December 2018

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འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།

Contact

A Free Monthly Publication For Tibetan Issues and Community Information RGD No. HPENG/2013/51798 Volume: XX Issue: 11 DECEMBER 31, 2018

Reciprocal Access is Now Law! Two Self-Immolations in Tibet

by Martin Korner and Mary Trewartha The Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act is now law in the United States. It has been signed by President Donald Trump and will, in theory, make Tibet more accessible for American officials, journalists and citizens. “This law marks a new era of US support for Tibetans and a challenge to China’s discriminatory policies in Tibet” Continued on page 3

by Mary Trewartha Reports of two self-immolations by young men in Ngaba in Amdo, eastern Tibet have emerged despite the communications clampdown in the area. On December 8, DrugKho, 22, self-immolated outside Ngaba County Public Security Bureau in protest against Chinese rule in Tibet.

Radio Free Asia reported at the time that their sources in Continued on page 4

Twelve Activists Detained

Tibetans Detained

by Martin Korner Twelve activists from Students for a Free Tibet India (SFT) were detained on December 21 following their protest against the human rights abuses suffered by people living in Tibet under Chinese rule. The protest took place in front of the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra – the Overseas Indian Affairs building in Chanakyapuri, the diplomatic

by Anna Huggenberg and Mary Trewartha News has emerged of the detentions of two Tibetans in Tibet in two separate incidents. Both were arrested at the roadside after being beaten by Chinese police. As is usual, news is slow in emerging from Tibet due to the communications clampdown.

The first was A-nya Sengdra, 47, a popular Tibetan activist, who has been held in detention since September 4 when he was Continued on page 4

Continued on page 5

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ABOUT LHA & CONTACT Contact, a free monthly magazine published by Lha Charitable Trust, is a recognised and registered publication under the Registrar Office of the Newspaper, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India. The registration number is HPENG/2013/51798. Acknowledged

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NEWS & ISSUES

Continued from page 1

Reciprocal Access is Now Law!

said International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) after the bill received presidential approval on December 19.

The law targets Chinese officials responsible for keeping US diplomats, reporters and ordinary nationals out of Tibet, especially Americans with Tibetan origins, and denies them entry to the US. It is based upon the principal of reciprocity, demanding equal rights regarding entry for US citizens into the Beijing-ruled Tibetan Autonomous Region, as Chinese citizens enjoy open access to the US. The law calls on the Secretary of State to evaluate the effectiveness of the new rules regarding the accessibility of Tibet for Americans after 90 days.

Additionally, the Secretary of State must provide an annual report to Congress detailing visas denied by China and the names of any Chinese officials who are restricting entry into Tibet.

China has responded and is quoted as saying the Act sends “seriously wrong signals” and accuses the US of supporting the separation of Tibet from China. China published an objection in the state run media Global Times, with a statement by Ling Shengli, secretary-general of the International Security Study Centre at China Foreign Affairs University, demanding a retraction, and the comment that the new law is “the typical US way of meddling in the internal affairs of other countries through legislation”.

ICT, who lobbied extensively in Contact

support of the bill prior to it being passed, issued a statement saying that the implementation of the newly signed law will help to keep down the abuse of human rights inside Tibet by urging China to open the region for international observers.

“By passing this impactful and innovative law, the US has blazed a path for other countries to follow and let the Chinese government know that it will face real consequences for its discrimination against the Tibetan people,” said Matteo Mecacci, President of ICT. ICT is already in contact with other countries i n c l u d i n g Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada to discuss the potential for similar Reciprocal Acts between those countries and China.

Signing the act into law was the final stage of its journey through the American system. It was passed unanimously by Congress on December 11 which was the final stage before going to President Trump for his signature.Prior to that it was passed by the US House Judiciary Committee and the full House of Representatives in September, and the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee in November.

“The Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act is an important statement of our values,” s a i d Senator Robert Menendez, one of 14 cosponsors of the bill.

“This legislation is simply about fundamental fairness.

Chinese citizens enjoy broad access to the United States […] but it is unacceptable that the same is not true for US students, journalists or 3

diplomats going to Tibet, including our Tibetan-American constituents just trying to visit their country of origin. If China wants its tourists, officials, journalists and other citizens to be able to travel freely across the US, American citizens must be able to travel freely in China, including Tibet.”

The bill received support from both sides of the aisle in Congress.

“China’s repression in Tibet includes keeping out those who can shine a light on its human rights abuses against the Tibetan people,” said Senator Rubio, who introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

“We should not accept a double s t a n d a r d where Chinese officials can freely visit the United States while at the same time blocking our diplomats, journalists and Tibetan-Americans from visiting Tibet. I look forward to President Trump signing this bill into law that will help to restore some measure of reciprocity to America’s relationship with China.”

The campaign to achieve the approval of the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act has been led by the International Campaign for Tibet —in coordination with TibetanAmerican associations and Tibet support groups—since 2014.

Several thousand ICT members and American citizens contacted their members of Congress to ask them to support the bill. ICT is a nonprofit, membershipb a s e d organisation in Washington, DC that advocates for human rights and democratic freedoms for the people of Tibet.

DECEMBER 2018

NEWS & ISSUES Continued from page 1

publicly arrested and beaten up at the roadside. News of his detention has been reported by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) who say that he is being held at the Drotsang County detention centre, Tsoshar Prefecture, where Gade County Public Security Bureau (PBS) officers had taken him.

TCHRD report that neither his family nor Mr Li Qilei, his lawyer, was initially given permission to visit him despite repeated attempts.

On October 22 Li Qilei visited and found Sengda in very poor health having been suffering from severe diarrhea. He quotes Sengda as saying “I did not commit any crime; I simply appealed to the higher authorities on the wellbeing of the local people”.

A notice was issued on December 11 informing that Sengda is charged with “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” and that his detention has been extended from November 12 to January 12. TCHRD says they suspect that more charges will be added so that he can be imprisoned for a longer period.

On September 8 Sengda’s wife Yangkyi appealed for his release,

Continued from page 1

stating that he had been arrested on baseless charges. She is quoted as saying that the arrest is “a reprisal for his activities to defend the rights of local Tibetan nomads”.

Sengdra and ten other nomads founded the voluntary organisation Mand Dhon Ling (Public Affairs Forum) in 2014 with the aim of promoting good governance, anticorruption and social accountability in their hometown of Kyangche in Amdo.

He was arrested in December 2014 and held for one year and ten months.

Since then Sengdra has A-nya Sengdra Photo: TCHRD been an active campaigner against corruption and the abuse of power.

According to TCHRD, “provoking trouble” is increasingly used under article 293 of the Chinese Criminal Law to persecute activists defending human rights and criticising government policies. TCHRD has called for Sengdra’s immediate release and for

permission for his family to visit him, as well as provision of the medical treatment and care that he needs.

The second reported beating and arrest is that of Sangay Gyatso, pictured on the front page, a 17 year old monk from Kirti Monastery, who was detained on December 10 after carrying out a lone peaceful protest on the main street of Ngaba Town in Amdo. He is reported as calling for freedom for Tibet and staged his protest to coincide with Human Rights day and the anniversary of the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to HH the Dalai Lama. News of the incident was passed on by passers by who formed a crowd at the scene and are reported as saying that he was severely beaten by police before being taken away.

Sangay’s whereabouts are unknown but he is believed to be in hospital.

The Central Tibetan Administration has reported that Sangay Gyatso is a monk at the local Kirti Monastery and a ninth grade student of elementary Buddhist studies there. He is from a nomadic family in Soruma village in Choejema Township of Ngaba County; his father’s name is Jekar Soepa and mother’s Wangkho.

Two Self-Immolations in Tibet

the region were unable to discuss the event, although they did confirm that it took place. The only information that has been made available is that DrugKho is from Soruma in Ngaba and that he is believed to have been a former monk from Kirti Monastery which is located near the site of his self-immolation protest, and where he was known as Choekyi Gyaltsen. A later report from the Tibetan Review suggested that DrugKho was alive following his protest, but no information has come through about how he is. The Tibet Post originally reported the incident, saying DrugKho shouted slogans calling for the long life of the Dalai Lama and freedom in Tibet after setting himself alight. They Contact

Tibetans Detained

have also reported a lockdown in the area.

DrugKho

A second self-immolation has been reported as taking place the following day, December 9. Gedun Gyatso, a teenager thought to be a 17 year old monk, set himself on fire in Heroes Street in Ngaba. It appears that he did not survive. The reports were unclear and initially suggested that two self-immolations had taken 4

place on December 9 or 10 but it was later clarified that the second incident involved only one protest.

No further details about Gedun Gyatso or his protest have been reported. Getting information about protests in Tibet is increasingly difficult as the Chinese authorities have imposed a communications clampdown and in addition they are known to harass and even detain family members and friends of people who self-immolate. Gedun Gyatso is pictured on the front cover, but the photo cannot be confirmed.

Tibetan Review reports, “This would bring the total number of known protest self-immolations in Chinese ruled Tibet since Feb 2009 to up to 156, including 43 in Ngaba alone”.

DECEMBER 2018

NEWS & ISSUES Continued from page 1

Twelve Activists Detained

area – just before the arrival there of Chinese official and diplomat Wang Yi who was visiting India to inaugurate an India-China exchange programme, the IndiaChina High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-toPeople Exchange.

Wang Li was meeting Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swara to set up the project which aims to improve cultural and direct people-topeople exchange.

