July 2018

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འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།

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A Free Monthly Publication For Tibetan Issues and Community Information RGD No. HPENG/2013/51798 Volume: XX Issue:6 JULY 31, 2018

His Holiness in Ladakh

Reciprocal Access to Tibet

Young Monks Forced to Quit

Angry Response to White Paper

Continued on page 5

Continued on page 3

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetans and Buddhists across the world, turned 83 on July 6.

His Holiness celebrated his birthday in Ladakh this year and has given a series of a teachings in Leh. He also flew to one of the remote corners of Ladakh, Zanskar, and gave a teaching there.

Please see articles on pages 4 and 6 See pages 4, 6

by Tenzin Samten The Chinese authorities in Kardze (Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture have forced over 200 monks in Dza Sershul Monastery to leave and to disrobe to join Chinese government-established schools. The monks are aged up to 15 years, according to a report by Voice of Tibet (VOT). The Chinese authorities warned that the monastery

W www.contactmagazine.net

by Tenzin Samten The Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act – a bill which seeks to ensure that Americans are given the same access to Tibet that Chinese citizens have to the United States was unanimously approved in the House of Judiciary Committee on July 25.

The committee members, one by one spoke in favour of the bill.

Continued on page 5

by Dorji Kyi China’s State Council Information Office published a White Paper entitled Ecological Progress on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau on July 18, which claims that the Chinese government has always been mindful about environmental progress in Tibet and has made every effort to protect the environment. This claim has given

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NEWS & ISSUES

Continued from page 1

Angry Response to White Paper

rise to an angry response and claims by international experts that there is clear evidence to prove that China’s main goal is not to protect Tibet’s ecosystem but to promote their own economic development with little or no regard for the environment.

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has responded to the White Paper, accusing China of, “Too many lies and factual errors”. Mr Zamlha Tempa Gyaltsen, an environmental

research fellow at the Tibet Policy Institute has stated “the paper would have been a wonderful reading for someone who knows very little about Tibet, but for a regular observer, there are too many lies and factual errors.

The paper states that ‘the QinghaiTibetan Plateau is one of the regions with the strictest water resource management and water environment protection in China’. There were too many cases of factories and mining companies who were not punished despite polluting local water bodies.”

Mr Gyaltsen also mentioned in his response that there are far too many contradictions between policies for environmental protection and actual ground implementation. He refers to the White Paper’s claim that “the relevant provinces and autonomous regions have taken active measure to increase public awareness of ecoconservation, such as strengthening public campaigns on environmental protection” and then notes an official circular issued by the Tibet Public Security Department of the Tibet Contact

Autonomous Region on February 7, 2018 which made environmental protection activities in Tibet an illegal act, thereby contradicting the claims made above.

There have been numerous peaceful protests against mining or other activities that lead to environmental degradation in Tibet, led by concerned local residents who have lived on the land for generations. Many such protests end with brutal suppression, jail terms for the protestors and in some cases loss of life resulting from beatings sustained during detention.

The White Paper states that a system of protected natural areas has been set up to manage and protect biodiversity, preserve natural capital and maintain ecosystem services. However these claims can be contradicted by examining cases such as the mining in Zatoe. Atod and Zachen in Zotoe County are part of the Sangjiangyuan National Nature Reserve where Tibetan nomads who have lived and worked on the land, sustainably, for generations have been forcibly removed from their land by the Chinese government in the name of preservation and protection.

Following the removal of the nomads, the Chinese government issued mining licenses in the area leading to a protest in August 2013 by around 4,500 people from the Zachen Yultso, Atod Yultso and Chiza Yultso nomadic communities of Zatoe.

“The recent White Paper on ecological progress in Tibet has nothing to do with facts or genuine promises but a pile of lies to cover their greed. Tibet’s ecosystem was perfect before China started mining, 3

damming and polluting” said Dawa Dolma, the Environment Desk Officer of the Tibetan Women’s Association.

“Tibetan Buddhist philosophy highlights the importance and significance of interconnections – not just among people but also between people and their environment. We are profoundly connected to, and dependent on, the animals, plants, microbes, as well as water, soil and rocks around us.

Understanding and sustaining this complex web of interconnections and interdependencies is the basis for much ecological science research, but it is also one of the fundamental bases of Buddhist philosophy”, said Paul Grogan, a research scientist who has studied ecology in Europe and North America over the past 30 years.

It is well documented that Tibetans have lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years it is in their culture and religion to

protect the environment. However, the environment is one of the biggest concerns being faced in Tibet today.

Yet the new White Paper does not mention the Tibetan people or their concerns, including those most affected - the nomads.

The White Paper also fails to address the issues of natural disasters, the impact of climate change and the lack of firm policies for mining companies and others who are polluting Tibet’s ecosystem.

JULY 2018

NEWS & ISSUES Birthday Celebrations Across the Globe

by Rachel McMahon Thousands of Tibetans, Indians, and visitors gathered on July 6 at the Tsuglagkhang Courtyard in Dharamshala to celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 83rd birthday. The official festivities began at ten o’clock, although many arrived much earlier to walk the kora, a holy circular route around His Holiness’ residence, or to just bag a good spot from which to view the celebrations.

The ceremony, which lasted just under three hours, featured traditional Tibetan dances and cultural performances from the students of Tibetan Children’s Village School and the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. Shri Kishan Kapoor, the Minister of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Himachal Pradesh, the chief guest at the celebration, praised His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his unwavering commitment to peace, and for the progress his presence and leadership has brought to Himachal Pradesh. The celebrations also featured the release of two recently published books, a new album by Himachali folk singer Sunil Rana, and awards granted to ten Tibetan civil servants.

The festivities at Dharamshala were just one of many gatherings held across the globe to honour His Holiness. In Ladakh, an estimated 25,000 people flocked to Shewatsel Phodrang to celebrate with His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself, who recently moved to his residence in Ladakh for a threeweek stay. After joining in prayers for his long life and wellbeing, His Holiness walked the 500m from Phodrang to Shewatsel Teaching Pavilion, stopping often to greet the well-wishers who lined the road. He walked the entire 500m unaided, demonstrating his strong health.

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Standing at the front of the stage, His Holiness said a few brief words to the crowd gathered before him, and to all those who had tuned into his celebrations from their homes across the globe. His Holiness expressed his deep gratitude towards everyone. He spoke of the importance of bringing

peace and happiness to all human beings, of promoting religious harmony, and of his commitment to the Tibetan cause.

His Holiness’s birthday was marked on the Capitol Hill, the United States parliament building, on Jul 11 with the attendance of the Gyalwang Karmapa

and over 150 friends and supporters.

Four members of the US Congress, including House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, joined the celebrations and Ms Pelosi wished His Holiness a long life.

Japanese Parliamentarians, dignitaries and Tibetans gathered for a celebration organised by the Liason Office of His Holiness in Tokyo. His Eminence Ling Rinpoche 4

lauded His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s tremendous leadership and spoke of his major contributions to both Tibet and the world at large.

His Holiness has long encouraged open-mindedness, harmony, respect, and understanding between people and cultures across the globe. Ling Rinpoche further spoke of his unwavering commitment to kindness, compassion, and the preservation and protection of Tibetan culture and people. Health minister Choekyong Wangchuk and Japanese parliamentary member Uto Takashi, also gave speeches in honour of His Holiness.

