TIBETAN BulletiN The Official Journal of the Central Tibetan Administration

Volume 18 - Issue 2 March - April 2014

Focus

Under China’s Shadow: Mistreatment of Tibetans in Nepal

Feature

Top EU Official Visits Dharamshala

Documentation

Sikyong’s Statement on 55th Tibetan National Uprising Day

Chinese Perspective

Walk Home Together

World Press The First Lady’s Travel Journal: A Taste of Tibetan Culture

www.tibet.net/en/tibbul His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the EU delegation led by Mr. Henri Malosse, President of the European Economic and Social Committee

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and fel- low guests during the release of the book ‘Lal Bahadur Shastri - Lessons in Leadership’ in New Delhi, India on March 23, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Kalon Dicki Chhoyang and Mr. Henri Malosse (C), President of the Euro- pean Economic and Social Commit- tee speaking to reporters on 10 March 2014. DIIR Photo/ Tenzin Phende www.tibet.net/en/tibbul

Focus 7. Under China’s Shadow : Mistreatment of Tibetans in Nepal

Feature 9. Henri Malosse, President of EESC Visits Dharamshala TIBETAN 10. Himachal Pradesh University Confers Honorary Degree on His ulleti Holiness the Dalai Lama B N 11. Shri Ram College of Commerce celebrates 88th Annual Day, Tibetan Bulletin is an official bi-monthly Dalai Lama was Chief Guest journal of the Central Tibetan Admin- istration. 11. His Holiness the Dalai Lama interacts with Indian students on ethics and compassion 13. Sinful to discriminate against leprosy patients: H.H the Dalai Lama

Documentation 14. Statement of Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay on the 55th Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day Signed articles or quotations do not nec- 16. Statement of the Tibetan Parliament Exile on the occasion of the essarily reflect the views of the Central 55th Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day Tibetan Administration. Contributions are welcome and may be addressed to the 19. His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Schedule for May-June 2014 editor, Tibetan Bulletin. However the pub- 20. Tibetan Parliament passes resolution concerning Dolgyal lisher regrets its inability to return unused 21. Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Passes Resolution of Solidarity articles unless they are accompanied by 22. Italian Senate Passes Resolution on Tibet a self-addressed envelope with adequate postage.

Chinese Perspective Tibetan Bulletin is distributed free of 23. Blind Chinese Activist Chen Guangcheng’s speech at Tibetan charge. To subscribe please email the cir- culation manager or see page 2. Uprising Day in New York 24. Walk Home Together Editor Lobsang Choedak World Press Email: [email protected]

25. The burden of empire Asst. Editor 26. The First Lady’s Travel Journal: A Taste of Tibetan Culture Jamphel Shonu 27. I unequivocally support the middle-way approach advocated by Dalai Layout & Design Lama: Karmapa Rinpoche Dorje Tsering 28. The Diplomat speaks with the prime minister of Tibetans in exile Circulation Manager Obituary Tenzin Choephel Email: [email protected] 30. Veteran Tibetan Communist Leader Passes Away Tibetan Bulletin is published by: Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, Dharam- shala- 176 215 H.P. India Tel: +91-1892-222510 / 222457 Regulars Vol. 18, Issue 2 News From Tibet & Exile ...... 4 March - april 2014 Contact ...... 31 Quotes ...... 32 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE French and Germans call to prioritise human rights in Tibet: Poll

A new opinion poll commissioned by the from findings of the new poll released with China,” said Matteo Mecacci, International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), by the French Institute of Public Opin- President of the International Campaign a Washington, DC based Tibet advocacy ion (IFOP) in advance of Xi Jinping’s for Tibet in a statement. “People are group, showed an overwhelming major- visit to Europe. concerned about human rights issues ity of French and German citizens want The opinion poll, conducted from 10-14 in Tibet, and they want European lead- their leaders to prioritise human rights March, showed that “in France, 90 per- ers not only to meet the Dalai Lama, and Tibet during their meetings with cent and in Germany, 92 percent of citi- but to encourage Xi Jinping to speak Chinese President Xi Jinping. President zens expressed their support for a meet- to him face to face to find a negotiated Xi arrived in France on 25th March, on ing between China’s Party Secretary Xi solution to the Tibetan issue. European his first four-nation European tour which Jinping and the Dalai Lama, to find a Union leaders cannot ignore the opinion will also take him to Germany and Bel- negotiated solution to the Tibetan issue.” of their own citizens and should clearly gium. assert their support for fellow Nobel It showed that “citizens in these two Peace Laureate the Dalai Lama and the “An overwhelming majority of French major European countries give greater and German citizens express solidarity human rights crisis in Tibet during Xi’s priority to their leaders raising Tibet and visit. What is at stake in our relationship and concern for the lack of respect for human rights with the Chinese leader- human rights and civil liberties of Ti- with China goes beyond a trade deal or ship, than pushing for commercial con- access to their markets; it is the relation- betans; have a favorable opinion of the tracts.” Dalai Lama and call on French Presi- ship with a rising authoritarian country dent Hollande and German Chancel- “The polls give a clear message that that will shape the very nature and fu- lor Merkel to officially invite the Dalai European citizens’ priorities go beyond ture of the world in which we all wish to Lama to their capitals,” ICT said, citing trade and business in our relationship live,” Mr Mecacci said. Chinese supporters build sculpture in memory of Tibetan self-immolators

A sculpture, made by a Chinese artist Addressing the gathering during the un- other people. “We Chinese should learn based in America in memory of all those veiling ceremony, Qi Jia Zhen said the from the culture and compassionate na- Tibetans who have set themselves on fire sculpture is a gesture of the Chinese ture of Tibet and the Tibetan people,” in protest against the repressive policies people’s condolence and respect for all she said. of the Chinese government, was un- those Tibetans who have sacrificed their Kalon Dicki Chhoyang of the Depart- veiled at the Tibet Museum in Dharam- lives for the cause of Tibet through self- ment of Information and International shala on the 55th Tibetan National Up- immolation. Relations, who unveiled the statue at rising Day on 10 March. The event was “The unending protest and self-immola- the Tibet Museum, thanked the Chinese organised by the China Desk and Tibet tions in Tibet is a result of the Chinese people for their support for the just cause Museum of the Department of Informa- government’s continued assault on Ti- of Tibet. She reiterated the Tibetan peo- tion & International Relations. betans and their culture and religion ple’s firm commitment to non-violence The sculpture was made by Chen Wei since it invaded Tibet in 1949,” Qi said. and resolve the issue of Tibet through Ming with the financial support from Qi Qi said the self-immolators have de- dialogue with the Chinese government Jia Zhen, a supporter of Tibetan cause manded freedom for Tibetans and their based on the Middle Way Approach. living in Australia. actions have not caused physical harm to Tibetan Political Prisoner dies of torture

A brutally tortured Tibetan political and in prison. He suffered death-threat- of leading a peaceful protests denounc- prisoner died from grievous injuries sus- ening injuries as a result. He was given ing Chinese rule in Machu county in tained in prison, just a few months after all kinds of pain-relief injections but that 2008. He was later kept in a jail in the being released from prison on medical only exacerbated his condition. Since provincial capital Lanzhou. grounds by Chinese authorities. the authorities feared that he might die He was released on Oct. 27, 2013, after Goshul Lobsang, 43, died on 19 March in prison, they decided to release him on his health deteriorated severely in de- at his family home in Machu county in medical parole, before he was to com- tention and his chances for survival ap- Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture plete his full sentence. He was released peared dim. (incorporated into China’s Gansu prov- on 27 October 2013,” TCHRD quoted a source as saying. Goshul Lobsang hails from Belpen ince). Yultso village in Machu county.He is “The Chinese police and prison authori- Goshul Lobsang was detained in May survived by his wife Tare and their two ties brutally tortured him in detention 2010 after Chinese police accused him children, his brother said.

4 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH-APRIL 2014 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Top 10 ‘World’s Greatest Leaders’ List

Fortune, a leading world magazine, has paigned tirelessly for peace, nonvio- ating a happy society.” chosen Tibet’s spiritual leader for its list lence, democracy, and reconciliation, The top 10 leaders in the list are (1) of world’s 50 greatest leaders, extolling especially among world religions; he Pope Francis, (2) Angela Merkel, Ger- his “more than five decades of tireless has met countless times with popes, rab- man Chancellor, (3) Alan Mulally, CEO campaign for peace, nonviolence, de- bis, imam, and others to find common of Ford Motor Co. (4) Warren Buffett, mocracy, and reconciliation, especially ground. Winner of the 1989 Nobel Peace CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, (5) Bill among world religions.” His Holiness Prize, the Dalai Lama radiates charisma. Clinton, (6) Aung San Suu Kyi, chair of the Dalai Lama and Pope Francis are As for his influence, just ask those who the National League for Democracy, (7) only two spiritual leaders listed in the look for his guidance on Twitter. All 8.6 Gen. Joe Dunford, Commander of U.S. top ten. million of them.” In his latest tweet, His Force, Afghanistan, (8) Bono, lead sing- Describing His Holiness the Dalai Holiness the Dalai Lama said: “Concern er of U2, (9) Dalai Lama and (10) Jeff Lama, who was ranked no 9, Fortune for others is not just a matter of religious Bezos, CEO of Amazon.com. wrote: “For over 50 years he has cam- practice; it’s a practical step towards cre-

China sentences Tibetan monk to 18 years in prison Thardoe Gyaltsen, the administrator ism which in reality was to undermine astery was renovated later under abbot of Drongna monastery in Driru county his noble works in the monastery and the Khenrab Choedak and chant master Ten- in Nagchu Prefecture in eastern Tibet nearby schools,” a source said. zin Wangchuk. The monastery currently (incorporated into Tibet Autonomous Thardoe Gyaltsen joined Gaden monas- has over 90 monks. Prefecture) was sentenced to 18 years tery as a novice monk in his childhood. During the peaceful protests of Driru in in prison for allegedly storing photos He later joined Drongna monastery and mid 2013 and early 2014, several monks and speeches of His Holiness the Dalai was appointed as the chant master and as of Drongna monastery were also arrest- Lama. administrator of the monastery. He is a ed. The monastery was also subjected A local court in Driru county pronounced deeply pious monk, committed towards to police raids and heavy surveillance the sentence in January this year. the practice and preservation of Tibetan in the aftermath of the peaceful protests “Thardoe Gyaltsen was a dedicated Ti- Buddhism. in Driru. Currently, the monks of the betan monk who is also one of the ad- Drongna monastery was founded in the monastery are banned from organising ministrators of the monastery. He was eleventh century. The monastery was religious services and other monastic sentenced to prison under politically heavily destroyed by Chinese forces activities. motivated charges of inciting separat- during the cultural revolution. The mon- 2 Tibetan monks self-immolate

A Tibetan monk from Kirti Monastery in Local Tibetans shut down their shops took place in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Ngaba county has set himself on fire to and restaurants to mourn and express Meanwhile, China’s official Xinhua protest against the repressive policies of solidarity with the monk’s family mem- news agency said a Tibetan monk has Chinese government in northeastern Ti- bers. The situation in the area remain self-immolated. “The monk was from bet, according to sources in exile. Mean- tense with heavy deployment of police the Shaderi Monastery in Huangnan Ti- while, China’s official Xinhua news and security forces. betan autonomous prefecture in Qinghai agency reported another Tibetan monk The self-immolation protest marks the province. The report said police were from Shaderi monastery in Zekog coun- sixth anniversary of the massacre of rushing to the site and gave no further ty (Tib: Tsekhog) in Huangnan prefec- monks of Kirti monastery by Chinese details,” the Associated Press said quot- ture (Tib: Malho) has self-immolated. forces on 16 March 2008, fews days ing Xinhua’s report. ”A man at the Ze- Lobsang Palden of Kirti Monastery, in after unprecedented protest against the kog county public security bureau con- his 20s set fire to his gasoline soaked Chinese government broke out in Tibet’s firmed the immolation and said it took body on Martyrs Street in Ngaba coun- capital Lhasa on 10 March. Hundreds of place outside the monastery. He said he ty (incorporated into China’s Sichuan Tibetans were killed by Chinese secu- had no other information and refused to Province) around 11:30 am Sunday. He rity forces in the subsequent crackdown be identified,” AP reported. then walked few steps raising slogans across Tibet. Both the self-immolators have died. The and was immediately bundled away by Similar self-immolation protests by total number of self-immolation protests police in a vehicle. monks of Kirti monastery the same day by Tibetans inside Tibet has risen to 128.

