of the Tibetan Government-inExile, highlighted the importance of the book, saying “One must study the Tibetan issue from various perspectives for better comprehension.” He also emphasised the need for rigorous study of such books to counter false Chinese propaganda. Also present at the book release were the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliamentin-Exile, Penpa Tsering; Education Minister Ngodup Tsering; senior officials of the CTA; members of the Tibetan Parliament; Tashi Tsering, the Director of Amnye Machen Institute and other researchers.
EU Parliament Members Demand Tibetan Rights by Sam Ferguson The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Federica Mogherini, this month visited the People’s Republic of China on her first official visit to Asia. During the talks she drew attention to the importance of the bilateral Human Rights Dialogue, this is in line with the European Parliament resolution of June 2012 which mandated that the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs raise the issue of human rights during every meeting with China. In a further sign of growing international concern regarding human rights violations in Tibet, the European Parliament urged Mrs Mogherini to raise the issue of Tibetan rights during the visit, which took place from May 6 – 7. In a letter written before the visit, 52 parliamentarians from six political groups wrote of their growing unease in regard to China’s treatment of Tibetans, citing particularly the Contact
arbitrary detention, arrest and torture of peaceful Tibetan protesters. They also called for a substantive and constructive dialogue with China, addressing core issues such as the
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, left, with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Photo: Kim Kyung-hoon/AP
preservation of the Tibetan language, culture, religion and tradition, and to re-open a dialogue with representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This avenue has remained closed since January 2010. A total of 204 Tibetans are known to have been arrested or imprisoned since the new European Parliament 6
was convened last year. Add to this a further six Tibetan deaths during or after imprisonment, and nine selfimmolations, all of which add to the evidence of human rights abuses in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. The EU Human Rights Dialogue with China was set up in 1995. Two rounds of the dialogue take place every year. Through it, the EU can address issues of concern such as the death penalty, re-education through labour, ethnic minorities’ rights, civil and political freedoms, etc, in a forum where China is committed to responding. Evidence of growing pressure on China with regards to the Tibetan issue exists in similar petitions by other national governments. Countries which have urged representatives to raise these issues include the United States, France, and Australia. The effect such dialogue has on the People’s Republic of China remains to be seen. MAY 2015
news & issues
Sikyong Awarded for his Strong Leadership by Tsering Wangdue Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected leader of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile (CTA), visit the United States and Canada this month. The seven-day visit was aimed at forging closer ties with overseas Chinese scholars and students, earning more international support and meeting Tibetan communities there. On May 12 Sikyong attended a dialogue with over 40 Chinese scholars and students in Washington DC, Care for the future of Tibet?, an event organised by Initiatives for Chinese, a global grassroots level movement working towards a peaceful transition to democracy in China. He spoke of the importance of building trust between Tibetan and Chinese people through dialogue and mutual understanding and explained the CTA’s Middle-Way Approach which Continued from page 5
of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Sikyong gave a public talk, with an update on the policies and activities of the CTA, saying “The bulk of our budget is allotted to scholarship
Sikyong at the gala event in Toronto Photo: Tibet.net
and education, as well as welfare schemes for the aged and the poor”. He also reaffirmed the CTA’s firm commitment to the Middle-Way Approach to resolve the issue of Tibet through dialogue. Sikyong returned to India on May 20.
Nepal: a Protracted Tragedy
packaged drinking water, and aircraft for the use of emergency medical evacuations. In addition to international medical relief, a team of Tibetan monks arranged free western medical and Tibetan traditional medical checkups for survivors within Nepal. Meanwhile, Tibetan nuns with basic medical training gave tetanus shots and medical treatment to the injured. However, the problem is far from resolved, and there is still a need for more help. With a catastrophic situation looming, the United Nations has
A Tibetan nun helps nurse a new-born baby
been urging a quick and efficient relief effort, and has reminded the Contact
does not challenge the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China, but seeks a genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people within the framework of the Chinese constitution. As well as meeting members of congress and government agencies and other influential people in Washington DC, Sikyong met officers and staff of the various offices of Tibet in Washington, and on his final day there, he met members of the Tibetan community, bringing them up to date with the activities the CTA. Dr Sangay then left for Toronto, Canada where he was the Chief Guest at the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre Annual Gala Event which was dedicated to His Holiness the Dalai Lama to mark the 80th anniversary of his birth. Sikyong was presented with a special “CTAO Gyatoen Award” for his strong leadership, unwavering support, and commitment to the vision
international community that there is only a “small window of opportunity” to assist affected communities as the monsoon season approaches and threatens to hamper efforts. Despite limited funds, many people within Nepal are doing what
Monks distributing food and relief materials
they can to provide immediate relief within their own localities. Almost everybody who survived unscathed pulled together, and often it is the Tibetan refugees in Nepal who are said to be at the forefront of local efforts. Tibetan monasteries in Kathmandu have organised relief work and have already dispatched teams to distribute food to the affected local areas, and 7
Tibetan refugee organisations have been working to provide assistance to others in desperate need of help. Despite the generally positive and constructive outlook of those within Nepal, there is a growing sense of anxiety as the list of potential risks facing the country continues to compound. Farmers displaced from rural villages need to be able to return to their homes before the start of the planting season to prevent the potential severe impact on the country’s food security. There are also fears for Nepal’s most vulnerable people, as cases of human trafficking and child exploitation continue to emerge. Additionally, the threat of an increased number of landslides during the monsoon season could cause runoff and interfere with the ability of hydroelectric facilities to produce enough energy. In turn, this could result in there being increased periods of the day without access to power, causing further constraints upon relief efforts. MAY 2015
news & issues
TCV Offers the Long Life Prayer to His Holiness by Prerna Bakshi and Mary Trewartha His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave a three-day introductory Buddhist teaching for Tibetan school and college students, concluding with the conferment of the Avalokiteshvara Empowerment, at Upper Tibetan Children’s Village School in Dharamshala. On the final day, the Tibetan Children’s Village family offered a Long Life Prayer (Tenshug) to His Holiness who greeted students as they presented ritual offerings. Over 4,500 TCV past and present students attended the teaching, to hear His Holiness stress the importance of both traditional and modern education for the overall development of a human being. “Modern education is very important but traditional education is no less important,” said His Holiness. His Holiness said that selfishness is the root cause of all problems, “Because we think only of ourselves and then there is also corruption and
many other things”. He noted the importance of having good motivation when receiving initiations and empowerment and said “You should
His Holiness waving to the students on his arrival at the school
think that all sentient beings want happiness just as yourself. You don’t want suffering just as all other sentient beings also do not want suffering”. Summarising his teachings, the Dalai Lama explained that when one is asked about Buddhism the ideal answer both verbally and in practice is that “Buddhism is the philosophical understanding of dependent existence and ethical conduct through nonviolence. While the former is now
echoed by the scientific community in the field of quantum physics, the latter is instrumental to world peace.” On his arrival at TCV, the Dalai Lama was given a traditional Tibetan welcome as students sang a traditional song and several groups of lay-people performed debates. His Holiness congratulated them for taking an interest in logic and philosophy and said, “In Tibet in the past almost no one from the lay community or even from among the nuns engaged in debate… I’ve urged people… to take it up”. During the teaching, His Holiness made time to answer students’ questions. His Holiness also spoke of his commitment to preserving the natural environment of Tibet as something of importance to up to one billion people in Asia as well as to Tibetans in Tibet. He said “I have done what I can to preserve Tibet’s ecology and its compassionate, non-violent culture. Now I’m passing this responsibility to you.”