In France, Finance Minister Karma Yeshi of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) attended a celebration for His Holiness hosted by the Lower House of the French Parliament.

The event was officially hosted by Elizabeth Toutut, MP, and attended by representatives from diplomatic corporations, NGOs, and Tibet support groups, as well as many Tibetans and members of the French Parliament. Both Toutut and Karma Yeshi praised His Holiness the Dalai Lama, speaking of him as a symbol of peace and compassion and commending him on his unceasing commitment to the Tibetan community. Toutut assured that she would continue to support the Tibetan cause.

Additional celebrations were carried out across the globe in Nepal, Brazil, New York, London and many others places.

In Tibet, the Chinese government banned all celebrations – both public and private – of His Holiness’ birthday. In anticipation of potential public unrest, the authorities deployed heavily armed forces throughout numerous towns and villages across the country.

JULY 2018

NEWS & ISSUES Reciprocal Access to Tibet Continued from page 1

The bill is seeking unhindered access to Tibet areas by US officials, journalists and common citizens which are routinely denied by Chinese government, now moves to the House of Representatives.

“Moving this bill is the right thing to do,” Congressman Bob Goodlatte, chairman of the House Judiciary committee said.

“It is time that Congress take a stand with regard to access by foreign nationals to the Tibetan regions,” he added.

He also quoted the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT)’s latest report Access Denied, China’s Enforced Isolation of Tibet, and the Case of For Reciprocity in which ICT President President Matteo Mecacci said that Chinese government is trying to restrict access to Tibet to a degree that exceeds even North Korea, where at least some foreign media are present.

ICT is a non-government organisation based in Washington DC which works to promote human rights and democracy in Tibet since 1988.

“Under the Reciprocal Access to

Tibet Act, Chinese officials responsible for discriminating against Americans who try to enter Tibet would be banned from entering the United States,” said ICT. “If Chinese officials, journalists and other citizens are able to travel freely in this country, it’s only fair that their

American counterparts are able to do the same,” said US Representative Pramila Jayapal from Washington DC. US Representative Jerrold Nadler said that passing the bill can help expose human rights violation taking place inside Tibet as restricting access to the Tibet region leaves Tibetans in virtual isolation from the rest of the world, “while also precluding international witnesses to the Chinese government’s

continuous violations of the Tibetans’ human rights,” which include arbitrary arrests, torture, heightened surveillance and severe restrictions on religious freedom.

ICT’s press release also said that despite China’s complete denial of access into Tibet, they send growing number of state delegations to western countries and even create Chinese state-controlled media outlets in capitals across the globe, including Washington DC. “The Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act would help make sure China’s relationship with the US is fair and reciprocal,” Zoe Lofgren, another US Representative.

ICT President Matteo Mecacci said that the passing the bill confirms the strong bipartisan support for the Tibetan people in the US Congress.

The Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act initially introduced by the Representatives Jim McGovern and Randy Hultgren has now more than 50 co-sponsors in the House. The same bill has been introduced in the Senate

by Senators Marco Rubio and Tammy Baldwin and has now eight co-sponsors.

Young Monks Forced to Quit Continued from page 1

will be closed and administrators of the monastery and parents of the young monks will be severely punished if they do not adhere to the orders.

The same order has been issued to all monasteries in the Kardze region and photos and videos of young monks

leaving the monasteries with their parents were being circulated on July 10.

Twenty young monks have been reportedly removed from Jowo Ganden Shedrub Palgyeling monastery in Dzachuka, according to a report by Contact

Radio Free Asia (RFA).

“The Chinese government has ordered many monasteries in Dzachuka to enroll novice monks under the age of 15 in Chinese-run government schools, and they have started to expel the young monks from their respective monasteries,” said one source, Kunga, speaking to RFA. “Many of the parents of these young monks are unhappy about what the Chinese are doing,” he added.

“Chinese authorities have long sought to restrict the size and influence of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, traditionally a focus of Tibetan cultural and national identity,” said sources in the region speaking to RFA. In recent years, the Chinese authorities have strictly limited the number of monks and nuns enrolled in each monastic institute, and those allowed to stay are given classes 5

promoting loyalty to China and its ruling Chinese Communist Party.

According to an article published in the Chinese state media Global Times on June 4, the Chinese government is training Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns to “to strengthen their political

beliefs”. Speaking about the new development, the Washington Post stated that the Chinese authorities are indoctrinating Tibet’s Buddhist clergy and officials in charge of religious affairs as part of their campaign to strengthen the ruling Communist Party’s grip on the region.

JULY 2018

NEWS & ISSUES

His Holiness Teaches in Ladakh

by Nivedita Nair His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited parts of the Nubra Valley, close to Leh, the capital of Ladakh in north India, and gave teachings for the sixth edition of the summer Buddhist debate, Yarcheos Chenmo, on July 15. The Buddhist religious festival is attended by over 8000 locals and tourists in and around the Samstanling Monastery in Sumur, Ladakh.

He began his teachings at the Diskit Phodrang or Palace, where he was greeted by thousands of well-wishers from all religions and backgrounds, and spoke on matters of theism. He stated that theistic religions rely on an idea of a Creator who endows infinite love and mercy, and that non-theistic religions dictate that they lie within our own hands.

“Those of us gathered here, whether we follow religion or not, whether we count ourselves Buddhist, Muslim, Christian or Hindu, we are first of all human beings. Our religious identity is secondary,” he said.

On July 16, His Holiness left Diskit for Sumur, where he was greeted at the Samstanling Monastery by Abbot

Ganden Trisur Rizong Rinpoche and Tsultim Nyima, the reincarnation of the founder and owner of the monastery. At the inauguration Rinpoche welcomed His Holiness the Dalai Lama and then spoke of the Buddha’s unique teachigs on emptiness and dependence, saying this made him an incomparable teacher.

In his speech, His Holiness referred to the Tibetan tradition of debate, the reliance on study and practice of Buddhism to help retain its traditions (whether in Karnataka or otherwise), the importance of monasteries to help promote further education, and tributes to teachers who helped him on his spiritual path. He explained, “The logic and epistemology that prevailed in ancient India have lapsed in modern times, but we Tibetans have kept them alive in our monasteries. Our studies are rigorous. We memorise texts word by word, study commentaries to them and engage in debate during which we refute others’ positions, assert our own and rebut criticism.”

Subsequent days of teaching revolved around His Holiness

addressing the crowd by prompting them with questions about the relevance of Monastic teachings, the importance of science in curricula, logic and debate about theistic and non-theistic religions, as well as what we as individuals can do to promote peace in the world.

The teachings concluded with His Holiness stating that, “Whether we follow a spiritual path or not, we need to improve our education.

And in this, logic and psychology can be very useful. Although great insight can be derived from Buddhist literature we don’t need to deal with it from the point of view of religion, we can take an academic approach.”

On July 25, His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited Zanskar, a remote Muslim majority community, where Buddhists and Muslims together presented him with a letter pledging to move on from past disputes and promote interfaith friendship. “We owe it completely to His Holiness’s vision and compassion for enabling us to reach this milestone,” said Gulam, a spokesperson for the Muslim community.

Happiness Curriculum Introduced

by Choeyang Wangmo His Holiness the Dalai Lama has launched a Happiness Curriculum, at the Thyagaraj complex on July 2, initiated by the Indian Government.

