Fr
ee
འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།
Contact
A Free Monthly Publication For Tibetan Issues and Community Information RGD No. HPENG/2013/51798 Volume: XIX Issue:10 NOVEMBER 30, 2017
Lha Charitable Trust Celebrates!
Self-immolation in Tibet
Spotlight on North America
His Holiness Tours North India
by Tenzin Samten Lha Charitable Trust, an award-winning, grassroot and nonprofit institute for social work and education based in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, celebrated its 20 year anniversary of providing social services for the Tibetan community, local Indians and people from Himalayan regions. The anniversary was celebrated with a formal event in the morning followed Continued on page 4
by Lodoe Gyatso A dispute about the firing of Tibet’s North American representative has brought public scrutiny to a financial transaction undertaken by the Tibetan government which is prompting questions. The rumpus came to the attention of the public on November 7 when it was announced that the North Continued on page 7
W www.contactmagazine.net
by Mary Trewartha The Tibetan community worldwide has been shocked at the news of the 65 year old monk the Ven Tengha who self-immolated on November 26 in Kardze in Kham, in eastern Tibet. Reports are coming through that Ven Tengha shouted slogans calling for Tibetan freedom while carrying out his protest. Continued on page 3
by Tenzin Samten His Holiness the Dalai Lama left his residency in Dharamshala on November 17 for a week long three-city tour to Delhi, Bhubaneswar and Kolkata. His first event was at Salwan Public School in Rajinder Nagar in Delhi on November 18 where the Indian students welcomed him with traditional Tibetan offerings Continued on page 6
Contact News
Contact News
ABOUT LHA & CONTACT Contact, a free monthly magazine published by Lha Charitable Trust, is a recognised and registered publication under the Registrar Office of the Newspaper, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India. The registration number is HPENG/2013/51798. Acknowledged by Lonely Planet and other international travel resources, Contact has been a popular source of news and information on Tibetan issues, and the Dharamshala community, for over 20 years. 700 - 1,000 copies are printed per issue and distributed in the Dharamshala area, Delhi, and various diplomatic missions of India. Copies are also sent to various Tibetan schools, settlements, offices and NGOs in India and abroad. Please Note: The articles, stories and other material in Contact represent the views of the authors and are not necessarily the views of the Contact editing staff or Lha Social Work. All comments on this issue should be submitted by email to: editor@contactmagazine.net
Lha Charitable Trust
Institute for Social Work & Education Mission Statement:
Lha is a resource of education and knowledge that provides meaningful, multi-levelled social and educational services for the benefit of others.
Background:
Lha is an award-winning, grassroot and non-profit institute for social work and education based in Dharamshala, India. It is one of the largest social work organisations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population and people from the Himalayan regions. Lha offers free English, French, German, Tibetan, Chinese classes, cultural exchange programmes, IT classes, vocational training, health and environmental awareness education, distribution of clothes and medicine, a community kitchen, and many other programmes and activities. Through rehabilitation resources and social and educational services, Lha facilitates an easy transition for the Tibetan refugee community to India. On a daily basis, Lha serves over 250 people, hosts between 15 and 25 volunteers and provides up to 20 different services, including on average 50 nutritious meals per day for financially disadvantaged people. For more information about Lha, please visit: www.lhasocialwork.org Facebook: Lhasocialwork Twitter: Lhasocialwork
Lha Traveller Services and Volunteer Opportunities
Long or short-term, skilled or unskilled volunteers needed at Lha
• English conversation (Mon-Fri, 4-5pm) • English, French and Chinese teachers • Computer teachers • Web designers and IT professionals • Contributing writers • Environmental professionals • Medical and healthcare professionals • Fundraisers and grant writers • Project professionals • Chefs and cooks • And much more! Share your knowledge and skills with the local Tibetan, Indian, and Himalayan communities whilst gaining hands-on experience working with a social work organisation. TIBETAN HOME-STAY Lha arranges home-stays with refugee families giving visitors the chance to experience the Tibetan life style and a chance to connect and learn about each others’ cultures. Homestays include accommodation, breakfast, and dinner.
*All donations and fees from Lha classes and services directly benefit Lha community social work projects. Contact
RECEPTION & ORIENTATION Our services help smooth your arrival in Delhi and your onward travel to Dharamshala. We also orientate you to the Tibetan community here. Avoid the scams at Delhi Airport! Highly recommended for people who want a stress-free arrival, especially if you are arriving late at night or early in the morning, and can be purchased online in advance of your travel to India. TIBETAN COOKING CLASS Individuals and small groups can learn to prepare a variety of traditional and modern vegetarian Tibetan foods including momos, thukpa and Tibetan bread, with a qualified teacher. For information on cost, times and/or registration, please visit: Lha office, Temple Road, McLeod Ganj-176219 Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra H.P. (Mon-Sat: 9am-1pm & 2-5pm) office@lhasocialwork.org (0) 1892-220992 Websites associated with Lha: www.lhasocialwork.org www.samdhongrinpoche.com www.tibetfairtrade.com www.tibetnature.net 2
Acknowledgement
This issue of Contact is sponsored by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD). TFD’s kind contribution has made this publication possible. We thank TFD for supporting the publication of Contact.
Can you Donate to Lha? Lha collects all kinds of donations in the form of clothing, shoes, books, and language resources, computer and medical supplies, as well as any other useful items. Monetary donations are extremely helpful and are greatly appreciated, large or small. Please contact the office: office@lhasocialwork.org (0) 98823-23455 / 1892-220992 NOVEMBER 2017
Self-immolation in Tibet
Continued from page 1
Reports and videos circulating online show that officials arrived on the scene and doused the flames before setting up extra police presence in the area. They took his body away and have not returned his remains to his family. The whereabouts of his family is unknown, and there is concern for them as family members of self-immolators are often detained or otherwise subjected to harassment. Tengha comes from Dadho town in Kardze; he studied Buddhism at Kardze monastery for many years. He lost his parents when still a child; he has three siblings, two living in Lhasa and one in the United States. It is believed that he came to Amravati in India to attend the Kalachakra teachings in 2005. He is the fifth person to selfimmolate this year, and the 150th
since the first in 2009. In McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, a candle lit vigil took place organised by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, the Tibetan Women’s’ Association and Students for a Free Tibet while in London, England, the Tibetan community UK augmented their regular Wednesday night Lhakar (White Wednesday) vigil outside the Chinese embassy with a special protest in honour of Thenga, inviting people to come and “raise our voices against the ongoing human rights violations inside Tibet and other minority regions in China…let’s come together and make our voices heard”. Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, President of the Tibetan Governmentin-exile, said, “It deeply concerns us to see Tibetans, young and old, men and women, monks and nuns selfimmolate. Such sacrifices by Tibetans
NEWS & ISSUES in Tibet evidences that repression in Tibet under the Chinese rule is making lives unlivable. Therefore it is time the Chinese Government heed the calls of Tibetans in Tibet who long for freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.
China must address the legitimate grievances of people in Tibet. The issue of Tibet can be best resolved amicably through the Middle Way approach, by resuming dialogue with the Tibetan representatives.”
Tibetan Writer’s Harassment
by Mary Trewartha The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) has published a report about the plight of Jamyang Kyi, 52, a prominent writer living in Tibet who is known for her writings on women and social issues, as well as being a popular singer and a former journalist. She wrote in a recent blog post that officials have confiscated over
Jamyang Kyi with fellow writer Tsering Woeser Photo: tibet.net
a thousand copies of her book from bookstores. Her blog continued, “Months and years have gone by and it’s now been almost 10 years but there is no respite and no end to this [harassment]: disrupting my mental peace, disturbing my livelihood, and Contact
harassing my family and children. What is the aim behind this constant attempt to destroy our livelihood? Why? Why? This land is my fatherland and motherland, and yet I live here like a prisoner on the run.” TCHRD, whose mission is to protect the human rights of the Tibetan people in Tibet and promote the principles of democracy in the exile Tibetan community, has translated her blog posts and is calling on the Chinese authorities to “respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Jamyang Kyi and her family and to stop harassing and persecuting them”. TCHRD continues, “Jamyang Kyi has suffered long enough… [the] Chinese authorities must refrain from violating the right to freedom of expression of Jamyang Kyi and her husband Lhamo Kyab in deference to the PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) Constitution and laws as well as its international human rights obligations.” Jamyang Kyi was detained in April 2008 for sharing information about the unrest in Tibet at the time 3
via text messages. She was tortured while in detention and later released on payment of a substantial fine; she subsequently wrote the book A Sequence of Tortures; A Diary of Interrogations. She has been under government surveillance since then. In her recent blog posts she describes how she was tricked into delivering a big shipment of books to bookstores in Lhasa and Siling, as her agent told her there were orders for the books. They were all confiscated, including her Rights and Wellbeing as well as her husband Lhamo Kyab’s translation of a Chinese book Separation of Powers and Protection of Rights. While commenting on the substantial financial loss this represents to herself and her husband, she adds, “More worrying is the thought that they might take away the small speck of freedom we have in expressing our condition in writing.” NOVEMBER 2017
NEWS & ISSUES Continued from page 1
Lha Charitable Trust Celebrates!