Nomadic Village Demolition leads to Detentions, Homelessness by Sam Ferguson Chinese authorities this month have commenced the demolition of a Tibetan nomad village in the North Western Qinghai province. The village of Beshul Jeyna, located in Mangra (Guinan) county in Tsolho (Hainan), is said to have contained houses built without official permission.
Police gather in Benshul Jeyna village
Demolitions such as these leave many families homeless. Sources for Radio Free Asia (RFA) claim that this was the second raid in as many years, and was led by the head of the county’s SumdoTownship. Contact
The reasons for these raids remain unclear. However, this by no means an isolated event. In April 2014, authorities in Qinghai’s Kyegudo (Yushu) county in the Yulshul (Yushu) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture bulldozed several brick factories operated by Tibetans in response to pleas by rival Chinese plants, according to RFA sources. This occurred days after Kyegudo was hit by a devastating earthquake, during which over 3,000 people lost their lives. Rebuilding efforts were in many cases made redundant by subsequent demolitions of re-builds deemed “illegal”. The sources also report the detention of Tibetans who protest against such demolition raids. Six Tibetans were reportedly detained for attempting to halt the demolition of homes built without permission near a “scenic” stretch of lake.“The 8
authorities have launched a campaign to demolish those structures, saying they were illegally constructed and spoil the scenic beauty of the area,” reports RFA. Benshul Jenya is the largest of 16 nomad villages in the county. Further Tibetan towns affected by this order were Trilnak, Tanak, Chang Shey and Rigmon. A further four Tibetans were detained in Gonpo Dong in Tanak, as well as Gyablung village chief Tashi Gya. On May 7, authorities formally announced that Tibetans could no longer build along the lake, or in other nomadic areas nearby. However, the source for RFA claims that this order is being ignored where Tibetans can afford to bribe officials. Tibetans living in Tibet frequently protest against human rights abuses, as well as religious, economic and political discrimination. MAY 2015
news & issues
TWA Plans for the Future by Tenzin Samten 117 Tibetan female leaders from 26 regional chapters of the Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) assembled at the college of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah, to participate in TWA’s 11th General Body meeting.
The out-going executives of TWA Photo: Phayul
The meeting lasted for 6 days from May 8 – 13 and was inaugurated by the
Continued on page 4
women are highly educated and can now make a major contribution to society, unlike in former times. She went on to say that today’s women have no excuse to limit themselves. TWA honoured its founding members who continue to provide guidance, and ten members were given awards for their 12 years of service and contribution to the cause. The General Body Meeting is held every three years and is one of TWA’s highest decision-making forums. During the gathering, members brainstorm, discuss and plan tactics for the next three years. The new team of central executive members was elected during the meeting and was announced on the final day.
Modi and Xi Strengthen Ties
fora in which they are involved. They also collectively supported a comprehensive reform of the United Nations. It was also decided to “take the relationship out of the narrow confines of governments in the national capitals to states, cities and our people”. With 2015 being the Year of India in China and 2016 the Year of China in India, tourism too will expand in both countries, and the Nathu La route for Indian pilgrims to visit Kailash Mansarovar, for instance, will become operational in June. To promote greater cultural, tourism, economic and people-to-people engagement, an additional Consulate General will be established in each other’s country, with China opening theirs in Chennai and India in Chengduto. Agreements on establishing a provincial partnership between Karnataka and Sichuan and sister-city relationships between Aurangabad – Dunhuang, Chennai – Chongqing, and Hyderabad – Qingdao were also welcomed. As a means of fostering closer dialogue, the two sides also established an IndiaChina Think Tanks Forum, which will meet annually. Contact
elected leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay. Mrs Rinchen Khando, the founding president of TWA and Mr Penpa Tsering, speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, were the chief guests. In addressing the meeting, Dr Lobsang Sangay said that TWA is one of the largest non-government organisations with 17,000 members, and that the TWA is very active in every respect, be it politically, spiritually, culturally, educationally and in advocating the Tibetan cause on international platforms. Rinchen Khando said that women have always been important in all societies; especially in recent years,
New avenues for co-operation were also opened up in the peaceful use of outer space and nuclear energy, in the sphere of public health, medical education and traditional medicine, with the Indian Space Research Organisation and China National Space Administration agreeing to sign a Space Co-operation Outline for Deep Space Exploration. Lastly, both countries agreed to tackle the growing trade deficit by expanding economic relations in infrastructure, IT, pharma, agriculture and manufacturing. On the last day of his China visit, Modi met Chinese CEOs in an attempt to invite them to participate in his ‘Make in India’ campaign using the 5F Formula - From Farm to Fibre to Fabric to Fashion to Foreign! Over the course of the meeting, he signed 21 business agreements worth $22 billion. Following this, he launched the Centre for Gandhian and Indian Studies at Fudan University, where he said that the two countries have historical and civilisational ties and can together create a world that serves humanity. But one of the most unforgettable parts of the trip was his speech later 9
that day, while addressing a crowd of over 5,000 members of the expatriate Indian community at the Indian Community Reception in Shanghai. Taking a dig at previous Indian governments, he said that in his one year as PM, he tried to complete 30 years of work, saying “I am criticised for working hard. If working more is a crime, I will keep doing it. My commitment is to the people.” But when he said “Now you feel proud to represent the country. Indians abroad had all hoped for a change in government last year”, the words rubbed many Indians the wrong way, sparking an online controversy and the Twitter hashtag #ModiInsultsIndia. He concluded his three-day China visit with the words “I see this visit in a different way. It has laid strong foundations which will benefit coming ages”. Noting that China has changed in 30 years and not overnight, he said, “India too will have to improve growth, progress in IT, Research and Development. Once we move towards a new age, we can give something to the world. In every respect, we will take the country forward. It is our resolve.” MAY 2015
news & issues
A Month of Merit by Wendhe Choetsoe and Tamdin Yangzom Saka Dawa is considered the most holy festival for Tibetan Buddhism, which falls in the fourth month of the lunar calendar. The festival celebrates the main events in the life of Buddha
Lingkor in Dharamshala Photo: TibetPost
Shakyamuni, including his birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana (nirvana after death). Saka is the name of the star that is closest to the earth and Dawa means month in Tibetan. This year Saka Dawa starts from May 19 to June
16. The 15th day of the month, a full moon day, is the most holy of all this year falls on June 2. Tibetan Buddhists believe that good actions during the whole month would accumulate merit, especially on the 15th day. The merits of any good deed are believed to multiply by hundred million times during the month. Therefore, people often engage in extra good things. Circumambulating, reciting mantras, making prostrations, fasting, shunning meat, releasing captive birds and fishes, giving alms to the poor and visiting temples are some of the most common things that are done during Saka Dawa. In Tibet, Tibetans would walk or prostrate around the Potala Palace, the seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and also around other holy temples. Some would prostrate all the way from their villages to Lhasa for months. In the exile-seat of the Dalai Lama,
beggars would take their spots at the Lingkor (path around the residence of His Holiness) in Dharamshala.
