TIBETAN BulletiN The Official Journal of the Central Tibetan Administration Volume 24 - Issue 4 JULY- AUGUST 2020 Focus

15th completes 4 years in office: Exclusive Interview

News from and Exile

Historic milestone: 19 students to receive the prestigious Scholarship this year

Feature

His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai ’s benevolence towards will never be forgotten; This year is dedicated to him: Sikyong on Kundun’s 85th Birthday celebration

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Birthday messages for His Holiness the ’s 85th birthday

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Focus 16 15th Kashag Completes Four Years in Office: TIBETAN Exclusive interview with Chorig Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok BulletiN Tibetan Bulletin is an official bi-monthly 19 15th Kashag Completes Four Years in Office: Exclusive journal of the Central Tibetan interview with Home Kalon Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang Administration.

22 15th Kashag Completes Four Years in Office: Exclusive interview with Finance Kalon Karma Yeshi

24 Free Nations vs Communist China: Prospects and Challenges for Tibet

26 Bringing change to China: an opportunity for governments to course correct on Tibet Signed articles or quotations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Central 27 UK should mirror US’ Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, sanction Tibetan Administration. Chinese officials meddling in the Dalai Lama’s succession: Former UK Minister Contributions are welcome and may be addressed to the editor, Tibetan Bulletin. However the publisher regrets its inability 28 Challenge posed by China is serious; Either we transform China or to return unused articles unless they are China transforms us: Sikyong Dr Sangay at CACN China hearing accompanied by a self-addressed envelope with adequate postage.

Tibetan Bulletin is distributed free of charge. To subscribe please email the circulation manager or see back cover. Feature Editor 33 His Holiness the Great ’s benevolence towards Tenzin Saldon Tibetan people will never be forgotten; This year is dedicated to Email: [email protected] him: Sikyong on Kundun’s 85th Birthday celebration Asst. Editor 35 Former Indian Foreign Secretary says His Holiness the Tenzin Phende Dalai Lama should receive the Bharat Ratna Layout & Design 36 US Ambassador to India greets His Holiness the Tenzin Phende Dalai Lama on 85th Birthday Circulation Manager 37 BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav’s birthday Norbu Wangdue message for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 85th birthday Email: [email protected] Tibetan Bulletin is published by: Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, - 176 215 H.P. India Tel: +91-1892-222510 / 222457

Vol. 24, Issue 4 Regulars JULY - AUGUST 2020 News From Tibet & Exile ...... 3 Contact ...... 31 Quotes ...... 32 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE Access to the TAR and other Tibetan areas did not improve in 2019: US State Department The Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, US Department of State has submitted its second annual report to Congress under Section 4 of the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act. The report analyses the level of access Chinese authorities granted to U.S. diplomats and officials, journalists, and tourists to Tibetan areas in China; a comparison with the level of access granted to other areas of China; a comparison between the levels of access to Tibetan and non-Tibetan areas in relevant provinces; a comparison of the level of access compared to the previous reporting year; and a description of the required permits and other measures that impede travel in Tibetan areas. Access to the TAR and other Tibetan areas did not improve in 2019: US State Department received permission through the TAR Any attempts to speak with locals in The report mentioned about Chinese Foreign Affairs Office (FAQ) to travel TAR and in Tibetan areas of Sichuan government’s systematic impediment to the TAR, FAQ and security personnel province were quickly broken up by of travel to the Tibetan Autonomous tightly chaperoned their trips. security officials. Region (TAR) and Tibetan areas outside The report details various instances the TAR for U.S. diplomats and officials, where the diplomats travelling in the The report also mentioned Foreign journalists, and tourists in 2019. The Tibetan areas of Kardze (Ch: Ganzi) and Correspondent’s Club of China’s 2019 report also mentioned that the approval Ngaba (Ch: Aba) Tibetan Autonomous annual report which stated that only for tourist travel to the TAR was easier to Prefectures (TAPs) were routinely nine international journalists applied get but often restricted during sensitive stopped and questioned by security for permission to visit Tibetan areas in dates. officials. Unlike 2017 and 2018, security 2019. The 2018 report noted only seven officials did not physically detain international journalists applied for The report highlights that the travel to diplomats. permission. Tibetan areas outside of the TAR did not require a permit. However, requests to Access to the Tibetan population of While responding to the report, Karma meet with government, religious, and the PRC did not improve in 2019 Choeying, Secretary of Department of civil society leaders in these areas were compared to 2018. While there was a Information and International Relations, routinely denied. slight increase in the total number of CTA, remarked, “It is apparent from the visits to the TAR, official chaperones report that the TAR and other Tibetan TAR continued to be the only area of and security personnel prevented U.S. areas are still off limits for foreign China for which the Chinese government diplomats from fully engaging with visitors. As a result, Tibetans continue required diplomats and other foreign Tibetan residents. to suffer under Chinese rule in complete officials to request permission to visit isolation. The world must pay serious and purchase of air and train tickets to The report also brought the instance attention to the plight of the Tibetan the TAR is not possible without official where several Tibetan invitees to lunch people who have endured Chinese approval. In 2019, out of ten official hosted by the U.S. consul general in repression for more than sixty years requests from the U.S. diplomatic Chengdu were stopped by security now.” mission in China to visit TAR, five officials and prevented from attending. were denied. When U.S. diplomats

JULY - AUGUST 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 3 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE

five years prison term sentence for the Choedhen) of Drepung Monastery, Tibetan monk dies subversion of state and an additional two Deyang house, Samdup was sentenced years for leaking state secrets. to three years in prison for staging a after two years of ill- peaceful protest with 15 other monks on health due to brutal In the year 2010, Khando Tsetan took May 12, 1992, in . After he served part in a Tibetan students protest in his initial three years, he was again torture in Chinese Rebgong calling for language rights imprisoned for another four years for prison after which he spent one and half years unknown reasons. in detention and later was released in the year 2014. However, he continues with Samdup suffered from diabetes and was his spirit and in 2019, he composed a admitted into Lhasa Public Hospital song in praise of H.H. the Dalai Lama. early this year. On February 17, 2020, at 3:15 am, he passed away at the young Khando Tsetan and Tsego are from age of fifty. He is the fourth known Tsekhog (Ch: Zeku) County, Malho former political prisoner who passed (Ch: Huangnam) Tibetan Autonomous away in Tibet this year. Prefecture in Qinghai Province. Tibetan political prisoners are routinely This is not a new case but a common one. tortured and denied proper medical care Over the years, there are several cases in when held in Chinese prisons. For this which Chinese authorities have detained reason, underlying health conditions and sentenced Tibetans who have sung are exacerbated and many prisoners songs in praise of His Holiness the suffer long-term consequences just like Dalai Lama. This is a recurring pattern Samdup. of Tibetan singers, artists, and writers receiving lengthy prison sentences in Tibetans Urge UN Khando Tsetan with his child. Photo courtesy of Tibet. Tibet Times on A-nya Sengdra Two Tibetans named Khando Tsetan and and Against Triad of Tsego were sentenced to seven years and Former Tibetan three years in prison respectively by a Collusion by Chinese political prisoner, Chinese court in north-eastern Tibet in Authorities, Police early July this year. Samdup, passes away and Judiciary on Land The duo was sentenced under the at the age of 50 in Grabs false charges of “state subversion” Tibet and “leaking state secrets” after they During the 44th session of the UN composed, sang, and circulated a song in Human Rights Council (UNHRC), praise of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Tibetans urged the UN to raise voice against the triad of collusion by the According to Tibet Times, a Tibetan Chinese state authorities, Chinese police language media, the lyricist Khando and Chinese judiciary to permit and Tsetan, and the singer Tsego, and an enable misappropriation of Tibetans’ unnamed Tibetan woman were detained lands for Belt and Road Initiative and in 2019 after a song in praise of H.H. the such other so-called “developmental Dalai Lama circulated on Chinese social projects” and appealed the UNHRC and media. Samdup, a former Tibetan political prisoner dies at the age of 50 in Tibet. He is the fourth known Member States to press China to release former political prisoner in Tibet to have died this A-nya Sengdra and other Tibetan human The song was written by Khando Tsetan year. rights defenders. and sung by Tsego. It was later posted by The UN, EU & Human Rights Desk, the unnamed Tibetan woman on social Delivering the oral statement, CTA’s DIIR has learned about the sad news of media. UN, EU & Human Rights Desk, Special Appointee for Human Rights the demise of a former Tibetan political DIIR has not yet been able to verify this Ms. Thinlay Chukki at Tibet Bureau prisoner, Samdup from Changra news from Tibet. Geneva welcomed the report titled township, Phenpo county in Tibetan “Connecting the business and human Autonomous Region. According to the Tibet Times, Khando rights and the anticorruption agendas” Tsetan’s sentence is a total of seven by the UN Working Group on the years. The Chinese court handed down A former monk, (monk name: Thinley 4 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2020 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE issue of human rights and transnational voice against this collusion” of Chinese 10th session of 16th corporations and other business authorities, Chinese police and Chinese enterprises. The report outlines various judiciary against the Tibetans in Tibet. Tibetan Parliament nexus of corruption amongst police, She once again reiterated the calls by judiciary and state authorities including the Tibetans for “a special session on postponed till March on the land misappropriation. the deeply entrenched systemic human 2021 rights violations being carried out in China and for a special rapporteur on Among the extensive list of China to monitor, analyze and report on unprecedented chaos and loss of lives human rights violations being carried suffered globally, the spread of the out in China including against Tibetans, Wuhan-originated COVID-19 has Hong Kongers and Uighurs.” also caused disruptions and delay in the functions and proceedings of The Canada- governments and administrations worldwide. CTA’s Special Appointee for Human Rights at Ti- China committee bet Bureau Geneva, Ms. Thinlay Chukki delivering A month ahead of the 10th session of the the oral statement at the ongoing 44th session of unanimously passes the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, the a motion supporting Speaker and Deputy Speaker announced Drawing the attention of the UNHRC that the session is postponed until March to the similar issues faced by Tibetans Sino-Tibetan dialogue 2021. under the Chinese rule, Thinlay Chukki The Special Committee on Canada- noted that “Chinese authorities forcefully China Relations unanimously passed a “This decision has been taken grab the lands and when opposed by the motion calling for Canada’s support to considering the rising urgency situation Tibetans, the Chinese police detains and the dialogue between the representatives across the world caused by COVID-19 tortures them and the Chinese courts of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and which originated in Wuhan, China,” said sentence them under false charges of Central Tibetan Administration, and Speaker Pema Jungjey addressing the ‘separatism’. the government of People’s Republic of press here at Dharamshala. China. Just last year Nangchen County People’s Court sentenced 21 Tibetans and before The motion was originally introduced that nine Tibetans were sentenced for by MP Garnett Genuis on August 6th raising their voice against China.” during the testimony of Tibetan political She further noted that many “Tibetans leader Dr. . The special especially Tibetan nomads are being committee voted to adjourn the motion. forcefully displaced from their pastural During the adjournment period, Tibet lands and their lands are being forcefully groups and associations in Canada, led acquired by the Chinese authorities for Speaker Pema Jungney (centre) and Deputy by Canada Tibet Committee and Office Speaker Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok (left) and Belt and Road Initiative and such other of Tibet, Washington DC lobbied for all- Parliamentary Secretary Tsewang Ngodhup during so-called ‘developmental projects.’” party support to the motion. the press conference concerning the postponement of 10th session of the 16th Tibetan Parliament. Photo/TPiE Referring to the case of A-nya Sengdra, This unanimous approval of the she noted that his case is “the classic motion marks a significant step for the “We were bound to take this decision as example for this triad of collusion of international community to put more we have to take responsibility especially Chinese police, Chinese authorities and pressure on China to resume the Sino- when His Holiness the Dalai Lama Chinese judiciary.” Tibetan dialogue which has been stalled resides here in Dharamsala. And even if since 2010. the session is held supposedly, because A-nya Sengdra, a Tibetan nomad had of the current international travel ban raised voice against the illegal land The motion will be brought to House of Tibetan Parliamentarians from outside grabs by the Chinese authorities. He Commons in September. of India will not be able to attend the was detained, tortured and sentenced to session and Tibetan Parliamentarians in seven years in prison last year. Despite The Committee was appointed to India too might find it difficult to travel the joint calls by 12 Special Rapporteurs conduct hearings to examine and with the ongoing pandemic,” he added. for his release, his appeal was rejected review all aspects of the Canada-China by the Chinese court. relationship, including, but not limited Although the September session shall not to consular, economic, legal, security be convened, matters and proceedings Ms. Thinlay called upon the UN and and diplomatic relations. related to the Tibetan Parliament-in- said: “it is high-time that the UN raises Exile are slated to be executed without

JULY - AUGUST 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 5 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE any negligence. performing exceedingly well every year Historic milestone: 19 since and most importantly, both the As such, the annual reports of the CTA’s students and parents participating fully main offices and of its institutions for the students to receive the in improving the educational outcomes. fiscal year 2019-2020 is being reviewed prestigious Sikyong by the members of the Standing Of the 19 distinguished students, 14 are Committee. Accordingly, questions Scholarship this year from Tibetan Homes School, Mussoorie, raised on the annual reports by the 2 from Sambhota Tibetan School, The wait is finally over. Central Board of Standing Committee will be submitted Mundgod, 1 each from TCV Selakui, Secondary Education, Delhi has declared to the respective departments through TCV Suja and CST Herbertpur. the results for class XII examinations the Kashag Secretariat. (AISSCE) 2020 on its official website- From the 16 Tibetan schools in India, a cbseresults.nic.in. All the departments are required to total number of 1016 students appeared submit, via email, their précis annual in the examination held in March 2020, For the first time since the inception of reports and clarification to the questions out of whom 998 cleared the exam with the prestigious Sikyong Scholarship in raised by the Standing Committee a pass percentage of 98.23 bettering last 2013, the number of students to receive in PDF format to the Parliamentary year’s result by 1.23 %. As per CBSE, the award has soared to 19—setting an Secretariat before 20 September 2020. the overall pass percentage of all the all-time record for the most number of schools in India is 88.78 %. Tibetan students to score 95 percent and Following which, the Parliamentarians’ above ever in history. questions on the précis reports should be submitted to the Parliamentary Class 10 and 12 students Secretariat before 15 October. record best-ever results

The questions shall then be submitted to in CBSE 2020: Stellar the Kashag Secretariat, from where the performance by THS clarifications by the Administration are to be submitted back to the Parliamentary Rajpur and Mussoorie Secretariat before 31 October. Students passing class 10 and 12 this All the questions raised and the year has set the benchmark at an all-time clarifications provided for the annual high in the CBSE board exams. With and its précis reports of the CTA’s main Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay during a visit to TCV the record number of students to score departmental offices and institutions Selakui. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/CTA above 90 and 95 percent to zero fail will be digitally available on the official percentage, this year’s results has blazed Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay hailed website of the Tibetan Parliament-in- a new chapter of academic prowess and the commendable feat as a “historic Exile (tibetanparliament.org) for the excellence in Tibetan school system. milestone” and congratulated all information of the general public. involved in this significant achievement. Addressing a press conference, Sikyong The move to postpone the upcoming Dr Lobsang Sangay said the results “I would like to congratulate the students session was effected at the 327th are testament to the hard work of the on this outstanding achievement an Standing Committee meeting on 13 students, teachers and parents as well as I also congratulate and commend August 2020, in due accordance with to the vision of the 14th and 15th Kashag the dedicated teachers and staff of Article 6 and clause 2 of Article 49 of of education first. the Department of Education who the Charter of Tibetans in exile. have worked very hard to support the Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay who’s students,” Sikyong said. previously held the portfolio of Education Kalon said education has He added that under the 14th and assumed the topmost priority under his 15th Kashag, education has assumed leadership in both 14th and 15th Kashag. the topmost priority among the other In this pursuit, significant interventions undertakings and this year’s historic were made in the successive years in result has surpassed the initial scepticism school infrastructure including the expressed by a few when the Sikyong complete transfer of schools under Scholarship Award was first introduced. Sambhota (STSS) administration, new It has further proven that the level of For detailed news visit: and ambitious scholarship programs education is improving with students such as the Sikyong Scholarship and www.tibet.net

6 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2020 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE

Excellence award for class 10 and 12 principals, teachers, staff who support and implementation of policies enabling the students on a daily basis, each has Chorig dept begins 12th greater involvement of parents in a significant role in influencing student student performances and parent-teacher performances,” Kalon said. week of prayer service trainings. for those affected by “I congratulate all the students, members “With the Tibetan school transfer project, of our schools and staff of DOE on this COVID-19 the leadership of the 15th Kashag and collective achievement. With this new Shining a light of hope and healing in successive Kashag had envisioned a benchmark, the future of our upcoming the midst of extraordinary disruption new beginning in the advancement of students surely looks promising.” and anxiety wreaked by the coronavirus Tibetan education. Today is a historic pandemic, CTA’s Department of Religion day for we witness that vision turn into A total of 1154 students appeared in and Culture has been dedicating prayers reality,” Sikyong said. the AISSE held in March 2020 from for all those affected by the Wuhan- 27 Tibetan schools in India, of which originated disease, especially the 1081 students cleared the exam with an COVID patients, frontliners, bereaved overall pass percentage of 93.67. families and millions around the world who are struggling with all sorts of The result this year according to physical and mental challenges due to the Education Department of the the coronavirus. Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has bettered both qualitatively and This prayer initiative which the quantitatively. 12 schools have secured department has been leading every day pass percentage of 100 and 19 students for more than two months now is aimed He congratulated the dynamic leadership have scored 90 percent and above. towards supporting the families of the of Kalon Dr Pema Yangchen and staff of deceased in observing prayer rituals Department of Education and thanked The overall average percentage has according to the Tibetan Buddhist the principals, staff and teachers whose increased by 1.04 percent whereas the tradition and to provide spiritual resourcefulness and collective efforts pass percentage has increased by 1.36 strength and resolution to those sick and have brought the unprecedented laurels percent against last year’s. vulnerable so that they may overcome or to the Tibetan education system. be able to cope with the impacts of the The top 10 Tibetan schools that pandemic. Sikyong also congratulated the Tibetan outperformed the rest are Tibetan Home Homes School, Mussoorie and THF School, Rajpur, Sambhota Tibetan On Friday the Chorig department began Rajpur on its stellar performances in School Sonada, Sambhota Tibetan its 12th week of prayer service at both class 10 and 12 results. Securing School Chandragiri, Sambhota Tibetan Kalachakra Meditation Institute in the highest average percentage of School Mudgod, Sambhota Tibetan Dharamsala. The prayers on a weekly 71.39 precent with 100 percent pass School Chauntra, Central School for basis were also previously held at percentage, THF Rajpur has topped all Tibetan Kalimpong, Tibetan Home Nechung Monastery, Kirti Monastery, the other 26 Tibetan schools in class School Mussorie, STS CVP Bylakuppe, Namgyal Monastery, Gaden Choeling 10 results. The THF Mussoorie has and TNMF Clementown. Nunnery, Institute of Buddhist Dialectic, scaled even greater height with 14 of its Shugseb Ugenzong Nunnery, Gyutoe students scoring over 95 percent. Sambhota Tibetan Schools’ performance Monastery, Dolmaling Nunnery, Gadong stands out this year as 6 of the 10 top- Sercheling Monastery, Dip Tsechokling Kalon Dr Pema Yanchen who also performing schools are Sambhota Monastery, Lhundup Chemey Gatseling spoke at the press event attributed the Schools. Normally, Class 12 students and currently at Jonang Kalachakra success to the teamwork of teachers, from Tibetan schools receive the Meditation Institute. students and parents under the guidance Department of Education’s sponsored and leadership of the Department coaching whereas the students of class So far there have been 62 individual of Education as well as the school X do not get specific coaching. Given requests, mostly from Tibetans based administrators and principals over the appropriate coaching, no doubt the abroad and healthcare workers from years. students could achieve more than 95 COVID hotspots including Delhi. percent. “Today’s result attests to the fact that For those who wish to send prayer each one of us can make a difference. All requests may contact the department at of us at the Education department who’s For detailed news visit: [email protected] or on WhatsApp at been leading various initiatives and www.tibet.net (+91) 9805472150. programs as well as the school directors,