MARCH-APRIL 2014 TIBETAN BULLETIN 5 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE DIIR Kalon inaugurates Tibet Museum’s new Exhibition on Self-Immolation the loss of Tibetan culture and lives and present the hopes and aspirations of the Tibetan people through collected photo- graphs and life histories. Speaking to media persons after the in- auguration, Mr Tashi Phuntsok, Direc- tor of Tibet Museum said: “We have travelled across India particularly south and north-east India showcasing the ex- hibition. Lots of people have turned up and expressed their solidarity with the Tibet issue after witnessing the exhibi- tions. Therefore, we are showcasing our new exhibition at our permanent base in Mcleod Ganj so that foreigners as well as our Indian friends can understand Ms. Dicki Chhoyang, Kalon of the De- have a moral responsibility to make sure what’s happening inside Tibet.” partment of Information and Interna- that the international community under- “We will also travel to various parts of tional Relations, Central Tibetan Admin- stands the background,” she said. India to showcase the exhibition to cre- istration inaugurated Tibet Museum’s “The Tibetans self-immolating are not ate more awareness about the Tibet is- new exhibition on the wave of Tibetan politicians. They are common Tibetan sue. Tibet supporters and friends of Ti- self-immolations inside Tibet. The new people including farmers, nomads, stu- bet based outside India, can download exhibition consists of 27 panels in Tibet- dents, monks and nuns. We have also our panels from our website or contact an, English and Hindi, documenting the documented how the Chinese govern- our office directly if they are interested aspirations, last words of the self-immo- ment have responded to the self-immo- to view the exhibit or organise similar lators and the reasons that lead them to lation protests, she said adding, while we exhibitions in their respective coun- self-immolate in protest. can appeal Tibetans inside Tibet not to tries,” he added. “This exhibit is an effort by the Central self-immolate, the policies that are lead- The Tibet Museum has successfully Tibetan Administration to ensure that ing them to self-immolate are not in our toured various parts of India including international community is clear about control. It is in the hands of the Chinese all the major Tibetan settlements. It is what is self-immolation, why are Tibet- government. So, through this exhibit, we composed of three sections: permanent ans self-immolating, what is leading, up hope that more and more people would exhibition, travelling exhibition and the until now, 129 Tibetans to self -immo- understand the sad events taking place photo archive section. It conducts vari- late, said Kalon Dicki Chhoyang. inside Tibet, she said. ous programs including lecture series, “Ever since the self-immolations began, The Tibet Museum, an undertaking of publishing pictorial books, collecting we have urged the Tibetans inside Tibet the Department of Information and In- documents, photographs, objects and not to resort to drastic forms of action. ternational Relations, was established first hand accounts relating to Tibet and While the self-immolations continue, we in 1998, to serve as a remembrance of Tibetan issues. Tibetan Parliament honours local Indian support group leaders

At the invitation of the Tibetan Parlia- Tibetan Parliament, expressed deep Speaker Penpa Tsering presented Khatag ment-in-Exile, a local Indian delega- gratitude to the government and people (Tibetan ceremonial scarves) and me- tion observed the budget session of the of Himachal Pradesh for their long- mentos to the delegation in honour of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. The del- standing support for the Tibetan people. their first visit to the Tibetan Parliament- egation comprised of about 50 members He also applauded the local Indian com- in-Exile. of the three Tibet support groups – the munity for their reverence for His Holi- Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association, ness the Dalai Lama and respect for the Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch and Hi- Tibetan administration in Dharamshala. malaya Parivar – and leaders of local organisations based in Dharamshala. He underlined the need to foster and strengthen the harmonious relationship Welcoming the delegation in the House, between the local Indian and Tibetan Mr Penpa Tsering, the speaker of the communities.

6 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH-APRIL 2014 FOCUS Under China’s Shadow : Mistreatment of Tibetans in Nepal

A Report By Human Rights Watch

Chinese Pressure on Nepal Since the 2008 Tibetan uprising, the new refugees and migrants coming from Tibet or returning from India. largest, most widespread unrest among It is no surprise that China would pres- Tibetans in decades, the Chinese gov- From 1959 to 1989, the Nepalese gov- sure Nepal to push back Tibetans or to ernment has significantly tightened its ernment recognized and registered Ti- crackdown on their political activities control in Tibetan areas of China. It has betans crossing the border as refugees. in Nepal. Beijing continues to assert also pressured Nepal, which shares a In 1989, following a diplomatic rap- that the 14th Dalai Lama and supporters long border with China and is home to a prochement with China, the King of Ne- of the Tibetan cause in exile or abroad sizeable Tibetan community, to become pal stopped allowing Tibetan refugees to play a major role in seeding discontent China’s partner in restricting Tibetans’ settle permanently in Nepal. Under the among ethnic Tibetans in China. It also basic rights. terms of an informal, unwritten, “Gen- continues to see this purported negative influence as a substantial hurdle to in- Nepal has signed several security and tleman’s Agreement” with the United culcating the kind of undivided political “intelligence-sharing” agreements with Nations High Commissioner for Refu- loyalty to the Communist Party and the China since 2008; operationalized bor- gees (UNHCR), however, Nepal con- state that it would like to see among Ti- der security cooperation; partially en- tinued to permit the “safe passage” of betans in China. For these reasons, mea- forced a ban on Tibetan public demon- refugees from Tibet to India. sures to limit foreign and cross-border strations; implemented close monitoring For several months during and after the influence have featured prominently in of the Tibetan community, its leaders, 2008 protests in Tibet, Kathmandu be- the policies that Beijing has meticulous- and real or perceived activists; and de- came a focal point of pro-Tibetan po- ly deployed since the 2008 protests. ployed intimidating numbers of Nepali litical activity, with almost daily street armed police in Tibetan neighborhoods demonstrations, gatherings, and political These policies have included militarily on politically sensitive dates, such as the events. Under intense diplomatic pres- sealing off Tibet’s international borders anniversary of the Dalai Lama, Interna- sure from China—some of it overt and to end the constant trickle of Tibetans tional Human Rights Day (December public—the Nepalese government cur- fleeing the region. The approach seems 10), or high-level visits by Chinese dig- tailed Tibetan demonstrations, with the to be working: the number of Tibetans nitaries. police often clashing with demonstrators crossing the border has dropped from an average of 2,200 per year before the The consequences are being felt across or rounding up Tibetans they suspected 2008 protests, to under a thousand be- the Tibetan community. Partly as a result of planning public action. International tween 2009 and 2012, to 171 in 2013. of this pressure, Tibetans face excessive media, barred from Tibet itself, promi- The available evidence suggests that use of force by police, preventive deten- nently featured these clashes. Tibetans detained by Chinese authori- tion, torture and ill-treatment when de- The suppression of Tibetan political ac- ties for crossing the border irregularly tained, intrusive surveillance, and arbi- tivities in Nepal in 2008 was the subject from Nepal are routinely imprisoned and trary application of vaguely formulated of a report Human Rights Watch pub- physically abused in China. and overly broad definitions of security lished in August of that year, titled “Ap- offences. peasing China: Restricting the Rights of Beijing seems to have recognized early on that the Nepali state did not have the China has targeted Nepal because it has Tibetans in Nepal.” capacity or resources to carry out the long been the first destination for Tibet- This report analyses conditions for Ti- significant expansion of the security sec- ans wanting to escape China, leave tem- betans in Nepal five years later. Restric- tor that Beijing had in mind. It also rec- porarily, or send their children outside tions on Tibetans’ rights in Nepal and ognized that Nepal had no strong nation- the country. The long and often treach- on the Nepal-China border have grown al interest in curbing the activities of a erous walk across the Himalayas into much more stringent since 2008. While community that has lived peacefully and Nepal is the most direct way to reach Nepal has maintained some basic protec- played an important role in the tourism Dharamsala, in northern India, where the tions for Tibetans, it has restricted their and export economy in Nepal for many Dalai Lama, the Tibetan government-in- freedom of assembly and expression and decades, and whose well-being has been exile, and 80,000 Tibetans are based. engaged in arbitrary arrest and deten- a consistent concern of representatives Nepal’s Tibetan community of about tion of protesters or those believed to be in Nepal of the United States and of a 15,000-20,000 is made up of the rela- planning protests. The government has number of European countries. tives and descendants of an initial wave also made it harder for Tibetans to obtain China’s decision to significantly scale of refugees who arrived in Nepal follow- documentation that would allow them to up its economic and diplomatic engage- ing the Dalai Lama’s escape to India in go to school, seek employment, run busi- ment with Nepal after 2008—which cul- 1959, and of periodic flows since then of nesses, or engage in other activities.

MARCH-APRIL 2014 TIBETAN BULLETIN 7 FOCUS minated with then-premier Wen Jiabao’s by the Nepali authorities be handed over Key Recommendations of Human state visit in January 2012 and with to UNHCR for processing and transit to Rights Watch: China becoming one of the top foreign Dharamsala. China rejects the categori- direct investors in the country—was in zation of Tibetans who have fled Tibet To the Government of Nepal part aimed at influencing Nepal’s calcu- as “refugees.” Immediately stop forcibly returning Ti- lations about where its national interests betans to China unless their right to seek lie. This strategy appears to have been at When we began this research, many ref- asylum is protected, including those re- least partially effective. ugee experts and analysts said they be- lieved the Gentleman’s Agreement was jected at the border or apprehended in The Chinese authorities have kept some working well for all Tibetans in Nepal. Nepal. Tibetans, apparently on an ad hoc basis, The agreement appears to be working Strictly uphold and respect international from returning to China. Since January well for Tibetans apprehended far inside law prohibiting refoulement 2013, more than 20 ethnic Tibetan citi- the territory of Nepal, but less well and zens of China seeking to return to China, much more erratically for those appre- Immediately provide all eligible Tibet- all carrying valid PRC documents, have hended at or near the border. ans with refugee identification certifi- been refused re-entry by Chinese of- cates (Rcs); ficials and forced to remain in Nepali Our research suggests that border police territory. The reasons are not entirely forces have forcibly returned to China Issue RCs, as appropriate, to Tibetans clear, but it appears to be an effort by Tibetans intercepted at the border or be- who fled to Nepal after 1989 and are un- China to discourage surreptitious visits fore they reach inhabited areas. A former able or unwilling to go to India to lodge to Dharamsala by Tibetans from China. senior Nepali Home Ministry official asylum claims. told Human Rights Watch that local bor- Yet in recent years Chinese officials have der police have pushed back or repatri- Ease renewal modalities and issue refu- become more aggressive on Tibetan is- ated Tibetans found at or near the border gee certificates to eligible Tibetans as sues in Nepal. In 2008 the Chinese em- if the Armed Police Force determined well as to their dependents (spouse and bassy attempted to influence a decision that they were not “legitimate refugees,” children). by the Nepali Supreme Court regarding although no formal process was under- the registration in Nepal of the Tibetan taken to make such a determination. A Protect the rights of all persons in Ne- Welfare Office, the de facto represen- senior official from the Department of pal, including Tibetans, to freedom of tative office of the Dalai Lama and the Immigration also told Human Rights expression and assembly, regardless of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). Watch that while he was working along legal status, and cease dispersing peace- The effort succeeded, even though an the border Tibetans were forced back. ful protests by Tibetans. unofficial office has continued to oper- Tibetans interviewed by Human Rights Repeal restrictions on the rights of Ti- ate in the same location. Watch who had crossed the border from betan residents to own property, work, Tibet clandestinely at Kodari said that establish and incorporate businesses, Nepal and China have a longstanding they had to reach Kathmandu without and travel freely. agreement “not to allow their territories being caught by Nepali police otherwise to be used to carry out activities against they would be handed back to China. To the Government of China the other,” a commitment regularly reit- erated in diplomatic statements. Nepal’s While Human Rights Watch is not able Immediately end the torture and other adherence to the “One-China policy” to corroborate these claims, we believe ill-treatment of Tibetans arrested for and its resistance to “allowing its ter- they are credible and require further having crossed or attempting to cross the ritory to be used for activities against investigation, not least because any border without proper documentation China” are reaffirmed at every meeting persons forced back face a high risk of between China and Nepal. Yet Chinese torture or ill-treatment upon return to Provide passports and end restrictions expectations of Nepal have grown. Ne- China. Nepal bars UNHCR staff from on Tibetans who wish to leave the coun- pal now commits to “not allowing its visiting border areas to monitor the situ- try. territory to be used by any force to carry ation directly. The number of refugees out ‘anti-China’ activities” and to “crack from Tibet registered by UNHCR fell to Allow re-entry to all Tibetans who are down on anti-China activities.” an unprecedented low of 171 individuals Chinese citizens. in 2013, compared to an annual average End pressure on the government of Ne- The Gentleman’s Agreement between 1991 and 2008 of more than pal or individual Nepali officials to en- 2,200. The “Gentleman’s Agreement” was es- gage in policies or take measures that tablished between Nepal and UNHCR are in contradiction with international guaranteeing the “safe passage” of refu- human rights and refugee law gees from Tibet to India. The agreement For detailed news visit: states that Tibetan refugees apprehended www.tibet.net

