Contact November 2014

འབྲེས་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།

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Contact

A Free Monthly Publication For Tibetan Issues & Community Information RGD No. HPENG/2013/51798 Volume: XVI Issue:10 30 November 2014

No Freedom for Tibetans Top United States diplomat Sarah Sewall, who is the US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, has said that Tibetans within China [Tibet] do not enjoy freedom within the Communist nation. Sewall was speaking at a press conference in Washington on her return from meeting Tibetan refugees in India and Nepal where she went to make an assessment of human rights conditions in Tibet.

She met Tibetan refugees in both the countries, as well as meeting. .

Read more on page 4

Chinese Threats to Tibetan Officials China is threatening to punish Communist Party officials in Tibet who are loyal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whom Beijing regards as a dangerous “separatist”. The Global Times quoted analysts who said, “Some officials in Tibet still sympathise with the Dalai Lama” because of their religious beliefs. These latest announcements are being made under China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign.

Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party of China’s Secretary to. . .

Read more on page 4

Nuns Sent Home Twenty six Tibetan nuns were expelled from Jhadda Nunnery in Driru county, Tibet, last month. The nunnery was targeted by Chinese authorities after nuns refused their requirement to denounce HH the Dalai Lama as a “splittist” in September. News of the expulsion has only now reached the exile community due to difficulties with communications in Tibet.

The nuns were expelled as part of the government’s “patriotic. . .

Read more on page 5

Protests at the G20 Summit Tibetans and Tibet supporters in Brisbane, Australia staged a protest when Chinese President Xi Jinping made his first visit to Australia to attend the G20 summit on November 14.

The protesters, led by the Australia Tibet Council (ATC), Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) and other local Tibetan communities, raised a banner hung between two large black balloons which read “China Fails Human Rights. G20 Unite for Tibet”.

Read more on page 5

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Contact News

Contact News

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. Recognised by Lonely Planet and other international travel resources, Contact has been a popular source of news and information on Tibetan issues, and the Dharamshala community, for over 14 years.

700 - 1,000 copies are printed per issue and distributed in the 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

Lha Charitable Trust

Institute for Social Work & Education Mission Statement:

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

Background:

Lha is a Tibetan grassroots nonprofit organisation based in Dharamshala, India. It is one of the largest social work organisations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population and people from the Himalayan regions.

Lha offers free English, French and Chinese classes, cultural exchange 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

Lha Traveler Services and Volunteer Opportunities

Long or short-term, skilled or unskilled volunteers needed at Lha

• English conversation (Mon-Fri, 4-5pm) • English, French and Chinese teachers • Computer teachers • Web designers and IT professionals • Contributing writers • Environmental professionals • Medical and healthcare professionals • Fundraisers and grant writers • Project professionals • Chefs and cooks • And much more!

Share your knowledge and skills with the local Tibetan, Indian, and Himalayan communities whilst gaining hands-on experience working with a social work organisation.

TIBETAN HOME-STAY Lha arranges home-stays with refugee families giving visitors the chance to experience the Tibetan life style and a chance to connect and learn about each others’ cultures. Homestays include accommodation, breakfast, and dinner.

*All donations and fees from Lha classes and services directly benefit Lha community social work projects.

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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 NOVEMBER 2014

lha news and projects

Lha Honours Professor Samdhong Rinpoche Over 2,000 people attended a ceremony to mark the 75th birthday of His Eminence Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, and to offer him Long Life wishes. The ceremony took place on November 5 at the Central University of Tibetan Studies (CUTS) at Sarnath.

Guests at the celebration paid tribute to Rinpoche’s many virtues, his dedication and the enormous contribution he has made to the Tibetan cause.

The day provided the opportunity for Lha to launch Professor Samdhong

Rinpoche’s new Tibetan/English website:www.samdhongrinpoche.com, together with the Felicitation Volume.

The volume is a celebratory book containing prayers for the long life of Prof Samdhong Rinpoche and a pictorial history of the University which includes an acknowledgement of Rinpoche’s contribution. Both are published by Lha. Rinpoche gave a teaching:“The Eight-Verse Thought Training” to over 1,000 people, and a message was read from HH the Dalai Lama: “For the last more than fifty years, Rinpoche has lived with simplicity, contentment and with exalted dedication, has greatly contributed during this crucial period [in Tibet’s history]”. There were readings from the Feliciation Volume and the day closed with traditional dances and songs of Tibet, Ladakh, India, Bhutan and Nepal.

Lha One of the Top Two NGOs in South Asia Challenge!

Lha was in the top two contestants in the South Asia-wide challenge: the 3rd eNGO Challenge Award Celebrating Digital Information Tools for Communities - which recognises the best NGO practices of using Information and Communication Technologies. Lha came second in the category “Best Practices of Social Media Usage”.

Lha was selected from thousands of NGOs around South Asia who compete in eight different categories.

Lha was represented by a team of three at the presentation in Delhi on November 5: Lha’s Deputy Director Mr Lobsang Rabsel, General Secretary

Lha’s Clean Water Project: Installing and Monitoring Lha is forging ahead with the Clean Water Project, and has installed its 15th and 16th water purification systems at Central School for Tibetans Shimla and Kham Kathok Tibetan Settlement.

They are RO+UV+ UF and TTS systems, considered one of the best systems available in the area. Each one will provide more than one hundred litres of safe drinking water per hour. The filtration system includes a stainless steel tank with a five hundred litre holding capacity.

We hope that our water project will help to alleviate major waterborne illnesses like typhoid and cholera that are common in this region, especially during the monsoon season.

So far around 7,000 people have benefited from the Lha Clean Water Project and we are hoping to install more through the help of our generous donors around the globe. Lha would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the Tibet Fund, USA for raising funds for the 14th, 15th and 16th water filter projects.

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Lha is currently testing water quality in the filtration systems to monitor the success of the project. A volunteer is helping Lha to set up a maintenance system for all 15 filters installed to date. With the kind help of Professor Breuer of the University of Giessen, a small laboratory is being set up at Ahimsa house to test tap and filtered water for bacteria - Coliforms (E.coli) - pH, hardness, etc. The water and storage tanks are disinfected with chlorine and filter parts are replaced when changing time is due. Our annual survey investigates any maintenance problems, health problems and hygiene awareness of the users. From this research, the idea of a Health and Hygiene Awareness Programme arose, which is now being instigated and will raise awareness on health and hygene issues.