The SFT activists raised a giant banner with the statement “Wang

Yi Free Tibet”. SFT Grass-roots Director Rinzin Choedon said that they “are holding the protest to

hold the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the Communist regime

accountable for the ongoing genocide and atrocities inside Tibet.” A protest also took place outside Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi Airport in Delhi to coincide with Wang Li’s arrival there, with a banner reading “China, Out of Tibet Now” and shouting of “Free Tibet” slogans.

Ms Swaraj stated: “I’m satisfied with the quality of discussion today. Ten priorities we discussed include enhancing cooperation in films, education, tourism, art, yoga, media, culture, sports, academic and youth exchanges.”

German HR Commissioner Visits Tibet

by Lodoe Gyatso Dr Bärbel Kofler, the German Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid, visited Tibet from December 6 – 7, where she chaired the German-Chinese Human Rights Dialogue in Lhasa. Few foreigners are allowed to visit Tibet.

The last Germany-China bilateral human rights dialogue was held in Germany in 2016; the 2017 dialogue, due to be held in China,was cancelled by China.

The Associated Press quoted Ms Kofler as saying in advance of her visit that she had wanted to travel to Xinjiang in north western China, where an estimated one million members of the Turkic Muslim Uighur minority have been held in political re-education camps, but her request was refused. She is reported by the Associated Press as stating, “I am shocked by reports of the treatment of the Turkic Uighur minority,” and that she would “continue to push for permission to visit Xinjiang soon”.

Regarding her visit to Tibet, the report quotes her as saying that conditions in Tibet give her Contact

“great cause for concern” due to restrictions on traditional Buddhist culture and “excessive controls.”, In a statement issued before the visit, Dr Kofler highlighted the issues she intended to raise, noting that the human rights situation in China has “increased in seriousness recently” and saying that those particularly affected are “the critical

voices in civil society – human rights lawyers, journalists and bloggers”.

She stated that Tibet was an appropriate place for human rights dialogue in the light of the critical human rights situation there. She held that: “There are numerous reports of excessive controls, punishment of relatives for the crimes of family members, prohibition of normal religious freedom and 5

‘patriotic education’ which give me great cause for concern.”

Thinlay Chukki, an official for the Tibetan Government-in-exile, is quoted by tibet.net as saying “We hope that this dialogue will help build regular and close exchanges between the two countries to address the rights situation in all the regions [in China] and in particular the gross human rights violations in Tibet.”

The Tibetan Review said of this visit, “China routinely rejects all criticisms of the human rights situation in Tibet by claiming they were not eye-witness accounts, insists that critics should visit the region to see the situation themselves.

But then it hardly ever allows such a visit. And the rarely permitted visits are strictly chaperoned after elaborate preparations of sites and tutoring of prearranged meeting partners with a design to ensure positive coverage.”

Although the international press covered the fact that the visit was to take place, there does not appear to be follow-up coverage of what took place during the visit, or the talks that she chaired in Lhasa.

DECEMBER 2018

NEWS & ISSUES

His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Bodh Gaya

by Soumya Singh Tarang His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama arrived in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, on December 16 for a series of teachings, continuing with his theme of Ahimsa or non-violence as the primary goal of all sentient beings. His visit included a three-day debate, an Interfaith Forum meeting, the laying of a foundation

reason and science, people today will pay attention.

And in the monasteries, we now have laboratories where we can test theories through experiment.”

On December 21 His Holiness participated in an Interfaith Forum in Gaden Pheldyeling. As Westerners singing the Heart Sutra in English at the reported by dalailama.

Solitary Hero Vajrabhairava Empowerment com, the Forum, which Photo: Lobsang Tsering was established in 2001, (laklensodunma) and Dharmakirti’s comprises Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Pramanavartika – Commentary on Jains, Sikhs and Brahmakumaris Valid Cognition (tsemanamdre). The and provides a platform to discuss latter topic was a continuation of his with His Holiness the possibility of earlier teaching given in December combining modern education with 2015 at the request of Tashi Lhunpo ancient Indian understanding of Monastery. On the following day His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the first day of the mind and emotions. His Holiness His Holiness gave the Solitary Hero teaching addressed the group saying, “we Vajrabhairava Empowerment to a Photo: Lobsang Tsering belong to the seven billion human crowd of more than 15,000 people for a new museum and presenting beings. With two eyes, one nose and from around the world.

His Holiness’s teachings in Bodh teachings at the place where Buddha so on, we are the same; some of us attained enlightenment. just have more hair. Mentally we Gaya are continuing throughout his a On his arrival in Bodh Gaya, are the same, emotionally we are the month-long visit there.

Reports are coming through His Holiness was given a formal same. Each one of us wants to live a that tightened controls by Chinese welcome at Gaden Phelgyeling, the happy, joyful life.” main Tibetan monastery, followed The following day His Holiness authorities are restricting pilgrims by a visit the next morning to the visited Watpa Bodh Gaya, the from Tibet from travelling to attend Mahabodhi Temple where he was Thai Temple complex behind the the teachings. As happened last year escorted by members of Bodh Gaya Mahabodhi Temple, to inaugurate when His Holiness was giving the Temple management committee. His an International Seminar on the Kalachakra teachings in Bodh Gaya, Holiness expressed his appreciation Tripitaka, three collections of sacred passport controls and confiscations are for Buddha’s advice to his followers, teachings of Buddha. The seminar preventing people from leaving Tibet “As the wise test gold by burning, attracted an audience of cutting and rubbing it, so, bhikshus, about 500 monks and should you accept my words---after lay people. His Holiness testing them, and not merely out of was requested to lay the respect for me.” On leaving the temple foundation stone for a new he addressed the media, summarising museum there.

Buddha’s teachings of Ahimsa and dalailama.com. compassion. reported, “Speaking phayul.com reports on the three- approvingly of the recently day scholars’ debate which followed, established Thai-Tibetan based on Tsongkhapa’s Essence of exchange, His Holiness True Eloquence in Bodh Gaya from declared how happy More than 15,000 people gathered for the Solitary Hero December 19 – 21, at which 62 he was to have had the Vajrabhairava Empowerment papers were presented. 442 scholars opportunity to contribute Photo: Lobsang Tsering were among the 700 participants. to this discussion”.

His Holiness addressed the From December 24 – 25, His and Radio Free Asia has reported that gathering saying, “If we can explain Holiness taught Gyalsey Thokme no more than one hundred pilgrims philosophical views on the basis of Sangpo’s 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva have been able to attend from Tibet.

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DECEMBER 2018

Sikyong Visits Australia

by Pasang Dolma Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, President of the Tibetan Government-inexile, visited Australia from December 5 – 7. The first event he attended was a “Thank you Australia” event organised by the Canberabased Office of Tibet and which was celebrated by the Tibetan community at the Australian Parliament building on December 5. Australia’s Minister for Indigenous Health, Ken Wyatt, attended as the special guest. The event was also attended by 15 members of the Australian Parliament, Tibetan dignitaries and members of the local Tibetan community.

Sikyong spoke of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s escape into exile 60 years ago and the resilience of the Tibetan

diaspora, with the support of international communities including the Australian government and various support groups. He recounted the numerous discussions held on Tibet, including the approximately 2,200 statements that were made in the Australian Parliament, and praised the country for its support in the special provision for Tibetan immigrants who are former political prisoners. Additionally, he highlighted the country’s exemplary work in its rehabilitation of Tibetan immigrants; Australia currently hosts 2,300 Tibetan immigrants, 1,363 of whom are former political prisoners. He added that Australia “has set a good record to follow”.

Ken Wyatt explained that the similar trajectory shared by Tibetans and the

NEWS & ISSUES

indigenous people of Australia helped to naturally draw strong support for the Tibetan people. Mr Wyatt also expressed his understanding of the Tibetan people’s struggle to preserve their identity and reassured that his support for the Tibetan cause would continue. Other guests from different political parties also shared their experiences of working with the Tibetan people and supporting its cause.

Ms Kyizom Dongdue, a Tibetan Parliamentarian based in Australia, spoke of the surge in discussion on China owing to the growing Chinese influence within the country, and expressed her gratitude toward the Australian government and its people for their support for the Tibetan cause.

Rewards for Chinese Informers

by Lodoe Gyatso A new law aimed at encouraging people to report “illegal content” has been passed in China, effectively coopting private citizens into the security apparatus of the Chinese state. This affects Tibetans living under Chinese occupation as rewards are offered to people who inform on others suspected of reading or speaking about, for instance, foreign newspaper articles or broadcasts about His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Published in China on November 16, the law is entitled Measures for Rewarding Informants in Efforts to Eliminate Pornography and Illegal Content. A translation of the law has been provided by China Law Translate (CLT)* and is now available in the West.

The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT)** states that “the measures are so broad and all-encompassing that almost anything other than official state propaganda that is published, posted online or broadcast could be characterised as ‘evil’ and ‘illegal’and subject to punishment.”

The measures state that informers are to be offered rewards for providing information on, among other things, Contact

“that which is harmful to national unity, sovereignty, or territorial integrity; that which divulges state secrets, endangers national security or harms national honour or interests; that which incites ethnic hatred or ethnic discrimination, destroying ethnic unity, or infringing on ethnic customs and habits; that which promotes evil cults or superstition; that which disrupts social order or undermines social stability.”

Coinciding with the campaign, a series of graphic cartoons were distributed in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, including one of a closed fist smashing into two people marked with the Chinese characters for “black (illegal)” and “evil.” His Holiness Dalai Lama is characterised as a leader of such “evil forces” by the Chinese authorities.