by lunch, fun and frolics at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts hall on November 11. The chief guest at the event was the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, and Dr Nawang Rabgyal, the Justice Commissioner, was special guest, along with representatives of numerous Tibetan and Indian government departments and both local and international NGOs as well as Lha’s students, volunteers and former staff members who filled the hall to capacity. The anniversary function commenced with the lighting of the butter lamp and offering of a traditional Tibetan scarf to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait by the chief guest. The NGO’s 20 years: An Incredible Journey and Achievement report in Tibetan and English was launched by the chief guests and a short documentary on Lha’s projects was screened during the gathering. Ngawang Rabgyal, Lha’s Director, introduced the organisation, its activities and achievements to date
Lha’s Director Ngawang Rabgyal
in Tibetan, followed by Dorji Kyi, General Secretary, who read the same in English. Dukthen Kyi, a board member, read His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s special message for the occasion. Lha’s founder and board members, long-term volunteers and the longest-serving staff member were honoured at the ceremony. In his address, the chief guest expressed appreciation for the work Lha has been doing and he prayed for further improvements and the organisation’s continuity in the future. Contact
He said he hopes that Lha will continue its services in Tibet in the future which will help Tibetans as well as people all over the world. On November 9 Lha’s board members, staff and long-term volunteers received a special audience and guidance talk from His Holiness
Launch of Lha’s 20 years bi-lingual report
the Dalai Lama. His Holiness said that he appreciates the good work Lha has been doing all these years. “For any community, it is natural to have people with different abilities. It is a little better for the wealthy ones. For the poorer and underprivileged ones, it is of great help when any organisations look after them. You have done years of social services. Social service means helping and looking after people who are really facing problems.” In a separate message dated October 9, sent by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to congratulate Lha Charitable Trust on its 20th year anniversary, he expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in its success. Referring to the early situation of exiled Tibetans in India, His Holiness said that many Tibetan communities took initiatives to provide much needed social services. “Lha has been playing a leading role in this movement and is complementing the efforts of the Tibetan leadership. Today, it has become one of the important NGOs serving the Tibetan community, both young and old,” His Holiness added. The organisation is known for its multi-faceted social service programmes and as a major adult 4
education centre in the Tibetan community-in-exile. According to Lha’s 20 years report, since its inception in 1997 Lha has served over 12,000 students and has involved some 7,000 volunteers from across the world. Their report states that Lha’s efforts are focused on six major areas: the preservation and promotion of the Tibetan language and cultural heritage, social work initiatives, educational resources, creating awareness of the Tibetan issue, volunteering opportunities and cultural exchange programmes. “I came to India to learn English. I am finally fulfilling my dream of learning English at Lha,” said Choedon, a student at Lha. “I had never learned English before joining Lha in 2011 and now I can converse and understand it well,” said Tsultrim Tenzin, another Lha student. “Before joining Lha, I had very little knowledge about the struggles of the Tibetan community. I loved teaching my students knowing that it could help
them build a better life amidst the chaos that is going on in their homeland,” said Apurva Kashyap, a Lha volunteer from India. At the end of the gathering, Lha staff and volunteers distributed the Lha report and a memento mug to everyone present. The event concluded with lunch for everyone followed by traditional dancing and singing. Lha’s 20th year anniversary celebration received extensive coverage in all the major Tibetan media outlets: bod.asia, chithu.org, Radio Free Asia, Voice of America, Voice of Tibet, Tibet Times, Tibet Post, Bangchen, Phayul and Tibet Sun. NOVEMBER 2017
NEWS & ISSUES Canada Turns the Spotlight on Tibet’s Political Prisoners
by Lobsang Tsering The Government of Canada has this month requested China to allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief to visit Tibet’s missing Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who is being held in detention in China. This request was prompted by concern about political prisoners in Tibet; especially in relation to the world’s
Garrison, a National Democratic Party member of Parliament. Mr Garrison had requested details of how the Government has applied its Guidelines on Supporting Human Rights Defenders in the case of Tibet. He enquired about the efforts made by Canadian representatives to follow up on requesting the Government of China to “provide legitimate evidence of the well-being and whereabouts of Tibet’s Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima” as well as the progress made by the Canadian Embassy in Beijing in obtaining permission for a Canadian diplomatic delegation to visit Tibet’s Panchen Lama in detention. The report quotes Minister Freeland as saying that Canada is “closely monitoring the cases of Tibetan human rights defenders who have been detained. This includes seeking trial attendance where possible.” The Minister also said that Canada has called upon China to provide specific information on the location of Tibet’s Penchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his parents, the level of education that Gedhun has reached, and the expected date for his return along with his parents. And on November 23, Canadian Senators launched an inquiry into
to engage with China, to emphasise that…we must also reinforce and advocate for the basic human rights
From top left - Senator Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition), Senator Thanh Hai Ngo, Senator Linda Frum, Senator Marilou McPhedran and Senators Dennis Patterson
and freedoms that we cherish and protect in Canada,” said Patterson. Gendhun Choekyi Nyima at the age of six The move comes ahead of Canadian youngest political prisoner, Tibet’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit missing Panchen Lama, according to a to China next month. report published by the Canada Tibet The inquiry will look into the cases Committee. of other Tibetan political prisoners Tibet’s Panchen Lama, Gedhun including Dr Yeshe Choedron; Choekyi Nyima, was abducted Shokjang, the writer; Tashi Wangchuk, along with his family by the Chinese the education rights activist and the authorities in 1995 at the age of six monk from Ngaba, Lobsang Jamyang. following his discovery and recognition The senators queried the lack of by His Holiness specific details the 14th Dalai on the names, Lama. Gedhun whereabouts and Choekyi Nyima’s statistics of 650 whereabouts have political prisoners been unknown and concern over since his abduction. the ill treatment He is one of the they face during most important interrogations. figures of the Also mentioned Tibetan Buddhist was that trials tradition his Political prisoners Lobsang Jamyang (left), Shokjang (Centre) and Tashi Wangchuk (right) in China do not spiritual authority second only to that the situation regarding five political meet international standards and that of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. prisoners in Tibet, including the Panchen political prisoners are denied access to The Canadian Government’s Lama. Senator Dennis Glen Patterson legal representation. request was made by the Canadian is leading the inquiry, together with The Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon Senators Marilou McPhedran, Thanh Senator Martin, said “Often times, these Chrystia Freeland, whose statements Hai Ngo, Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader individuals have been convicted of came in response to written questions of the Opposition) and Linda Frum. so-called ‘crimes’ relating to peaceful submitted in June by Parliamentary “I do hope that this inquiry will political activities or the mere exercise Friends of Tibet Vice-Chair Randall serve, as our government reaches out of their fundamental human rights.” Contact
5
NOVEMBER 2017
NEWS & ISSUES
His Holiness Tours North India
Continued from page 1
between rich and poor. And the poor get on November 18. Chairman of the left behind. It is essential that they are able Governors, Kirpal Singh, in his welcome to build self confidence.” address described His Holiness as an He said he has come to realise that apostle of peace, a symbol of love and poor people feel that they are inferior and compassion who is also a global spiritual not capable, which His Holiness stressed leader and an enthusiastic advocate of is not true and it is lack of confidence democracy. that holds them back. To reduce the gap Speaking to the students, His Holiness between rich and poor, His Holiness said, “Those of you who belong to the said that wealthy people should provide 21st century have the opportunity - and education facilities and poor people responsibility - to create a better, more should work hard to bolster their self peaceful, compassionate world. Many confidence through education. of my generation will not live to see it, His Holiness donated 1.25 Crore but we place our hopes in you.” He also rupees [US$193,000 / £145,000] to the said the world is interdependent and NGO over the next five years. living together in peace and harmony His Holiness concluded with the advice has benefit for all. He stressed that seven that we cannot change the past but we billion human beings should be treated have in our hands the ability to make our as one family with love among all. future more peaceful and compassionate. “Focusing on the differences between On November 20, His Holiness arrived us leads to problems. Since basic human in Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Odisha, nature is compassionate, behaving with where the Honourable Chief Minister of more compassion and warm-heartedness Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik and Minister makes us happier and sets us at ease,” he of Tourism and Culture, Shri Ashok added. Chandra Panda, among others, welcomed His Holiness announced that he is him at the Biju Patnaik Airport. committed to encouraging a revival of “Honoured to receive His Holiness ancient Indian knowledge in India and has the Dalai Lama at my residence today. requested Tibetan monks in South India to Discussed many issues of contemporary learn English and Hindi so that they can importance and sought his blessings and assist him in this project. He said that as many of today’s problems are linked with a materialistic way of life; a different approach is needed, combining ancient understanding of the workings of the mind and emotions with modern ideas on education which could contribute to a more compassionate world. His Holiness the Dalai Lama receiving the KISS The following day His Holiness Humanitarian Award gave a talk Universal Responsibility and Photo: OHHDL Compassion at the Smile Foundation – guidance for working towards our state’s a non-government organisation (NGO) development and welfare of the people,” which works towards empowering CM Patnaik tweeted. underprivileged children, the young, and The Kalinga Institute of Social Science women through education, healthcare and (KISS) in Bhubaneswar honoured His market-focused livelihood programmes. Holiness with the KISS Humanitarian Speaking to over 600 people, His Award in recognition of his “concern for Holiness expressed his joy at the help the the oppressed human beings from all over NGO brings to underprivileged children, the world in need of compassion”. saying, “Since Independence, education Addressing the gathering, His has expanded and improved in this Holiness stressed that steps should be country, and yet there remains a huge gap taken to make the 21st century a century Contact
6
of peace. Negative emotions such as anger and jealousy destroy peace, hence it is important to find ways to develop inner peace to create more peace in this world. Later that day His Holiness met 1,600 Tibetans from the Phuntsokling Settlement in Chandragiri, telling them that he hopes to help revive the rich ancient Indian values of the Nalanda tradition by visiting different places in India. “We live as refugees, but we have kept our traditions alive. Our spirit is resilient and strong. The time will come when Tibetans in Tibet and those in exile come together again,” concluded His Holiness. On November 23, His Holiness spoke on Revival of Ancient Indian Knowledge to members of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata. In his address, His Holiness spoke about how all seven billion human beings are the same in needing love and compassion. He reiterated his commitment to fostering religious harmony in the world citing India as the example where all religious traditions can live together. His Holiness said that with feudalism being an outdated custom he has ended the political role of the Dalai Lama. He also encouraged change for the caste system in India. “I feel the same about the caste system, the classification of some people as untouchable, while others are privileged. It too is out of date and undemocratic. It’s time it was changed,” said His Holiness. His Holiness said that the world today is facing a moral crisis – the root of all problems are because of a lack of compassion or moral principles. To correct that His Holiness suggested that modern education’s focus on materialism should be changed to include education on inner values. His Holiness declared that he will dedicate the rest of his life to reviving an understanding of India’s ancient knowledge in this country and trying to promote it through education. While in Kolkata he met the Tibetan community there. His Holiness returned to Dharamshala on November 26. Next month he will be travelling to south India and in January will give a teaching in Bodhgaya, Bihar. NOVEMBER 2017
