Bi-MonthlyB o d - K y i - Cha- Trin

I n t e r n a t i o n a l

Rs.5Vol. 02, Issue 55, 15 December 2011

Faith Alone Is Insufficient

www.thetibetpost.com

Tibetans in Tibet Are Our Boss,We are their Spokesperson: His Holiness

Prague: - "Tibetan people inside Tibet are ourboss, we [Tibetans in exile] are their freespokesperson," said the spiritual leader of Tibet,His Holiness the Dalai Lama after meeting withsenior and former Czech politicians, includingCzech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg inPrague, the Czech capital.During the meeting with the media on Monday,His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that it was hismoral responsibility to promote human rights andfreedom.His Holiness spoke about his first twocommitments in life - inner value and religiousharmony. Speaking on religious harmony, he saidunity and harmony amongst all religions wasimportant. He called on the media to play a greaterrole in promoting religious harmony and innervalue. People must get more information that wouldlead to greater awareness.In response to a question about dialogue betweenthe Chinese and the Tibetans, His Holiness saidthat the Chinese say that there is no Tibetan issuebut the issue of the Dalai Lama. However, heemphasized that the issue is not about the DalaiLama but the future of six million Tibetans.His Holiness the Dalai Lama said the Tibetanpeople in Tibet are our boss. "We are their freespokesperson. They have no freedom to express

His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the round table conference on Human Rights and Democracy in Asia atJames university, Prague, Czech Republic. Photo: File

By: YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - The 22nd anniversary ofthe spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the DalaiLama's receiving of the Nobel Peace Prize wascommemorated in the form of a photo exhibition inthe Austrian capital, Vienna.This photo exhibition illustrating the Tibetan spiritualleader's biography in 100 images was thrown opento the public on December 2 by Dr. Wolfgang Zinggl,Member of the Austrian Parliament (Green Party) andthe Vice-Chairman of the Cultural Commission of theAustrian Parliament, according to the Tibetan officialmedia: Tibet Net.

See on Page 7...

China Needs Respect Of The World

UK Urged to Act on Rights Violations in Tibet

See on Page 7...

A Tibetan DiesAfter Latest

Self-immolation..

I CannotFarm

Alone...

Tibetans in Exile Across WorldCommemorate Int'l Human Rights Day

Dharamshala, India: - Thousands of Tibetans inexile across the world celebrated the 22ndAnniversary of the spiritual leader of Tibet, HisHoliness the Dalai Lama's Nobel Peace Prize Day,and marked the 63rd International Human RightsDay after Twelve Tibetans self-immolated this yearto protest against the Chinese Government'soppression in Tibet.The main Tibetan temple was all lit up asthousands of exiled Tibetans including monks andnuns and their supporters assembled here to markthe anniversary. The political leader of the Tibetangovernment in exile, Dr. Lobsang Sangay

Kalon Tripa, Dr. Lobsang Sangay addressing during the function, Dharamshala, India, 10thDecember 2011. Photo: TPI

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Karnataka, India: - His Holiness the Dalai Lama, thespiritual leader of Tibet began a three-day visit tosouth India on December 5 and, during his teachingsat Gyudmed Tantric University in .Karnataka state, told followers that one should strive tobecome a 21st century Buddhist with both traditionalvalues and a modern education.

Tibet’s Kalon Tripa Visits Britain

London: Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangay concludedhis tour of Europe in London today, to unprecedentedsuccess. During his first visit as the newly electedleader of the Tibetan people, Dr Sangay finished histrip in London, inspiring optimism among the exilecommunity, and proving his credentials as a newbridge between East and West.

Kalon Tripa, Dr. Lobsang Sangay addressing Thetibetan community in Britain, 1st December 2011.

Photo: TPI/Sam, London, UK.

Exhibition On Nobel Peace Prize Day

See on Page 6... His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Czech Foreign ministerKarel Schwarzenberger, Prague, at a short private meetingon Sunday, 11th December 2011. Photo: TPI/

See on Page 4...

(From left-right) Dr Wolfgang Zinggl, member ofAustrian Parliament, Mr Penpa Tsering, Speaker ofTibetan Parliament in Exile and Mr Tsetan Samdup

Chhoekyapa, representative of His Holiness inGeneva. Photo: Tibet Net

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet offering teachingsof Nagajuna's Tantric text composed by PanchenChoegyal, over 10,000 devotees gathered at the GyudmedTantric University, Hunsur Rabgyeling settlement locatednear District Mysore, Karnataka State of South India, 5thDecember 2011. Photo: TPI/Sangay Dorjee

Photos depicting China’s brutality in Tibet and theChinese security official’s high-handed and vulgar

display of power over Tibetan monks and commonershave been leaked out of Tibet recently.

Photo: Photo: TPI

London, UK: - In the first adjournment debate on Tibetin three years at the House of Commons, the Membersof Parliament called for the British Government to makea public statement regarding the recent series of self-immolations by Tibetans.

themselves so we have to act on their behalf," hesaid.The Peoples' Republic of China he said, belongsto the Chinese people. The 1.3 Billion people ofChina are the real rulers of China. They have everyright to know the reality and judge what is right

and wrong. Censorship of the media is wrong.Recently, he said he received a letter from aChinese individual who had met a Tibetan on apilgrimage in China. The Chinese individual hadtold the Tibetan that the Dalai Lama was a goodBuddhist but a splitist.

addressed the crowds followed by the deputyspeaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile, KhenpoSonam Tenphel, making the final speech.Officials explained that its decision to have a low-keycelebration of the 22nd Anniversary was to rememberthe people of Tibet, those who suffered and are stillsuffering under Chinese rule and particularly so forvictims of the self-immolations in 2011.International Human Rights day was observed onSaturday, December 10, across the world includingthe Tibetan community under the theme of"Commemorate Human Rights' against abuse andviolations of human values and to mark theanniversary of the presentation of the UniversalDeclaration of Human Rights.

See on Page 7...

Prague - Senior and former Czech politicians, includingCzech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, met thespiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama,in Prague the Czech capital, on the first day of histhree day visit (10-12, December), where he gave publiclectures, talks and speeches on peace, democracy andHuman Rights. See on Page 3....

See on Page 7... See on Page 5...

Page 6... Page 5...

The Tibet Post2 TPI VIEWS & ANALYSIS15 December, 2011 Dharamsala

Tibet History; A Barrier for NegotiationBetween Tibet and China?

Photo taken on 6 June 2006, Historical stone pillars at the aain Tibetan religion andculture sites in the Tibetan capital Lhasa. Photo: TPI

By: Denzi Yishey, The Tibet Post International

Wyoming, US: - "I have no interest inhistory because it is a story about deadpeople" - A junior high Tibetan student.Though I heard the above story severalyears ago, my memory of it is still vividand fresh. I don't know the specificreason for its storage in my long-termmemory. As a Behaviorist would say,the reason may lie in the reinforcement.Once such reinforcement came lastweek when I presented to a group ofundergraduate and graduate studentsat University of Wyoming on, "The U.S.,China, and the Freedom of Tibet".Many wars were fought on the historicalfacts (as if the fact is an absolute truth).People died because of history. Womenraped because of history. Individualtortured and imprisoned because ofhistory. Citizen fought for rightsbecause of history. Nation collapsedbecause of history. Further, nationalismcreated because of and based onhistory. However, many tend to ignorethe fact that "history books were writtenby winners". To put it differently,history books may be biased or one-sided. To support the existence of thesebiases, the United States recentlyacknowledge and starts to rewrite someof its history books concerning NativeAmericans and their struggle againstthe White domination. But all countriesare not the United States. One suchcountry, discussed in this piece, isChina.Like several countries, China has anumber of unresolved tensions with itsneighboring countries because of whatit deemed as "historical facts". Chinacontinues to have historical disputeswith Japan, Korea, Taiwan, India,Vietnam, and Philippines, among others.As noted earlier, these tensions ordisputes generally stem from twoversions of history - one written byChina and other by the respectivecountry. In these political or boundarydisputes, historical facts have been oneof the key sticking points of failednegotiations. The existence of similarpattern could be seen along the line ofTibetan negotiations with China (or theUnited Work Forum) over its freedomstruggle.Understandably, the history of Tibetalso has two versions: one taught inChina and Chinese-controlled Tibet;and one taught in the Tibetan diaspora.Undoubtedly, both claim their versionto be true. A year ago, I asked a questionto China expert at Hunter College, NewYork City on the chances of rewritingTibetan history. There was (and is) noreal answer to this complicated

