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

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

Rs.5Vol. 02, Issue 56, December 31, 2011

Kalon Tripa inaugurates bank

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Russian Tuva State University HonoursHis Holiness Dalai Lama of Tibet

Dharamsala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama wasawarded an honorary doctorate from a Russianuniversity following his annual teachings forRussian Buddhists on Wednesday, December21.Telo Rinpoche, the spiritual leader of theRussian republic, Kalmykia, presented thedoctorate to His Holiness in recognition of his‘outstanding contribution to freedom, humanrights, religious harmony and environmentalprotection’ on behalf of the Tuva StateUniversity, at the Main Temple in front ofdelighted onlookers. Telling the crowd that thedecision to make His Holiness an honoraryprofessor at Tuva State University, was madein October, Telo Rinpoche said: ‘The RussianAcademic Council of the Tuva StateUniversity has anonymously decided to conferthe honoring title of professor to the NobelPeace Prize Laureate, His Holiness the 14thDalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, in acknowledgmentof his outstanding input to the developmentof science, personal contribution to solvingcontemporary pressing issues such asprotection of Human freedom, values andRights, promotion of religious harmony,

The Russian Federal State Education Institute- TuvaState University Honouring His Holiness the 14th

Dalai Lama of Tibet for his outstanding work of peaceand religious harmony, Dharamshala, India, 21stDecember 2011. Photo: TPI/YC. Dhardhowa

By: Sophie Jay, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - December 17: The firstknown Tibetan to have self-immolated in Tibetwho was feared dead after Chinese securitypersonnel fired shots at him is now believed tobe alive but detained in a Chinese army hospital.In the latest report on Tabey, Beijing-basedTibetan blogger, Tsering Woeser, said that themonk from Ngaba's Kirti Monastery is alive, buthas been crippled in his feet due to bulletwounds.The popular Tibetan blogger added that that themonk is being held in a Chinese military hospitalin the Barkham area.

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Gere wins George Eastman award

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China must begin dialogue with Tibet

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I will open upmy own clothing

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Sino-IndianRelationship isvery complex

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Arunachal Minister Pema Khanduinaugurates two Tibetan museums

Bodhgaya, India: The chief minister ofArunachal Pradesh, Mr. Pema Khandu,inaugurated two Tibetan museums in Bodhgayaon December 29 and 30. Organized by the Central TibetanAdministration, the Tibet Museum will displaythe life story of the Dalai Lama and the awardsbestowed upon him in pictures.Also displayed will be a compilation of picturesand documents showcasing Tibet during variousstages of history.The second museum was designed tocommemorate 50 years of the Tibetan Medicaland Astrological Institute of His Holiness the

The chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Mr. Pema Khandu, inaugurated two Tibetan museums in Bodhgaya onDecember 29 and 30. Photo: TPI

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

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Dharamshala, India: The Kalon Tripa ( Politicalleader ) of the Central Tibetan Administration, DrLobsang Sangay, inaugurated a branch of Canarabank at Gangkyi - the heart of the exiled Tibetancommunity - on Friday, December 23.Speaking at the event, Dr. Sangay thanked Mr BikasAdhikari, Deputy General Manager, Chandigarh

Most dangerous places for reporters

Paris, France: - Several of the Middle Easterncountries which experienced political unrest andcontinued protests over the past year are amongthe world's most dangerous places for journalists,according to a new list released by ReportersWithout Borders.Sixty six journalists were killed and more than1,000 injured while working this year, according tothe Paris-based media rights watchdog.The following report was sent to The Tibet Post

Sixty six journalists were killed and more than 1,000injured while working in 2011. Photo: RSF

Monk Tabey is alive but crippled

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Holloywood star, Richard Gere, at the inception of anew Buddhist learning institute in Dharamshala, India.

Photo: TPI/File

Dharamshala, India: - Richard Gere, Hollywoodstar, activist, and tireless promoter of humanrights in Tibet has been announced as the next

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Tabey, file photo from woeser's blog

Kalon Tripa, Dr Lobsang Sangay, at the inauguralceremony. photo: Tibet.net

Sam Rainsy party

Dharamshala, India: - A group of parliamentariansof Cambodia has made a strong call for an end tothe human rights violations in Tibet, urging Chinato engage in sincere dialogue with the Tibetan sideto resolve the issue of Tibet."It is with a strong sense of unity that weCambodian parliamentarians support the recentmove by British Parliamentarians to halt thecontinuing injustice in Tibet," noted a press release

conservat ion of environment , andstrengthening of moral and ethical principalsin society.’Refering to the occasions on which HisHoliness was denied a visa by the Russiangovernment, he added: ‘For the past manyyears, we made every possible effort toprepare the Dalai Lama’s visit to Russia, but,with many unfortunate conditions, we havefaced many difficulties.‘We need to hear moreteachings from His Holiness .’The Tibetan spiritual leader agreed to conductmore teachings and initiations for RussianBuddhists in the coming years, adding that asa Buddhist monk, it was his duty to promotecompassion, religious harmony and to conferBuddhist teachings.Thanking the dignitaries from the Ministry ofThe Education and Science of The RussianFederation, Federal State Education Institute– Tuva State University, for their stand onhuman rights and values, he said: ‘I havevisited Tuva once and learnt of the Tuvapeople’s great interest in Buddhism. Tuva haslong-standing, strong cultural ties to Tibet.‘In recent years due to political reasons, I

Dalai Lama.Also present during the inaugurations wereKalon(Minister) Ngodup Dongchung,Department of Security, and Mr. Tashi,Additional Secretary of the Department ofInformation and International Relations, CentralTibetan Administration.After a brief introduction by Dr. TsewangTamdrin, director of the Medical Institute, Mr.Khandu said: "The whole museum has beenwonderfully organized."Mr. Khandu, who along with his family is one ofthe chief patrons of the 32nd Kalachakra

By The Tibet Post International

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

By Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

By Reporters Without Borders/The Tibet Post

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post International

The Tibet Post2 TPI EDUCATION & SOCIETY31 December, 2011 Dharamsala

Gu-Chu-Sum Movementof Tibet - A Struggles of

Voice in Exile

A Tibetan man with his national flag during a peaceful protest in Dharamshala, India.Photo: TPI/file

By Kyle Hanso, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala, India: - On Jogibararoad in Dharamshala, you can find theoffices and housing of an organizationknown as Gu Chu Sum. Its namecomprises the Tibetan words for"nine", "ten", and "three", whichrepresents the beginnings of theresistance movement and the fleeinginto exile of Tibetan refugees from theChinese occupation in the year 1959,on the tenth of March. The name alsoholds significance for some refugeesas referring to September, October,and March, three months that sawsignificant uprisings of protest withinTibet in 2008.At Gu Chu Sum, classes, housing, andthe support of a community withsimilar experiences are offered to ex-political prisoners from Tibet. Someof the classes offered include Tibetanlanguage, history, and computer skills- but the most popular class offered isEnglish. Many Tibetans are enrolledat Gu Chu Sum and attend classes fivedays a week in addition to having thechance to practice their English withvolunteer conversations partners inthe evenings.Dolma, 23 years old, has lived inDharamshala at Gu Chu Sum for 3years. She is originally from Lhasa. "Icame to Dharamshala to study English.It is a very useful language and youhave more employment opportunitiesif you can speak English," she says.Her journey from Tibet had a roughstart. She paid a guide to take her toIndia. From Lhasa, they took a car toShigatse, where they wereunfortunately pulled over by thepolice. She and her guide weresubsequently thrown into jail for onenight. Unsure if she would be sentback all the way to Lhasa, she toldthe police she was on her way toNepal. They released the two next dayand she continued on to reach theNepal reception center for Tibetanrefugees.Dolma grew up in Tibet as a farmer.Her parents currently live in Tibetalong with her 4 other siblings. "Inthe town I grew up in before our familymoved to Lhasa, there was no schoolor chance to go," she explains. Beforecoming to Dharamshala, Dolmaworked at a bakery. But sheeventually decided that an educationwas important to her, and came toIndia. "I learned how to speak English

From Amdo, Eastern Tibet toDharamshala: A Tibetan

Nomad’s Story

Rinchen Bom, a Tibetan man from Amdo region of eastern Tibet currently living inDharamshala, India. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala, India: - 35-year-oldRinchen Bom from Amdo, easternTibet works at a temporary hireemployment center in McLeodganj,Dharamshala. His work variesaccording to the town's needs -ranging from jewelry-making tomasonry painting, cooking, washingdishes, and other small jobs.The center, which employs around 50staff, provides opportunities forTibetans who have no livelihood andlittle education, and who have cometo India in search other work."There is usually work to do but onoccasions I might have a day off," saidBom.In his former life in Amdo, Tibet, heworked as a nomad, tending to yak

RussianTuva StateUniversityHonours....... Continues From Front Page

initiations at Bodh Gaya, alsoremarked that he learnt a lot about thedifficulties Tibetans had to undergoin their 50 years of exile through theexhibition."The Tibet Museum was speciallyconstructed keeping in mind the hugenumber of devotees from Nepal,Bhutan,India and the significantnumber of Tibetans from Tibet andChinese who have come for theKalachakra initiations," Mr. Tashistated."Pamphlets written in English, Tibetanand Chinese are being distributed atthe venue," he added.The inaugural exhibition was throngedby visitors from all age groups tryingto get a glimpse of the rare images ofTibet, one would easily be awed by.