Continued from page 1
Spotlight on North America
American Representative, Penpa Tsering, was to be replaced. At the time the reasons given for the move were vague. A general sense of dissatisfaction among sections of the community was reported, with some even suggesting protests and a boycott of events where Sikyong Sangay, the President of the Tibetan government-in-exile, is scheduled to attend as there was speculation that this situation had its roots in the acrimonious election for the post of Sikyong last year. In response the Kashag (Tibetan Cabinet) asserted that the issue was handled according to binding rules and with rightful authority. Officiating President Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok stated that the Kashag did not need to give a clarification over the transfer or firing of staff and that the issue was an “internal matter”. This did not quell the discontent over the handling of the situation. Some people even called for more dramatic action to boycott the “Solidarity with Tibet rally for peace and nonMr Penpa Tsering violence” on December 10 in New York. Penpa Tsering, the outgoing representative, urged Tibetans in North America to participate for the sake of the broader sense of the Tibetan issue. A lengthy clarification by the Kashag was then released, citing growing “performance and trust deficit” as well as “insubordination” by former Speaker Penpa Tsering as the three main reasons for its decision. The statement mentioned that Penpa Tsering was “unable to transition from an elected representative to serving as a representative of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA)”. The Kashag stated that Tsering failed to submit crucial reports, did not seek the Cabinet’s counsel for appointing Contact
a liaison officer, did not coordinate key meetings for the CTA President in the US, committed operational incompetence, failed to step up fund raising initiatives and engaged in back door lobbying against the Tibetan President. This clarification, however, opened up further speculation, namely the funding of a key project. The clarification by the Kashag stated that in September 2015 in Brussels, B e l g i u m , “Representative Penpa Tsering Dr Lobsang Sangay asked whether US$1.5 million from the Tibet Fund used to purchase a Washington DC office building was a loan. In the presence of all other Representatives, Sikyong clearly explained that it was not a loan, but an amount that Tibet Fund had contributed and did not expect to be paid back. Despite Sikyong’s clarification and without consulting and seeking guidance and approval from the Kashag and the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR), Representative Penpa Tsering reported to CTA auditors that a loan payment for the Office of Tibet Washington DC office was outstanding. All the funds received and spent towards the purchase of the Office of Tibet building in Washington, DC is clearly documented, audited and fully accounted. CTA has all the relevant documents.” This is not consistent with other statements made to the public and accounting authorities. An audit report available on the Tibet Fund website stated that on “March 31, 2014 the Fund entered into a US$1.5 million loan agreement with The Office of Tibet to purchase a building that will then be partially sub-leased by the Fund. The loan is partially collateralised by a lease agreement between the Fund and The Office 7
NEWS & ISSUES
of Tibet in an aggregate amount of US$425,000. The loan matures on March 31, 2043 at which point the balloon payment of US$1.5 million will be due. The interest rate is 1% and the interest income for the year ended December 31, 2015 was US$15,000. The amount outstanding as of December 31, 2014 is US$1.5 million.” Sikyong then responded to queries on the “loan” of US$1.5 million from the Tibet Fund, saying the non-profit organisation had to record the amount as a loan due to legal and regulationbound reasons. Former Speaker Penpa Tsering told a Tibetan media agency that he will respond to the allegations against him soon after November 30. Education minister Ngodup Tsering will take Mr Ngodup Tsering up his new post at the beginning of December. Phayul notes that larger questions are now looming as to the operational integrity of non-profit organisations and offices under the CTA, and how this development could affect funding from foreign governments in the years to come, if irregularities surface. Protest in Dharamshala and DC People have taken to the streets in protest in both Dharamshala and in Washington DC, concerned about the events surrounding Penpa Tsering’s replacement. People gathered near the Central Tibetan Administration offices in Dharmashala waving banners proclaiming “Don’t misuse power” and “Do not destroy His Holiness’s legacy” and submitting a memorandum to the Kashag, who have promised to follow up. In Washington DC, Tibetans with banners demonstrated outside the Office of Tibet during the handover to the new North American representative, making clear their protest is against Sikyong Lobsang Sangay and not the government-in-exile. NOVEMBER 2017
NEWS & ISSUES
The Day of the Imprisoned Writer
by Marvin Westerveld Organisations all over the world observed the annual “Day of the Imprisoned Writer” on November 15. Just as every year, PEN International organised the event and reported on writers who have to face “unjust imprisonment”. According to the NGO (non-government organisation) it is a day to encourage the public to donate or write letters of appeal for writers in prison. Students for a Free Tibet used the day to raise awareness about Drukar Gyal, a Tibetan writer also known by his pen name Shokjang. Following his arrest in May 2015 it took the court more than seven months to hold a trial as Shokjang continued to claim his innocence. On February 17, 2016 he was sentenced to three years imprisonment for “inciting
separatism”. According to the court his crimes included possessing forbidden books and sharing excerpts online, as well as writing about the freedom of religious belief. Just a week after the sentence, Shokjang published a handwritten appeal to the Qinghai Higher People’s Court, still defending his innocence. “Freedom of religious belief is an important right of citizens defined by the constitution,” he wrote. For full translation of his letter go to: www.guchusum.in The Gu Chu Sum Movement of Tibet, an NGO based in Dharmashala which represents former political prisoners of Tibet, hosted a poetry night in Dharamkot on the evening of the November 15, presenting traditional folk songs and various poems. An empty carpet was laid out on the floor to remind the guests of Shokjang and other
imprisoned Tibetan writers. Many famous writers had joined this year’s campaign by writing a letter to artists in prison. It was the previously arrested Chinese dissident activist and artist Ai Weiwei who wrote that “[only] societies that protect freedom of speech […] have any chance of a positive future”. According to him, “People have paid a price in the struggle for freedom of speech and expression, which is unfortunate but also necessary.” PEN International was founded in 1921 in order to “promote literature and defend freedom of expression worldwide”. To remember this basic human right and those people suffering under totalitarian governments for expressing their feelings and criticism in arts, the “Day of the Imprisoned Writer” has been observed every year since 1981.
CTA President’s Five-nation Visit
by Tenzin Samten Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the executive head of the Tibetan Government-in-exile, also known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) based in Dharamshala, India
CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay during his interview with the BBC
has been on a 17-day five-nation visit to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Canada and England. Tibet.net, the official website of the CTA, reported that on November 22 Dr Sangay was the guest speaker at a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet in the United Kingdom, and that a number of parliamentarians attended the meeting despite it coinciding with the opening of parliament’s autumn Contact
budget session. The CTA report continued, saying that Sikyong was invited to a lunch in his honour in Parliament, hosted by the Tibet Society, the Secretariat of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet and the Rt Hon Tim Loughton, MP. During his two-day visit to London, Dr Sangay was interviewed live on the Impact programme by Yalda Hakim for BBC World TV. Arriving in Toronto, Canada, Sikyong met young Canadian Tibetans where he highlighted the importance of embracing and preserving Tibetan identity, saying, “You can be a proud Canadian but you are always a Tibetan. We should be who we are.” He explained the role of the CTA as the nerve centre of the Tibetan freedom movement and the custodian of Tibetan culture and identity. He also said that Tibetan schools, monasteries and settlements in exile have equal responsibility for preserving and inculcating the essence of the Tibetan identity. “If the CTA collapses, the Tibetan movement collapses and if the schools, monasteries and the settlements collapse, our identity 8
collapses and it is important to remember that.” Moving on to Halifax, Sikyong spoke at the Ninth Halifax International Security Forum in a panel session India-China Relations.In his address, Sikyong made a statement that India and China had never shared a border, it always was between India and Tibet and that it would best serve India’s interests to restore Tibet as a buffer zone between India and China. He spoke of the importance of Tibet’s ecosystem and the urgent need to conserve it. The Halifax Forum was attended by over 300 participants from 80 countries. Dr Sangay also met members of the Tibetan community in Canada during his visit. Sikyong then travelled to Stockholm, Sweden, where he addressed the Swedish Parliament, speaking on why Tibet matters and how supporting Tibet reflects Scandinavian values. During his two-day visit to Sweden, Sikyong interacted with various media houses and attended the 50th anniversary of the Swedish Tibet Committee. Sikyong returned to Dharamshala on November 27. NOVEMBER 2017
NEWS & ISSUES Apparent U-Turn on Chinese Policy for Tibetan Nomads
by Dorji Kyi After several decades of China’s policy of resettling Tibetan nomads from their traditional and sustainable lifestyle on the Tibetan uplands and grasslands, Chinese President Xi Jinping has now said he wants Tibetan nomads in Lhuntse County in Central Tibet to safeguard the border area by putting down roots. According to the Chinese Xinhua news agency, two young Tibetan women wrote a letter to Xi while the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was in session in Beijing last month. In the letter they shared their experiences in safeguarding the border area and development of their town. The family is living in Yumai, a small town at the southern edge of the Himalayas. In Xi’s reply he thanked the family for their efforts and encouraged them to safeguard the border area. “Without peace in the territory, there will be no peaceful lives for the millions of families,” he wrote. Xi also said he hoped “that the family would motivate by Mary Trewartha Six nuns have become the second batch ever to achieve the Geshema degree, the highest academic qualification in Buddhist studies, at a ceremony at Dolma Ling Nunnery in Norbulinkga, Dharamshala, on November 7. Kalon Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok, the Tibetan Government-in-exile Minister of Religion and Culture, made the presentations at the ceremony, saying that the recipients of the degree should “first and foremost serve the nunneries set up in India and help their fellow nuns who aspire to get the Geshema Degree”. He continued by saying they, “must carry forward the teaching of Buddha. When we say carry forward the teaching, we should not think of foreign lands. We must first give priority to the nunneries in exile. When Contact
more herders to put down roots in the border area like galsang flowers and become guardians of the Chinese territory and constructors of a happy hometown”. The Central Tibetan Administration has reported that the Chinese government has removed 300,000 Tibetan nomads from their ancestral lands to give the government control over the population and also to have access to Tibet’s rich natural resources including minerals and fresh water sources. The pastoral nomads of Tibet have maintained a unique culture for more than 8,000 years, living sustainably off the land. The Chinese government, however, has accused them of causing grassland degradation saying this is the reason for their policy of forcibly resettling nomads in permanent structures. This resettlement policy has led to increasing poverty, environmental degradation and social breakdown. Olivier De Schutter, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on food, during the 19th session of the UN Human Rights Council urged China to suspend the “non-voluntary” relocation of Tibetan nomads and herders from
Nuns Achieve Geshema! the nunneries here become impeccable, its impact can be boundless.” The Geshema degree is the equivalent of a Doctorate in Western education and the nuns had all distinguished themselves after more than 21 years of studying Buddhist philosophy. To
achieve this level they must first study the Five Great Canonical Texts (Shung Chen Kapo Nga) for 17 years before applying for the final four-year course and completing the examination. The decision to allow nuns to take the 9
their “traditional lands”. The Special Rapporteur also requested that China improve employment opportunities, education and health services in “new socialist” villages. “I never got an opportunity to go to school when I was in Tibet, then my parents sent me to India for a brighter
future. My family now lives in the box house that Chinese government forced us to move in and the worst is living a life without our animals and the grassland,” said Tsewang, a former nomad now living in Dharamshala, speaking to Contact magazine.