ICT reports that on November 14 they obtained a circular on social media issued by the Chinese Public Security Bureau which states that 30 boxes have been set up across Lhasa for citizens to report on such “criminal issues”.

The rewards for informers depend on the type of information that is given and range from Chinese Renminbi 1,000 (US$145 / £115 / Rs 7

10,500) to Chinese Renminbi 600,000 (US$87,000 / £69,000 / Rs 6,000,000).

A circular issued earlier this year similarly urged the public to inform on people they suspect of being loyal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his “evil forces” across Tibet. This edict effectively makes everyday and often devotional activities illegal by, for instance, targeting those who seek to encourage the use of the Tibetan language or protect Tibetan culture, calling this a “reactionary and narrow nationalistic idea”. The official state newspaper the Global Times stated that the political struggle against the Dalai Lama is central to the Beijing leadership’s concerns and is carried out on a war footing, saying: “The spread of separatist gangs in Tibet is rampant […] a campaign against the gangsters would deter off secessionist activities by the Dalai.” *CLT is a crowd sourced, crowd funded translation project making Chinese law accessible to English speakers, run from the United States based Paul Tsai China Centre at the Yale Law School. **The United States based ICT works to promote human rights and democratic freedoms for the people of Tibet.

DECEMBER 2018

NEWS & ISSUES

Confucius Film Sparks Controversy

by Mary Trewartha A new award-winning film In the Name of Confucius explores the issue of human rights abuses in China and how China is exporting its policies to the west through its Confucius Institutes. The film premiered in Western Australia this month.

There are 1,113 Confucius Classrooms in 146 countries around the world. SBS News – the Australian government-owned public broadcasting network – describes Confucius as a Chinese governmentsponsored programme and reports that the New South Wales (NSW) government committed to respect Chinese “cultural customs” and abide by “Chinese laws and regulations” when it established its Confucius Classrooms programme in a joint venture with the Chinese government in 2011. However, SBS now reports that the NSWgovernment is reviewing

its policy amid concerns over inappropriate foreign government influence and claims that it could expose children to propaganda. SBS says that In the Name of Confucius has “raised questions about a darker side to Confucius Institutes”.

The film’s lead actress is Anastasia (Yefan) Lin, the former Miss World Canada 2015, who grew up in China.

She was present at the film’s premier screening in the state library in Western Australia where she is reported as saying that she was “all too familiar with the distortion and lies of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and does not want to see these exported to the West”.

Victoria University is reported in the Epoch Times– a New York based newspaper with a focus on China and human rights issues there – as having cancelled their screening of the film “after concerns were raised by the Chinese consulate”. The

Epoch Times goes on to say “David Matas, an international human rights lawyer who was scheduled to speak at the event, said that the cancellation highlights how the CCP has political influence over institutions that host Confucius Institutes. ‘This cancellation was a demonstration of the very point that we’re trying to make through this event’, Matas said.”

There are reports from around the world of growing concerns about the influence of Confucius Institutes.

The University of Michigan is not renewing its contract with the Confucius Institute when it expires next year, saying they will “integrate Chinese cultural programmes across campus” and that “U-M remains dedicated to engagement with China”. Concerns about political influence on the universities where they are hosted have led to the closure of several in the United States.

China Claims to be “Earnestly Fullfilling” its HR obligations

by Lodoe Gyatso The Chinese government released a new White Paper on December 12 on the Human Rights situation in China entitled “Progress in Human Rights over the 40 Years of Reform and Opening Up in China”.

In its Foreword, the White Paper states “the CPC [Communist Party of China] has […] worked to safeguard the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the people [and] respect human values and dignity, and promote the wellrounded development of the people […]China has showed respect for, protected and promoted human rights in the course of reform and opening up. It has blazed a trail of development in human rights that […] created new experiences and new progress in safeguarding human rights”. It also states that China has “earnestly fulfilled its international human rights obligations, fully participated in international human rights affairs, actively promoted reform of the global Contact

human rights governance system, worked hard for the building of a global community of shared future, and made a consistent contribution to the international cause of human rights.”

The White Paper does not address the accusations of gross human rights violations made by countries around the world and by the United Nations who state in their World Report 2018 that “The broad and sustained offensive on human rights that started after President Xi Jinping took power five years ago showed no sign of abating in 2017.”

The Central Tibetan Adminstration published a rebuttal of the White Paper on December 31. They have stated, “The White Paper’s several claims about the human rights situation of Tibetans contradict reports by other impartial and independent sources.”

Their statement counters the claim that “the right of ethnic minority groups in administering state affairs is effectively guaranteed” by quoting the independent watchdog Freedom 8

House as noting, “Decision-making power is concentrated in the hands of senior, ethnic Chinese CCP officials… [and the]…few ethnic Tibetans who occupy senior positions serve mostly as figureheads and echo official doctrine.”

Another claim refuted by the CTA is that “The right to use and develop the spoken and written languages of ethnic minorities is respected and fully protected. The CTA responds by pointing to the case Tashi Wangchuk: “a language rights activist who was sentenced to five years in prison for ‘inciting separatism’ after he spoke to the New York Times about the threats to the native Tibetan language because of official policies making Mandarin the medium of instruction in schools.”

According to the White Paper, “Religious beliefs and normal religious activities are protected by law.” The CTA answers that “in December 2016, the European Parliament had to pass a strong resolution demanding China to stop violating Tibetans’ religious freedoms.”

DECEMBER 2018

NEWS & ISSUES

“Hunter-Killer” Drones to Patrol India-Tibet Border

by Anisha Francis Less than a fortnight after reporting successful negotiations with India over border disputes and political trust, China has deployed military grade drones capable of carrying high grade weapons to patrol its borders. According to reports in the the Chinese state-run Global Times, GJ-2 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) have been deployed along the borders between Chineseoccupied Tibet and India as well as well as Nepal and India, and the border with Pakistan in the Xinjiang region, since these areas are too mountainous and inhospitable for troops to man.

The GJ-2 is a long endurance drone, built to stay airborne for up to 20 hours and can achieve an altitude of 9,000 feet and speeds of 370 kmph. This new model of UAV is touted as China’s response to the United States Air Force’s MQ-9

by Soumya Singh Tarang His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama preached a message of peace in a three-day teaching tour from December 3 – 5 in Sansika, Farrukabad (Western Uttar Pradesh), the sacred ground that marks Gautam Buddha’s return to Earth. Interpreting lessons by Shantideva, he continues on his mission to make the 21st century an emblem of warm-heartedness and compassion.

Arriving in Sansika on December 2, His Holiness’s schedule included teaching an understanding of Shantideva’s A Guide to the Bodhhisatva’s Way of Life (Chodjug). The religious teaching session was organised by the Youth Buddhist Society of India at their institute ground and was attended by about 15,000 people, including many Indian Buddhists from different states and about 400 devotees from 35 countries, reports tibetanreview.net.

On December 3, after paying his Contact

Reaper, the world’s most feared drone, capable of carrying massive payloads over long distances– nicknamed “hunter-killers”.

This move comes after the 21st round of talks held between Indian and Chinese representatives in

Photo: Xinhua

Sichuan on November 26, when both countries had decided to jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas through mutual communication and trust.

While UAVs are utilised by several countries to survey their borders, they are usually not

A Mission for Peace respects to the archaeological site in Sankisa, His Holiness cut the ribbon inaugurating an exhibition of Buddhist-themed paintings, followed by an unveiling of the foundation stone for a proposed clinic and school.

Photo: OHHDL

“It’s easy to see that the kinder and more affectionate we are to others, the more peaceful we are in ourselves and the more peaceful is the atmosphere in which we live and work,” His Holiness is quoted as saying in a report by dalailama.com.

The dalailama.com report continues, stating that His Holiness 9

militarised. The use of high-tech drones by the Chinese government is not new – the robotic doves that China uses to keep a close eye over their citizens as well as spy on ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang region made international headlines a few months ago for their violation of privacy, as well as the realistic appearance and flight movements of the drones.

Apart from the possible border violations with India, China’s drones are also expected to choke the escape routes used by Tibetan refugees attempting to cross over to India via Nepal. With increasing scrutiny of the Nepal border by Chinese border forces, the number of Tibetans crossing into exile has been decreasing every year – Phayul has reported that according to their sources, in 2017 only 50 refugees made it through the Nepal border into India for a life of relative freedom.

started his first session by addressing the issue of violence in the 20th century saying, “Looking back, we can see that there was too much violence at that time. So many lives were sacrificed. If their loss had contributed to the creation of a better world, it might have been justified. But that was not the case.” Throughout three days of the session, His Holiness covered various aspects of Ahimsa or nonviolence. Noting the common belief in force as a solution to all problems of this century, he described this as an outdated way of thinking and taught the importance of developing a sense of Karuna or compassion. He brought into notice the thriving arms industry and the harm it causes. The importance of religion at this time of material and industrial development was discussed.

After a brief vote of thanks, His Holiness flew back to Delhi on December 5.

DECEMBER 2018

NEWS & ISSUES

Tibetan Headlines

Dec 27: Top Ten! His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been voted eighth in the top ten most admired persons in the world in the American Gallup News poll which was conducted from December 3 – 12 this year. Former US President Barack Obama was voted the most admired person.

an Honorary Award at the German Sustainability Awards 2018 for his advocacy and lifetime commitment to human rights. The German Sustainability Award recognises exemplary sustainability achievements in economy, municipalities and research, and is the biggest award of its kind in Europe.