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Ms Dukthen Kyi and Office Secretary Mr Tsering Wangdue.

All the finalist NGOs set up stalls to publicise their work. Being the only Tibetan NGO participating in the event, Lha staff grabbed the opportunity to talk to the hundreds of people there about Tibet, its current situation and about that of Tibetans living in exile Lha has dedicated the award to all their generous supporters and volunteers.

Lha Students write for Contact

Lha students are using the language skills they are learning in Lha classes to tell their stories. Their stories can be found at: www.contactmagazine. net - look in the “Dharamshala Voices” tab. And Lha is delighted that the English Advanced class students have contributed a news article to this month’s issue of Contact. It can be found on page 9, or see the full article online at www.contactmagazine.net.

NOVEMBER 2014

news & issues

By Mary Trewartha

No Freedom for Tibetans

met with several people who had left Top United States diplomat Sarah China [Tibet] recently, and I spoke Sewall, who is the US Special Co- to many people who have family in ordinator for Tibetan Issues, has said China [Tibet],” she added. that Tibetans within China [Tibet] “Their assessment of the situation do not enjoy freedom within the tracks very much with the State Communist nation. Sewall was speaking at a press conference in Washington on her return from meeting Tibetan refugees in India and Nepal where she went to make an assessment of human rights conditions in Tibet.

She met Tibetan refugees in both the countries, as well as meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala.

“I spent much of my time talking to refugees and Sarah Sewall with His Holiness the Dalai Lama talking to the organisations Photo: Tibet.net that welcome and work with refugees about the situation in China Department’s assessment of the [Tibet] because they tend to have situation, as recorded in our human more recent stories” Sewall said. “I rights reporting – that there is not a

By Jessica Wright

Chinese Threats to Tibetan Officials

China is threatening to punish Communist Party officials in Tibet who are loyal to HH the Dalai Lama, whom Beijing regards as a dangerous “separatist”. The Global Times quoted analysts who said, “Some officials in Tibet still sympathise with the Dalai Lama” because of their religious beliefs. These latest announcements are being made under China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign.

Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party of China’s Secretary to the Tibetan Autonomous Region, said that some officials in the region have “serious corruption issues” and Chen Quango have “failed Photo: Tibet.net to take a firm political stand” regarding “neutralising the separatists.”

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degree of freedom for Tibetans within China that we think is consistent with international human rights standards” continued Sewall.

Of her meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Sewall said “We spoke about non-violent approaches to conflict resolution, to include the questions of preserving Tibetan culture, religion, and education in every place that Tibetans currently reside”.

During her visit to Nepal, Sewall announced a new US $3.2 million (GB £2 million) USAID grant to help modernise the health system for Tibetan refugees. The Tibetan Health System Strengthening Project aims to universalise access to quality health services to end child and maternal deaths, and create tuberculosis free communities for Tibetan refugee communities in India and Nepal.

He also said that “Cadres who harbour fantasies about the 14th Dalai Group, follow the Dalai Group, participate in supporting separatist infiltration sabotage activities, [will be] strictly and severely punished according to the law and party disciplinary measures.”

These statements come on the heels of China’s investigations into high-ranking Tibetan authorities as part of its “anti-corruption” campaign

by China’s Central Commission for Discipline and Inspection, the Communist party’s internal watchdog.

The Tibetan Government-in-Exile, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), responded in a press release, saying that “the Middle-Way Approach” promoted by the Dalai Lama is a “mutually beneficial solution.”

The administration went on to say that “Tibetans seek genuine autonomy under a single administration within the constitution 4

of the People’s Republic of China and do not seek separation.”

The CTA also commented, “Repression incites resistance and such actions will further hamper any chance of long term stability that the Chinese government is seeking in the Tibetan region.”

Chen’s denunciation of the Dalai Lama and those who sympathise with him signals a hardening stance against His Holiness, labelling him a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” and a terrorist who seeks to use violent methods to establish an independent Tibet.

Since fleeing Tibet in 1959, the Dalai Lama has campaigned worldwide for the welfare of Tibetans and talked about the importance of compassion. He denies that he encourages violence.

Religious freedom is protected in China’s constitution. However, members of the officially atheist Communist party are banned from believing in religion.

NOVEMBER 2014

news & issues

Nuns Sent Home

By Ed Janich

Twenty six Tibetan nuns were expelled from Jhadda Nunnery in Driru county, Tibet, last month. The nunnery was targeted by Chinese authorities after nuns refused their requirement to denounce HH the Dalai Lama as a “splittist” in September. News of the expulsion has only now reached the exile community due to difficulties with communications in Tibet.

The nuns were expelled as part of the government’s “patriotic education” programme, which seeks to undermine traditional religious practice. The programme requires monks and nuns to register with China’s Democratic Management Committee and denounce the Dalai Lama.

The unregistered nuns from Jhadda reportedly hid in nearby hills when government work-teams came to inspect the nunnery, escaping detection by Chinese authorities.

However, the inspection team stayed

nunnery back to their family homes, under orders to wear lay dress. The move was aimed at nuns living at the facility without official permission, only 21 of the 200 nuns there had permission.

Pressure is mounting on Tibet’s religious institutions.

Newly constructed places of worship have been destroyed as part of a recent “Rectification and Cleansing” campaign and Tibetan families have been instructed to call home young monks, threatened with the withdrawal of government aid if they do not comply.

The county of Diru is one of the most tightly controlled Tibetan regions following unrest last year.

Originally constructed in 1488, the Jaddha nunnery was rebuilt in 1984 following its ruin during the Cultural Revolution. It is one of few remaining Photo: RFA nunneries in Tibet offering Tibetan with Nepal. Chinese authorities language and literature training to an sent the unregistered nuns from the advanced level. on and expelled the fugitive nuns upon their return from hiding.

“The condition of those who were expelled is said to be poor, with many now having no place to go or to pursue their studies”, said Ngawang Tharpa, a Tibetan living in India. One hundred and forty registered nuns continue to reside at the nunnery.

More than 100 Tibetan nuns were also expelled earlier this year from Changlo nunnery in Dingri county in the Shigatse prefecture in southwestern Tibet, near the border

Protest at the G20 Summit

By Tsering Wangdue

Tibetans and Tibet supporters in Brisbane, Australia staged a protest when Chinese President Xi Jinping made his first visit to Australia to attend the G20 summit on November 14.