The Happiness Curriculum is aimed at improving the mental health and happiness of students, and was designed by a team of 40 government teachers and volunteers.

The curriculum will be introduced in 1,000 government schools in Delhi, comprising over 800,000 students. His Holiness said of the initiative: “What is being started in Delhi schools can have an impact on the whole world.

What we need today is an education of values, not based on any religion, but on common sense and scientific knowledge.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, along with the chief minister of Delhi, Contact

Arvind Kejriwal, and deputy chief and education minister Manish Sisodia launched the curriculum. Arvind Kejriwal said that there could have been no better person to launch the programme than His Holiness the Dalai Lama and called it “a landmark day”.

The new curriculum is to be introduced from nursery to class eight students, with daily 45-minute classes that will teach ethics, meditation, moral stories and mindfulness practice.

More than 5,000 principals and teachers from Delhi public schools attended the inauguration function.

On the same day, Adriaan Van Dis for Dutch television interviewed His Holiness about his forthcoming visit to the Netherlands in September. During the interview, His Holiness spoke about anger, the gap between the rich and poor and history of exploitation of the poor 6

by wealthy people. When asked about the anger expressed by young Tibetan writers, His Holiness explained that Tibet is not only physically occupied but that hardliner Chinese officials regard any expressions of Tibetan culture as separatism.

Adding to this His Holiness said: “There are also some who are angry with me because since 1974 I haven’t campaigned for independence. In terms of physical development, we can benefit from remaining with the People’s Republic of China, but we must be able to preserve our language and culture and protect the natural environment of our homeland. This last point is not only a matter of interest to Tibetans since Asia’s rivers rise on the Tibetan plateau and more than a billion people depend on the Tibet’s water sources.”

JULY 2018

by Choeyang Wangmo A river diversion project is being implemented by Chinese authorities that will affect the availability of water resources for local Tibetan farmers and their livelihood in the Chumar Township in Hui Autonomous County and the Tsohar Prefecture of Qinghai province, the Tibetan province of Amdo. On July 10, a large number of security forces and intelligence

officers were deployed by the local authorities to intimidate and restrain the local Tibetans and prevent them from carrying out any form of act to stop the project.

In video footage being shared on

Water Diversion in Tibet social media, bulldozers are shown digging up farmland belonging to the villagers and uniformed security forces can be seen guarding the site with a red banner which reads: “Manage water resources in accordance with law, assist the administration in accordance with law”. Local Tibetans in contact with the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, Tibetan human rights NGO based in Dharamshala, have said that the authorities did not obtain consent to implement the project.

“Official capacity has given rise to speculations among local Tibetans that water is being diverted to benefit the farmlands of the dominant Hui (Chinese Muslim) community that have long held key government and Party positions in the area or to other development projects such as mines or dams,” said TCHRD The river being diverted is the Chakchu River (also known as Drampa) and this diversion of water

NEWS & ISSUES resource will affect the predominantly Tibetan farming communities in five villages of the Chukchu area.

The villages listed are Traseng, Dro,

Gonpo Gyu, Achok and Adhey and the villagers are concerned that they will face water shortages and will not have sufficient water to irrigate their crops or for their livestock. Tibetans in these areas fear possible negative consequences on the overall health of the local environment and their livelihood which is solely dependent on farming and livestock. For the project, even farmland with standing crops is being dug up to make canals and the farmers have not been compensated.

Tibetan Students Banned from Religious Activities

by Tenzin Samten Chinese authorities in the Tibet Autonomous Region have issued an order to prevent students engaging in any kind of religious activity during their summer break. The school holidays are soon to begin, and the order has been issued to all schools, with parents being forced sign a six-point guideline document.

Restricting the religious activities of students in schools around Lhasa, and across the whole of Tibet is not a solo case. During the month of Sakadawa; the fourth month in the Tibetan calendar and the most sacred in Buddhism, students at a school in Chamdo in eastern Tibet were issued a similar warning about their participation in religious festivities during the holy month.

Schools were told to inform the education bureau about any pupils Contact

who were absent during the festival.

Similar prohibitions are also enforced in the Muslim Xinjiang region of China during Ramadam.

Despite the fact that the Chinese constitution claims to allow complete religious freedom, asserting that it

upholds a policy of non-discrimination when it comes to faith, Tibetans, who traditionally take part in religious activities during certain days of the Buddhist calendar are being restricted.

7

They are issued warnings and often threats by their local governments depriving them of these basic human rights.

China’s extreme abuse of religious freedom in Tibet has raised grave concerns among the international human rights community.

The United States State Department’s annual report on international religious freedom, released in May 2018, highlights the Chinese authorities’ control over religious freedom in Tibet.

The report further details the strict regulations on practicing Buddhism in the Tibet Autonomous Region by asserting state control over religious venues, groups and personnel. As the document reports, the Chinese state even reserves the right to “deny permission for a lama to be recognised as reincarnated”.

JULY 2018

NEWS & ISSUES Liu Xia: Freedom at Last!

by Lodoe Gyatso Liu Xia jubilantly spread her arms wide as photographers recorded her arrival in Finland from China, free at last after nearly eight years of de facto house arrest.

She has walked a difficult path through the years. She has never been accused of a crime but her husband was Liu Xiaobo who was sentenced in 2009 to 11 years in prison for “subversion” for his role in drawing up a manifesto calling for reform in China. The next year he was China’s first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for his “long and nonviolent struggle for fundamental human rights.” He died in prison last year from liver cancer.

Liu Xia was placed under house arrest, permanently under surveillance and barred from meeting reporters or diplomats.

Despite her isolation, Liu Xia occasionally managed to make contact with friends and supporters. Last

year, she wrote in a letter that she was “going mad” in her isolation saying, “Too solitary [...] I have not the right to speech / To speak loudly / I live like a plant / I lie like a corpse.”

Following her release her brother Liu Hui told Radio Free Asia, “The

Photo: The New York Times

deaths of our mother, father and then her husband in the course of just two years had a massive impact on her health”.

In Washington, United States, the State Department welcomed Liu’s release saying, “We continue to call on

the Chinese government to release all prisoners of conscience, and to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all individuals”.

Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, welcomed the development and said, “I hope too that Chinese human rights defenders, their families and lawyers, who have been deprived of their liberty for expressing critical views, will be released.” He added: “I share the concerns about the future of Liu Xia’s younger brother, Liu Hui, who remains in China and hope he will be allowed to join his sister in Germany.”

“There is still the sword of Damocles hanging over Liu Hui’s head, should his sister start shooting her mouth off over in Europe,” said Beijing-based rights activist Hu Jia, a close friend and long-time supporter of Liu. Liu Xia’s difficult road is not over despite her release.

“Tibetans Out!” Say Arunachal Students

by Lodoe Gyatso The Students’ United Movement of All Arunachal (SUMAA) has protested against the implementation of the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy, 2014 (TRP) in Arunachal Pradesh.

It opened its actions on July 8, demanding the immediate rollback of the TRP, the cancellation of the PRC/ STC (Permanent Resident Certificates/ Schedule Tribe Certificates) issued illegally to Tibetan refugees; surrender of trading licences obtained by Tibetan refugees; a written undertaking from the Central Tibetan Administration not to claim Indian citizenship and STC/PRC in Arunachal Pradesh; and deportation of Tibetan refugees to demarcated camps.