JULY - AUGUST 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 7 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE

Speaking at a press briefing last week, The Department also issued a public (IBC), New Delhi on his initiative aad Additional Secretary Dhondul Dorjee appeal for prayers on 23 March. On expressed his support and appreciation of the Chorig department spoke on 30 March, it also issued a new circular to IBC head office for dedicating the spiritual resources that the Religion and regarding Tensung prayers. (Read the event as Global Prayer Week to pray for Culture department has made available circular here) the victims of COVID-19 and to honour for the Tibetan Buddhist community the medical professionals and security worldwide. Several COVID-19 preventive personnel in the frontline of global fight- guidelines were issued to Tibetan back against the pandemic. The first concerns on how to tackle monasteries in collaboration with the the destructive effects of the pandemic Department of Health and through On the auspicious occasion of the Saka through the Tibetan traditional practice Settlement Officers on 6 March. From Dawa, the Chorig department issued of dedicating the Ngoesang prayer as early as 30 January, the Religion and an appeal to the public to pray for the regarding which the department issued Culture department had issued a public long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama an urgent circular on 1 April. (Read here) appeal for the Tibetan monasteries and to accumulate positive karma in and public to observe select prayers order to enhance the collective merit Subsequently, on 2 April, the department prescribed by the Office of His Holiness for the Tibetan cause. Especially, amidst issued follow up circular after seeking the Dalai Lama. (Read the circular here) the COVID-19 afflicted world, the the blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Acting upon the Kashag’s directives department urged the people to pray for Lama and the heads of various Buddhist issued on 17 March on restricting a speedy resolution to the pandemic. traditions, urging the public to observe gathering for up to 1 month and all (Read the circular here) the Noesang and Riwosangchoe prayers returnees to undergo 14 days quarantine, and the initiative has successfully the department, as a precautionary Meanwhile, during the early lockdown progressed with public participation. measure, sent forms enquiring in period, the Chorig Department in (Read the circular here) detail about the measures taken by collaboration with the Department of the respective monasteries to curb the Information and International Relations On 28 April, the department issued spread of the disease and other necessary (DIIR) organised weekly Wednesday a circular for all the 281 monasteries practices. programme through which many under its administration to observe Buddhist scholars shared the Buddhist prayer ceremonies dedicated for the On 6 May, the Department of Religion teachings and wisdom on coping with Tibetans especially the deceased and and Culture, CTA, through a special the pandemic. for a speedy, global resolution to the circular, called on all Tibetan monastic COVID-19 crisis. and religious centres around the world In view of the pandemic growing to join the Virtual Vesak Celebration and unabatedly without a cure yet discovered, In its circular dated 1 May, the Global Prayer Week organised by the the Department issued its latest circular department as per the directives of International Buddhist Confederation on 7 July, appealing Tibetan monasteries the Kashag announced daily prayer based in Delhi. (Read the circular and public alike to continue observing initiative for those who died as well as here) The virtual celebration of Vesak the prayers until the pandemic subsides. those battling with the COVID disease. – Buddha Poornima on 7 May was (Read the circular here) And since dedicated to a speedy resolution to the As of today, there are at least 16.1 May 8, prayer sessions have been held COVID-19 crisis. million people worldwide infected with daily by the Department of Religion COVID-19, while the global death toll and Culture beginning with Nechung The Kalon for Religion and Culture, has surpassed 600,000 and continues to Monastery. The full expenditure of the Ven. Karma Gelek Yuthok also rise. prayer services is being borne by the congratulated the Secretary-General of CTA. the International Buddhist Confederation

For more details visit: www.tibet.net

8 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2020 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE

Tibetan Geshe in rare post death meditative state sparks new research in Thukdam The staff of the Office of Tibet revisited the body on the 5th day to determine signs of decay and decomposition. Similarly, it was examined by medical professionals who expressed their complete astonishment at the phenomenon, and the account of which was subsequently apprised to the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

A picture of Geshe Jampa Gyatso in life. Photo/ Secretary Tsegyam who relayed His OOT, Taiwan Holiness’ instruction on the matter Geshe Jampa Gyatso, a Tibetan Buddhist advised that a detailed report of the scholar and former political prisoner has observation of the medical professional entered rare spiritual meditative state of The vital statistics are examined for noticeable and a scientist’s if possible be conducted differences. Photo/OOT, Taiwan thukdam after being declared clinically for research purposes. dead on 14 July, according to Office the description provided by His Holiness of Tibet, Taiwan. Geshe Gyatso was a during the dialogue. spiritual guide at OOT, Taiwan. On examination, it revealed the level Thukdam (Tib: ) is a Buddhist of oxygen of the body to be at 86, quite phenomenon in which realised master’s close to a living human. Additionally, consciousness remainsཐུགས་དམ་ in the body the suppleness of the skin, the apparently despite its physical death. Though they undecomposed state of the internal are declared clinically dead, their bodies organs, the facial glow and warmth show no signs of decay and are found to was noted under close examination. It remain fresh for days or weeks without Neural activity is examined by scientists. Photo/ was supplemented by an examination preservation. Scientific inquiry into this OOT, Taiwan of the neural activity of the brain of phenomena has begun a few years ago the deceased on 28 July and 1 August under the initiative of His Holiness the Accordingly, Geshe’s students by Taiwan University’s Psychology Dalai Lama. approached Taiwan’s research centre, Professor and his assistants who noted Academia Sinica which in turn significant activity. After his clinical death on July 14, requested a scientific examination of the mortal remains of Geshe Gyatso the meditating monk. In this regard, the Similarly, Office of His Holiness was returned to his funeral home. His Gaden Phodrang Office via Secretary the Dalai Lama directed Dr Tseten close friend, Geshe Norbu of Sera Jey Tsegyam advised that conducting the Dorje of Delek hospital to guide the Monastery who had arrived for the prayer examinations would be of benefit to physicist, which was coordinated with services held on the first and second day the ongoing research on thukdam and the photographic documentation of the observed that his body emitted no signs Buddha dharma in general. gradual changes in the body which were of death in hue or odour, and assessed On 24 July, the physicist and his shared with Dr Tsetan Dorje and his that the deceased had entered the state assistants from Taiwan’s research centre, guidance was followed through by the of thukdam. Academia Sinica arrived and conducted assistant. the first scientific examination on the On the third day, President Abbot Jigme monk. According to astrological reading, the Namgyal of the International Tibetan body was cremated on 21 August. Buddhist Centre had seconded the Physicist Prof Ting-kuo Lee had observation. previously participated in a 2018 The observations of the scientists, dialogue conducted between His professors, medical professionals along At the time, Taiwan was in the midst Holiness and Chinese scientists on with the photo and video documentation, of peak summer, yet nothing could be effects of Quantum Physics held in accounts of caretaker and students on the detected from an observation of the Dharamsala. Professor Lee expressed his Geshe’s 28 days of thukdam will also be mortal remains. bewilderment and noted its similarity to submitted to the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

JULY - AUGUST 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 9 DOCUMENTATION Statement of the Kashag on the 85th Birthday of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet even in the face of grave persecution, has always reached for a peaceful solution.

His Holiness’ legacy of humanity, peace and compassion has already transformed the world. His Holiness was one of the earliest advocates for environmental protection and sustainability. In recognition of his contribution, His Holiness was awarded the United Nation Earth Prize in 1991. He continues to steer the world towards a more peaceful co-existence embracing all peoples and the environment with initiatives such as advocating the education of the heart in the modern curriculum, advancing the value of mindfulness in the territory of modern science, promoting religious CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay delivering the statement of the Kashag on the 85th Birthday of His harmony and facilitating interfaith Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. Photo/Tenzin Phende/CTA dialogues. Today we celebrate the 85th birthday of Holiness. His Holiness has softened the His Holiness the Great Fourteenth Dalai blunt break in our lives and has helped His Holiness’ contribution has been Lama, Jetsun Jampel Ngawang Lobsang reshape our suffering into something marked by the highest of honors Yeshi Tenzin Gyatso. The Kashag and that can contain hope. Tibetans exist as including the US Congressional Gold the Tibetan people, those inside Tibet and proud Tibetans even under conditions of Medal and the Templeton Prize. In those in exile pay our heartfelt greetings continued dispossession because of His February this year, His Holiness was to His Holiness, the most revered leader Holiness. voted as the world’s most spiritually of Tibet, the world’s leading spokesman influential person of the year 2020 in for peace, the epitome of Buddha’s Today, many around the world view the Watkins list of ‘100 Most Spiritually wisdom and unconditional compassion. Tibetans as the most successful Influential Living People.’ refugee community with schools, His Holiness often describes himself refugee settlements, monasteries and a The world might see His Holiness as an ‘ordinary monk.’ For Tibetans, democratic polity capable of representing as a human being who has achieved His Holiness is the glorious sun. He is and uniting all Tibetans. Like a parent greatness but for Tibetans, His Holiness a rare and unequaled leader who has with unconditional compassion, His is the manifestation of the Buddha been shouldering a nation and its people Holiness had made supreme sacrifices of Compassion. His Holiness has from the time he was sixteen years old. to nurture us. His untiring effort and singlehandedly anchored Tibetans who His Holiness is the peerless teacher who farsightedness has saved Tibet from had lost their homeland, their homes and has been guiding Tibetans through every becoming a mere footnote in the story of their loved ones. hardship, both personal and national. lost and forgotten nations. How shall we celebrate the life and In March 1959, His Holiness had to His Holiness made the liberation for legacy of such an eminent leader? leave his homeland as a final resort to Tibet visible to the world. The 1989 seek freedom for his people. From the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai first day he stepped into a life in exile, to him in recognition of his long Lama’s benevolence towards the His Holiness has worked to protect his advocacy of peaceful solutions based Tibetan people will never be forgotten. people, lead a political movement, and upon mutual respect and tolerance as This year is dedicated to him. During preserve the unique cultural identity of a solution of international conflicts, this “Year of Gratitude” we will express Tibet. global environmental problems and our deep gratitude to His Holiness. We human rights issues. Tibetans rejoiced urge Tibetans and our friends around the When Tibetans look at our recent past, with joy and pride when His Holiness globe to initiate and take part in activities we remember our great loss but this loss received the award. Our hearts were in their capacities to create awareness has been bearable, indeed it contains transported knowing that the world had about the life and four commitments of possibility for a future because of His acknowledged the uncommon ruler who, His Holiness.

10 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2020 DOCUMENTATION

The world today is going through a of humanity, and for kindness and and legacies and pray that His Holiness traumatic experience, around the globe, compassion to be the guiding values of will live for eons and that all His wishes more than half a million people have everyday life. be fulfilled. We pray for the day when lost their lives due to the pandemic. Tibetans in Tibet will get to seek His Taking this opportunity, we offer our Taking this opportunity we thank each Holiness’ blessing and teaching from his prayers and solidarity to all the nations and every individual, organization, and seat in the in the Land of and individuals affected by COVID-19. government who has supported the Snow. May His Holiness’ light continue As the number of cases surge in India, initiatives of His Holiness and joined us to shine upon us. we urge the public to take the necessary in the just cause of Tibet. precautions to keep one another safe. In these uncertain times, His Holiness’ Tibetans acknowledge with deep The Kashag virtual teachings offer solace, hope, gratitude the debt we owe to His and blessing for thousands around the Holiness, the greatest of all the Dalai 6th July 2020 globe. His teachings call for oneness . We proudly celebrate His life

Obituary: Ama Adhe, Tibet’s heroic woman passes away and Mother Sonam Dolma in 1932. pardoned the political prisoners. During She was a devout Buddhist from a very her incarceration, she suffered torture young age. In an old interview, she and forced labour. She was released in described her feeling of terror upon 1985. seeing the Chinese for the first time and recounted how the Chinese tried to lure children with silver coins and their pretence to help Tibetans. Ama Adhe and her husband planned an escape to Lhasa, but her husband was poisoned by the Chinese before they could leave.

Ama Adhe then inspired other women to help the Tibetan men who fought Ama Adhe, former Tibetan political prisoner against the Chinese by supplying food passes away (1932 -2020) and provisions to them. The rebellion was crushed some of the women and Adhe Tapontsang known affectionately many men and monks were arrested. as Ama Adhe, who was one of the longest- Some of the stronger ones like Ama serving Tibetan political prisoners Adhe were taken away to a prison in Ama Adhe passed away aged 88. Photo/ passed away here at Dharamshala this Changshita, China. Only four out of the Department of Security morning. She was 88. 300 women in that prison survived the ordeal of starvation there. In 1954, when Throughout her life in exile, she Born in 1932, Ama Adhe spent 27 years Ama Adhe’s first child was one year old, actively told the stories of life under in a Chinese prison for taking part in the and she was pregnant with the second, Chinese occupation and of thousands Tibetan resistance against the Chinese her husband died of poisoning right in of Tibetan prisoners who died under occupation in the late 1950s. Inspired front of her. Chinese oppression. She fled to India by her indomitable spirit and valour in 1987 and made McLeod Ganj, exile with which she fought for the freedom She then joined the Tibetan resistance seat of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan and dignity of her people, Ama Adhe of the Khampas to fight the Chinese administration, her home. In 1997, she became known worldwide as a symbol invasion that began in 1950. In 1958, released a book titled “Ama Adhe: The of Tibetan resistance, courage, and she was arrested and separated from her Voice that Remembers: The Heroic patriotism. two young children. Ama Adhe was one Story of a Woman’s Fight to Free Tibet”, of the Tibetans who served the longest depicting the harrowing conditions of Ama Adhe was born in Nyarong in prison terms, which was 27 years her incarceration. Province to father Dorjee Rabten and ended only when Deng Xiaoping

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Statement of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on the occasion of official celebration marking the 85th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Today, the 16th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan Royal Year 2147, falling in the 17th sexantry of the Tibetan Royal Year calendar system, which corresponds to the 6th day of July, is an especially important day of great auspiciousness. It marks the day on which His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama, the protector and refuge, bar none, of all sentient beings that include the Gods in the heavens; the master of the corpus of all the Buddhist learning on this earth; the destined deity of all sentient beings of the Snowland of Tibet; the miracle emanation in human form of the most exalted lotus-holding Bodhisattva who exemplifies the greatness of a Buddhist monk persevering in steadfast Honourable Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Pema Jungney delivering the statement of the Tibetan observance of all his vows as such; Parliament-in-Exile on the occasion of official celebration marking the 85th birthday of His Holiness the the one who bears great affection for Dalai Lama. Photo/Tenzin Phende/CTA all sentient beings irrespective of the defies description or enumeration. Potala that was located in the Lhasa city. absence of any prior acquaintance with Nevertheless, seizing this moment as an Enthroned thus, His Holiness fluttered them; a great champion of world peace; opportunity for accumulating a share of the banner of auspiciousness in all and the unsurpassable leader and guiding merits, let me present a gist of these with directions while immersing himself in light of all subjects of Tibet whose full greatest of brevity here. His Holiness the study of the career biographies of the name, for the sake of formality, is Jetsun the 14th Dalai Lama was born on the great spiritual beings of the past. Along Jampal Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin 5th day of the 5th Tibetan month of with it, His Holiness, brushing aside all Gyatso Sisum Wanggyur Tsungpa the Wood-Hog Year in the 16th Tibetan difficulties that came his way, completed Mepey-de Pel-Sangpo; and the spiritual Royal Sexantry, which corresponded his study of the corpus of the Buddhist lord of the three realms attains the age to the 6th day of July in the universal texts both general and specials. It all of 86 by Tibetan tradition, and 85 by year 1935, in Tagtser Village of Domey culminated in His Holiness the Dalai the universal calendar system. On this Kumbum, a territorial jurisdiction of the Lama appearing for his public dialectic day of perfect bliss, we, on behalf of Tibetan nation at that time, to parents debates at all the three great monastic all Tibetans in Tibet and in exile, offer with excellence of ancestry. The birth seats of learning as well as at the Great greetings with unshakable devotion of was accompanied by the appearances of Prayer Festival before mass gatherings body, speech, and mind to His Holiness awesome harbingers of most auspicious of monks which paved the way for his the Dalai Lama repeated a countless of omens. Upon reaching the age of honoring of the Geshe Lharampa degree, times and, along with it, offer fervent two, He, by the advice and prophesies thus His Holiness became the crown prayers that His Holiness may live for a of Gods and lamas under the power ornament of all the learned masters of hundred aeons so as to provide us with of the kindness of his predecessor the Snowland of Tibet. great kindness the nectar-like teachings reincarnation, was recognized as the of clairvoyant guidance which is akin to reincarnation of His Holiness the 13th In 1949, communist ruled China began the continuity of a summer stream at all Dalai Lama without any space for error. its armed invasion of Tibet from the times. Thereafter in 1939, His Holiness the east. Following it, the political situation Dalai Lama was escorted to Lhasa, the in Tibet kept deteriorating fast, like Let me begin by offering our capital of Tibet. On the 14th day of the the inevitability of the depletion of the congratulations to everyone here first month in the Tibetan Iron-Dragon fuel of butter in a continuously burning for the fortunate opportunity we all Year, which corresponded to the 22nd butter lamp. And it became starkly have received once again to celebrate day of February in 1940, His Holiness obvious that it was His Holiness the the birthday of His Holiness the was ushered to the height of the Golden Dalai Lama, and no one else, who had Dalai Lama. Inasmuch as they are Throne that was held aloft by the fearless the power and capability to steer the monumental, the greatness of the noble quintuplet of snow lions in the second course of the Tibetan nation’s religious deeds of His Holiness the Dalai Lama of the fabled celestial palace of the and political affairs at that very critical