The protesters, led by the Australia Tibet Council (ATC), Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) and other local Tibetan communities, raised a banner hung between two large black balloons which read “China Fails Human Rights.

G20 Unite for Tibet”. The banner was hung from cliffs at New Farm, close to Xi’s hotel, and without official police permission as it was not allowed within the G20 declared zone in Brisbane’s centre.

Protest organiser Kyinzom Dhonghue said that the protesters want to urge world leaders to stand by their democratic values, and to stand up against China while it continues to oppress Tibetans.

Lothon, one of the protesters from Contact

ATC, said that the G20 event was an opportunity to highlight the plight of Tibetans like himself who cannot return to their home country, and to put pressure on world leaders. Lothon escaped from Tibet 25 years ago.

Students for a Free Tibet also staged a “mock die-in” on the following day, at a major road intersection in Brisbane, to demonstrate solidarity with those who have sacrificed their life for freedom in Tibet.

Ms Jeffery-Kingston, who is a member of the nearby Southern Cross University chapter of SFT, says that Australia is one of China’s strongest economic partners and it is important to pressure the Australian government to begin a conversation about Tibet, and to call China out on its Human Rights atrocities in Tibet.

The regional chapter of SFT in India also staged a G20 summit protest. They organised a cycle rally at the north campus of Delhi University.

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The G20 summit began in 1999 as an annual meeting of financial ministers and central bank governors following the Asian financial crises.

T h i s evolved in 2008, after the global financial crisis, as a summit of the countries’ leaders.

The G20 consist of 19 Cycle Rally in New Delhi countries Photo: SFT and The European Union, and aims to deepen economic co-operation and strengthen global economy.

NOVEMBER 2014

news & issues

Entitlements for Tibetans in India

By Sarah Gittleman and urged state government officials to earnestly answered and clarified by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs reinforce it. The policy was formulated central government officials. organised a workshop to discuss the by the Indian government after a series The Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy, contents of a seven-page document of requests put forth by Central Tibetan finalised last month, makes clear the entitled “The Tibetan Rehabilitation entitlements of the approximately Policy-2014” on November 17 in 100,000 Tibetan refugees living New Delhi. A delegation of more in India. Among the numerous than 125 Tibetan officials, led by provisions are new benefits available Dolma Gyari who heads the exiled to Tibetans under central and state Central Tibetan Administration’s government welfare schemes, His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Mr Kiren Rijijuji Department of Home, were in extension of land lease agreements, (3rd from R), Mr K K Pathak (3rd from L) attendance. Others who attended and the right for Tibetans to and Dolma Gyari (1st on R) the workshop included two joint undertake economic activity and Photo: Tibet.net secretaries from the Government to pursue any job for which they of India, officials from India’s Home Relief Committee (CTRC) officials are professionally qualified. This policy Ministry and officials from seven states for solving problems faced by Tibetan aims to standardise the varying levels of India hosting Tibetan settlements. refugees settled in India. of assistance and facilities extended by The workshop was chaired by Shri Shri GK Diwindi, Joint Secretary various state governments.

Kiren Rijiju, India’s Minister of State of the ministry’s Foreigners Division, His Holiness the Dalai Lama later for Home Affairs. He gave the opening and two concerned officials from the gave an audience to Mr Kiren Rijijuji address, which was warmly welcomed Intelligence Bureau, explained the issues and Mr KK Pathak to personally as “remarkable” by the Tibetans present. around RC, IC, PAP and EXIT Permits. express his appreciation and gratitude Additionally, Shri KK Pathak, the Joint These are related to the registration to the government of India, particularly Secretary of India’s Ministry of Home of Tibetans as foreigners and their the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Affairs, gave a presentation on the gist overseas travels. Also, any queries and concerned officials who worked to of the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy doubts expressed by participants were formalise the policy guideline.

China to Expand Tibetan Railway Line

By Jessica Wright

China has announced plans to expand their recently opened railway line in Tibet. The high altitude line, which has connected Lhasa to Shigatse since August, will be extended by 402 kilometers to link Lhasa to Nyingchi, very close to the border of Arunchal Pradesh, the most north-eastern of India’s 29 states.

Photo: Tibetan Review

The new line, which will be used for both passenger and cargo transport, has an estimated cost of US $6 billion [GB £4.8 billion] and will take 7 years to complete.The railway will support passenger trains with speeds of up to 160 km/hr, and will facilitate the Contact

movement of 10 million tons of cargo per year.

Arunachal Pradesh, a state sharing international borders with Bhutan, Myanmar, and Chinese-occupied Tibet, is an area over which the Indian and Chinese governments have ongoing border disputes. China claims Arunachal as part of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, calling it “Little Tibet”.

India Today reports that China and India have both been boosting development on their respective sides of this disputed area. The Indian government recently announced plans to set up 54 new border outposts as well as a Rs175 crore [US $2.8million; GB £1.8million] package for strengthening the infrastructure along the border in Arunachal Pradesh.

Reacting to this announcement, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujin stressed the Chinese position that Arunchal Pradesh is a 6

“disputed area,” and also said that India should “do more to maintain peace and stability in the area and not do things that may complicate the situation.” He continued, “Both sides should do more towards converging direction rather than contrary.”

India’s efforts to upgrade roads in border areas have been slowmoving and Indian P r i m e Minister Road building in the area Narendra Photo: Reuters Modi’s government has pledged to speed up projects that are behind schedule.

Once a massive importer of rail technology, China now aims to be a world leader in high speed rail and is building, or is in talks to build or sell, high speed rail trains in at least 20 countries beyond its own borders.

NOVEMBER 2014

news & issues

Nomads Resist Resettlement

By Deborah Wright A group of Tibetan nomads in the north west Quinghai province have refused to comply with the Chinese

Resettlement Policy and move from their traditional pasture lands on the Tibetan plateau to resettlement towns.

The authorities have confiscated their residency permits and IDs, demanding a fine of 10,000 yuan (US $1,600, over GB £1,000) for their return.

Elsewhere, people protesting against resettlement have been arrested and sentenced to long jail terms.