InauguratesTwo

TibetanMuseums.... Continues From Front Page

from Gu Chu Sum, but I also learnedhow to read and write Tibetan since Inever attended school before. It hasbeen really great." Dolma says with acheerful smile.Dolma, in addition to receiving aneducation in India, was also able tosee the Dalai Lama in 2007. "It was avery big moment for me."In the future, Dolma will continue herstudies at Gu Chu Sum, but afterwardshe hopes to return home to Tibet."Tibet is so beautiful and my familymisses me." When she goes back toTibet, she wants to possibly becomea tour guide for all the foreignertourists that wish to come and see herhomeland.Pasang, 26 and another resident andstudent at Gu Chu Sum, comes from afamily of farmers in the Kham regionof Tibet. He, however, did businessbuying and selling clothes betweenNepal and Tibet.His family had a history in theresistance movement within Tibet, ashis mother's father led their village ofabout three hundred in protest in 1959.They were later forced to hide in themountains during periods of violence,and eventually, nearly all of the threehundred people, including hisgrandfather, were killed. His motherwas at this time fourteen years old.She was arrested and spent five yearsas a political prisoner before beingreleased.Many members of his family havebeen killed in the fighting in Tibet,including several uncles - his father,though involved in the independencemovement, died from a sickness at age55. He and his brothers (both monks)and sister have grown up with theirmother's deep respect for HisHoliness the Dalai Lama and the loveof their traditional culture. He lamentsthat in Tibet he was unable to studyhis native language much in schoolas all of his teachers taught mostly inChinese.Today, Pasang, his mother, his uncle,and his siblings are all in India. Hismother made the decision to finallycome to India partly for her respectfor the Dalai Lama and her wish to seehim, but also out of a desire for a betterlife for her children, as she was beingmonitored by the Chinese authoritiesand they often did not have enoughfood. Pasang himself had a great

desire both to see His Holiness theDalai Lama and to get a bettereducation.After a two day journey by bus, theywalked for nine days through the highmountains at night into Nepal. Pasangoften carried his mother on his backduring this time. They arrived in Indiawhen he was 21 years old, in 2006. Heentered the Tibetan Transit School inlower Dharamshala at that time andbegan studying English, Tibetan, andcomputers and after five years, whenhe was required to move on, he cameto Gu Chu Sum, beginning his studiesthere in July of 2011.Pasang hopes to continue studyingEnglish and to soon take exams at theIndira Gandhi National OpenUniversity in Delhi. If he passes theseexams, he wants to study for maybeanother three years and then hopesto travel the world to gain moreexperience and learn about other waysof life. He hopes to one day return toTibet to teach the Tibetan and Englishlanguages there. He feels that manypeople his age in Tibet are lost forlack of a good education, and hewants to help them connect to theworld.Along these lines, although he ishappy with the move towardsdemocracy within the Tibetangovernment, he believes that it is adelicate balance between right andduty that many people in the Tibetancommunity may not understand,because it was simply handed to them,instead of their having to struggle forit. "All people want their rights, butnot the responsibility to practice theirduties" that are necessary in ademocracy, he notes."The Chinese government ispowerful, but not the problem inTibet," he says, going on to explainthat "people are the problem - if theydo not understand and do not worktogether, then they become theproblem." He believes that the MiddleWay approach is perfect for therelationship between China and Tibetbecause it will allow both groups tolive and work together peacefully inthe same place. "All people wanthappiness - we can help each other todo that," he believes.

By Viki Rey Eagle, The Tibet PostInternational

and sheep. Most of his time was spentin the mountains protecting thecommunity from wolves and otherdangerous predators."We rely on the yak to make tents andthe sheep to make traditional Tibetanclothes."My mother and one older brother stilllive in Tibet as nomads. Life here inDharmshala is completely different. "Bom said that, in Dharmshala,education is very important, whereasa nomad in Tibet needs different skills."My skills are gathering Yak andsheep, making tents and, with women,they make traditional Tibetan clothes."He added that, in Dharamsala, it isimportant to speak different Tibetandialects and be able to read and write.Bom's journey from Tibet entailed twomonths of walking. He came toDharamsala because he wanted toreceive His Holiness the Dalai Lama'sblessing.

The thing he misses most about Tibetis racing horses. During his childhood,the community held an annual horseracing competition in the summer, witharound 200 participants. Bom casuallystated, "I win many times. I miss Tibetand the mountains I used to live on."He is currently applying for a visa fromNew Delhi, to return to Tibet with hiswife and four children.Bom hopes that, when he returns toTibet, he and his wife will return to thenomadic life, whereas his children willlive with his city-dwellinggrandparents, and be able to continuetheir education."I feel it is my responsibility and dutyto give them the opportunity for aneducation. I do not want them tostruggle because they did not receivean education, like I did."After 12 years of school, my childrencan decide whatever it is they want todo with their future."

couldn’t visit Tuva. However, manyBuddhist followers from Russianregions including Kalmykia,Buryatia, and Tuva have come herefor teachings.’The three day teaching, whichincluded an introduct ion toBuddhism and Geshe LangriThangpa’s Eight Verses of Trainingthe Mind , a t t racted over 6,500devotees including more than 1,300Russians and over 1,000 disciplesfrom Tibet, as well as visitors fromTaiwan, Korea, The USA, Europe andI n d i a .His Holiness will conduct his 32nd

Kalachakra initiation in Bodhgayabetween January 1 – 10. The eventis expected to attract over 200,000devotees.

TPI DALAI LAMAThe Tibet Post 331 December, 2011 Dharamsala

His Holiness The Dalai lamaConcerned Over Philippines

Floods

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet offering prayers in Dharamshala, India.Photo: TPI/File

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamsala, India: - The spiritual leaderof Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lamahas expressed his sadness and concernover the recent flooding in thePhilippines that killed more than athousand people and destroyed nearly30,000 houses."In a letter to the President of thePhilippines, His Excellency BenignoAquino III, His Holiness the Dalai Lamaexpressed his sadness and concernabout the loss of lives and damage toproperty caused by the recentunprecedented flash floods on thesouthern Philippine island ofMindanao.His Holiness offered his condolencesto the families that have lost loved onesand prayers for the deceased and othersaffected by the devastating floods.""As a token of sympathy and concern,a donation is made from The Dalai LamaTrust to support the relief work,"according to the official website of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama.More than 1000 people remain missing

His Holiness The Dalai lama CondolesDemise of Czech President

Dharamshala, India: - The spiritualleader of Tibet, His Holiness the DalaiLama Monday, (December 19) expressedhis sadness over the demise of theformer President of Czech RepublicVaclav Havel and has conveyed hisdeep and heartfelt condolences to thelate leader's family members. The formerCzech President Havel, one of theleading anti-Communist dissidents ofthe 1970s and 1980s, has died at the ageof 75, his spokeswoman announcedSunday (December 18).Vaclav Havel on many occasions raisedhis voice over Human Rights violationsin Tibet and expressed his support forTibetans and His Holiness the DalaiLama's Middle-way approach to solvethe issue of Tibet.In a message to to Mrs. DagmarHavlova, wife of the former CzechPresident, Vaclav Havel, Holiness said"I am deeply saddened to learn of thepassing away of my dear friend,President Václav Havel earlier today. Inhis death the world has lost a greatstatesman whose steadfast andunflinching determination played a keyrole in bringing freedom and democracyto the then Czechoslovakia.""For me personally, I will miss my dearfriend for whom I always had the greatestadmiration and respect. He was anunassuming and a courageous leader."I pray for him and offer my heartfeltcondolences to you, other members ofyour family and those who were closelyassociated with him.""I first had the privilege of meetingPresident Václav Havel in February