Dec 24: Earthquake China’s Earthquake Networks Centre has reported that a 5.8-magnitude earthquake shook Shedthong Monzong (Xaitongmoin County) in Shigatse, Tibet. The focal depth of the earthquake was eight kilometres with its epicentre 344 kilometres from Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. There are no reports of any major damage or casualties.

Dec 15: Karmapa’s Concern The Tibetan exile community is very concerned to see reports in the Indian press suggesting there is a dispute regarding the Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje’s return to India. The Karmapa, citing former travel restrictions within India, has acquired a Dominican passport in the hopes of being able to travel more freely.

Dec 20: Literacy Classes The residents of Gatoe town in Tridu county in Tibet have launched classes for people to learn basic skills. The people attending are aged 50-80 and are learning to read and write with the aim of improving their command of the written language. Zilkar Monastery is providing the resources for the classes.

Dec 14: Acting Success!

Tsering Choekyi, a young Tibetan living in exile, has been awarded Best Young Actress at the Olympia International Film Festival held in Greece for her appearance in the feature film Barley Field on the Other Side of the Mountain. The film is about the price of freedom told through the eyes of a teenage girl.

Dec 20: Learning Tibetan The Tibetan language may be taught at the Australian National University as a part of a programme that teaches less commonly taught languages. The programme will include Mandarin, Hindi, Korean, and Japanese, and it is hoped that it will include online courses in Tibetan, Thai, Sanskrit, and Tetum. The project is a partnership between the National University and the Open University Australia.

Dec 19: Water Shortage Researchers at Ohio State University have released a report saying climate change will have devastating effects on the Tibetan plateau and Andes mountains. They say glaciers are melting more rapidly than at any point in the last 10,000 years and that up to two thirds of the ice will disappear by 2100, creating the risk of water shortages for billions of people.

Dec 16: Richard Gere Honoured Actor Richard Gere, who is also the Chairman of the International Campaign for Tibet, has received Contact

Dec 11: Human Rights Day Hundreds of Tibetans and supporters gathered in Tsuglakhang temple in Mcleod Ganj to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to HH the Dalai Lama, with leaders of the Tibetan exile government and Indian guests in attendance. It is also Human Rights Day, 70 years since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Dec 10: A Winner!

Tenzin Dawa Thargay, a young Tibetan man living in the United States, has won the 2019 Charles B Rangel International Affairs Fellowship – a prestigious fellowship funded by the US State Department which supports individuals wishing to pursue a career in the US Foreign Service. The application process is viewed as highly competitive, with many top level students competing for the opportunity.

Dec 10: Men-Tsee-Khang Fights Back The Director of Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan Medical and Astrological 10

Institute, has condemned the move by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to list Lum – Tibetan medicinal bathing – as a nomination by China for the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. He has also condemned China for using the trademark MenTsee-Khang, which he says is an illegal use of the name.

Dec 8: Rehabilitation Policy Adopted The Sikkim government is adopting the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014, which will create additional opportunities for Tibetan refugees. Set up by the Central Government of India, the policy enables Tibetan refugees to undertake economic activity and to take professional jobs depending on their qualifications. It has been adopted in other Indian states including Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttarakhand.

Dec 6: Festival in Lhasa Two festivals at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet, have attracted many Buddhist pilgrims, as well as a substantial police presence. The Gaden Nga Choe festival celebrates the life of Je Tsongkhapa, the revered Buddhist teacher who died in 1419, while Shichoed marks the day Jamchen Choeje Yeshi – one of Tsonghkapa’s main disciples – died in 1443.

Dec 3: Archaeological Find Signs of human activity dating back 30,000 to 40,000 years have been discovered by Chinese archaeologists on the Tibetan Plateau – the oldest signs of human habitation in the region. They have found over 3,600 stone artefacts near Nwya Devu at an altitude of 15,000 feet. They say there may be a link with a related species of humans who lived in Siberia.

Dec 3: New Speaker Mr Pema Jungney has been sworn in as the new Speaker of the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-exile.

He succeeds Khenpo Sonam Tenphel. Because neither achieved a majority vote in the election in May 2016, they are each serving two and a half years of the fiveyear term. Pema Jungney is the longest serving Tibetan legislator and has served the Tibetan Government-in-exile over the last 28 years.

DECEMBER 2018

International Headlines

Dec 29:Volcanic Devastation Anak Krakatau, the volcano in Indonesia which erupted last week leaving more than 400 people dead and 40,000 displaced, is now known to have collapsed into the sea causing the tsunami that inundated the nearby coastlines of Java and Sumatra. The volcano’s height has reduced from 340 metres to 110 metres and its volume from 150-170 million to 40-70 million cubic metres.

Dec 19: Access to Temple Four transgender women have been allowed to pray at the Sabarimala shrine in Kerala state – an Indian temple historically closed to women of “menstruating age”. A Supreme Court ruling has allowed women devotees into the temple, but they have been repeatedly blocked from entering by mobs. The transgender women, all wearing black sarees, entered under police protection.

Dec 28: China Contributes More China is to become the second-largest sponsor of the United Nations, reports the Asian Review. China’s General Assembly has adopted a resolution to increase the Chinese contribution to over 12% - up from just under 8%, while Japan’s share – formerly second to the US – will shrink from nearly 10% to 8.5%. The US will continue to pay the maximum possible at 22%.

Dec 18: Russia Did Meddle The United States Senate has released a report claiming that Russia used every major social media platform to influence the US presidential election in 2016, saying that YouTube, Tumblr, Instagram, PayPal, Facebook and Twitter were all used to promote disinformation. The report, produced by the University of Oxford’s Computational Propaganda Project and the social network analysis firm Graphika, criticises the “belated and uncoordinated response” by tech firms.

Dec 22: Bus Crash At least 21 people have died after a bus carrying college students and teachers veered off a highway in a mountainous area of southwestern Nepal. According to police, the bus was returning to the town of Ghorahi when it crashed near Tulsipur. So far, rescue operations have been difficult due to the remote location of the crash site.

Dec 21: Arrests Made Nineteen people have been arrested after two Scandinavian women were found murdered near Imlil – a popular hiking destination in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. Authorities suspect the motive to be terrorism after a graphicvideo of the killing was posted online. It was discovered that some of the suspects had pledged allegiance to Islamic State prior to the attack.

Dec 20: Pop Singer Banned Tanzania has barred Diamond Platnumz, the top African pop star, from performing after he sang the song Mwanza at a concert. Authorities had banned the song for being sexually suggestive because it contains the word “horny” in Swahili, and the video shows dancers simulating sex.

It is not the first time Diamond has courted controversy with authorities.

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Dec 16: China’s Journalists Jailed The Committee to Protect Journalists has published its 2018 annual prison census, saying that China, along with Egypt and Saudi Arabia, jails the most journalists worldwide. 47 journalists have been jailed in China this year. The United Nations has accused Beijing of mass surveillance and detention of up to a million people without trial.

NEWS & ISSUES

Dec 11: EU: Anti-Semitism A major survey of 12 European Union countries commissioned by the EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency says antiSemitism is increasing. Of over 16,000 Jews surveyed, “hundreds” said they had experienced a physical attack in the past year, and 28% that they had been harassed. The report says abuse is so common that most victims do not bother reporting incidents.

Dec 10: Paris Riots The “yellow vest” protestors in France have spent their fourth consecutive weekend demonstrating against fuel tax rises, high living costs and other issues. Around 125,000 protesters took to the streets this weekend; over 1,200 were taken into custody, after rioting and setting fires. It is expected that President Emmanuel Macron will announce anti-crisis measures.

Dec 8: Museum of Black Civilisations Senegal’s new Museum of Black Civilisations has been inaugurated in the capital, Dakar. Its director says it will not be a commemorative monument, but a “creative laboratory to help shape a continent’s sense of identity” and will open to the public shortly. Its establishment follows calls from Senegal and other African nations for France to return art looted during the colonial era.

Dec 13: Mass Graves Seven mass graves have been found near a former Islamic State group stronghold, Albu Kamal in eastern Syria. So far more than 100 bodies have been recovered, most of which appear to have been tortured before being executed. Some were blindfolded and handcuffed and several women were among the dead.

Dec 6: Drugs Gang Bust At least 90 members of the Italian ‘Ndrangheta mafia gang have been arrested – including “high-ranking” members – and over three tonnes of cocaine, together with 140kg of ecstasy seized in a police operation in Belgium, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands involving hundreds of police officers.

‘Ndrangheta has around 6,000 members and is said to control 80% of Europe’s cocaine trade.

Dec 12: Cathedral Shooting Five people have been killed and others wounded in a shooting in the Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral in Campinas near São Paulo in Brazil. During a midday service a man sitting in the congregation stood and opened fire.

He then killed himself in front of the altar. He has not been identified and his motive is not known.

Dec 3: Former President Bush George HW Bush, President of the United States from 1989 to 1993, has died aged 94 in Houston, Texas. Bush Senior was a Texas oil millionaire by the age of 40 and was an aviator in World War II. His term of office was marked by the end of the Cold War and the first Iraq war against Saddam Hussein.

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DECEMBER 2018

NEWS & ISSUES

Study Finds Less Dissent Expressed on Chinese Social Media

by Sarah Gittleman The Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) – an international research institute that analyses the political, economic, social,

technological and ecological developments in China, and the corresponding global impacts – has released its most recent report regarding the state of pluralistic debate on Chinese social media in Xi Jinping’s “New Era”. Based on their findings, it appears that fewer people within China are willing to express opinions on social media that differ from the official party line put forth by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) now that new legislative measures have been introduced to tighten the party’s control over online content.