Life in Exile, Tibetans in DharamshalaWaiting for Change

Pema Gyaltsen talking with the Tibet Post International, Photo: TPI

Dharamshala, India: - About halfwaydown Temple Road in McLeodganj,northern India, with about sevenclothes shops on one side andcountless street merchants on theother, you can find a small andirresistibly trendy café called CoffeeTalk.It is especially inviting to foreigntourists, with outside seating andstunning views of the HimalayanDhauladhar range above and Kangravalley below.Inside, customers are met with vibrantorange walls, bright lights, and a hipmixture of Indian, Tibetan and Westernpop music - not to mention a temptingselection of fresh pastries.Pema Guyaltsang, a 28-year old waiterat Coffee Talk, greets customers with asmile and a menu, having begun hisshift early in the morning.Guyaltsang is one of many Tibetanrefugees who have made the longjourney Dharamshala - the collectionof small towns and villages to which

question. However, the impact of twoversions of Tibetan history is fairlyevident (discussed later). Given DianaWolff's description of six Tibets, I usetwo Tibets to discuss the differingversions of Tibetan history: China'sTibet and Diaspora's Tibet.China's TibetTibetans in Chinese-controlled Tibetand Chinese in proper China weretaught histories on China's Tibet.Generally, these histories highlightChina's suzerainty and sovereignty overTibet since centuries and centuries ago.As a Chinese student shared during mypresentation noted earlier, "Chinahelped Tibet fight against the Britishoccupation in 1880s and 1904". Theyonly knew that Chairman Mao liberatedTibet from its feudal system. ForChinese, Tibet is a socialist paradiserepresented on the Chinese flag as oneof the four small yellow stars on a redbackground (Wolff, 2010). ManyChinese view Tibetans as ungrateful forwhat the Chinese Communist Party(CCP) has done to them such as thebenefits of modernity and materialprogress. For China, Tibet representsonly the Tibetan Autonomous Region(TAR).At present, though many Chinese maynot agree with the role and influence ofCCP in the Chinese government, theyare generally very supportive of bothwhen it comes to the issue of Tibet. Thecreation of this nationalism may be adirect result of their version of historybooks.Diaspora's TibetTibetan history in the exile Tibetandiaspora firmly supports theindependence of Tibet and views theChinese Communist Party as thecolonizer. They knew the declaration ofTibet's independence in 1912 by the13th Dalai Lama. The Central TibetanAdministration based in Dharamsala,India is a representative government forTibetans in diaspora. Though the DalaiLama is labeled a demon in China, he isthe undisputed spiritual head forTibetans in diaspora and majority inChinese-controlled Tibet. For Tibetans,Tibet represents Ethnographic Tibeti.e., TAR and, Amdo and Kham (partsof today's Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan, andYunnan).Many exile Tibetans were taught Tibetanversion of history in the Tibetan refugeeschools in India, Nepal, Bhutan, andother countries. They respect theirversion as the ultimate truth. Because oftwo differing versions of Tibetan history,there are occasional conflicts between

Tibetans educated in exile and Tibetanseducated in the Chinese-controlledTibet. Like Chinese, Tibetans in diasporahave a strong sense of nationalism whenit comes to the issue of Tibet.NegotiationsAs of writing this piece, it is clear thatboth group of Tibetans (those whopropose complete independence andthose who propose middle way policy)adhere to the principle of non-violencefor seeking Tibet's freedom. In otherwords, negotiation (talk and dialogue)seems to be the only viable option forresolving the issue of Tibet. However,the question is - with the existence oftwo differing versions of Tibetan history,how should one negotiate the issue ofTibet? Looking at the two opposinghistorical facts, the negotiation of Tibetanissue seems a daunting task.In negotiation, the likely solution is awin-win proposition (resolution) for bothsides: Tibet and China. However, whatis a win-win proposition? Based on tworepresentations of Tibet (TAR andEthnographic Tibet), will China -- anemerging global power -- be willing toredraw its provincial borders OR willTibetans be willing to compromise theEthnographic Tibet? In a situation wherequestions are many and answers limited,the negotiation of Tibet issue may seea long journey in the future.ConclusionThe swiftness of negotiations may liein the untangling of two opposinghistorical facts. It may not be possiblein the short-run to rewrite Tibetanhistory but it may be feasible to create afavorable atmosphere between Chinesecommon people and Tibetans via mutualunderstanding.Being born as a refugee in India, I maynot be the right person to write aboutTibetans in Chinese-controlled Tibet.So, I will share my conclusion on mutualunderstanding between Chinesecommon people and Tibetans indiaspora.Though Chinese in China and Tibetansin Chinese-controlled Tibet may nothave a privilege to study the opposinghistorical facts, Tibetans in diaspora dohave an option to include the opposinghistorical facts of China's Tibet in itsschool curriculum. With thisunderstanding, Tibetans in diasporamay better accommodate the generalfeelings of Tibetans in the Chinese-controlled Tibet as well as the Chinesecommon people. With a creation ofmutual respect and understanding,Tibetans may be able to gain the heartand support of Chinese commonpeople, which may soon lead to theultimate resolution of Tibet issue.To conclude, at the end of mypresentation noted earlier, Iemphasized, "History is a good tool tolearn a lesson from past but not a goodtool to define the future. Generally,history helped create hatred amongpeoples. The most important is to createa good and friendly relationshipbetween Chinese common people andTibetans because there are manyexisting differences on how they viewthe issue of Tibet". At the end, I mayhave partially supported the stand ofa junior high Tibetan student on"history".The views expressed are those of theauthor, and do not necessarilyrepresent the views of The Tibet PostInternational (TPI).

McLeodganj belongs.In his former life in Tibet, he was aBuddhist monk, and he came to Indiain search of a better life.This entailed a 19-day journey on footacross Nepal before finally reachingthe Tibetan Reception Centre inKathmandu, where he registered tomove to India."It was very difficult at first to adjust,"said Guyaltsand, "because I first cameto work in Bangalore, which does nothave a substantial Tibetancommunity."His main reasons for leaving Tibetwere the opportunities to meet HisHoliness the Dalai Lama and to securehis own personal freedom."I left Tibet in 2007, which was a goodtime to leave. By 2008, it was verydisastrous and many monksparticipated in demonstrations forhuman rights."After three months working inBangalore, Guyaltsang decided tomove to Dharamshala. Since then, hislife has revolved around working halfdays in the café then studying Englishand reading Tibetan poetry.He sayes he enjoys the strong, visible

presence of Tibetan culture inDharamsala, and also enjoysconnecting with foreign tourists.As for Tibet 's political future,Guyaltsang has confidence in HisHoliness the Dalai Lama. "I don't knowwhat the future looks like for Tibet,but if the Dalai Lama's Middle Pathapproach and negotiations aresuccessful, I think people will behappy."His own hopes and goals are, he said,much like everyone else's - to find abetter place to live.Pema Dorjee, aged 28, also works atCoffee Talk. He relieves his co-workerat 2pm and works until the café closesat 7pm in winter, or 10pm in summer.Sporting a black vest and camouflagepants, he is quick to greet foreigncustomers using his excellent English.Dorjee's reasons for coming to Indiadiffer from Guyaltang's. He came toDharamshala in 2005, but not out of adesire to escape the political situationin Tibet.Rather, after 12 years of schooling inTibet, he decided he wanted to seethe world and experience how otherpeople live. He also wanted to learnEnglish and other languages, and findbetter work.Upon his arrival, Dorjee joined theTibetan Transit School near lowerDharamshala. There he learnt English,and three years later he moved toMcLeodganj to work at Coffee Talk.Outside of work, he attends a German-language class and also enjoys rollerskating.His favorite subject at school in Tibetwas math, which he would like tostudy again if he can go back toschool.Dorje comes from a family of nomadsand has two brothers, who still live inTibet with his parents.Though he finds things less difficultafter six years in India, Dorjee stillmisses his family and hopes to be ableto visit them one day. To this end, herecently applied for re-entry into Tibet,but he acknowledges that it is very hardto acquire the proper permission.Despite his difficulties when he firstarrived in Dharamsala - such asadjusting to the different accent ofTibetan speakers here - Dorjee said heis happy in McLeod Ganj.Like Guyaltsang, he has faith that HisHoliness the Dalai Lama's idea of aMiddle Path is the best course for now,pointing out that completeindependence would be difficult atpresent, especially as the Tibet issueis one problem in a world full ofproblems."Nothing, no living thing," he said,"can stand completely alone."

Pema Dorjee, talking with the Tibet PostInternational. Photo: TPI

By: Viki Rey Eagle and Kyle Hanson, The Tibet Post International

TPI H.H. THE DALAI LAMAThe Tibet Post 315 December, 2011 Dharamsala

His Holiness the Dalai Lama to AddressPrague Forum For Human Rights

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet addressing during a special event being held at themain Tibetan temple in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, India, 8th August 2011.