Nomadic herders traditionally range across the Tibetan plateau, using their intimate knowledge of the landscape to find the best grazing for their animals and to sustain their families and communities. They are now being forcibly moved to new towns, the government claiming that nomadic grazing practices damage the environment. However, the land is used for mining and the exploitation of rich mineral resources. Nomads are now banned from grazing their animals on some of the best fertile grasslands.

Housing conditions are very

poor in the new settlements, with inadequate schools and health clinics.

Promised vocational training has not materialised, and many people live in poverty and turn to alcohol and drug misuse.

T h e Ti b e t a n Centre for Human Rights and Democracy has reported that the nomads, or drogpas, are suffering severe cultural loss.

It is the Chinese policy to resettle all nomads by 2015. It is one of the greatest expulsions of a people from their land in history.

Tibetan Refugees in Nepal at Risk

By Annie Padwick Nepal has announced that it will cease to issue identity cards to Tibetan refugees. This move raises concerns that Tibetans in Nepal will be forcibly and illegally repatriated.

The announcement comes at the same time as China announced an additional 20 million Yuan (US $3.25million; GB £2million) of aid for Nepal, which comes with the proviso that the Nepalese government control any “anti-China” activities within

their borders. Kathmandu has agreed to conform to China’s demands and uphold the One-China policy.

Nepal has traditionally been the gateway for Tibetan refugees fleeing persecution. A Gentleman’s Agreement between Nepal and the office of the United Nations’ High Commissioner for Refugees, put in place in 1989, allows Tibetan refugees entry to Nepal and safe passage to India where they can obtain refugee status.

It is illegal under international law for Nepal to forcibly repatriate Tibetan refugees because of the risk of torture or persecution in China.

However a recent Human Rights Watch report “Under China’s shadow: Mistreatment of Tibetans in Nepal” highlights “significant concerns that Nepal may at times forcibly return Tibetan refugees to China”.

The UN has urged Nepal to register Tibetans, saying that the lack of documentation puts refugees at risk.

China Emerges as a World Power

By Sarah Gittleman The 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting, which was held this year in Beijing, has helped to cement China’s role as a global leader.

Currently, the United States is locked into a competitive relationship with China, the world’s second-largest economy. The dynamics of this could spell trouble for areas like Tibet, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other regions which count on US support, but are at risk of being overlooked in favour of pacifying China’s demand that the US not meddle in its internal affairs.

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“There is a major risk that China and America become rivals, fighting proxy wars or even direct skirmishes over Chinese control of archipelagos in the western Pacific, and over Chinese conflicts with Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, or other countries. Yet that seems to me the less likely outcome.

In fact, China and America share so many interests…that co-operation for the most part is more likely,” said Jack A Goldstone of the Diplomat.

With a weakening United States, this mutual co-operation could make it increasingly unlikely that the US will support smaller powers

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contending against Chinese incursion or oppression.

Xi and Obama at the Summit. In keeping with tradition at APEC summits, Obama wore an outfit in the style of his host country, but he was mocked for it on US television Photo: dailymail.co.uk NOVEMBER 2014

news & issues

Hydroelectric Project on Tibetan River Raises Concerns

By Sarah Gittleman China has built, and plans to extend, hydropower projects along the Yarlung Zangbo, or Brahmaputra River, despite concerns expressed by leading environmental experts. The river flows downstream into areas of Northeast India, and could pose a direct threat to the neighbouring region. Although India says it will commission a study to help understand the potential impact, experts warn that it may already be too late. The first section of the Zangmu hydroelectricity dam became operational this month, and several other sections are due to be completed within the next year.

Although India was told of the project, the scale and consequence of it are said to have come as a surprise.

“Indian officials have so far been satisfied by Beijing’s explanations, not realising China was actually building a massive project that would affect the river’s flow into Arunachal Pradesh

and other parts of the northeastern region,” said the Times of India.

Despite assurances from Beijing that the project is responsible and in accordance with a trans-border river agreement made in 2013 between

Dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet Photo: Tibet Post

the two countries, India has reason for concern. Not only is the dam potentially damaging to the fragile ecosystem, it also has the potential to cause flash flooding and landslides in downstream areas within both India and Bangladesh. Additionally, the

river, which is regarded as a lifeline to the remote and farm-dependent region, could experience a reduced flow, as occurred in Southeast Asia following Chinese dam construction on the Mekong River. Also concerning to neighbouring countries is the power the dams will give to China as the “water tap manager” in the river’s upstream areas.

According to Chinese officials, the hydropower station would be useful to “empower the development of the electricity-strapped region,” but environmentalists opposed to the project dispute this, saying that the Tibetan region has little need for additional electricity because of low industrialisation. Additionally, Tibetans’ electricity use is less than one third of the average in China, according to the Xinhua news agency.

The project is said to generate 2.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

Universities Sever Ties with the Confucius Institute

By Aria Urdaneta The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has ended ties with the Confucius Institute, a Chinese government funded education programme that promotes Chinese culture to students ranging from primary school age to university level.

Protest outside the Toronto District School Board Headquarters Photo: Totonto Star/Carlos Osorio

The Canadian branch of Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) has been at the forefront of a protest against the involvement of the Confucius Institute in Toronto school districts. “The Confucius Institute is anti-democratic, it’s anti-Tibet, it’s under direct control Contact

of China’s authoritarian government and has no place in our classrooms,” said Urgyen Badheytsang, Canadian Director of Students for a Free Tibet.

SFT led a protest outside the building where the TDSB were making the decision on their future involvement with the Confucius Institute there.

Pamela Gough, one of the 20 out of 22 TDSB trustees who voted to terminate the partnership, said: “My concern is that the Confucius Institute is directly controlled by the Communist Party of China, and there is irrefutable evidence that the party exerts its influence through [the institute]”. She added, “we have to resist with all our might.”

Xu Lin, Chief Executive of the Confucius Institute worldwide, has caused two international scandals this year. In July, she ordered her staff to rip pages referring to Taiwanese academic institutions from the published programme for the European Association for Chinese Studies 8

conference in Portugal, claiming the materials were “contrary to Chinese regulations”. And the University of Chicago has suspended negotiations to renew their five year partnership with the institute after a recent dispute involving Xu Lin, blaming Xu’s comments that her threatening letter and phone call forced the university to continue hosting the institute.

There are 480 Confucius Institutes worldwide and more and more schools are cutting ties with them. The American Association of University Professors has called for universities to terminate their partnerships, speculating that Confucius Institutes have no room for academic freedom in their curriculum, which is contradictory to Western ideals of free speech.