examination was made after much debate at the highest level in 2012 at the instigation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The heads of the Tibetan Buddhist religion then decided on the appropriate academic procedure. Last year was the first time that nuns have achieved the Geshema, with 20 receiving theirs from His Holiness the Dalai Lama at a ceremony at Deprung Monastery in Mungod. Top scorer in this year’s batch was Delek Wangmo of Dolma Ling Nunnery with a score of nearly 80%. “The hard work we have put in for over 20 years has come to fruition. I started my studies with an aim of serving the community and now that I have, I hope I can help others in various nunneries in India with what I have learned over the years,” said Wangmo. NOVEMBER 2017
NEWS & ISSUES by Lodoe Gyatso The recent publication of the report 30 Years of Resistance: The Legacy of the 1987 Lhasa Protests by Tibet Watch and the comments of the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) on new regulations issued by China, bring a spotlight to the work of the many NGOs (non-government organisations) around the world offering support for the Tibet cause. People wanting to support Tibetans have a large choice of options: there are over 200 different Tibet support groups and other Tibetan organisations in over 50 countries around the world. Why are there so many? And how does one choose which one to work with? According to Eleanor ByrneRosengren, Director of both Tibet Watch and Free Tibet, one of the reasons that there are so many organisations is that they started before
modern technologies such as email and social media. A large number started up in 1987 in response to the uprisings in Tibet. Financial concerns also played a role. Each of these groups would have started off thinking about how to raise support locally and perhaps pressure their own government. They were started by volunteers with very little money, if any. Working internationally require full-time staff, good infrastructure and resources – all of which requires stable funding. It takes a long time for a small NGO to get into that position. Byrne-Rosengren argues that the fact that there are groups in many different countries is a positive thing for the movement because local action is more effective. Governments are more responsive to concerns raised by their own citizens. Being able to communicate in the local language is Contact
NGOs in Action important. So is understanding local politics and issues. Having lots of different groups around the world also allows for groups to develop specialisations and embrace different approaches. For example, some groups are very good at direct action and carrying out stunts. Some groups are very good at research. These are very different skills. Meanwhile, some groups are committed to the Middle Way while others support independence and some are neutral on this question. Ganden Thurman of Tibet House USA points out that each organisation makes an impact within its chosen area and its resources. There is no one “most important” issue: this is a subjective choice. Donors in effect choose which causes are to be supported which is far more efficient than for a central authority to make funding decisions. So what is the answer to the question, “Which support organisation is the best recipient of my donations?” Byrne-Rosengren says that a good starting point is the practical side of donating. Some groups are very small and may not even have a bank account. Another thing to think about is the kind of work that a group does. While all Tibet groups work hard for the Tibetan people, they each have their own objectives and differing areas of focus. For example, some focus on research – getting information out of Tibet and checking its accuracy, working with United Nations Special Rapporteurs and Committees. Others concentrate on campaigning and raising awareness, getting that information out to the international media and the public. Other groups might focus more on political lobbying or sponsoring Tibetan children. A potential donor might choose to support one organisation over another on the basis of which approach they felt was most effective. A supporter might also be influenced by the politics of an organisation. Free Tibet, as noted earlier, is neutral on the question of autonomy or 10
independence. Some groups are more formally aligned with autonomy or the Middle Way. This might be important. There is also the legal status of the organisation. Some organisations are registered as charities and this can have tax implications. Other organisations do not have charitable status because,
for example, their work is more political in nature. Finally, there is also the question of where an organisation is based, and how much access a donor might want to have to their staff, events or services. “Personally, I think the most important thing is that a donor feels some connection with the group,” says Byrne-Rosengren. Ganden Thurman says, “People should think about where their efforts can do the most good over the longest period of time. Obviously doing some research into the ratings and reputation of the NGOs under consideration is important too – basic homework. The main point is to decide based on your own preferences and judgement as to what you think is important and attainable.” Tibet Watch is a research organisation. Free Tibet specialises in public outreach and has a very strong digital presence as well as good relationships with international media. Tibet House US is dedicated to preserving Tibet’s unique culture by presenting Tibetan civilization and its profound wisdom, beauty and special art of freedom to the people of the world. The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), also known as “Save Tibet”, is a non-profit advocacy group based in Washington DC and works to promote democratic freedoms for Tibetans, ensure their human rights, and protect the Tibetan culture and environment. Nearly all NGOs have websites or Facebook pages. NOVEMBER 2017
NEWS & ISSUES
Improving Our Water Quality by Simon Cavendish, Marvin Westerveld and Amelia Rozelle Access to water is precious. And its quality is just as important as its quantity. Depending on water and waste treatment, we can either have a “healthy” or an “unhealthy” stream. Water from streams is usually treated to guarantee that it is safe “clean water” [Figure 1]. Unsafe drinking water is still a serious problem in Dharamshala and all over India and can be caused by two factors: •If people cannot access to treated water and depend on water that is not treated effectively. Maybe even waste water. •If people’s water supply becomes polluted, for example by poor quality supply during the monsoon season. The Dharamshala-based nongovernment organisation Lha Charitable Trust has helped in both cases by installing 25 water filtration systems in the Dharamshala region. Now, nearly 14,000 people are receiving adequate drinking water and a variety of institutions have benefitted from the programme. But just as important as the treatment of drinking water is the treatment of waste water. The discharged water may become someone’s drinking water downstream – repeating the process in Figure 1. Only effective treatment of waste water can keep the stream healthy. That means: Contact
•Treat toilet water (black water) in a sewerage plant. These are preferred in developed countries because they are more reliable than private home septic systems. Dharamshala region has a sewerage plant at Jawahar in
Figure 1
Gulerian, just a kilometre south of the Dharamshala cricket stadium – but remote houses may still use septic systems. •Treat water from sinks, showers and clothes washing (grey water).