8 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH-APRIL 2014 FEATURE Mr. Henri Malosse, President of EESC Visits Dharamshala

A delegation led by Mr Henri Malosse, Central Tibetan Administration and at- “It is Europe’s duty to direct efforts to- the President of the European Economic tend the Tibetan National Uprising Day wards setting up dialogue between the and Social Committee (EESC) of the on 10 March. Tibetan people and the People’s Repub- European Union visited Dharamshala lic of China without pre-conditions. I and attended the 55th anniversary of He reiteratied his support for the Middle thus firmly believe that civil society – in the Tibetan National Uprising Day in Way Approach to resolve the Tibet issue Tibet, China and Europe – has the po- Dharamsala, the seat of the Central Ti- betan Administration in exile.

Mr Malosse reiterated the EESC’s com- mitment to support the CTA’s Middle Way Approach and engage the Chinese government in dialogue with the Tibetan leadership to resolve the issue of Tibet.

Mr Henri Malosse said the delegation of the European Economic and Social Committee visited Dharamsala to show support to the case of Tibet, which he said is a universal issue of freedom, dignity and liberty of Tibet and the Ti- Mr. Henri Malosse, President of the European Economic and Social Committee, addressing the 55th betan people. “The Tibetan nation has anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day in Dharamshala on 10 March 2014 been deprived of its dignity and freedom for a very long time. So, I came here to through dialogue between the Chinese tential to facilitate a peaceful way out of express my solidarity with the Tibetan government and the Tibetan leadership. the crisis, as it has demonstrated in other people and other people oppressed by conflicts in the past,” he said. the Chinese government including the “As the only president of the European Chinese people,” he said. Union to visit the government of Tibet The EESC president praised the will in exile, he wanted to pay tribute to the of the Tibetan community in exile ex- The EESC president said its priority is victims of the repression in Tibet and pressed through their level of organisa- to save the identity and culture of the Ti- through them to all the people deprived tion, democratic structures, and civil betan people which is being threatened of liberty in China and everywhere in society’s commitment such as its active under the repressive rule of the Chinese the world,” said a statement posted on chamber of commerce. The Tibetan government. his website later that day. people have thus shown the strength of a people fighting for its dignity for more Mr Malosse applauded the democratic “The Tibet question is universal”, said than half a century. Even if the road governance of the Central Tibetan Ad- Mr Henri Malosse in his address at seems endless for Tibetans, the solu- ministration as a model organisation and the Tibetan National Uprising Day in tion unexpectedly can be closer than it its effective welfare and education of the Dharamsala. “It is a question of liberty, seems, such as was the case of the iron Tibetan refugees. democracy and solidarity, which are the curtain in Europe even if Europeans are values at the foundation of the European still struggling to prevent its return. “The Later addressing a meet the press event, Union. As such, Europe has these val- Dalai Lama spoke about what is “beyond Mr Malosse spoke about his recent ues as a legacy and must defend them religion” such as ethics and a universal meeting with the Chinese ambassador everywhere they are in danger in order approach”, said Henri Malosse. “I will to the EU, who told him not to interfere to find a sustainable solution. Thus, underline that we have to look for what in China’s internal affair in view of his support must be brought to the Middle exists “beyond empires” in politics to visit to Dharamsala. He told the Chinese Way Approach of Tibetans – Umaylam find a sustainable way of living together Ambassador that the issue of Tibet is a – and to the dialogue with China. It is for the well-being of all peoples.” global concern and dialogue on human the same approach that claims for a Eu- rights in Tibet is a part of EU-China ropean involvement in the recent events Responding to questions, Mr Malosse Strategic Dialogue, he said. in Crimea, not by following the other ac- assured the EESC would make efforts to tors such as Russians or Americans, but have a EU Special Coordinator for Tibet Mr Malosse said he was honored to be by being more coherent and imposing the first president of the European Eco- dialogue between all the stakeholders,” Thanking the EESC President for his nomic and Social Committee to visit the he said. support, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay

MARCH-APRIL 2014 TIBETAN BULLETIN 9 FEATURE said: “We express our profound grati- Himachal Pradesh University Confers Honorary tude to you for coming to Dharamsala and showing solidarity with the Tibetan Degree on His Holiness the Dalai Lama people. In your position as the president of the European Economic and Social Committee and to partake in the 55th anniversary of the Tibetan National Up- rising Day sends a strong message to the international community that freedom is universal and it sends a message of hope to the Tibetans inside Tibet that we have friends around the world who hear them and support them as well.”

“I thank your gesture for physically coming here to support Tibet and the Tibetan people despite pressure from the Chinese government. We appreciate your two specific reasons for coming to Dharamsala to support the Middle Way Approach as the realistic way forward which should be considered by the Chi- nese government to resolve the Tibet issue through dialogue. Secondly, your acknowledgement of the Central Tibetan Administration as a successful organisa- tion or an entity which is taking care of Tibet’s spiritual leader His Holiness the their real achievement lies in using the the Tibetan refugees which could serve Dalai Lama was conferred with an hon- knowledge with wisdom. as an example for other marginalised orary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) degree people around the world. We take pride by Governor Urmila Singh at the 21st He said India has a flourishing demo- in saying that the CTA is functioning convocation ceremony of the Himachal cratic set up which has paved the way for quite effectively for the last more than Pradesh University in Shimla, the capi- peace, progress and stability throughout fifty years and have been quite success- tal of northern Indian state of Himachal the world. ful not just in looking after the welfare Pradesh, on 19 March. of Tibetan refugees but also keeping our “The three big civilizations — Indus culture, identity alive and vibrant,” Si- His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Valley, Indian and Chinese — have giv- kyong said. Governor awarded 123 gold medals and en new vistas to the phrase of human- certificates, 194 doctorate degrees to ity and incidentally all of them lie in the “We are pleased to welcome him again as meritorious students in the convocation Asian continent,” he added. the president of the European Economic ceremony. and Social Committee to Dharamshala. While in Shimla, His Holiness the Dalai It means a great deal to the Tibetan peo- Addressing students and faculty at the Lama paid a visit to Jonang Phuntsok ple that you have travelled this far with convocation, His Holiness stressed the Takten Choeling monastery and Dorjee your colleagues to express solidarity need to inculcate ancient Indian teach- Drak monastery, where he was wel- with the plight of the Tibetan people on ings with modern education. “India is a comed by hundreds of Tibetans, includ- the 55th anniversary of the Tibetan Up- very rich country full of knowledge and ing Settlement Officer Tsering Tashi and rising day,” said Kalon Dicki Chhoyang wisdom and there is an urgent need to officials of the monasteries. of the Department of Information and harness that, especially by the youth, for International Relations. educational prosperity,” he said. His Holiness the Dalai Lama also visited the Central School for Tibetans, where The EU delegation also met His Holi- The Nobel Peace Laureate stressed the he was received by Education Secre- ness the Dalai Lama at his official resi- need of traditional education system for tary Ngodup Tsering and other local of- dence during their visit. The delegation transforming a realistic society which ficials. He gave a teaching to a crowd was composed of Madi Sharma, Tomasz in return gives new heights to the phi- of students and local Tibetans. He also Jasiński and Anne Marie Sigmund, losophy of the “gurus” adding that the released a biography of Khunu Geshe joined by Vincent Metten, representative students should use the knowledge Palden Senge penned by Prof. V. S. Negi of the NGO International Campaign for gathered for the welfare of society and of the department of Buddhist studies at Tibet in Brussels. the Himachal Pradesh University.

10 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH-APRIL 2014 FEATURE Shri Ram College of Commerce celebrates 88th Annual Day, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was Chief Guest

Shri Ram College of Commerce cel- The College publications: Yamuna, the evaluation of Indian culture. He referred ebrated its 88th Annual Day on Monday, SRCC Students Magazine, Business to the twentieth century as a century of March 24, 2014. The Chief Guest was Analyst, the bi-annual Research Journal progress but also a century of war and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Ti- of SRCC, a special edition of the Busi- violence. He called upon the younger bet and the Guest of Honour was Shri ness Analyst compiling the Bangkok In- generation who are the true inheritors Analjit Singh, Eminent SRCC alumnus ternational Conference papers, Prerna, of the twenty-first century to make this and Founder and CMD, Max India Ltd. the NSS Magazine and Artha, the Eco- century into a century of conflict resolu- nomics Society’s Student Journal, were tion, a century of dialogue. His message Shri Ajay S. Shriram, Chairman, SRCC released by the honoured guests. was simple: action is of greater neces- Governing Body and CMD, DCM Shri- sity than belief. His Holiness also took ram Ltd. welcomed the guests and spoke Shri Analjit Singh mentioned how he questions from students and explained about the achievements of the College. felt blessed in the company of the Dalai to them the essence of spirituality. He He also elaborated upon the plans for Lama. He asked the audience to pick up signed the Visitor’s Book with his mes- the future where infrastructure develop- one thing from what His Holiness would sage. ment will continue to remain a priority say as a takeaway for a lifetime. area for the College management. He The programme was followed by the shared his ideas on promoting research His Holiness the Dalai Lama who had Prize and Award Distribution Ceremo- among faculty and students, interna- been received in the traditional Tibetan ny. Eminent Alumni and meritorious tionalisation, value-addition and profes- way by students of the College spoke students were given medals, prizes and sional skill development. Principal, Dr. about the importance of the Indian civi- certificates for their contribution. The P. C. Jain presented the College Annual lization, its thinkers and teachings of the Function was followed by lunch for all Report that showcased the laurels and gurus that has always stood up to the the guests, students, faculty and alumni. activities in the course of the previous test of times. He mentioned how Karuna academic year, 2013-14. or Compassion is a determinant in the His Holiness the Dalai Lama interacts with Indian students on ethics and compassion

On a bright spring morning in the Indian ters. The world belongs to humanity. As historians say up to 200 million people capital, His Holiness the Dalai Lama a result of human intelligence we have were killed, including many innocent met with almost 260 students as well made a lot of progress, and yet human people, women, children and the aged as 40 teachers and principals from13 beings can also be a source of trouble. among them. Nuclear weapons were Delhi schools including the Step by Step War, for example, which is nothing more used. In Hiroshima I met survivors of School, Mount Abu School, Salwan than legalised violence, is something those attacks and heard of their terrible Public School, Springdales School – only human beings engage in. During experiences, something that should nev- Daula Kuan, Springdales School – Pusa excessive wars in the 20th century some er be repeated.” Road, India Habitat Learning Centre, Bal Bharati School – Rohini, Bal Bhara- ti School - Pitampura, Aman Biradari Homes, Vasant Valley School, G. D. Goenka School, Pathways Internation- al School, and Bluebells International School. The theme of the discussion was Ethics and Compassion for Young Minds and the event began with a young woman graciously welcoming and intro- ducing His Holiness and a young man offering him a symbolic white scarf. His Holiness responded:

“I am very happy to be here to meet you His Holiness the Dalai Lama shaking hands as he departs from the interactive discussion with students young people, young brothers and sis- in New Delhi, India on March 22, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

MARCH-APRIL 2014 TIBETAN BULLETIN 11 FEATURE

He said that people of his age belong men and women are equal and in the “This text I’m going to read, the ‘37 to a century that is now gone, but will tantric tradition women are honoured Practices of a Bodhisattva’ was written look forward to what the new genera- and practitioners are forbidden to look by a Tibetan master called Thogmey tion can achieve. This is why His Ho- down on them. He mentioned a meeting Zangpo (1285-1369),” His Holiness liness is keen to meet young people, of religious leaders he is convening in explained. “He was a great practitioner because while the past is past and can- September at which the status of women of the awakening mind of bodhichitta not be changed, the future remains open will be a topic of discussion along with and a good scholar too. The subject is like space in which there is still room to anachronisms like dowry and caste dis- compassion and infinite altruism. We move. He said that young people like tinctions. all want to live a happy life and avoid those before him have the opportunity suffering. And while we have developed to create a more peaceful world, a world Asked about the economy, His Holiness impressive technology, we haven’t yet built on compassion rather than fear. He said that the gap between rich and poor developed our minds accordingly. Sen- advised that if they acted honestly, truth- must be reduced. He also remarked that sory satisfaction is short-lived, but the fully and transparently they would win while India has to put its own interests peace derived from mental development trust and friendship. forward, it must also take the world’s is longer lasting and more powerful. needs into account. Whenever problems It can also help us withstand physical His Holiness noted that India is one of or conflicts arise in this connection, they problems.” the world’s ancient nations that for thou- should be resolved through dialogue not sands of years has cherished the idea of a resort to force and weapons. To a ques- His Holiness commended the need to ahimsa or non-violence, which finds ex- tion about whether he had ever felt sad think of the Buddha as a teacher not pression in tolerance and inter-religious and lonely, he recalled sitting in retreat a protector, someone who said: “You harmony. in the dark Potala palace in the company are your own master; the Buddha only of his stern tutor. He would find relief shows the path. He does not say your fu- “What holds society together is concern in watching mice drink from the water ture is in my hands, he says it depends for others, while anger and hatred split bowls and listened to boys and girls out- on your practice. Since you are your it apart. On an individual level, science side bringing their flocks home. He brief- own master, who else will your master has shown that warm-heartedness con- ly yearned to be free like them, but said be?” His Holiness pointed out that the that eventually he realised he could use scriptural teachings comprise the texts in his name and position to benefit others. the Three Collections, while the teach- ing to be realized consists of the Three With regard to technology by which so Trainings. These are common to sev- many are distracted His Holiness said it eral Indian spiritual traditions and only is important to remember that technol- when followed in the context of selfless- ogy should serve humanity and not the ness do they become the Three Higher other way around. If we allow ourselves Trainings. Scriptural teachings are like a to become slaves to it we’ll have no rest. prescription, teachings to be realized are like the medication. tributes to physical well-being. Find- A young woman asked if compassion ings also reveal that even preliminary doesn’t often involve attachment and Having affirmed the Buddha’s statement training in compassionate attitudes can His Holiness commended the question that happiness and suffering are not reduce blood pressure and stress, so in- saying that the compassion that arises without cause, but are also not the result dividuals feel happier and enjoy better as a biological instinct is like that. How- of some permanent cause, His Holiness inter-personal relations. Now, let’s have ever, as human beings we can use our embarked on a complex exploration of some questions and a more heated dis- intelligence to extend it, reflecting that the relation between cause and effect. cussion!” if others are happy, we will be happy. He spoke of how a cause is not a cause He noted an increasing resistance to the until it gives rise to an effect, and yet A young man opened the questions by use of violence and a growing desire for the cause ceases just as the effect arises. asking about the status of women in peace in the world. He remarked that ac- A man is not a father until his child is Buddhism. In his reply His Holiness tion is more effective than prayer. Since conceived. There are similar relations mentioned the general need for a firm human beings are responsible for vio- between action, agent and the object of sense of ethics rather than faith. He ex- lence, they must put a stop to it and cre- the action. These interdependent rela- plained that the Buddha had treated men ate peace. tions indicate that nothing exists inde- and women equally, they had the same pendently. rights and similar precepts. However, The afternoon session began earlier than when monks and nuns gather the monks planned when His Holiness first released His Holiness remarked on the contribu- take precedence because of the social a book, the second in a series of novels, tion the ‘Ornament of Clear Realization’ climate existing at the time of the Bud- ‘Gaise Jampa Goes to Tibet’ by Neerja (Abhisamayalankara) and ‘Entering dha. In the greater vehicle traditions, Madhav. the Middle Way’ (Madhyamakavatara)

12 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH-APRIL 2014 FEATURE make to these discussions and how dif- ficult these two texts are for monks to Sinful to discriminate against leprosy patients: memorize. The philosophical positions H.H the Dalai Lama they describe are a direct antidote to misconceptions about true existence. Even though India has achieved the physical condition does not matter as, They are part of the various means the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) with your brain, you can solve problems Buddha taught to lead sentient beings elimination level for leprosy, the social and achieve a lot in life. “So, if your out of suffering. Ultimately things arise stigma associated with the disease is still brain is functioning, you have the confi- through dependent origination; they ex- prevalent, Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai dence which makes you smile,” he said. ist as merely designated. The Perfection Lama has said. From April, 2012, to March, 2013, 1.35 of Wisdom Sutras say everything is a “This is a physical condition like any lakh new cases of leprosy were reported mere label or designation. other and people should not look down in the country, which gives an Annual upon others. All human beings are equal New Case Detection Rate (ANCDR) of Reading the homage at the opening of and capable. Discrimination on the basis 10.78 per cent for every 100,000 popu- the ‘37 Practices’ His Holiness men- of caste, religion or any other condition is lation, an increase of 4.15 per cent over tioned that he recites a verse of homage a sinful act,” the Dalai Lama said during 2011-12, a National Leprosy Eradication to the Buddha on waking every day. It a visit to the Tahirpur Leprosy Complex. Programme 2012-13 survey has found. expresses gratitude for his teaching of dependent origination. He reiterated that The purpose of the visit was to boost In Delhi, 1,252 new cases were detected the aim of Buddhist teaching is libera- the morales of leprosy patients and their in 2012-2013, the report said. “Thanks tion and enlightenment and to achieve it families and help people overcome their to the (central) and the state govern- we need to understand emptiness, some- prejudice against the affected. In 2005, ments, we have been able to control the thing that only human beings can do. a total of 1,34,752 cases were reported situation in India. We are visiting vari- in India and new cases of leprosy were ous states to bring the cases of leprosy As he read through the verses of the text reported which was 58 per cent of the down from where we are currently at,” he pointed out impermanence, the per- cases reported world-wide. The leading said Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the ils of preoccupation with the next life, states where new cases were reported Nippon Foundation and WHO Goodwill the power of the practice of exchanging are Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Ambassador for Elimination of Leprosy. self with others, the ultimate awakening Maharashtra and Gujarat. In India, there are about 850 colonies of mind with its space like absorption and “People who spend money on luxury which 31 are in Delhi. Serious human illusion like appearance. Then came the are foolish. They should spend money rights violations such as lack of educa- verses dealing with the Six Perfections. for the needy. If you believe in God or tion, employment opportunities, health Finally, he highlighted the admonition Buddhism and spend your money on the facilities and basic amenities are report- in the penultimate verse: “Whatever you needy you will accumulate good Kar- ed in these colonies. are doing ask yourself ‘What’s the state ma,” said the spiritual leader. of my mind?’ “Our colonies face problems due to He pledged his help for leprosy-affected absence of basic amenities like proper Briskly reading through the ‘Eight Vers- people and promised to donate Rs 10 sewage systems, street lighting. Neither es for Training the Mind’ His Holiness lakh to the Kasturba Gram Kusht Ash- are the homes which we stay in regis- mentioned that he long ago memorized ram, Leprosy Complex in Tahirpur in tered in our name. So, some day, govern- the text and finds reciting it to himself Delhi. ment might throw out our families from can be far more helpful than saying Over the next five years, royalties re- here after we die. We have informed the prayers because it contains advice on ceived by the trust from the sale of the government about our problems, but that how to conduct yourself. books written by the spiritual leader will has fallen on deaf ears,” said Venu Go- pal, a resident of Kasturba Gram Kusht As the afternoon session came to an end, be donated to the Ashram. Ashram. an artist, Ashok Chopra, came forward “A smiling man is always better than a to offer a portrait he had done of His rich and healthy man; because a smiling “According to government’s survey in Holiness, who held it up and asked the man has the confidence in him to smile 1981, 2,600 leprosy- affected people audience: and be happy in life,” the spiritual leader were getting pension. Now, only 700 said. people are getting pension. “New pa- “Which looks better the painting or my tients of leprosy are not on the list as the real face?” Leprosy, one of the oldest known diseas- survey has not been done. Former chief es to mankind, is quite prevalent in In- minister Sheila Dixit had in 2006 prom- The next day, His Holiness the Da- dia. However, through the efforts of in- ised that a new survey will be done for lai Lama conducted an empowerment dividuals and various organisations, like leprosy-affected people, but nothing has teaching related to Buddha Shakya Muni Nippon Foundation, the eradication of been done yet,” charged Giridhar Lal, establishing the three pledges. the disease is not such a distant dream. in-charge of Hari Om Kusht Colony. “If the brain is functioning then the (PTI)

MARCH-APRIL 2014 TIBETAN BULLETIN 13 DOCUMENTATION Statement of Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay on the 55th Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day

the welfare of the six million Tibetans.”

The Kashag expresses its deepest respect to all the brave men and women in Tibet. The Kashag is listening to the calls for the end of repression and suffering of Tibetans inside Tibet. It is for this reason that its primary and immediate objective is to peacefully resolve the issue of Tibet through dialogue as soon as possible. At the same time, the Kashag needs a long- term strategy to strengthen and sustain our struggle, if necessary. One comple- ments the other, and so the Kashag will make efforts to both resolve the issue of Tibet through dialogue and successfully sustain the Tibetan struggle.