12 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2020 DOCUMENTATION moment. All beings of the Snowland of Tibet became even more critical and should an opportunity for dialogue Tibet, the divine as well as the humans, dangerous, with the result that it became with the government of China arise in were spontaneous in their unanimous inevitable for His Holiness the Dalai the near future. And in 1979, China’s understanding to single-pointedly pray Lama to leave Norbu Lingkha Palace in then paramount leader Deng Xiaoping to Him with great fervidness to assume the night of the 17th of March 1959 to proposed that except for independence, the leadership. And so it came about that escape towards the holy land of India. everything concerning Tibet could be even though he was only 16 years old discussed and resolved. Since then, His at that time, His Holiness, true to the When He safely reached India on the Holiness delegated successive envoys solidness of his kindness-driven oath to 31st day of March in 1959, His Holiness to hold dialogue with the government carry forward the work of his successive the Dalai Lama was only 24 years old. of China. On the 18th of September in predecessors, assumed the leadership Even so, He took to care for His people 1997, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile of Tibet in fields both temporal and like a parent would his children. Not unanimously adopted the Middle Way spiritual, the twin sources of wellbeing long after setting foot on India, many Approach, which since then became a and happiness to the Tibetan people, tens of thousands of Tibetan people, policy of utmost merits of the Central on the 17th day of November in 1950. having opted to look up with hope to Tibetan Administration. Including from And His Holiness began issuing clear none but Him, followed His Holiness many governments, the policy has and vivid royal edits and directives into exile. Which included monastics as received maximum possible support of forcefulness and majesty towards well as laypeople, young and old from from many entities both public and his subjects in all the three provinces. all the three provinces of Tibet. His private as well as individuals from across Since then, he employed miracle as Holiness ensured for them the breath of the world. Apart from that, the policy well as wisdom with great dexterity in a life of safety, free from all fears. He continues to receive loving embrace keeping with the requirements of times ensured that they did not suffer from and support from many intellectuals and circumstances in getting on with deprivations of basic existential needs in China itself. Developments such as all the communist Chinese occupiers of food, clothing and shelter. And then these are the result of the decision taken in Tibet, be they people in the military with the aim to rekindle the Tibetan by His Holiness giving the primary or civilian sections, whether as leaders people’s religious culture, His Holiness consideration to the resolution of the or subordinates, with the underlying helped to re-establish in exile centres issue of Tibet on the basis of making a motivation of great kindness for where each of the four major schools of realistic appraisal of and adapting to the everyone. He adopted broadmindedness and the Yungdrung current situation. and fortitude when the Chinese followers could study and practice government acted with brutality and Tibetans’ unique traditions and customs Relying primarily on the power of violence, relying only on the non-violent in their own ways and thereby ensured compassion, His Holiness the Dalai method that ensured no harm to the other their revival and perpetuation. In Lama has directed his efforts at side. In that way, His Holiness strove particular, settlements, educational promoting the potential of ethical to resolve the Sino-Tibetan dispute by centres, handicraft centres, business values that are inherent to all human continuing to deal with the Chinese in enterprises, and fund-raising initiatives beings. On that basis, His Holiness the manner of “coddling the fire, being were established under the leadership has been unrelenting in his efforts at burned by the fire.” In that way His of a democratic administration with promoting the protection of the natural Holiness made efforts to save his people unexceptionable guidance, bearing in environment, inter-religious harmony, from an otherwise imminent massacre mind the aim of ensuring the future cessation of warfare and conflicts and so and bloodshed for nine long years. and wellbeing of the religious heritage on by exhorting the concept of universal and national identity of the Snowland responsibility aimed at the realization Nevertheless, there was no let up at all of Tibet. Our gratitude for the limitless of global peace. Efforts of His Holiness in the government of China’s plotting expanse and endless continuity of His have received recognition from countries and war preparations, as well as its Holiness the Dalai Lama’s noble deeds across the world and it culminated in deceptions. In addition, there was no directed at the preservation and revival, him being conferred the Nobel Peace end to its continued subterfuge which as the case may be, of our precious Prize in 1989, the Congressional Gold threatened nothing less than the personal religious and cultural heritage as well Medal of the United States of America safety of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. as our language, customs, and traditions in 2007, and the John Templeton Prize in In fact, it was on account of the danger can never be expressed enough in words. the United Kingdom in 2012. The total to the personal safety of His Holiness number of the most famous of awards, the Dalai Lama posed by the Chinese Regarding the mutually beneficial and degrees honoured to His Holiness machination that on the 10th day of Middle Way Policy being currently the Dalai Lama counts into hundreds. March in 1959, the Tibetan people rose pursued as an effort to resolve the issue to oppose the government of China by of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama In 2011, His Holiness relinquished all organizing an uprising as they found outlined the rudiments of a policy his historical political and governance no other alternative means to avert decision back in 1974 not to seek powers in favour of the leadership the danger. After that the situation in restoration of the independence of Tibet, directly elected by the Tibetan people. JULY - AUGUST 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 13 DOCUMENTATION

To this day since then, He has continued “The best birthday gift for me would be watch out for them. to remain busy in pursuing an array of that you should be kind-hearted.” The activities of fundamental value among nectar of these advices and suggestions At the end of December last year, there which have been his four principal has come upon us repeatedly from was an outbreak of the novel coronavirus commitments borne of compassion: His Holiness the Dalai Lama and we in the City of Wuhan in central China promoting the realization of the wish to take this opportunity to remind that soon spread the Covid-19 pandemic commonality of happiness among all everyone to make a commitment to be across the world. Into the long period peoples on the basis of the understanding forthright in following and bring them of its spread – which is now in its of their oneness as human beings; to fruition through actual practical seventh month – the pandemic has promoting a harmonious coexistence of implementation. This will undoubtedly inflicted a multitude of both human all religions; making efforts to uphold, be the most meaningful way to present suffering and economic hardship of preserve, and maintain the relevance of a gift to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on great magnitudes in a large number of Tibet’s religious and cultural heritage; His birthday. Therefore it is our appeal countries, including in the developed and making efforts to revive awareness to everyone to implement these advices countries, across the world. The Tibetan of the value of ancient Indian knowledge. and suggestions to the point of realizing Parliament-in-Exile has been greatly With these ends in view, which have their objectives. concerned by this development and been subjects of special attention, His extends its empathy with peoples and Holiness has continued to deliver talks Another point we wish to bring up by nations across the world in this moment and offer guidance. People across the taking the opportunity provided by this of great tragedy. During the lockdown world have been paying great attention occasion is that the general election for period that followed the pandemic, His to these unwavering efforts being our Sikyong and Parliament-in-Exile is Holiness the Dalai Lama has, apart from made by His Holiness. It is only to be not far away. Therefore, the electorates other major Tibetan religious leaders, expected, therefore, that all the people who are citizens of Tibet as defined in delivered online teachings and given of Tibet having their root in the Tsampa- the Charter of Tibetans in Exile faithfully advisories that were designed to enable eating ancestral habit must undertake a adhere to their fundamental rights and not only Tibetans but also people across study of these four great commitments duties, it is absolutely unacceptable the world to cope with the emotional of His Holiness and lend cooperative that anyone should bring to the public distress and anxiety resulting from it. helping hand to the realization of their domain their personal misgivings to The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile wishes goals under His leadership. This will be disturb the inter-religious and inter- to take this opportunity to express the basis for the accumulation of good provincial harmony, to cause offence immense gratitude for this enormous conduct merits, amounting as they do to to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and to gesture which continues to provide to an offering that gladdens His Holiness, cause despair among Tibetans in Tibet this day. and we all must make utmost endeavours who continue their struggle with courage in these efforts. and determination. So, there should be On the 5th of June this year, an Inter- no mistake on the part of anyone in their Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) The magnitude of the debt of gratitude appreciation of the dos and don’ts with was newly established as an initiative that all of us Tibetans owe to His regard to these matters so that there will of senior lawmakers from a number Holiness for his boundless deeds in be no violations. Apart from that, the of democratic countries that included fields both religious and political is such power of the solidarity that binds the Australia, the United States of America, that it could never ever be repaid. The four major Buddhist religious traditions and from the European Union. Its essence of the purpose of marking the and the Yungdrung Bon religion as well aim was to “construct appropriate and birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the three provinces of Tibet into an coordinated responses, and to help craft is to remember Him as the destined deity integrated whole with the ethos of unity a proactive and strategic approach on of Tibet and his deeds, and to heed and in shared fortune or misfortune through issues related to the People’s Republic respectfully study and follow advices both good and bad times under the of China.” The Tibetan Parliament-in- and guidelines of His Holiness. On this leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Exile wishes to take the opportunity day of great importance, which is being Lama is a great source of pride to all provided by this momentous occasion marked by people of all ethnicities of us. However, there is a tiny minority to offer our congratulations for this across the world but especially by of mischief mongers who have made it move. We remain hopeful that through the Tibetan people both in and out of their preoccupation to disturb our unity the IPAC the international community Tibet with joy, devotion, and sense of and solidarity and it is incumbent on will be able to exert pressure to bring gratification, we wish to point especially us to counter their malicious agenda. positive changes to the ongoing serious to two among the numerous advices There is great danger that some fellow- violations of human rights in China and suggestions His Holiness has Tibetans may on occasions get misled and the violent repressive rule over given us by way of quoting Him: “It is by the devious agenda of such people the minority groups, including on the absolutely wrong and one should never out of lack of application of their mind. Tibetan people. ever engage in strife based on sectarian So we all have a duty to exercise care and provincial considerations;” and and caution at all times and to be on the Besides, the Tibetan Parliament in 14 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2020 DOCUMENTATION

Exile wishes to extend its appreciations along with a stretch banner for it. Tibet in 1959, the People’s Liberation and gratitude to the Central Tibetan However, they unilaterally included the Army of communist party ruled China Administration and, along with it, to the great nation of Tibet in their proposed new continued to make attempts to encroach large number of monasteries, Tibetan federal state of China, used disrespectful into India from all across its border organizations and associations both terms in referring to His Holiness the areas. And recently, a dispute in the public and private, as well as the Tibetan Dalai Lama, and hurled a multitude Galwan Valley in Ladakh led to a clash public for the great amounts of generosity of epithets against the Tibetan people between the troops from the two sides with which they are still continuing to living in exile. The Tibetan Parliament- with the result that 20 Indian soldiers extend help to the best possible extent in-Exile therefore wishes to make died and several others were injured. they can to address the difficulties and clear its total disapproval and absolute The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile wishes hardship created by the spread of the rejection of their actions. On all issues to express our condolences to India for novel coronavirus pandemic on the big or small pertaining to Tibet, the final the tragedy which resulted from that governments and peoples of the host decision, if and when an occasion for unfortunate incident. countries in which they reside with making it arises, can only be made by the monetary donations as well provisions of Central Tibetan Administration which is More than 60 years have passed since dry ration supplies, Personal Protection truly representative of all the Tibetan we the Tibetan people came into exile in Equipment items, and so on. At the same people living in Tibet and in exile. No India. During that period, apart from the time it is important to remind everyone governmental or non-governmental holy land of India, many other countries, that they should do their utmost in the body or individual whatsoever can make being appreciative of our hardship and efforts, both at the public level and in decisions concerning Tibet without problems under such a circumstance, their private capacity, to prevent the any sort of consultation with the true have extended all possible assistance, spread of the Covid-19 infection in the representatives of the Tibetan people. help, and partnership under programmes localities in which they reside. which continue to this day. Hence On the 19th of May this year, we take the opportunity provided by On the 4th of June this year, retired Representative Scott Perry introduced this occasion to express our gratitude Chinese football star Hao Haidong and a Bill in the United States House on behalf of all the people of Tibet fugitive Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui of Representatives, calling for the to the governments and peoples of living in the United States of America recognition of Tibet Autonomous these countries and, likewise, to all the together issued a scathing criticism of Region as an independent country. The members of parliaments, organizations, the government of China for its range Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile wishes and individuals. of immeasurable atrocities and attacks to express its gratitude to him for his that included the Tiananmen Square gesture. However, we wish to make it Finally, we pray with great hope that His massacre of the 4th of June in 1989 and clear that “Tibet” should be understood Holiness the Dalai Lama may live for a the unleashing of the current Covid-19 to mean the territoriality and nationhood hundred aeons, that all his wishes may pandemic. And they proclaimed the that includes all its three provinces. be seen fulfilled with spontaneity, and launch of a new China on the June 4th alone does that the just cause of Tibet may be seen Tiananmen Square massacre anniversary not suffice to constitute the wholeness to prevail with indubitable certainty. with the reading of a manifesto that of the nation of Tibet. We therefore supported the proposed founding of appeal for an amendment to that Bill a “New Federal State of China.” They to replace “Tibet Autonomous Region” also announced the formation of a with “Tibet, with all its three provinces.” The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile non-governmental organization called “Himalaya Supervisory Organization” After it carried out its annexation of 6 July 2020

For detailed news visit: www.tibet.net

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15th Kashag Completes Four Years in Office: Exclusive interview with Chorig Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok

On the occasion of the completion of the 4th and the penultimate year of the 15th Kashag, Kalon Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok, Department of Religion and Culture speaks with Tenzin Chemey, Tibet TV on the achievements of the Chorig department under the 15th Kashag and discusses key priorities in his final year in office.

Following is the English translation of the interview with the Kalon, originally conducted in Tibetan. Watch here.

Tibet TV: Could you walk us through the department’s initiatives and its significant accomplishments in the past 15th Kashag Completes Four Years in Office: Exclusive interview with Chorig Kalon Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok/Screengrab image 4 years? The third important development is the or twice a year to teach about Tibetan Kalon: On the religious aspect, 14th Tibetan religious conference which Buddhist philosophy. In collaboration overseeing the welfare of the Tibetan the Chorig department organised in with Gyudmed Monastery in Hunsur, monasteries in exile is our top priority. November last year at CTA headquarters the Department has introduced a six- Since 1959, reconstruction and here in Dharamshala. The meeting month intensive course on Buddhist revival of 281 monasteries have been was blessed by His Holiness the Dalai philosophy and language for Tibetan undertaken by the Chorig Department Lama and attended by the heads and college students. Every year, we are of which 15 was completed in the last important figures of various traditions receiving active participation from 4 years. Among the 246 monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism and native Tibetan students in the program. and 35 nunneries, Tibetans make up 32 Bon tradition, other eminent Tibetan percent, Himalayan region 65 percent and tulkus, representatives Guided by His Holiness’ vision for and 3 percent of Mongol and others. and lamas from the Himalayan region, better understanding and integration of The department’s key undertaking is Khen Rinpoches of major Tibetan modern science and ancient Buddhist to convene lifelong prayers for His Buddhist institutes in exile, heads and tradition, science workshop is organised Holiness the Dalai Lama, wherein the members of Tibetan monastic institutes twice a year to ensure monks and nuns monasteries under the leadership of CTA and representatives of Tibetan nunneries. appreciate modern science, by the Chorig and lay public participate. The year 2018 Important agendas were discussed, Department and the Library of Tibetan which according to the Tibetan astrology primarily that of the reincarnation of His Works and Archives. According to His coincided with His Holiness’ obstacle Holiness the Dalai Lama. We were also Holiness’ advice, the Chorig department year, extending into 2020, the Chorig able to consecrate the new headquarters is also overseeing the construction of department organised long-life prayer of CTA with blessings of the spiritual Buddhist stupas at the sacred Buddhist offering to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, heads. sites which is currently in progress. dedicated prayer ceremonies to deities as well as many religious heads led In accordance with the wishes of His One of the most important achievement prayers, joined by monasteries and the Holiness the Dalai Lama, a programme is the historic conferment of Geshema public. Simultaneously, CTA organised has been established to introduce young degree to Tibetan Buddhist nuns. the Tenshug Monlam thrice, beginning educated Tibetans to Tibetan Buddhist The Conferment of Geshema degree in 2017, in 2018, and in Dharamshala in philosophy. Buddhist centres across 39 to Tibetan Buddhist nuns was a 2019. As part of long-life prayer offering settlements host young graduates with longstanding aspiration of His Holiness for His Holiness, the Chorig department the expenses of the tuition and living the Dalai Lama and having successfully funded the renovation and revival of 64 costs borne by the Chorig department. realised this vision reflects a historic monasteries and operational expenses of With many Tibetans in higher education milestone. In 2017, the awarding of 100 Monasteries. institutes across India, religious scholars Geshema degree in accordance with are arranged to tour those institutes once His Holiness’ sustained efforts for