In most developed countries grey water is treated together with black water. In McLeod Ganj, and many areas in India, grey water is discharged to the environment, 11
polluting nearby streams. •Treat stormwater (see middle section of Figure 1). Overland flows from rain and snow pick up sediment, rubbish and animal faeces and can cause flooding. In many developed countries sediment is managed, rubbish is placed in bins, animal owners collect faeces, and roof water is harvested. Though Lha helps this with the monthly waste clean-ups there is no government programme to manage storm water. The Indian government and Lha are improving drinking water quality and waste water treatment. Still the situation is far from ideal as about 40% of Indian children suffer from physical and cognitive stunting due to a lack of safe sanitation. Luckily, the water quality in rivers in Himachal Pradesh is quite good. But to keep it that way and further improve the local streams, communities have to work together. Especially because poor quality water impacts on people downstream. To help those in Dharamshala and on the Indian plain, those living in McLeod Ganj should follow Lha’s brochure Keep Your City Clean and Green: Don’t throw garbage on the ground or Repair water leaks. The result of this and advocating for grey and storm water improvements would be better water quality leading to healthy streams and happy people. NOVEMBER 2017
NEWS & ISSUES Nov 28: Delegation to Europe A delegation from the Tibetan governmentin-exile is touring Europe to meet parliamentarians and think-tanks, and to raise awareness of the situation in Tibet and gain pledges of support. The four-member delegation is visiting Belgium, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands. They are meeting members of the Tibetan community in Europe as well as the various offices of Tibet and non-government Tibet support organisations. Nov 27: Miss Social Media Tenzin Dickey, 22, has been crowned Miss Social Media at Manappuram Miss Asia 2017, an international beauty pageant organised by the Pegasus Event Production Company and held in Kerala, India. She was the second runner-up of the pageant and winner of Miss Photogenic at last year’s Miss Tibet 2016. Nov 24: Australian Delegation An Australian Parliamentary delegation is visiting Dharamshala. The Hon Kevin Andrews said that “The Tibet issue needs to be continually spoken about and pressure placed on the Chinese government” and promised to “continue to raise the issue of Tibet in the Australian parliament and more broadly internationally”. Nov 23: Blood Donors Men Tsee-Khang College in Dharamshala has held a blood donation session, supported by the Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Kangra and the local Delek Hospital. They are urging people to save people’s lives “by sparing ten minutes to donate blood”. The initiative also aims to improve the relationship between the local Indian government and Tibetan hospitals. Nov 22: EU - China Tourism Two Members of the European Parliament (MEP) raised the issue of Tibet during the debate of EU - China Tourism Year at the European Parliament plenary in Strasbourg. Ms Scott-Cato said tourism is given priority over human rights, while Mr Csaba Sogor said the tourism agreement with China is without a single reference to human rights, which is not in line with the EU’s Universal and Foreign Policy values. Nov 21: Activists Disrupt Football Tibetan activists delayed a match between China’s U-20 and the German TSV Schott Mainz teams in the first of a series of friendly matches in Germany. Tibet-Initiative Germany activists unfurled Tibetan national flags and the Chinese side walked off the Contact
Tibetan headlines
pitch. The match was being broadcast live in China and the protest hit the media in Germany and Asia. Nov 19: Earthquake An earthquake of magnitude 6.4 hit the Kongpo region in Ningchi prefecture in south Tibet not far from the border with the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The area hit is sparsely populated and no major casualties have been so far reported, although there have been power failures and damage to buildings. Nov 16: 30 Under 30 Tenzin Seldon, 28, a Tibetan woman living in the United States has made it to the Forbes magazine’s 30 under 30 social entrepeneurs list, as well as 30 under 30 listees set to influence the next century. She set up her company Kinset to help immigrants, like herself, find work in their local community. Forbes is an American business and financial paper. Nov 16: Monk Freed Lobsang Jinpa, 35, a Tibetan monk and songwriter has been released from prison after serving his full term of five years. He is a monk from Nyatso Zilkar monastery in Tridu county which was raided in 2012. He was charged with collaborating with Tibetan singer Lo Lo for producing a music album containing a song in memory of the late 10th Panchen Lama. Nov 15: Environmental Campaign Students for a Free Tibet and the Tibetan Women’s Association are campaigning for the forthcoming United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP) summit in Bonn, Germany, to discuss the significance of Tibet’s environment to the global climate. The two organisations jointly held a skit in McLeod Ganj portraying China’s exploitation of Tibet’s water resources. 15,000 participants will take part in the COP conference. Nov 14: New Science Centre A new branch of the Sager Science Centre has opened in Dharamshala under the monastic science initiative of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA). Sager – or “Science for Monks” – brings western scientists to India to train monks and nuns to be leaders of science education and active participants in the monastics communities’ rapidly expanding relationship with science. Nov 13: Round Table Talks The Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution held a round table discussion in Dharamshala, Coexisting and Flourishing, with around 12
30 representatives from both local Tibetan and Indian communities, and from nongovernment organisations, taking part. They discussed challenges, including youth, environmental problems, and other social issues. The Mayor of Dharamshala promised to address the issues raised. Nov 14: Russian Talks Prominent Russian scientists met in Moscow to discuss and share their impressions of the first dialogue with HH the Dalai Lama and Buddhist monks-scholars which took place in Delhi in August. The meeting in Moscow was opened by Telo Tulku Rinpoche, HH the Dalai Lama’s representative in Russia and Mongolia, who said the conference had “opened up a lot of doors”. Nov 12: Mind and Life Lecture Tibet House Brazil was host to the Mind and Life Institute President, Dr Susan Bauer-Wu’s lecture The Urgency of Integrating Science with Contemplative Practices in Sao Paulo attended by more than 70 psychologists, medical professionals and students. The institute was founded 30 years ago by HH the Dalai Lama together with Chilean born neuroscientist Francisco Varela and American lawyer and entrepreneur Adam Engle. Nov 4: Kow-towing to China Springer Nature, the world’s largest publisher of academic books, has admitted to censoring content in China that is deemed sensitive by the communist government, saying that while the move was “deeply regrettable”, it was to avoid the risk of being banned from China. Prof Steve Tsang, Director of the China Institute at SOAS University, London, said, “This should not be accepted by the academic community.” Nov 3: Prayer Festival Banned The major prayer gathering Dechen Shedrub at the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in eastern Tibet has been banned, reversing an earlier decision to allow the festival, which was due to begin on November 6 to go ahea. The festival has been held 21 times in the past but this is the second year running that it has not been allowed to go ahead. Nov 2: Visitor from Arunachal The Chief Minister of the far north eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, the Honourable Pema Khandu, has visited Dharamshala. He attended the enthronement ceremony of 10th Lhagyala Rinpoche, a Rinpoche from Mon area who had taken rebirth in Ladakh, as well as visiting the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. NOVEMBER 2017
NEWS & ISSUES
International headlines
Nov 28: Hope for Rohingyas? Pope Francis is visiting Myanmar where he has met Gen Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s military chief, who has denied any “religious discrimination” in the military campaign seen by the world as ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya people. The Pope will meet Aung San Suu Kyi, the de facto leader of Myanmar and will then go to Bangladesh to meet some of the refugees who have fled there. Nov 27: HR Lawyer Imprisoned Chinese human rights lawyer Jiang Tianyong, 46, has been sentenced to two years in prison for “inciting subversion of state power”. He confessed on television to trying to stifle Chinese Communist Party authority and there is speculation that his confession was coerced and has prejudiced his trial. It is also claimed he has been subjected to torture and intimidation.
– she wore the Taiwan national flag during her concert there, as well as a sunflower dress which is symbolic of the Sunflower Student Movement – a movement against Taiwan’s 2014 trade pact with China.
Nov 18: Pak Defies China Pakistan has rejected China’s offer of backing for the US$14 million (£11 million) Diamer-Basha dam and Islamabad has asked China to remove the project from the US$60 billion (£45 billion) China Pakistan Economic Corridor, saying it will build the dam without assistance. Pakistan has said the “extremely tough conditions” set by China for the proposed financial backing were “not do-able and against our interests”.
Nov 24: Submarine Missing An Argentine submarine is missing and the 44 crew members feared dead. Evidence of an explosion was recorded in the south Atlantic by a nuclear test watchdog, the Vienna-based Comprehensive NuclearTest-Ban Treaty Organisation. The ARA San Juan disappeared while on a routine mission near the southern-most tip of South America.
Nov 16: China Worst China has been named as the world’s worst abuser of internet freedom for the third consecutive year by Freedom House, an independent watchdog organisation dedicated to the expansion of freedom and democracy around the world. Freedom House assessed and ranked internet freedom in 65 countries. China has around 733 million internet users.
Nov 23: China Bans Skype Skype users in China say the app has been unavailable for weeks. Apple said they have removed it as it does “not comply with local law”. This follows the recent removal of WhatsApp and many Virtual Private Network (VPN) apps, prompting speculation that China is targeting foreignrun apps and online platforms that are encrypted and therefore difficult to monitor.
Nov 15: Nepal Defies China Nepal has cancelled a US$ 2.5 bn(£1.9 bn) deal with a Chinese state-owned company to build the massive 1,200-MW Budhi Gandaki hydropower dam. The agreement for the dam was scrapped following a cabinet meeting and the Hindustan Times has speculated that Nepal wants to signal to China that they will not be pressured into developing projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Nov 22: Nuclear Accident? Russia denies that a nuclear accident has occurred, despite levels of the radioactive isotope ruthenium-106 being recorded at 1,000 times normal levels in the Ural mountains. France’s nuclear safety institute has reported a cloud of radioactive pollution over France. Ruthenium-106 does not occur naturally.
Nov 15: Gay Victory! Same-sex marriages will be legalised in Australia following a postal vote in which over 60% voted in favour. The vote follows ten years of campaigning and the government aims to pass legislation by Christmas. Jubilant supporters have been celebrating, with rainbow flags and singing and dancing in public places.
Nov 21: Singer Banned Katy Perry, the international pop star, has been banned from performing in Shanghai next week because her performance in Taiwan in 2015 was “offensive to China”
Nov 14: Deadly ‘Quake A rescue operation is underway following an earthquake on the mountainous IranIraq border which has left 400 people dead and more than 7,000 injured. The quake is
Contact
13
reported to be the deadliest in the world this year. One aid agency said 70,000 people are in need of shelter and facing a second night out in the cold. Nov 8: Apple’s Tax Haven The Paradise Papers, a huge leak of financial documents on offshore finance, have revealed how Apple - the world’s most profitable company - moved US$252bn (£190 bn) to the tax haven Channel Island of Jersey. Apple says this did not lower its taxes and it remains the world’s largest taxpayer, paying about $35bn (£26bn) in corporation tax over the past three years. Nov 4: Lobbying Trump United States President Donald Trump is to visit China, prompting a concurrent resolution on Tibet in the US House of Representative. The resolution calls on the Trump administration to make Tibet an important aspect of US - China relations, to fully implement the US Tibetan Policy Act, to encourage China to enter into dialogue with HH the Dalai Lama and to promote access for US citizens, including Tibetan-Americans, to Tibet. Nov 4: Ebola Fraud The Ebola epidemic that claimed at least 10,000 lives between 2014 and 2016 lost more than US$5m (£3.8m) of aid money to fraud and corruption in West Africa. Red Cross auditors for the multi-million dollar humanitarian operation to control Ebola found overpriced supplies, salaries for non-existent aid workers and fake customs bills. The Red Cross has promised to hold to account any of their staff involved. Nov 3: Gender Gap The World Economic Forum, an economic monitoring group, has published a report which shows that the gender gap is widening. It ranks 144 countries on economic opportunities, education, political participation and health, putting Iceland top, with the smallest gap, and Yemen bottom. Women in the Middle East and North Africa fared the worst. Nov 2: Killer Charged Sayfullo Saipov, 29, an Uzbek immigrant to the United States, has been charged with causing the deaths of at least eight people in New York when he drove a truck down a cycle lane in Lower Manhattan. He is also accused of providing material support and resources to the Islamic State (IS) group and has admitted to having been inspired by IS videos. NOVEMBER 2017
DHARAMSHALA VOICES
New things…..new situations
by Lodoe Gyatso Tenzin Zeydhan is every inch the picture of poise and assurance as we sit down. Younten, her husband, takes Tenzin Kyipa, their little 10 month-old daughter, to one side and happily takes care of her. “I have never been interviewed like this before,” Tenzin Zeydhan says with a hint of trepidation but with an even firmer tone of determination. I smile, and she relaxes a bit. She was born in India in a little town near Dehradun. She attended a Central School for Tibetans (CST) school there until the tenth grade. Two years of Commerce at the CST in Mussoorie followed. At school she was a good student. She claims that she had “satisfactory” marks but one gets the feeling that they were far above average. She took part in cultural performances and loved to dance. Years later she even once performed in the presence of the Dalai Lama. Her leadership abilities were recognized at school when she was made a house prefect. During her childhood her father gave her a living example to aspire to and backed it up with good advice. She describes him as a “noble good man”. “Be a good person”, “make sure that you give 100%,” “never give up,” and “be confident in yourself” are some of his sayings that she has taken to heart. Still she looks back. “I miss my school days,” she says. There are some things that she regrets not doing such as trekking, outdoor activities and reading more books. After school she studied for BCom and M.Com and followed that with a B.Ed degree. “I know
that I will be a very good teacher,” she says in a matter-of-fact tone. Drawn to her own community, she applied for a job at the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and was allotted an accounting position. “I like figures,” she says. She gets great satisfaction in producing financial statements that reflect a year of hard work. She admits that clerical work can be boring, but recognizes that it is necessary
to enable the more rewarding tasks. “Accountants are the busiest people at office. Everything has to come across accounts section,” she says happily. When she works time passes very quickly. She consciously motivates herself by thinking positively. She met her future husband in 2014 and they were married the next year. “I am happy,” she says. “There are ups and downs. You both have to work together. You have to face the situation and take charge.” She has her own philosophy. “I am learning as life is unfolding bringing new things and new situations. Sometimes life brings joy and sometimes challenges. But I try to make sure I live and be present in the present. In coping with all the responsibilities I try to have some me-time for doing things which I love to do like going for a
morning walk or playing basketball. This refreshes and energizes me and helps me in getting back into my work.” Tenzin Kyipa was born earlier this year. “It is a wonderful feeling to be a mother. I am proud of my body which has the power to bring a bundle of joy into this beautiful world,” the mother says. Tenzin Zeydhan makes one thing very clear. “My baby is my first priority,” she asserts boldly. She is willing to make sacrifices for her child. Raising a human being is a big responsibility. “You have to be strong,” she says simply. “But being strong isn’t enough. You need external support.” And indeed, her support network is very strong. Her bosses fully stand by her even through her absences from the office to feed the baby. Her mother looks after the child while she is at work. And Younten is always there to help. “I am thankful that I have the support of my mother, my husband and my brother. They always keep me going and help me to become the mother I want to be,” she notes gratefully. “I am happy,” Tenzin Zeydhan says plainly. “I don’t want to change anything. I have no regrets.” What does the future hold? This is an area of uncertainty because she might be transferred elsewhere in India. Maybe she will study further once her daughter is a little older, perhaps International Relations, Business Studies or for her PhD. But for now Tenzin Zeydhan is determined to be the very best mother that she can be. And that is exactly what she is doing with grace and self-assurance.