My fellow Tibetans, we must bear in Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay delivering the Statement on 10th March 2014 mind that the year 2020 will mark 70 years since the invasion of Tibet by the Fifty-five years ago, thousands of Ti- abate. The Tibetan struggle today is led People’s Republic of China. By then, the betans spontaneously gathered on this by a new generation of Tibetans inside generation of Tibetans with memories of day in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, Tibet and in exile. It is the younger gen- a free Tibet will have greatly dwindled. to protect His Holiness the Dalai Lama eration of Tibetans in Tibet who clearly His Holiness the Dalai Lama will turn and protest against Chinese occupation. and loudly demand their identity, free- 85 and by that year he will have led Seven days later, His Holiness the Da- dom and unity. The new generation of the Tibetan people for 70 uninterrupted lai Lama left Lhasa and fled to India. Tibetans in exile participates in similar years. The next generation of Tibetan 80,000 Tibetans followed him into exile. endeavors. leadership inside and outside Tibet has to cope with a crucial and challenging I visited Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh School children in Chabcha have de- reality. Tibetans inside Tibet will have this January and was profoundly moved manded Tibetan language instructions no personal memories of traditional Ti- to see the path His Holiness the Dalai in their schools, Tibetans in Driru have bet, while Tibetans outside of Tibet will Lama took to enter India. I also visited refused to hoist Chinese flags on their know only a life lived in exile. Exile Ti- Bomdila and Tuting, where thousands of rooftops, and outcries over the human betans constitute only 2.5 percent of six Tibetans sought refuge. There is no es- loss and environmental destruction of million Tibetans but it is likely there will cape from the painful reality that many Gyama mine in Meldro Gungkar reach be equal number of Tibetans in the West of the elders who were forced to make our ears. These protests unambiguously and in India, Nepal and Bhutan. the journey into exile in 1959 have died refute the Chinese propaganda that, “ex- without fulfilling their dreams of return- cept for a few, Tibetans are happy in Ti- Exile is a precarious phase of uncertain- ing to their homeland. Similarly, in- bet.” ty and contingency, and occupation can numerable Tibetans in Tibet have died be a dangerous transition to permanent without reuniting with family members Since 2009, there have been 126 self- subjugation. The challenge we face will or realizing their freedom. I take great immolations all across Tibet. Despite be in reconciling the distance and gap solace, however, that their hopes and repeated appeals not to engage in such between life in exile and life under Chi- dreams live and grow in their children. drastic actions, the self-immolations nese occupation. We will have to learn have continued. Tsultrim Gyatso, a to carry forward the freedom struggle Demonstrations of resilience and resolve monk, who self immolated on Decem- under these very different Tibetan reali- by Tibetans inside Tibet from the upris- ber 19, 2013, wrote in his last testament: ties and experiences, none of which are ings and resistance in Kham and Amdo “Can you hear me? Can you see it? Can rooted in personal memories of a free in the 1950s, to the protests in Lhasa in you hear it? I am compelled to burn my Tibet. How do we achieve this? the 1980s, to the nation-wide uprising precious body for the return of His Holi- in 2008 and the recent self-immolations ness the Dalai Lama, for the release of As a long-term strategy, we need to reveal that the struggle for Tibet will not the imprisoned Panchen Lama and for build self-reliance in the Tibetan world,

14 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH-APRIL 2014 DOCUMENTATION in thought and action. Our more than replace political repression with basic the Nobel Peace Prize. On April 25th, 50-year-old movement cannot depend freedom, economic marginalization with we will also commemorate the 25th solely on others to help us achieve our economic empowerment, social dis- birthday of the 11th Panchen Gedun goals. It is time to assume individual crimination with social equality, cultural Choekyi Nyima. responsibility and collective leadership assimilation with cultural promotion and and stand on our own feet. We need environmental destruction with environ- The Tibetan people have risen time af- to build our individual and collective mental protection. We are committed to ter time to overcome great adversities in strengths. We need to reflect deeply. the Middle Way as the most effective the long history of our civilization. To- approach to end the suffering in Tibet. day, our sense of identity, solidarity, and I believe that education is our most po- It is our hope that the new Chinese lead- dignity is deeper than ever. If we remain tent and realistic investment and tool. ership led by President Xi Jinping will united, and bring the rich traditions of The more skillfully we educate our en- pay heed and adopt this pragmatic and the elders to interplay with the innova- tire population, the more successfully moderate stand. tion and dynamism of the younger gen- we will develop strong foundations of eration, I firmly believe that the Chinese self-reliant economic, technological, The Kashag would like to thank the great government will have no choice but to and governmental systems. Our global nation of India and its kind people. Af- address our aspirations. supporters know our cause is just and ter assuming political responsibilities in they value our Buddhist heritage. Ti- Dharamsala, I came to realize more than Dear Tibetan brothers and sisters inside betans embrace the values of humility, ever how much India has supported and Tibet, our journey may be long and the integrity, and resilience as the bedrock continues to support Tibet and the Ti- challenges may appear daunting, but we foundation of the Tibetan struggle.To betan people. The Kashag also extends will succeed. In Tawang, I saw the path that we must add modern education to deep appreciation to governments, par- His Holiness the Dalai Lama, our par- achieve our goals. It is the combination liamentarians, Tibet Support Groups and ents, and grandparents took from Tibet of traditional values and contemporary individuals around the world and urges to India. From a distance, I could see education that will keep our struggle them to continue the journey with us. the great mountains and rivers of Tibet. vigorous, dynamic, and formidable. I took it as a good omen to begin 2014, I am happy to announce that the Cen- that like you, I saw a path back to Tibet. It is crucial that younger Tibetans study tral Tibetan Administration will observe the language and history of the nation. 2014 as the year of His Holiness the 14th Finally, I pray for the long life of His It is equally important that they record Dalai Lama, to pay tribute to his vision- Holiness the Dalai Lama and the imme- the stories and narratives of individual ary leadership and contribution to Tibet diate resolution of the issue of Tibet. families and ancestral land. Continue to and the world. I am also happy to remind 10th March, 2014 enjoy momos in Tibetan restaurants and Tibetans and our friends across the globe wear chubas in celebration of the Tibet- that 2014 marks the 25th anniversary of Dharamsala an culture, but for identity to take strong His Holiness the Dalai Lama receiving roots we must educate ourselves, engage deeply with Tibetans from Tibet, and reflect individually on the challenges that lie ahead.2014 is a year to engage, educate, and empower ourselves and the I believe that education is our most potent and movement. realistic investment and tool. The more skill- fully we educate our entire population, the To maintain unity and achieve effec- more successfully we will develop strong foun- tiveness in the exile community, a cen- tral core is critical and for Tibetans, the dations of self-reliant economic, technological, Central Tibetan Administration serves as and governmental systems. Our global support- this irreplaceable core. The Kashag in- ers know our cause is just and they value our vites dedicated youth to take leadership Buddhist heritage. Tibetans embrace the values positions in the Central Tibetan Admin- of humility, integrity, and resilience as the bed- istration and in other Tibet-related orga- rock foundation of the Tibetan struggle.To that nizations. we must add modern education to achieve our In conclusion, I welcome the recent goals. It is the combination of traditional values meeting between His Holiness the Da- and contemporary education that will keep our lai Lama and President Barack Obama. I struggle vigorous, dynamic, and formidable. appreciate President Obama’s strong en- dorsement of the Middle Way Approach. A genuine autonomy for Tibet through the Middle Way Approach aspires to

MARCH-APRIL 2014 TIBETAN BULLETIN 15 DOCUMENTATION Statement of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on the occasion of the 55th Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day

on successive occasions. They did so since the 1980s, including the wide- spread one which engulfed the whole of Tibet in the Earth-Mouse Year in 2008. The Chinese government carried out savage, inhuman crackdowns on those peaceful demonstrations. Such reprisal actions drove the Tibetan people to even greater desperation and a feeling of ut- ter helplessness. And so, giving up their all, and being driven to do so, they car- ried out protests by burning themselves, shouting slogans to voice their demands that His Holiness the Dalai Lama be invited back to Tibet, that Tibetans be given freedom, and so on. From the time monk Tapey immolated himself in Ng- aba area of Domey in eastern Tibet on 27 February 2009 to the date of 13 Feb- Mr. Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile delivering the statement on 10th March ruary 2014, when Lobsang Dorje did so, 2014 also in Ngaba, a total of 126 Tibetans Today is the 55th anniversary of the dispute and a matter of common knowl- have carried out this form of extreme Tibetan National Uprising which took edge everywhere that Tibet and China protest, according to the facts which place in Tibet’s capital Lhasa on 10th have evolved as two uniquely different became available and which have been March 1959. This historic event took neighbouring countries, whether one verified by us. Of them, 108 have died. place as a culmination of events marked speaks about their natural geographical Within the community of the Tibetans in by the invasion and occupation of Tibet, formations, racial ethnicities, cultures, exile too, a man named Thupten Ngodup subjugation of its people, and pursuit of languages, customs and habits, and na- immolated himself on 27 April 1998 in actions which threatened the life of His tional histories. Nevertheless, as soon India’s capital New Delhi. Since then, Holiness the Dalai Lama under a policy as it seized political power in China, until 6 August 2013, when Karma Nged- of naked and all-out aggression pursued the communist Party of China, using hon Gyatso torched himself in Nepal’s by the communist government of China. the pretext of a so-called ‘peaceful lib- capital Kathmandu, a total of seven Ti- The people of Tibet, being no longer able eration,’ launched a military invasion of betans have carried out such fiery pro- to endure such a situation, displayed un- Tibet and occupied the entire territory. tests. Of them, four died, while the re- daunted valour to rise in a spontaneous Not contended with that, it launched maining three survived. outburst of uprising. For all the Tibetan what it called campaigns of Democratic compatriots who died untimely deaths, Reform, Cultural Revolution, and so on. The causes of the continuing protests or who have suffered or who to this day Their real aim was to obliterate Tibet’s by Tibetans in Tibet against the Chinese continue to suffer oppression for the unique religious and cultural heritage, government, including in the form of national religious, political and fellow- and people. They were highly atrocious self-immolations, are violent political nationals’ causes under the yoke of the policies of lie, deceit, and brazenness repressions, cultural assimilation, eco- imperialist and repressive policies of launched on successive occasions and nomic marginalization, ethnic discrimi- the government of China since that mo- under which countless numbers of in- nation, nomadic displacement, environ- mentous event, we offer our admiration. nocent Tibetans were put to untimely mental destruction, and so on. Everyone We take this opportunity to express our deaths. These are universally known knows that the government of China has appreciation to them and to praise them facts. carried out and still continues to imple- for their totally selfless and highly cou- ment such hardline and cruel policies in rageous deeds. We also use this occasion It is as a result of the past as well as the Tibet. to offer our tribute to them; to express still continuing implementation of high- In the year that has just gone by too, our solidarity with them; and, indeed, to ly atrocious and deceitful policies of co- China did not relent even an inch to re- bow in respect to them all. lonialism that the people of Tibet, being unable to endure the situation anymore, lax its policy of tight restrictions in Ti- Speaking in general terms, it is beyond staged peaceful protest demonstrations bet. In 2013, the government of China dispatched a total of more than 18,000