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with his old friend former President of the Czech RepublicVáclav Havel in Prague on December 10, 2011. Photo/Ondr(ej Besperát

in the region after devastating floodsthat have already killed at least 1000others. The latest toll stood at 1079missing and 1080 dead, the governmentannounced today.The United Nations (UN) on Thursday,December 22 appealed for aid for victimsof floods, likening the devastation tothat of a tsunami. The UN, whichlaunched a $US28.6 million aid appealon Thursday, likened the disaster to thatof a tsunami.According to media reports, themaritime search could continue for twomore weeks, but warned that manybodies may have sunk underwater andwould never be found. "The mainpriority was finding permanent shelterfor the 309,000 people displaced by thefloods, particularly more than 43,000housed in cramped evacuation centres,"an official told reporters.Health officials have warned of the riskof epidemics breaking out at the camps,which remain without proper watersupply and sanitation. Nearly 30,000

houses were destroyed and damaged.The two cities are home to nearly amillion people. Another 266,000 arebeing assisted outside temporaryshelters.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Begins 3-DayTeaching for Russian Buddhists

Dharamshala, India: - The spiritualleader of Tibet, His Holiness the DalaiLama Monday morning began a three-day Teaching events for the RussianBuddhists at the main Tibetan temple(Tsuklagkhang), Dharamshala, India.The teachings will continue tillDecember 21st. The spiritual event wasorganized by a Buddhist group led byTelo Rinpoche, the spiritual head of the

By The Tibet Post International

Buddhist followers from Russia attending teachings in Dharamshala, India, 19th December2011. Photo: TPI

Republic of Kalmykia.His Holiness the Dalai Lama began hisfirst day teachings speaking on a basicintroduction to Buddhism. Fromafternoon, His Holiness will teach onTsongkhapa's "Destiny Fulfilled (tokjodunlekma)" and Geshe LangriThangpa's "Eight Verses of Trainingthe Mind (lojong tsik gyema).""Today's teaching is mainly for theBuddhist followers from Russian

republic Kalmykia, Buryatia, and Tuva,as your ancestors followed Buddhismfor many hundreds of years," said HisHoliness. "Many Buddhists from theseregions in the last couple of decadesbecame great Buddhist scholars aftercompleting their studies from Buddhistinstitutions in Tibet."Over 6,500 of devotees; Tibetans,Taiwanese, Japanese, Korean,Vietnamese, Mongolians, devoteesfrom other Himalayan regions and morethan 1300 Buddhists from Russianrepublic Kalmykia, Buryatia, and Tuvapacked the main Tibetan Temple inHimalayan hill town to listen to theteachings of His Holiness the DalaiLama. Also among the devotees are alarge number of foreign tourists fromaround sixty different countriesincluding US and Europe.The teachings are being translated intoRussian, simultaneous translations inEnglish, Chinese and Japanese,Japanese, Spanish and Korean are alsomade available on FM radio. Live web-cast of the teachings in English isavailable on the website of the Office ofHis Holiness the Dalai Lama and TheTibet Post International.

1990 -months after he became Presidentfollowing the Velvet Revolution, whichhe led with an extraordinary display ofpeople power. Over the ensuing twodecades I had the opportunity to meetwith him regularly, most recently inPrague on December 10 - theanniversary of the UniversalDeclaration of Human Rights. said HisHoliness."I deeply appreciated his kindness inkeeping the time for our meeting despitehis failing health," His Holiness added."Perhaps the best tribute we couldhonour and remember him is to work asbest we can towards building a morepeaceful, open and just world," theTibetan spiritual leader further added.His Holiness the Dalai Lama earlier thisDecember was invited to the CzechRepublic by the former Czech president.His Holiness had a short meeting with

the former president during his three-day visit to the country. Havel thankedHis Holiness the Dalai Lama, his long-term friend, and for arriving in thecountry where people love him."Vaclav Havel left us today," SabinaTancevova said in a short statement onHavel's website. Havel, a puckish,absurdist playwright turned politicalactivist, spent four and a half years inprison for opposing Czechslovakia'sCommunist government beforeemerging as a leader of the VelvetRevolution that swept it aside in 1989.He went on to become president ofCzechoslovakia, and of the CzechRepublic when the country split in twoat the end of 1992. He died peacefully inhis sleep Sunday morning in thepresence of his wife, Dagmar,Tancevova said.education (which hedid in 1954).

His Holiness the Dalai Lama May VisitHoliest Buddhist Sites of Burma

Burmese Buddhist leader, Ashin Nyanissara,left, greets His Holiness the Dalai Lama in

New Delhi. Photo: File

By The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala, India: - The spiritualleader of Tibet, His Holiness the DalaiLama expressed his desire last week tovisit Burma to pay homage at thecountry's holiest shrine of theShwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon, thecapital of Burma.According to the Burmese media; 'TheIrrawaddy.' A message of His Holinessthe Dalai Lama was conveyed to leadersof Burmese Buddhist monks at the GlobalBuddhist Congregation 2011 held in NewDelhi, India, on Nov. 27."His Holiness the Dalai Lama said he hasa great friendship with Burmese monksbecause they are well-versed in Buddhistscripture and also strictly follow the codeof conduct of monk-hood. And he wantsto pay a pilgrimage to Shwedagon," saidAshin Nyanissara, an influential BurmeseBuddhist monk who joined the event inDelhi.Burmese Buddhist monks responded tothe Tibetan spiritual leader by sayingthat he would be invited to Burma at an

appropriate time, Ashin Nyanissara saidin a note posted on the internet.The report said that, it is not clear whenthe Tibetan Nobel Peace Prize Laureateintends to come to Burma or if theBurmese government, a major ally ofcommunist China, would issue a visa.Naypyidaw has already angered Beijingrecently through the suspension of theChinese-backed hydropower damproject in northern Burma,The Chinese government has frequentlyinterfered with foreign nations grantingthe Tibetan spiritual leader entry to theircountries. However, His Holiness theDalai Lama has canceled his plans to jointhe 80th birthday celebration of fellowNobel Laureate Desmond Tutu in SouthAfrica this October. "There's no China'spressure being put on South Africa onthis matter," Deputy Foreign MinisterMarius Fransman told reporters.His Holiness the Dalai Lama is seeking asolution to the Tibetan problem throughgenuine autonomy, which is compatiblewith the principles on autonomy in theConstitution of the People's Republic ofChina (PRC).For many occasions, The Tibetanspiritual leader had raised his voice overAung San Suu Kyi's house arrest in theregion, strongly called for the release ofthe Nobel Peace laureate when he joinedother Nobel Peace Prize winners,including Desmond Tutu, in Thailand in1993. Thailand eventually agreed toprovide him with a visa to attend theevent despite fierce protests fromChinese government.

The Tibet Post4 31 December, 2011 Dharamsala TPI INTERNATIONAL

EU Delegation DisappointedOver Delay of Human Rights

Dialogue

Dharamshala, India: - The EuropeanUnion delegation to China voiceddisappointment on Thursday afterChinese leaders failed to its proposalsfor dates in order to hold this year's 'EU-China Dialogue on Human Rights,' saida statement posted on the EU officialwebsite.Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the Tibetanpolitical leader was on his three day tripin European capital Brussels last month(27-29 November) at the invitation ofparliament's Tibet inter-group and wasthe keynote speaker at the "Tibetconference on genuine autonomy."Members of the European Parliamentalso criticized China's Treatment ofTibetans, accusing the Chinese regimeof pursuing a "brutal" policy in Tibet."The EU deeply regrets that the secondsession of the EU-China Dialogue onHuman Rights in 2011 will not take placeas previously agreed," said in astatement issued by the EuropeanUnion Delegation to China.The delegation stated that "It isdisappointed by the absence of ananswer by the Chinese side to itsproposals for dates in order to hold thissession of the Dialogue before the endof the year. It notes that this is thesecond year in a row in which the

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Int'l Conference on Democracyand the Future of Tibet Held in

Taiwan

By Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

Conference on 'Democracy and the Future of Tibet' at Taipei, Taiwan. Photo: Tibet.net