Tibetans prostrating around the Potala Palace Photo: internet
This year, His Eminence Professor Samdhong Rinpoche will be giving a teaching at 4 am at Tsuglakhang, the main Tibetan temple, on June 2. The teaching will be on the introduction to vows of practices and observances (Nyung-ney) taken voluntarily by monks, nuns and public alike on specific days of religious importance.
Tree Felling Controversy: Inquiry Ordered by Sarah Weber Several deodar trees are reported to have been felled illegally around McLeod Ganj and Dharamkot. It appears that the deodars were felled prior to, or during the construction of hotels. Deodars are ancient and threatened trees. The botanical name Cedrus deodara derives from Sanskrit and
Forest range officer inspect the stump of a tree Photo: The Tribune/Kamaljeet
means “wood of gods�. They are a feature of the local eco-system. In addition, Dharamshala is located in an earthquake zone and the trees form a Contact
natural protection against landslides as their roots provide valuable structural support to the ground. The law in Himachal Pradesh states that the felling of green trees is only permitted if they threaten the life or property of residents. Permission to fell trees can only be given by the Deputy Commissioner after he receives a recommendation from the Forest Department, the Municipal Council, Revenue Department, and the Town and Planning Department. However, The Tribune has reported that most of the trees had been removed on the basis of fraudulent permissions, since the trees had been cut on vacant plots, or that more trees had been felled than permitted by the Department. Following The Tribune articles, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mr Virbhadra Singh ordered an inquiry into the tree felling. The inquiry, carried out separately by the various departments, reports that only 17 trees have been 10
felled and only 4 trees illegally. Ghazala Abdullah, a local resident, disputed this figure, and wrote directly to the Chief Justice in Shimla. He then filed a Public Interest Litigation and has ordered all the department heads to appear before him in the High Court this week. Some Dharamshala residents have initiated a campaign to save the trees,
The online petition on Avaaz: https://goo.gl/k2PO4b
their campaign includes an Avaaz petition which can be found on the Avaaz website.
MAY 2015
news & issues
Further Imprisonments and Releases in Tibet May 27: Two Detained Lhundrub, 27, a monk, and Rithar, 21, two young Tibetans, were detained earlier this month. It is assumed their detention is for having allegedly transmitted politically sensitive writings and images over the popular WeChat microblog. Both were natives of Traktse village in Dingri county in Shigatse. Lhundrub was detained in Traktse, Rithar in Lhasa. May 23: Another Detention Sonam Dargye, a resident of Suwa village in Ngaba county in the Ngaba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, was detained last month for his role in organising a prayer festival in March. The news has only just emerged due to the communications block and there is no information about Dargye’s current circumstances. Festival participants shouted slogans calling for Tibetan unity and paraded flags with photos of the Dalai Lama and other exiled leaders. Dargye, who is in his late 20s, manages a small shop with his wife Yangzom. They have three children. May 20: Singer Sentenced Gonpo Tenzin, a popular Tibetan singer from Shakchu Township in Driru County in the Nagchu Prefecture in Tibet was sentenced to three and a half years in prison last month, but news is only emerging now because
of the communications crackdown there. He was arrested in November 2013 for his song Where is the new year in Tibet which praises Tibetan culture, and has been tortured during his detention. Contact
May 18: Monk Arrested Tsewang Choephel, a monk from Nyitso monastery in Tawu County in easternTibet, was arrested while commuting to work on his motorbike for his alleged part in a protest following another monk, Kalsang Yeshi’s self-immolation protest last year. Choepel comes from Masur village in Tawu County. May 17: Monk Freed Palden Trinlay, 26, a monk from Kardze monastery in Sichuan, has been released from Mianyang prison after serving a seven-year term for his role in the 2008 protests. He is reported to have been sent home in secret to prevent public celebration of his release, although people were waiting for him to arrive. Last year he was reported to be in poor health and without adequate medical treatment. May 12: Two People Beaten Namgyal Tenzin, 53, and his son Petse who is mentally unstable, were beaten up by two policemen in civilian clothing in Driru County in the Nagchu Prefecture while out for an evening walk. Namgyal is in hospital with a broken back, serious head injuries and suspected kidney damage. The two policemen have not been punished or reprimanded. Namgyal denies the police claim that they spoke to them abusively. May 7: Another Release Samdrub Gyatso, in his 30s, has been released from Lhasa’s Drapchi prison and brought back to Serthang town in Dashi county in the Tsojan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. He was detained in 2010 following a solitary protest in front of the Jokhang 11
temple in Lhasa, and served a fiveyear sentence. He was also detained in 2009 after a trip to India, a c c u s e d of having brought back books written by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. May 5: Prisoner Released Jigme Samten, 30, a monk from Gyalmo monastery, has been released after serving four years in prison Sangchu County in Amdo, eastern Tibet, on charges of leading a protest against the Chinese government during the 2008 nationwide uprising in Tibet. Local Tibetans welcomed him home and celebrated his release with khatak (ceremonial scarves) and a convoy of vehicles. May 4: Freed Sonam Gyatso and Sangay Khar, who were arrested earlier this year from Gengya nomadic village in Tibet’s Sangchu County have been released and four others who were summoned for questioning hava also been released. They were all arrested for their involvement in local protests against a government highway expansion project and demanding compensation for their local community. May 2: Protesters Detained Tibetan villagers have been protesting against a road construction at Mini mountain near Awong village in the Chamdo prefecture; the road is linked to plans for mining on a sacred mountain in Tibet’s Gonjo county. Some villagers have been detained and many were badly injured by the Chinese authorities in a clash at the site. The local government hospital has refused to treat the injured. MAY 2015
news & issues
Tibetan Headlines May 30: GCM Kicks Off The 21st Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup football tournament, the most coveted sporting event of the Tibetan diaspora, kicked off in
Speaker Penpa Tsering at the opening ceremony
McLeod Ganj. 28 Tibetan football clubs and 448 players from the United States, Canada, Europe, Nepal and India are participating in this year’s tournament which will run until June 10. The tournament was first held in 1981 in memory of HH the Dalai Lama’s late mother. May 29: Monasteries Under Pressure Large sums of money are being paid to Tibetan monasteries in western China’s Sichuan province which have avoided participating in protests challenging Beijing’s rule in Tibetan areas. In addition, patriotic reeducation classes are being imposed on monasteries that have taken part. Payments of 30,000 yuan [US $4,841] to 50,000 yuan [US $8,069] have been reported, while patriotic re-education sessions are said to last from three to four days. May 28: Patriotic Re-education Patriotic re-education campaigns in Sog county in the Nagchu prefecture, now part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, are being intensified and around 40 residents of the county have reportedly been arrested for travelling outside TAR. Officials visited the Tsendhen monastery there and said there was a need for more “political education” in the monastery. They threatened eviction for monks who do not comply with new rules. May 26: “Delhi Declaration” The two-day International Rangzen Contact
Conference in New Delhi concluded with the “Delhi Declaration” which re-affirms the participants’ stance on Rangzen (complete independence for Tibet), while respecting the official stance of the Tibetan Government, and resolves to promote unity among Tibetans. Tenzin Tsundue, one of the organisers, said “Generations of Tibetans both within and without Tibet must carry on the struggle with unflinching faith and determination”.