16 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH-APRIL 2014 DOCUMENTATION cadres to the Kham Driru area alone. ral environment. As a result, rivers and and this remains in full force today. The multitude of purposes for this ac- lakes affecting some three billion people At the end of the year 2013, the living tion included forcing the Tibetan people across Asia, including China and India, quarters of the ordinary monks and the to show loyalty to the Communist Party have reached critically dangerous stag- places of worship of Kham Drongna of China and the People’s Republic of es of drying up or stoppage. Last year, Monastery were forced to shut down. China under its rule and to fly the na- the Tibetan people of Gedrong Town- Likewise, monasteries such as Rabten tional flag of China. The residents of ship in Dzatoe County of Kham Yulshul Gonpa and Tarmoe Gonpa located in the area’s Mowa Township made clear Prefecture (Qinghai Province), staged a Kham Nagshoe Driru Dzong were also their disapproval of such intimidation peaceful protest demonstration when the forcibly shut down and the monks made and coercive dicta from the authorities government of China initiated a mineral to end all religious activities. Likewise, with various forms of protest, including extraction project in the area. The Chi- in the area of education, the government by dumping the red flag of China into nese government responded by sending of China has shown absolutely no con- the local river. The Chinese police and in armed troops to crack down on them. cern despite pleas made by students and army took extremely violent and strike- The troops fired teargas shells on the numerous educated people, calling for hard reprisal actions against them. In protesters, jabbed them with high-volt- Tibetan to be made the main language addition, many children were removed age electric batons, used other forms of of teaching. from their schools in this area and forced violence on the Tibetans, and detained to return home. Also, everywhere in ar- numerous innocent Tibetans. According to the 2013 Annual Report eas neighouring Mowa Township, army by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights camps of various sizes as well as moni- The government of China has dis- and Democracy, Dharamsala, the total toring and investigation centres were patched a large number of work teams of number of Tibetans detained or jailed set up. The Tibetan people were thereby cadres, backed by armed troops, to the for carrying out political activities today subjected to high degrees of all manners villages and pastoral areas across Tibet. stand at 920. In 2013 alone, 215 Tibet- of oppression and controls in their day By such means, the people of Tibet have ans were arrested on pretext of political to day lives. As a result, the situation been deprived of their right to travel to activities and were sentenced. once again came to resemble the period other parts of Tibet or to be visited by Making use of the opportunity offered of the virulent campaigns during the Tibetans from other parts of Tibet. As by the occasion today, we would again Cultural Revolution. Also in the recent regards economically productive activi- like to make one very emphatic reitera- past, the people’s government in Dzoege ties like running shops and factories, and tion: The nature of the Tibetan struggle County of Sichuan Province publicized setting up projects of various kinds, the remains a resolute one of non-violence, a document with 16 clauses listing rules majority of them have come to be owned with commitment to the Middle Way of reprisal actions required to be taken privately by ethnic Chinese people. The Policy, without any sort of wavering. At in response to self-immolation protests needy Tibetan villagers and nomads all times, from the very beginning until carried out by Tibetans. They include have, on the other hand, not at all ben- now, the Central Tibetan Administration provisions to deprive civil and political efitted from these. has continued to make efforts, in keep- rights of Tibetans and to intimidate and In the monasteries, the main centres of ing with the wishes of His Holiness the impose restrictions, and are already be- Tibet’s religious and cultural heritage, Dalai Lama, to resolve the issue of Tibet ing implemented in full force. the monks and nuns are, much against through dialogue with the government Tibet, known as the Roof of the World, their wishes, being forced to listen to pro- of China. This has been manifest to all is also referred to as the globe’s third paganda readings and to study the stands those who have remained in enjoyment pole on account of its critical importance and policies and so on of the government of freedom and democracy. Neverthe- as the source of much of the Asian riv- of China. They are thereby being forced less, the government of China has at ers, for its role in global climate change, to turn their backs on the study, practice all times made various devious efforts and so on. Its environmental conditions and teaching of their religion. As regards to misrepresent the Tibetan struggle as have direct impact on other environ- the displaying of visually liberating im- being characteristically marked by vio- ments. Nevertheless, the government ages of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for lence, as indeed it is still doing now. For of China continues to carry out in Tibet purposes of offering worship, a ban has example, in 2008, when there was a vio- indiscriminate building of numerous been imposed. What is more, the Tibetan lent incident in Zhongqing city in which new electric power stations and water people are being coerced to blaspheme a policeman on guard duty was killed in reserviours, mineral resource exploita- and libel against His Holiness the Dalai a clandestine attack, a false announce- tions, clear felling of tree, fencing of Lama with orders to isolate him in the ment was made to suggest that it was pastures and grasslands, and building fields of both religion and politics. Be- the work of a Tibetan terrorist. In 2014 beyond limits highways and railway sides, since last year, a vicious policy too, when there was an arson attack on networks. Likewise, it also carries out called ensuring the purity of the monks the gate of the Chinese Consulate in the unlimited building of dams, projects for was implemented in the Tibetan Bud- US city of San Francisco, a suggestion diversion of rivers, and so on, thereby dhist monasteries in areas such as Amdo was put out as if a Tibetan was connect- causing untold damage to Tibet’s natu- Labrang Monastery, Mogru Monastery ed with the incident. In particular, dur-

MARCH-APRIL 2014 TIBETAN BULLETIN 17 DOCUMENTATION ing the uprising protests across Tibet in 21 February 2014, when His Holiness up their attitude of obstinate and invari- 2008, or during the self-immolation pro- the Dalai Lama and the President of the able clinging to autocratic and narrow tests by Tibetans since 2009 and, indeed, United States of America, Mr Barack minded thinking. With a clear and open every time Tibetans carry out a peaceful Obama, again met in the White House mind, coupled with an attitude of being protest action, a misrepresentation was for about an hour, the latter expressed an excellent human being, the leaders invariably sought to be made to paint it his government’s support for His Holi- of China should adapt themselves to the as a violent action. All sorts of misrep- ness’s Middle Way Policy designed as developmental trends and moral ethos of resentations are being sought to be put an effort for the resolution of the Sino- the evolving world. By such a course of out that the so-called violent protests Tibetan dispute. Apart from that, Presi- corrective and reformed behaviour, the are taking place on the basis of the in- dent Obama also expressed his govern- Chinese leaders should make a clean stigation and with the infiltration of His ment’s deep concern over the greatly break from their mistaken policy of the Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Cen- worsening situation in Tibet with regard past. The time has come to realize the tral Tibetan Administration. Internation- to human rights and religious freedom. imperative to enter into a Sino-Tibetan ally, the Chinese government has also At the same time, he also issued an em- dialogue and the Tibetan parliament in increased pressure and criticism against phatic call on the government of China exile is taking the opportunity of this oc- governments, parliaments, organizations to enter into a meaningful dialogue with casion to once again remind the Chinese and even individuals on Tibet related is- His Holiness the Dalai Lama or his rep- leaders about it. sues. For example, efforts were made resentatives. However, the policy of the to prevent the meeting which recently government of China towards the issue His Holiness the Dalai Lama has, with took place between the US President of Tibet has so far continued to harden a clear vision of the current, as well as Mr. Barack Obama and His Holiness the and worsen considerably, without any near and distant future developments, Dalai Lama and China also made it clear sight or sound indicating a sign of liber- and keeping in mind the best possible that it would never recognize the Special alization. Such a state of affair remains a religious, political and public interests, Coordinator on Tibet issues announced source of deep anguish to us. In Novem- devolved his entire administrative and at that time by the United States govern- ber 2013, The People’s Republic of Chi- political powers to a leadership elected ment. But leave aside such major inci- na got elected to the United Nations Hu- by the Tibetan people themselves. Since dents; even minor ones were not spared. man Rights council. Nevertheless, there that happened, the concerned main and Even in an extreme case, Kochon Prize are serious doubts about the government branch organs of the Central Tibetan Ad- selection committee of TB experts (Stop of China’s ability or willingness to fulfill ministration have been discharging their TB partnership, WHO) unanimously its commitment to respect the provisions responsibilities with utmost diligence. nominated the Noble Peace Prize winner of the basic human rights and freedoms And Tibetans both in exile and those left Doctors without Border (MSF) and Ti- enshrined in the Universal Declaration behind in Tibet have been highly appre- betan TB Control Programme at Delek of Human Rights of the United Na- ciative and supportive of the new devel- Hospital, Dharamsala for their apprecia- tions. This being the case, we strongly opment. In future too, the Tibetan people tive contribution to their fight against appeal with a great hope to the govern- will remain true to their mutual oath- TB, for the prestigious 2013 Stop TB ments and peoples of this world, as well bound commitments, as with the state of Partnership Kochon Prize. As a result of as, especially, to the ordinary people of inseparability between milk and water, the Chinese government’s direct pres- China, urging them to be unbiased and in discharging their share of their respec- sure, the formal approval could not be seek truth accordingly. tive bounden duties. By pooling together signed which therefore stands with- whatever knowledge, capability and drawn. We are resolute in expressing our Likewise, when we look in hindsight at sense of selfless service they have, and outrage against such evil and wanton in- the past 55 years, we notice that there working even more cooperatively for the terferences in the functioning of interna- have been continuous strong moves collective good, they will aim for even tional organizations and in the freedoms to indoctrinate the Tibetans in Tibet greater achievements in order to attain of independent countries. through propaganda announcements, a greater level of higher common goals. from the government of China with re- This has, in fact, become a root cause for Nevertheless, today, there is a rising at- gard to its positions, policies, and so ensuring both our immediate and long- tention to the tragic situation in Tibet on. Nevertheless, because its utterances term interests. We therefore once again and increasing support for the Tibetan were invariably incompatible with its appeal to everyone concerned to make people as a result of it. Including the US deeds, there was no way the public could ever greater efforts, buoyed by an even government and Congress, governments ever repose trust in the actions and be- higher level of inspiration, to realize the and parliaments of many countries, in- haviours of the government of China. It importance of working with all-round ternational non-governmental human is an all too well known fact, therefore, care and energy. rights organizations, have expressed that there are many ordinary people who grave concern on the issue of Tibet are vehement while showing their disap- It is true, of course that the state and and made appeals to the government proval and distrust of the government central governments of India, as well as of China in efforts towards achieving a of China. Such being the situation, it is the Department of Security of the Cen- Sino-Tibetan dialogue. In particular, on high time that the leaders of China give tral Tibetan Administration, have been

18 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH-APRIL 2014 DOCUMENTATION working with great diligence and to their The issue underlying the Tibetan strug- and appeal campaigns have been carried utmost capability, to ensure the personal gle is concerned with being beneficial out and continue to be carried out, urg- security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. for global peace and it is imperative to ing the governments and parliaments, Nevertheless, we should be aware of the see it resolved urgently. This being the prominent public figures and the general fact that 55 years ago, China had openly case, governments, parliaments, asso- populace both in India and across the and without any hesitation launched at- ciations, and individual business people world for support for the Tibetan cause, tacks which directly threatened the life across the world having concern for keeping in view the fundamental issue of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In keep- peace and justice have given selfless of Tibet in general terms and the tragic ing with such an attitude, the govern- and courageous support to the just cause current situation in Tibet today in par- ment of China could again be motivated, of the Tibetan people’s struggle, with- ticular. under a stratagem of deceit motivated by out being swayed or intimidated by the political requirement, to act again. It is economic pressure tactics and coercive To all the leaders of governments, mem- under their dispensation that a section of falsehood emanating from China. To bers of parliaments, organizations and people having no sense of karma, who them all we offer our heartfelt gratitude. private individuals, especially the cen- are historically blemished, and who act At the same time, we take this opportu- tral and local governments and people without thinking, professing allegiance nity to express our confidence that they of India, who have provided all man- to Dholgyal but motivated only by mon- will continue to stand by the side of truth ners of help and support to the Central etary and other material considerations, and lend us their support more than ever Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan have been strengthening their efforts to before and we fervently appeal to them community in this period of highly criti- create discord among Tibetans in Tibet all accordingly. In particular, we greatly cal dangers to Tibet and its historical in- and carry out defamatory and blasphe- appreciate the appointment on 20 Feb- habitants and environment, we express mous actions against His Holiness the ruary this year of Dr. Sarah Sewall as heartfelt thanks. Dalai Lama. Keeping this in view, the the United States government’s Special Finally, we fervently pray that His Holi- intelligence agencies of the govern- Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. We take ness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual lord of ments of the United States of America this opportunity to express our gratitude the Three Realms, a champion of world and India have emphasized the impera- to the United States government for this peace, live for a hundred eons and see all tive to strengthen the personal security gesture. his wishes fulfilled with utmost sponta- arrangements and precautions for His neity and that the just cause of Tibet may Holiness the Dalai Lama. In keeping Fundamentally, with regard to the ad- definitely prevail. with these developments, it has become ministrative matters, The Kashag, the executive organ of the Central Tibetan extremely important for the Central Ti- 10 March 2014 betan Administration and all living Ti- Administration, has been continuing to betans to remain in a high state of alert discharge its functions with a great sense (In case of any discrepancy in meaning, and contribute their lot to cooperatively of responsibility. On the part of the Ti- the original, Tibetan text should be tak- address this collective concern. betan Parliament in Exile too, lobbying en as authoritative and final ) His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Schedule for May-June 2014

Public Talk in Oslo, Norway on May Tibet House Germany. liness will give four days of Introductory 9: His Holiness will give a public talk Discussion in Frankfurt, Germany on Teachings on Buddhism at the request of on Cultivating Compassion in Everyday May 15: His Holiness will participate Nalanda Shiksha. Life in the afternoon at Folketeateret. in a discussion with school children on Teaching in Livorno, Italy on June 14 Teaching in Rotterdam, The Neth- Secular Ethics in Our Common World & 15: His Holiness the Dalai Lama will erlands on May 11: His Holiness will in the morning at St. Paul's Church or- give teachings on Nagarjuna’s Letter to give a teaching on The Three Principal ganized by Tibet House Germany in co- a Friend (shetring) on June 14 and also Paths (lamtso namsum) in the morning operation with the City of Frankfurt and confer an Avalokiteshvera Empower- at Ahoy Stadium. the Foundation of Reading. ment (chenresig wang – jigten wang- Public Talk in Rotterdam, The Neth- Discussion in Frankfurt, Germany on chuk) on June 15 morning at Modigli- erlands on May 11: His Holiness will May 15: His Holiness will participate ani Forum organized by Istituto Lama give a public talk on Well-being, Wis- in a discussion with philosopher Rainer Tzong Khapa. dom and Compassion: a Secular Ap- Forst and others on Ethics Beyond Reli- Public Talk in Livorno, Italy on June proach in the afternoon at Ahoy Stadi- gion in the afternoon at St. Paul's Church 15: His Holiness the Dalai Lama will um. organized by Tibet House Germany in give a public talk on Compassionate Public Talk in Frankfurt, Germany on cooperation with the City of Frankfurt Ethics in the afternoon at Modigliani Fo- May 14: His Holiness will give a public and Geothe University. rum organized by Istituto Lama Tzong talk on Self-Awareness and Compassion Teachings in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Khapa. in the afternoon at Fraport organized by India from May 30 to June 2: His Ho-

MARCH-APRIL 2014 TIBETAN BULLETIN 19 DOCUMENTATION Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Passes Resolution of Solidarity

RESOLUTION OF SOLIDARITY (Document 6/English Translation)

They have also called on the Chinese government to engage in dialogue with the representa- tives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to resolve the Sino-Tibet issue.