TAIPEI: An international conferenceon 'Democracy and the Future of Tibet'was held in Taipei. The Conferencewas organized by the Tibetancommunity of Taiwan and the Taiwan-Tibet Friendship Association on 24December.Intellectuals, researchers anduniversity students from India, France,United States, Japan, Hong Kong,Mainland China and Taiwanparticipated in the conference.The conference was inaugurated withan opening message from Kalon Tripa

The European Parliament. Photo: File

recipient of the George EastmanHouse Award for his work in film andhis dedication to humanitarian causes.Richard Gere, 62, a long time friend ofTibet and follower of the spiritualleader His Holiness the Dalai Lama,has expressed his deep concern overthe ongoing crackdowns, torture andkilling in Tibet, during a visit to SouthKorea in June this year to promote anexhibition of photos he took in theHimalayan territory. Gere said someof the images in the exhibitionillustrated what he called the politicaloppression faced by his 'Tibetanbrothers and sisters'.According to the George EastmanHouse International Museum ofPhotography and Film'sannouncement, Gere is the 67threcipient of the award, which haspreviously been given to legendaryactors, like James Stewart, Gary Cooper

and Joan Crawford, and directors, likeCecil B. DeMille and Frank Capra.Modern actors and directors to receivethe award include Martin Scorsese,Isabella Rosselini and Meryl Streep.Charles Chaplin also won the award.Gere, has appeared over 40 films,according to media reports. Hisperformances include Days ofHeaven, An Officer and a Gentleman,Pretty Woman and Chicago. The starof such films as "An Officer and aGentleman" and "Pretty Woman" isset to be honored Feb. 16 during aceremony at Rochester's GeorgeEastman House. In 2012, Gere willappear in Arbitrage, Henry & Me andMovie 43."He was nominated for an Emmy for"And the Band Played On" (1993) anda Screen Actors Guild Award for themusical "Chicago" (2002)," accordingto Syracuse.com.

Hollywood Star, Richard GereWins George Eastman Award.... Continues From Front Page

Dr Lobsang Sangay which was readout to the participants by therepresentative of His Holiness from theOffice of Tibet, Taiwan.The conference was attended by theRepresentative of His Holiness and hisstaff, Sangye Kyap from the Chinadesk of Department of Information andInternational Relations of the CentralTibetan Administration as well as bythe members of students for a freeTibet, Taiwan-Tibet FriendshipAssociation and Hong Kong-TibetFriendship Association.

second session of the Dialogue iscanceled.""This essential component of therelationship between two strategicpartners offers an invaluable platformto discuss all issues of concern. Itcontributes to improve our mutualunderstanding," said in the statement.The promotion of human rights is animportant dimension of Europeanforeign policy, as enshrined in theTreaty of the European Union. The EUholds regular dialogues andconsultations with more than 40countries of all continents and willremain committed to the fulfillment ofits obligations under international law.In a separate statement, the Head of theEU Delegation to China, Markus Ederer,added that the EU will continue toengage the Chinese side to enhance thequality and format of the Dialogue.During his three day visit, Dr. Sangaymet with leading politicians and MEPsand addressed the Europeanparliament's foreign affairs committeeduring its meeting. Europeangovernment officials also stronglyvoiced concern about the rising numberof recent self-immolations by Tibetansin Tibet, Dr. Sangay stated that hisadministration does not endorse thepractice.

In 1991, Gere started the GereFoundation, which advocates for thepreservation of Tibet and its people. Hehas also long been prominent in thefight against HIV-AIDS.WHAM reported that Gere is also anavid photographer, with his photographexhibit, Pilgrim, traveling to 11 countriesaround the world.Past recipients of the George EastmanAward include Lauren Bacall, MartinScorsese and Meryl Streep. The GeorgeEastman House is located in Rochester,NY. They will be handing Gere theaward on Feb. 16. Tickets for theprogram go on sale on Jan. 17.

China Among the World’s Worst Jailers ofJournalists; Rights Group

Dharamsala, India: - In 12th year in arow, New York based Committee toProtect Journalists (CPJ) has namedChina in its list of the world's worst jailersof journalists. China shares this spaceof being among the repressive regimesthat obstruct free and fair journalism withIran, Eriteria and Syria.According to statistics, the number ofjournalists imprisoned across the worldhas soared up to more than 20 percent ofits highest level since the mid-1990sowing to 34 journalists more imprisonedover its 2010 tally.The Committee to Protect Journalists(CPJ) stated that the Chinesegovernment has been severe on Tibetansand has ‘ruthlessly cracked down oneditors and writers who had sought togive a voice to the Tibetans and Uighurs.'A total of 27 journalists including writers,editors and photojournalists were jailedin china; 10 of them Tibetans a17 of themwho covered the oppressed ethnicgroups said the facts stated in the CPJpress release.The CPJ also expressed its fear regardingthe possibility of more journalistslanguishing in Chinese prisons who havenot come to the notice of newsorganizations and NGOs.The 10 Tibetans named in the list are -Dhondup Wangchen - FilmmakerHe was an independent filmmaker whowas charged with inciting separatismand imprisoned on 26 March 2008. Hismovie ‘Jigdrel' (Leaving Fear Behind)made along with assistant Jigme Gyatsofeatured interviews with ordinaryTibetans about their lives under theChinese rule in the run-up to the 2008Beijing Olympics.Kunchok Tsephel Gopey -WriterImprisoned on February 26, 2009,Kunchok Tsephel, an online writer iscurrently serving 15 years in prison oncharges of disclosing state secrets. Heused to run the websites about TibetanCultural Issues called CHOMEIKunga Tsayang - Freelance writerAn environmental activist andphotographer, Kunga Tsayang wroteonline articles under the penname Gang-Nyi (Sun of Snow Land), and maintainedhis own website titled Zindris (Jottings).He wrote several essays on politics inTibet, including "Who Is the RealInstigator of Protests?" shortly after the2008 uprisings in Tibet.Imprisoned on March 17, 2009, KungaTsayang is currently serving a five-yearjail term on charges of revealing statesecrets.Tashi Rabten - EditorsImprisoned on April 6, 2010, Tashi Rabtenis currently serving four years in jail for

By Rajeshwari K,, The Tibet Post

The largest armed forces country of communist China. Photo: File

editing a banned magazine Shar Dungri(Eastern Snow Mountain) andpublishing a collection of articles titledWritten in Blood following the March2008 uprisings in Tibet.Dokru Tsultrim - Freelance writerImprisoned on May 24, 2010, DokruTsultrim, a monk from Ngaba GomangMonastery is being held for no formalcharges or trial proceedings.Dokru Tsultrim was detained in April 2009for alleged anti-government writings andarticles in support of the Dalai Lama andfor publishing a private Tibetan journal,Khawai Tsesok (Life of Snow).The three men were arrested in 2010 forwriting in the Tibetan-language magazineShar Dungri.Jangtse Donkho - Freelance writer.Detained on June 21, 2010, he was anauthor and editor who wrote under thepenname Nyen, (Wild One) and iscurrently serving a four-year jail term forcontributing to the Tibetan language

magazine Shar Dungri.Buddha - Practicing physician cumFreelance writer and Kalsang Jinpa -Freelance writerThese two men were tried together on 21October 2010 for inciting separatismthrough their articles they published inShar Dungri magazine, and were givenjail terms of four and three years,respectively.Jolep Dawa - EditorImprisoned on October 1, 2010, JolepDawa, a Tibetan writer and editor of amonthly Tibetan-language magazine,Durab Kyi Nga is currently serving threeyears in prison.Choepa Lugyal (Meycheh) - FreelanceImprisoned on October 19, 2011, ChoepaLugyal, a publishing house employeewho wrote online under the nameMeycheh, is currently serving a four yearjail term. Choepa Lugyal wrote several printand online articles, including pieces forthe Tibetan magazine Shar Dungri.