16 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2020 FOCUS gender equality, facilitated by Chorig WFB) of which Tibetan representatives of the department have held prayer department, saw the first batch graduate. have been previous members, invited sessions dedicated to the deceased and So far, 43 Geshemas have been awarded, the Kalon during the 15th Kashag, as sick regularly. Many people appreciated including 33 in tantric studies. Similarly, a special guest at the conference in the it, leading to a prominent interest in the equivalent degrees are awarded in the US. as well. The commitment other religious traditions. of the monasteries and Tibetan public is As overseeing the welfare of the commendable. The 34th Kalachakra in 2017 was a Tibetan monasteries in exile remains historic success, CTA’s official request our top priority. In keeping with this, On the cultural front, since the 1990s was granted and arrangements were we have visited and inspected Tibetan onwards, autonomous organisations then taken care of by the CTA. Although monasteries in India from early on such as, Tibetan Institute of Performing Tibetans in Tibet were restricted by except when conditions are not possible Arts(TIPA), Library of Tibetan Works the Chinese government at the time such as in Nepal and Bhutan due to and Arts(LTWA) were established from taking the pilgrimage. It was still political circumstances. Otherwise, which marked its 50th-anniversary a rousing success with the teachings apart from 7-8 in Dharamshala the recently. Tibet House in Delhi marked broadcasted for Tibetans around the inspection of which have been disrupted its 50th anniversary in 2016 which was world. CTA sponsored the elderly and by the pandemic, we have inspected all graced by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. destitute for the pilgrimage for those monasteries and nunneries and heard I as a Chorig Kalon was also part of the who lacked the financial means. Newly their concerns and similarly apprised to momentous event. Institute arrived Tibetans studying at Sherab the relevant authorities. of Tibetan Culture reestablished by Gatseling, monks and nuns in the retreat Chorig Department recently completed were facilitated by offices under CTA Under the scholarship programme its 25th year which oversees many to undertake the pilgrimage. The Indian for monasteries and nunneries, we cultural developments. The Central govt, state and district governments, have covered 3600 scholars, which is Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies Kashag, Gaden Phodrang office, CTA facilitated by Gaden Phodrang to an (Deemed University) (CIHTS) at offices, Namgyal monastery, Geluk extent. The department also provides Sarnath, Varanasi, celebrated its 50th Monlam monastic organisation worked tutor expenses for a total of 522 anniversary in 2017 which was graced collectively to make it a success. students for various subjects including by His Holiness. I had also attended the CTA had formed subcommittees for , Science and Chinese. event as a Kalon. preparations, led by Secretaries and The stipend programme covers 564 Deputy Secretaries of the Departments elderly monks and nuns aged over The Kashag has also paid adequate who dedicated almost a month to plan it, 60; renovation of 35 monasteries has attention to reviving Tibetan opera and the efforts of the volunteers. been achieved; biannual religious or Lhamo or Tibetan opera which is organisations conference were held a distinct Tibetan theatre form. The In terms of international collaboration since 2017 with 100-200 attendees and Kashag has facilitated the development with international Buddhist organisations the venues selected from participating of such cultural organisations and and bodies, we have achieved a monastic institutes. A specialisation established 2 new centres and supports great deal. The Chorig department programme was established in 2013, such organisations annually. is a member of the Asian Buddhist the first beginning in 2014, the second Conference for Peace (ABCP) which is in 2015, completing in 2019, while this To this end, In 2017, the department headquartered in Mongolia. In 2017, the year it was disrupted by a pandemic. announced the Tibetan Culture and member organisations met in New Delhi Initially, there were 10,15, 25 students Arts Fund(TACF) with the objective to discuss how to revive Buddhism, respectively enrolled which has now to revive Tibetan culture in exile. This subsequently, the most elaborate was increased to 22 graduates. programme provides grants to Tibetan held in 2019 in Mongolia, attended by artists and organisations involved in the the heads of the religious traditions. As a In light of the recent global outbreak preservation and promotion of traditional Chorig Kalon, I have also been appointed and its toll on mental and emotional Tibetan culture and arts. Thus far, there as the President of the International wellbeing, the Chorig department have been 4 conducted, benefitting 55 Buddhist Confederation (IBC). They has taken special initiative to help individuals and organisations in total. have held 2 conferences till now and alleviate the suffering through spiritual The program is funded by USAID, ever since the coronavirus outbreak, the guidance on dealing with the pandemic organisation has successfully convened and the mental stress. Initiated by the Tibet TV: What are the initiatives virtual programmes for Choekhor and Gaden Phodrang, and under Kashag’s undertaken by Chorig department for the Buddha Poornima celebrations which directives, Chorig department has issued Tibetan community in Nepal? was virtually joined by His Holiness timely announcements and organised the Dalai Lama, the Chorig Department prayer sessions for the benefit of the Kalon: Across Nepal, India and Bhutan, and various religious heads of Tibetan world at large and Tibetans in particular. 107 beneficiaries are covered under sects. World Fellowship of Buddhists ( The monasteries under the purview the scholarship fund for newly arrived JULY - AUGUST 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 17 FOCUS

Tibetans, stipend allowance for 22 government on Tibetan pilgrims inside Materialistic evaluation of everything beneficiaries in Nepal and tuition fees Tibet among several others. Were there needs to be introspected, instead, which covers 54 monasteries for 109 any other issues that the department had commitment towards the larger cause teachers and renovation of monasteries to face and how did you overcome it? should be revived. as requests submitted, with 3 in Nepal. The objective of the revival of Buddhism Kalon: In my view, there are more In the 60 years of exile, the revival of in border regions has supported 63 urgent internal challenges that we need Tibetan religion and culture in exile has monasteries in Nepal, funded conference to address. In terms of familiarising been one of the most successful amongst and modern science workshops, under our youth with Buddhist philosophy, all refugee communities. The success is the ‘introduction of Buddhist philosophy its objective in accordance with the due to the leadership of His Holiness the to youth’ programme, 3 centres have aspirations of His Holiness the Dalai Dalai Lama, and through the collective been established across settlements Lama is an area that still needs work efforts of the Heads of all the religious in Nepal, similarly, religious scholars and requires collaborative efforts. We traditions. As I have mentioned before, tour to increase awareness of Buddhist need to reduce the gap between what we the external achievement in exile is philosophy is conducted. call religion and culture, and the general formidable, even in comparison to public. We try to bring the knowledge those with respect to Tibet. So the There are also 2 graduates of Geshema available in religion and culture to the most pertinent issue facing us is the from an important centre in Nepal. general public through introductory dwindling numbers of monastics. This Notably, in the 1st Geshema awarding courses and teachings on Buddhism is concerning because we are looking at ceremony, the top-ranking scholar was and such. We believe these will help the the preservation of our rich culture and from Nepal. Therefore in regards to public tremendously. religion. However, we are making every Buddhist scholarship, the Department effort to inform the reality to the public has made provisions for the Tibetan With the rise in educated youth, and is exploring appropriate means community in Nepal as in India. it is necessary to recognise our and solutions to this problem. As many unique circumstances and dedicate religious forums have forefronted the Tibet TV: In the past 4 years, as you wholeheartedly to the larger cause. issue, we should face the fact and it is referenced the department has faced Because of modernisation and the important for Tibetans to appreciate our various obstacles during the Kalachakra accompanying distraction, there is a cultural heritage which is precious and arrangement and on top of that, the decline in self-reliance to take forward strive to develop it. restrictions imposed by the Chinese the cause is which is concerning.

Obituary: Former Tibetan political prisoner Ven Choedak passes away

Ven. Tenzin Choedak, a former Tibetan uprisings and revolts across Tibet. Ven. political prisoner who participated in Choedak was part of one such mass the 1968 mass uprising in Driru county, uprising in Driru country in 1968 which Tibet, passed away here at Delek hospital was brutally suppressed by the Chinese on Sunday morning. forces. In September 1969, he was arrested and imprisoned for 12 years. Ven Choedak was born in 1941 in Nagshoe, Driru county, Nagchu After his release in September 1981, prefecture in eastern Tibet. At the age Ven. Choedak committed towards of 10, he joined the Rabten Monastery revival and preservation of Tibetan and became an ordained monk. In the Buddhism. He worked tirelessly to following years as the entire Tibet came revive the monastery in Driru and others under the brutal occupation of Tibet, in Lhasa. In 1996, he came to exile in more than 98 percent monasteries and Former Tibetan political prisoner Ven Choedak India to seek blessings of His Holiness passes away (1947 – 2020). File photo/Department nunneries were decimated and 99.9 of Security/CTA the Dalai Lama and since coming to percent monks and nuns were disrobed. exile, Ven. Choedak dedicated many hard labour. The genocidal occupation Like thousands of Tibetan monks and Buddhist retreat and practices to the of Tibet coupled with Mao’s cultural nuns across Tibet, Ven. Choedak was long life of His Holiness. revolution eventually led to mass forced out of the monastery and into

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15th Kashag Completes Four Years in Office: Exclusive interview with Home Kalon Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang

On the occasion of the completion of the 4th and the penultimate year of the 15th Kashag, Kalon Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang, Department of Home speaks with Tenzin Chemey, Tibet TV on the achievements of Home Department under the 15th Kashag and discusses key priorities in his final year in office.

Following is the English translation of the interview with the Kalon, originally conducted in Tibetan. Watch here.

Tibet TV: Could you walk us through the department’s initiatives and its significant accomplishments in the past 15th Kashag Completes Four Years in Office: Exclusive interview with Nangsi Kalon Sonam Topgyal 4 years? Khorlatsang. Image/Screengrab land has been under the administration our meeting went successful. Since then Kalon: In these past 4 years, one of the Ministry of Environment and as per the policy, our first and foremost of the most significant initiatives or Forest of the Indian government. Since focus was to legally register the lands. rather accomplishments would be the these lands are not registered in the For instance, settlements like Kollegal, implementation of Five Fifty Vision name of our administration, we had Mundgod, Hunsur were legally verified. under the leadership of the 15th Kashag. to face many obstacles. We had tried However, Lugsam and Dekyi Larsoe Even though there is a still a year left for multiple times and approached the settlement in Bylakuppe is yet to be the present Kashag. Our goal, however, is Indian authority regarding that. Our registered. When it comes to the policy, to sustain the administration for another administration had even visited those many tend to misunderstand that the 50 or 60 years if needed. In order for that places and had a range of discussions policy is only linked with the Department to happen, a strong foundation is crucial. with the respective settlement officers of Home. That is entirely wrong. There We have to make changes that need and drafted an appeal letter containing are many recommendations in the to be made to ensure the strength and 15 points recommendation to the Indian policy pertaining to the Department of stability of the administration. During government. That time the officials of Education, Health, and the Culture and the 14th and 15th term of Kashag, many the Indian govt’s Home Department Religion Department, etc. For instance, initiatives and reforms related to 5/50 were well versed with the predicament not long ago India’s Ministry of Culture vision were launched. On the aspect of of the Tibetan refugees and had huge had written a letter to the Chief Secretary the Home Department, a key focus has respect for His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Himachal Pradesh enquiring the been to create self-sufficient Tibetan because of which our problems were number of Buddhist monasteries in communities in the obedience of Indian swiftly attended and apart from the the state and meanwhile proposing to law. two points, rest of the 13 points were distribute midday meal. In accordance, approved. The officials then contacted the Chorig Department submitted the The legal status of the Tibetan settlement the concerned offices in Delhi and held a numbers to the Ministry of Culture and lands across India has been classified series of meetings and finally constituted the latter provided the free meal for our into three groups- a) settlements a policy known as Tibetan Rehabilitation monks and nuns amid the pandemic. As which are land leased by the Indian Policy 2014. for the Tibetan medical professionals and government such as the settlements in nurses, we were able to help them out South India and North-Eastern parts. The recommendation was sent to the with better job opportunities by having b) lands which are bought by registered Chief Secretary of the States where them enlist in the Nursing Council. In organisation or institutions such as Tibetans were residing. They were the policy, it is clearly mentioned that those of Bir, Paonta, and Puruwala informed of the decision to implement a the Tibetan medical professionals can settlements, and c) settlements such policy and all of them agreed in unison. apply for jobs in the public sector. as Bomdila, the land is procured in On 20th October 2014, then Home His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s name. Kalon Kasur Gyari Dolma and I visited Being a Tibetan refugee, we receive As for the land leased by the Indian the Indian govt’s Home Department to exclusive benefits from the Indian government, for nearly 40-50 years the discuss the framework of the policy and government as we can avail of the benefits JULY - AUGUST 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 19 FOCUS and amenities of both State and Central fund available, our goal is to gradually friendly. So far we have spent around government which is a rare occurrence employ this technique of farming in the 180 million for agriculture-related for the people of this nation. Because we settlements. We have already started the programs. have such a policy, we are able to legally Jatropha farming on a 200-acre land in acquired the lands in our names but can Hunsur settlement and it takes about The welfare division looks after and we maintain the developments of the 2- 4 years for this kind of plantation to takes care of destitute in all the Tibetan land? This is quite difficult to answer yield the result although the economic Settlements and scattered communities as many Tibetan youngsters nowadays lifespan of the tree is 30-40 years. and 14 old people home (OPHs) located are migrating abroad and settling there in different Tibetan Settlements. In 4 leaving only the elderly and kids in the Apart from developing the agricultural years, besides the main expenditure, settlements. Even though we have major and animal husbandry sectors in the we have spent around 34 million on agricultural settlements, we don’t have settlements, the Department of Home miscellaneous aids. Under the Welfare efficient manpower. However, despite also undertakes rehabilitation assistance division, we have poverty alleviation minor setbacks here and there, today we to the displaced Tibetan refugees and section which is categorised into three are one of the leading successful refugee undertake sponsorship programs for the categories a) Old age (65+ years of communities in the world all that is old, infirm and destitute. As of now, there age) destitution with ill health who are because of the blessing and kindness are 43 settlements under the jurisdiction cared under the Department of Home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and of Nangsi including 8 settlements in initiatives. b) Families with a large the leadership of the Central Tibetan Nepal. number of children are cared for under Administration. In order to make the the Department of Education initiatives. best use of the agricultural lands we Our department is able to oversee the c) Youth disabled by diseases who are have, we have taken the initiative to running of rehabilitation for the Tibetans cared for under the Department of Health provide loans at low interest to youth in exile is because of the effort and hard initiatives. One staff from each section who are interested in agribusiness and work of sections in our department. has been employed for the role. Each related activities. In addition, they will There are 7 different sections in our settlement has its own poverty alleviation be awarded for their exemplary reports. department namely Administrative, committee. Two staff is employed to In the past 4-5 years, we have witnessed Agriculture, Welfare, Account, field survey all the Tibetan settlements in a considerable increase in the interest of Planning, Youth Empowerment Support, India, Nepal, and Bhutan. The compiled people toward farming and agribusiness Housing and Estate, and Internal Audit. report of destitute families found during and that is a very commendable Each of the divisions is responsible for the survey is submitted to the Central and positive step. We have always supporting specific aims and objectives. Poverty Steering and Alleviation encouraged organic farming but for For instance, the administration division Committee (CPSAC). After thoroughly certain lands that are less productive and is responsible for overseeing the overall examining the report, the committee are wastelands, we are trying to employ administration of the department and of further puts up this report to Kashag for Jatropha cultivation. This particular the Tibetan Settlements in India, Nepal, approval. All those approved destitute practice of farming has been backed by and Bhutan. The account division looks families receive whatever support and the former President of India, late Dr after the main department and settlement services are needed by them. Four years Abdul Kalam. During his address at the accounts, preparing yearly budgets, back, we have had around 1500 destitute Agricultural University in Tamil Nadu, providing residential facilities to new elderlies in the Tibetan settlements Dr. Kalam has encouraged Jatropha crop arrivals, etc. The Youth Empowerment across India, Nepal, and Bhutan and the plantation. Jatropha plants generally Support or YES provides short to long number keeps decreasing partially due produce oilseeds which is a great source term skill training and micro-credit to improvement in their financial status of biodiesel. This practice of plantation to the unemployed youth especially and mostly because of migration abroad. is usually done on wastelands and it uses to those who could not continue their As of now, there are 1275 destitute less water and prevents soil erosion and school or college, and school dropouts elderlies in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. does not impact other crops. so that the number of unemployed youth In 4 years, we have spent around 262 is reduced by making them able to stand million only on the stipend. The OPHs In 2019, I visited the Agricultural on their own feet. We have spent around under the administration accommodates University in Tamil Nadu along with 51 million on the Yes project. around 545 elderlies. On each OPH, we Chief Planning Commissioner Dr. spend around 50-60 million each year. Kunchok Tsundue. We met with the As for the agriculture division, it looks In 4 years we have spent in total around Director and professors of the university after all the Tibetan Settlements engaging 159 million on the accommodation and who showed us the types of machinery of in Agricultural allied activities in India, needs of the elderlies at OPHs. biofuel extractions and demonstrated to Nepal, and Bhutan and encourages them us the equipment used for research work to adopt organic farming by giving In 4 years, the department has initiated at the university. We were swamped financial and logistical support. It also 59 different projects in 17 settlements. by the knowledge and the technique aims to ensure agricultural practices For those projects, we spent around 52- they presented to us. Since we have the that are sustainable and environmentally 53 million. We were even able to cover 20 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2020 FOCUS the compensation grant and provide I have once said in the parliamentary SARD to the Lutheran World Foundation relief funds to Tibetan shopkeepers session to devise my full effort in solving in Nepal. When a severe earthquake had whose livelihood has been affected by the rehabilitation problems faced by the hit Nepal in 2015 causing widespread cases of fire mishap and other natural newly arrived Tibetans in India which destruction, our department offered 300 disasters. In 4 years, we have had over 9 I believe is almost achieved. A similar million in relief fund. such cases for which around 58 million housing project is under progress in was spent. Kullu but due to the pandemic, the work Tibet TV: In the past 4 years, were is currently put on hold. In Delhi, there there any issues and challenges that the Despite our immense support to are around 130-140 families in need of department had to face and how did you alleviate the poverty in our community, housing and we are currently working overcome it? it is disheartening to see certain on that project. Till now we have spent individuals discredit CTA and falsely around 296 million on the housing Kalon: Generally speaking, there accused it of not aiding the poor. We project. Looking after the welfare of are many obstacles in any kind of have not let shortcomings come in our Tibetans in the settlement is not the administration. But with determination way to provide for the poor and if any standalone responsibility of the home and will, the obstacles can be overcome. individual see it otherwise then they are department as the department also looks At present, we haven’t faced any urged to visit the respective department after the welfare of CTA staff through external pressure or challenges. In fact, for any clarification. its housing and estate division. During the government of India has been utterly the 15th Kashag, our data shows that generous and supportive of our struggle. The rehabilitation scheme of the Indian there is around 343 staff in and around In case of any issues we face, the Indian government does not mandate any Dharamshala. Out of the numbers, we authority is always kind enough to guide benefits to the newly arrived Tibetans have been able to allot the staff quarters us. However, the obstacles we are facing or undocumented Tibetans in exile, to 243 staff. We have constructed 58 at times are caused mainly by internal however, the 14th and 15th Kashag took new staff quarters in Ghangkyi. Now we matters. Like I said before, defaming it upon themselves to provide the needful need around 30 more staff quarter and and discrediting the administration assistance in the matter concerning the housing issue of the CTA staff will from the comfort of their home is easy their rehabilitation. For that purpose, be resolved. without recognising the effort and hard we initially built 75 housing in Bir for work that goes into good governance, the newly arrived which costed around On the environmental aspect, we have policy implementations, and monitoring rs 700-800 lakhs. Gradually we keep dealt with poor road conditions for a and evaluation. getting more appeal for such assistance. long time which has now been fixed and Their names have been received and the smooth pavement is laid out. For the verified for eligibility such as those maintenance of road and cleanliness, we currently enlisted in schools, religious have spent around 187 million during institutions, and the army cannot avail the 4 years. In terms of the CTA staff of the support until they passed out from salary, there has been a considerable rise the said institution. Our priority is to in the pay, for instance, the pay of CTA’s help those living in a rented house in official driver has been raised by 121% the settlement. Out of the 100 applicants times and that of a Secretary by 109%. from Bylakupee, we have approved 80 This also includes welfare benefits. of them and spent around 70-80 lakhs in housing. Tibet TV: What are the initiatives undertaken by the Home Department for In Mundgod settlement, we had over the Tibetan community in Nepal? 40-50 families, and the housing them is currently under construction. In Kalon: There are 8 Tibetan communities Dekyiling settlement too, 87 Tibetan in Nepal under 8 settlement officers. The families from in and around Dehradun yearly expenditure on the administration who, until now, could not be facilitated of each settlement is completely borne in the Tibetan refugee settlements by the Home Department. For instance, and had temporarily settled outside according to our data, in a year we spend the jurisdictions of the Department of around 50-70 lakhs INR depending Home have been allotted the housing. on the population of the respective 25 families of newly arrived Tibetans settlement. During these 4 years, we are also included in the auspices of the have spent 345 lakhs. Besides that, we project. In total, the new housing will had initiated many development projects cater to 112 Tibetan families. and the expense of which is done through

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15th Kashag Completes Four Years in Office: Exclusive interview with Finance Kalon Karma Yeshi

that our financial plans are sustainable and well-grounded and thus driving forward CTA’s short and long-term vision.