who is from Nyingtri County in the Tibet Autonomous Region, won the gold medal in 63kg wrestling and
May 25: Two Awards Two awards aimed at encouraging Tibetan entrepreneurs have been launched by the Tibetan Entrepreneurship Development, an initiative of the Department of Finance of the Central Tibetan Administration in partnership with the Dalai Lama Foundation in Canada. The Sikyong Entrepreneur of Year Award winner will receive INR 2,100,000 and the Investment Award for Up and Coming Entrepreneurs will give prizes of up to INR 1,500,000. (See pages 20 & 21)
May 14: Photocopying Restrictions A new restriction has been imposed on Tibetans living in the Tsolho region of Qinghai in Tibet. A group of Tibetans was refused permission to photocopy Tibetan-language papers relating to environmental protection, and told that the Chinese authorities’ approval is required first. They are members of the Sernya Soongkyop Tsokpa (Goldfish Protection Association), a voluntary environmental group working to protect and clean up Kokonor lake (Tib: Tso Nyon Po).
May 22: Weeks of Harrassment Weeks of police harassment, with the beating and detention of around 80 residents of Tawu county who were planning to celebrate the 80th birth
May 13: Dalai Lama Shunned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) President Amit Shah to cancel his meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama during Shah’s recent visit to Himachal Pradesh where he was speaking at the Party state executive meeting. It has emerged that Modi did not want to upset China ahead of his maiden visit there.
year of His Holiness the Dalai Lama led to Tenzin Gyatso’s self-immolation this month. His protest was followed by minor scuffles with police and four girls - Tashi Dolma, Tsering, Choetso, and Rigdzin Lhamo - were taken into custody. May 15: Tibetans Win Medals Two Tibetan women from Tibet, Shilo Dolma and Choekyi Dolma, have bagged medals at the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar. Shilo Dolma (pictured), 12
Choekyi Dolma from Golog won the silver medal in 5,000 metre run.
May 11: App Launch His Holiness the Dalai Lama launched a new bilingual news app, Himachalabhiabhi.com, at an event in Kangra, near Dharamshala. Asked about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to China, His Holiness replied “I am very concerned about the preservation of Tibetan culture, which is essentially ancient Indian culture.” When asked what kind of birth he might choose next, His Holiness jokingly replied, “A woman?” MAY 2015
news & issues
International Headlines May 31: FIFA Scandal Sepp Blatter has been re-elected Fifa president amid a corruption crisis which is gripping world football with key Fifa officials facing a string of bribery charges, arrests and corruption allegations. Mr Blatter has not been implicated but faces calls to stand down. In September 2014, Mr Blatter came under pressure to quit after rejecting calls for a report into alleged World Cup bidding corruption to be made public. May 29: Maharaja Crowned The new maharaja of Mysore, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, a 23-year-old economics graduate from the University of Massachusetts, has been crowned as the titular head of the 600-year-old Wadiyar dynasty in southern India. The ceremony was conducted by more than 40 priests across 15 temples and attended by over 1,000 people. May 27: Cologne Evacuated Around 20,000 people in the German city of Cologne have been evacuated as authorities defuse a one-tonne bomb from World War Two near Muelheim bridge over the Rhine. A 1km exclusion zone has been set up around the spot where the device, believed to be American, was found buried 16ft underground. May 24: Historic Referendum The Republic of Ireland has become the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage through a popular vote. Over 62% voted in favour of amending the country’s constitution to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry. Same-sex marriage is now legal in 20 countries worldwide. May 23: Breastfeeding Takeover Mothers in Budapest, the Hungarian capital, have occupied a McDonald’s restaurant, protesting against its move Contact
earlier this week to stop a woman from breastfeeding her baby. McDonald’s blamed a security guard for the incident and said they have launched an investigation. They have issued a statement saying that women are welcome to breastfeed in McDonald’s restaurants. May 21: Banks Plead Guilty Five of the world’s largest banks are to pay fines totalling $5.7bn (£3.6bn) on a number of charges, some criminal, including manipulating the foreign exchange market. Four of the banks - JPMorgan, Barclays, Citigroup and RBS - have agreed to plead guilty to US criminal charges. The fifth, UBS, will plead guilty to rigging benchmark interest rates. May 20: At War Ukraine’s president Petro Poroshenko has said his country is now in a “real war” with Russia, and that he does not trust his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Russia denies Western accusations that it has sent troops and armour to help the rebels in eastern Ukraine. At least 6,000 people have been killed since fighting started in eastern Ukraine in April 2014. May 18: Railway Line Protest Four people have died and scores have been injured in China when an estimated 30,000 protestors clashed with police. Residents of Linshui in Sichuan protested against the government’s change to a railway construction plan which will pass through neighboring Guangan city instead of Linshui. May 16: Deathtrap in Philippines A fire in a rubber slipper factory in the Philippines that killed 72 people has spotlighted the unsafe working conditions in Southeast Asia’s fastestgrowing country. The fire becoming a deathtrap has been blamed on lax implementation of safety rules and a lack of site inspections by the government. 13
May 14: Pope Recognises Palestine The Vatican will formally recognise Palestinian statehood after 20 years of talks. The Vatican favours a twostate solution to the IsraeliPalestinian conflict and is eager that the property and civil rights of the Catholic Church in the Palestinian state is protected. Israel has expressed disappointment, saying the decision will not advance the peace process. May 12: HR in Britain The re-elected British Conservative Party is beginning procedings to repeal the Human Rights Act in Britain and replace it with the British Bill of Rights in a move which is causing uproar in the country. Critics say this will put Britain on a collision course with the Court of Human Rights and could lead to the UK’s ultimate departure from the Convention on Human Rights and the Council of Europe. May 11: Boat Rescue About 500 people have been rescued from a stranded boat off northern Indonesia. They belonged to Myanmar’s Rohingya M u s l i m c o m m u n i t y, and included many women and children who were trying to reach Malaysia. Myanmar refuses to recognise the Rohingya people as citizens, and hundreds of thousands have fled persecution in recent years, many across the jungle border with Thailand, others by sea. May 1: Malala Attackers Jailed Ten Taliban men have been jailed for life for involvement in the shooting of education activist Malala Yousafzai, aged 15, in Pakistan. Ms Yousafzai was shot in the head by the Taliban for going to school. MAY 2015
around town
Charities and Organisations
Central Tibetan Administration
The CTA serves in Dharamshala as the government in exile of Tibet. It is democratic with judiciary, legislative, and executive branches. Within the Executive branch there is the Kashag, consisting of the departments of Religion and Culture, Home, Education, Finance, Security, Information and International Relations and Health, and Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay. WEB: www.tibet.net LOCATION: Dharamshala – 176215 PHONE: 01892-222218 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:00 am-5:00 pm EMAIL: kashag@tibet.net