The Tibet Post 531 December, 2011 DharamsalaTPI TIBET IN EXILE

Sino-Indian Relationship Is Very Complex,Tibet is One Factor

Dharamshala, India: - Speaking to thestaff of the Department of Informationand International Relations (DIIR), theTibet Policy Institute and the TibetanCenter for Human Rights andDemocracy (TCHRD), Dr DibyeshAnand gave a brief talk on Sino-Indianrelations and the Tibet factor.Dr Dibyesh Anand is an associateprofessor of International Relations atthe University of Westminster, Londonand an expert on majority-minorityrelations in China and India. He is theauthor of Geopolitical Exotica: Tibet inWestern Imagination.Sino-Indian relations is very complexand Tibet is just one of the factors, DrAnand said.Speaking on the Tibetan diaspora inIndia, he said the Tibetan people aregrateful for the hospitality provided bythe Indian government. At the sametime, he says the Tibetans too havecontributed a lot to India in terms ofrevitalizing Buddhist culturethroughout the Himalayas.Talking about Tibetans takingcitizenship of other countries, Dr Anandsaid feelings and emotions are not

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

Dr Dibyesh Anand at the talk with Tsering Tsomo of TCHRD. Photo: TPI/Pema Tso

Student Conference PaysHomage To Sacrifices and

Struggle of Tibet

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibetpost

The 6th Tibetan college student conference been held in a Tibetan YouthHostel,Bangalore. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala, India: - Tibetan studentsfrom around the country gathered inBangalore to remember his sacrifice andthe sacrifice of many more oppressedmonks and Tibetans who have setthemselves on fire, protesting againstChinese oppression in the lost country.The 6th annual Tibetan College StudentsConference started with the gatheringplacing Tibetan flags on a map of Tibetmade out of twenty tonnes of soil fromTibet brought to India by New York-based artist Tenzin Rigdol.S. Suresh Kumar (Minister of Law andParliamentary Affairs,Karnataka), KolonDickyi Chhoyang, (Minister ofInformation and International relationCTA), Mrs Aasha Reddy, a strongsupporter of Tibet's freedom and HumanRights in Tibet and Mr Tashi Phuntsok(CRO. South Zone inaugurated the 6thTibetan College Students' Conference atthe Tibetan Youth Hostel in Bangalore.This event where Mr. Kumar was the chiefguest and Dickyi Chhoyang was

Circle, for inviting him as the chief guestand welcomed the new branch manager,Mr Urgyan Norbu to Gangkyi.According to the Tibetan official media,Tibet Net, Kalon Tripa said that he hopedthe bank will live up to its obligationsand serve the Tibetan clients better, andadded that he was looking forward to aproductive relationship with the bank.He said the previous Kashag hadallocated this location to Canara Bankafter a lot of deliberation since it was aprime location in Gangkyi.Mr Bikas Adhikari, in his welcome note,thanked the Kalon Tripa for obliging toinaugurate the new branch of the Canarabank and the Central Tibetan

Administration for providing such abeautiful location.He urged the Tibetans to take advantageof the bank's various schemes likeeducation loans and assured that thebank would work to the best of its abilityto serve its clients, hoping that theTibetans would be active members of thebank.The inaugural ceremony was attendedby the Kalons and Secretaries of thevarious Departments of the CentralTibetan Administration as well as by theJustice Commissioners of the TibetanSupreme Justice Commission and by theChairman of the Central Tibetan ElectionCommission.

Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay Inau-gurates New Canara Bank at Gangkyi.... Continues From Front Page

heading the conference saw 68 studentsfrom 14 different locations in India andNepal take active part in discussions. Thefirst day of the conference had Ms AshaReddy being awarded the Pawo ThuptenNgodup Award for selfless contributiontowards the Tibetan cause and forproviding help to many a Tibetan collegestudent.The subject of the conference was therecent incidents of self-immolationtaking place inside Tibet. This three-dayseminar is expected to have passion-packed discussions involving speeches,debates regarding various issues insideTibet. Honorable resource persons arealso expected to extend their viewsregarding the same.OverviewThupten Ngodup was a cook and cowherder in the Dip Tsechokling monasterysituated in Tibet. On April 27, 1998, heset himself ablaze in Delhi and diedholding his hands up in prayer andchanting for a free Tibet.

A Tibetan Honored For Distin-guished Service To Education

By Sophie Jay, The Tibet Post

Sonam Wangdu receiving the award. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala, India: - The manager of aTibetan school in Uttarakhand has wona prestigious award for ‘distinguishedservices in the field of education.'Sonam Wangdu, who founded the DawaRinjue School, in Herbertpur, in 1991, waspresented with the honours award byChairman of the Standing Committee for

the Ministry of Human ResourceDevelopment, Sh. Oscar Fernandes M.P.,at the Independent Schools Federationof India's annual national conference inNew Delhi, on November 28.In the Presence of chairman of the CentralBoard of Secondary Education, Sh.Vineet Joshi , and other dignitaries,

Wangdu dedicated his award to HisHoliness the Dalai Lama and the TibetanGovernment in Exile, which provided hisown education, adding that it is as aresult of his education that he is able tocontribute to the Tibetan community,helping to preserve its language andcultural identity.The school, which started with just 12students and three teachers, has swelledover the past two decades toaccommodate 700 Tibetan and Indianstudents up to grade 10, and 20 membersof staff.Wangdu added that the school's mainaims are to ‘provide a firm foundation ofeducation to the children so they maygrow up to be good citizens, and to makethe students responsible, welldisciplined, self reliant, loyal andpatriotic.'

shaped by passports and added thatattaining citizenship can lessen refugeevulnerability.Recalling one of his earlier visits toTibet, he said the nature of developmentin Tibet is very problematic. There arebetter roads, better houses, bettereverything but the dignity of theTibetan people is not respected, he said.At the end of the talk, Kalon DickiChhoyang of the Central Tibetan

Administration's Department ofInformation and International Relations( DIIR) thanked Dr Dibyesh Anand andpresented him a book as a token ofappreciation.The talk was a joint initiative by the thenewly formed, Tibet Policy Institute, athink-tank of the Central TibetanAdministration and Tibetan Center forHuman Rights and Democracy(TCHRD).

Student Conference Pays Homage ToSacrifices and Struggle of Tibet

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibetpost

Tibetan singer Tsering Gyurmed withTechung. Photo: Tibet Music

Dharamsala, India: The recent stringof self-immolations inside Tibet is anopen indication of the state ofintolerance in the minds of citizenstowards repressive Chinese policies.In an act of open rebellion, 12 differentcases of monks, nuns and former monkssetting themselves on fire have takenplace. All these acts of self-inflictedviolence where six victims succumbedto their injuries were carried out toprotest Beijing's tight control of theTibetan plateau.The current situations inside Tibet,especially eastern Tibet continues tobe volatile and more number of localsare standing up for their rights.The exiled Tibetans are making everyeffort to support their brethren trappedinside the totalitarian regime to regaintheir lost rights. Many an initiative hasbeen taken up by the exiled Tibetansand Tibet supporters across the globeto gather international attention

towards the state of despair inside Tibet.The Alliance of Tibetan Musicians inhonour of the Tibetan martyrs and

freedom fighters are hence organizing aconcert to express gratitude to theresilience of the living during theKalachakra Festival in Bodh Gaya, India.The concerts will be held on 31stDecember 2011 to 2nd January 2012starting from 6:30 pm every day nearNyingma Gonpa Monastery. Featuringacclaimed artistes like Tsering Gyurme,Tenzin Gyalpo, Tenzin Woeser,Choedak, Techung and many more, theopening night will have an assortedaudience which will include guest ofhonours from the exile administration,non government organization, media,pilgrims and tourists.Having worked for years to preserveand promote Tibetan art and culturealong with simultaneously strivingtowards regaining Tibet's lost freedom,the alliance hopes to gather heavyinternational attention in favour of thethird pole's independence through thisconcert.