Although the report places its emphasis on Chinese dissent, the findings of this report also affect other groups who live under China’s administrative control. As such, Tibetans, Uighurs, and other ethnic minorities are also subject to Chinese censorship and surveillance.

The report, which was released on November 29 of this year, documents the findings of a repeated study meant to capture the rate of change that has occurred since the study was last conducted by MERICS in 2016. In 2016 – prior to the introduction of new stipulations to enforce content control – researchers found relatively high rates of pluralistic debate online, meaning that a variety of opinions were permitted to exist, even those that differed from the position promoted by the CCP. Since then, the CCP has increased its control over all facets of Chinese society, including the internet.

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While earlier cyberspace legislation originally focused on the enforcement of real-name registration and banning “illegal content”, forum operators are now required to establish mechanisms linking accounts to proper identification and to review all posts prior to publication. Chat group providers and administrators of private accounts can also be held liable for the content of discussions, and user data must be stored for six months.

With the CCP’s new rules in place, pluralistic debate on Chinese social media has shown to have decreased drastically. In 2016, only 20 percent of posts represented the CCP’s “voice,” but in 2018, that number grew to 60 percent. According to the

report, publishing opinions diverging from the party line has become more difficult, as most critical content is being censored or crowded out by commentaries loyal to the party and its position.

Although recent legislative crackdowns have significantly reduced the expression of dissent, online opposition to the party line is far from absent. The recent report

by MERICS notes that “the Chinese government allows a certain spectrum of dissenting opinions online”. While some may regard this as evidence of a certain level of openness, this finding should raise some skepticism.

One reason China might permit some dissent is that selectively censoring certain opinions while permitting others can limit the total number of people who are silenced online. According to the report, “going after too many different opinions is not necessary and might even prove 12

counterproductive. Deleting every slightly dissenting post might mean larger numbers of angry, cynical social media users who feel personally affected by the CCP’s censorship policies.” In sum, limiting the use of censorship minimises public outrage

and the potential for any backlash against the government as a result of the policy.

Furthermore, selective censorship can also be indicative of an attempt to undermine the legitimacy of those who express dissent. Thus, it is important to note who is being targeted for censorship. In this case, MERICS finds that “Chinese authorities fear facts in online discussion”, and are less likely to censor posts with “nationalistic or emotional content like slander or expressions of rage.”

This might suggest that the CCP is trying to eliminate more reasonable content, while portraying the opposition as more radical or extreme than they actually are.

Additionally, permitting some criticism can help the CCP to monitor dissent and counter opposition, as complete censorship would actually deny the regime access to certain information that is not otherwise obtainable. The report argues, “by allowing a certain spectrum of debate, the Chinese government has the ability to monitor and test popular sentiment – always ready to censor if authorities feel debates are becoming too threatening.” In fact, governments often permit some online dissent for intelligence purposes, or to otherwise learn about the concerns of its people in order to craft a more effective message.

DECEMBER 2018

DHARAMSHALA VOICES

Dancing His Way to Success

by Nick Hawkins Tenzin Migmar has recently opened a new dance and fitness studio, Upside Down, in McLeod Ganj. This is an exciting venture for this talented young man and an innovative development for Dharamshala.

Migmar’s parents migrated from Tibet to Sikkim in 1959 and settled in Kunpheling Tibetan Settlement, where Migmar was born in 1992, the youngest of three children. The family moved around regularly when he was young and Migmar initially went to an English school, then a Tibetan school – Central School for Tibetans – in Darjeeling. He was a bright student and excelled at maths and science but he was always interested in dance, representing his schools in competitions from an early age.

His talents earned him the nickname “Chicken Leg” in his family!

Dancing was in Migmar’s blood as his father was involved in Tibetan festivals in the army and his mother participated in dance performances in the settlement festivities. His parents were devotees of traditional Tibetan culture but it was his older brother and sister that awakened his interest in western-style dance:NgawangYounten and Lhamo Choden took him along to parties with their friends and taught him the steps of the latest dance craze.

Now living in Namchi in South Sikkim, Migmar made friends with other teenagers interested in hiphop and breaking and they formed a dance group BRSTP - the name simply being made up of their initials.

BRSTP was an immediate success – their popularity at school leading to invitations to perform elsewhere, a following on social media and entry to a competition in Gangtok. Migmar’s break-dancing skills earned him the new nickname of “GotingLokyo” (Upside Down). His devotion to his art proved to be somewhat at the expense of his academic studies so his older brother encouraged him to move to Bangalore, where Migmar embarked on a BCA (Bachelor in Computer Application) course - whilst also pursuing his passion for dance.

This led to the next significant stage in his development. Encouraged and supported by his sister-in-law Dechen Khando who he describes as “inspirational”, Migmar started breakdancing in public parks in Bangalore – where there were informal competitive “battles” between young dancers.

Migmar was the only Tibetan amongst Indians but his talent impressed and he joined a team called the Dark Illusion Crew. The Crew worked hard, practised their moves and refined their routines: entering local “battles” and winning most.

Migmar’s skills flourished dancing with Dark Illusion Crew in Bangalore, working in Glance Dance Studio and re-uniting with BRSTP – now retitled Brotherhood, Respect, Sacrifice, Talent, Perseverance – when back in Sikkim. Having to earn a living – firstly in a call centre and then in graphic and web design – Migmar’s dancing had to take a back seat for a while. Then he got his next big break:

entry into Tibetans Got Talent, the hugely popular talent contest enjoyed by audiences in live performance and online across the country. Migmar won his local audition and progressed through the later rounds to the final in Bylakuppe in Karnataka, where he was joint winner of the title. This has resulted in invitations to perform in shows in Sikkim, Ladakh, Bhutan, Delhi and elsewhere.

Migmar joined his sister in Dharamshala and began working at Lha as a computer instructor – rapidly becoming attached to Lha, fond of McLeod Ganj and realising how much he enjoyed sharing his technical knowledge helping others to develop their skills. He decided he would like to share his artistic skills so when an opportunity arose through a CTA plan encouraging new entrepreneurs, Migmar saw the chance to open his own dance studio.

And so “Upside Down” studio on Jogiwara Road, was born. Offering classes in B-Boyng (break dance), All-Style modern dance, Zumba and Kids sessions, Migmar and his fellow teachers aim to encourage Tibetans, local people and tourists to come to learn and enjoy dance, have fun and get fit!

And Migmar’s long-term ambition?

To become a dance star on Indian television – acting as a role model inspiring other Tibetans, showcasing modern, ground-breaking performance skills.

Every month we feature somebody from the Tibetan community on our Dharamshala Voices page as well as the occasional profile of one of the many NGOs in Dharamshala who do so much to help the Tibetan Community You can read more Dharamshala Voices stories on the Contact website: http://www.contactmagazine.net/dharamasla-life/ The People stories on the Dharamshala Voices page online tell the stories of the people who make up the Tibetan exile community inDharamshala and elsewhere, as well as the stories of Lha students and volunteers, told in their own words.

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DECEMBER 2018

LHA NEWS AND PROJECTS

Workshop for Preschool Tibetan Teachers

Lha Charitable Trust organised a three-day workshop, “Basic Education Policy for Tibetans in Exile and Secular Ethics”, for 29 pre-school Tibetan teachers from December 7 – 9. The workshop was funded by the Tibet Fund, USA and was held at Lha’s Ahimsa Hall.

Workshop participants were from different Tibetan schools in and around Dharamshala: seven teachers from Tibetan Children’s Village School – of which five were from Osel-Ling School, Nepal; three from Youngling School; 15 from MewoenTsuglag Petoen School; one from Central School for Tibetans (CST) Ponta; two teachers from CST Deckyiling and one from CST Purwala.

On the first day of the workshop His Eminence Professor Samdhong Rinpoche spoke on the importance and benefits of the Basic Education Policy for Tibetans in Exile, and on

Professort Samdong Rinpoche speaking on the importance of the Basic Education Policy. Photo: Contact/Lha

the roles and responsibilities of preschool teachers. Speaker of the 16th

Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Mr Pema Jungney la, spoke about the development and implementation of the policy and Ms Sonam Gangsang from the Education Department of the

Ms Tenzin Choedon, Principal of Petoen School, speaking on how the basic education policy can go hand in hand with the modern education system Photo: Contact/Lha

Central Tibetan Administration spoke on the importance of reading from an early age and how to encourage the reading habit in young children.

The second day of the workshop was led by trainers from the Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution, Ms Sonam Dechen la and Ms Tenzin Yangkyi la. They focused on the four main aims of the Basic Education Policy for Tibetans in Exile and their session was filled with activities and fun games to be implemented in the participating teachers’ daily classes. The third speaker was Ms Tenzin Dekyi la from the Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration. She focused on the importance of freedom for children, especially to let them play

in an unstructured environment.

The third day of the workshop started with Geshe Lhakdor la, Director of the Library of Tibetan Work and Archive. Geshe la spoke on Secular Ethics and how to cultivate compassion from a young age. Following Geshe la were two speakers, Mr Tenzin Dorjee la from the Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration and Mrs Tenzin Choedon la, Principal of Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School.

They covered topics including the benefits and outcome of the Basic Education Policy for Tibetans in Exile and how our traditional education system can go hand in hand with the modern education system.