On July 14 it staged a protest rally in Bomdila. The organisation stated in a press release that SUMAA members led by its president also conducted “spot checking in shops and permanent structures against settlement of Tibetan refugees, Contact

wherein shutters and hoardings has been partially damaged.”

Further protests followed. Videos showed students of the group vandalising Tibetan shops and tearing

down their sign boards, while police looked on but took no action against them.

On July 21, the representatives of 37 different non governnment organisations (NGO)s in Arunachal strongly condemned the protest by SUMAA as ‘groundless charges’, ‘irresponsible’, ‘dangerous’ and political propaganda that sought to portray Tibetans in the state as a threat to the indigenous people of 8

Arunachal, the signed condemnation letter of the NGO’s addressed to the Governor of the state read. It further urged the Governor to ensure the safety of Tibetans.

On July 22, SUMAA announced that its movement would be intensified and it would continue until the Government meets its demands.

The TRP is a clear policy statement about the welfare of the Tibetans in India. Matters concerning land lease, extending Central and State benefits are also specified. It is a clear statement that Tibetans may be allowed to undertake any economic activity and to that extent, relevant papers/trade license/permit may be issued to them. It also says that Tibetan refugees may be permitted to take jobs in any field for which they are professionally qualified.

Arunachal Pradesh decided to implement the central policy in August 2017. It has the fourth largest population of Tibetans in India.

JULY 2018

NEWS & ISSUES

2018 Tenzin Delek Rinpoche Medal of Courage

by Choeyang Wangmo The 2018 Tenzin Delek Rinpoche Medal of Courage has been awarded to two human rights advocates, film makers and former political prisoners Dhondup Wangchen and Golog Jigme on the third anniversary of the death of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche – a highly revered lama who died on July 12, 2015 while serving a prison sentence in a Chinese jail. The medal was awarded to Dhondup Wangchen and Golog Jigme in absentia at an event held in Tokyo, Japan on July 12, 2018 in recognition of their courage and determination and the sacrifices they have made in defending the rights of Tibetans under the occupation of the Communist Party of China.

The Medal of Courage is an annual award, conferred every July 12, in remembrance of the Tibetan spiritual leader Tenzin Delek Rinpoche who was accused and convicted of a bomb attack at the central square of Sichuan’s provincial capital, Chengdue on April 3, 2002. Rinpoche passed away in prison while Tibetans, international supporters and human rights activists

were pressing for a release on medical parole.

On accepting the award both Dhondup Wangchen and Golog Jigme sent video messages: Dhondup Wangchen says, “Whilst I was in prison in Tibet I was very much aware

of the effort to support me and press for my release. It is so important to continue to advocate for all the Tibetan political prisoners as these efforts are instrumental in not just saving the Tibetan political prisoners from torture in Chinese prison but also their lives.”

Golog Jigme’s message said, “On behalf of all the organisers of the Leaving Fear Behind documentary project, Dondup Wangchen and I would like to convey our deepest thanks to International Tibet Network and all the Tibetan supporters who have continued

to steadfastly supported the Tibetan cause.” He added, “The courage and relentless efforts [of Tibetans in Tibet] towards our project have been instrumental in highlighting the reality of Tibet and thereby garnering international support and attention.

This award is an important recognition of their collective works and thereby each of them should now strive to work even harder. This recognition and award would not be possible without their courage and dedication.”

Golog Jigme and Dhondup Wanchen were detained by the Chinese authorities in Tibet in March 2008 for making Leaving Fear Behind, a documentary film made to give voice to Tibetans ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Both men had to go through intense interrogation and torture including electrocution. Golog Jigme suffered multiple detentions and Dhondup Wangchen was given a six-years sentence for “inciting subversion”. Despite being under strict surveillance after their release, both have been able to flee from Tibet into exile.

Tibetan Ministers Thank the World

by Shubhanjana Das Ministers from the Tibetan Government-in-exile, also known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), visited various overseas Tibetan supporters this month, including foreign leaders and organisations who have been longtime Tibet supporters. Their visits are part of the CTA’s yearlong effort to thank governments across the world for their support and contribution towards the Tibetan struggle.

Department of Security Minister Phagpa Tsering, along with Secretary Karma Rinchen attended official engagements in Canberra, Australia on July 2. They expressed their gratitude to the Australian government and attended meetings at the Office of Tibet in Canberra with Representative Lhakpa Tshoko Contact

and Chinese Liaison Officer, Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa.

Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok of the Department of Religion and Culture visited Austria, Switzerland and the United Kingdom as part of the global programme, where he attended His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 83rd birthday celebrations, organised by the Office of Tibet Bureau and with the Tibetan communities of Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria.

The Department of Home Minister, Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang, attended official engagements in Boston, where he addressed the Tibetan Community in Washington.

Khorlatsang also held a brief meeting with Matteo Macacci, President of the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT). Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang also attended His Holiness’ birthday 9

celebrations there with hundreds of other Tibetans.

Choekyong Wangchuk, Minister of the Department of Health, travelled to Japan. He visited the Saitama Medical University International Medical Centre, which has a 50-year-long relationship with the Tibetan people. The Office of Tibet, Tokyo reported an hour-long meeting between the Health Minister and the executive members of the All Party Japanese Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet in the Japanese Parliament.

Finally, Education Minister Dr Pema Yangchen presided over the official birthday celebration held in Dharamshala, the seat of CTA, while Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, President of the CTA, joined His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself in Ladakh.

JULY 2018

NEWS & ISSUES Jul 27: Nomads Denied Licenses Tibetans nomads in Sertha county in Kardze Tibetan Autonomous prefecture who are dependent on motor bikes for travelling to remote areas are being denied driver’s licenses by the Chinese authorities. Reports say that officials are giving lame excuses for the denial. “What used to take them two days on horseback to reach, can now be reached by motorbike in a few hours,” said a source speaking to Radio Free Asia.

Jul 24: New Publication Department Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan medical institute, has opened a new publication department in Chauntra in the Mandi district. The launch was presided over by the Central Tibetan Administration’s Health Minister Choekyong Wangchuk who emphasised the importance of MenTse-Khang’s role in the Department of Health.

Jul 21: Detained at the Border Two Tibetans, Kunga, 25 and Lophankhu, 37, together with a Chinese man, were detained by Nepalese border security at the Tatopani border point in Kodari in Sindhupal Chowk district. The three men attempted to enter occupied Tibet through Nepal without valid travel documents.

The two Tibetans claimed to be refugees in India and were going to Lhasa. The Chinese man was carrying an expired visa.

Jul 17: Mr Global 2018 Mr Tibet, Tenzin Nyima, 25, competed in the Mr Global 2018 contest in Bangkok, Thailand. The competition brought together 40 men representing various nations across the world. Tenzin Nyima won the first Mr Tibet title last October.

He was born in Tibet and is now a law student based in Bangalore, south India.

Jul 15: Tibetan Supporter Detained Hugues Picon, a French man, was detained by the Russian police prior to the World Cup finale and was later released. He was arrested for wearing a French jersey with the name of His Holiness the Dalai Lama printed on the back. He had posted photos of himself in the World Cup stadium carrying the Tibetan national flag.

Jul 13: Call on China United States representatives Nancy Pelosi and James McGovern have called Contact

Tibetan Headlines on China to allow His Holiness the Dalai Lama return to Tibet in a joint opinion piece published in the Boston Globe news portal. They said that it would have been a wonderful birthday gift to His Holiness as for nearly 60 years he has not been able to return to his homeland.