6 31 December, 2011 Dharamsala The Tibet PostTPI TIBET

Top Tibet Official Urges China to EnsureSafety of Tibetan Students

Dharamshala, India: - Ms. DeckiChhoyang, Kalon for Ministry ofInformation spoke to reporters afterChinese students beating Tibetanstudents and breaking into theirdormitories and class rooms in a Chinesevocational institute in Chengdu,Sichuan Province.Ms. Dicki Chhoyang, informationminister of the Central TibetanAdministration told reporters that shewas deeply disturbed and concerned byrecent reports of confrontationsbetween Tibetan and Chinese studentsat a school in Chengdu town of ChineseSichuan Province, which led to severalTibetans being hospitalised after theywere beaten by an overwhelming numberof Chinese students."The Central Tibetan Administration isdeeply disturbed and concerned bynews of confrontations, on December14th 2011, between Tibetan and Chinesestudents at the Railway EngineeringSchool in Chengdu, the provincialcapital of Sichuan," the Information &International Relations minister toldTibetan reporters Tuesaday during apress conference here in Dharamshala,India."About 3,000 Chinese students arereported to have entered into a fightwith a few hundred Tibetan students.Several Tibetan students are said tohave been hospitalized due to injuries,"the DIIR kalon said.Kalon Dicki Chhoyang expressedconcern over similar reports of tensionsbetween Tibetan and Chinese studentsin the Chengdu area in 2010, when aTibetan student named Pasang wasstabbed to death at the Light

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Minister Dicki Chhoyang speaking to Tibetan journalists at a news conference inDharamsala, India, on 20 December 2011. Photo: TPI/Sangay Dorjee

A Leading Protester of2008 Tibet Uprising Jailed

to Five Years

By The Tibet Post International

Armed Chinese paramilitary force deployed in Ngaba county, eastern Tibet, 19th October2011. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala, India: - A ChineseIntermediate People's Court sentenceda leading Tibetan protester from Ngabaregion of eastern Tibet to five yearsimprison for his involvement in 2008peaceful protest against Chinese harshtreatment of the Tibetan people in theirhomeland, Tibet."It has been learned that on November29th, Tsering, son of the Lori (Father)and Chokyong Tso (Mother) from Raruvillage, Cha township, Ngaba county,eastern Tibet, was sentenced to 5 yearsby the Ngaba county intermediatepeoples court," said Ven. Losang Yesheand Kanyag Tsering from KirtiMonastery in exile."Tsering was taken elsewhere. Hebecame a monk at Kirti monastery froma young age, but disrobed in 2007 andreturned to his family in the pastoralarea. He participated in the protest inCha township in March 2008, and thenwent into hiding to evade arrest,"according to exile Tibetan sources.The 26 year old, One of the 2008 leadingprotesters in the region "remained inhiding until around April 2010, when hewas arrested from a restaurant in Ngabatown. He has been in detention awaitingtrial since that time," they said."During his time in hiding, police camelooking for him many times, saying thathe was a ringleader of the Cha protest,and they searched for him throughoutthe area."

‘Both of his feet have become uselessand even his arm has become next tonumb. Scars of the gunshot on his feetare clearly visible," she added.Reports say that Tabey's mother isnursing the monk in the hospital but isforbidden from leaving the hospital ortalking to outsiders. His uncle isbelieved to be the only outside visitorallowed to visit him.OVERVIEWThree years ago, on 27th February2009, over a thousand monks protestedat Kirti monastery in Ngaba towndemanding to be allowed to hold theprayer festival.Tabey doused himself in petrol and selfhimself on fire protesting the Chinese

government's restrictions on holdingthe annual great prayer festival ofMonlam Chenmo.Within minutes of the self-immolation,the place was swarming with Chinesearmed police who fired rounds atTabey's feet to stop him from marchingaround while on fire.Local witnesses had told the reportersthat the monk was taken away in aChinese police van as soon as he felldown and his whereabouts have beenunknown ever since.Thirteen Tibetans inside Tibet and oneTibetan outside Tibet have immolatedthemselves in protest of the Chineseatrocities and demanding the return ofthe Dalai Lama to Tibet since 2009.

Tibetan Monk Tabey is Alive ButCrippled - Beijing Blogger Woeser.... Continues From Front Page

"Meanwhile, others in detention aftertheir arrests in or after March this year,such as Gerik of Me'uruma townshipand Ngaba Kirti monk Jigme, have stillnot been brought to trial," .OverviewIn the 2008 violent repression thatfollowed, 220 Tibetans were killed,nearly 1,300 were injured and nearly7,000 were detained or imprisoned,according to the Tibetan governmentin exile.Total 13 Tibetans since 2009, most ofthem monks or former monks and In thepast nine months, 12 Tibetans livinginside Tibet have set themselves on fireprotesting the Chinese repressivepolicies and tyrannical rule. Tibetans inexile across the world urged allinternational communities andgovernments concerned with humanrights in China to articulate publiclytheir concerns about the deterioratingenvironment, and to press the Chinesegovernment to address the fundamentalhuman right of Tibetans in Tibet.It is over 60 years since China's armyinvaded Tibet; 60 years in which to winTibetan hearts and minds, to assimilateTibet into mainland China. Yet Tibetansin all parts of Tibet remain stronglyunited, over the decades they haverejected and continue to actively resistChinese rule, through protests, non-violent direct action, or by fleeing intoexile.

Engineering School in Zigong city. "Itremains unknown whether theassailant(s) were arrested andprosecuted," she added."In light of these recent events, weencourage Tibetan students to focuson their studies and maintain cordialrelations with other fellow students inkeeping with our traditional values. Ourpride in our Tibetan identity andheritage does not rest on a show ofphysical force, but through academicexcellence," she added."With Tibetan students reported tostudy in 12 cities in mainland China, theChinese government must ensure theirpersonal safety," she said."In keeping with its claim to build aharmonious society, we hope the PRCgovernment will take the necessarymeasures to promote good relationsbetween Chinese and Tibetan people.Consequently, such efforts will facilitatepositive interactions between Chinese

and Tibetan students," she added."The Kashag of the Central TibetanAdministration would like to reiteratethat the Tibetan struggle is neither anti-China nor anti-Chinese. We strive forthe restoration of freedom in Tibetthrough peaceful dialogue," theminister said.OVERVIEWDecember 16: Over 3000 Chinesestudents went on a rampageWednesday night, beating Tibetanstudents and breaking into theirdormitories and class rooms in a Chinesevocational institute in Chengdu.Many Tibetan students have beenreportedly hospitalised carrying severeinjuries. After the school authoritiesfailed to quell the clashes, police had tobe called to control the situation. Morethan 1000 People's Armed Policepersonnel arrived at the scene andreportedly hurled tear gas to dispersethe crowd.

Pema Tso: Tibetan Female Fashionistain Dharamsala, India

By Viki Rey Eagle, The Tibet Post

Tibetan female fashionista fromDharamshala, India, Miss. Pema Tso.

Photo: TPI

Dharamshala, India: - On Temple Roadin McLeod, Dharamshala, on the waydown to His Holiness the Dalai Lamatemple, lies a clothing shop run by awoman from Tibet, 22-year-old PemaTso.Tso, who was sporting furry boots anda fitted one-piece dress on the day TPIinterviewed her, is the one to go to forfashion advice in Dharamsala."I grew up in Tibet," she said. "Myparents were farmers who grewvegetables, rice and barley. I did not goto school when I was in Tibet."Tso came to Dharmshala in 2010 toreceive His Holiness the Dalai Lama'sblessing. She obtained a Chinesepassport. "It is not very easy to get,but eventually I received it," she said.Unlike the majority of Tibetans whomake the ‘illegal' walk to Kathmandu inNepal and register at the TibetanReception Centre there, Tso took a busto the Tibetan capital Lhasa to receiveher documents.She works at the clothing shop sevendays a week, from 9am to 7pm and, inher free time, studies English and IT.The shop is owned by a Japanesewoman, and stocks the latest fashions -from colorful scarves and dress shirtsto one-piece dresses and pea coats in amodern east-Asian style.Fashion is certainly on the agenda for

young Tibetans in Dharmshala, wherenew trends in hair-styles and Western

clothes continue toemerge.However, Tso saidshe misses herfamily, who are stillfarming in Tibet,and is lookingforward to seeingthem next year."I hope to go backto Tibet and openup my ownclothing shop,"she said. "I havelearned a lot aboutthe businessworking here.""In Tibet, we arehoping that theDalai Lama will beable to come backto Tibet one day,"she said.Regarding Tibet'sfuture, Tso remainsoptimistic thatthings will workout for the best,saying Tibetansrest their hopes inHis Holiness the

Dalai Lama, and Dr Lobsang Sangay,the new Kalon Tripa (political leader) ofthe Central Tibetan Administration inexile.

31 December, 2011 DharamsalaThe Tibet Post 7TPIThe Karmapa Wishes for Peaceand Harmony in the New Year

Dharamshala: In an address the 17thKarmapa, officially known as HisHoliness the 17th Karmapa, OgyenTrinley Dorje, made to the mediaregarding the end of the current yearand the fast approaching new year, hestated that he wishes we live this yearwith mutual love and respect for oneanother and for the earth that is ourcommon home.Referring to the popular belief that theworld might end in 2012, he said "Infact, we never know what any given yearmight hold. But if we are sincerelycommitted to following a path ofcompassion and wisdom, thisuncertainty about the future need notcause us any concern.Whatever happens, we can simply keep

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibetpost

The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Ugyen Trinley Dorje. Photo:TPI

issued by three MPs, Son Chhay , CheamChanny and Yont Tharo from theopposition Sam Rainsy party.Expressing serious concern over therecent spate of self-immolations in Tibet,the MPs said, "these acts of self-immolation make sense when oneconsiders the decades of repression,intimidation, fear, and violence thatTibetans have endured daily underChina's rule which only appears to beworsening.""Knowing that torture is in store for themin Chinese prisons, and that they cannotdepend upon any judicial process,Tibetans are now choosing to burnthemselves alive. The Dalai Lama himselfnoted how these incidents of self-immolation reflect a sign of deepdesperation," they added.The MPs stressed that the Chineseofficials should review their pastruthless actions and policies on Tibet.