The refusal of the Toronto District School Board to allow the Confucius Institute into their classrooms marks a considerable achievement for SFT. SFT has pledged to continue raising awareness of the issue.

NOVEMBER 2014

news & issues

Sentences, Arrests and Releases in Tibet Nov 6: Eight Tibetans have been given prison sentences in Ngaba County, on charges of murder for their alleged involvement with Kunchok Tseten’s self-immolation in December last year at Serde village in Ngaba. The eight are: Dolma Tso (3 years); Konme (3 years) and Gephel (2 years), together with five unidentified people (5 years each). Tso has been tortured while detained but refuses to accept the charge of murder.

Nov 15: Donkho, who has been in custody since June, was freed on October 28 and has reached home safely. He was the last of a group of 27 residents of Karsel village in Chabcha county in Tsolho prefecture, and the suspected ringleader, detained for opposing a Chinese white marble mining operation that had run beyond its contract and was encroaching on sacred sites. All those detained have now been released.

Nov 8: Pasang Wangchuk, 37, also known as Ngodru, a businessman and father of three who was detained last month in China’s Sichuan province for launching a solitary protest, has been freed after being interrogated over the slogans he wrote on his protest banner.

It is not known why he was freed.

Nov 20: Lobsang Palden, a monk from Bheru Monastery in Serkhar village in Kardze has been released from prison two years before the end of his term. He was arrested in 2008 for taking part in protests in Kardze demanding the “return of the exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama to Tibet” and “freedom in Tibet.” There is concern about his health, and that he may have been tortured.

Nov 10: Lobsang Gyatso, 20, and Lobsang Tenpa, 19, two Tibetan monks from Ngaba Kirti Monastery, have been sentenced to up to three years in prison for staging solo protests. The Barkham County People’s Intermediate Court charged them with “separatist activities” and “plotting against the nation”. The two monks used self-drawn Tibetan national flags and shouted slogans against the Chinese government in the streets of Ngaba in April this year.

Nov 25: Sungdue Kyab, 31, who set himself on fire two years ago outside the Bora monastery in the Bora region of Sangchu in eastern Tibet, has been sent home with both legs amputated.

He was detained after his protest and his family told that the amputations were necessary to save his life. They were not allowed to speak to him in hospital or since, during his detention.

Nov 26: Sonam Yarphel, 22, from the Mangge monastery in Sershul county in Kardze has been detained after launching a solitary protest challenging Beijing’s rule in Tibetan areas and calling for the return of HH the Dalai Lama. He shouted slogans and held up a banner before being taken into custody. The monastery’s monks are now being questioned.

Nov 27: Paldor, Namgyal, Sonam Dhargay and Tashi Dhargay have each been sentenced to 13 years imprisonment; Nyima and Chubhey were sentenced to 12 years each; Kuntho and Ogyen Tsering each received 11 years; Sherab Sangpo and Thinlay Dhargay were sentenced to 10 years. All are currently held in Ranga prison. They were detained in January 2012 in Drango for taking part in anti-Chinese protests and boycotting Chinese New Year celebrations. Chinese police fired on the protesters before detaining around 400 people.

Sungdue Kyab following his amputation

Teaching for Korean Buddhists

By Lha Students His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave a three day teaching in November on “Nagarjuna’s Precious Garland of the Middle Way”, as requested by a group of Korean Buddhists. The teachings were held at Dharamshala’s main Buddhist temple, Tsuglakhang.

His audience numbered some 4,000 people with approximately 350 Korean Buddhists and 900 visitors from 57 countries.

His Holiness began the teachings with an introduction to Buddhism. He said that despite the differences among religions in the world, their primary Contact

purpose is to help others and this is the reason religions are needed in the world.

Photo: OHHDL

He continued, “no matter whether you are a believer or a non-believer, it is important to have compassion

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and loving kindness”. His Holiness advised that one should not change one’s own religion, saying that the religion of one’s ancestors is usually the most suitable. However, he said, it is important to respect all religions, saying “because of narrow mindedness and misunderstanding, many conflicts have occurred among religions, even Buddhism, which is extremely disappointing”.

The teaching concluded with His Holiness conferring the Empowerment for everyone attending the teaching, and was followed by a question and answer session for the Koreans present.

NOVEMBER 2014

news & issues

Tibetan Headlines Nov 27: Restrictions in Kathmandu The Nepalese government has ordered Tibetans not to visit Boudhanath stupa, the main religious site in Kathmandu, during the ongoing 18th SAARC Summit. There are reports of a heavy deployment of police around the stupa, and speculation that the Nepali government fears that Tibetans will carry out a protest. The SAARC Summit is attended by leaders of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Nov 26: Lobbying UN Chief A group of 20 Tibetan writers, educators and former political prisoners inside Tibet have writen to the United Nations’ new High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, ahead of his forthcoming visit to Tibet. They ask him to look closely at charges of blatant righs abuses and environmental concerns in Tibet, and caution him against falling into any “trap” set by Chinese officials to mislead him.

Nov 24: 1st World Hindu Congress HH the Dalai Lama graced the first World Hindu Congress in New Delhi, where he was specially honoured along with two others: Pujya Swami Dayanand Sarasvati and Ashok Singhal. His Holiness said “we seven billion human beings are the same, mentally, physically and emotionally… we are all born the same way.” He continued by saying that he views all major religious traditions as conducive to peace of mind.

Nov 22: Magazine Launch Dhangla Riwo, a new annual Tibetan language magazine was launched at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives by the recently formed Tibetan writers group Dhangla Riwo Patsok. The magazine was founded in May this Contact

year by four Tibetans to preserve the Tibetan language and encourage young Tibetan writers to write more, and to provide them with a platform for their writings.

Nov 20: Sikyong in North America Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected leader of the Tibetan Government-inExile, is on his way to Canada and the United States for a two-week tour. When this visit is complete, Sikyong will have visited all the major T i b e t a n settlements and communities in North America. He will return to Dharamshala on December 8.

Nov 19: Tong-Len is Ten! The Tong-Len Charitable Trust, an initiative for Dharamshala’s slum children, celebrated its tenth anniversary. Former Tibetan Prime Minister and academician Professor Samdhong Rinpoche was Chief Guest at the modest celebration which honoured HH the Dalai Lama with a Tong-Len award for his “global humanitarian work”.