The workshop concluded with a feedback session and a thank you note from Lha’s Director Dorji Kyi. The teachers were were awarded a participation certificate and a photo

Course participants with their certificates Photo: Contact/Lha

of the participants with His Eminence Professor Samdhong Rinpoche.

World AIDS Day December 1 is World AIDS Day, and to mark the event this year, Lha Charitable Trust, in collaboration with Delek Hospital and the Tibetan Primary Health Centre, Bir, (TPHC), organised an awareness programme on HIV/AIDS at Bir Tibetan Settlement.

The theme was “Know Your Status” and focused on the importance of knowing one’s status, and getting yourself checked if you don’t know.

Dr Tsewang la from Delek Hospital Contact

Doctor Tsewang from Delek Hospital Photo: Contact/Lha

and Dr TenzinNorsang la from TPHC, Bir gave presentations on HIV/AIDS, its transmission, preventive methods 14

and the stigmas attached to the disease.

Nurse Catherine McDonough from Los Angeles, USA, who is currently volunteering at Delek Hospital, shared her experiences of many years of working with AIDS patients. All three speakers then answered questions from the audience.

The day finished with the distribution of condoms and AIDS awareness brochures in Tibetan and Hindi. This event was funded by the Tibet Fund, USA. DECEMBER 2018

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

This month Soumya Singh Tarang from India tells us her story.

Volunteer Jobs at Lha: Personal Tutor, Conversation Partner and Newswriter for Contact magazine

A Part of Lha Always Stays withYou I was told that volunteering stories are about experiences. People going to new places, meeting new people, helping people. Soon I realised volunteering stories are about people.

My story starts not from when I sat for days on my laptop screen in Delhi trying to look for an escape from the city noise, nor with the delight of hearing back from Lha office about my volunteering plans, not even from when I was exhausted, tired, sleepy from the fifteen hour bus ride and standing right in front of the green building that was about to be a temporal escape in my constant struggle. Pondered upon my whole experience a thousand times in my mind and scanned through every page from my diary that I filled, the question remains, where does my story begin?

From the start Lha felt like home.

I was doing the 4pm conversation classes, meeting the most delightful

students ever, was tutoring the sweetest person I have ever met and writing for Contact magazine which has now become my obsession. The pale-yellow walls of Ahimsa house were witness to many warm-hearted moments that I shared with the people who like me

were humble boarders away from the chaos of main square. Every café is like a hub of countless emotions shared behind cups of Masala Chai and coffee. Everywhere you go, you

see familiar faces smiling back at you; of students who told you about the very place where you’re enjoying the food, of kind individuals working at Lha by your side and of the new friends you made just for the sake of the shared taste for momos. You’re not a stranger in a strange land anymore, you learn to make the world your home. After travelling through all the hill stations that Himachal has to offer me, I will go back to Mcleod Ganj just to have another chance to be able to be part of something so soulful.

With every sunset and every sunrise, a part of Lha stays with you, and it didn’t matter if the sky is blue of Mcleod or grey of Delhi. With this I finally know, sitting under the yellow sky of Rajasthan on my next journey, that my story had a beginning whenever I had the chance to meet another soul who with me was part of this extraordinary experience.

Web Design Course Lha organised a six week free web design course from October

29 to December 16 at Lha’s office in Temple Road, McLeod Ganj. Mr Tenzin Dakpa la was our volunteer instructor for the course. Eight students participated, learning the basics of web design using Word Press - a simple platform for building websites, basic HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

All eight students completed the

Photo: Contact/Lha

course successfully and were awarded certificates. Our instructor Tenzin

Dakpa holds a Master of Computer Science from Christ University and was an intern at Divine Shop Private Limited, Bangalore for six weeks before working for two years as a web developer at Dachompa LLP Ltd. Our next course, which will take place in January, will be film making and students will receive instruction in the preproduction, shooting and postproduction elements of filmmaking.

Contact magazine is published by Lha Charitable Trust

Lha Charitable Trust is an award-winning, grassroots, non-profit organisation and one of the largest Tibetan social work institutes based in Dharamshala, India. Lha has been striving to provide vital resources for Tibetan refugees, local Indian communities, and people from the Himalayan regions for 20 years. Lha was registered as a charitable trust by the Indian Government in 2005.

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

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DECEMBER 2018

around town

Charities and Organisations

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

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

WEB: www.tibet.net LOCATION: Near Library PHONE: 01892-222218 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:00 am-5:00 pm EMAIL: kashag@tibet.net The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL) OHHDL is the personal office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The office organises his schedule, including appointments and travel plans, diplomatic and personal correspondence, and liaises with officials of the Central Tibetan Administration.

WEB: www.dalailama.com LOCATION: McLeod Ganj, PHONE: 01892-221343 / 221210 EMAIL: ohhdl@dalailama.com Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) The TYC is an advocacy and political action organisation with chapters around the world.

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

WEB: www. tibetanyouthcongress.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala -176219 PHONE: 01892-221554 EMAIL:president@tibetanyouthcongress.org, tyc@tibetanyouthcongress.org Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) The TWA conducts workshops on gender sensitization and domestic violence throughout Tibetan settlements in India, provides Tibetan women with education scholarships, and connects women with international sponsors.

WEB: www. tibetanwomen.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-221527 EMAIL: tibwomen@gmail.com Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) TCV provides care to Tibetan children by creating a nurturing environment and fostering Tibetan values and culture while delivering a modern education. There is an Upper and Lower residential school in Dharamshala and day school in McLeod Ganj, with other branches throughout India.

WEB: www.tcv.org.in LOCATION: Dharamshala Cantt.176216 PHONE: 01892-221354 / 221348 EMAIL: headoffice@tcv.org.in Men-Tsee-Khang: Tibetan Medical & Astro.

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

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

The facility provides extensive training and produces traditional pharmaceuticals.

WEB: www.men-tsee-khang.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong,

Contact

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: www.tibetanlibrary.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong PHONE: 9882255047 EMAIL: ltwa1970@gmail.com Delek Hospital Delek Hospital is a small, Tibetan run hospital in Dharamshala. It has 45 inpatient beds, holds outpatient hours from 9am to 12pm Monday through Friday, and can handle most small procedures. Patients are responsible for a 10 Rupees registration fee. The hospital has a pharmacy on site.

WEB:www.delekhospital.org LOCATION: Kharadanda Rd, Dharamshala; Delek Clinic, Bhagsu Rd, Dharamshala HOURS: Outpatient, Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00 pm-4:30 pm; Emergencies, 24 hours daily PHONE: 01892-222053 / 223381 EMAIL: delek@bsnl.in hospitaldelek@yahoo.com Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society The society was established in 1999 to provide educational and administrative guidance to all Tibetan schools in remote areas of India and Bhutan that do not fall under the guidance of Tibetan Childrens Village. Today there are 65 schools under this organisation after the take over of CTSA Schools.

WEB: www.sambhota.org LOCATION:Khanyara Rd, Dharamshala176215 PHONE: 01892 - 246422 / 246423 EMAIL: stss1999@gmail.com Tong-Len Charitable Trust Tong-Len’s mission is to help displaced communities in North India achieve a secure and sustainable future. Tong-Len projects include educational and health programs, childhood education and sponsorship, primary and nursery tent schools, and children’s support hostels.

Volunteer opportunities available.

WEB: www. tong-len.org LOCATION: Top Floor, Bank Of Baroda, Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala-176215 PHONE: 01892-223930 EMAIL: jamyang@tong-len.org Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) SFT is an international NGO that promotes the Tibetan cause among the non-Tibetan community.

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

WEB:www.sftindia.org, www.studentsforafreetibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 9882786875 Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD)

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TCHRD advocates for human rights and provides education on the human rights situation in Tibet.

The centre publishes journals and articles, as well as conducting workshops and campaigns.

WEB: www.tchrd.org LOCATION: CTA, Dharamshala - 176215 PHONE: 01892-223363 EMAIL: office@tchrd.org Lha Charitable Trust (Lha) Lha, a Tibetan grassroots NGO based in Dharamshala, is one of the largest social work organisations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population, and people from the Himalayan regions.

Lha offers free English, French and Chinese classes, cultural exchange programs, IT classes, vocational training, health and environmental awareness education, distribution of clothes and medicine, a community kitchen, and many other programs and activities. (see page 2) WEB:www.lhasocialwork.org LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj, Opposite State Bank of India PHONE: 01892-220992, 988-2323-455 EMAIL: office@lhasocialwork.org The Kangra Distt. Red Cross Society The Kangra District Red Cross Society renders its humanitarian services, projects and activities with the help and the co-operation of people at all levels of society by donation.

WEB: www.redcrosskangra.org LOCATION: Red Cross Bhawan, Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-224888 / 9418832244 EMAIL: sharmaopl12345@gmail.com Gu-Chu-Sum Movement Association of Tibet is an organisation of former political prisoners of Tibet and former activists currently in exile that engages in their complete assistance from medical, financial, basic education and vocational training. It also organises lobby and advocacies about human rights abuses in Tibet. WEB: www. guchusum.org LOCATION: Jogibara Road, McLeod Ganj, PHONE: 01892-220680 / 220679 EMAIL: guchusum1991@gmail.com Tibet Charity Tibet Charity provides programs including English and computer classes, an animal care program, and a variety of medical and educational financial support programs.