They strongly disapproved of theChinese move to force Tibetans under18 years of age to attend governmentschools, imposing fines of 3,000 yuanon a single child if he was to become amonk or study at monastery school."China needs to realise that it will beunable to change Tibetans' hearts andminds," the Cambodian MPs said."We demand that the ChineseGovernment must immediately put an endto its oppressive policy and human rightsviolations, and begin sincere dialoguewith the Dalai Lama," they said."The international community must takenote of what is happening because it isclear the Tibetans are using desperatemeasures to draw our attention to theirsuffering. Further repression by theChinese will only lead to furtherinstability. A new year 2012 is emergingand this is an opportune time for us toencourage China to begin a new dialoguewith Tibet," they added.

China Must Begin Dialogue with Tibet,Cambodian Parliamentarians Say

.... Continues From Front Page

International by Paris-based mediarights watchdog, Reporters WithoutBorders( www.rsf.org).Reporters Without Borders has thisyear, for the first time, compiled a list ofthe world's 10 most dangerous placesfor the media - the 10 cities, districts,squares, provinces or regions wherejournalists and netizens wereparticularly exposed to violence andwhere freedom of information wasflouted.Overall, 2011 took a heavy toll on mediafreedom. The Arab Spring was at thecentre of the news. Of the total of 66journalists killed in 2011, 20 were killedin the Middle East (twice as many as in2010). A similar number were killed inLatin America, which is very exposedto the threat of criminal violence. Forthe second year running, Pakistan wasthe single deadliest country with a totalof 10 journalists killed, most of themmurdered. China, Iran and Eritreacontinue to be the world's biggestprisons for the media.The Arab Spring, the protestmovements it inspired in nearbycountries such as Sudan andAzerbaijan, and the street protests inother countries such as Greece, Belarus,Uganda, Chile and the United Stateswere responsible for the dramatic surgein the number of arrests, from 535 in2010 to 1,044 in 2011. There were manycases of journalists being physicallyobstructed in the course of their work(by being detained for short periods orbeing summoned for interrogation), andfor the most part they representedattempts by governments to suppressinformation they found threatening.The 43 per cent increase in physicalattacks on journalists and the 31 percent increase in arrests of netizens - whoare leading targets when they provideinformation about street demonstrationsduring media blackouts - were alsosignificant developments in a year ofprotest. Five netizens were killed in 2011,three of them in Mexico alone.From Cairo's Tahrir Square to Khuzdarin southwestern Pakistan, fromMogadishu to the cities of thePhilippines, the risks of working as ajournalist at times of political instabilitywere highlighted more than ever in 2011.The street was where danger was to befound in 2011, often duringdemonstrations that led to violentclashes with the security forces ordegenerated into open conflict. The 10places listed by Reporters WithoutBorders represent extreme cases ofcensorship of the media and violenceagainst those who tried to provide freelyand independently reported news andinformation.(Listed by alphabetical order ofcountry)Manama, BahrainThe Bahraini authorities did everythingpossible to prevent internationalcoverage of the pro-democracydemonstrations in the capital, Manama,denying entry to some foreignreporters, and threatening or attackingother foreign reporters or their localcontacts. Bahraini journalists,especially photographers, were detainedfor periods ranging from several hoursto several weeks. Many were tried beforemilitary tribunals until the state ofemergency imposed on 15 March waslifted. After months of demonstrations,order was finally restored thanks to

systematic repression. A blogger jailedby a military court is still in prison andno civilian court ever reviewed hisconviction. Bahrain is an example ofnews censorship that succeeded withthe complicity of the internationalcommunity, which said nothing. Anewspaper executive and a netizen paidfor this censorship with their lives.Abidjan, Côte d'IvoireAbobo, Adjamé, Plateau, Koumassi,Cocody, Yopougon... all of theseAbidjan neighbourhoods weredangerous places for the media at onestage or another during the first half of2011. Journalists were stopped atcheckpoints, subjected to heavy-handed interrogation or physicallyattacked. The headquarters of thenational TV station, RTI, was the targetof airstrikes. A newspaper employeewas beaten and hacked to death at theend of February. A Radio Yopougonpresenter was the victim of an execution-style killing by members of the ForcesRépublicaines de Côte d'Ivoire (FRCI)in May. The post-election crisis that ledto open war between the supporters ofthe rival presidential contenders,Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane Ouattara,had a dramatic impact on the safety ofjournalists. During the Battle of Abidjan,the country's business capital, at thestart of April, it was completelyimpossible for journalists to move aboutthe city.Cairo's Tahrir Square, EgyptThe pro-democracy demonstrationsthat finally forced Hosni Mubarak tostand down as president on 20 Februarybegan at the end of January in TahrirSquare, now the emblem of the ArabSpring uprisings. Foreign journalistswere systematically attacked during theincredibly violent first week of February,when an all-out hate campaign waswaged against the international mediafrom 2 to 5 February. More than 200violations were reported. Localjournalists were also targeted. Thescenario was similar six months later -from 19 to 28 November, in the run-upto parliamentary elections, and duringthe weekend of 17-18 December - duringthe crackdown on new demonstrationsto demand the departure of the SupremeCouncil of the Armed Forces.Misrata, LibyaAfter liberating Benghazi, the anti-Gaddafi rebels took Misrata, Libya'sthird largest city and a strategic pointfor launching an offensive on Tripoli.But the regular army staged a counter-offensive and laid siege to the city,cutting it off from the rest of the worldand imposing a news and informationblockade lasting many weeks, duringwhich its main road, Tripoli Street, wasrepeatedly the scene of particularlyintense fighting. The Battle of Misratahighlighted the risks that reporters takein war zones. Two of the five journalistskilled in Libya in 2011 lost their lives inthis city.Veracruz state, MexicoLocated on the Gulf of Mexico and longdominated by the cartel of the samename, Veracruz state is a hub of all kindsof criminal trade, from drug traffickingto contraband in petroleum products.In 2011, it became the new epicentre ofthe federal offensive against the cartelsand three journalists were killed therein the course of the year. Around 10others fled the state as a result of thegrowing threats to freedom of

information and because of the inactionor complicity of the authorities in theface of this threat.Khuzdar, PakistanThe many cases of journalists who havebeen threatened or murdered in Khuzdardistrict, in the southwestern provinceof Balochistan, is typical of the extremeviolence that prevails in this part ofPakistan. The province's media arecaught in the crossfire between thesecurity forces and armed separatists.The murder of Javed Naseer Rind, aformer assistant editor of the DailyTawar newspaper, was the latestexample. His body was found on 5November, nearly three months after hewas abducted. An anti-separatist groupcalling itself the Baloch Musallah DefaArmy issued a hit-list at the end ofNovember naming four journalists asearmarked for assassination.The Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Orometropolitan areas on the islands ofLuzon and Mindanao, PhilippinesMost of the murders and physicalattacks on journalists in the Philippinestake place in these three metropolitanareas. The paramilitary groups andprivate militias responsible wereclassified as "Predators of PressFreedom" in 2011. The government thattook office in July has still not come upwith a satisfactory response, so thesegroups continue to enjoy a totalimpunity that is the result of corruption,links between certain politicians andorganized crime, and an insufficientlyindependent judicial system.Mogadishu, SomaliaMogadishu is a deadly capital wherejournalists are exposed to terribledangers, including being killed by abomb or a stray bullet or beingdeliberately targeted by militias hostileto the news media. Although theIslamist insurgent group Al-Shabaabwithdrew from the capital, fightingcontinues and makes reporting verydangerous. Three Somali journalistswere killed in Mogadishu this year, inAugust, October and December. And avisiting Malaysian cameramansustained a fatal gunshot injury to thechest in September while accompanyinga Malaysian NGO as it was deliveringhumanitarian assistance.Deraa, Homs and Damascus, SyriaDeraa and Homs, the two epicentres ofthe protests against Bashar al-Assad'sregime, have been completely isolated.They and Damascus were especiallydangerous for journalists in 2011. Theregime has imposed a complete mediablackout, refusing to grant visas toforeign reporters and deporting thosealready in the country. The occasionalvideo footage of the pro-democracydemonstrations that began in Marchhas been filmed by ordinary citizens,who risk their lives to do so. Many havebeen the victims of arrest, abduction,beatings and torture for transmittingvideo footage or information about therepression. The mukhabarat(intelligence services), shabihas(militias) and their cyber-army havebeen used by the regime to identify andharass journalists. Physical violence isvery common. Many bloggers andjournalists have fled the country.Around 30 journalists are currentlybelieved to be detained.Sanaa's Change Square, YemenChange Square in Sanaa was the centreof the protests against President Ali