Lobsang Jamyang, a Tibetan monk who founded Tong-Len, was honoured by his past and present students whose lives have been transformed.

Nov 11: Rome It Is The Nobel Laureates 14th World Summit has been relocated to Rome next month. It was scheduled to take place last month in South Africa, but was postponed when laureates announced their boycott of the event because of South Africa’s refusal to issue a visa for the Dalai Lama to enable him to attend.

Nov 8: Unfair Compensation Hundreds of Tibetans have protested against unfair compensation for land in Malinthang village in Sangchu County, Amdo. They displayed banners and 10

raised slogans outside the government building there, aimed at high ranking Chinese officials who were visiting.

The protesters are demanding fair and equal compensation for their land as they are currently given less than Chinese people. Several Tibetans were beaten and arrested.

Nov 7: Protesters Assaulted Chinese officials in Toronto, Canada, physically assaulted Tibetans and Tibet supporters who were peacefully protesting outside the “Canada China Tibet Culture Week”, an event funded by the Chinese government. The protesters say the event is an attempt

by China to propagate misleading information about Tibet and China’s policies in Tibet. The protest was led

by Students for a Free Tibet, Canada.

Nov 6: Student Protest Students from several Tibetan nomad schools in Dzoegey in Ngaba in eastern Tibet formed a protest when Zhang Tianke, t h e Chinese head of the Ngaba Education Board, called for the medium of instruction in schools to change from Tibetan to the Chinese language. The students were joined by members of the public and news of the protest later went viral on Chinese social media sites.

Nov 5: Campaign Success Youtube, the global video-sharing website, has deleted more than 50 accounts following a campaign

by Free Tibet who proved that the accounts were used to spread Chinese propaganda to portray Tibet as “a happy Chinese province”. This follows their successful campaign earlier this year aimed at Twitter who deleted around 100 false accounts. UK-based Free Tibet campaigns for Tibetan self determination and highlights human rights violations in Tibet.

NOVEMBER 2014

news & issues

International Headlines Nov 21: Internet Freedom Threat “China appears eager to promote its own domestic internet rules as a model for global regulation…China’s

internet model is one of extreme control and suppression [used] to target individuals and imprison many activists solely for exercising their right to free expression online” reports Amnesty International ahead of China’s first World Internet Conference. They report increasing efforts to influence global cyberspace rules, seeing it as a threat to internet freedom.

Nov 18: Protesters Go Home In Hong Kong, pro-democracy student protesters have begun packing up their tents after the high court granted an injunction. Court bailiffs, backed by police, are clearing parts of the protest sites near the government offices. The high court has also authorised the clearance of the Mong Kok site. A third protest camp remains at Causeway Bay. The number of demonstrators has fallen to a few hundred.

Nov 15: US Spy Planes The United States government is flying devices that gather data from millions of mobile phones, according to the Wall Street Journal. They are used to track specific suspects, but all mobile devices in the area will be included in the surveillance. The US Justice Department refused to confirm or deny the report, saying it operated within federal law.

Nov 12: Self-Immolation in Japan A Japanese man has burned himself to death in what appeared to be protest against a shift in military policy. The Japanese Cabinet has approved a Contact

landmark change in security policy, allowing the military to fight overseas - Japan’s post World War Two constitution bars the country from using force in conflicts except for selfdefence. This follows another selfimmolation in June, in an apparently similar protest.

Nov 11: Sterilisations Kill Women Eight women have died after undergoing sterilisation surgery at a health camp organised by the Indian government in a village in Chattisgarh. Villagers said 83 women were operated on in just six hours by a sole doctor with one assistant. Several other women are said to be in a serious condition. The state government has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Nov 10: Independence Vote The people of Catalonia have voted over 80% in favour of independence in an informal poll. Catalan leader Artur Mas hailed the non-binding poll “a great success” that should pave the way for a formal referendum, while Spanish Justice Minister Rafael Catala dismissed the poll as “fruitless and useless”. The poll took place after Spain’s constitutional court ruled out a formal referendum.

Nov 8: Mexican Gang Murders Forty three students missing for six weeks have been killed by Guerreros Unidos drug gang members. They claim the students were handed over to them by police after clashes broke out in the town of Iguala. Some were asphyxiated and the rest shot. The bodies were burned and the remains crushed, stuffed into bags and tossed into a river.

Nov 7: Jihadist Ploy Jihadists have been travelling to middle east war zones using Mediterranean cruise ships to reach conflict areas there, thus avoiding airline security checks. Interpol, the international police body, says that checks to passenger lists should

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be extended from airlines to cruise operators before the issue becomes more of a problem.

Nov 4: Trade Centre Re-opens The Freedom Tower at the World Trade Centre in New York has reopened for business. The $3.8bn

(£2.4bn) skyscraper took eight years to build and at 1,776ft (541m) is now the tallest building in the US. There is a memorial in the footprints of the old towers and a museum on the site. It is more than 13 years since the original towers were destroyed in the 9/11 attacks.

Nov 3: Border Bombing A suicide bombing at the India/ Pakistan border at Wagah has left more than 50 people dead and at least 100 injured. There is a daily border ceremony at Wagah, which thousands of people on both sides come to see.

The Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility, as have other militant groups, including Jundullah. The bomb went off on the Pakistani side as people were leaving at the close of the ceremony.

Nov 1: Corruption! $33m (£20.6m) in cash has been seized from a Chinese official’s home - the biggest haul for China’s anticorruption investigators to date. Wei Pengyuan, the deputy chief of the National Energy Administration’s coal department has been put under investigation following the discovery of the hidden cash. China has sentenced more than 13,000 officials found guilty of corruption and bribery this year.

NOVEMBER 2014

around town

Charities and Organisations

Central Tibetan Administration

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

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

WEB: www.tibet.net LOCATION: Dharamshala – 176215 PHONE: 01892-222218 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:00 am-5:00 pm EMAIL: kashag@tibet.net

The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)

OHHDL is the personal office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The office organises his schedule, including appointments and travel plans, diplomatic and personal correspondence, and liaises with officials of the Central Tibetan Administration. When His Holiness is in Dharamshala, his schedule includes daily religious practice and studies, meeting with private audiences, and congregating with the Tibetan Kashag and senior Tibetan governmental officials.