Photo: TPI/file

By: YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala, India: -The spiritualleader of Tibet, His Holiness the DalaiLama will visit Prague, the capital of theCzech Republic at the invitation ofForum 2000, the foundation jointlycreated by former Czech presidentVáclav Havel, with the highlight of histrip a conference centered on humanrights in China and other parts of Asia.The Nobel Peace Prize laureate, HisHoliness the Dalai Lama will speak at around table conference being held atPrague's Charles University on Dec. 11,which is being regarded as a follow upto Forum 2000's "Peace, Democracy andHuman Rights in Asia" conferencestaged in 2009.Former President Václav Havel, FormerFrench Foreign Minister Bernard

Tibet's Spiritual Leader HonouredWith Dayawati Modi Award

New Delhi, India: - In a ceremony heldin New Delhi on December 3rd, thespiritual leader of Tibet, His Holinessthe Dalai Lama received the DayawatiModi Award for Art, Culture andEducation for his contribution towardsuniversal peace, tolerance and socialjustice.Presenting a silver shield, a scroll ofhonour and a cash prize of Rs. 2.51 lakhs,Satish Kumar Modi, President of theDayawati Modi foundation, said "It isour honour to confer this award uponHis Holiness."He stressed on the need for aneducation system that promotes innervalues like affection and warm-heartedness. "The modern educationsystem is materialistic oriented, one-sided, and concerned only about braindevelopment and neglect warm-heartedness and the sense of

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post

His Holiness the Dalai Lama receiving the Dayawati Modi Award for Art, Culture andducation in New Delhi,India, on 2 December 2011. Photo: OHHDL

The Tibetan Nobel Peace Prize Laureateattended and addressed the PragueForum 2000's "Peace, Democracy andHuman Rights in Asia" event. Theconference commemorated the firstanniversary of a Nobel Peace Prize tothe Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo andfocused on the current state ofdemocracy and human rights in Asia.Tibet's environment is important forChina:His Holiness the Dalai Lama said thatthe Tibetan spirit especially among theyounger generation in Tibet wasextremely strong. He called ongovernments and parliaments to sendfact finding missions to Tibet to findout the actual situation in the Himalayanregion.He expressed his deep concern aboutTibet's environment. The environmentis not a political issue he said. Tibet'senvironment is important for China asmany rivers that start in Tibet flowthrough China. He said internationalenvironmental experts, including thosefrom China, should investigate whatdamage has been done and what stepscan be taken to prevent further damage.Early on Sunday, His Holiness the DalaiLama addressed the round-tableconference on Democracy and HumanRights in Asia: One Year After an EmptyChair in Oslo at Charles University inPrague. Former President Havel whocouldn't attend the conference due toill health said in his message that we areentering a rather dangerous periodwhere human rights and civic freedoms

were being sacrificed for materialgrowth.In his address, His Holiness the DalaiLama said that the 7 billion people shareone home and the survival of this planetdepends on us. We have to think aboutothers' well-being. The Tibetan leaderpraised India for its democraticprinciples and said that there isaccountability of governance.Human Rights and the World Economy:Regarding China he said that with itsrecent economic developments, Chinahas great potential to make aconstructive contribution on the globalstage. However, he expressed concernabout the present system ofgovernment. His Holiness said Chinaneeds respect from the rest of the world.Respect comes from trust, trust needstransparency. This he said was lackingin China. The Tibetan spiritual leadersaid China needs political reform. TheChinese Premier Wen Jiabao has alsocalled for such reforms in China.In the afternoon, His Holiness the DalaiLama spoke about his threecommitments in life during the publictalk on Searching for Happiness in aTroubled World at the Prague CongressCentre. He said he has always tried topromote secular ethics which he saidmust be promoted through educationstarting from kindergarten level.The ultimate source of happiness iswithin ourselves. A calm mind andconcern for others' welfare will helptowards happiness. Compassion hesaid, is not about having pity for others,but a sense of respect for others."Human rights issues faced with ever

growing economic might of a countrylike China are being trivialized andeconomic interests are beingdeliberately separated from thosedealing with basic freedoms. And thisis very dangerous, not only becausesolidarity with those pursuing freedomin different parts of the world is fadingbut also for the Euro-Atlantic areawhose original identity is thus beinglost," said the statement of PresidentHavel. "We felt very intensely howimportant aid from abroad was for us,as well as the support and solidarity ofpeople from various corners of the worldwho took interest in out activities,"Havel added."It was a great encouragement when wesaw that there are many people - oftenfrom very far away - who feel a similarresponsibility for the world as we felt.We have been attempting now, for morethan twenty years already, to return thatsolidarity that we received and to expresssupport to all those who are fighting forhuman rights and basic freedoms in Asiaand elsewhere. For people like Liu Xiaboand the likes of him all over the world,"Havel further said.Oldrich Cerny, executive director of theconference, said the joint declarationwas the aim of this year's meeting. "Thisis doubly needed at the time when thenotion of human rights starts to beeroded, while economic interests havestarted to assume its place," Cerny said.Mr. Bernard Kouchner, former FrenchForeign Minister said that China iseconomically doing well but at the sametime, there are lots of people imprisoned.The Arab Spring has worried the Chinese

leadership, as they fear it will come tothem.Dr. Jianli Yang, President and Founderof the Initiatives for China based inBoston said that China is afraid of LiuXiaobo, a key author of Charter 08. TheCharter 08 called for democratic changesin China. Over 350 Chinese intellectualsand human rights activists signed thecharter.Meeting with Top Czech officials:Czech Foreign Minister KarelSchwarzenberg talked to His Holinesssthe Dalai Lama during his visit, at a shortprivate meeting Sunday afternoon,Schwarzenberg said. It was "an inspiringconversation" as always and "a friendlyprivate meeting," Schwarzenberg addedwithout elaborating. Schwarzenberg isprobably the only active supreme Czechpolitician who has met His Holiness theDalai Lama during his current visit to theCzech Republic.The meeting took place in a hotel inPrague centre where the Tibetan spiritualleader arrived with some officials andsecurity guards accompanying him anda police escort at around 16:00.Schwarzenberg arrived a bit earlier andleft the hotel before 17:00. Before themeeting, His Holiness the Dalai Lamagave a public lecture entitled "In Searchfor Happiness in an Uncertain World,"at the Prague Congress Centre.The Dalai Lama said he was concernedabout the health of Vaclav Havel. He hasoffered Tibetan medicine to the formerpresident of the country. Havel, 75,suffers from serious health problems anddue to trouble with his breathingapparatus he spends most of his time

outside Prague. His Holiness said sincehe was seriously concerned aboutHavel's health he recommended to himsome Tibetan medicine. According tomedia reports, His Holiness said he hadtold Havel he was now his Tibetan doctor.On Monday, Former president VaclavHavel and the Dalai Lama signed anappeal to the international communityasking it to support dissidents acrossthe world at the conference Forum 2000.The declaration said the world recentlyfocused on Asia's economy, but not,unfortunately, on the state of humanrights, among others in China, NorthKorea, Iran and Syria. The drafters ofthe appeal also said the state of humanrights was stagnating or worsening. Anopener, free China would be of vitalimportance for Asia and the whole world,they added.His Holiness the Dalai Lama was invitedto the Czech Republic by former Czechpresident Vaclav Havel. His three-daystay is organized by the Forum 2000foundation. He arrived in Prague onHuman Rights Day. He had a shortmeeting with president Havel afterarriving. Havel thanked the Dalai Lama,his long-term friend, for arriving in thecountry where people love him.The Chinese embassy in Prague isalways closely watching His Holiness'visits. The embassy claims he ispromoting Tibet's secession fromChina during his journeys. However,inter-nation communities and Humanrights activists have criticized Chinafor its tragic occupation of Tibet sixtyyears ago and the current oppressionof Tibetan people.

.....China Needs Respect from Rest of The World; His HolinessBy YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Kouchner and other dignitaries will alsoaddress on Democracy and HumanRights in Asia: One Year After an EmptyChair in Oslo round table conference inPrague on 11 December. His Holinessthe Dalai Lama will arrive in Prague on10 December.The round table conference will alsocommemorate the first anniversary ofNobel Peace Prize to Chinese dissidentLiu Xiaobo. The conference will focuson the current state of democracy andhuman rights in Asia.Nobel Laureate Dr Shirin Ebadi, MrStéphane Hessel, diplomat, co-drafterof the Universal Declaration of HumanRights and Dr Jianli Yang, dissident,president and founder of Initiatives forChina based in Boston, USA, will also

address the conference."Human rights are universal. China,Myanmar (Burma) and other Asiancountries are members of the UnitedNations and are therefore bound by theUniversal Declaration of HumanRights," said Forum2000 the organisersof the round table. "In fact, one of thedeclaration's authors, Peng Chun Changfrom China, based many of thedeclaration's principles on Confucianand other Eastern teachings.Nonetheless, the human rightssituation in parts of the region is a causefor grave concern. The empty chair atthe 2010 Nobel peace prize awardceremony remains a sad symbol ofthis."The conference will be held at theFaculty of Arts, Charles University inPrague. Forum 2000 Foundation alsoorganised Peace, Democracy andHuman Rights in Asia conference inSeptember 2009.On Sunday afternoon His Holiness theDalai Lama will give a public talk onSearching for Happiness in a TroubledWorld. The talk will be held at the PragueCongress Centre and the tickets weresold out in one day.The round table conference and thepublic talk will be live broadcast on http://www.forum2000.cz/en/web-tv/His Holiness the Dalai Lama first visitedPrague at the official invitation ofPresident Havel soon after the VelvetRevolution in January 1990. PresidentHavel became the first President afterthe communist rule. This will be HisHoliness the Dalai Lama's 9th visit tothe Czech Republic.

responsibility," stated the spiritualleader of Tibet."It begins from the family level as lackof affection causes competition, whichbrings suspicion, distrust, andloneliness. We hence need more effortin the promotion of warm-heartednessfrom the society to the global level," headded."Women have more inborn potential tobuild a society on the foundation oflove and compassion, as they are moreloving and compassionate," said theDalai Lama on receiving the award.Speaking of women's power in buildinga peaceful and compassionate world, hesaid, "Those who receive maximumaffection and love in their childhoodtend to be much happier with more self-confidence. On the contrary, those wholack affection and love, have deep insidesome sense of insecurity. So in order to