Abdallah Saleh and it is there that muchof the violence and abuses againstjournalists took place. Covering thedemonstrations and the many bloodyclashes with the security forces wasdangerous for the media, which weredirectly targeted by a regime bent oncrushing the pro-democracy movementand suppressing coverage of it. Twojournalists were killed while coveringthese demonstrations. Pro-governmentmilitiamen known as baltajiyas alsocarried out punitive raids on the media.Physical violence, destruction ofequipment, kidnappings, seizure anddestruction of newspapers, and attackson media offices were all used as part ofa policy of systematic violence against

media personnel.Reporters Without Borders' 2011 infigures:

66 journalists killed (16% more than in2010)1,044 journalists arrested1,959 journalists physically attacked orthreatened499 media censored71 journalists kidnapped73 journalists fled their country5 netizens killed199 bloggers and netizens arrested62 bloggers and netizens physicallyattacked68 countries subject to Internetcensorship

Top Most Dangerous Places For Reporters,China Among Biggest Prisons?

.... Continues From Front Page

our focus directed steadily at whatmatters most-cultivating compassionand equanimity, and acting to benefitothers.""If we harbor this attitude in ourhearts, we can make anything thatoccurs positive for ourselves and forothers," he added.Speaking of the numerous naturaldiasters that struck the planet this year,he offered his prayers to all those whosuffered turmoil this year.He concluded by stating that he offershis prayers to all those connected withhim in any way during this year and tothose who will connect in the comingfuture."May you find lasting happiness andpeace. May all of us who share thisplanet go forward together into the newyear in harmony," he concluded.

8 31 December, 2011 Dharamsala TPI The Tibet Post

Confluence of Science and Buddhism in Dharamsala, IndiaBy Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at the opening session of the international conference on Cosmology and Consciousness – ADialogue between Buddhist Scholars and Scientists on Mind and Matter’, at the TCV school in Dharamsala, India, on 16 December 2011/

Photo by Namgyal Tsewang

Dharamshala, India: His Holiness theDalai Lama today inaugurated a three-day international conference on‘Cosmology and Consciousness', whichbrought together Tibetan Buddhistscholars and top scientists to exploreways to promote the integration ofspiritual values and scientificinvestigations.The conference is an initiative of theScience for Monks Program under theLibrary of Tibetan Works and Archives(LTWA), which has taught science toTibetan monks since 2001 under theinspiration of His Holiness the DalaiLama. The Sager Science LeadershipInstitute, Emory University, and JohnTempleton Foundation are part of thisinitiative.This conference opens up the dialogueto the Tibetan monastic community inan unprecedented way. In addition tothe panelists, eighteen Tibetan scholarsfrom thirteen monasteries and nunnerieswill be engaged in the dialogue withscientists for the first time."It is not only the vision of His Holinessthe Dalai Lama, but the need of the timefor Tibetans, and particularly TibetanBuddhist monastics, to becomeconversant with modern science," saidGeshe Lhakdor, the director of LTWA."Monastics studying modern scienceis a historic step in the history of

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

Contributors for this Editon

Keary Huang TaiwanMathew Singh Toor IndiaSophie Jay USACarly Selby-James AustraliaSamuel Ivo UKColleen McKown USBrionie Pereira IndiaDennis Barbion BelguimRajeshwari K IndiaYC. Dhardhowa IndiaSangay Dorjee IndiaPema Tso India

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

monastic education and TibetanBuddhism. Through becoming well-versed in traditional philosophicalstudies and modern science, it is ourhope that monks and nuns can make a

significant contribution to thebetterment of the physical and mentalhealth of people everywhere," he said.In his address, His Holiness the DalaiLama clarified that science and

Buddhism do not contradict each other,as both are underpinned by a commonprinciple of in-depth inquiry andanalysis.His Holiness spoke on how science andBuddhism can work together to bringabout inner peace and happiness in theworld. "Wisdom alone is not sufficientto bring about mental peace, it shouldbe generated by studying and trainingthe mind," he said."The Tibetan Buddhism, aquintessential part of the Nalandatradition, is the most profound andcomprehensive tradition to study themind. It can make a remarkablecontribution to the scientists. It is theprecious gem of the whole world," HisHoliness said.Emphasising the need to expand thepropagation of Buddhist science andinteraction with modern science, HisHoliness called for greater efforts togenerate more proficient scienceteachers and reference materials withinthe Tibetan community.Thanking the scientists, His Holinesssaid: "You all have helped immensely in

promoting knowledge in modernscience and closer contact withBuddhist science. It is part of yourcontribution towards promoting innervalues like compassion andwarmheartedness, which are the seedsof inner strength and it is universal. Allthe major religious traditions preachthese values."Dr Bryce E Johnson, Project Managerof Science for Monks and Staff Scientistat the Exploratorium, said: "For over 10years, Science for Monks has broughtscience to select groups of scholarlyTibetan Buddhist monastics anddeveloped science leadership within themonastic community. The conferenceand the workshops will position a newcadre of monastics to support and growthe dialogue between Buddhism andmodern science."During the course of the conference,the participants will discuss a range ofsubjects such as the nature of mind andconsciousness, life and consciousnessin the universe, limits of knowledge andknowing, mind, awareness, andbehaviour, and serving humanity. Theywill discuss how best to advanceinvestigations at the intersection ofscience and spirituality.Consonant with Holiness the DalaiLama's vision, the Library of TibetanWorks and Archives has made a historicstride in introducing science educationto the Tibetan Buddhist monasticlearning centers in the last one decade.Since 2001, it has established Sciencefor Monks programme and MonasticGraduates Project through innovativepartnerships with the Sager ScienceLeadership Institute, the EmoryUniversity, Exploratorium, and JohnTempleton Foundation.Over the years, Western scientists havetaught more than 220 monks and nunsabout physics, quantum mechanics,cosmology, biology, neuroscience, andmathematics, all with a strong emphasison scientific inquiry."Teaching the monastic graduatesscience, empowers them to betterarticulate points of relevance betweenand across traditions. Further, we havefound that experiences rich in inquiryefficiently break down misconceptions,best represent the spirit of scientificprocess and provide a rich context fordialogue," Geshe Lhakdor said.

US Boosts Tibet Outreach with NewVPP Lhasa Website

By Rajeshwari K,, The Tibet Post

Dharamsala, India: - The AmericanConsulate announced the launch of anew website for the Virtual Presence Post(VPP) in Lhasa, Tibet, earlier this month.The US Consular General in Chengdusaid that the Lhasa VPP will focus onplanning and promoting outreach eventsin Lhasa, providing American CitizenServices to U.S. citizens in Lhasa, andhighlighting areas of cooperationbetween the United States and thepeople of Lhasa.The website which can be viewed inTibetan, English and Mandarin seeks toembrace a shared future and enhance

cooperation between those living inLhasa and the people of United Statesof America.The US House of Representatives hadpassed a bill to set up a US consulate inTibet and to create a ‘Tibet Section,' atthe US embassy in Beijing in 2009 but itdid not materialize any time soon.This VPP comes as pleasant news afterthe US House Foreign Affairs Committeein July had taken up a stand denyingpermissions for additional Chineseconsulates in America until China agreedto the setting up of a US consulate inLhasa, Tibet.

WHAT ARE VPPS?VPPs are a relatively new diplomaticapproach aimed at broadening USengagement with key cities, communities,regions, and countries where there areno American embassies or consulatebuildings.VPPs provide a low but formal level ofdiplomatic engagement, with officialsfrom nearby embassies or consulatesregularly traveling to the place, holdingpublic outreach programs and mediaevents, thereby creating a virtualpresence capable of directly interactingwith the local population.