WEB: www.dalailama.com LOCATION: Thekchen Choeling, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala – 176219 PHONE: 01892-221343 / 221210 EMAIL: ohhdl@dalailama.com

Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)

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

The Tibetan Youth Congress organises cultural exhibitions, educational campaigns and social welfare activities. The organisation publishes a series of periodicals and magazines on the Tibetan cause.

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

Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA)

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

WEB: www. tibetanwomen.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala – 176219 PHONE: 01892-221527 EMAIL: tibwomen@gmail.com

Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

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

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

Contact

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

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

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

The facility provides extensive training and produces traditional pharmaceuticals.

WEB: www.men-tsee-khang.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala – 176215 PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org

Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)

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

WEB: ltwa.net, tibetanlibrary.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong Dharamshala - 176215 PHONE: 98822-55047 EMAIL: ltwa1970@gmail.com

Delek Hospital

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

WEB:www.delekhospital.org LOCATION: Kharadanda Rd, Dharamshala 176215; Delek Clinic, Bhagsu Rd,Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-222053 / 223381 HOURS: Outpatient, Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00 pm-4:30 pm; Emergencies, 24 hours daily EMAIL: delek@sancharnet.in

Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society

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

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

Tong-Len Charitable Trust

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

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

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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

NOVEMBER 2014

around town

Charities and Organisations

Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA)

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

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

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

Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT)

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

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

Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR)

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

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

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

Rogpa Baby Care Centre

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

WEB: www.tibetrogpa.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala- 176219 PHONE: 9816659549 EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com

Gamru Village School

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

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

Contact

Clean Upper Dharamshala Project

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

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

Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage)

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

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

Women’s Team

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

EMAIL: jitenderje@gmail.com PHONE: 9817105035 / 08894435595

The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)

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

LOCATION: No. 262, 1st floor, Khajanchi -Mohalla, Khunyara Rd, Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 98051-47048 / 94180-94476 EMAIL: tcsamkhar@gmail.com, Facebook: Anec Peace

National Democratic Party of Tibet

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

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

BUS SCHEDULE

* Times and prices may vary.

Please check with the bus stand ahead of departure.

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

TAXIS

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

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Ambulance: 01892-102, 222189

Police Superintendent: 01892-222244

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

Phone: 222 053,223 381

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

Phone: 221 483

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

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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

NOVEMBER 2014

activities & tourist info Upcoming Events

MEDITATION

Dec 2-5: HH the Dalai Lama’s teaching on Tsongkhapa’s Great Stages of the Path at Tsuglakhang

Om Yoga, Meditation and Reiki Centre

Dec 10: Nobel Peace Prize Day Commemoration of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama Dec 10: International Human Rights Day Dec 27-28: Ngan-pa Gu-zom (Nine Bad Omen)

BUDDHIST PHILoSOPHY Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

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

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

Vipassana Meditation

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

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

Siddhartha Retreat Centre

Public Audience with HH Karmapa

School of Life and Spirituality

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

WEB: www.siddharthayogacentre.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Nag, Near High Sky PHONE: 09816565138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@yahoo.co.in

yoga and reiki

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

Om Yoga, Meditation and Reiki Centre

COOKING

LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, behind Akash Hotel, on Jogiwara Rd - Map #11 HOURS: 8:00am-5:30pm PHONE: 980-569-3514

Sunita Singh Yoga Class

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

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

MASSAGE Nature Cure Health Club

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

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

Indian Cooking Classes

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

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

Lhamo’s Kitchen: Tibetan Cooking Classes

Men-Tsee-Khang

Nisha’s Indian Cooking Class

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

Traditional Thai Massage

LOCATION: Opposite the Himachal Govt.

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

Contact

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

Sangye’s Kitchen: Traditional Tibetan Cooking Classes

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

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LANGUAGES Tibetan Language Courses

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

Rita Thakur Hindi Classes

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

Hindi Lessons with Sunil

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

Tibetan Language

LOCATION: The Tibetan Library See Buddhist Philosophy Listing

Hindi Lessons with Kailash

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

Tibetan with Pema Youdon

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

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

art 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

NOVEMBER 2014

activities & news

Finding Meaning in my Life

HEALTH SERVICES Perfect 32 Dental Clinic Dr Natasha Mehra

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

Dadon Physiotherapy Clinic

LOCATION: 310, Geden Choeling Nunnery, Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj HOURS: 9am - 7pm PHONE: 9882323598 EMAIL: dadonphysio@gmail.com

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

Maanav Health Clinic

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

Men-Tsee-Khang

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

Primary Health Centre

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

Nature Cure Health Club

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

Tibetan Delek Hospital

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

Contact

Name: Christina Herden Volunteer Job at Lha: Researcher and tutor What is the purpose of my life? Why am I not happy even though I have a great education, a successful career, and an abundant income? These are the questions I asked myself six months ago, just before quitting my job, selling all of my belongings, and starting on a global journey of selfdiscovery.

India, with its ancient culture and traditions, incredible spirituality and religious diversity, seemed like a fitting destination for me to explore my deeper self.

Inspired by a quote I had read from Mahatma Ghandi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others�, I decided to volunteer at Lha to support the Tibetan community in McLeod Ganj.

Initially, I tutored English, which allowed me to personally connect with Tibetans and gain insight into their way of life. Despite the many hardships that they faced, the Tibetans that I met exuded tremendous positivity, kindness, compassion and generosity. Much of it due to their Buddhist beliefs and practices.

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Their kindness inspired me to further contribute to their community, and I figured that I could provide the most value by making use of my PhD in neuroscience. Because the effects of Buddhist practices, particularly meditation, on the brain have become a popular focus among researchers, and the results are of great importance to improving the well-being of humans, I decided to review the most relevant research findings and make them easily accessible by integrating them into one of the Lha websites.

Emphasis was placed on studies pertaining to the impact of mindfulness meditation on aspects of mental wellness such as stress, anxiety, depression, and mood.

Due to limited available resources, the project has proved to be quite challenging. However, even though the project is still in its initial stage, I have learned quite a bit, not just about the benefits of meditation, but also about myself. I have come to realise that I find happiness and meaning in my life when I volunteer my services to others, without expecting anything in return.

NOVEMBER 2014

news & advertisements

Imprisoned Writers Honoured

By Wendhe Choetsoe The 33rd PEN International “Day of the Imprisoned Writer” was held this month. The day honours and remembers writers who have been jailed for expressing their views and opinions in writing.