Every month we feature somebody from the Tibetan community on our Dharamshala Voices page. You can read more Dharamshala Voices stories on the Contact website: http://www.contactmagazine.net/dharamasla-life/ The People stories on the Dharamshala Voices page online tell the stories of the people who make up the Tibetan exile community in Dharamshala and elsewhere, as well as the stories of Lha students and volunteers, told in their own words. Contact
14
NOVEMBER 2017
LHA NEWS AND PROJECTS Mindful Medicine Conference 2017 Lha hosted the second Mindful Medicine Conference from October 29 – 31 in collaboration with the Tibetan Delek Hospital, the Ochsner Medical Centre of New Orleans, Men-Tsee-Khang, the Louisiana Mississippi Hospice and Palliative Care Organisation and the Louisiana Himalaya Association. The main topic for the conference was the “Mind Body Connection”, however the participants also discussed compassion, meditation and mindfullness. The fifteen participants were doctors and nurses from the United States, Men-TseeKhang and Delek Hospital. Special speakers for the event included Dr Tsetan Dorjee, the Chief Medical Officer of Delek Hospital, who spoke on Compassion in Medicine, and gave an overview of the practice of western medicine in the Tibetan Community and the importance of compassion in the doctor-patient relationship. Dr Chris Blais,Chairman of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Ochsner Medical Centre in New Orleans, spoke on Infection control and Antibiotic Stewardship and Dr Brian Cruz, also from the Ochsner Medical Centre, spoke on Preventive Medicine Practices. Dr Tenzin Lhundup from Men-Tsee-Khang spoke on Tibetan Traditional Medicine and Dr Jonathan Nussdorf, Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Ochsner Medical Centre, spoke on Toxicities and Retinopathies. Two Geshes from the Tibetan community were invited to speak to the participants on Compassion, Meditation and Thukdam. The eight doctors from the United States visited the Tibetan Delek Hospital and Men-Tsee-Khang. This conference is scheduled to be an annual event,hosted by Lha in October.
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 Wayne Schlegel and Leslie Potter from the United States tell us their story.
A Wonderful Experience
Volunteer Job at Lha: English Instructors
My wife, Leslie Potter, and I have had the privilege of teaching English at Lha for the past two months, she in the beginners class and I in the advanced. It has been a wonderful experience on many levels, both professional and personal, and we wholeheartedly recommend it to both seasoned and novice teachers. Every day, we left work with a sense we were making a difference in our students’ lives. We have taught in schools around the world, many of them offering generous salaries, stylish classrooms and high tech instructional aids, but none offering such a high degree of job satisfaction. We have each had teaching careers of over forty years, and nowhere have we found more eager or more delightful students. Perhaps because our students’ lives reflected the unique economic and social challenges all Tibetan exiles face, they were keen to learn as much English as they possibly could and didn’t shy away from asking questions (a trait we have observed in other Asian classrooms). Whatever their current ability, they always wanted to progress to the next level. Although they were serious about their education, they were also playful. Each class was filled with laughter and good fun. Perhaps because Leslie and I had a lot of classroom experience, Lha let us design our own lessons and provided an extensive library of teaching materials we could use in our preparation. Throughout our stay, Head Teacher Lobsang, Volunteer Coordinator Rabsel, and General Secretary Dorji have done their best to support our teaching efforts. Moreover, the constantly rotating cast of
volunteer English conversation partners reinforced our lessons during the hour-long open conversation class held each day. Our personal involvement with the Tibetan cause started with a visit to Tibet more than thirty years ago where we saw firsthand the devastation China had visited upon the country. A caretaker at Norbulingka Palace there showed us a back room stuffed with smashed Buddhist statues and we walked amongst the ruins of portions of Ganden Monastery which had been bombed. We were truly appalled. We fell in love with the openness of the Tibetan people and were impressed by their spirituality (especially conspicuous
after spending the prior academic year teaching at a leading university in China, officially atheist). Since our visit, we followed news of Tibet with growing concern. When we learned about Lha earlier this year, we decided to take some time off of paid teaching and see what small contribution we could make to support the exile community. Our decision to come to Mcleod Ganj and volunteer for Lha has been right for us and we are confident that this choice will be right for others. We will miss our students and colleagues here at Lha and wish them success and happiness in the future.
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
15
NOVEMBER 2017
around town
Charities and Organisations
Central Tibetan Administration
The CTA serves in Dharamshala as the government in exile of Tibet. It is democratic with judiciary, legislative, and executive branches. Within the Executive branch there is the Kashag, consisting of the departments of Religion and Culture, Home, Education, Finance, Security, Information and International Relations and Health, and Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay. WEB: www.tibet.net LOCATION: Near Library PHONE: 01892-222218 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:00 am-5:00 pm EMAIL: kashag@tibet.net
The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)
OHHDL is the personal office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The office organises his schedule, including appointments and travel plans, diplomatic and personal correspondence, and liaises with officials of the Central Tibetan Administration. WEB: www.dalailama.com LOCATION: McLeod Ganj, PHONE: 01892-221343 / 221210 EMAIL: ohhdl@dalailama.com
Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)
The TYC is an advocacy and political action organisation with chapters around the world. The TYC organises cultural exhibitions, educational campaigns and social welfare activities. WEB: www. tibetanyouthcongress.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala -176219 PHONE: 01892-221554 EMAIL:president@tibetanyouthcongress.org, tyc@tibetanyouthcongress.org
Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA)
The TWA conducts workshops on gender sensitization and domestic violence throughout Tibetan settlements in India, provides Tibetan women with education scholarships, and connects women with international sponsors. WEB: www. tibetanwomen.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-221527 EMAIL: tibwomen@gmail.com
Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)
TCV provides care to Tibetan children by creating a nurturing environment and fostering Tibetan values and culture while delivering a modern education. There is an Upper and Lower residential school in Dharamshala and day school in McLeod Ganj, with other branches throughout India. WEB: www.tcv.org.in LOCATION: Dharamshala Cantt.176216 PHONE: 01892-221354 / 221348 EMAIL: headoffice@tcv.org.in
Men-Tsee-Khang: Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute
Men-Tsee-Khang is a facility for research, training and practice of traditional Tibetan medicine. Patients may seek treatment at Men-TseeKhang for both acute and chronic conditions. The facility provides extensive training and produces traditional pharmaceuticals.