Jul 11: Book Launch Namgyal Lhamo Taklha, author and former secretary of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), has released her book, Costume and Jewellery of Tibet, the first ever documentation of Tibetan costumes and jewellery. The book was launched by Dr Lobsang Sangay, the President of CTA, at the Tibet Museum in Dharamshala.

Jul 10: Mount Kailash Post A post office has been opened at the foot of Mount Kailash in Tibet’s Ngari Prefecture to provide better services to visitors and to enable traditional products to be sent overseas. Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake are considered sacred places by Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and Bons. 660,000 people visited the region last year, according to the China Daily.

Jul 10: Sympathy His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressing his sympathy over the loss of lives, destruction of properties and hardship caused by the floods there and recommended that reciting the Heart Sutra would be of benefit at this sad time.

Over 100 people were killed and many are still missing.

Jul 9: CTA President in Ladakh Dr Lobsang Sangay, the President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is in Ladakh for His Holiness’ birthday celebration. During his visit, Dr Sangay met the Chief Officers of Ladakh to discuss the challenges faced by Tibetans there, and appealed the Council to review and address them at the earliest opportunity.

Jul 8: Thank You Japan The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA)’s Health Minister Choekyong Wangchuk met executive members of the All Party Japanese Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet at Parliament Hall in Tokyo, Japan. The visit to various countries is part of the CTA’s yearlong campaign to express gratitude to various 10

countries for their support of the Tibetan people during their 60 years of exile.

Jul 7: Tibetans Beaten Chinese police used tear gas in an attack on over 100 Tibetan villagers in the Yushu prefecture in Qinghai province in which many people were beaten and left unconscious. They were protesting against a mining operation in the region carried out by private firms in collaboration with local Chinese officials.

Jul 7: Feed the Hungry Tibetans across India organised a Feed the Hungry campaign as part of HH the Dalai Lama’s 83rd birthday celebration and the Central Tibetan Administration’s yearlong Thank You India campaign. Tibetans distributed free food to the homeless in Mundgod, Paonta, Kalimpong, Dhondeling Kollegal, Miao Choepheling, Kamrao, Shimla, Bangalore Norgeyling Bhandara, Sikkim, Lugsum Bylakuppe, Delhi, Sonada and Shillong.

Jul 1: 38th HRC Session During the ongoing 38th Human Rights Council session in Geneva, the European Union and Germany raised the issue of the human rights situation in Tibet, reiterating their call for the immediate release of Tashi Wangchuk, a Tibetan language rights advocate who was wrongfully sentenced to five years in prison in May by the Chinese government.

STOP PRESS Jul 26: Calls to end Religious Repression The United States government held a conference to discuss advancing religion freedom with senior US government represenatives discussing issues around religion freedom and the human rights situation in Tibet.

Golog Jigme, the activist and former political prisoner was among a small group of survirors of religious persecution invited to the conference and spoke about his experiences of the Tibetan situation. 400 delegates attended including Vice President Mike Pence and Senator of State Mike Pompeo. The conference called for an international coalition to press China on religious freedom in Tibet.

JULY 2018

NEWS & ISSUES International Headlines

Jul 30: Hikers Trapped More than 500 hikers are stranded on a mountain on a tourist island in Indonesia where an earthquake has killed more than a dozen people. Rescuers are scouring Mount Rinjani for an evacuation route that was not cut off by landslides when the 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck yesterday. At least 16 people have died, including five children and a Malaysian tourist aged 30.

Jul 26: Bear Necessities Russia’s brown bear population could be put on a par with national assets such as oil and gas after the Kremlin’s intelligence service proposed categorising the animals as a “strategic resource”. There is a thriving illegal trade in bear organs and paws to China, where they are considered delicacies with medicinal properties. In January, 867 bear paws were seized on their way to China.

Jul 25: Women’s Rights A new policy in Aghanistan will prevent hospitals providing virginity tests. The test to ascertain whether a woman is a virgin has been deemed “degrading and discriminatory,” by the World Health Organisation. However they are still widespread and girls as young as 13 who fail the test have been imprisoned or ostracised for their “moral crimes.”

Jul 24: Wildfire Disaster Nearly 50 people have died in wildfires in the eastern part of the Attica region around Athens, in Greece’s worst fire crisis in more than a decade. According to the local mayor, 26 bodies were found in a yard in the seaside village of Mati, at the centre of the disaster. Emergency workers used boats and helicopters to evacuate a beach.

Jul 23: A Socialist Future In the first revision of its constitution for decades the Cuban government has given up its ambition of building a communist state. The new document omits a line written in 1976 at the height of the Cold War which included a pledge to create a communist society, instead emphasising the socialist nature of Cuba’s political system. The draft constitution has been approved by the Assembly.

Jul 20: Ivory Trade The legal sale of antique ivory in many Contact

European countries is covering up a trade in illegal and recently poached ivory, campaigners say. Researchers bought 100 “antique” ivory items and had them radiocarbon dated: three quarters were modern ivory. While the numbers of elephants being killed has dropped for the last five years, around 55 are still being killed every day.

Jul 19: New Moons Astronomers have discovered 12 new moons orbiting Jupiter - one on a collision course with the others, which could create a crash so large it would be visible from earth. Researchers in the United States stumbled upon the new moons while hunting for a mysterious ninth planet thought to be orbiting Neptune, the most distant planet in the solar system.

Jul 18: FARC Returns?

The Peruvian government has arrested more than 50 suspected drug traffickers on its Colombian border amid fears that members of the group FARC are setting up a new base. The raid was carried out in cooperation with the Columbian military; four cocaine labs were destroyed. Local farmers have purportedly been coerced into switching to growing coca instead of their normal crops.

Jul 17: Trump Meets Putin American presdent Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin have met in Finland. The meeting lasted several hours and both refused to have any advisers in the room. In a news conference afterwards, Trump essentially claimed he believed Putin more than he did his own aides about Moscow’s meddling in the 2016 USA election. His comments are being seen by many as treasonous.

Jul 16: France Wins France have won the FIFA World Cup for the second time, 20 years after their first win in 1998. France played Croatia in a final that brought the joint highest goal tally in a final since 1958, a pitch invasion, and a controversial intervention from the video assistant referee that had a huge influence on the outcome.

Jul 14: Temple Discovered Archaeologists in Mexico have uncovered traces of an ancient temple nestled inside the Teopanzolco pyramid 11

in Morelos state, 70km (43 miles) south of Mexico City. It is thought to date back to 1150 and to belong to the Tlahuica culture, one of the Aztec peoples who lived in central Mexico.

Jul 13: Restored Buddha An ancient rock carving of the Buddha that was blown up by the Taliban as militants overran Pakistan’s Swat valley a decade ago has been restored following an international effort. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, the 7thcentury Buddha of Swat is back to its former glory as a tentative calm returns to the region.

Jul 12: Boys Saved After almost three weeks trapped in a cave in Thailand, 12 boys, aged between 11 and 16, have all been brought to safety.

The rescuers said the plummeting oxygen levels in the cave were threatening to send the boys into comas, and a further rise in the water would have been disastrous.

The boys have been reunited with their families.