Continues On Page 4

Continues From Front Page

The Tibet Post4 15 December, 2011 Dharamsala TPI VOICE FOR TIBET

Tibet Groups Urge Japanese MPs toPut Diplomatic Pressure on China

Tokyo, Japan: - In a press releasedated December 7, Tibetan andSupport groups in Japan states thatthey have spearheaded a campaignof lobbying to Japanese members ofparliament in the light of the recentcrackdown in eastern Tibet. In a longday effort the groups have appealedto several Japanese officials andmembers of the Parliament urging theJapanese Government to exer tdiplomatic pressure on China.Five-member representatives ofTibetan Community of Japan andStudents for a Free Tibet - JapanTuesday, 6th December visited 13offices of the Japanese Members ofParliament (MP) and met with six ofthem personally.They briefed the members on thecurrent dire situation inside Tibetand asked for their support for acampaign to raise internationalsupport for the tragic situation ineastern Tibet where, since Marchthis year, twelve young Tibetanshave set l ight to themselves inprotest against China's repressivepolicies. At least six of these havedied, including two nuns. The recentspate of self-immolations followeda monk called Tapey, who set himselfon fire in 2009.In their letter to the MPs, the visitingTibetan delegation requested for acoordinated and swift diplomaticaction that can stop the crisis, andurged parliamentarians to call on thegovernment to make a publ icstatement of concern about thesituation in Tibet. Such a statementthey believed would strengthen theimpact of similar statements made byother governments, and encourageChina to take those concernsseriously. It would also be a sourceof hope to Tibetans in Tibet, andgive them reason to hope, and tolive."Considering the situation insideTibet and the recent spate of self-immolations, we had to do thislobbying work within very short

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Tibetan DocumentaryShines in Manchester

Film Festival

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post International

Mr. Lobsang with bex -co ordinator & director john at Manchester film festival, UK, 8thDecember 2011. Photo: TPI

Manchester, UK: ‘Passport Photos,' adocumentary on urban Tibetans wasscreened as a part of Insight FilmFestival held in Manchester, UnitedKingdom on 3rd and 4th of December.The two-day film festival focuses onfilms of faith, offering a platform wherefaith can be explored, discussed andunderstood and Passport Photosbattled 300 documentaries from acrossthe world to receive an official selectionaward.Produced by Black Coffee Productionsand Think Tibet, ‘Passport Photos' is ashort documentary film comprising of acollection of conversations with youngurban Tibetans named Tenzin.Directed by Preetam Koipillai incollaboration with Tenzin JangchupLingpa and Lobsang Thardoe this shortdocumentary is set against the milieuof the Tibetan passport of TseponWangchuk Deden Shakabpa that wasrevealed in Nepal in 2003.In a set of several short interviews, thecharacters speak about their lives,families, dreams and what it means tobe living in exile and how almost all ofthem share the same first name - Tenzin.This 15-minute documentary was firstpremiered at the IBN Arabi Film Festival

However, when the Tibetan explainedthe Tibetan issue, the Chineseindividual wrote that he fully supportsthe Middle Way Approach which doesnot seek separation from China butcalls for genuine autonomy for theTibetan people. The writer said that ifall Chinese citizens knew about theMiddle Way Approach, 100 percent ofthe Chinese would support the DalaiLama."China needs human rights,democracy and the rule of law becausethese values are the foundation of afree and dynamic society. They are alsothe source of true unity and stability.It is clear and obvious that manyChinese have been carrying on a lifeand death struggle for democracy inChina," said the signatories."A more open, free and democraticChina is of great importance for Asia

and the world as a whole", said thePrague Declaration signed by the sixspeakers of the Democracy and HumanRights in Asia: One Year after an EmptyChair in Oslo, December 12.The Declaration was signed by formerPresident Havel, His Holiness theDalai Lama, Former French ForeignMinister Bernard Kouchner, NobelLaureate Dr. Shirin Ebadi, Mr.Stephane Hessel, Co-drafter of theUniversal Declaration of HumanRights and Dr. Jianli Yang Dissident,of Initiatives for China based inBoston, USA.They called for international effortsto promote awareness and improveprogress in human rights across theglobe. The Declaration affirms that allhuman beings have the right tofreedom from want and freedom fromfear. These rights are indivisible and

.....Tibetans in Tibet Are Our Boss. Continues From Front Page

build a happier generation, mothers havean immensely important role to play."Describing mothers as a source ofaffection and foundation of a happierfamily, the Dalai Lama stated that femalesin general have more potential forkindness and are more sensitive towardsothers' pain.The spiritual leader then accredited hismother to have sown the original seedsof compassion and said, "Althoughilliterate, my mother never showed anangry face to us. My Buddhist trainingimmensely helped in strengthening myaltruism but, my mother's warm-heartedness started it all."Advocating the power of women'sleadership, the Dalai Lama said, "Undera more matured female leadership, thereis less danger of violence.""Time has come to make real effort in thepromotion of compassion for which

women should take a more active role,"he concluded.Later that afternoon, His Holiness spokeon the Art of Happiness as a part of thePenguin Annual Lecture Series at theIndia Habitat Center.This award was instituted by theDayawati Modi Foundation for Art,Culture and Education in memory of lateMrs. Dayawati Modi who was aphilanthropist, an educationist and wifeof Bahadur Gurjar Modi, Founder of theModi Group.Over the years, the foundation hasestablished schools, colleges, librariesand hostels for students apart from itsendeavours to promote Indian art andculture.Other recipients of this award are eminentpersonalities like philanthropist MotherTeresa, actor Amitabh Bachchan, singersJagjit Singh and Asha Bhosale.

.......Dayawati Modi Award Continues From Page 3

in Murcia, Spain on January 31, 2011.Following the rave reviews and critics'thumps-up for this niche film, it wasscreened at seven other 2011International Film Festivals.After touring Vientianale InternationalFilm Festival in Laos, Dawson CityInternational Short Film Festival inCanada, MCM International Short FilmFestival in Netherland, OutboxInternational Short Film Festival inLebanon, Kimera International FilmFestival in Italy, Australian Refugee FilmFestival in Australia and I've seen FilmsInternational Film Festival in Italy, itfinally arrived in Manchester, UK.As a part of an interactive exercise,Lobsang Thardoe, Program and ProjectManager of Think Tibet, took activepart in the scriptwriting workshop byFrank C. Boyce and a screenwritingworkshop by Henry Swindell post thescreening on the first day.The second day had Mr. Thardoespeaking to an enthusiastic audienceabout the movie and on Tibet. "It waswonderful to be here at the InsightFestival. I had the opportunity ofmeeting the Lord Mayor of Manchester,who was the Chief Guest, and speakbriefly about Tibet," he stated.

period of time. Nevertheless, we arevery happy for what we have done.We'll definitely be more strategicnext time and try and meet more MPsfor sure", said Lobsang Yeshi ,President of the Tibetan Communityof Japan after their visit to theparliament house.Those Tibetans resorted to self-immolations are acts of desperation- often calling for the Dalai Lama'sre turn and for f reedom orindependence for Tibet as they doso - as a cry for help about thecurrent crackdown and continuedoppress ion in Tibet . China 'sresponse to these acts of protest -to crack down even harder on thesecommunities, disappearing monksand beating elderly Tibetans todeath - is exacerbating tensions anddeepening the anguish Tibetansfeel. This view is shared by the USand German governments and anumber of United Nations SpecialRapporteurs.Mr. Tsering Dorjee, National Directorof Students For a Free Tibet - Japansaid, "This is the first time Tibetgroups in Japan have undertaken thispathbreaking journey which willsurely not end with this visit to theparliament. We are more determinedand committed to follow suit.Therefore, we have decided to

continue this in the future - at leastonce or twice a year."Expressing her excitement on the visitto the parliament house, DolmaTsering, Vice-President of the TibetanCommunity of Japan said, "Initially Ihad mixed feeling on how thingswould go once we will be at theparliament house, however, much toour delight, all the parliamentariansshowed keen interest on Tibetissues. Some even advised us to visitthe parliament house often to updatethem on Tibet news. I was reallythrilled that we managed to pull itoff!"The team also convinced four of theMPs to sign a Pledge to Stand Up forTibet (seewww.StandUpforTibet.org).As you will see, this pledge alreadyhas the support of Nobel Laureatesand parliamentarians from around theworld.Following two ministers-cum-parliamentarians and two house ofrepresentatives also signed pledgesto Stand Up For Tibet.1. Mr. Seishu Makino, Vice Ministerof Economy, Trade and Industry2. Mr. Fumihiko Igarashi, ViceMinister of Finance3. Mr. Hideo Yoshiizumi, A memberof the House of Representatives4. Mrs. Tomoko Abe, Representativesof Social Democratic Party

Members of Tibetan and Tibet support groups in Japan with members of the JapaneseParliament, Tokyo, Japan, 6th December 2011. Photo: TPI

universal.With this spirit they said, we havecome together to mark the firstanniversary of the awarding of theNobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo, who- together with many other prisonersof conscience - remains imprisonedby the Chinese authorities.The declaration said expressions ofconcern, support and solidarity are ofimmense importance in sustaining andstrengthening the spirit and hope of thepeople who are engaged in the strugglefor human rights and democracy evenat the risk of imprisonment andendangering their own lives. It is thesepeople who represent the forces thatultimately will achieve freedom,democracy and human rights.His Holiness the Dalai Lama will returnback to Dharamshala from Praguetomorrow morning.