The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)
OHHDL is the personal office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The office organises his schedule, including appointments and travel plans, diplomatic and personal correspondence, and liaises with officials of the Central Tibetan Administration. When His Holiness is in Dharamshala, his schedule includes daily religious practice and studies, meeting with private audiences, and congregating with the Tibetan Kashag and senior Tibetan governmental officials. WEB: www.dalailama.com LOCATION: Thekchen Choeling, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala – 176219 PHONE: 01892-221343 / 221210 EMAIL: ohhdl@dalailama.com
Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)
The TYC is an advocacy and political action organisation with chapters around the world. The Tibetan Youth Congress organises cultural exhibitions, educational campaigns and social welfare activities. The organisation publishes a series of periodicals and magazines on the Tibetan cause. WEB: www. tibetanyouthcongress.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala -176219 PHONE: 01892-221554 EMAIL:president@tibetanyouthcongress.org, tyc@tibetanyouthcongress.org
Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA)
The TWA conducts workshops on gender sensitization and domestic violence throughout Tibetan settlements in India, provides Tibetan women with education scholarships, and connects women with international sponsors. WEB: www. tibetanwomen.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala – 176219 PHONE: 01892-221527 EMAIL: tibwomen@gmail.com
Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)
TCV provides care to Tibetan children by creating a nurturing environment and fostering Tibetan values and culture while delivering a modern education. There is an Upper and Lower residential school in Dharamshala and day school in McLeod Ganj, with other branches throughout India. WEB: www.tcv.org.in LOCATION: Dharamshala Cantt.176216 PHONE: 01892-221354 / 221348 EMAIL: headoffice@tcv.org.in
Contact
Men-Tsee-Khang: Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute
Men-Tsee-Khang is a facility for research, training and practice of traditional Tibetan medicine. Patients may seek treatment at Men-TseeKhang for both acute and chronic conditions. The facility provides extensive training and produces traditional pharmaceuticals. WEB: www.men-tsee-khang.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala – 176215 PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org
Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)
The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives has the purpose to restore, protect, preserve, and promote Tibetan culture in all its aspects. They offer courses in Tibetan and Hindi language and Buddhist philosophy and can provide affordable accommodation for those enrolled in two or more courses. WEB: ltwa.net, tibetanlibrary.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong Dharamshala - 176215 PHONE: 98822-55047 EMAIL: ltwa1970@gmail.com
Delek Hospital
Delek Hospital is a small, Tibetan run hospital in Dharamshala. It has 45 inpatient beds, holds outpatient hours from 9am to 12pm Monday through Friday, and can handle most small procedures. Patients are responsible for a 10 Rupees registration fee, although this is waived for those who fall under the poverty line. The hospital has a pharmacy on site. WEB:www.delekhospital.org LOCATION: Kharadanda Rd, Dharamshala 176215; Delek Clinic, Bhagsu Rd,Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-222053 / 223381 HOURS: Outpatient, Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00 pm-4:30 pm; Emergencies, 24 hours daily EMAIL: delek@sancharnet.in
Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society
The society was established in 1999 to provide educational and administrative guidance to all Tibetan schools in remote areas of India and Bhutan that do not fall under the guidance of Tibetan Childrens Village. Today there are 12 schools under this organisation. WEB: www.sambhota.org LOCATION: Session Rd, Dharamshala176215 PHONE: 01892 - 228877 | 226877 EMAIL: stss1999@gmail.com
Tong-Len Charitable Trust
Tong-Len’s mission is to help displaced communities in North India achieve a secure and sustainable future. Tong-Len projects include educational and health programs, childhood education and sponsorship, primary and nursery tent schools, and children’s support hostels. Volunteer opportunities available. WEB: www. tong-len.org LOCATION: Top Floor, Bank Of Baroda, Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala-176215 PHONE: 01892-223930 EMAIL: jamyang@tong-len.org
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Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)
SFT is an international NGO that promotes the Tibetan cause among the non-Tibetan community. The organisation attempts to build international solidarity by advocating for a free Tibet through chapter organisations at Universities around the world. WEB:www.sftindia.org, www.studentsforafreetibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - 176219 PHONE: 9882786875
Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD)
TCHRD advocates for human rights and provides education on the human rights situation in Tibet. The centre publishes journals and articles, as well as conducts workshops and campaigns. WEB: www.tchrd.org LOCATION: CTA, Dharamshala - 176215 PHONE: 01892-223363 EMAIL: office@tchrd.org
Lha Charitable Trust (Lha)
Lha, a Tibetan grassroots NGO based in Dharamshala, is one of the largest social work organisations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population, and people from the Himalayan regions. Lha offers free English, French and Chinese classes, cultural exchange programs, IT classes, vocational training, health and environmental awareness education, distribution of clothes and medicine, a community kitchen, and many other programs and activities. (see page 2) WEB:www.lhasocialwork.org LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-220992, 988-2323-455 EMAIL: office@lhasocialwork.org
The Kangra Distt. Red Cross Society
The Kangra District Red Cross Society renders its humanitarian services, projects and activities with the help and the co-operation of people at all levels of society by donation. WEB: www.redcrosskangra.org LOCATION: Red Cross Bhawan, Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-224888 / 9418832244 EMAIL: sharmaopl12345@gmail.com
Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet
Gu-Chu-Sum is a social service organisation that provides financial and medical support for ex-political prisoners and political activists from Tibet. WEB: www.guchusum.org LOCATION: Jogibara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala -176219 PHONE: 01892-220680 / 220679 EMAIL: guchusum1991@gmail.com
Tibet Charity
Tibet Charity provides programs including English and computer classes, an animal care program, and a variety of medical and educational financial support programs. WEB: www.tibetcharity.in LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-221790 / 221877 EMAIL:mail@tibetcharity.in tibccharity@gmail.com
MAY 2015
around town
Charities and Organisations
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA)
Established in 1959, under the vision of HH the Dalai Lama, TIPA strives to preserve and promote Tibetan theatrical tradition. The Insitute imparts comprehensive training and lessons on Tibetan folk dance, folk song, traditional instruments and tradition of Tibetan opera. TIPA also hosts a beautiful theatrical museum which remains open during working days. We organise a special group tour of our campus every Wednesday (10 am). WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: TIPA Road, McLeod Ganj Dharamshala-176219 PHONE: 01892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com
Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT)
Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT) is a nongovernment, non-profit adult education centre in Dharamshala, North India. LIT provides Free Education, Health Care and Skills Training to Tibetan Refugees to help eradicate poverty and illiteracy amongst the Tibetan population. WEB: www.learningandideasfortibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala 176219 PHONE: 01892-220690 EMAIL: learningandideasfortibet@gmail.com
Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR)
Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution is a nonprofit, educational organisation dedicated to the non-violent management of conflicts in the Tibetan Community and the world as a whole. They work to promote the approaches and tools of non-violent conflict resolution and democratic processes in the Tibetan community in exile and elsewhere. WEB: http://tccr.org LOCATION: Session Road, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-226627 EMAIL: tccrteam@gmail.com
Rogpa Baby Care Centre
The Rogpa Baby Care Centre helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so their parents can work. The centre needs volunteers to help with art, games, singing and other tasks including diaper changing. WEB: www.tibetrogpa.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala- 176219 PHONE: 9857973026 EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com
Gamru Village School
Gamru Village School is a successful NGO that provides free high-quality education to any children who encounter serious barriers to education and who have a low standard of living. WEB: www.gamruschool.com LOCATION: Village Gamru, P.O Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala, Distt Kangra 176215 PHONE: 9816105554 EMAIL: tashu72004@yahoo.com
Contact
Clean Upper Dharamshala Project
Founded in 1994 to provide a waste management system in and around McLeod Ganj, the Green Workers, the Handmade Recycled Paper Factory, the Green Shop and the Environmental Education Centre are part of the Clean Upper Daramsala Project. Weekly guided tours are offered on Wednesdays at 3 pm. WEB: www.tsodhasa.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - 176219 PHONE: 01892-221059 EMAIL: office@tsodhasa.org
Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage)
Nyingtob Ling supports Tibetan children from disadvantaged families. The children make handicrafts and paintings. They are so friendly and love to have visitors. WEB: www.nyingtobling.org LOCATION: Near Norbulingka, Sidhpur PHONE:01892 211042 / 9816028149 EMAIL: nyingtob_ling@hotmail.com
Women’s Team
Volunteers needed to teach English to Indian women and children in the village of Kaniyara near Dharamshala. Contact Jitender. EMAIL: jitenderje@gmail.com PHONE: 9817105035 / 08894435595
The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)
ANEC facilitates trainings, workshops and open forum discussions on nonviolent strategies to help resolve disagreements and differences at all levels of human society. ANEC welcomes volunteers from western countries to participate in informal panel discussions on ideas of regional and global peace and nonviolent strategies. Free lunch and tea and many more benefits for volunteers. LOCATION: No. 262, 1st floor, Khajanchi -Mohalla, Khunyara Rd, Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 98051-47048 / 94180-94476 EMAIL: tcsamkhar@gmail.com, Facebook: Anec Peace
National Democratic Party of Tibet
The NDPT is currently the only Tibetan political party. With 5000 members in 36 regional chapters throughout the world, the main aim and objectives of the NDPT are to prepare for the establishment of a political party in a future Tibet, to promote democracy, to educate the Tibetan people about the significance of political parties and to create awareness among the people about Tibetan issues. WEB: www.ndp4tibet.org LOCATION: Dharamshala–176219 EMAIL: tibetparty4@gmail.com PHONE: 9882787633 / 9882673330
BUS SCHEDULE
* Times and prices may vary. Please check with the bus stand ahead of departure. Leaving from the McLeod Ganj bus stand, unless otherwise stated: Delhi: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am, 6pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm and 8:30pm (Rs524) Semi Deluxe Bus: 6pm (Rs544) , Full Deluxe Bus: (Rs683) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8pm (Rs1121) AC TATA: 4pm (Rs830) Amritsar: Ordinary Bus: 5am (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
MAY 2015
activities and information Upcoming Events May 30-Jun 10: GCM Football Tournament Jun 7 - 9: Miss Tibet Pageant Jun 11-13: Dharamshala Film Festival
MEDITATION Ocean of Harmony
Taught by an experienced and qualified coach WEB: www.oceanofharmony.org PHONE: (+91) 99798-94585 EMAIL: ohlifeandwellness@gmail.com
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
Jun 21: Long-life Offering Ceremony for His Holiness the Dalai Lama As part of His Holiness’s official 80th Birthday Celebration at Tsuglakhang temple
Tushita Meditation Center WEB: www.tushita.info LOCATION: Dharamkot HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:30-11:30am PHONE: 0898-816-0988 EMAIL: spc@tushita.info
Rita Thakur Hindi Classes
BUDDHIST PHILoSOPHY
Siddhartha Retreat Centre
LOCATION: Kunga Guesthouse, Bhagsu Rd and in Dharamkot PHONE: 01892-21942, 98055-96741 EMAIL: sunilsharma81in@yahoo.co.in
Library of Tibetan Works and Archives WEB: www.ltwa.net/library LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9-10 am, 11-12noon PHONE: 921-842-2467
Public Audience with HH Karmapa WEB: www.kagyuoffice.org LOCATION: Sidhpur HOURS: Wed & Sat: 2:30pm PHONE: 01892-235307
yoga and reiki Om Yoga, Meditation and Reiki Centre
LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, behind Akash Hotel, on Jogiwara Rd HOURS: 8:00am-5:30pm PHONE: 980-569-3514
Sunita Singh Yoga Class
LOCATION: Singh Corner, nr Magic Tree Upper Bhagsu PHONE: 98058-89060 WEB: www.maashakktiyoga.com
Siddhartha Retreat and Yoga Centre LOCATION: Upper Bhagsu PHONE: 098165-65138 WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org
MASSAGE Nature Cure Health Club
Shiatsu massage LOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka, Jogiwara Road PHONE: 941-813-0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com
Men-Tsee-Khang
LOCATION: Mcleod Ganj Branch Clinic, 1st floor, TIPA Road (2 mins from Main Square) PHONE: 98828-60505 EMAIL: therapycenter@men-tsee-khang.org
Traditional Thai Massage
LOCATION: Opposite the Himachal Govt. Tourist Information Centre, Hotel Surya Rd PHONE: 981-633-9199 EMAIL: jite02@yahoo.com jitthimalaya@gmail.com
Contact
WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Nag, Near High Sky PHONE: 09816565138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@yahoo.co.in
Om Yoga, Meditation and Reiki Centre LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Road PHONE: 980-569-3514 EMAIL: om.yoga@ymail.com
COOKING Lha Tibetan Cooking Classes - for groups LOCATION: Lha Soup Kitchen, Temple Rd, Just below the Dalai Lama’s temple PHONE: 01892-220992
Indian Cooking and Knitting with Ms Rita Kapoor LOCATION: Old German Bakery, 1st Floor, Room No. 2, Opp. Buddha Hall, Bhagsunag PHONE: 94592-06586
Lha Tibetan Cooking School LOCATION: Lha Office, Temple Rd HOURS: Registration, 9:00-11:00am PHONE: 01892-20992
Indian Cooking Classes
LOCATION:Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guesthouse HOURS: 10:00am-6:00pm PHONE: 941-813-0119 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com
Lhamo’s Kitchen: Tibetan Cooking Classes
LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop HOURS: 8:00am-9:00pm PHONE: 981-646-8719
Nisha’s Indian Cooking Class
LOCATION: 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: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Rd, beside the Korean Restaurant PHONE: 981-649-4732
Hindi Lessons with Sunil
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
Tibetan with Pema Youdon
LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, opposite post office HOURS: 1:00-4:00pm, or leave a message.