In view of the worsening and urgent situation in Tibet, there- fore, it is imperative that the following motion of solidarity be passed.

The Tibetan Parliament-in- Exile,

1. While commending the spirit Whereas: monetary temptation on the one hand and courage of all the brave and with military repression on the oth- men and women of Tibet who have set After its invasion of Tibet, the Chinese er. Such actions are backward and out of themselves on fire, their family - mem government has made numerous ef- step with the reality of today’s world in bers and those who are undergoing suf- forts to mislead the world to paint a rosy every respect. fering for the cause of Tibet, hereby also picture of having “liberated a million expresses its solidarity. Tibetan serfs from exploitation by the According to the available facts, in the landlords”. In fact, it has turned Tibet past six months the Chinese govern- 2. Firmly reiterates its appeal to the into a colonial dominion and continues ment has arbitrarily arrested and de- Chinese government that it must end to impose a series of extremely brutal tained many Tibetans in Driru, Drakgo, its hardline policies in Tibet and ad- and hardline policies of political repres- Dzamthang and Sog counties on false dress the aspirations of Tibetans inside sion, ethnic and economic discrimina- charges. It is difficult to confirm actual and outside Tibet for the return of His tion, and immeasurable destruction of statistics on the actual number of arrest, Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and religion, culture and environment of torture and death of Tibetans, or even freedom and human rights for Tibetans, Tibet. As a result, unprecedented large- whether they are dead or alive. and immediately commence dialogue to scale protests by tens of thousands of resolve the issue of Tibet. Tibetans broke out across the three tra- According to a report by the Tibetan ditional provinces of Tibet on 10 March Centre for Human Rights and Democ- 3. Expresses gratitude to the Govern- 2008. Moreover, since the beginning of racy based in Dharamshala, the total ments and Parliaments of the world for 2009 until the sixth session of the 15th number of Tibetans detained or jailed passing resolutions of support and con- Tibetan Parliament last year – over 120 for carrying out political activities today cern over the critical situation inside Ti- Tibetan men and women with indomi- stands at 920. bet; and the Tibet Support Groups, Non table spirit and courage and as a highest Governmental Organisations, Chinese In exile, the Central Tibetan Administra- form of non-violent protest against the democratic activists and individual sup- tion, organisations and individuals con- hardline policies of the Chinese govern- porters for their support through vari- tinue to carry out numerous activities to ment, and for the freedom of Tibetan ous non-violent campaigns. It further show their support and solidarity with people – sacrificed their lives by setting appeals for more support to resolve the the selfless acts of Tibetans inside Tibet. themselves on fire. Another 6 Tibetans issue of Tibet in general and the ongo- Since the 14th Tibetan Parliament-in- have self-immolated since then. How- ing urgent problems inside Tibet in par- Exile, series of motions of condolence ever, instead of carrying out an impartial ticular. It urges the members of the UN and solidarity have been passed. At the investigation into the causes of the Ti- Human Rights Council to convene an international level, many governments betan grievances and implement a policy urgent session on the issue of Tibet and have passed resolutions, issued procla- of seeking truth from facts based on the send fact-finding missions to assess the mations and statements expressing their ground realities in Tibet, the Chinese urgent situation inside Tibet. grave concern about the situation in Ti- government continued its ruthless policy bet and urged the Chinese government of deceiving people with every possible 11 March 2014 to end its repressive policies in Tibet.

20 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH-APRIL 2014 DOCUMENTATION

Tibetan Parliament passes resolution concerning Dolgyal

RESOLUTION (Document no. 22/English Translation)

Whereas:

Since the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama, all the successive Dalai Lamas and many great masters have placed stringent restrictions on the propitiation of harmful spirit of Dolgyal for Tibet’s common spiritual and political interests. Like his predecessors, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, following a long and careful investigation, has also clearly advised against the propitiation of Dolgyal. A large number of Tibetans have followed his advice and gave up propitiat- ing Dolgyal. However, a small number of Tibetans have remained ignorant about the propitiation. In order to lead the ignorant to righteous path, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile unanimously passed resolutions on 6 June 1996, 17 Septem- ber 1997 and 15 March 2008. The majority of Tibetans – including the both monastic and lay community particularly the three monastic seats – who have acted upon the resolutions deserves appreciation.

Yet, a small number of ignorant Dolgyal propitiators have no consideration for Tibet’s spiritual and political interests and the personal security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They are being deceived by the Chinese government through monetary and material incentive and are used as political tools. They have been also instigating foreigners to carry out disinformation campaigns at every opportunity. In a recent incident in San Francisco, they employed a handful of people, who are completely ignorant about the basic principles of Buddhism, to slander His Holiness the Dalai Lama with baseless accusations. To present these misdeeds for fair and correct understanding of the Tibetan people and the people of the world who support truth and justice, it is imperative that the following resolution be passed to reiterate and implement the earlier resolutions adopted by the House.

The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, on 17 March 2014, unanimously passed the following resolution:

(1) Reaffirms to carefully follow up the series of resolutions unanimously passed by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on this issue in 1996, 1997 and 2008.

(2) Recognises and resolves to collectively disseminate to all people the actual issue as per the resolution/section (B) of article 5 passed during the Conference of the Heads, Abbots, Lamas/Trulkus and Representatives of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon re- ligion in 2009. It states: “Worshipping the worldly gods, particularly spirits for protection, contravenes the principle of following the three refuge in Buddhism. The conference un- equivocally proclaims that any individuals or organisation propitiating Dolgyal, would not be affiliated to any Tibetan religious school.”

(3) Recognises clearly the actions of Dolgyal followers as a political tool to create discord within the Tibetan community under the influence and deception of monetary gains, and to denigrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama with baseless allegations. The Parliament would like to make it clear that the issue has nothing to do with religious freedom.

Further recognises also the Dolgyal followers and others – whose have caused grave harm to the faith and polity of Tibet under the Chinese government’s ploy and in violation of the law of Karma – as criminals in history.

(4) As advised by the intelligence agencies of the US and India on the need to ensure greater security for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan administration and the entire Tibetan people must remain vigilant. Moreover, the Department of Security, the local Tibetan ad- ministration, and the Representatives of the Offices of Tibet should maintain close coordi- nation with the central and state government of India and concerned governments of the overseas countries respectively in advance to ensure greater security for His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his visits.

(5) Directs the Kashag to carry out a thorough investigation into real motives of the Dolgyal followers for their recent activities in San Francisco and accordingly issue firm directives to prevent future incidents.

MARCH-APRIL 2014 TIBETAN BULLETIN 21 DOCUMENTATION Italian Senate Passes Resolution on Tibet The Special Committee on the Protec- with the outstanding requests of the UN Tibetans; tion and Promotion of Human Rights and other human rights monitoring or- the crackdown of PRC authorities on of the Italian Senate has adopted a res- ganisations to visit Tibet. protest in Tibet has led to the imposi- olution on Tibet. The resolution came RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE tion of measures restricting freedom of against the backdrop of a testimony by SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE expression, association and worship. Kalon Dicki Chhoyang of the Central FOR THE PROTECTION AND Tibetans are also systematically margin- Tibetan Administration’s Department of PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS alised in the economy and in terms of ac- Information and International Relations, cess to education; at the Italian Senate last December. The Committee, the EU-China dialogue on human rights In her testimony, Kalon Dicki Chhoyang whereas has failed to improve the human rights spoke about the tragic situation of Ti- on 5 December 2013, the Senate Spe- situation of the Tibetan people in any bet under the oppression of the Chinese cial Committee on the Protection and significant measure; government, and the continuing efforts Promotion of Human Rights met with and commitment of Tibetans to pre- urges the Government to Mrs Dicki Chhoyang, Minister of Infor- serve their dignity and Tibetan culture. mation and International Relations of request the Chinese authorities to bring She has requested the Italian Senate to the Central Administration of Tibet in to an immediate halt any form of oppres- urge the Chinese government to engage Dharamsala, who described the tragic sion in Tibet and all violence against the in dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai situation of Tibet under the oppression Tibetan people and its religious commu- Lama’s envoys to resolve the Tibet issue of the Chinese Government and empha- nity and to respect fundamental rights in on the Middle Way Approach. sized the continuing efforts and commit- Tibet, particularly freedom of expres- The resolution adopted by the Italian ment of Tibetans to preserve their dig- sion, association and worship; Senate’s human rights committee last nity and Tibetan culture in exile; starting foster the resumption of dialogue be- week urged the Chinese government to in 2002, Tibetan officials have with tween the PRC Government and the en- bring an “immediate halt to the oppres- Chinese government officials in nine ne- voys of the Dalai Lama, in order to iden- sion of Tibetan people, and resume dia- gotiating rounds and have expressed the tify a peaceful and shared settlement and logue with the envoys of His Holiness approach of the government of Tibet to to commence talks on the implementa- the Dalai Lama for the implementation pursue autonomy from Beijing, through tion of real regional autonomy in Tibet; of a genuine autonomy for the Tibetan the so-called middle way policy, with no request the Chinese authorities to re- people.” recourse to violence; the latest meeting spect freedom of language, culture and Expressing disappointment over the fail- with the Chinese authorities was held in religion for the Tibetan people and to ure of EU-China dialogue to improve January 2010: no concrete results were include the teaching of the Tibetan lan- the human rights situation of the Tibetan achieved and the dialogue of Tibetan guage in the school curriculum in Tibet; people in any significant measure, it in- officials with the People's Republic of redouble efforts to tackle the human sisted that China should redouble its ef- China (PRC) has since been interrupted; rights situation of the Tibetan people, in forts to tackle human rights situation of the Dalai Lama resigned as Head of the the framework of the EU-China human the Tibetan people in the framework of Government in exile in 2011, thereby re- rights dialogue; the EU-China human rights dialogue. linquishing his authoritative position in to reaffirm the requests already made by It urged the Chinese authorities to re- the organisation in favour of a democrat- the European Parliament to the Chinese spect Tibetan people’s freedom of lan- ically elected leader. Sikyong Lobsang Government to ensure permanent and guage and culture and allow the teaching Sangay was elected on 27 April 2011 uninterrupted access of the press, dip- of Tibetan language in Tibetan schools. and is the head of the Tibetan Govern- ment in exile in India; lomats including EU officials, and -for The resolution firmly reiterates its ap- eigners in general to Tibet; peal to the European Parliament to urge on 4 June 2012, Lobsang Sangay ac- to request monitoring of the respect for the Chinese government to ensure per- cepted the resignation of His Holiness human rights in Tibet through the United manent and uninterrupted access of the the Dalai Lama's Special Envoy Mr Lodi Nations and particularly the High Com- press, diplomats including EU officials G. Gyari, following the interruption of missioner for Human Rights and the Hu- and foreigners in general, to Tibet. dialogue by the Chinese authorities; man Rights Council, The senate also urged the United Na- also whereas to insist with Chinese authorities so that tions particularly the High Commis- since the military occupation of Tibet in they comply with the requests to visit Ti- sioner for Human Rights and the Human 1959, the PRC Government has imple- bet made by UN bodies and human rights Rights Council to monitor the human mented a policy of forced assimilation monitoring organisations, by means of a rights situation in Tibet. It emphasised and marginalisation of Tibet, systemati- standing invitation, so as to help deter- that Chinese authorities should comply cally denying the fundamental rights of mine what has happened in that region.