The Tibet Post 515 December, 2011 DharamsalaTPI TIBET IN EXILE

Best Selling 'Arhat' a Wonderful Wayto Introduce Tibet

Dharamshala, India: - The Englishedition of Arhat, a best selling novel byKyrgyz writer Kazat Akmatov waslaunched by Kalon Dicki Chhoyang,Department of Information andInternational Relations of the CentralTibetan Administration, at the DIIR hallThursday, December 08."I am pleased to launch the Englishedition of the book. Although its anovel, its a wonderful way to introducethe issue of Tibet and Tibetan cultureto the people of Kyrgyzstan," saidKalon Dicki Chhoyang.She also said that she firmly believesthat, Kyrgyzstan being a part of theformer Soviet Union, the people ofKyrgyzstan, will naturally feel a senseof empathy with the hardship that theTibetan people are currently livinginside Tibet under communist China.Thanking Kalon Dicki Chhoyang andthe DIIR for hosting the launch of hisbook, Kazat Akmatov told a briefbiography of his life and how hestumbled upon the idea of writing"Arhat".He said that its impossible to accessTibetan literature during the Soviet era.His first association with Tibet was in1968 when he was able to visit Lhasafor one day through Nepal. Since thenhe has always been an admirer of the

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

Information Minister of the Tibetan administration, Dicki Chhoyang at the book launchwith author Kazat Akmatov, Dharamshala, India, 08 December 2011.

Photo: TPI/Pema Tso

.......Int'l Human Rights DayThe Universal Declaration of HumanRights was drafted between January1947 and December 1948. The formalestablishment of Human Rights Dayoccurred on 4 December 1950, when theGeneral Assembly declared resolutioninviting all member states and any otherinterested organizations to celebrate theday.The following is the full statement fromDr. Lobsang Sangay, newly electedpolitical leader of the Central TibetanAdministration based in the hill townof Dharamshala, India."Today, we have gathered here tocommemorate the 22nd anniversary ofthe conferment of the Nobel Peace Prizeto His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1989.On this auspicious occasion, theKashag extends warm greetings tofellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet andall friends of Tibet and supporters ofhuman rights around the world.The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in thename of scientist Alfred Nobel to honorleaders who have made outstandingcontribution to "fraternity betweennations, abolition or reduction ofstanding armies and for the holding andpromotion of peace." His Holiness theDalai Lama was recognized by the Nobelcommittee for his "consistent resistanceto the use of violence in his people'sstruggle to regain their liberty." Thisrecognition enhanced, in anunprecedented way, the internationalvisibility of the issue of Tibet and forthis reason we remain eternally gratefulto His Holiness the Dalai Lama and re-affirm our steadfast commitment to non-violence.This year His Holiness the Dalai Lama,in his own words, "voluntarily, happilyand willingly" devolved all his politicalpowers to a democratically electedleader, thereby fundamentallytransforming the 369-year-oldinstitution of the Dalai Lama. HisHoliness the Dalai Lama's vision is of asecular democratic Tibetan society,which can stand on its own feet,strengthening and sustaining themovement. This magnanimous decisionto separate political and spiritualauthority sends a strong message oftrue leadership. This gesture of thegreat 14th Dalai Lama is all the morerespected around the world and hasfurther strengthened his place amongthe pantheon of world's great leaders.The Kashag fully supports the historicstatement issued by His Holiness theDalai Lama on his reincarnation on 24thSeptember 2011. The Kashag believes,in the eyes of Tibetan people and theworld, the Chinese government has nolegitimacy, credibility and authority withregard to reincarnation. Tibetans haveabsolute faith and loyalty to HisHoliness the Dalai Lama and we believehe alone has the right and authority todetermine his reincarnation, which isreinforced by the resolutions adoptedduring 11th Bi-annual Conference ofBuddhist leaders in September 2011.Today, as we also mark the 63rdAnniversary of the UniversalDeclaration of Human Rights, it isunfortunate that conditions in Tibethave significantly worsened in recenttimes. The Chinese governmentcontinues to violate the most basichuman rights of Tibetans enshrined inthe Universal Declaration of HumanRights.Due to the occupation of Tibet and thecrackdown that ensued the 2008peaceful protests, civil and political

rights of Tibetan people are repressed,not to mention economicmarginalization, social inequality,cultural assimilation and environmentaldestruction. The human rights situationin Tibet has deteriorated so significantlythat Tibetans are resorting to desperateand unprecedented acts. In 2011 alone,twelve Tibetans are known to havecommitted self-immolation out of whichseven have died.Kalon Tripa in his first official visit tothe USA and Europe briefed prominentleaders and officials about the tragicsituation in Tibet. They were greatlydisturbed and expressed deep concernfor the suffering of the Tibetan peopleand the urgent need to resolve the Tibetissue through peaceful dialogue.Accordingly, Secretary of State HillaryClinton said that USA was "alarmed byrecent incidents in Tibet of youngpeople lighting themselves on fire indesperate acts of protest."During these visits, Kalon Tripareiterated His Holiness the Dalai Lama'sunequivocal and long-standingposition that as a Buddhist, life isprecious and thus, he has alwaysdiscouraged drastic actions inside andoutside of Tibet, as he did during thepeaceful protests in 2008 and severalunto-death hunger strikes in exile. HisHoliness the Dalai Lama is also deeplyconcerned about these tragicdevelopments. Similarly, Kalon Tripaappealed Tibetans to end their unto-death hunger strikes in May this yearin India, because we need to live andlead our movement. In the long-terminterest of the Tibetan cause, we urgeTibetans to focus on secular andmonastic education to provide thenecessary human resources and thecapability to strengthen and sustain ourmovement.As a gesture of mourning for the self-immolators and their families, the Kashagorganized a day-long prayer onWednesday, October 19, which wasgraced by the presence of His HolinessDalai Lama and other important lamas.The Kashag urges Tibetanseverywhere to recite mani or otherprayers every Wednesday for the longlife of His Holiness the Dalai Lama andthe victims of human rights violationsin Tibet, including the self-immolatorsand their families. On Wednesday,January 4, 2012, during the Kalachakrateachings in Bodh Gaya, where theBuddha attained enlightenment, theKashag will also organize a massprayer so that the truth may prevail inTibet.Human Rights Day is a time for peopleand governments to reflect about themeaning, importance and need forbasic rights. To the government ofChina, we want to say that the onlyway to bring about real peace andstability in Tibet is by respecting thefundamental human rights of theTibetan people. We call upon China torelease all political prisoners who aresentenced under various pretextswithout fair trial and to stop allrepressive policies currently beingimplemented across Tibetan areas, andto resolve the Tibetan issue peacefullythrough dialogue.We would like people and governmentseverywhere to recognize and reward thelong-standing and genuine commitmentof Tibetans in democracy and non-violence. Such expression of supportwill go a long way in encouraging othermovements and freedom struggles tofollow suit, thereby paving a path to a

more democratic and peaceful world forthe 21st century.Lastly, we urge the United Nations andthe international community to sendfact-finding delegations to Tibet andassess the gross human rightsviolations and ground situationfirsthand. Independent media and liberalChinese intellectuals should also beallowed access.As always, we take this opportunity toexpress our deep appreciation to thegovernment and people of India for theirhospitality and generosity to Tibetansfor more than five decades.May His Holiness the Dalai Lama livelong and may all his wishes be fulfilled."

Continues From Front Page

rich Tibetan culture and heritage.'Arhat' is an intriguing tale of adventureand tragedy set against theextraordinary natural beauty of Tibet. Itis the story of an unusual Kyrgyz boyname Adilet who discovers that he isthe reincarnation of the great Tibetanyogi,Milarepa.Since its first publication in 2007, Arhathas received a number of prizes andawards including the InternationalRuhaniat prize (2007) and the Kyrgyzgovernment's best-seller of 2009 amongmany others.

The book has been translated into manydifferent languages including Kyrgyz,Russian and Bulgarian while the book'sFarsi, Turkish and German languageedition are coming out soon.Kazat Atmatov is an author andplaywright from Kyrgystan. Whileserving as a member of the USSR WritersUnion in the 1970s ,he was repressedby the Communist party for hisoutspoken books and novels. His otherworks include The Night of theFormation (1983), Earth Time (1978) andYears Around the Sun.

“I Cannot Farm Alone,” Says TseringLhamo, A Tibetan Mother

By: Kyle Hanson, The Tibet Post

Tsering Lhamo, a Tibetan mother from Bylakuppe, the second largest Tibetan settlementin South India. Photo: TPI/Sangay

Bylakuppe, South India: - In a series ofspecial features, The Tibet PostInternational journalist, Mr. SangayDorjee reports from India's largest Tibetansettlement, Bylakuppe, in south India.Tsering Lhamo, 61 years old, is currentlyliving in the third camp of the Tibetansettlement in Bylakuppe, India, the largestsettlement of its kind. In 1959, when shewas ten years old, she came to India withher parents and here, attended school untilfourth grade.Her mother died when she was forty, buther father, who is now ninety-one yearsof age, is living with her in Bylakuppe.Her husband died some while ago,leaving her with two sons, one of whomdied three years ago while travelling aboutselling sweaters to support the family. Herother son has a wife and two children ofhis own. The six of them currently all livetogether.Before 1999, there were about one

hundred Tibetan families living inBylakuppe, but there was no room for somany people. So with the help andapproval of the Indian government, theTibetan government provided therefugees with housing (enough to fit fivepeople to a room) and land to farm,creating the camps that exist today. In onecamp, there could be around five hundredpeople.In the past, Tsering and her family farmedon the land they were provided inBylakuppe, so they have no familyrestaurant or shop. They have five acres,but they no longer farm it themselves.She found that her son and daughter-in-law could not work well in the fields.Instead, her daughter-in-law went lastyear to sell sweaters as her deceased sonhad done, but she did not continue todo so this year.Due to her age, Tsering herself is nowunable to continue the level of manuallabor required on the family's farm.