Contact
WEB: www.men-tsee-khang.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org
Tibetan Library (LTWA) (Centre for Tibetan Studies)
The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives has the purpose to restore, protect, preserve, and promote Tibetan culture in all its aspects. They offer courses in Tibetan and Hindi language and Buddhist philosophy and can provide affordable accommodation for those enrolled in two or more courses. WEB: ltwa.net, tibetanlibrary.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong PHONE: 98822-55047 EMAIL: ltwa1970@gmail.com
Delek Hospital
Delek Hospital is a small, Tibetan run hospital in Dharamshala. It has 45 inpatient beds, holds outpatient hours from 9am to 12pm Monday through Friday, and can handle most small procedures. Patients are responsible for a 10 Rupees registration fee. The hospital has a pharmacy on site. WEB:www.delekhospital.org LOCATION: Kharadanda Rd, Dharamshala; Delek Clinic, Bhagsu Rd, Dharamshala HOURS: Outpatient, Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00 pm-4:30 pm; Emergencies, 24 hours daily PHONE: 01892-222053 / 223381 EMAIL: delek@bsnl.in hospitaldelek@yahoo.com
Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society The society was established in 1999 to provide educational and administrative guidance to all Tibetan schools in remote areas of India and Bhutan that do not fall under the guidance of Tibetan Childrens Village. Today there are 12 schools under this organisation. WEB: www.sambhota.org LOCATION: Session Rd, Dharamshala176215 PHONE: 01892 - 228877 | 226877 EMAIL: stss1999@gmail.com
Tong-Len Charitable Trust
Tong-Len’s mission is to help displaced communities in North India achieve a secure and sustainable future. Tong-Len projects include educational and health programs, childhood education and sponsorship, primary and nursery tent schools, and children’s support hostels. Volunteer opportunities available. WEB: www. tong-len.org LOCATION: Top Floor, Bank Of Baroda, Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala-176215 PHONE: 01892-223930 EMAIL: jamyang@tong-len.org
Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)
SFT is an international NGO that promotes the Tibetan cause among the non-Tibetan community. The organisation attempts to build international solidarity by advocating for a free Tibet through chapter organisations at Universities around the world. WEB:www.sftindia.org, www.studentsforafreetibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 9882786875
16
Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD)
TCHRD advocates for human rights and provides education on the human rights situation in Tibet. The centre publishes journals and articles, as well as conducting workshops and campaigns. WEB: www.tchrd.org LOCATION: CTA, Dharamshala - 176215 PHONE: 01892-223363 EMAIL: office@tchrd.org
Lha Charitable Trust (Lha)
Lha, a Tibetan grassroots NGO based in Dharamshala, is one of the largest social work organisations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population, and people from the Himalayan regions. Lha offers free English, French and Chinese classes, cultural exchange programs, IT classes, vocational training, health and environmental awareness education, distribution of clothes and medicine, a community kitchen, and many other programs and activities. (see page 2) WEB:www.lhasocialwork.org LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj, Opposite State Bank of India PHONE: 01892-220992, 988-2323-455 EMAIL: office@lhasocialwork.org
The Kangra Distt. Red Cross Society
The Kangra District Red Cross Society renders its humanitarian services, projects and activities with the help and the co-operation of people at all levels of society by donation. WEB: www.redcrosskangra.org LOCATION: Red Cross Bhawan, Dharamshala PHONE: 01892-224888 / 9418832244 EMAIL: sharmaopl12345@gmail.com
Gu-Chu-Sum Movement Association of Tibet is an organisation of former political prisoners of Tibet and former activists currently in exile that engages in their complete assistance from medical, financial, basic education and vocational training. It also organises lobby and advocacies about human rights abuses in Tibet. WEB: www.guchusum.org LOCATION: Jogibara Road, McLeod Ganj, PHONE: 01892-220680 / 220679 EMAIL: guchusum1991@gmail.com
Tibet Charity
Tibet Charity provides programs including English and computer classes, an animal care program, and a variety of medical and educational financial support programs. WEB: www.tibetcharity.in LOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 01892-221790 / 221877 EMAIL: director@tibetcharity.in
Norbulingka Institue
Centre for Tibetan culture with studios and artists at work. Temple, tour guides of the workshops, and gardens. L O C AT I O N : S i d h p u r, Dharamshala PHONE:9882144210 EMAIL: info@norbulingka.org WEB:www.norbulingka.org
NOVEMBER 2017
around town
Charities and Organisations
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA)
Established in 1959, under the vision of HH the Dalai Lama, TIPA strives to preserve and promote Tibetan theatrical tradition. The Insitute imparts comprehensive training and lessons on Tibetan folk dance, folk song, traditional instruments and tradition of Tibetan opera. TIPA also hosts a beautiful theatrical museum which remains open during working days. We organise a special group tour of our campus every Wednesday (10 am). WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: TIPA Road, McLeod Ganj Dharamshala-176219 PHONE: 01892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com
Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT)
Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT) is a nongovernment, non-profit adult education centre in Dharamshala, North India. LIT provides Free Education, Health Care and Skills Training to Tibetan Refugees to help eradicate poverty and illiteracy amongst the Tibetan population. WEB: www.learningandideasfortibet.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala 176219 PHONE: 01892-220690 EMAIL: learningandideasfortibet@gmail.com
Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR)
Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution is a nonprofit, educational organisation dedicated to the non-violent management of conflicts in the Tibetan Community and the world as a whole. They work to promote the approaches and tools of non-violent conflict resolution and democratic processes in the Tibetan community in exile and elsewhere. WEB: http://tccr.org LOCATION: Session Road, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176215 PHONE: 01892-226627 EMAIL: tccrteam@gmail.com
Rogpa Baby Care Centre
The Rogpa Baby Care Centre helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by providing free child care for infants so that their parents can work. The centre needs volunteers to help with art, games, singing and other tasks including diaper changing. WEB: www.tibetrogpa.org LOCATION: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala- 176219 PHONE: 9857973026 EMAIL: rogpa2004@yahoo.com
Gamru Village School
Gamru Village School is a successful NGO that provides free high-quality education to any children who encounter serious barriers to education and who have a low standard of living. WEB: www.gamruschool.com LOCATION: Village Gamru, P.O Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala, Distt Kangra 176215 PHONE: 9816105554 EMAIL: tashu72004@yahoo.com
Contact
Clean Upper Dharamshala Project
Founded in 1994 to provide a waste management system in and around McLeod Ganj, the Green Workers, the Handmade Recycled Paper Factory, the Green Shop and the Environmental Education Centre are part of the Clean Upper Dharamshala Project. Weekly guided tours are offered on Wednesdays at 3 pm. WEB: www.tsodhasa.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala - 176219 PHONE: 01892-221059 EMAIL: cudpswm@gmail.com
Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage)
Nyingtob Ling supports Tibetan children from disadvantaged families. The children make handicrafts and paintings. They are so friendly and love to have visitors. WEB: www.nyingtobling.org LOCATION: Near Norbulingka, Sidhpur PHONE:01892 211042 / 9816028149 EMAIL: nyingtob_ling@hotmail.com
Women’s Team
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
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 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.
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Ambulance: 01892-102, 222189
Police Superintendent: 01892-222244
Tibetan Delek Hospital Location: Gangchen Kyishong, CTA Hours: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, MonSat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, Wed only; Emergencies: 24-hrs, daily. Phone: 222 053,223 381
Police Contact Information Location: Past St.John’s Church on the road to Dharamshala in Cantt. area. Phone: 221 483
Kangra Airport: 01892-232374 Bhagsu Taxi Union: 01892-221034 Tourism Office: 01892-224430 , 223325 Rail Booking & Enquiry: 01892-265026
17
McLeod Ganj Post Office Location: Jogiwara Rd, past Peace Cafe Hours: 9:30am-1pm and 2-5pm, Mon-Fri; 9:30am-noon, Sat. Parcels and money orders can be sent in the mornings only. Phone: 01892-221 924
NOVEMBER 2017
activities and information UPCOMING EVENTS December 1, 2017: World Aids Day December 10, 2017: Nobel Peace Prize Day January 1, 2018: New Year Holiday January 5 to 7, 2018: His Holiness will give a three-day teaching in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India
BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY Library of Tibetan Works and Archives WEB: www.ltwa.net/library LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9-10 am, 11-12noon PHONE: 921-842-2467/9882255047
Public Audience with HH Karmapa WEB: www.kagyuoffice.org LOCATION: Sidhpur HOURS: Wed & Sat: 2:30pm PHONE: 01892-235307
YOGA AND REIKI Om Yoga, Meditation and Reiki Centre LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, behind Akash Hotel, on Jogiwara Rd HOURS: 8:00am-5:30pm PHONE: 980-569-3514
Siddhartha Retreat and Yoga Centre 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
COOKING Lha Tibetan Cooking Classes - for groups
LANGUAGES Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translators Program LOCATION: Rato Chuwar Labrang, Phuntsok Gatsel Session Road Hours: 10:45-5pm Email: lrztp.manager@gmail.com
Rita Thakur Hindi Classes
LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Rd, beside the Korean Restaurant PHONE: 981-649-4732
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
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
LOCATION:Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guesthouse HOURS: 10:00am-6:00pm PHONE: 07833047078 / 0988230136 EMAIL: mahinder_m@hotmail.com
Lhamo’s Kitchen: Tibetan Cooking Classes
LOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, near the Green Shop HOURS: 8:00am-9:00pm PHONE: 981-646-8719
Sangye’s Kitchen: Traditional Tibetan Cooking Classes
LOCATION: Lung-ta Restaurant, below the Tashi Choeling Monastery on Jogiwara Road HOURS:10:00am - 4:00pm PHONE: 981-616-4540 EMAIL: sangyla_tashi@yahoo.co.in
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
18
ART AND MUSEUMS Tibet Museum
LOCATION:Near the Main Temple and Namgyal Monastery gate, McLeod Ganj HOURS: Tue-Sun: 9:00am-5:00pm
Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression
LOCATION: Gu-Chu-Sum hall, Jogiwara Rd HOURS: Mon, Wed & Fri: 2:00pm-5:00pm
The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA)
WEB: www.tibetanarts.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj PHONE: 1892-221478 EMAIL: tibetanarts2012@gmail.com
Kangra Art Museum
LOCATION: Near Bus Stand, Kotwali Bazaar PHONE: 01892 224214 HOURS: Tue-Sun: 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm
Men-Tsee-Khang Museum
LOCATION: Near CTA, Gangchen Kyishong PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org HOURS: 9am-5pm. Closed on Sun, 2 and 4th Sat
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
NOVEMBER 2017
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 thetibetpost.com and tibetexpress.net are both sources of news and information
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.
Interested in a Tibetan Homestay?
Is Arriving in India a Nightmare?
Thinking about Volunteering?
Lha Charitable Trust can arrange homestays of one month with a Tibetan refugee family. By sharing day-to-day life with a Tibetan family you will have an opportunity to experience Tibetan culture at first hand as well as making friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Accommodation, breakfast and dinner included.
Next time you come, use the Lha Reception service at Delhi airport. We will meet you at the airport, look after you in Delhi and give you a safe place to stay while you wait for your overnight bus to McLeod. We’ll put you on the bus and make sure you are on the right seat! Use our service especially when you are arriving late at night or early morning.
Lha offers you the opportunity to share your knowledge and skills while gaining practical experience with a social work organisation – good for your CV as well as being fun and interesting! Lha volunteers develop friendships as well as learning at first handabout the issues facing the Tibetan refugee community.