WEB: www.tibetcharity.in LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-221790 / 221877 EMAIL: director@tibetcharity.in Tibet World Tibet World is a charitable trust (Reg. No 136/2015) “Where Tibet meets the world & the world meets Tibet”. Education programmes: international language courses, training, workshops and a winter programme for schoolchildren. Cultural programmes: folk show, talks, sharing stories, monk chat, compassion + wisdom = happiness workshops, cultural tours, engaging volunteering options, cultural exchange and collaboration programmes.

WEB: www.tibetworld.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road near Post Office, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 9816999928/8353005268 EMAIL: info@tibetworld.org

DECEMBER 2018

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.lit-dharamsala.org LOCATION: Underground Hotel Akash, Jogiwara Road, Mcleodd Ganj, Dharamsala 176219 PHONE: (+91) 7590025915 EMAIL: learningandideasfortibet@gmail. com Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR) Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution is a non-profit, educational organisation dedicated to the non-violent management of conflicts in the Tibetan Community and the world as a whole.They work to promote the approaches and tools of non-violent conflict resolution and democratic processes in the Tibetan community in exile and elsewhere.

WEB: http://tccr.org LOCATION: Session Road, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-226627 EMAIL: tccrteam@gmail.com Rogpa Baby Care Centre The Rogpa Baby Care Centre helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so that their parents can work. The centre needs volunteers to help with art, games, singing and other tasks including diaper changing.

WEB: www.tibetrogpa.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala- 176219 PHONE: 9857973026 EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com Gamru Village School Gamru Village School is a successful NGO that provides free high-quality education to any children who encounter serious barriers to education and who have a low standard of living.

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

EMAIL: tashu72004@yahoo.com Clean Upper Dharamshala Project Founded in 1994 to provide a waste management system in and around McLeod Ganj, the Green Workers, the Handmade Recycled Paper Factory, the Green Shop and the Environmental Education Centre are part of the Clean Upper Dharamshala Project. Weekly guided tours are offered on Wednesdays at 3 pm.

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

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

WEB: www.nyingtobling.org LOCATION: Near Norbulingka, Sidhpur PHONE:01892 211042 / 9816028149 EMAIL: nyingtob_ling@hotmail.com Women’s Team Volunteers needed to teach English to Indian women and children in the village of Kaniyara near Dharamshala. Contact Jitender.

EMAIL: jitenderje@gmail.com PHONE: 7831956680 / 08894435595 The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC) ANEC facilitates trainings, workshops and open forum discussions on nonviolent strategies to help resolve disagreements and differences at all levels of human society. ANEC welcomes volunteers from western countries to participate in informal panel discussions on ideas of regional and global peace and nonviolent strategies. Free lunch and tea and many more benefits for

volunteers.

LOCATION: No. 262, 1st floor, Khajanchi -Mohalla, Khunyara Rd, Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 9882077708 / 9882921477 EMAIL: wangduemiddleway@gmail.com Website: www.anec-india.net Facebook: www/facebook.com/anecpeace National Democratic Party of Tibet The NDPT is currently the only Tibetan political party. With 5000 members in 36 regional chapters throughout the world, the main aim and objectives of the NDPT are to prepare for the establishment of a political party in a future Tibet, to promote democracy, to educate the Tibetan people about the significance of political parties and to create awareness among the people about Tibetan issues.

WEB: www.ndp4tibet.org LOCATION: Dharamshala–176219 EMAIL: tibetparty4@gmail.com PHONE: 9882787633 / 9882673330 Tibetan Dubbing Society Tibetan Dubbing Society, founded in 2015, is a non-profit organisation working towards preserving Tibetan language through various forms of entertainment and dubbing animation movies into Tibetan language for Tibetan children.

LOCATION: Near Norbulinga Institute WEBSITE: www.tibetdub.org EMAIL: savetiblang@gmail.com CONTACT: +91-8629837735 Norbulingka Institue Centre for Tibetan culture with studios and artists at work. Temple, tour guides of the workshops, and gardens.

LOCATION:Sidhpur, Dharamshala PHONE:9882144210 EMAIL: info@norbulingka.org WEB:www.norbulingka.org

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: 4:00am (Rs 554), 6pm (Rs 580), 7:30 pm (Rs 570) Semi Deluxe Bus: 5pm (Rs 590) , 6:30pm (Rs 590) Full Deluxe Bus: (Rs683) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8:15 am (Rs 1243), 5:35pm (Rs 1275), 7:00pm (Rs 1275), 8:50pm (Rs1275) AC TATA: 5:50pm (Rs 972) AMRITSAR: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs257) *from Dharamshala DEHRADUN: Ordinary Bus: 2pm (Rs 560) 8pm (Rs 551); VOLVO: 7pm (Rs 1199) MANALI: Ordinary Bus: 7:10am (Rs358 *from Dharamshala / VOLVO: 11:30 pm (Rs 782) PATHANKOT: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs 136) * from Dharamshala SHIMLA: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs 408), 6am (Rs 360), 7:50am (Rs 375), 8:am (Rs 520) 7:45 pm (Rs 363), 12pm (Rs 367) *from Dharamshala, Semi-Deluxe Bus: 9:30pm (Rs455) *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.

TA X I S 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.

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DECEMBER 2018

activities and information UPCOMING EVENTS Jan 1: New Year Jan 26: Republic Day of India Feb 5 - 8: Losar (Tibetan New Year)

BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY Library of Tibetan Works and Archives WEB: www.tibetanlibrary.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala HOURS: Mon-Fri: 10:30 - 11:45 am PHONE: 9882255047

Public Audience with HH Karmapa WEB: www.kagyuoffice.org LOCATION: Sidhpur HOURS: Wed & Sat: 2:30pm PHONE: 01892-235307

YOGA AND REIKI Yoga & Reiki Courses

Location- Om Yoga Ashram,Near Dal Lake Mob- 9805693514 /981649432 Email - om.yoga@ymail.com web- http://www.omashram.in

Shivam Neelkant Yoga Kendra LOCATION: Upper Bhagsu PHONE: 098165-65138 WEB: www.shivamneelkant.yoga.com

MASSAGE Nature Cure Health Club

Shiatsu massage LOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka, Jogiwara Road PHONE: 07833047078 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com

Men-Tsee-Khang

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

Om Massage Centre

LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, Opposite the Green Hotel, Mcleod Ganj PHONE:7018483961/9857999373 EMAIL: kunsangdolma75@gmail.com

Dorjee Spa LOCATION: Pema Thang Guest house, Hotel Bhagsu Road PHONE:9816393673 / 9857108408 WhatsApp: 9816393673

Contact

MEDITATION Ocean of Harmony

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

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

Shivan Neel Kanth Yoga

WEBSITE:www.shivamneelkant.yoga.com LOCATION: Bhagsu Nag, Near High Sky PHONE: 09816565138 EMAIL: yogi_shivam@yahoo.co.in

Om Meditation Ashram

Location-Om Yoga Ashram,Near Dal Lake Mob-01892 220333 /9805693514 web - www.himalayanashram.com

COOKING

Lha Tibetan Cooking Classes - for groups LOCATION: Lha Soup Kitchen, Temple Rd, Just below the Dalai Lama’s temple HOURS: Registration, 9:00-11:00am PHONE: 01892-220992

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

Indian Cooking Classes

LANGUAGES Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translators Program LOCATION: Rato Chuwar Labrang, Phuntsok Gatsel Session Road Hours: 10:45-5pm Email: lrztp.manager@gmail.com

REETA THAKUR HINDI CLASSES Location: Near Dal Lake Mob - 9816494732 Tibetan Language

LOCATION: The Tibetan Library *see Buddhist Philosophy Listing

Hindi Lessons with Kailash

LOCATION: Hotel India House, Bhagsu Rd PHONE: 01892-20063, 941-816-1947

Esukhia Online Tibetan Courses and Tibetan Immersion Spoken LOCATION:Tilak Ray Building, Bhagsu Rd PHONE: 8679502538 / 98820-04965 EMAIL: contact@esukhia.org

Sanskrit Language Study Program at Vikramashila Foundation India (VFI) Location: Vikramashila center, 1st flr, Ketan Lodge,Jogiwara road, McleodGanj, Dharamshala, H.P Email: vikramashilafoundation@gmail.com

ART AND MUSEUMS Tibet Museum

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

LOCATION:Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guesthouse HOURS: 10:00am-6:00pm PHONE: 07833047078 / 0988230136 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com

Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression

Lhamo’s Kitchen: Tibetan Cooking Classes

The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA)

Sangye’s Kitchen: Traditional Tibetan Cooking Classes

Kangra Art Museum

LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop HOURS: 8:00am-9:00pm PHONE: 981-646-8719

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

COMPUTER CLASSES Tibetan Career Centre, Dharamshala LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj HOURS: 9:00am-6pm PHONE: 9882321424 /9880969175 Email at : yesheadconsultant@tibet.net

Lha Charitable Truse

LOCATION: Near Dolma Chowk, Mcleod Ganj PHONE: 9882323455 / +91 (0)1892 -220992 WEB: www.lhasocialwork.org

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

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

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

Center for Living Buddhist Art WEBSITE: www.livingbuddhistart.com EMAIL: sarikalochoe@hotmail.com

PHONE: 9418655401 HOURS: 9 am- 5 pm LOCATION: Khanyara Road

DECEMBER 2018

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

Tibet-Related Websites News:

tibet.net - official website of the Central Tibetan Administration in exile phayul.com -Phayul is published in Dharamshala,has opinion, reviews, photos, etc contactmagazine.net - Contact magazine online news rfa.org/english/news/tibet - Radio Free Asia’s mission is to provide accurate and timely news and information to Asian countries whose governments prohibit access to a free press voatibetanenglish.com - Voice of America’s Tibet pages - VOA is an international multimedia broadcasting service funded by the US government thetibetpost.com - Tibet Post International online news tibetexpress.net - Tibet Express online news 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

News, information and campaigning:

dalailama.com - for broadcasts of His Holiness’s teachings, his schedule and information about Tibet and the Dalai Lama tchrd.org - Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy - a nongovernmental organisation and a research centre to protect the human rights of Tibetan people and promote the principles of democracy tibetanyouthcongress.org - an international non-governmental organisation that advocates full independence for Tibet from China studentsforafreetibet.org - a global grass roots group campaigning for full Tibetan independence tibetanreview.net - news, opinions, reviews and information freetibet.org: - UK-based campaigning organisation, also a good news source savetibet.org - Website of the 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 tibetanjournal.com - Tibetan Journal - news, reviews and opinions

Writings:

highpeakspureearth.com/category/woeser - occasional translations of Woeser’s enormously popular blog – Woeser lives in Beijing and is continually harassed by the Chinese government for her courageous writings.