Likewise, the Tibetan voluntary Green book Contribution is equally important. The green book is a bridge that connects the Tibetan public and the Central Tibetan Administration and the green book contribution is the fundamental duty of each and every Tibetan. Tibetans in India, Nepal and Bhutan are able to pay their green book dues without any issues so far. However, among Tibetans living in the west, due to various constraints, it has been difficult to get 15th Kashag Completes Four Years in Office: Exclusive interview with Finance Kalon Karma Yeshi 100% payment. To resolve this, we have made extraordinary efforts during my On the occasion of the completion of the Finance department is the Budget term to achieve 95 per cent payment. the 4th and the penultimate year of section. This section monitors the We have reached this target in smaller the 15th Kashag, Kalon Karma Yeshi, CTA’s budgetary cycle which includes diaspora communities but efforts are Department of Finance, CTA speaks planning, coordination and supervision. still going on in the larger ones. with Tenzin Chemey, Tibet TV on It monitors the budget proposals of the phenomenal milestones set by the each Department and offices under CTA Thirdly, we have achieved recognisable 15th Kashag in the areas of finance and maintains its overall account. It is growth in the members for the bluebook and resource mobilization in Tibetan also responsible for reviewing budget solidarity movement; around 7900 diaspora. proposals of all Tibetan settlements and members in total. The blue book solidarity offices and presenting it to Kashag and movement is a project to raise awareness Following is the English translation of then is forwarded to Tibetan Parliament- about the Tibetan political situation and the interview with the Kalon, originally in-Exile for approval. Due to the grace culture to non-Tibetan friends around conducted in Tibetan. of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the the world. It also encourages our friends vision and leadership of Kashag, the to contribute 10$ or 20$ or 50$ per Tibet TV: Could you walk us through Budget section has seen tremendous annum towards the main trust fund of the department’s initiatives and its growth. the Central Tibetan Administration. We significant accomplishments in the past are still committed in our endeavours to 4 years? The annual budget for the activities increase the membership by liaisoning and functions of the CTA’s seven with the Offices of Tibet and Settlement Kalon: The Department of Finance departments, autonomous bodies and Offices. If we can do that, in the future, as one of the major departments of other CTA offices has increased by the whole expenditure of the CTA will the Central Tibetan Administration three-fold since 2011. The consolidated be met through this fund. So, this blue runs under three nonprofit registered budget approved this year was around 3 book solidarity movement is essential to bodies which are: His Holiness the billion, which is three times more than raise funds for the CTA’s trust fund and Dalai Lama Charitable Trust; Tibetan our budget in 2011. garner international support for the Tibet Administration`s Welfare Society; the movement. Social and Resource Development There is a tremendous increase in this Fund (SARD) and Gang-Jong year’s annual budget and respectively Fourth, Gang-Jong Development Development Finance Pvt. Ltd which the allocation for each department Finance has made significant progress was incorporated on 27 November 2017. has increased as has their functions, towards supporting small and medium All the developmental undertakings of capacities and programs. Through the Tibetan business who are unable to the Department of Finance is lawfully budget section, the Department plays approach banks and other financial executed through these four registered a key role in supporting the overall institutions due to lack of collaterals. bodies. organisational development, optimising In December 2018, Gangjong Finance, One of the most crucial functionaries of the roles of each department, ensuring 22 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2020 FOCUS a non-banking financial corporation office for implementation of settlement in the community. The dependency of the Department of Finance, became sustenance-related programs for the syndrome hampers the long term a legitimate Non-banking Financial Tibetans in Nepal. sustenance of society. I think we need Institution registered with the Reserve to root out this attitude and become a Bank of India (RBI). Of the total population, confident, fully self-sustained society. Tibetans in Nepal constitute only 10 Through Gangjong Development per cent but the budget allocated for the Thirdly, public participation in Finance in the first year (2017), a loan Tibetans in Nepal forms 15 per cent of the Tibetan voluntary Green book of 9,13,00,000 INR was disbursed to the total annual budget of CTA. Every Contribution and the blue book solidarity 913 sweater sellers for a fixed period of year, USD 3 lakh through the PRM movement is extremely crucial and six-months with a relatively low-interest and USAID 5 lakh through the USAID increasing their membership will remain rate. The loan amount was repaid 100% is disbursed to support developmental a high-priority while I hold the office. by February/March of 2018. In 2018, a efforts in the Tibetan population. The loan of 13,14,00,000 INR was disbursed shared commitment and partnership Lastly, the most important initiative is to 1314 households followed by a loan between the CTA, the Lodrig Office, the renewal of the second USAID five of 18 crores to 900 households. All of Snowlion Trust and our funders have year grant. In 2016, we have received which was repaid 100%. By supporting facilitated to making these progress as the first five-year grant of 23 million for Tibetan business to thrive through its per the Kashag’s vision. strengthening self-reliance and resilience low-interest loan services, the Gangjong of Tibetan communities in South Asia. Finance has achieved a significant Tibet TV: In this final year of the 15th The grant expires in September 2021. In milestone in the past over 3 years in Kashag, what are the initiatives that order to continue receiving the grant for strengthening the self-reliance and the Kashag is hoping to complete this the next Kashag, the incumbent Kashag sustainability of the Tibetan community year and are there any new undertaking and the Department of Finance has in India. planned for this year? already begun preliminary preparations.

In addition to sweater sellers, three Kalon: With regard to implementing Once approved, this will ensure the additional beneficiary groups have been new initiatives, it is not viable as the vitality of Tibetan communities, included in the program which includes electoral process for the 2021 Kashag institutions and businesses for the next those selling trinkets on pavements and Tibetan Parliament has already five years while propelling forward the in tourist destinations, those raising begun and we need to adhere to the CTA’s vision for the peaceful resolution horses and mules for traditional caravan applied guidelines. of the Tibet issue and the preservation of services, and those running taxi services. the Tibet’s unique identity and culture. An important endeavour that is Tibet TV: There is a sizeable population already underway is the registration I take this opportunity to thank of Tibetans in Nepal. Can you discuss the for Gangjong Finance as a full-fledged the dedicated staff of CTA and the key welfare and development initiatives bank. Earlier the minimum capital in Department of Finance, as well as the of the Finance department focusing on the licence for Small finance banks exceptional leadership of the Kashag, these population? was Rs 100 crore and accordingly we under whose vision, we have set had envisioned and strategised a plan phenomenal milestones in this 15th term Kalon: In continuation of the vision of action to gain the license. However, of Kashag. of the 14th Kashag, the incumbent last year the RBI revised the minimum Kashag have implemented a series paid-up capital requirement for Small Lastly and most importantly, I pay my of new ventures in Nepal focusing Finance Banks to Rs 200 crores instead profound reverence and gratitude to on the Tibetan population there. The of Rs 100 crores earlier. In light of these His Holiness the Dalai Lama who has goal is to strengthen the development unforeseen challenges, the course of our guided us throughout with his blessings and long-term resiliency of the plan is certainly affected and slowed and enlightened counsel. Tibetan community. Accordingly, the down but efforts will continue and if Finance department appointed two not in this Kashag, the vision will be new coordinators of SARD and TED realised by future leadership. respectively with the objective to support the development efforts and sustenance Secondly, self-reliance whether in of the Tibetans living in Nepal. As part business or any means of livelihood is of this initiative, I attended the 50th absolutely imperative for the Tibetan founding anniversary of Lodrig Tibetan community. Looking back at the status settlement on 15 October 2016. Thanks of Tibetans in the 1950s, we have come to the visionary leadership of the 15th so far in terms of education, welfare, Kashag, we have established a new financial and social status. However, the partnership with the Lodrig settlement attitude of dependency is still present JULY - AUGUST 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 23 FOCUS

Free Nations vs Communist China: Prospects and Challenges for Tibet

After US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s speech at the Richard Nixon Library & Museum calling on free nations to change the Chinese Communist Party, emblematic of a major shift in US-China ties, has ignited a new discourse around the world on overcoming the totalitarian regime.

Against this signifcant development, the Office of Tibet based in London led by Representative Sonam Frasi organised a virtual panel discussion inviting three eminent speakers: CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay, Michael Van Walt, Professor of international law at Golden Gate University in San Francisco and legal advisor to CTA and Norman John Baker, Former MP and Minister of State CTA President Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay speaks at the virtual panel discussion on “USA calls Free at the Home Office, UK government. Nations to change Chinese Communist Party: Analysis and Prospects for Tibet” organised by Office of Tibet, London. Screengrab image Representative Frasi welcomed the study conducted by the ‘Institute of year. Subsequently, in January this distinguished panellists invited to the contemporary relations,’ a govt affiliated year, the EU unveiled a recommended discussion entitled, “USA calls Free think tank, which revealed that global strategy for its member states to defend Nations to change Chinese Communist anti-China sentiment is at its highest from Beijing dominating the 5g market. Party: Analysis and Prospects for Tibet”, since Tiananmen Square crackdown. On security terms, Poland, Romania, a topic he emphasized was “not only Latvia have signed onto an agreement current and topical, but relevant to the He shared that 130 countries at the on 5g. future prospect and status of Tibet”. WHO had pressed on investigating the origin of the coronavirus as it became Also noteworthy, the UK government Noting the rising anti-China sentiment common knowledge that Chinese recently reversed the decision on 5g around the world and the attitudinal shift, government tried to hide information and banned Huawei in great Britain. he opined that the future developments for almost 3-6 weeks. A critical period UK government’s proposition for could possibly bode the end of the during which had the information been D10, an alliance of 10 democratic authoritarian government not unlike updated, 95 percent of the global crisis countries to create an alternate source the historic fragmentation of the Soviet could have been prevented, as a major for 5g technology, curbs dependence on Union, despite China’s economic and organisation alleges. The result of which Chinese technology. military might. is that now more than 9 trillion dollars loss of global economy and job loss has Sikyong described these developments Representative went on to observe that occurred, thereby making it difficult as a whole, an indication that China is US policy has come full circle from for politicians to assuage citizens’ under pressure to be responsible and an Sino-America Rapprochement in 1970- disenchantment. Hence, the global accountable member of the international 71 under President Nixon and Kissinger, leaders are under tremendous pressure community and conform to the rule of dealing a severe blow to the Tibetan because of which leaders are trying to law. movement, to the recent policy shift make China accountable. under President Trump and Secretary China’s response has been on the Pompeo with formal calls for democratic Referring to the international concerns contrary; cracking down in Hong Kong allies to change the Chinese Communist about the security threat of Chinese and diluting the basic law of Hong Party. technology, Sikyong noted the Kong, arresting so many under the new significant shift in diplomatic stance, law, essentially compromising the one Touching on the global anti-China such as the statement from Washington country-two systems. sentiment due to the handling of DC recognising China as competition coronavirus, Sikyong Dr Lobsang no. 1 or rival no. 1 which is further As illustrated in China’s rise to Sangay stated that China continues to bolstered by the EU designating China becoming the 2nd largest donor of the face major backlash, citing a recent as economic competitor and rival last UN after the US, and similarly, the

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World Bank’s lending to China at low- The appointment of Jiang Duan, an He concluded by noting that both interest rates upto 2 billions of which official at the Chinese Mission in Geneva, good opportunities as well as major Chinese government gives 200 million who was nominated and confirmed by challenges exist where the cause of Tibet dollars to the UN in order to influence the Asia regional grouping to a seat is concerned in this current climate. it, Dr Sangay said China is moving full on the consultative group of UNHRC throttle in undercutting the independent raised international concerns over the Representative Frasi then followed up functions of international institutions, credibility of the UN body, making it by posing a question to the Sikyong, “Is thus posing a looming threat upon the apparent that the voices of Tibetans and the call from the US a credible scenario world which has depended on these Uyghur even at the UNHRC were going that the world could see or have the institutes since the world war II. to be silenced. Duan holds the position possibility to change the CCP?” until March 2021. For instances, UN Food and Agriculture Sikyong agreed that it appears so,referring Organization which was led by former He noted that as things are optimistic to the belief formerly held by politicians Chinese vice-minister of Agriculture. from one side, similarly, it was bleak like Kissinger that engagement and And in 2018, Houlin Zhao, who had from another. cooperation with China would ensure started his career at China’s Ministry it would also conform to international for Post and Telecommunications, “On one hand, the democratic countries norms, and which has proved wrong for acquired 2nd four year term as the are coming together to make China the past 40 years. With Washington now, Secretary General of the International accountable to liberal values, on the arriving at the consensus that China is Telecommunication Union, a crucial other hand, China is installing key a rival, from the security aspect, which body that sets the technical standard for people at UN bodies, WHO, WEF and is now shared across the departments of communication network. hence the challenges remain.” the administration. The US government is highlighting the plight of Uighurs and Secretary-General of the United He, therefore, appealed the Tibetans to Hong Kongers to hold China accountable Nations, António Guterres appointed be more vocal and promote advocacy, and the sentiment is common across the Liu Zhenmin, formerly Vice-Minister hold protests out in the streets to revive aisle. The EU, like-minded countries for Foreign Affairs of China to the Tibet advocacy in the international and democracies are generally, coming Under-Secretary-General for Economic forum recalling the 90s when Tibet was to realise that what Tibetans have been and Social Affairs, a key position. The a prominent issue. saying is true and are extending support, international civil aviation organization he concluded. which regulates global air travel headed Similarly, he urged friends of Tibet is headed by Liu Fang, a Chinese around the world to be more vocal, national. vigilant and actively optimize at this opportune time.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s message on His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 85th birth anniversary Extending his greetings, the Union long as sentient beings remain, until then Minister said, “His Holiness the Dalai may I too remain to dispel the miseries Lama is one of the most revered, of the world”. admired, and worshipped global spiritual leaders and the most honoured guest of His Holiness transcends the barriers of India”. religion, national, culture, and race.

“We feel blessed for his presence here The Tibetan people, the people of in our country which he regards as his the Himalayan region, the Dharma Arya bhumi followers, and the people of this world India’s State for Youth Affairs and Sports Minister need the continued presence of the Kiren Rijiju greets His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 85th birthday. Photo: Screengrab His Holiness the Dalai Lama proudly institution of His Holiness the Dalai calls himself the son of India and he is Lama. India’s minister of the State for Youth one of the greatest ambassadors of the Affairs and Sports, Honourable Shri ancient Indian knowledge. I wish him all the very best for his Kiren Rijiju greets Tibetan spiritual good health pray fr his long life on leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on His Holiness the Dalai Lama often quotes the auspicious occasion of his 85th his 85th birthday in a video message this prayer as his guiding motivation, birthday.” broadcasted earlier this morning. “For as long as space remains, for as

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Bringing change to China: an opportunity for governments to course correct on Tibet Global anti-China sentiments have tipped an all-time high in successive months following China’s early mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic and its aggressive leveraging of the crisis to advance undue and illegal territorial and maritime claims.

Much like the COVID-19, strategic realization across the global political spectrum of the CCP regime’s hegemonic agenda has gone pretty much viral.