In Dharamshala, the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) and PEN Tibetan Writers Abroad held an event focusing on imprisoned Tibetan writers. “Tibetan writers in Tibet have no right and freedom whatsoever to express the truth... and the reality inside Tibet.” said the event organisers.

His Eminence the Kirti Rinpoche and Chang Ping, an exiled Chinese journalist, were the chief guests at the event and launched four

“Power of Justice” is by Jado Rinchen who is currently suffering after being beaten and tortured in prison. TCHRD released two publications: a collection of essays “Who are the Real Splittists?” by imprisoned Tibetan writers inside Tibet, written in Chinese and aimed at giving the Chinese public access to Tibetan writing; and a report on China’s forced resettlement of His Eminence Kirti Rinpoche and Chang Ping Tibetan nomads.

Photo: Tibetexpress PEN International is a worldwide books. PEN released “Diaries association of writers, founded in of Hardship and Struggle” by Londonin1921,topromotefriendship Labrang Jigme Gyatso which is and intellectual co-operation among based on his personal diaries. writers everywhere.

CARPE DIEM Namgyal RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA Cafe

MEXICAN, ITALIAN, INDIAN, CHINESE, CONTINENTAL, & THAI FOOD, No MSG • Everything washed with sterilized water The famous and popular Namgyal Cafe has merged with Om Hotel right off the main square - Map # 2 • Wood-fired pizza oven & clay Tandoori oven • Extensive vegetarian menu • Relaxed atmosphere & Japanese-style seating • Terrace dining with beautiful view • Live music every Sunday • Best pizza in McLeod Ganj • Good music and friendly staff Located on Jogiwara Road, across from the Tibetan Reception Center Open every day from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm (down from Post Office) - Map # 9 Mobile: 9857993308, 9816150562

8 AUSPICIOUS HIM VIEW HOTEL

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Charming, comfortable, and scrupulously clean; 8 beautiful rooms with balcony facing the Himalayan Range. minutes from the Main Temple and McLeod Ganj Market; Enjoy the sunrise from your bed!

Hotel Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj: Map #15 Phone: 01892 220567 Cell: 9418236603 Jogiwara Rd (Map #12) Phone: 221871/221001 www.pemathang.net Email: tseringd@aushimview.com “The most suitable place for foreigners, holidaymakers, honeymooners, trekkers, and those who wish to commune with nature!”

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NOVEMBER 2014

advertisements BHAGSU NAG

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For Details See Advertisement Pages Thank you for patronising our advertisers!

TIPA

DHARAMKOT

Vipassana Centre

Naddi Village

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McLEOD GANJ

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6 7 MAIN SQUARE

Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

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1 Lha Main Bazaar

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Road to Dharamshala

1. Lha Headquarters 2. Namgyal Cafe 3. Common Ground Cafe 4. Dream Holidays Travel 5. Kunga Guest House & Nick’s Italian Restaurant 6. Nature Cure Health Club 7. Dr Mobile; Woeser Bakery 8. Black Tent Cafe 9. Carpe Diem Restaurant

10. Perfect 32 Dental Clinic 11. Hotel Ladies’ Venture 12. 8 Auspicious Him View Hotel 13. Ahimsa House & Lha Soup Kitchen 14. Chonor House 15. Pema Thang Guest House 16. Kundalini 17. Tibetan Entrepreneurship Development Desk, Dept. of Finance, CTA

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Road to Dharamshala

BLACK TENT CAFE Our specialty: Chocolate Vegan cake, Gluten free cake, Fresh Coffe Beans, cappaccino, Chocolate chilli lollipop

9am to 7pm - Closed on Monday Below “Black Magic Hotel” on Jogiwara Rd - Map # 8

Dream Holidays

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

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Free movies on Saturdays at 7.30pm Live Tibetan music every Wednesday at 6.30pm

Jogiwara Road (near post office), McLeod Ganj – Map # 8

Nature Cure Health Club

Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House - Map # 6 Mobile: 07833047078 Email: mahinder_m@hotmail.com,

18+ yrs’ experience: Swedish massage courses & treatment, Zen Shiatsu courses, treatment, reflexology treatment, SPA, Singing Bowl Treatment and many more!

KUNGA GUEST HOUSE Spacious rooms with views over the valley, and...

NICK’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Home baked cakes, quiches, pies, pastas, cheese, & Italian favourites served on our masNear Hotel Mount View sive terrace.

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Enjoy traditional Taiwanese and Chinese cuisines in a Peaceful environment Comfortable floor setting at Common Ground Just one minute from the Bus Stand, behind Asian Plaza!

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Celebrating 2014 The Year of Kundun

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Lha Charitable Trust and the Contact team wish long life and happiness to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of his Nobel Peace Prize award.

Contact: Tibetan Entrepreneurship Development Desk CONTACT: Department Finance, CTA TibetanofEntrepreneurship Development Desk email - sard@tibet.net Department of Finance, CTA Wangyal – 9805-035-128 Norsang- 9816-768-569

Email: sard@tibet.net Phone: Wangyal (9805-035-128) Norsang (9816-768-569)

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newsletter Managing Director Ngawang Rabgyal Editor-in-Chief Jenny James Editor Dukthen Kyi

Opp. SBI Bank

Phone: 91(0)1892-220992 Email:editor@contactmagazine.net Facebook: ContactNews Twitter: @ContactTibet

McLeod Ganj

Contact

Call Lha office on: 01892220992 or visit the office: Temple Rd,

Contact

འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།

Assistant Editor Tsering Wangdue Layout Design Tamdin Yangzom Circulation Manager Lobsang Rabsel Published by Lha Charitable Trust Web: www.lhasocialwork.org www.contactmagazine.net

Printed at Imperial Printing, Dharamshala Phone: 222390 NOVEMBER 2014

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

The LTFT is pleased to welcome any businesses wishing to form partnerships and set up exhibition tours.

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 do?

• • • •

Retail outlet Manufacture, wholesale, import and export Support local artisans Tours and travel

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 have?

• • • • •

Handmade woollen carpets Goods made from recycled papers Singing bowls Jewellery Tibetan home decor pieces and many more exciting things!!!

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

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www.tibetfairtrade.com

Lha Tibet Fair Trade

Tibet Fair Trade