Without anyone in the family to worktheir land, she has had to rent it out tolocal Indian farmers. Last year, she rentedthe land for 3500 Rs. per acre, and thisyear for 4500 Rs. per acre, but she is notsure what the prices will be next yearand so does not yet know what she willdo.She has never been able to return toTibet, and in fact, has never travelledanywhere else after settling inBylakuppe, not even to Dharamshala. Butshe does still have hope that she mayyet see her homeland again, and she isalso very hopeful that His Holiness theDalai Lama will one day be able to returnto Tibet. It is her conviction that althoughthe Chinese government has offered toallow the Dalai Lama to return to Tibetfreely, she cannot believe this to be true.Interviewed by Sangay Dorjee, report ofThe Tibet Post International.Translated by Pema Tso and KyleHanson.

6 15 December, 2011 Dharamsala The Tibet PostTPI INSIDE TIBETLatest Video Shows Brutality During

Chinese Police Raid in Tibet

Dharamshala, India: - The latestfootage to be smuggled out of Tibetshows Chinese officials raiding Tibet'sDogde town using brute force andviolence.The footage was filmed when theChinese police, SWAT teams andparamilitary troops conductedhousehold raids in the region followingTibetan protests in March 2008.This video filmed discreetly during theraids show the heavy intensity of thescale of police operations to hunt downprotesters and is an explicit evidence ofterror tactics used to subdue any signsof unhappiness with China's rule inTibet.Scenes from the video show villagersbeing pulled out of their homes at gunpoint some dragged out of bed and mostlooking panic-stricken and terrified.Conversations in the video take placein Tibetan and Mandarin.The individuals shown arrested in ahuge show of force in the video areallegedly suspected of having takenpart in the protest of 11 March 2008 ledby monks of Sera monastery and nunsfrom Chusang monastery, both of whichare located in the outskirts of Lhasa.To the outside world, this is the firstglimpse that reveals the fear and

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post

Chinese police brutal repression on Tibetans in 2008. New Video. Photo: File

Man Dies After Latest Self-immolationProtest in Eastern Tibet

By: Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post International

Rongtsa Tenzin Phuntsok, 46, who set himself ablaze on December 1 in Chamdho, Tibet.Photo: TPI/File

Dharamshala, India: - Rongtsa TenzinPhuntsok, 46, who set himself ablazeto protest against Chinese rule overTibet on December 1, in KhamChamdho, eastern Tibet, succumbedto his injuries at the Chinese militaryhospital, he was admitted to onTuesday, December 6.Owing to heavy security around thehospital and official restrictions inChamdo, the news of his death cameout in the open only yesterday. Reportsalso indicate that Phuntsok's wifeDolma who went missing after the self-immolation, has been arrested byChinese officials.News of Tenzin Phuntsok's death hascome about exactly 6 days after theChinese state media, ‘China Daily'reported that the former monk was in astable condition. His body is yet to behanded over to his family."This morning, when contacted, wecame to know that the family has notyet gained possession over TenzinPhuntsok's body to conduct the finalrituals," said Ven. Monlam Tharchin, amember of the Tibetan Parliament inexile.Accusing China of drumming up fakestories concerning the causes ofTenzin Phuntsok's self-immolation,Tharchin said, "Even in his final

During his tour, he met with EuropeanParliament delegations, expressinggratitude to the European parliament fortheir support of Tibet's non-violentstruggle. The 11 day tour also consistedof a series of successful interviews withinternational news channels and themedia, as well as dignitaries andmembers of Parliament.The Kalon Tripa stressed the need toaddress the human rights issues inTibet, particularly in light of the waveof self-immolations that have fannedacross the region. He urged the EU toremember rights in China, andemphasised Chinas global economicposition was no excuse.The Tibetan diaspora were also anenormous priority for the visiting leader.In a heartfelt speech to the communityin Britain on December 1st, Dr Sangaydiscussed to an audience inWestminster Hall the progress, goalsand achievements of the Government.The Kalon Tripa highlighted that,though Tibetans may face manyproblems, they must never lose courage.

He stressed that to get success, ‘wemust work hard', then you can have noregrets. He emphasised that ‘we haveto believe'.He discussed issues such as his threepoint education agenda, andoptimistically about the direction of hisagenda.Dr Sangay concluded the evening byanswering questions and issues fromthe audience. Most were struck by howeloquent and positively he answered,and the atmosphere upon leavingWestminster Hall was delight.The Kalon Tripa began his visit toEurope in Switzerland, on November 21and concluded in Britain on December2nd. The tour also included France,Germany, Sweden, Norway andBelgium.Lobsang Sangay has certainly provedhis worth as a dynamic, inspirationalleader of the Tibetan people. In hismeasured approach towards the Tibetancause, the Harvard scholar has taken thefirst steps in personally putting the Tibetissue back on the table in a genuinemanner in Europe, and his first term inoffice has begun with great acclaim.

Continues From Front Page

Tibet’s Political Leader,Dr. Lobsang Sangay Visits Britain

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

moments the deceased's familymembers were barred from visiting himin the hospital.""Chinese officials are faking stories inthe media by saying Tenzin Phuntsokcommitted suicide for individualinterest but the fact is that he burnedhimself calling for freedom in Tibet,"he added in anguish."Those who witnessed the selfimmolation clearly heard him shoutfreedom slogans while the fireconsumed his body," he concluded.Tenzin Phuntsok is survived by his wifeand three children.

THE STORY IN BRIEFOn December 1, Tenzin Phuntsok, aformer monk at Karma Monasterylocated in Chamdo, Tibet dousedhimself in gasoline and set himself onfire protesting China's continuedoccupation of Tibet.Eyewitnesses later confirmed thatTenzin Phuntsok was in a very seriouscondition with one of his arms nearlytorn apart.The entire Chamdho region, especiallyKarma monastery has been facingincreased repression after unconfirmedreports of a bomb blast at a Chinesegovernment building in Chamdho onOctober 26 emerged.

Although no casualties were reportedfollowing the blast, Karma monasterywas locked down and strict restrictionswere placed on its monks.Reports say that 70 monks of Karmamonastery were detained, while over40 monks escaped from the monasteryinto the hills. The current whereaboutsof the detained monks remainunknown.Before setting himself on fire, TenzinPhuntsok had distributed leafletsexpressing his solidarity with thedetained monks and criticizing Chineserule. "When monks and nuns suffer somuch under detention with beatingsand excruciating interrogations, Iwould prefer to die than remain alive,"read one leaflet."How can we trust this totalitarianregime who forbids us from practicingour Buddhism? Mere thinking aboutthose monks is futile. We should riseup."MEANWHILE IN EASTERN TIBETThe situation in eastern Tibet stillremains tense. In another case ofChinese repression, Thapkay Gyatso,a Tibetan monk from Labrangmonastery, serving 15 years sentencein a Chinese prison in Gansu Province,is feared to be in critical condition dueto years of torture.According to a report of India basedTibetan human rights group (TCHRD),Thapkay's friend who visited him inJuly this year reported that the formeris imprisoned in a place called Dianxin,100 kilometers away from Lanzhou cityin Gansu Province. The friend alsostated that Thapkey is half-paralyzedand is suffering from weak eyesight.Thapkay was arrested in the eveningof 18 March 2008 by the People'sArmed Police and Public SecurityBureau police from LabrangMonastery.For around a year, Thapkay went'missing' without any whereaboutsuntil his hearing. On 19 May 2009,Kanlho Prefecture People'sIntermediate Court charged him for'causing harm to national security' andsentenced him to 15 yearsimprisonment.

intimidation tactics used to keepTibetans from protesting against theChinese rule.The Department of Information andInternational Relations of the CentralTibetan Administration who receivedthe video made it available to the public.The contents of the video have stirrednumerous discussions regarding thegrim state of affairs within Tibet.This video evidence can be viewed onwww.tibetonline.tv. Subtitles have beenadded to the same wherever the audiois comprehensible.OVERVIEWOn 10th of March 2008, large scaledemonstrations took place across theTibetan plateau.The largest protest since the uprisingin 1959, 300 places saw mutiny and manya protester was killed, thousands moreinjured and arrested.The following day, on 11th March 2008,monks from Sera monastery and nunsfrom Chusang monastery led protestmarches against the Chinese rule inTibet.Dogde town, where the video was filmedis a rural area located near Seramonastery.The individuals being arrested byChinese forces are allegedly suspectedof having taken part in the protest thatshook the nation.