Tibet expert and renowned advisor for global peace processes, Dr Michael Van Walt speaking at a discussion organised by the Office of Tibet London this week said that the global attitude and policy Bringing change to China: an opportunity for governments to course correct on Tibet: Dr Michael Van shift towards China could have renewed Walt, legal advisor, scholar and a long time supporter of Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. a conducive environment for bringing quo on Tibet. and its 70 years of experience with the question of Tibet back to the center China holds the key to the current global of the discourse. Contrary to Chinese claims, Dr Michael discourse, Dr Michael cited Tibetan’s argues Tibet was in fact historically 70 years of experience in the kinds of The executive president of Kreddha, never a part of China. policies that we are seeing now being who is an unmatched authority in terms carried out in Hong Kong, against of the study of Sino-Tibet conflict said “Tibet was not part of China during Uyghurs in Xinjiang. The oppressive now is the “critical juncture” to be vocal Mongol empire, it did not become part policies of integration and assimilation about the status of Tibet as he believes of the Yuan dynasty, It was not ruled by were blueprinted in Tibet. that “this discussion is indeed critical to Chinese Ming dynasty and the Manchu bring change in China”. Ching emperor’s relation with Dalai By neglecting its moral as well as legal Lamas and Tibet never resulted in Tibet’s obligations to recognizing China’s “The window of opportunity for this incorporation into China,” he said. forceful and illegal occupation of kind of thing is always extremely Tibet, and looking the other way is short,” he explains, “70 years of Chinese Based his 10 years of extensive research what has emboldened Beijing govt to Communist propaganda have greatly which he and his colleague undertook assert expanding territorial claims and impacted people’s perception of Tibet’s through engagement with over 100 influence. status at the time of the invasion. Many scholars starting with the rise of models people including foreign ministry of Genghis Khan eight centuries ago One of the few ways to send a very officials and journalists that influence which is exactly the period Beijing strong signal to China “by questioning policy, many assume that Tibet was part claims Tibet first became part of China, the legitimacy of China’s rule in Tibet,” of imperial China in some way.” Michale said none of the claims PRC he asserted. made regarding its alleged historical The upside for China is that it has been sovereignty over Tibet holds water. “Also questing the legitimacy of successful at shaping the discourse in Chinese behaviour in Hong Kong and its favour on basis of historical claims These conclusions were all corroborated the legitimacy of China’s claims to which are difficult to assess requiring by contemporaneans, Tibetan Mongolian Taiwan and the South China Sea.” extensive research based on centuries- and Chinese sources. The complete old historical sources that are dispersed analysis is contained in the ‘Tibet Drive to bring about change in China, in varied languages. Brief 2020’ which will be available on he concludes, is an opportunity for Amazon bookstore by October this year. governments to course correct on Tibet As a result, “many people have started now. to doubt” and he adds that leaving Shedding more light on how the such misrepresentation unchallenged historical status of independent status emboldens Beijing to maintain the status 26 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2020 FOCUS

UK should mirror US’ Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, sanction Chinese officials meddling in the Dalai Lama’s succession: Former UK Minister

With a bipartisan consensus in Washington on toughening stance on China, the US government has already embarked on the path of economic decoupling with Beijing. Taking it a step further, the US Secretary of State last month issued a vociferous call for allied countries and Chinese people to join efforts to change China: to insist at all times on reciprocity, transparency and accountability from them.

Culminating upon the American call for the free nations to change China, the Office of Tibet, London organized a live panel discussion titled ‘USA calls free nations to change Chinese Communist Party: Prospects and Analysis on Tibet’ UK should mirror US’ Reciprocal Access to Tibet, impose sanctions on Chinese officials meddling in the on 17 August via Tibet TV Facebook. Dalai Lama’s succession: Former UK Minister and MP, Rt Hon Norman Baker. government who behave in the way we given Britain historical association Despite constant technical interferences regard as reprehensible, unacceptable.” with Tibet and the neighbouring China during the live streaming, the hour and and India, the UK is in “a very strong a half panel event transpired into a “Secondly, we need to push Reciprocal position to be able to challenge the lies coruscating discussion on prospects and Access to Tibet, which again the US that Beijing tells about the history of analysis on Tibet in light of growing has been leading on, in the British Chinese involvement with Tibet” and climate of anti-China furore and the parliament. My former colleague of All- “to give evidence to that fact from our international push back at the PRC Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet, archives and historical record.” government’s hegemonic ambitions. Tim Loughton who chairs that group has introduced the bill to require the UK “We were a presence in independent Among the illustrious panel of speakers govt to impose that. It should be adopted Tibet, we were there to sign the Lhasa were Rt Hon Norman Baker, former UK by the UK government.” convention not with the Chinese but with Home Affairs minister, former liberal the Tibetan government. We were there democrat MP, and long time Tibet “Third issue which we need to be very, to sign the Simla Convention in 1917 supporter. He is former president of very firm on is the issue of the succession with Tibetans, not Chinese. We saw the Tibet Society, the world’s oldest Tibet to His Holiness. I am very pleased that in independent Tibetan government, we Support Group and a member of the EU and UK takes steps that make it very saw the independent foreign policy, All-party parliamentary group for Tibet clear that we will not accept Chinese Tibetan currency, Tibetan stamps.” in the House of Commons, Westminster imposition of fake Dalai Lama as they parliament. He has written many articles have imposed a fake .” “We saw that Tibet was an independent on human rights abuse of Chinese nation and that will not be forgotten.” occupied Tibet. In the case of the issue of the Dalai Lams’s succession, he stressed that At a time when more and more countries Addressing the critical question on it was incredibly important that the are beginning to push back at the how the capitals in Western Europe and world says it very clearly, and that “any authoritarian and dictatorship one-party London will heed the call of the US and Chinese officials who attempt to be rule, recognizing its multitudinous allies, Rt Hon Baker proposed three part of this fiasco of appointing their presence in respective countries as policy recommendations for the EU and own Dalai Lama should be subject to security, political threats, Rt Hon Baker UK to enact in order to counter Chinese Magnitsky Act conditions. They should said, UK too will fight back. advances. have to pay for that personally.” The CCP now poses threats to the world “First, we need to mirror the US with Speaking in terms of the prospects equivalent of Nazi Germany, he said as the Magnitsky Act to impose sanctions for Tibet and resolution of its vexed, he urged countries to stand up to China on individual members of the Chinese prostrated issue, Rt Hon Baker said together. “Nazi Germany ended up

JULY - AUGUST 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 27 FOCUS in war because the world did nothing govt more involved. They don’t want to open to reason and to respecting human about it…Thats why we look at the US necessarily antagonise Chinese but like rights. At the same time, protecting one’s response and we support their view that everyone else, they have to realize that national interests, human rights, and if we don’t change communist china, doing nothing is not an option anymore.” continuing to push back Chinese tactics. they will change us.” But in respect to bringing concretes, real “It is a long battle, one that won’t be won However, the former minister noted the change in China, he argued that such a overnight. but we have to engage in a governments needed to engage in a far change can be induced from inside. coordinated way, then we can eventually more coordinated way, especially the win,” said Rt Hon Baker. countries that are more vulnerable to the “Soviet Union govt changed because of China threat. Gorbachev. The Chinese government “As you said, Sonam [Frasi] in the will have to find its own Gorbachev to beginning, no government last forever, “In terms of Chinese dams which are change.” no empower last forever, so let us now drying out rivers in India, the border limit the damage which the governs in villages being conducted along the In the meantime, the rest of the world Beijing can do and let sit back and let Chinese borders in Tibet, and the fact can try to educate the Chinese people wait for the day that ghastly govt of that we had incursions of Chinese led to who have been fed lies and encourage Beijing is no more.” the confrontation of Chinese and Indians them to replace the Xi Jinping and his quite recently. We need to get the India colleagues with a government more

Challenge posed by China is serious; Either we transform China or China transforms us: Sikyong Dr Sangay at CACN China hearing The Wuhan originated COVID-19 in China has radically disrupted global events including diplomatic calendars impacting significant international meetings to be held online. The first formal hearing on China of the Canadian House of Commons Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (CACN) held on Thursday, August 6, 2020, was one such anticipated events affected by the pandemic.

The special Canadian parliamentary committee was established last year against the backdrop of deteriorating Canada-China bilateral relations marred by diplomatic and trade disputes. The committee examines and reviews CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay speaking at the first formal hearing on China of the Canadian House of Commons Special Committee on Canada-China Relations. Photo: Screengrab all aspects of the Canada–China relationship, including, but not limited Conservative MP Stéphane Bergeron, said President Dr Sangay and remarked to, consular, economic, legal, security Bloc Québécois, and MP Jack Harris of that being the second-largest donor to and diplomatic relations. New Democratic Party as its vice-chairs the UN, China attempts to restructure the and the members of the committee. UN by appointing key personnel whose CTA President Dr. Lobsang Sangay was integrity is to dismantle the democratic officially invited as the first speaker to In his keynote address, President Dr. and human rights values. the committee’s hearing on China. Sangay addressed the masked diplomacy of China targeted toward undermining “What they are attempting at now is to Dr Sangay was joined by the former the liberal and democratic values and redefine human rights. They have passed Ambassador of Canada to the People’s human rights values. two resolutions redefining human rights Republic of China, David Mulroney, and if such an attitude is continued then chair of the committee MP Geoff Regan, “The challenge posed by the Communist the human right values we are so well the Liberal party and MP Dan Albas, Party of China is very serious. Either we aware will be diluted”. transform China or China transforms us” 28 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2020 FOCUS

What Canada could learn from Tibet? Turkistan, a ‘repetition of the tragedy of “A legitimate dialogue must be Tibet’. There are lots to be learned from encouraged between the envoys of the What happened in Tibet in the 1950s the the tragedy of Tibet”. Dalai Lama and the representatives of ‘elite cooptation’ of China influencing China. It is a win-win proposition for politicians, businessmen, intellectuals, As for the security law passed in Hong both the Chinese government and the and media are now taking place as Kong which many critics claimed it as’ Tibetan people”. already seen in Canada. President end of Hong Kong’, President Sangay Sangay mentioned the issue of Canada’s noted that similar law known as unity He also urged the Canadian government two Michaels who are unjustly held law was also passed in Tibet and these to join the allies of democracy or like- captive by the Chinese government for laws, he said, are simply to undermine minded countries who support and over 600 days. democratic values, freedom of speech, uphold liberal values. Together, they and to encourage political repression of can pressurise the Chinese government “My solidarity is with the families. the people. to become a responsible member of The choice is clear. If the Canadian the international community one that government submits to the demands “We have been warning the nations and abides and respect the human rights of of China to release Meng Wanzhou global leaders that the tragedy of Tibet the Tibetan people, Uyghurs, Taiwanese, in exchange for the release of the two should not be neglected as the incident and the Hong Kongers. Canadians, it is very much likely that could strike again”. more such cases will happen in the President Sangay’s plea for a motion future where China would blatantly Finally, President Dr Lobsang Sangay supporting the middle way approach use more Canadians as hostages just to put forward to the committee a as a policy has been taken up for pressure the Canadian government for recommendation to pass a motion consideration by the members and there concession. I think Canada has taken the recognising and supporting the Middle will be a proper discussion held on the right stand here not to succumb to the Way Approach as a policy- seeking subject in the upcoming committee pressure of China”. genuine autonomy for the Tibetan meeting. people within the framework of the “We are already seeing the worst of our Chinese constitution. prediction in Taiwan, Hong Kong, East

Tibet and Hong Kong: a spotlight on broken promises of China

In a webinar organised by the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, promotion through its expansionist policy which Tibet, London on Monday 20th July, of Tibetan language, etc. In 1954, His afterwards turned into treachery and eminent panellists, with authority and Holiness the Dalai Lama visited Beijing tension, the beginning of the downfall expertise in their respective professions, to persuade the Chinese leaders like of Tibet. During the extreme period discussed Tibet and Hong Kong in the Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai to grant of tension, there were discussions and wake of China’s passing of the national Tibet the autonomy as promised in the debates within the elite circle as to security law for Hong Kong. agreement. But his efforts were futile. whether the presence of Chinese in Tibet is beneficial or not. In a way, they Dr. Lobsang Sangay, President of the In 1956, His Holiness visited India were seeking to curb the tension through Central Tibetan Administration, in his to participate in the 2500 anniversary elite cooptation a strategy that is now opening remarks said, in 1951, China of Buddha Purnima and that time His familiarised in Hong Kong. signed the 17-point agreement with Holiness’s initial wish was to stay in Tibet which is essentially one country India but the then Chinese Premier Zhou “Our experience has been tragic and now two systems. The Tibetan delegates Enlai came to India thrice and persuaded Hong Kong is going to be Tibet number went to Beijing with the intention that His Holiness to return to Tibet. Once 2. It’s unfortunate and our solidarity is the agreement would be signed as again he made hollow promises with Hong Kong people,” he assured. equal partners which did not happen regarding the implementation of the 17 and the representatives of Tibet had point agreement. With that assurance, Tom Tugendhat MP, Chairman of Foreign to signed the agreement under duress. His Holiness returned to Tibet. What Affairs Select Committee, in his remarks Despite everything, the provisions of happened following His Holiness return referred to the changing relationship 1951 agreements were violated and all to Tibet is history known to everyone. between the United Kingdom and China the promises made to Tibetans were in recent years, citing the example of the denied including regional autonomy, Dr Sangay added that China also UK government’s Huawei decision. uninterrupted position, and authority of promised Tibetan peace and prosperity JULY - AUGUST 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 29 FOCUS

members including Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, and others have all been banned from entering China. I, therefore, want to continue pushing for measures such as this to show China that we are absolutely serious so that China cannot go on threatening countries into submission,” he said.

In his concluding remarks, MP Loughton stated that in all the prevailing situations, it is important to not lose sight of the ongoing and long-standing atrocity and repression still taking place in Tibet.

Professor Kerry Brown, Director of the Lau China Institute at King’s College, Panellists on Tibet and Hong Kong: a spotlight on broken promises of China. Photo: Screengrab. London highlighted three issues: The relationship between the UK and He also mentioned China’s subtle yet Geopolitics, Opportunity, and Domestic China has become significantly worse effective influence in the UK boardrooms issues in China. Professor mentioned that than it was since Xi took over as the and expressed great concern about in his assumption China’s recent issues/ President. Xi has made it harder and China’s growing influence on university clashes with America, Europe, UK, and harder for countries like the Uk to deal campuses through Confucius Institutes. Australia is very much unplanned. He with. As far as the UK is concerned He acknowledged these institutions as further mentioned that because of high there are very obvious touchstones the mouthpiece of China’s propaganda. awareness of Xinjiang suppression most obvious is Hong Kong to whom the Tibet issue is receiving a greater the UK has a remaining obligation He also highlighted the unfolding Hong awareness because the party secretary under the Sino-British Joint Declaration Kong issues and affirmed what is seen in Xinjiang was the party secretary of recognising and granting residency there is very much like salami slicing of’ Tibet and that assures the replication of to almost 3 million eligible Hong rights and liberty’ of the people of Hong security measures and methods used in Kong citizens. He also highlighted Kong. He informed about an expected Tibet are now being used in Xinjiang the grave about China’s attempt to statement in the UK House of common today. In his final remarks, professor influence academic freedom in the UK. where it is likely that the extradition Kerry stated that the spotlight on the He expressed alarm over the London agreement between Britain and Hong domestic issues in china as per his Chinese embassy’s role in organising Kong would be held suspended. He calls assessment is that the standardisation different protests and pressurizing it a ‘tangible move’. of ethnic minorities. That the ethnic Chinese students and their parents in minority issues are absolutely part of the mainland China thereby undermining As for the Reciprocal Bill that MP security framework, a domestic policy independence in academic excellence in Loughton introduced in the House of framework which has no space for some of the UK’s finest institutions. Common last year, he said that he was meeting other ethnic groups. greatly inspired by the US who first MP Tim Loughton, Co-Chair of All- brought in the legislation. The panellists later took questions from party Parliamentary Group for Tibet the online audience which was read out to in the UK, touched on many subjects “I took that piece of legislation and had them by Representative Sonam Tsering including the case of Huawei and his it rewritten in the House of Common to Frasi who moderated the panel. Despite recent presentation of Tibet Reciprocal suit the UK legislation and reintroduced a minor technical glitch the discussion Access bill in the House of Commons. it as private members bill”. overall managed to highlight the eerie He said that after a lot of pressure, similarities of China’s aggressive moves Huawei no longer going to provide the “The legislation surely had a significant in Hong Kong today to what China did next generation of telecom in the UK. impact on China as various US Congress to Tibet.

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CTA President Calls on China to Heed the Demands of the UN Experts to Provide Information and Access to 11th Panchen Lama

as a political tool to control the Tibetan populace into total subjugation. We, therefore, call upon the government of China to heed the demands of the UN independent experts to promptly provide regular information and access to Tibet’s 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, his parents and family members as well as Jadrel , former abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama. Furthermore, the Chinese government should stop interfering in the religious traditions of the Tibetans and cease the destruction of the Tibetan cultural heritage.

CTA President Calls on China to Heed the Demands of the UN Experts to Provide Information and Access to 11th Panchen Lama Five UN independent mandate holders: appealed the government of China “to the Working Group on Enforced or ensure that Tibetan Buddhists are able to Involuntary Disappearances; the freely practice their religion, traditions Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; and culture without interference.” The the Special Rapporteur in the field of Central Tibetan Administration on cultural rights; the Special Rapporteur behalf of all Tibetans both inside and US Secretary of State on minority issues; and the Special outside Tibet, would like to welcome and Mike Pompeo wishes Rapporteur on freedom of religion or thank the UN experts for their crucial belief issued a joint communication on and critical intervention. His Holiness the 25 years long enforced disappearance Dalai Lama a belated of Tibet’s 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun Tibet’s 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima by the government of Choekyi Nyima was merely six years old birthday China. In this regard, the President of when he and his entire family members US Secretary of State Pompeo, at the the Central Tibetan Administration Dr. were abducted by the Chinese authorities press briefing earlier this week extended Lobsang Sangay issued the following on 17 May 1995. He has been deprived a warm belated birthday wish to His statement: of his religious education in Tibetan Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 85th. Buddhism for the last 25 years. It is Statement by the President of the unacceptable on every legal as well as Greeting the Tibetan spiritual leade Central Tibetan Administration Dr. moral grounds that a person even at the right at the beginning of his remarks, Lobsang Sangay age of 31 should be denied freedom and Secretary Pompeo said, “A belated the right to determine his own future. happy birthday to His Holiness the Dalai Date: 4 August 2020 Lama, who celebrated his 85th birthday The case of enforced disappearance of on Monday of this week”. Five UN independent experts- the Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi cum-mandates have issued a joint Nyima evinces the egregious human A day before, Secretary Pompeo had communication to the government of rights violations in Tibet including the announced visa restrictions on PRC China demanding it to provide prompt violation of Tibetans’ right to freedom government and Chinese Communist and detailed information and access of religion. As rightly noted by the UN Party officials deemed responsible for to Tibet’s 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun experts, the regulation of reincarnation restricting journalists, tourists, diplomats Choekyi Nyima who is undergoing of Tibetan living Buddhas interferes or other US officials from entering enforced disappearance since the last in the Tibetans’ right to select its own autonomous regions in Tibet under the 25 years. The UN experts have further religious leaders and is aimed to serve Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018.

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CTA President calls US sanctions on top Chinese officials of Xinjiang ‘a right and a timely message to China’

The United States on Thursday slapped sanctions on three senior officials of the Chinese Communist Party, including Chen Quanguo, party secretary of the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region and member of Politburo, for involvement in “gross human rights violations” against Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang, also known as East Turkestan.

Just a day earlier, the US Department of State had announced visa bans against Chinese government officials deemed responsible for barring foreigners’ access to Tibet.