Esukhia Online Tibetan Courses and Tibetan Immersion Spoken Location:Tilak Ray Building, Bhagsu Rd WEB: www.esukhia.org PHONE: 8679502538 / 98820-04965 EMAIL: contact@esukhia.org
art and museums Tibet Museum
LOCATION:Near the Main Temple and the Namgyal Monastery gate, McLeod Ganj HOURS: Tue-Sun: 9:00am-5:00pm
Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression
LOCATION: Gu-Chu-Sum hall, Jogiwara Rd HOURS: Mon, Wed & Fri: 2:00pm-5:00pm
The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA)
WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 1892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com
Kangra Art Museum
LOCATION: Near Bus Stand, Kotwali Bazaar PHONE: 01892 224214 HOURS: Tue-Sun: 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm
Men-Tsee-Khang Museum
LOCATION: Near CTA, Gangchen Kyishong PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org HOURS: 9am-5pm. Closed on Sun, 2 and 4th Sat
Form Gallery
LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd. near Oasis Cafe PHONE: 8894-060602 HOURS: Daily, 12:00pm-6:00pm
MAY 2015
activities and information HEALTH SERVICES
Tibet-Related Websites
Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Dr Natasha Mehra
News:
LOCATION: Near Hotel Mount View, Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 09218742046 EMAIL: perfect32dentalclinic@gmail.com
Dadon Physiotherapy Clinic
LOCATION: 310, Geden Choeling Nunnery, Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj HOURS: 9am - 7pm PHONE: 9882323598 EMAIL: dadonphysio@gmail.com
Dr Kumar Ayurvedic - Panchkarma
WEB: www.kumarayurveda.com LOCATION: Hotel Surya Rd., opp Club House HOURS: 9:00am-2:00pm & 2:30-7:00pm; Emergencies: 24 hrs daily PHONE: 8894492837 EMAIL: SATINDER3737@gmail.com
Maanav Health Clinic
LOCATION: Main Square HOURS: 10:00am-12:30pm and 2:00-5:00pm PHONE: 941-815-5795 EMAIL: maanavcare@yahoo.co.in
Men-Tsee-Khang
LOCATION: Below Delek Hospital, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org
Primary Health Centre
LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, main market HOURS: 9:30am-4pm, Mon-Sat
Nature Cure Health Club
LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House-Map #10 HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm PHONE: 94181-30119 / 97363-33888 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com
Tibetan Delek Hospital
rfa.org/english/news/tibet - Radio Free Asia’s mission is to provide accurate and timely news and information to Asian countries whose governments prohibit access to a free press voatibetanenglish.com - Voice of America’s Tibet pages - VOA is an international multimedia broadcasting service funded by the US government contactmagazine.net - Contact magazine online phayul.com -Phayul is published in Dharamshala,also has opinion, reviews, photos, etc guardian.co.uk/world/tibet - the UK Guardian newspaper’s Tibet pages scmp.com/news/china - the South China Morning Post – one of the more independent news sources in China thetibetpost.com and tibetexpress.net are both sources of news and information
News, information and campaigning :
tibet.net - official website of the Central Tibetan Administration in exile dalailama.com - for broadcasts of His Holiness’s teachings, his schedule and information about Tibet and the Dalai Lama tchrd.org - Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy - a nongovernment organisation and a research centre to protect the human rights of Tibetan people and promote the principles of democracy tibetanyouthcongress.org - an international non-government organisation that advocates full independence for Tibet from China studentsforafreetibet.org - a global grass roots group campaigning for full Tibetan independence tibetanreview.net - news, opinions, reviews and information freetibet.org: - UK-based campaigning organisation, also a good news source savetibet.org - international campaign for Tibet and a good resource for news, campaigns, fundraising and projects tibetnetwork.org/home - a coalition of more than 190 Tibet organisations dedicated to campaigning to end human rights violations in Tibet and restoring rights to the Tibetan people
Writings:
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
highpeakspureearth.com/category/woeser - occasional translations of Woeser’s enormously popular blog – Woeser lives in Beijing and is continually harassed by the Chinese government for her courageous writings.
T H O S A M L IN G ’s Tibetan Language Program 2015 MODULE 1
MODULE 2
22 June – 11 Sep 5 days/week, total 4.5 hrs/day
28 Sep – 11 Dec 5 days/week, total 4.5 hrs/day
Beginner Course
Start with the alphabet and learn to read and write basic Tibetan in two weeks! Audio and video materials ensure quick progress. Private time with teachers is available.
MODULE 3
Intermediate Course
Dharma Language Course
MODULE 4
Introduction to Debate
28 May–17 Jul / 19 Oct –11 Dec 3 Aug – 9 Oct 5 days/week, total 2.5 hrs/day 5 days/week, total 2.5 hrs/day & afternoon debate sessions. Main focus is on colloquial Tibetan Main focus is on literary and
and first stages of literary Tibetan.
All c ou r s a re f re ee s fo r S a n gha !
colloquial Tibetan. We work with audio materials, transcripts and translations of oral teachings and c a nyo u s their root texts. j o i nti l l
Debate opens many doors to the Dharma and sharpens the mind.
T H O S A M L I N G I N S T I T U T E For International Buddhist Women CONTACT US: Contact
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fi ve pe op le Fo r a mi nimum of eo d Ga nj: cL M co mi ng fr om an sp or t tr ily da ve si en ine xp . ed ng ra ar ca n be
thosamling@gmail.com • www.thosamling.com • Sidhpur • 176057 Dharamsala • mob 9882455065 17
MAY 2015
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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
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
Pema Thang Guest House and Restaurant
DrYourMobile Shop Communication Partner Mobile Sales, Mobile Repair, Sim Cards, Purchase and Recharge Phone Service
Charming, comfortable, and scrupulously clean; minutes from the Main Temple and McLeod Ganj Market;
Black Magic Building (underground), Jogiwara Road, Map # 8 McLeod Ganj Phone: 9857011101 Contact
Unique Garden restaurant and “HOMESTAY” home cooked wheat porridge, fluffy pancakes and paranthas, BBQ, kababs, Naans and many more Enjoy our garden café with fibre roof and amongst unique plants surrounded with pine trees Neat & clean rooms with beautiful valley view High speed Wi-Fi
Hotel Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj: Map #15 Phone: 221871/221001 www.pemathang.net 18
MAY 2015
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MAY 2015
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MAY 2015
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MAY 2015
advertisements BHAGSU NAG
Map not to scale
For Details See Advertisement Pages Thank you for patronising our advertisers!