Jul 10: Wall of Trees Officials in Delhi are to plant three million trees around the city to form a natural defence against the lethal dust storms that have cemented its position as the world’s most polluted capital. Dozens were killed in a dust storm this summer, and the air quality in Delhi was reduced to the worst levels ever recorded.

Jul 9: Flash Flooding Unprecedented downpours have left at least 100 people dead and dozens missing after landslides and flash flooding hit western Japan. Evacuation orders or advisory notices have been issued to 4.72 million people. 26.3cm (10.4in) of rain fell in three hours in the western Kochi prefecture, the most since records began in 1976.

Jul 6: Bananas in Danger A wild banana that may hold the key to protecting the world’s edible banana crop has been put on the extinction list.

It’s found only in Madagascar, where there are just five mature trees left in the wild. Most bananas consumed around the world are of a type known as the Cavendish, which is vulnerable to a plant pest, unlike the Madagascan banana.

JULY 2018

DHARAMSHALA VOICES

by Chodon I grew up in an isolated village in the northern Indian Himalayas. My village is called Kiamo Spiti. Spiti is covered by snow almost eight to nine months of the year. Most of Spiti is farmers. In summer when the snow melts the farmers plant barley, wheat, beans, and potatoes and during winter

they stay at home and recite mantras, and most men read religious text and women weave wool and make cloth.

I was the fourth of five sisters.

When I was fourteen, there was no high school in my village. I thought about what to do next. If I stayed in the village, I would get married, have many children and work hard all day in the field. Perhaps there was a better chance for me.

Every summer a senior nun from Gaden Choling Nunnery in Dharamshala came to my village to visit her family. I thought she had a good life. She got to study and pray all day. She looked very clean and happy compared to the girls who worked in the fields. I asked my parents if I can become a nun. They said it was good because being a nun is considered a better opportunity to engage in the spiritual pathways practice than being a lay woman.

In August 1989 I said goodbye to

A Nun’s Story

my family. My mother and I cried. always from the person who does Then the senior nun brought me to the ordination, so my first name is Dharamshala. We came by bus. It Tenzin. took two days. I had never been so far.

In 2012, I completed a study The town looked so big. The senior programme of more than seventeen nun found me a place in Jamyang years of Buddhist philosophies in Choling Institute, a new nunnery. the five major texts (Perfection of I was in the first batch of twelve wisdom, Madhymika/ middle way, nuns. The senior nun gave me nun’s Parmana/ logic, Abhidharama/ robes. When it was time to cut my Dharmakirtis Pramanavartiks and hair I braided it first. I took the braid Vinaya). and my old dress and put them in a Since June 2012 I am acting as package and sent them to my mother. secretary here at Jamyang Choling She said she was so surprised when she saw what was inside.

Maybe she felt a bit sad but I wanted her to have it.

Some things were exciting.

I had never seen fruit before, except apples. One day my friend and I saw a man buy a banana. We watched carefully how he peeled it. We did not Nuns from Geden Choeling Nunnery practicing Tibetan Buddhist debate. know what it was but we Photo : Tibetan Nuns Project pointed at it to the shopkeeper and ate it right there in front of him. Insitute. This is almost my fourth Some things were difficult. I year of service and from next year could only read Tibetan, not speak the task will rotate. I do this job, but it, because my language is a little I haven’t had formal administration different. I missed my family very training, so sometimes it is quite difficult but I am trying my best.

Here in the Institute there is an executive board of six nuns and the Director. We discuss matters and sometimes we collect ideas from all the nuns. Then we gather everyone in the temple and discuss. Major decisions are always made by a democratic process.

My sisters have married.

A Classroom at Gaden Choeling nunnery I have seventeen nieces and Photo : Tibetan Nuns Project nephews. Four of my nephews much and wrote them many letters, are monks. None of my nieces sometimes four in one week. are nuns yet. Today girls have When I was fifteen I had ordination many more choices than when I from His Holiness. He gave me a was young. Maybe one niece will new name. A nun’s first name is become a nun.

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

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DHARAMSHALA VOICES

Bringing Education to the Village Children

by Lodoe Gyatso Back in 2004 Philip Adams, a farsighted British national living in Gamru, Dharamshala, noticed that many of the local children were not attending school. He decided to do something about the situation. He started the Gamru Village School “to provide free high-quality education to any children who encounter serious barriers to education and who have a low standard of living”.

Meenakshi Sharma, principal at the school, was part of it from the very beginning. She fondly remembers

Meenakshi Sharma, the Principal, with her students

how she was the only staff member for the first three months. In the beginning she also had to take care of her baby daughter.

The whole school was designed around three perceived needs.

Firstly, there was a lack of a reliable local school. Children would have to walk more than an hour to the nearest government school in the heat of summer, the cold of winter and the rains of monsoon. Teachers were often absent and used corporal punishment even though it was prohibited.

Secondly, families had a lack of financial resources. Whilst the government school did not charge fees, the cost of uniforms, books and stationery placed a significant burden on parents who are in the main construction workers. In fact many children were accompanying Contact

their parents to work in order to help in making enough money for food.

Thirdly, there was a lack of a safe, structured environment for the children. As there were no day care facilities in Gamru, parents had no choice but to take their infants with them to the construction site. As the children grew older, they would be taken out of school so as to look after their younger siblings.

The school addressed these concerns point by point. The ethos of the school was consciously set to one of quality education close to the homes of the students. Students do not just have free classes, but their uniforms, stationery, books and medicine are also free. In addition, all children receive at least one filling meal daily. A nursery school is included to take care of younger children so that older students do not have to drop out to take care of them.

The school has 140 students from Nursery to Class Eight. When students finish Class Eight the school makes every attempt to find sponsors so that they can continue their studies at another school.

Learning activities at the school include regular extra-curricular classes covering subjects such as environmental conservation, firstaid and health education, arts and crafts, horticulture and agriculture, music and physical education, and vocational skills.

The school aims to maximize the participation of girls in education and encourages them to join non-traditional activities such as vocational training, sports and leadership development. They receive equal treatment on every level.

Today the school is fortunate to have support from the community.

Students participate in the Dharamshala International Film Festival. In addition, volunteers from the Dharamshala Residential International Festival for Theatre present drama training for the students

who participate enthusiastically. On Environment Day the school takes part in a competition – last year they won, this year the school won five prizes.

Meenakshi Sharma is visibly proud of the success of her students, saying that one of their ex-students scored 93% in last year’s Board Exam

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and is planning to study medicine.

Meenakshi Sharma gets passionate about the future. It has been a longheld vision to present Class 9 and Class 10, but so far this has not been possible, partially because the school does not have enough space to cater for the additional classes.There is also vision for vocational training.

Courses in carpentry, pottery, plumbing and electrics would greatly improve students’ chances of finding employment.

That brings up another aspiration: the desire to physically expand the school. The school is bursting out of its seams. Meenakshi Sharma has been keeping her eyes open for a suitable piece of land, but land is scarce in Gamru. Finances are also a significant constraint.

The school has survived the past 14 years thanks to its supporters and the school always welcomes new sponsors who can make donations of money, time and expertise or make an in-kind donation – donors give books, stationery, toys for infants, art materials, games, medical supplies and food.

The school’s web site, www. gamruschool.com is regularly updated and provides good information.

LHA NEWS AND PROJECTS

Three International Student Groups – Cultural Exchange

Tulane Medical Group 2 Lha hosted the second group of medical students from Tulane University who were here for two weeks at the beginning of July as part of our Cultural Exchange Programme.