DHARAMSHALA CONTACTS Ambulance: 01892-102, 222189 Tibetan Delek Hospital Location: Gangchen Kyishong, CTA Hours: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, Mon-Sat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, Wed only; Emergencies: 24-hrs, daily.

Phone: 222 053,223 381 Kangra Airport: 01892-232374

Contact

Bhagsu Taxi Union: 01892221034 Tourism Office: 01892-224430 , 223325 Rail Booking & Enquiry: 01892265026 Police Superintendent: 01892222244 Police Contact Information Location: Past St.John’s Church on the road to Dharamshala in

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Cantt. area.

Phone: 221 483 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

DECEMBER 2018

jobs and advertisements

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

Ngoenga School for Tibetan Children with Special Needs, Dehradun Position: Physiotherapist Qualification: Bachelor of Physiotherapy Position: Foster Parents (2 Vacancies) Email address: ngoenga@tibet.net Deadline: Jan 11, 2019

Below “Black Magic Hotel” on Jogiwara Rd -Map#4 HANDMADE RECYCLED DIARY WHOLE SELLER SHOP

Contact us for readymade and custom order diaries and journal, notebook and sketchbook leather cover Opp. to India house bhagsu road, Mcleog Ganj Facebook page : Lobsang diaries Contact no : 9882861220 / 7018447280 Opening time : 10:30am to 9:00pm

Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Position: Section Officer (4 Vacancies) Qualification: Master in Mass Communication Contact: 01892-222328 Email: psc@tibet.net Dealine: Feb 16, 2019

8 AUSPICIOUS HIM VIEW HOTEL

8 beautiful rooms with balcony facing the Himalayan Range.

Enjoy the sunrise from your bed!

Phone: 01892-220567 Cell: 9418236603 Jogiwara Rd (Map #12) Email: tseringd@aushimview.com

Bureau Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, New Delhi Position: Under Secretary Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any field Contact: +91-11-26474798/26439475 Email address: secretary@tibetbureau.in Dealine: Jan 10, 2019

Nature Cure Health Club

Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House - Map #23 Mobile: 07833047078 /09882320136 / Email: mahinder_m@ hotmail.com 20+ yrs’ experience: Swedish massage courses & treatment, Zen Shiatsu courses, treatment, reflexology treatment, SPA, Singing Bowl Treatment and many more!

Deparment of Finance, CTA Position: Data Entry (Daily Wage Laborer, 5 Vacancies) Qualification: Class 12, Not more than 40 years old Email address: chatrel@tibet.net Deadline: Jan 15, 23019

- LOGO - BANNER - POSTER - PAMPHLET - PHOTO AND VIDEO EDITING - VISITING CARDS

To advertise here,

CONTACT: 7065848998

email :

choechungdesigner@gmail.com

Contact Lha office at Temple Road, Mcloed Ganj

Contact 9882323455 to put your Ad here

Or Call on our number 9882323455 Price of advertisements depend on the size of your Ad Contact

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DECEMBER 2018

advertisements

Contact

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DECEMBER 2018

advertisements Map not to scale

Map of McLeod Ganj showing locations of places of interest

BHAGSU NAG 16

See advertisement pages for details of advertisers TIPA

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DHARAMKOT

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Vipassana Centre

Naddi Village Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

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Tushita Centre

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MAIN SQUARE

3

McLEOD GANJ 25 Main Bazaar

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Cantt Police Post

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4

20

28

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1

12

11

10 5

Lha

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2

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Road to Dharamshala

1. Lha Headquarters and Tibet Fair Trade 2. Namgyal Cafe 3. Common Ground Cafe 4. Dr Mobile, Woeser Bakery 5. Black Tent Cafe 6. Carpe Diem Restaurant 10. Perfect 32 Dental Clinic 11. Hotel Ladies’ Venture 12. 8 Auspicious Him View Hotel 13. Ahimsa House and Lha Soup Kitchen 14. Chonor House 15. Lhamo’s Croissant 16. Shivam NeelKanth Yoga Kendre

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

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

LOCATION: UpperBagsu, next to Namaste Cafe & behind Reggae Cafe Yogi Shivam has 28 years of yogic practice experience from from his master Dooni Nath Babaji!

Daily Yoga - 7 am to 9:30 am Website: www.ShivamNeelkantyoga.com Email: yogi_shivam@yahoo.co.in Phone: +91 9816565138

Facebook: Shivam Neelkanth Yoga Kendra

Contact

Road to Dharamshala

Location: First floor opp. Municipal Parking near HH Dalai Lama Temple #Temple Road • Extensive vegtarian menu • The best pizza in Mcleod Ganj • Good music and friendly staff Open every day from 7am to 8:30 pm Mobile: 7018919310 (Map#2)

NEED A DENTIST?

Daily meditation @ 11:30 am

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Shifted to New Location!

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

YOGA TEACHER TRAINING May 7- 30, 2018 200Hour / One Drop Meditation with Yogi Shivam. Experience a taste of love. One drop of love, happiness & joy.

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Namgyal Cafe Pizza Place

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

Shivam Neelkanth Yoga Kendra

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BOOKWORM - THE COMPLETE BOOKSHOP is the oldest bookshop in Mcleod Ganj, where the Lonely Planet Guide (India) calls it the Best bookshop in town.

Location: Pemathang road, few steps from Dolma Chowk • •

Online shopping gives us only the books we already want.

Bookshops draw us into the ones we didn’t know we wanted

Lhamo’s Croissant Vegetarian and Vegan Food

Bakery, Coffee shop, Gluten Free and Fresh seasonal juices and salads

Roof top terrace with stunning views

Bhagsu Road, just after Tibetan Settlement Office Map#15 22

DECEMBER 2018

lha news and advertisements Smile Dental Clinic & Implant Center

Oppo. Walia Medical Store Near State Bank of India ATM, Mcleod Ganj. MOBILE NO: 7018354594 / 8629011445 Map#25 website: smiledentalclinicmcleodganj.com

Meditation Intensives Meditation Therapies Intensive Yoga Courses/Retreats Stress Management Integrated Healing Therapies Wellness Retreats

To advertise here, Contact Lha office at Temple Road, McLeod Ganj

Contact

Ocean of Harmony Programmes for Wellbeing For upcoming events, visit www.oceanofharmony.org For intensive trainings around the world (any country) contact: Shalu Patel (experienced & qualified life and wellness coach for international trainings)

Phone: (+91) 9979894585 Email: ohlifeandwellness@gmail.com

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DECEMBER 2018

Lha Charitable Trust is an award-winning, grassroots, non-profit organisation and one of the largest Tibetan social work institutes based in Dharamshala, India. Lha has been striving to provide vital resources for Tibetan refugees, local Indian communities, and people from the Himalayan regions for 20 years.

For more information, please visit www.lhasocialwork.org VOLUNTEER AT LHA Let your stay in Dharamshala be more memorable Come join our English conversation class!

If you have at least one week or one hour a day, you’re welcome to join our group of volunteers.

Time: English Conversation Class (Mon-Fri) at 4pm – 5pm Venue: Lha office at main market in Mcleod, Temple road, opposite SBI ATM

English Conversation Class

We are also looking for volunteers to teach these language classes (minimum one month) : French Beginner / German Beginner / Chinese Beginner/Computer Beginner Teaching experience not necessary. We gurantee that you will love your new experience!

Location: Lha office, opposite State Bank of India (ATM) Temple Road, McLeod Ganj Email: office@lhasocialwork.org volunteercoordinator@lhasocialwork.org Phone: 01892-220992 / 9882323455

Computer Classes To advertise call Lha office: 01892-220992

Follow Contact website using the QR code!

or visit Lha office at Temple Rd, McLeod Ganj Map #1

འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།

Contact Newsletter Managing Director Dorji Kyi Editor-in-Chief Jenny James Editor Choeyang Wangmo CONTACT US Phone: 91(0)1892-220992 Email:editor@contactmagazine.net Facebook: ContactNews Twitter: @ContactTibet Printed at Imperial Printing, Dharamshala Phone: 222390 Email:ippdsala@gmail.com

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Circulation Manager Tenzin Sherab Published by Lha Charitable Trust Web:www.lhasocialwork.org www.contactmagazine.net www.samdhongrinpoche.com

DECEMBER 2018