As a mass of Tibetans and Tibetsupporters from the London area ralliedoutside the House of Commons toexpress support for today's debate,MPs spoke in favour of speaking outin concern of the well-being of Tibetanswithin Tibet.Simon Hughes, MP and Deputy Leaderof the Liberal Democrats,acknowledging a petition by the onlineadvocacy organization ‘Avaaz', said "Ihope the government will strongly takeup the issue of the self-immolationswith the Chinese authorities, and makea robust statement of concern."Interventions were made by a numberof MPs who shared Mr Hughes'concerns one of whom was MP JeremyCorbyn who urged the government totake strong action against China'ssystematic destruction of the Tibetan

culture.Agreeing to Mr. Corbyn's statement,MP Nic Dakin said, "Everything mustbe done to cease the crackdown.""Tibetans in Tibet need to hear veryvocal expressions of concern aboutChina's intolerable oppression that hasled to these tragic self-immolations,"said Pema Yoko, National Director ofStudents for a Free Tibet UK."Our government, and governmentsaround the world, must listen to thecall by over 700,000 people toimmediately take bold, multi-lateraldiplomatic action to press China to endthe crackdown before more lives arelost," said a member of InternationalTibet Network.Responding for the government tothese urges, Foreign Minister HenryBellingham said, "The government isseriously concerned by the reports ofthe self-immolations by Tibetans andfollows these and other developmentsvery closely indeed."

MPs Urge UK Government To Act OnHuman Rights Violations in Tibet

Continues From Front Page

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post

He also assured that the governmenthad responded by calling for restraintand will continue to urge China to allowaccess to Tibetan areas by diplomatsand journalists."The petition, directed at Prime MinisterDavid Cameron and other worldleaders has been signed by 665,000people so far and urges governmentsto send fact-finding missions toTibetan areas and speak out about therecent spate of despair in the third pole.OverviewTotal 13 Tibetans since 2009, most ofthem monks or former monks and Inthe past nine months, 12 Tibetansliving inside Tibet have set themselveson fire protesting the Chineserepressive policies and tyrannical rule.Six of them succumbed to their wounds.The most recent self-immolation wasby Tenzin Phuntsok who set himselfon fire after protesting the Chinesepolicies that restricted freedom ofspeech inside monasteries.

15 December, 2011 DharamsalaThe Tibet Post 7TPI INTERNATIONAL

China Blocks BBC TV Interview ofTibet's Political Leader Dr. Sangay

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post

The BBC's Mishal Husain interviews Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay in London.Photo: BBC TV

London, UK: - In what looked like adesperate attempt to keep the Tibetanopinion from being heard insidemainland china, television screens inBeijing and possibly beyond went blankon Wednesday, November 30th.The blackout happened seconds into abroadcast of the live BBC TV interviewof the Kalon Tripa (political leader) ofTibet, Dr. Lobsang Sangay by presenterMishal Husain for the show titled‘Impact Asia.'Broadcast at prime time in Beijing, theviewers got to see a brief glimpse of Dr.Sangay during the introduction to theinterview before their screens wereblacked out.In the interview that was madeunavailable for the Chinese citizens tohear, Dr. Sangay addressed issues likethe transfer of power, the currentsituation in Tibet, the likelihood of the

resolution of the Tibetan situation andmuch more."It is a sad situation. 12 self immolationsof which 6 have died shows howdesperate people resort to desperatemeasures," said the Kalon Tripaaddressing the current situation insideTibet."People are choosing death over lifeinside Tibet. This proves howrepressive the policies of the Chinesegovernment are," he lamented.In a wide array of questions fired byMs. Husain, Dr. Sangay accused chinaof lacking moral power. "The way theChinese government is treatingTibetans, it will never gain the respectof the international community," he said."If it wants to become a super power,respect from the internationalcommunity is what it needs most," headded.On being asked about the increasedpresence of good infrastructure in Tibet

The Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Mr. Penpa Tsering, Member ofThe Tibetan Parliament-in-Europe,Venerable Thupten Wangchen and Therepresentative of the Dalai Lama inGeneva, Mr. Tseten Chhoekyapa werealso present for the occasion.Mr. Peter Neuwirth, a Member of theSocial Democrats Party and theRepresentative of the Chairman of the5th district in Vienna where theexhibition was being held attended theevent as well.Dr. Zinggl opened the event byexpressing that despite him neverhaving been to Tibet, his heart, mindand spirit were very much with theTibetans.The Tibetan community in Austriastated that they hope to achieve thepromotion of peace in humanity andgive insight into the Dalai Lama's deedsto the general public through thisexhibition. They also said that it wouldhelp visitors get a better understandingof the situation inside Tibet.Addressing the members of thecommunity the next morning, Mr.Tsering spoke about the Tibetanspiritual leader's devolution of politicalpowers to a directly elected leadership

in an detailed manner. He also shedsome light on the current political,cultural and educational situationinside Tibet.Tibet's connection with Austria is astory that began before the Chineseoccupation of Tibet.Heinrich Harrer, an Austrianmountaineer who spent seven yearsin Tibet tutored the young Dalai Lama(An eleven-year old boy when theymet) on subjects ranging fromgeography to English till he left for hishomeland in 1952.The Dalai Lama and Heinrich Harrerremained friends until the latter's deathin 2006.A book and a movie of the same namebased on the book, ‘Seven Years inTibet' authored by Harrer speak aboutthe time he spent in Tibet.Registered under the AustrianSociety's Act, The Tibetan Communityof Austria, now a 250-memberorganization was founded in 1990 topreserve the identity and culture withinthe Tibetans in the diasporas, launchfreedom movement for Tibet and speakup for rights and issues of the Tibetansliving within the troubled land.The community has five memberdirectly elected by the community, sixboard executives and four localrepresentatives.

Exhibition to MarkHis Holiness the Dalai Lama’s

Nobel Peace Prize Day Continues From Front Page

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post

due to Chinese presence, Dr. Sangay statedthat it isn't what is present that matters butwhat matters is the who it benefits.Quoting statistics he stated were from2002, he said "70 % of private sectorjobs are controlled by Chinese, 50 %government sector jobs are communistparty jobs, which are again given toChinese. 40% of Tibetan graduates areunemployed."He stressed that despite infrastructureprovided, if studying barely benefitsthem, and Tibetans within Tibet arebeing left unemployed, there is nomorale left to continue.When asked about how different hisway of functioning will be from that ofHis Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dr. Sangayquickly responded saying "I will be moreforthright and active in speaking aboutthe situation in Tibet. I will also bemaintaining the basic principles of nonviolence and democracy as I do so."He stressed that even though beingoutright about the situation in Tibetmight affect the dialogue with theChinese government; he would prefer adialogue based on reality and that hedoes not have any grudge against China.He maintained that the Tibetanleadership-in-exile is demandinggenuine autonomy within theframework of the Chinese constitutionand that they do not challenge theChinese sovereignty or integrity.When contacted over the broadcastblackout incident that took place inChina, Dr. Lobsang Sangay remarkedthat "This action is an indication of thefear that the Chinese authorities haveabout the truth of the Tibetan issue,truth that they are prepared to go toany length to hide from their ownpeople."

Tibet's Political Leader Praises EU Support for Tibetan Cause

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

Kalon Tripa (2nd left) delivering the key note speech at the Tibet Intergroup Conferenceon Genuine Autonomy in Brussels, Belgium, on 29 November 2011

Brussels, Belgium: - The poliiticalleader (Kalon Tripa) of the CentralTibetan Administration, Dr LobsangSangay was invited to address theForeign Affairs Committee of theEuropean Parliament at its extraordinarymeeting immediately after the Ministerfor Foreign Affairs of the Republic ofMacedonia on 29 November.Dr Sangay expressed his gratitude to theEuropean Parliament for it's consistentsupport to the non-violent freedomstruggle of the Tibetan people andreiterated his commitment to the MiddleWay Policy of His Holiness the DalaiLama for resolving the issue of Tibet.He also spoke of the recent wave of self-immolations in the Tibetan communityand the democratic transition of the

Central Tibetan Administration.Kalon Tripa emphasised the importancefor international bodies such as theEuropean Parliament to support thosefollowing non-violence and democracyand thus sending the right message tothe authoritarian regimes.Kalon Tripa also met with the Chair ofthe Greens, MEP Daniel Cohn-Benditand the head of cabinet of the Presidentof the European Parliament.Earlier in the morning, Dr Sangayattended the Tibet IntergroupConference on Genuine Autonomy in theEuropean Parliament where he was thekey note speaker. The conference wasorganised by the President of the All-Party Tibet Intergroup of the EuropeanParliament, MEP Thomas Mann. Thepanelists consisted of MEPs, sinologistsand experts on autonomy. Over 300

participants from EU institutions,national Parliaments, embassies, NGOs,journalists and individuals attended theconference yesterday.The President of the Tibet Intergroup, MEPThomas Mann in his opening speech said,"We have to realise that the situation inTibet is getting worse. In April 2011, Chinesearmed forces surrounded Kirti Monastery.As a consequence, a large number of monkscommitted self-immolation. This drastic formof protest shows their hopelessness anddesperation."The Tibet Intergroup of the EuropeanParliament urged the EuropeanCommission to intervene. The answer fromHigh Commissioner Lady Ashton was thatthe European Union is alarmed about thereports of detention, beatings and thedeaths of monks," Mr Mann added.MEP László To"kés, Vice-President of theEuropean Parliament and Member of theCommittee on Human Rights, emphasisedin his speech: "The ongoing human rightsdialogues between the European Unionand China need urgent reassessment asthey have failed to deliver the desiredresults. The human rights situation in Chinais worsening, with tighter control onsociety, as reflected by the recent tragiccases of self-immolation of Tibetan nunsand monks. Europe needs to respondappropriately and effectively and hold thegovernment accountable to live up to itsinternational obligations, as well as to urgeChina to ratify the International Covenanton Civil and Political Rights."Kalon Tripa, after concluding his three-day visit to Brussels, left for Londonby Eurostar on Wednesday, 30November.