In a statement welcoming the US’ timely intervention, President Dr Lobsang CTA President calls the US sanctions on top Chinese officials ‘a right and a timely message to China’/ File image Sangay called the sanction a ‘right and other Muslim minority groups in legal committee. action and message’ to China by the US Xinjiang. Government saying ‘it cannot continue “The entity and officials are being to act with impunity against Uyghurs, In Thursday statement, Secretary Mike designated for their connection to Tibetans and Mongolians.” Pompeo said Chen and two other serious human rights abuse against Xinjiang officials—Zhu Hailun, Party ethnic minorities in Xinjiang, which With Chen Quanguo, former Party Secretary of the Xinjiang Political and reportedly include mass arbitrary Secretary of the so-call TAR, amongst the Legal Committee (XPLC) and Wang detention and severe physical abuse, targeted officials, Dr Sangay expressed Mingshan, the current Party Secretary among other serious abuses targeting that ‘China’s unchecked human rights of the Xinjiang Public Security Bureau Uyghurs, a Turkic Muslim population violations in Tibet has emboldened it to (XPSB)—were now ineligible for entry indigenous to Xinjiang, and other ethnic carry out similar violations in Xinjiang’ into the United States. Their immediate minorities in the region,” it said. and that Tibet was a trial run for the families are barred as well. Chinese government’s brutal campaign Also designated are the Xinjiang Public of oppression playing out in Xinjiang. “The United States will not stand Security Bureau (XPSB), as well as the idly by as the CCP carries out human current Director and Communist Party The statement acknowledged and rights abuses targeting Uyghurs, ethnic Secretary of the XPSB, Wang Mingshan, appreciated the timely intervention by Kazakhs, and members of other minority and the former Party Secretary of the the US government and continued global groups in Xinjiang, to include forced XPSB, Huo Liujun. leadership in safeguarding human rights labor, arbitrary mass detention, and and religious freedom around the world, forced population control, and attempts especially in China. to erase their culture and Muslim faith,” Secretary Pompeo said. Among those sanctioned was the architect of the grid-style surveillance In a coordinated statement, the US and detention camps, Chen Quanguo. Treasury Department said it was Chen developed the grid system of mass building upon the Global Magnitsky physical and technological surveillance Human Rights Accountability Act in when he was party secretary of the Tibet sanctioning the senior Chinese leaders, Autonomous Region from 2011 to 2016. Chen Quanguo and Zhu Hailun, party He later replicated the same tactics For detailed news visit: secretary of the Xinjiang political and over an amplified scale in the Uighurs www.tibet.net

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His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama’s benevolence towards Tibetan people will never be forgotten; This year is dedicated to him: Sikyong on Kundun’s 85th Birthday celebration

The coronavirus pandemic may have altered the look of events around the world, but in no way has it affected the sentiments and the spirit of Tibetans and millions of Buddhists around the world as they celebrate the auspicious birthday of their most revered leader. For them, the Dalai Lama is their very heart and soul and also the guiding light and source of inspiration in these times of great uncertainty.

This year’s official celebration organised by the CTA turned into an unprecedented showcase of solidarity and celebration of the life of His Holiness with more than 140 political leaders, spiritual figures, nobel laureates and other eminent personalities from Artists of TIPA presents an ode to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the official celebration of His Holiness all over the world coming together to the Dalai Lama’s 85th birthday. Photo/Tenzin Phende/CTA celebrate His Holiness’ birthday through Menri Trizin, spiritual head of Bon He further expressed that for the six the CTA organised ceremony that was tradition; His Eminence the 17th million Tibetans His Holiness is the broadcasted live. Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley “glorious sun…the peerless teacher who Dorje, the head of Kamtsang has been guiding Tibetans through every Video messages of gratitude and wishes school of Kagyu tradition; Rigo Tulku hardship, both personal and national.” from former US President, George Rinpoche, Head of the Bush Jr, US Speaker of the House Monlam Committee and His Eminence His Holiness’ legacy of making of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, the 2nd Kyabje Jonang Gyaltsab this world a more peaceful, more Nobel Laureate, German Minister, Rinpoche, head of Jonang tradition in compassionate through a universe of President of Hesse, Volker Bouffler, exile sent their greetings and prayers for initiatives “continues to steer the world US Congressman, Jim McGovern, His Holiness’ long life through a series towards a more peaceful co-existence,” Australian Senator, Kimberly Kitching, of video message screened at the event. Sikyong added. Leader of the Liberal Party, Norway, Trine Skei Grande, National General Although the physical gathering at In his tribute to His Holiness, Sikyong Secretary, BJP, India, Ram Madhav the CTA headquarters was strictly shared that the image of the Tibetan Spiritual Head of Parmarth Niketan restricted in accordance with the state community as the most successful Ashram based in India, Pujya Swami and central guidelines, thousands of refugee community in the eyes of many Chidanand Saraswati, Bishop Gunnar virtual audiences from around the world around the world was the culmination Stalsett, Former National Security joined the celebration through the live of His Holiness’ uniting efforts and Advisor, India, Shivshankar Menon, broadcast. supreme sacrifices. “Like a parent” he MP and Co-Chair of APPGT, UK, added that His Holiness has nurtured Tim Loughton, and many others were Speaking on the occasion, Sikyong the Tibetans and “saved Tibet from screened at the official ceremony. Dr Lobsang Sangay, the honourable becoming a mere footnote in the story of President of the Central Tibetan lost and forgotten nations.” Wishes poured in from the Tibetan Administration expressed his deep Buddhist community as well, led by gratitude to His Holiness for leading In appreciation of such an outstanding heads of various traditions of Tibetan Tibet through one of its darkest contribution to Tibetan people and his Buddhism and native Tibetan Bon periods and nurturing the Tibetan exile tireless efforts in spreading the message tradition. His Eminence Gongma community into the most successful of peace and compassion, Sikyong Trizin Rinpoche; His Eminence Gaden refugee community with a robust announced that the whole year starting Trizin; His Eminence the 34th Kyabje democratic system. July 1, 2020, to 30 June 2021 will be

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devotion of body, speech, and mind to His Holiness the Dalai Lama repeated a countless times and, along with it, offer fervent prayers that His Holiness may live for a hundred aeons so as to provide us with great kindness the nectar-like teachings of clairvoyant guidance which is akin to the continuity of a summer stream at all times.”

Sikyong unveils a booklet of 113 popular quotes Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay offers obeisance The official function also featured the of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, an initiative of before a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama launch of a composition of 113 popular the Department of Information and International at the official celebration. quotes fo His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Relations as part of the CTAs’ yearlong gratitude campaign. dedicated as “Year of Gratitude” to His an initiative of the Department of of Gratitude” campaign—to celebrate Holiness the Dalai Lama. Information and International Relations as part of the CTAs’ yearlong gratitude and promote the lifelong commitments of His Holiness the Dalai Lama—will He further urged Tibetans and friends campaign. continue yearlong in every corner of the around the world to “initiate and take world, in a collective effort to offer His part in activities in their capacities to Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay and Holiness the greatest of all Dalai Lamas, create awareness about the life and four Speaker Pema Jungney felicitated two the truly best gift on his 85th birthday. commitments of His Holiness.” distinctive staff for excellence in service and three staff for completion of 25 In his final remarks, Sikyong offered years of service respectively. prayers and solidarity to all the nations and individuals affected by COVID-19 and extolled the teachings of His Holiness as a source of solace, hope, and blessing for thousands in these uncertain times.

Honourable Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile said the essence of marking the birthday of His Holiness the For detailed news visit: Dalai Lama is to remember Him as the destined deity of Tibet and his deeds, The gathering of high-level CTA dignitaries www.tibet.net watching a compilation of video messages from and to heed and respectfully study and leaders, Nobel laureates and friends of His follow advice and guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from all over the world. Holiness. continuation from page 35 “The magnitude of the debt of gratitude The ceremony concluded on an that all of us Tibetans owe to His auspicious note with the gathering of dignitaries reciting the mantra of Holiness for his boundless deeds in Indian constitution and his devotion to Avalokiteshvara, Om Mani Padme fields both religious and political is such world peace that His Holiness should Hung, a thousand times. Earlier this that it could never ever be repaid,” he receive the Bharat Ratna, the highest morning, in a special message to said, further adding that the best gift civilian honour, in our land. He is as Tibetans, His Holiness had advised that to His Holiness on his birthday would much a jewel of India as he is of his reciting the mantra of Avalokiteshvara be remember and contribute to His homeland of Tibet. We are truly blessed would be beneficial as Tibetans share a Holiness’ four lifelong commitments. to have him in our midst. unique connection with Avalokiteshvara. His Holiness also affirmed that the “This will undoubtedly be the most I, therefore, send my warmest and most positive virtue accumulated through meaningful way to present a gift to affectionate birthday greetings to His such practice could also contribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on His Holiness on this auspicious occasion him living over 110 years. birthday.” of His 85th birthday and I pray to the almighty for his good health and Though the official ceremony ends here, “On this day of perfect bliss, we, on continued good health and wellbeing in public celebrations of His Holiness’ behalf of all Tibetans in Tibet and in the years ahead. May the blessings of the birthday continues across the world and exile, offer greetings with unshakable triple gem be on him always.” most importantly, the CTA led “Year

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Former Indian Foreign Secretary says His Holiness the Dalai Lama should receive the Bharat Ratna

Former Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao Menon greeted Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 85th birthday in a video message broadcasted at the official celebration organised by the CTA.

The former Foreign Secretary also called for the highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna to be conferred on His Holiness the Dalai Lama in recognition of his enduring faith in the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Indian constitution, His advancement of democracy and devotion to world peace.

Read the full statement here:

“The 85th birthday of His Holiness Former Indian Foreign Secretary greets His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 85th birthday. Screengrab image the Dalai Lama is a very special and auspicious occasion for all of us. We laughter, the joy and the humanistic hearts and minds together through the deeply revere his humaneness, the sensitivity that he exudes, the words of centuries. Today more than ever before awesome strength of his spirituality, wisdom that he always speaks leave a the message of His Holiness about the the affirmed goodness that he embodies powerful impactful, a lasting impression need for peace within ourselves and for people around the world. For us, on us all. in peace in our region and the world, his members of the global family, he acquire fundamental importance. embodies the message of the Gautama, This is a belief that is shared by millions His Holiness has always spoken out the Buddha and of Mahatma Gandhi, of his followers around the world, and candidly against unbridled power and that a life well-lived is the life that through all the trials and the tribulations hegemony, aggression and violence, is committed to the values of peace, of life, His Holiness teaches us also the and emphasised the need for peaceful compassion, concern and empathy for virtue of laughter, of being optimistic, resolution of differences through the suffering and the downtrodden, of healing our sorrows in the golden civilised dialogue in a spirit of equality respect for diversity and the passion for sunshine of smiles. He has taught us the and mutual benefit. He has rightly said truth and nonviolent action. virtues of hope and optimism. that real peace is a manifestation of true compassion for all humanity. At a time when the world is being swept His Holiness is an honoured member by the forces of hypernationalism, the of our Indian family and we welcomed We must heed his words constantly fracturing of democracies, the rise of him as a much-esteemed guest to both in our thoughts and in our actions, authoritarianism, the tyranny of the our country 61 years ago, at a time of For us, Indians, he is a truly beloved majority, the anthropological threat of great pain, suffering, and sorrow in and precious presence, and I know that a global pandemic, His Holiness has his homeland of Tibet and among the Mother India holds him very, very close upheld our faith in justice, kindness, Tibetan people. Through the years he and dear in her heart. I truly believe tolerance, equality and the fellowship has symbolised the indomitable spirit as a patriotic Indian who is sincerely of all humanity, overcoming the high of his homeland, the rich beauty of its grateful for all the gifts he has given us, barriers and walls of divisiveness and culture, its strong religious heritage of tolerance, compassion, of harmony, the rivalries of power politics. From together with the courage, the fortitude of the love of peace. His respect for my early childhood, I have learnt much and the forbearance of his brave people. democracy and the advancement of from the teachings of His Holiness, and democracy and his enduring faith in the I have been privileged to have met and The ties between India and Tibet are fundamental freedoms enshrined in the interacted with him. He is undoubtedly, etched across history, our peoples have interacted closely over millennia, one of the greatest, most charismatic, continued on page 34 most inspirational and most historic our friendship is immortal, the divine figures of our time. His spontaneous message of Lord Budhha has bound our

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US Ambassador to India greets His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 85th Birthday

The US Ambassador to India, Kenneth Ian Juster greeted His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the auspicious occasion of His 85th birthday. The following is a transcript of the US Ambassador’s greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the special occasion via a video message.

“Your Holiness, it is a special privilege to know you and to be the chief guest at this celebration of your 85th birthday. The esteem in which you are held by the people of the United States is a demonstration of the deep and enduring affinity between Americans and Tibetans, beginning with President Franklin D Roosevelt who sent you the gift of a pocket-watch when you US Ambassador to India, Kenneth Ian Juster greets His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the 85th Birthday. were a young boy. Successive US Screengrab image administrations of both political parties Holiness when you created a democratic Embassy’s Library of Congress Office have admired your tireless efforts to framework for your own people. Your rescued thousands of priceless Tibetan seek freedom for Tibetans, preserve the abdication in 2011 of temple authority texts from the depravations of China’s Tibetan culture and bring an end to strife in favour of the elected-Central Tibetan Cultural revolution. We know how much and hostility around the world. Administration extended to thousands remains at stake for your people and of Tibetans around the world the right we look forward to more years of your The presentation to you in 2007 of the to chart their own destiny. We are proud leadership in the service of freedom for Congressional gold medal by your of our longstanding relationship with the Tibetans and their survival of Tibetan friend President George W. Bush stands Central Tibetan Administration which culture and identity. as the preeminent demonstration of the helps support the health, wellbeing and high regard in which you are held in the prosperity of Tibetans who have sought I would like to close by returning to United States of America. In the words of refuge in India. President Roosevelt, whose gift to you in President Bush during the presentation some manner may have led us here today. ceremony in the US capital, “You are a For the American people, your work Confronting a different era when the universal symbol of peace and tolerance. is in many ways a continuation of the world seems locked in conflict, President A shepherd for the faithful and the legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Roosevelt remarked in a final message keeper of the flame for his people. This Your unwavering sense of purpose calls to the American people, “If civilization is why all of us are drawn to a noble to our minds the words of Dr King in his is to survive, we must cultivate the and spiritual leader who lives a world letter from Bermingham jail when he signs of human relationships, the away.” I believe the warm feelings wrote that human progress never rolls in ability of all peoples of all kinds to live between Americans and Tibetans spring on the wheels of inevitability, it comes together and work together in the same in part from the recognition that your’s through the tireless efforts and persistent world at peace.” I can think of no one is a just and noble struggle. A struggle work of leaders and you, Your Holiness who better exemplifies these words to secure for your people the same self- epitomise this type of leadership. We are than Your Holiness. Like the era of evident and unalienable rights of life, also proud of the role the US Embassy in President Roosevelt, we too are living in liberty and the pursuit of happiness New Delhi, in its own modest way, has challenging times, in our case due to the that our founding fathers enshrined in played in nurturing the affinity between pandemic. Yet this celebration today of the “Declaration of Independence”. our peoples. This includes our reception your 85th birthday and your life’s work You may have read these words on in 1946 for the delegation of the Tibetan gives us great hope for the future and the walls of the Jefferson memorial government that congratulated my the promise of a more peaceful world. when you visited that landmark in country on the end of World War II. To Happy birthday to you, Your Holiness 1991. We like to think that these words the late Gene Smith whose work at the and many happy returns.” may have had some influence on Your 36 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2020 FEATURE BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav’s birthday message for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 85th birthday the conception of Atma and the other as Anatma. I also remember him once nar- rating to me his conversation with Indian PM Morarji Desai. “We are two branches of the same tree Dharma”, Morarji told His Holiness to which His Holiness has promptly responded by saying, “You are the tree and we are a branch. This humil- ity is the hallmark of His Holiness and in fact, the Emory University where he was an honorary professor His Holiness has described the essence of his philosophy in four words- humility, honesty, trans- parency, and compassion.

His Holiness is the living manifestation of these supreme qualities. The compas- On the propitious occasion of the 85th guru of spiritual enlightenment, compas- sion the essence of Buddhism has taken birth anniversary of His Holiness the sion, and bliss”. a human form in His Holiness. He is Dalai Lama, National General Secretary compassion incarnate. Holiness, I have of BJP Honourable Shri Ram Madhav “His Holiness has complete 61 years of had the great privilege of visiting Takt- offered his greetings to His Holiness. living in India. When he came, he came ser, your birthplace. I also had the honor as a refugee but today every Indian re- of visiting the famed Potala Palace in In his birthday message, he said “I am gard him as an elder in the family. His Lhasa. Everyone loves you there. As you deeply honored and pleased to offer my Holiness used to jovially say that while rightly emphasised several times the Ti- greetings and best wishes on the 85th his body is Tibetan, his blood is Indian betan religion, culture, and language birthday of His Holiness for his long life since he has been eating the rice and daal survived in the land of Tibet among the and serving not only the Tibetans but for of this country for last so many years. 6 million Tibetans despite heavy odds. the entire humanity. Yesterday, we the It is a spirit that continues to purvey the Hindus have celebrated Guru Purnima, a His Holiness is as much revered spiri- spaces of the mind of millions in Tibet day dedicated to offering our obeisance tual master to us as he has been to many and all over the world. to our gurus and masters. His Holiness Tibetans and others. His Holiness has is also a great guru and master for man- regraded Hinduism and Buddhisms as May the divine further through you in kind. I offer my obeisance to this great twins following identical paths one with many years to come. My prayers”.

Kyabje Jonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche greets His Holiness on 85th birthday

and figures of various traditions of tireless efforts for the benefit of the Tibetan Buddhism and native Tibetan humanity and the Tibetan people in Bon tradition. particular.”