The seven students were accompanied by Dr Suchin and they provided eye and dental care screening

at Palyul Chorkhorling Nyingma Monastery and Zabsang Monastery in Bir. 60 monks were assessed, and of these 29 will go for further treatment with dental issues, 15 with vision issues and 21 with medical issues. “These relatively low referral rates are great news, as we have been performing assessments and doing health education programmes at Palyul Chorkhorling Nyingma Monastery for five years now, and these are the lowest referral rates yet!” said Anne, the student group leader.

Through our Cultural Exchange Programme we facilitate foreign students to become engaged in social work projects within the

Tibetan refugee and the local Indian communities and also provide them with opportunity to learn more about Tibetan culture, religion, traditional medicine and the political situation.

In 2002, Lha was asked by the Tulane University School of Social Work to assist a group of graduate social work students on an international social work exchange to Dharamshala and that’s how our Cultural Exchange Programme started. We sincerely thank everyone for their enthusiastic support and for their contribution through the years.

Loyola University Students Group Lha hosted another student group, 11 students from Loyola University in the United States, also under our Cultural Exchange Programme, from July 4 to 22. The group was led by Michael Smith and Dr John

Clark. The American students were paired with Lha students as mutual learning partners, enabling the Tibetans to improve their English and giving the American students

the opportunity to learn about Tibet and its culture. They visited several Tibetan institutions in Dharamshala and Bir. Lha has been associated with Loyola University since 2005 and we sincerely thank them for their support and contributions.

GoBeyond Student Travels Seven students from GoBeyond Travels participated in Lha’s Cultural Exchange Programme for three weeks

from June 15 to July 6. These high school students also took part in our mutual learning partners programme as well as volunteering at TCV Day School and visiting several Tibetan non government organisations and institutes to enable them to learn more about the Tibetan community here. GoBeyond Student Travel is an organisation which offers community service based adventure programmes to teenagers during the Northern Hemisphere summertime.

We want to thank everyone for their participation and support for the Tibetan community.

Free Clothing Distribution

Lha organised a free clothing distribution at Ahimsa House on July 21. More than 250 people came to collect clothes, shoes, bags, shawls, etc. There were about 5,000 clothing items - mostly summer clothes for men, women and children.

Lha collects clothing donations from tourists, student exchange groups and visitors to Dharamshala and working with the Dharamshala Rotary Club, distributes them to people living Contact

in slum areas in lower Dharamshal.

However once a year we also do a

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distribution in McLeod Ganj for needy local Tibetans and Indians. We would like to sincerely thank every individual who donated these clothes for someone in need, they are much appreciaed.

We believe that clothes and any useable items one might not need or use anymore can be useful to someone else. We believe in a sustainable neighbourhood.

Please feel free to drop your used or new clothing that you no longer need in at the Lha office.

JULY 2018

Water Filter Services

Under the Lha Clean Water Project, we have installed 27 water filter systems in various schools, institutions, nunneries and monasteries, free of cost to the users. This month, we have started on the annual maintenance service required for all the systems installed to date. The monsoon season is when the most cases of water born diseases occur, making it opportune to service the filters when possible before the monsoon and we have completed the

sernicing for the ffilters in and around Dharamshala. The rest of the servicing is ongoing.

We continue to receive applications and requests for filters from communities facing problems with safe drinking water and are seeking funds to enable us to carry on with this project and help these applicants on the waiting list.

Our surveys of the communities where we have installed water filter systems have all produced positive feedback, especially in terms of curbing water borne illness during the monsoon. We are therefore encouraged to continue this project and welcome and appreciate individual and institutional donors who can enable us to continue to provide much needed clean water.

LHA NEWS AND PROJECTS Lha could not provide the services we do without the support of our wonderful volunteers who help in so many ways and inspire us with their enthusiasm.

Every month we ask a volunteer to share their story. This month Joan K Matlock from the United States tells us her story.

Volunteer Job at Lha: English Teacher and Personal Tutor

Learning More Than I Can Teach

In May of 2018, I moved to McLeod Ganj, a neighborhood in Dharamshala, Himalchal Pradesh, India. I became a volunteer teacher for three months for the Lha Charitable Trust’s Advanced English class. I loved the atmosphere and casual feeling of coming and going to class, and every day was a challenge and full of surprises. Each student had a sweet and colorful personality. I did my best to impart grammar and speaking skills and to instill confidence that they could all excel in English, so they could achieve their dreams.

Being a volunteer English teacher for Lha was one of the best experiences of my life. It was something I had wanted to do for years. Back when I was in college, I became a sponsor for a 14-year-old Tibetan refugee, Sonam Chompel. He had walked out of Tibet with his mother and baby brother and was living in the hill station of Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India, at the Tibetan Settlement. Sonam used the money I sent him monthly to buy art supplies and he paid Tibetan refugees who were traditional artists who also had just come out from Tibet.

Later, as an adult, after much study and practice, Sonam became the Art Teacher for Tibetan students at the Happy Valley School in Mussoorie.

This is where the Dalai Lama first settled after he left Tibet, making it the first Tibetan settlement in India.

Sonam trained hundreds of students who showed an interest in Tibetan art.

They grew up and moved around the world and now carry on the tradition arts

of the Tibetan culture. Some of Sonam’s students became art teachers and still today are teaching Tibetan students.

This is how I became acquainted with the Tibetan situation. It changed my life.

Eventually, Sonam became the personal portrait painter of His Holiness Dalai Lama. Sonam was awarded an official Letter of Recognition from the Tibetan

Government for his lifelong commitment as an Art Teacher and his support to the Tibetan Government-in-Exile.

I am happy that it became my turn to teach Tibetan refugees at Lha, plus monks from other cultures and local Indian students. I have a degree in TESOL (Teaching English To Speakers of Other Languages), and experience teaching in my home country of America, as well as other countries around the world. I plan on returning often to volunteer at Lha, as I know I learned more than I could teach.

I gained great merit by associating myself with the spiritual environment in Dharamshala and with the warmhearted students and administrators at Lha!

Contact magazine is published by Lha Charitable Trust

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

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

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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: www.tibetanlibrary.org LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong PHONE: 9882255047 EMAIL: ltwa1970@gmail.com

Delek Hospital

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

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

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

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PHONE: 9882786875

Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD)

TCHRD advocates for human rights and provides education on the human rights situation in Tibet. The centre publishes journals and articles, as well as 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.

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

JULY 2018

around town

Charities and Organisations

Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA)

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

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

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

Learning and Ideas for Tibet (LIT)

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

WEB: www.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

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

EMAIL: jitenderje@gmail.com PHONE: 7831956680 / 08894435595

The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)

ANEC facilitates trainings, workshops and open forum discussions on nonviolent strategies to help resolve disagreements and differences at all levels of human society. ANEC welcomes

volunteers from western countries to participate in informal panel discussions on ideas of regional and global peace and nonviolent strategies. Free lunch and tea and many more benefits for volunteers.

LOCATION: No. 262, 1st floor, Khajanchi -Mohalla, Khunyara Rd, Lower Dharamshala PHONE: 9882077708 / 9882921477 EMAIL: wangduemiddleway@gmail.com Website: www.anec-india.net Facebook: www/facebook.com/anecpeace

National Democratic Party of Tibet

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

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

Tibetan Dubbing Society

Tibetan Dubbing Society, founded in 2015, is a non-profit organisation working towards preserving Tibetan language through various forms of entertainment and dubbing animation movies into Tibetan language for Tibetan children.