TIPA
DHARAMKOT
Vipassana Centre
Naddi Village
Tushita Centre
12
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McLEOD GANJ 4
5 MAIN SQUARE
Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)
Cantt Police Post
89
6 7
10 15
1 Lha Main Bazaar
14
2
13
Road to Dharamshala
1. Lha Headquarters 2. Namgyal Cafe 3. Common Ground Cafe 4. Dream Holidays Travel 5. Shangrila Hotel 6. Nature Cure Health Club 7. Dr Mobile, Woeser Bakery 8. Black Tent Cafe 9. Carpe Diem Restaurant
10. Perfect 32 Dental Clinic 11. Hotel Ladies’ Venture 12. 8 Auspicious Him View Hotel 13. Ahimsa House & Lha Soup Kitchen 14. Chonor House 15. Osho No Mind Meditation, Pema Thang 16. Central Tibetan Administration, Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile
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Road to Dharamshala
Our specialty: Chocolate Vegan cake, Gluten free cake, Fresh Coffe Beans, cappaccino, Chocolate chilli lollipop
Namgyal Cafe
9am to 7pm - Closed on Monday Below “Black Magic Hotel” on Jogiwara Rd - Map # 7 The famous and popular Namgyal Cafe has merged
Dream Holidays
with Om Hotel right off the main square - Map # 2 • • • •
Since 1998
Ground Floor of Asian Plaza Hotel, Main Square, McLeod Ganj (3rd office inside Mall) - Map #4 +Worldwide Air Travel Arrangements +AC/Non-AC cars jeeps for tours +Flight/Rail tickets, hotel reservations contact: 98160-87878 / 94180-97149, vineet_dream@yahoo.com
Extensive vegetarian menu Terrace dining with beautiful view Best pizza in McLeod Ganj Good music and friendly staffs
Open every day from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm Mobile: 9816150562
Nature Cure Health Club
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Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House - Map # 6 Mobile: 07833047078 Email: mahinder_m@hotmail.com,
For all your dental requirements under one roof, in a sterile clinic CONTACT
18+ yrs’ experience: Swedish massage courses & treatment, Zen Shiatsu courses, treatment, reflexology treatment, SPA, Singing Bowl Treatment and many more!
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Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Near Hotel Mount View Jogiwara Rd, McLeod Map# 10
Enjoy traditional Taiwanese and Chinese food and peaceful environment, just one minute from the Bus Stand, just behind Asian Plaza! (Map #3)
Call: 09218742046 perfect32dentalclinic@ gmail.com Contact
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MAY 2015
lha news and advertisements
Cultural Exchange Group from Centenary College Contact magazine is published by Lha Charitable Trust. Lha also works hard to provide many services for the Tibetan exile community, the local Indian community, people from the Himalayan region and volunteers from different parts of the world. These pages will tell you more about our work. Lha hosted a student group from Centenary College, New Orleans in the United States, this month on the Lha Cultural Exchange Programme. The group, consisting of nine
The students being introduced to their Tibetan mutual learning partners
students and their professor Dr David Otto reached Dharamshala on May 9. The group was here to explore the Tibetan refugee community and to learn more about Tibetan culture, Buddhism and the Tibet issue. During their stay in Dharamshala the group, led by group leader Michael Smith, took part in different
Contact
A Successful visit to Switzerland and the UK
activities including the mutual learning programme and talks on Tibetan traditional medicine. After their arrival, the students were introduced to Lha’s students and met their Tibetan mutual learning partners. Every day, the partners spent around three hours together, discussing topics of interest and sharing information about each other and their cultures. On May 26, the final day of the Centenary students’ stay, a farewell gathering was organised at Lha’s Ahimsa House where they had been staying, and they were joined by their Tibetan mutual learning partners. Lha would like to thank the students for vising the Tibetan community here in Dharamshala, and to wish you all the very best for the future. To know more about the Cultural Exchange Programme, please visit www.lhasocialwork.org.
Lha Charitable Trust is working to provide services for the Tibetan and the local Indian communities in Dharamshala. To find out more about Lha’s work and projects, please visit our website: www.lhasocialwork.org.
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Lha’s Director Mr Ngawang Rabgyal visited Switzerland and the United Kingdom for two weeks to develop and strengthen Lha’s network and relationships with individuals and organisations. Mr Rabgyal had meetings with several prominent Lha sponsors and supporters, and updated them on Lha projects and work. In Switzerland, he met the Vice President of Tibet Fruende (Friends of Tibet) Ms Tsering Chagotsang, Project Convenor Mr Jigme Risur, and Mr Martin Hoffmann. In London in the UK, Mr Rabgyal met the President
of the Buddhist Society Dr Desmond Buddulph, Buddhist Society Trustee Mr Luke Ding (pictured above), Tibet Society and Tibet Relief Fund’s Chairman Mr Riki Hyde-Chamber, Free Tibet Campaign Director Ms Eleanor Byrne-Rosengren, Contact Chief Editor Ms Jenny James and senior campaigner at the Environmental Investigation Agency Ms Debbie Banks. Lha thanks you all for your time, interest and support throughout the visit and for your continued support for Lha.
MAY 2015
ལྷ་བོད་ཀྱི་ལུགས་མཐུན་བཟོ་ཚོང་ལས་ཁང་།
Lha Tibet Fair Trade Regd No.U74140HP2013PTC000540 IEC No. 2213006741 TIN: 02060101641 CST: 02060101641 PAN: AACCL5897M
What’s LTFT?
Lha Tibet Fair Trade (LTFT) is a certified Fair Trade company to support Lha’s charitable work through the sale of traditional Tibetan goods made by local craftspeople.
What we have? What we do?
Handmade woollen carpets, Singing bowls, Jewellery, Goods made from recycled papers, Tibetan home decor pieces and many more!
Retail outlet, Manufacture, wholesale, import & export, Support local artisans, Tours and travel. The LTFT is pleased to welcome any businesses wishing to form partnerships and set up exhibition tours.
Why LTFT?
Your shopping and support will contribute to Lha’s numerous social projects and help Lha become more sustainable and self-sufficient.
Drop-in at our store at LHA office, Mon-Sat Phone: +91 (0) 98823-23455 / 1892-220992
W www.tibetfairtrade.com
Lha Tibet Fair Trade To advertise call Lha office: 01892-220992 or visit Lha office at Temple Rd, McLeod Ganj Map #1
*New - You can now follow
Contact website on QR code!
Tibet Fair Trade འབྲེས་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།
Contact Newsletter
Managing Director Ngawang Rabgyal Editor-in-Chief Jenny James Editor Dukthen Kyi Assistant Editor Tsering Wangdue 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