His Eminence the 2nd Kyabje Jonang “It’s important for all of us to fulfil His Gyaltsab Rinpoche, head of Jonang Holiness’ wishes and chiefly his lifelong tradition in exile, offered heartfelt commitments: to develop compassion greetings. In his video message, and love, religious harmony, protect Rinpoche expressed fervent prayers for Tibetan culture and identity.” His Holiness’ long life and fulfilment of all his noble aspirations. Kyabje Jonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche greets His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the 85th Birthday. For detailed news visit: Rinpoche said, “As per CTA’s plan On the occasion of His Holiness the to dedicate 2020 through 2021 to His www.tibet.net Dalai Lama’s 85th birthday on July 6, Holiness as the “Year of Gratitude,” I birthday wishes poured in from Heads express my deepest gratitude for his

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17th Gyalwang Karmapa greets His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 85th birthday

“Especially, for the sake of all Tibetan action that using Chenrezik’s name for people, through his loving-kindness, our own benefit and harming others. His Holiness seeks to increase their harmonious relationships with each other “His Holiness looks after the Tibetan as well as their freedom and happiness. people like a parent cares for their child Further, for benefit of the whole world, nurturing them with affection and love. through his kindness and promotion of Tibetans argue about the three different nonviolence, he encourages us to study regions of Tibet and about the different Buddhist philosophy and engage in spiritual traditions in Tibet. This is like practice. By uniting traditional Buddhist a child who does not care for its elderly 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje teachings with contemporary ways of parents and upsets them. This disruption greets His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 85th scientific thinking, he makes clear what of harmony will be the greatest birthday we should abandon and embody. disappointment for His Holiness. To On the occasion of His Holiness the speak honestly, I have the feeling that Dalai Lama’s 85th birthday on July “All of these activities bring benefit from his point of view, more than those 6, wishes poured in from heads and universally and individually, for self who criticize him personally, he is figures of various traditions of Tibetan and other. For this reason, more than disturbed by those who do not take into Buddhism and native Tibetan Bon ever before, we should pay attention consideration all Tibetans, but promote tradition. A compiled video messages and make serious efforts to follow his inner strife among them. from the heads of Sakya, , Kagyu, teachings, which give clear guidance on Nyingma, Bon and Jonang tradition of what we should give up and take up. “It is very easy to say “gratitude,” and Tibetan Buddhism were screened at the very difficult to analyze one’s own inner CTA’s official celebration this morning. “What is most important is that for our feelings and actually put gratitude into part, we strive to foster activity that, in practice. Why is this so? Naturally and Extending his greetings on the joyous accord with the wishes of His Holiness, innately, we all have a very dense habit occasion, His Eminence the 17th benefits living beings in general as well of grasping onto the characteristics of an Gyalwang Karmapa, the head of as all Tibetans and those who walk the object and grasping onto the reality of a Kamtsang Kagyu school of Kagyu path of virtue. self. Therefore, we must train by making tradition said, “To His Holiness the a real effort to develop our ability to care Dalai Lama, Nobel Laureate, the kind “All along, His Holiness has been giving for others more than ourselves and think protector of the Land of Snow, Lord of us abundant advice. The two main points carefully about the meaning of what the Victorious Ones, I offer my infinite we should take away from his teachings constitutes the public good. good wishes on his eighty-fifth birthday. are the need to transform our minds and Along with these, I wish him a very long to increase our understanding of what “We should listen to and reflect again and life and pray that all his compassionate to abandon and what to embody. The again on His Holiness’ teachings, and wishes and instructions will be outcome of our practice depends on our not only think about them but actually spontaneously accomplished.” Read individual efforts. If we do not try to do put them into practice. This way we will the statement published on the official this, then the counsel he has given us become better people and continue to website of HE Gyalwang Karmapa here. becomes meaningless: it is critical that develop ourselves further. we put it into practice. “This year the Central Tibetan “In conclusion, I pray that His Holiness Administration has organized a “At this fortunate time, we are able will remain with us for a long time and celebration to remember His Holiness’ to meet and listen to the teachings of that all his activity will be spontaneously kindness. Ignoring numerous difficulties His Holiness, who is like the Buddha accomplished. Thank you.” and full of life, from the past to the himself. If we are going to make these present moment His Holiness has been connections with him, now is the time to engaging with powerful compassion in do it. Thinking that we will do it in the immense and vast activity for the planet future has no benefit. Using his Holiness’ in general and for Tibet in particular. It name to seek benefit to ourselves brings goes without saying that with a mind us no advantage. Not only will it not filled with gratitude, we should support help us, we could actually be harming his efforts with our body, speech, and ourselves and others as well. One could mind. say that there is no greater negative

38 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2020 FEATURE

The great legacy of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama surpasses that of all the previous Dalai Lamas: Rinpoche on His Holiness’ 85th Birthday

Head of the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Rinpoche’s video message was screened Buddhism, His Eminence the 42nd at the official celebration of His Sakya Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, in Holiness’ 85th birthday organised by the his heartfelt greetings on His Holiness CTA at its headquarters. the Dalai Lama’s 85th birthday, expressed profound gratitude to His Messages from heads of other traditions Holiness for his extraordinary leadership of Tibetan Buddhism: His Eminence of the Tibetan Buddhism and service to Gaden Trizin, spiritual head of the humanity. Gelug tradition; His Eminence the 34th Rinoche also offered fervent prayers, Kyabje Menri Trizin, spiritual head of on behalf of the Sakya Buddhist Bon tradition; His Eminence the 17th community, for His Holiness the Dalai Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Lama to live for eons and eons to benefit Sakya Trizin Rinpoche greets on His Holiness’ Dorje, the head of Kamtsang Kagyu Buddha dharma and all sentient beings. 85th Birthday school of Kagyu tradition; Rigo Tulku “Following in the noble footsteps of Rinpoche, Head of the Nyingma Monlam “The legacy of His Holiness the Great Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, I Committee and His Eminence the 2nd 14th Dalai Lama is unfathomable, avow to continue to uphold and abide by Kyabje Jonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche, head so much so that the greatness of His the advice and guidance of His Holiness of Jonang tradition in exile were also Holiness’ legacy far surpasses that of the Dalai Lama and serve his benevolent screened at the event. the combined lineage of previous Dalai wishes,” Rinpoche said, reaffirming his Lamas,” His Eminence said. unfaltering devotion and respect for His Holiness.

Kyabje Gaden Tripa greets His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 85th birthday

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama ultimate protector of all, the Bodhisattva and treat this day as an opportunity to of Compassion and the patron saint of renew one’s devotion and commitment Tibet,” the head of the Gelug tradition to His Holiness. said, extolling His Holiness’ tireless and decades-long work in promoting Tibet’s Messages from heads of other traditions religious and cultural heritage as well as of Tibetan Buddhism: His Eminence campaigning for a better, compassionate Sakya Trizin, spiritual head of the humanity. Sakya tradition; His Eminence the 34th Kyabje Menri Trizin, spiritual head of “Besides his illustrous contribution to Bon tradition; His Eminence the 17th Kyabje Gaden Tripa greets His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 85th birthday the flourishing of Tibetan Buddhism and Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley culture, His Holiness has also dedicated Dorje, the head of Kamtsang Kagyu Paying glowing tributes to His Holiness his life to service of humanity, promoting school of Kagyu tradition; Rigo Tulku the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his universal religion of peace, compassion Rinpoche, Head of the Nyingma Monlam 85th birthday, His Eminence the 104th and oneness of humanity across the Committee and His Eminence the 2nd Gaden Tripa urged all Tibetans to take world,” Kyabje Gaden Tripa said. Kyabje Jonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche, head a pledge on the day to implement His of Jonang tradition in exile were also Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings and As he concluded his remarks, Rinpoche screened at the event. make His constant messages of oneness made a moving appeal for all the and compassion the guiding principles Tibetans to endeavour ceaselessly of their lives. towards implementing the advice and For detailed news visit: www.tibet.net

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“The luminous legacy of His Holiness is boundless as the sky and ocean,” says Kyabje Menri Trizin Rinpoche on His Holiness’ 85th birthday

On the occasion of His Holiness the “The luminous legacy of His Holiness Dalai Lama’s 85th birthday on July the Dalai Lama is as boundless as the sky 6, wishes poured in from heads and and ocean,” he said. “His immeasurable figures of various traditions of Tibetan contribution to the land and the people Buddhism and native Tibetan Bon of Tibet is such that we couldn’t repay tradition. A compiled video messages our the debts of gratitude for eons and from the heads of Sakya, Gelug, Kagyu, eons if we tried.” Nyingma, Bon and Jonang tradition of Tibetan Buddhism were screened at the However, reminding that the offering CTA’s official celebration on 6th July. of practice is the best gift to one’s teacher, Rinpoche urged all the Tibetans Kyabje Menri Trizin Rinpoche on His Holiness’ Speaking on the occasion, His Eminence 85th birthday to remember His Holiness’ lifelong the 34th Kyabje Menri Trizin, spiritual teachings and advice and implement head of Bon tradition said, “On behalf of Rinpoche further expressed appreciation them in everyday lives. the Bon Buddhist community, I extend to the Central Tibetan Administration my profound greetings and gratitude for its noble initiative of celebrating and to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on promoting the lifework of His Holiness this auspicious occasion of his 85th through the yearlong ‘Year of Gratitude’ birthday.” campaign.

DOE announces extension of scholarship application deadlines

Applications for Master degree/ M.Phil/ *Interested applicants are advised to Phone: +91.01892.226695, 222572, Ph.D. scholarships of the Department of submit their online form before the 222721 Education (DoE) and Dalai Lama Trust deadline. Failure to do so shall be (DLT) scholarship for the year 2020 has deemed ineligible. Email: [email protected], been extended to further dates: [email protected] For queries, contact: The Dalai Lama Trust Post Graduate scholarship application deadline has Sangay Lhadon: For DLT. PG been extended to 5 PM on 15 September scholarship 2020. Lobsang Dhargye: For Ph.D., M.Phil, The DoE Post Graduate scholarship UG. application deadline has been extended to 5 PM on 15 September 2020. General, Vocational & Diploma courses. Sikyong Professional Scholarship application deadline has been extended Tenzin Tashi: For PG/Masters courses. to 5 PM on 15 September 2020.

For detailed news visit: www.tibet.net

40 TIBETAN BULLETIN JULY - AUGUST 2020 ‘Eat the Buddha’ Reports From the ‘World Capital of Self-Immolations’

By Parul Sehgal | New York Times

In “The Unwomanly Face of War,” ordinary citizens — have come from an oral history of World War II, the Ngaba and the surrounding region. Nobel Prize-winning writer Svetlana Alexievich recounts a strange little Why Ngaba? “Why were so many of story. A woman leaps into dark water its residents willing to destroy their to rescue a drowning man. At the shore, bodies by one of the most horrific however, she realizes it is not a man she methods imaginable?” This mystery has hauled from the water but a gigantic hooked Demick, who arrived in China sturgeon. The sturgeon dies. in 2007 as the Beijing bureau chief of The Los Angeles Times. On the face of Censors initially cut the scene from it, Ngaba is better off than many of its Alexievich’s book. You’re not asking counterparts, she observes. The residents about the right things, they remonstrated. are comfortable, the infrastructure Focus on bravery, on patriotism. Let’s comparatively decent. (The government have less about fear, and less about invested in a “blitz” of modernization hairstyles. There was no place in the in the hopes of quelling the uprisings). canon for her sort of wartime stories, Some attribute the protests to the harsh Alexievich recalled in an interview and oppressive police presence. But with The Paris Review. There was no Demick argues that the roots run deeper. place for reality, which comes stuffed book, all of them told in rotating Ngaba was the site of Tibet’s first with sturgeons and all manner of perspectives — a model inspired by meeting with Chinese Communists, in misapprehensions and muddle; reality, John Hersey’s “Hiroshima,” and one the 1930s. “The people of this region which shows notable indifference, if not she has made her own. In “Logavina have a particular wound causing outright hostility, to plot. Street,” she described daily life during excessive suffering that spans three the Bosnian War through the lens of one generations,” the monk Kirti Rinpoche Perhaps an alternative canon exists, neighborhood in Sarajevo. “Nothing to testified before a U.S. congressional in the work of oral historians like Envy” followed six refugees from the commission in 2011. “This wound is Alexievich, and in the deeply reported port city of Chongjin. The close focus very difficult to forget or heal.” narratives of journalists like Barbara gives her work its granularity, but it also Demick. The method is programmatic allows her to crosscheck the stories of Fleeing Nationalist forces, the Red Army openness, deep listening, a willingness her subjects. “Good reporting should marauded through monasteries. They to be waylaid; the effect, a prismatic have the same standard as in a courtroom burned holy books and manuscripts, and picture of history as experienced and — beyond a reasonable doubt,” she has survived by boiling and eating the skin understood by individuals in their full said. In her latest, the masterly “Eat of drums and the votive offerings to the amplitude and idiosyncrasy. Alexievich the Buddha,” she profiles a group of Buddha (from which the book gets its collects the daydreams of her subjects. Tibetans with roots in Ngaba County, in title). Demick traces this first encounter, In Demick’s impressive account of life the Chinese province of Sichuan, which and the ensuing violent history, through in North Korea, “Nothing to Envy,” bears the gory distinction of being the the testimonies of her cast of characters: she described a society on the brink “undisputed world capital of self- students and teachers, market sellers, the of starvation, cut off from the world, immolations.” private secretary to the Dalai Lama, the lacking even electricity. But she told former princess of the Mei kingdom. love stories, too. Darkness proved Despite the Buddhist taboo against to be a surprising boon; some North suicide, some 156 Tibetans — at the These scenes are narrated as flashes Koreans told her they grew to need it, time of Demick’s writing — have set of memory, anchored by the types of as it conferred the only freedom they themselves on fire in recent years, details children remember, giving them knew. Young people fell in love in the protesting China’s rule. They have an unbearable vividness and horror. dark: “Wrapped in a magic cloak of perfected their technique, wrapping One man recalls hiding himself as a invisibility, you can do what you like themselves in quilts and wire to prevent little boy when his house was invaded without worrying about the prying eyes rescue, dousing themselves in gasoline by Chinese soldiers. He emerged to find of parents, neighbors or secret police.” and swallowing it, too, to ensure they his grandfather gone and grandmother will burn from the inside. Almost a third badly shaken, her scalp bleeding. He “Eat the Buddha” is Demick’s third of these people — monks, mothers, remembers wondering: Where are her pigtails? The former princess remembers American government’s devastating of the self-immolations first attracted being so curious about the Chinese at policy of culling the Lakota’s bison. her interest, she finds, at least among first, so delighted to meet them. Her Daylong public “struggle sessions” her sources, demands that sound mother joked that she offered grass to were instituted — rituals of public surprisingly modest. They want only their trucks, the first vehicles she had humiliation in which those accused of the rights enjoyed by the Han Chinese, ever seen. She thought they were horses. perceived infractions were forced to she writes — to travel, hold a passport, Those who self-immolate today are the admit to crimes and submit to verbal and to study their own language, to educate grandchildren of those who participated physical abuse — with children forced their children abroad if they wish. in the early uprisings, Demick writes. to observe and cheer along. Some 20 Having imbibed the Dalai Lama’s percent of the population was arrested Her forecast is pessimistic. Only in teachings of nonviolence, they can only and held in prisons that were often only North Korea has she witnessed such bear to hurt themselves. They bear the pits in the ground filled with hundreds of smothering surveillance and high levels scars of the “Democratic Reforms”in people. An estimated 300,000 Tibetans of fear, she writes, accelerated by eastern Tibet that began in 1958. died. technological developments like a social “Tibetans of this generation refer to this credit system in development that will period simply as ngabgay — ’58. Like Demick covers an awe-inspiring breadth prevent “untrustworthy” citizens from 9/11, it is shorthand for a catastrophe of history — from the heyday of the employment, buying plane tickets and so overwhelming that words cannot , which could compete using credit cards. express it, only the number,” Demick with those of the Turks and Arabs, to writes. “Some will call it dhulok, a word the present day, as the movement for In Ngaba, the last Tibetan-language that roughly translates as the ‘collapse of Tibetan independence has faltered and school — the last one in all of China — time,’ or, hauntingly, ‘when the sky and transformed into an effort at cultural has switched to teaching primarily in earth changed places.’” and spiritual survival. She charts the Chinese. Meanwhile, across the country, creative rebellions of recent years, Demick notices the same red billboards Tibetans were forced into cooperative the efforts at revitalizing the language springing up, proclaiming the latest living, stripped of their herds and and traditions, Tibetans’ attachment to propaganda: “TOGETHER WE WILL land. Their yaks — sources of their the Dalai Lama (and their criticisms). BUILD A BEAUTIFUL HOME. BEND food, clothing and light (candles Above all, Demick wants to give room LOW. LISTEN TO WHAT PEOPLE were made from yak fat) — were for contemporary Tibetans to testify to SAY.” seized and slaughtered, recalling the their desires. If the spectacular horror

Chorig department announces essay contest on the legacy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

In observance of the ‘Year of Gratitude to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’, the Department of Religion and Culture, CTA is inviting members of Tibetan monasteries, nunneries and Tibetan Buddhist institutes to participate in an essay competition on the legacy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Download the application from www. tibet.net announcement section.

Deadline: Entries must be emailed to [email protected] by 5 pm on 20 November 2020. Tibetan Media Sheja (Official Tibetan monthly) Tibet Bulletin (Official Chinese bi-monthly) Department of Information & International Department of Information & International Relations, Dharamshala-176215, HP, India Relations, Dharamshala-176 215, HP, India Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.bod.asia Web: www.xizang-zhiye.org

Tibetan Freedom (Official Tibetan weekly) Department of Information & International Relations, Dharamshala-176215, HP, India For detailed news visit: TIBETAN Email: [email protected] www.tibet.net Web: www.bod.asia BulletiN

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QUOTES

“I admire the spirit of the European Union. In the past, European countries like France and Germany were arch enemies, they fought and killed each other. But after the second world war, their two leaders, Adenauer and de Gaulle decided it would be better to form a union of states in Europe. Since then peace has prevailed there.” His Holiness the Dalai Lama

“Tibetans acknowledge with deep gratitude the debt we owe to His Holiness, the greatest of all the Dalai Lamas. We proudly celebrate His life and legacies and pray that His Holiness will live for eons and that all His wishes be fulfilled. We pray for the day when Tibetans in Tibet will get to seek His Holiness’ blessing and teaching from his seat in the Potala palace in the Land of Snow. May His Holiness’ light continue to shine upon us.” CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay on 85th Birthday of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet

“Relying primarily on the power of compassion, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has directed his efforts at promoting the potential of ethical values that are inherent to all human beings. On that basis, His Holiness has been unrelenting in his efforts at promoting the protection of the natural environment, inter-religious harmony, cessation of warfare and conflicts and so on by exhorting the concept of universal responsibility aimed at the realization of global peace.” Speaker Pema Jugney of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on 85th Birthday of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama.

Edited by Tenzin Saldon Printed and Published by the Secretary, Department of Information & International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala - 176215, H.P, INDIA Printed at Narthang Press, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala - 176215, H.P, INDIA