Whilst delivering teachings on the Commentary on the Five Stages by Nagarjuna,His Holiness underlined the need to understand Buddhism in order to developa higher faith."I always say that study and practice are both very important, but they mustgo hand in hand," he said. "Not merely belief - faith alone is not sufficient."Faith needs to be supported by reason. Whatever we learn from study weneed to apply sincerely in our daily lives."Addressing a crowd of over 10,000 people, including monks and nuns, theBuddhist spiritual leader and Nobel peace laureate also emphasized the needfor peace and compassion in the modern world.He pointed out that the nearly 300 volumes of Gautam Buddha's teachingsshould not only be the object of prayer and prostration, but that we mustengage in the study and analysis of the Buddha's teachings, instead of simplyrelying on faith.Speaking on education, His Holiness said the "study and practice of theBuddha's teachings is necessary to preserve and promote them. Therefore, itis very important that these days have seen a growing interest among theTibetan Buddhist institutions, nunneries and monasteries India and Tibet."Addressing a group of new arrivals from Tibet, His Holiness continued thatChina has stepped up religious restrictions inside Tibet."Today, there are about 500 new arrivals from Tibet [here]," he said. "In actualfact, there is no real religious freedom in your homeland - no opportunity tolisten to Buddhism as a religious practice - considered political matter..."All of you have reached here after passing through a difficult journey.Therefore, I would like to offer my special greetings to you all."On the morning of December 7, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will conclude histeachings, and a public ceremony offering prayers for his life will also beperformed.In the afternoon, he will open the new School Of Snowland Tibetan Studies,and perform a ritual (rabney) consecration.70 lay students from the Tibetan Children's Village Schools will study Tibetanlanguage, Buddhist philosophy and Buddhism there, during their wintervacation from January 19 next year.

Faith Alone Is Insufficient -Be a 21st Century Buddhist:

His Holiness

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Continues From Front Page

8 15 December, 2011 Dharamsala TPI WEB TECHNOLOGY The Tibet Post

Obituary: A Retired Civil Servant,Kunling Tenpa Soepa

Dharamshala, India: - Mr Tenpa Soepa,a retired civil servant of Tibetangovernment, who later underwent twentyyears of untold suffering after the Chineseinvasion of Tibet, passed away in NewDelhi on 13 December 2011. He was 78.Born in 1933 at Taktse district in Tibet, hebegan his formal studies at a Tibetanschool and later pursued his monasticeducation at a government-run school inLhasa. At the age of 19, he joined the civilservice of the Tibetan government as aTsedrung.He served as a supervisor of theentourage of His Holiness the DalaiLama's first visit to Beijing in 1954.Later, he worked in the office of the ReformCommittee established by His Holinessthe 14th Dalai Lama in his remarkable effortto reform and democratise the Tibetansociety.As the security of His Holiness the DalaiLama came under threat from the Chinesearmy in March 1959, he was posted as theguard at the yellow gate of theNorbulingka palace. He also activelyparticipated in all the political meetingsduring that time.He successfully arranged the horses totake His Holiness and his entourage onthe night of 17 March 1959, with the wholeentourage safely ferried across fromRamakhang to Neu Dzong.Upon reaching Neu Dzong,KunlengDzasak Woeser Gyaltsen, told him thatan important official document of HisHoliness had remained at the Norbulingkapalace and asked him to fetch it. Without

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

Late Kunling Tenpa Soepa. Photo: file

Tibetan Political Leader LaunchesNew Version of Tibet Net

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dr. Lobsang Sangay speaking to reporters during a press conference held in Dharamshala,India, 14th December 2011. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala, India: - During a pressconference in Dharamshala, northernIndia on December 14, Dr LobasangSangay, the Kalon Tripa (politicalleader) of the Central TibetanAdministration (CTA), relaunced theCTA's official website, www.tibet.net.The website was dedicated to Lhakar- a spiritual movement in Tibet thataims to promote Tibetan culture,language, and solidarity.The newly designed site offers thelatest in local and international Tibet-related news, and information from theCTA's various departments,independent bodies, Tibetancommunities in exile, and selected newsfrom other websites internationally."I am very glad to see the new websiteof the Central Tibetan Administration,"said Dr Sangay. "All members of theteam worked very hard." He added thathe was very happy with the site's re-

The Tibet Post InternationalHimalayan Literacy Trust(Head Office)1st Floor, Exile HouseRoad, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, Distt.Kangra H.P 176219 India

Advicer Mr. Thomas KeimelAdvicer Dr. Vincent BrucelEditor in Chief Mr. YC. DhardhowaChinese Editor Ms. Keary HuangProject Manager Mathew Singh ToorTibetan Editor Mr. Sangay DorjeeAssistant Editor Ms. Pema TsoCircular Ven Phuntsok DhondupPublisher Mr. Sonam SangayEditor, Tibet Post Europe Mr. James DunnDesigner Mr. Sangay Dorjee

Tele: 0091-1892-224641Moble:+91-9882423566

E-mail: editor@thetibetpost.comwww.thetibetpost.com

Contributors for this EditonKeary Huang TaiwanMathew Singh Toor IndiaViola Hong Xin Chen Hong KongViki Rey Eagle USACarly Selby-James AustraliaRajeshwari K IndiaSamuel Ivo UKColleen McKown USBrionie Pereira IndiaKyle Hanson, USADanzi Yishe USAYC. Dhardhowa IndiaSangay Dorjee IndiaPema Tso India

I n t e r n a t i o n a l

launch, as this was one of the promiseshe made during his inaugural addressas Kalon Tripa.Namgyal Lekshed, director of theTibetan Computer Resource Centre(TCRC) said "The official website ofCTA, it was first launched on January5th 2001. In terms of visitors, itreceives over 35 lakhs [3.5 million] hitsfor a month. We have visitors from145 countries, and US, Canada, India,Europe and China were among the top25."Mr Tenzin Lekshed of the CTA Kashag(cabinet) briefly introduced therelaunched website and explained theimportance of the Tibetan officialmedia's dissemination of information,especially via social media such asFacebook and Twitter.Tibet.net has been redesigned by agroup from TCRC.Officials toldreporters that the changes being thatit hopes readers will be impressed by

the site 's professionalism sleekdesign.On December 10, two other Tibetanwebsites were launched inDharamshala, marking the 22ndAnniversary of His Holiness the DalaiLama's awarding of the Nobel PeacePrize, and the 63rd of the InternationalHuman Rights Day.The first was launched by theAssociation of Tibetan Journalists(ATJ), who's site was designed by MrLobsang Sither, a Dharamshala-basedweb developer, who donated hisservices free of charge.The second was launched by theHimalayan Literacy Trust (HLT),publisher of the Tibet PostInternational. Outlook Tibet, andEnglish-language site, is a broad-based publication, that will deliverTibet-related news and current affairs,as well as reports on social, cultural,religious and scientific developments.Earlier this year, HLT also launchedits simplified Chinese-languagewebsite, the Potala Post, which aimsto introduce Chinese readers to Tibet-related political, social and culturalissues, and also hosts a blog page.Links to the new sites and socialnetwork pages:

Tibet.netTibet.net on Facebook www.https://www.facebook.com/kalontripaTibet.net on Twitter https://twitter.com/drlobsangsangay.Association of Tibetan Journalists(www.associationoftibetanjournalist.org)Outlook Tibet on Twitter http://twitter.com/outlooktibetwww.outlooktibet.comPotala Post www.potalapost.comPotala Post on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/tibettalks/

thinking of the dangers involved, hereturned to Norbulingka palace.Since China was in the middle of thecrackdown on the year's national uprisingagainst its rule, he was captured aftergetting wounded in a battle with theChinese forces. He was forced to undergohard labour in a prison in China, and latersentenced to 20 years in prison.After his release from a long and harshprison term in 1979, he got the opportunityto visit India in 1980 during which hereceived an audience with His Holinessthe Dalai Lama.He joined the Central TibetanAdministration on 1 June 1981and he wasposted in the Department of Security.On 18 July 1989, he was promoted to thepost of deputy secretary and transferredto Doeguling Tibetan settlement,Mundgod as the settlement officer.After that he was transferred to theDepartment of Home where he extendedhis retirement and served for two moreyears.He formally retired from the Tibetan civilservice on 1 July 1995, after serving theCentral Tibetan Administration for 14years.Since then, he has wholeheartedlydedicated his service to the Office of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama.The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lamahas expressed deep sadness at the demiseof Kunling Tenpa Soepa, a senior retiredcivil servant who dedicated his lifelongservice to the well being of His Holinessthe Dalai Lama and the cause of Tibet.

Outlo

ok Ti

bet

www.

outlo

oktib

et.co

mN

EW