LOCATION: Near Norbulinga Institute WEBSITE: www.tibetdub.org EMAIL: savetiblang@gmail.com CONTACT: +91-8629837735

BUS SCHEDULE * Times and prices may vary. Please check with the bus stand ahead of departure.

Leaving from the McLeod Ganj bus stand, unless otherwise stated: DELHI: Ordinary Bus: 4:00am (Rs 554), 6pm (Rs 580), 7:30 pm (Rs 570) Semi Deluxe Bus: 5pm (Rs 590) , 6:30pm (Rs 590) Full Deluxe Bus: (Rs683) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8:15 am (Rs 1243), 5:35pm (Rs 1275), 7:00pm (Rs 1275), 8:50pm (Rs1275) AC TATA: 5:50pm (Rs 972) AMRITSAR: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs257) *from Dharamshala DEHRADUN: Ordinary Bus: 2pm (Rs 560) 8pm (Rs 551); VOLVO: 7pm (Rs 1199) MANALI: Ordinary Bus: 7:10am (Rs358 *from Dharamshala / VOLVO: 11:30 pm (Rs 782) PATHANKOT: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs 136) * from Dharamshala SHIMLA: Ordinary Bus: 5am (Rs 408), 6am (Rs 360), 7:50am (Rs 375), 8:am (Rs 520) 7:45 pm (Rs 363), 12pm (Rs 367) *from Dharamshala, Semi-Deluxe Bus: 9:30pm (Rs455) *from Dharamshala FOR BOOKINGS: Location: Ticket stand under McLLo’s, McLeod Ganj Main square Hours: 10am-5pm, daily Phone: 220026 (McLeod bus stand), 224903 (Dharamshala) For deluxe buses, book through any travel agency.

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

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JULY 2018

activities and information UPCOMING EVENTS Aug 15, 2018 : India’s Independence day Sep 2, 2018: Tibetan Democracy Day Oct 2, 2018: Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday Oct 31, 2018: Lha Bub Due Chen (Buddha’s decent from heaven) Sep 4 - 7, 2018: His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teaching in Dharamshala

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

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

YOGA AND REIKI Yoga & Reiki Courses

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

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

MASSAGE Nature Cure Health Club

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

Men-Tsee-Khang

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

Om Massage Centre

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

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

Contact

MEDITATION Ocean of Harmony

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

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

Shivan Neel Kanth Yoga

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

Om Meditation Ashram

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

COOKING

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

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

Indian Cooking Classes

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

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

LOCATION: The Tibetan Library *see Buddhist Philosophy Listing

Hindi Lessons with Kailash

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

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

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

ART AND MUSEUMS Tibet Museum

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

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

Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression

Lhamo’s Kitchen: Tibetan Cooking Classes

The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA)

Sangye’s Kitchen: Traditional Tibetan Cooking Classes

Kangra Art Museum

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

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

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

Lha Charitable Truse

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

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

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

LOCATION: Near Bus Stand, Kotwali Bazaar PHONE: 01892 224214 HOURS: Tue-Sun: 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm

Men-Tsee-Khang Museum

LOCATION: Near CTA, Gangchen Kyishong PHONE: 01892-223222 / 223113 EMAIL: info@men-tsee-khang.org HOURS: 9am-5pm. Closed on Sun, 2 and 4th Sat

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

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

JULY 2018

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

Tibet-Related Websites

News:

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

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

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

Contact

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

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Cantt. area.

Phone: 221 483 McLeod Ganj Post Office Location: Jogiwara Rd, past Peace Cafe Hours: 9:30am-1pm and 2-5pm, Mon-Fri; 9:30am-noon, Sat. Parcels and money orders can be sent in the mornings only.

Phone: 01892-221 924

JULY 2018

advertisements

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

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 HANDMADE RECYCLED DIARY WHOLE SELLER SHOP

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

8 AUSPICIOUS HIM VIEW HOTEL

8 beautiful rooms with balcony facing the Himalayan Range.

Enjoy the sunrise from your bed!

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

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!

TO POST YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE Call on our number - 9882323455

TO POST YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE Call on our number - 9882323455

TO POST YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE Call on our number - 9882323455

Contact

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JULY 2018

advertisements

Contact

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JULY 2018

advertisements Map not to scale

Map of McLeod Ganj showing locations of places of interest

BHAGSU NAG 16

See advertisement pages for details of advertisers TIPA

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DHARAMKOT

27

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Vipassana Centre

Naddi Village Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)

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Tushita Centre

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MAIN SQUARE

3

McLEOD GANJ 25 Main Bazaar

27

Cantt Police Post

6

23

4

20

28

1

24

12

11

10

5

Lha

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2

13

Road to Dharamshala

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Online shopping gives us only the books we already want.

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

Lhamo’s Croissant Vegetarian and Vegan Food

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

Roof top terrace with stunning views

Facebook: Shivam Neelkanth Yoga Kendra

Contact

Road to Dharamshala

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

NEED A DENTIST?

Daily meditation @ 11:30 am

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Shifted to New Location!

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

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

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Namgyal Cafe Pizza Place

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

Shivam Neelkanth Yoga Kendra

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

JULY 2018

lha news and advertisements Smile Dental Clinic & Implant Center

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

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

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

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

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

KUSHI BOUTIQUE

We are on Google maps as Kushi Boutique, Bhagsunag Location: Lower Bhagsunag, below Raku’s Facebook: Kushi shop / Instagram: Kushicollection Whatsapp: +91 8390060421

Contact

Ocean of Harmony Programmes for Wellbeing

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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

JULY 2018

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

For more information, please visit www.lhasocialwork.org

VOLUNTEER AT LHA Let your stay in Dharamsala be more memorable Come join our English conversation class!

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

Time: English Conversation Class (Mon-Fri) at 4pm – 5pm Venue: Lha office at main market mcleod, temple road, opposit SBI ATM

English Conversation Class

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

Computer Classes

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

Language Classes

ARANYA YOGA ASHRAM

To advertise call Lha

Yoga TTC 200 hrs, 5 Day Yoga Retreats, Sound Healing, Reiki, Cooking classes

office: 01892-220992

Website: www.aranyayogaashram.com Facebook: aranya yoga retreats Instagram: aranya yoga ashram Whatsapp : +91 8390060421 Email: yogavillapalolem@yahoo.com

Temple Rd, McLeod

or visit Lha office at Ganj Map #1

Contact Newsletter Managing Director Ngawang Rabgyal

Follow Contact website us-

ing the

Yoga TTC 200 Hours - 2nd Sept to 29th Sep, 2018 5 Day Yoga Retreat - 15th Aug to 19th August, 2018 Drop-in Yoga Daily - 8 am to 9:30 am (Ashtanga) 4pm to 5:30 pm (Hatha yoga) Location: Lower Bhagsunag, 2 mins from temple/swimming pool in Pristine Settings

འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།

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Phone: 91(0)1892-220992 Email:editor@contactmagazine.net Facebook: ContactNews Twitter: @ContactTibet Printed at Imperial Printing, Dharamshala Phone: 222390 Email:ippdsala@gmail.com

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