Find out more! Call into the Lha office, see Map # 1 Contact
19
NOVEMBER 2017
advertisements
CARPE DIEM RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA
MEXICAN, ITALIAN, INDIAN, CHINESE, CONTINENTAL, & THAI FOOD, No MSG • Everything washed with sterilized water • Wood-fired pizza oven & clay Tandoori oven • Relaxed atmosphere & Japanese-style seating • Live music every Sunday - Map#6 Located on Jogiwara Road, across from the Tibetan Reception Center (down from Post Office) - Map # 9
DR TANDON’S ADVANCED
DENTAL
ORTHODONTIC & IMPLANT CENTRE Mcleod Add: Downstairs Opp. AB Travels Temple Road Mcleod Ganj Dharamshala Add: Opp. Canara Bank Kotwali Bazaar Dharamshala
A centre with multispeiciality dental treatment facility since 2000. Map#24 website: www.himachaldentist.com Email: dr.rahultandon@gmail.com Appointment/Emergency call: 9418462936
HIMALAYAN YOGA RETREAT Yoga Time: 8:30 am to 9:30 am
DrYourMobile Shop Communication Partner
Drop-in Classes/ Weekly Courses/ Reiki Course & Treatment Teacher Training Course (200 hours) Map#26
Mobile Sales, Mobile Repair, Sim Cards, Purchase and Recharge Phone Service
Mobile no: 988222502 - Surinder
Address: Jogiwara Road, Green View House after Youngling Schoo Mcleod Ganj, Opposite Pink House www.himalayanyogacentre.com / Email:surinderlala@yahoo.in
Black Magic Building (underground), Jogiwara Road, Map #4 McLeod Ganj Phone: 9857011101
8 AUSPICIOUS HIM VIEW HOTEL
Apartments For Rent
At Dharamshala, Mohli, Sidhpur (opp. Law University Gate) Newly Built, 3BHK, “A” Grade Construction, All Granite Flooring 8 beautiful rooms with balcony facing the Himalayan Range. 2 Bathroom, 3 Balconies, kitchen, Drawing - Dining Enjoy the sunrise from your bed! Phone: 01892-220567 Cell: 9418236603 Jogiwara Rd (Map #12) Store on 1st Floor, also covered Parking in society Email: tseringd@aushimview.com Contact person - Anil / Mobile no - 9736083878
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!
TIBETAN OM MASSAGE THERAPY Bhagsu Road, Opp.Green Hotel Mcleod Ganj - Map #27 Email: kunsangdolma75@gmail / Mobile : 7018483961 / 9857999373
I) COURSES
• Thai Massage ( 90 minutes for 3 days - Rs 4500 ) • Traditional /Ayurvedic Acupressure (90 minutes for 3 days - Rs 4500 ) • Litho Us Therapy (60 minutes for 3 days - Rs 4000) • Deep Tissue (90 minutes for 2 days - Rs 3000) • Swedish Massage (90 minutes for 2 days - Rs 2000) • Foot Reflexology (90 minutes for 1 day - Rs 2000) • Back Massage (120 minutes for 1 day - Rs 2000) • Head Massage (90 minutes for 1 day - Rs 1500) • Chair Massage (90 minutes for 1 day - Rs 1500) • Yoga Classes (5 days course - Rs 1000)
To advertise here, Contact Lha office at Temple Road, McLeod Ganj Or Call on our number 9882323455 Price of advertisements depends on the size of your Ad Contact
II) MASSAGES
• Lithos Therapy ( 70 minutes - Rs 1600) • Thai Massage ( 60 minutes - Rs 1500) • Deep Tissue Massage ( 60 minutes - Rs 1300) • Compresss Therapy ( 60 minutes - Rs 1300 ) • Kerala Traditonal Massage ( 60 minutes - Rs 1000) • Swedish Massage (60 minutes - Rs 1000 / 90 minutes - Rs 1500) • Reflexology ( 30 minutes - Rs 600) • Chair Massage ( 30 minutes - Rs 600) • Baliness Back Massage ( 30 minutes - Rs 500) •Ayurvedic Head Massage ( 30 minutes - Rs 500)
20
NOVEMBER 2017
advertisements
Contact
21
NOVEMBER 2017
advertisements Map not to scale
Map of McLeod Ganj showing locations of places of interest
BHAGSU NAG
See advertisement pages for details of advertisers TIPA
21
DHARAMKOT
27
26
Vipassana Centre
Naddi Village Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)
15
Tushita Centre
McLEOD GANJ
22
MAIN SQUARE
3
Cantt Police Post
25 Main Bazaar
2
27
20
28
24
6
23
4
1
Lha
12
11
10
5
16
29 14
13
Road to Dharamshala
1. Lha Headquarters and Tibet Fair Trade 2. Namgyal Cafe (at Om Hotel) 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, Dolma Therapy 16. Rinku Taxi Service
17. Central Tibetan Administration,Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, Tibetan Library 18. LRZTP Tibetan Language Programme 19. Tibetan Museum and Temple 20. Tibetan Handicraft Centre 21. Taste of India 22. SnowLion Custom Tattoo 23. Nature Cure Health Club 24. Dr Tandon’s Advanced Dental 25. Smile Dental Clinice & Implant Center 26. Himalayan Yoga Retreat 27. Om Massage Centre 28. Chapri Handicrafts 29. Dorjee Spa
19
17 18
Road to Dharamshala
Our specialty: Chocolate Vegan cake, Gluten free cake, Fresh Coffee Beans, cappaccino, Chocolate chilli lollipop 9am to 7pm - Closed on Monday
Below “Black Magic Hotel” on Jogiwara Rd -Map#4
Enjoy traditional Taiwanese and Chinese food and peaceful environment, just one minute from the Bus Stand, just behind Asian Plaza! (Map # 3)
NEED A DENTIST?
For all your dental requirements under one roof, in a sterile and state of the art clinic
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
To advertise here, Contact Lha office at Temple Road, McLeod Ganj
To advertise here, Contact Lha office at Temple Road, McLeod Ganj
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 Contact
22
NOVEMBER 2017
advertisements ༄༅།། ཕྱི་ལོ་ ༡༩༨༩ ཟླ་ ༡༢ ཚེས་ ༡༠ ཉིན་འཛམ་གླིང་ཞི་བདེའི་དེད་དཔོན་༧སྤྱི་ནོར་ ༧གོང་ས་སྐྱབས་མགོན་ཆེན་པོ་མཆོག་ལ་ནོ་བྷེལ་ཞི་བདེའི་གཟེངས་རྟགས་འབུལ་བཞེས་ མཛད་སྟེ་ལོ་ངོ་ཧྲིལ་པོ་བཅོ་བརྒྱད་འཁོར་བའི་དུས་བཟང་ཉིན། ལྷ་སྤྱི་ཚོགས་ཞབས་ཞུ་དང་ ཤེས་ཡོན་ལྟེ་གནས་ཁང་དང་། འབྲེལ་གཏུག་དུས་དེབ་གཉིས་ཀྱི་ངོས་ནས་འཚམས་འདྲིའི་ བཀྲ་ཤིས་བདེ་ལེགས་གྲངས་མེད་ཞུ་རྒྱུ་དང་། མགོན་པོ་མཆོག་འཛམ་གླིང་ཞི་བདེ་དང་ཡང་ དགོ ས ་བོ ད ་བསྟན་སྲི ད ་མི ་ རི ག ས་ཀྱི ་ ཆེ ད ་དཀའ་བ་བརྒྱ་ཕྲག་ཁྱད་དུ་བསད་ནས་ལྕི ་ བའི ་ མཛད་འགན་མང་པོ་བཞེས་པར་བཀའ་དྲིན་རྗེས་དྲན་ཞུ་རྒྱུ་དང་འབྲེལ། གང་ཉིད་བསྟན་འགྲོའི་ དོན་དུ་སྐུ་ཚེ་ཡུན་དུ་བཞུགས་་ཤིང་ཐུགས་ཀྱི་བཞེད་དགོངས་མཐའ་དག་གེགས་མེད་ལྷུན་ གྲུབ་ཡོང་བའི་བཀྲིས་སྨོན་གྲངས་མེད་ཞུ། ལྷ་སྤྱི་ཚོགས་ཞབས་ཞུ་དང་ཤེས་ཡོན་ལྟེ་གནས་གིས། ཕྱི་ལོ་ ༢༠༡༧ ཟླ་ ༡༢ ཚེས་ ༡༠ ཉིན།
Lha Charitable Trust and the team at Contact magazine wish to congratulate and honour His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the anniversary of his Nobel Peace Prize award, December 10, 1989, and for all his untiring work on behalf of the Tibetan community in Tibet and in Exile.
Ocean of Harmony Programmes for Wellbeing
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
For upcoming events, visit www.oceanofharmony.org Meditation Intensives For intensive trainings Meditation Therapies around the world (any country) Intensive Yoga Courses/Retreats contact: Shalu Patel Stress Management (experienced & qualified life Integrated Healing Therapies and wellness coach for Wellness Retreats international trainings)
Phone: (+91) 9979894585 Email: ohlifeandwellness@gmail.com
Contact
23
NOVEMBER 2017
Lha Charitable Trust celebrates 20 years of social and educational services for Tibetans, local Indians, volunteers from across the world, international exchange student groups and people from the Himalayan regions. Please see the article on page 4 for more information.
To advertise call Lha office: 01892-220992 or visit Lha office at Temple Rd, McLeod Ganj Map #1
Follow Contact website using the QR code!
འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།
Contact Newsletter Managing Director Ngawang Rabgyal Editor-in-Chief Jenny James Editor Tenzin Samten Assistant Editor Dorji Kyi Circulation Manager Lobsang Rabsel Published by Lha Charitable Trust Web: www.lhasocialwork.org www.contactmagazine.net www.samdhongrinpoche.com Phone: 91(0)1892-220992 Email:editor@contactmagazine.net Facebook: ContactNews Twitter: @ContactTibet Printed at Imperial Printing, Dharamshala Phone: 222390 Email:ippdsala@gmail.com