22 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH-APRIL 2014 CHINESE PERSPECTIVE Blind Chinese Activist Chen Guangcheng at Tibetan Uprising Day in New York

This is the full transcript of Chen other. Stressing the rightfulness and the learn about the genuine demands from Guangcheng's speech outside the U.N. necessity of protecting one’s right of self Tibetans through communicating with Headquarters on March 10, 2014 defense will help realize social justice. high-level Tibetans and ordinary Ti- Non-violent restraint should be worn by betans. Despite that, the Chinese Com- (English translation by Rose Tang, fol- the dictator, not by those who resist the munist leaders are incredibly horrified lowed by Chinese transcript provided by ruler. and attempt to stop it, because they’re Yuan Weijing, Chen's wife) facing a crisis of trust as their lies are For a long time, His Holiness the Dalai being exposed. But we must know this: Hello all! Lama has been advocating tolerance, in- it’s a very important historical opportu- ner peace, and the ability to deal with nity to increase unity among nationali- I’m very honored to take part in today’s people and events with a peaceful mind. ties. We must seize it! If China doesn’t event with you. Many thanks to the invi- Ever since 1974, His Holiness has been realize democracy and freedom, if China tation from Tibetan NGOs. Thank you, promoting the Middle Way approach doesn’t have openness and transparency Mr. Kaydor Aukatsang, Representative around the world -- not seeking Tibet’s of information, the root cause of numer- of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the separation from China, only asking for ous problems won’t be solved. Americas, and Mr. Kunga Tashi, the a genuine autonomy within the frame- China Liaison Officer of the Tibet Of- work of the Chinese Constitution. Such The Chinese Communist dictators have fice. a kind-hearted religious leader, who enslaved and oppressed all nationalities is full of wisdom, has been traveling in the whole country for a long time. Today is the 55th anniversary of the Ti- around talking about the value of human This is a fact that’s witnessed by many, betan Uprising Day. I’m hoping that it’s rights. But the Chinese Communist lead- not just by minority groups. The essence the Uprising Day for all of those who ers have played deaf and blind so far. of the dictators is that they are against live in violent countries. In today’s Further more, they use their mouthpiec- democracy, freedom, constitutional gov- world, where the concept of peace and es to wage a propaganda war, claiming ernance, and the rule of law. They would non-violence has been widely spread, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been do anything to defend their privileges. I think it’s very necessary to talk about promoting Tibet’s independence. They Therefore, as long as we’re aware that fighting against violence. The purpose incite hatred among nationalities and the one-party dictatorship has caused of us protesting here today is for us to be block the Internet, not allowing people to disasters everywhere, what’s been eat- able to voice our demands and opinions receive information from all sources and ing people is the totalitarian regime, like this today freely and safely in our angles so they can reach sensible con- that’s enough. Fortunately, it has lost home countries tomorrow. clusions. Their claims do not reflect the its credibility among people. Whether facts or help resolve problems. Instead, China will have democracy and rule of What dictators rely on are lies and vio- they intensify conflicts. Tricks such as law is the key to the freedom for all na- lence. And they use violence obsessively twisting facts used to be effective in the tionalities, not just freedom for a certain and continuously, as if it’s the cure-all past, but it’s a self-cheating scheme in a nationality. So, I am urging people of medicine. Under such circumstances, modern society that has very advanced all nationalities, take action proactively the weak have to guard our rights for communications. from now on, widen and deepen com- proper defense -- this is a citizen’s right munication among yourselves, treat one that’s recognized around the world. For instance: Whenever His Holiness another with trust and honesty, eliminate When our personal safety, dignity, and meets with national leaders or govern- misunderstandings. Unify and help real- legal properties are violated, we should ment officials, China’s Foreign Ministry ize democracy and freedom in China. defend ourselves properly. We should be accuses these countries of “hurting Chi- This is the essential benefit shared by all against non-violent peaceful resolution nese people’s feelings and interfering in nationalities. As a common saying goes: that has no principles, just like we fight state internal affairs.” They also point “Tibetans have many hopes. Confidence against arbitrary use of violence. When their fingers at His Holiness for being brings success.” Struggle hard, my we promote peaceful non-violent resis- a “separatist.” But what we see is that friends! This is our duty that we should tance, we should not deprive people of wherever His Holiness visits, numerous not burden others with. Let us all work their right to fight against a violent re- followers travel from afar to attend his together. gime that is against the people and that teachings, or just to meet him. This is the denies them of their right to overthrow people’s will. Thank you, thank you all, thank you, my it. friends! Those who have woken up have discov- This is not about advocating violence. ered: the ones in power are passing false Chen Guangcheng In an abnormal society, appropriateness information to them, so they gradually and lawlessness may not match each lost trust in them. These people want to

MARCH-APRIL 2014 TIBETAN BULLETIN 23 CHINESE PERSPECTIVE Walk Home Together

YANG Jianli

Speech at the New York Rally Commemorating the 55thAnniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising

March 10, 2014 and cultural continuity. “There is no against the hard hearts and iron arms of place like home.” Returning home is an the Chinese rulers as well as the indif- Dear Tibetan Brothers and Sisters: exile's greatest dream and being strand- ference of the world community and its ed in a foreign land his greatest sorrow. leaders. Tashi Delek. For all the tragedies and hardships faced Now we must intensify our global cam- As always, I am excited to get together by the Tibetan people today there is one paign of truth and force China, a sig- with you and feel honored and humbled constant root, exacerbating or causing natory of the Universal Declaration of to speak to you on this solemn occasion all the others in turn: China's block on Human Rights, and the International to remember the Tibetan National Up- the Dalai Lama and his people's right Community, onto the defensive about rising that took place 55 years ago, and to return to their homeland. Let’s listen the right of return which is enshrined to look forward. I am honored because to the saffron flames in Tibet. Through in Article 13(b) of the UDHR "Every- I have become part of your extraordi- their heroic act of self-immolation, the one has the right to leave any country, nary struggle for freedom which has nearly 130 Tibetan martyrs have ex- including his own, and to return to his won worldwide respect. I am humbled pressed the great desire of all Tibetan, country." The world community must because your unspeakable suffering has both in and outside Tibet, “Let the Dalai recognize that the Right of Return for been at the hands of a government that is Lama Return Home”! the Tibetans is a national, historical and largely Chinese, my own people. Strug- individual claim and that recognizing gling together with you is a redeem- This voice, reverberating around all the Tibetans’ right to return home is not an ing process for me; you have reached time, often makes my heart burn and my option but a must. out your hands to me in forgiveness, in eyes well with tears. friendship and brotherhood. You hold Are you missing home? your suffering close to your heart while As remarkably kind, compassionate, tol- somehow keeping a smile on your face. erant and patient as His Holiness may So I ask you, speak up about your plight. The wisdom and guidance of His Holi- be, this need to return must burn hot on You should let everybody you meet ness the Dalai Lama have shown a path his heart as he faces this beloved new know that you have been unjustly up- to justice paved with compassion and generation of Tibetans, who either re- rooted from your homeland. Let them non-violence for all to follow. I am in- main in their raped homeland without know of your aching desire to return. deed honored and privileged to follow their spiritual leader or live with their You should educate the whole world the path of His Holiness and to walk spiritual leader in free lands that are not that the roots of the Tibetans in Tibet with you and call each of you my brother their own. are older than the roots of the British in or sister. Britain, and much older than the roots of This is a grave humanitarian emergency, most Americans in America. Today I want to talk with you about go- which is getting worse day by day. It is ing home. This is the time of year when disheartening that an emergency can be The Tibetan self immolators' act would all of us feel a tug at our hearts for home. as old as 55 years. be unthinkable and pointless if they did not have a profound confidence in the China’s unjust rule in Tibet has led to I know the Dalai Lama and his people conscience of man. We must carry their the killing of a million Tibetans, the de- have traveled a long journey toward spirit of compassion forward to appeal struction of thousands of temples and home but nobody knows when they to the conscience of the people around monasteries, the diluting and destroying might set their foot on their homeland. the world. Especially, we should make of the Tibetan language and culture, and Many good people seem to have been special efforts to reach out to the Chi- the irreversible damage to the natural convinced that political realities make nese people with the Truth about Tibet environment on the Tibetan plateau, and such an ultimate justice impossible. But and empower them with compassion it has also resulted in the 55 year long the voice from the saffron flames has for them to recognize the truth and end exile of His Holiness the Dalai Lama told us otherwise! The voice deep in our their silence. I believe that the Tibetan and produced nearly 200,000 Tibetan hearts is telling us otherwise! selfless martyrs had a strong belief that refugees, condemning them to a state of compassion can clean consciences, in- If the past journey has taught us any permanent exile. Scattered around the cluding that of the Chinese, and a clear thing, it is that there is no short cut or world as a minority among minorities, conscience does not hide from the truth. easy way home. We must battle every their existence is a constant battle for I believe that with your courageous ef- political recognition, financial survival day to move forward. We must battle

24 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH-APRIL 2014 WORLD PRESS forts to meet the Chinese with compas- sion, more Chinese like myself will be The burden of empire awaking to the Truth, will be set free of the bondage of bigotry and malice, and will be particularly reminded of Confu- The Economist handling “nationalities”. Uighur resent- cius’ teaching “Don’t do to others what ment of the Han runs deep. The feeling you don’t wish for yourself ” and realiz- After a brutal attack in China, the is mutual. Many Chinese are openly rac- ing that our Tibetan brothers and sisters Communist Party needs to change its ist towards Uighurs, and the government love their homeland and love living in policies towards minorities thinks them ungrateful. In 2009 hun- their homeland, no less powerfully than dreds of people were killed during street we Chinese to our own homeland. A GROUP of knife-wielding assail- fighting between Uighurs and Han, who ants, apparently Muslims from western now make up two-fifths of Xinjiang’s Many of Chinese democracy fighters, China, caused mayhem and murder on population and control a disproportion- including myself, have been forced into March 1st in the south-western Chinese ate share of its wealth. exile for nearly 25 years following the city of Kunming, stabbing 29 people to Identity crisis 1989 Tiananmen Massacre. We share death at the railway station and injuring the Tibetans’ excruciating pain of home- 140 others. The attack has shocked Chi- The Kunming killers’ motives may sickness. Not long after the massacre, I na. The crime against innocents is mon- never be known. But fears of militant got to know Tibetan exiles and the nature strous and unjustifiable, and has been Islamism arriving at the heart of China of your struggle. I soon understood that rightly condemned by the Chinese gov- must not obscure the broader problem of we were at least 30 years late in coming ernment and by America. But as well as Chinese oppression in Xinjiang. Recent to the aid of your cause. Yet we came rounding up the culprits, the Communist crackdowns hit at the heart of Uighur together in brotherhood and we have Party must face up to an uncomfortable identity: students are banned from fast- walked arm in arm. Today, on this pain- truth. Its policy for integrating the coun- ing during Ramadan, religious teaching ful anniversary, we recommit ourselves try’s restless western regions—a policy for children is restricted, and Uighur- to continue to walk together toward free- that mixes repression, development and language education is limited. Many Ui- dom and home. With each step we take Han-Chinese migration—is failing to ghurs, like their neighbours in Tibet, fear together in the path of truth, justice and persuade non-Han groups of the merits that their culture will be extinguished. compassion, we are closer to our goal. of Chinese rule. Xinjiang and Tibet (and Inner Mongo- lia) are still China’s colonies, their paci- Let me close with a little story which I The party says the attackers were “Xin- fication under the Communist Party a have told many times and which I think jiang extremists”, by implication ethnic continued imperial project. Were it not is worth being told again. On March 10, Uighurs, a Turkic people with ties to for the Dalai Lama’s restraining influ- 2010, the 51stanniversary of the Tibetan Central Asia who once formed the ma- ence, violence in Tibet might be as bad National Uprising, in Dharamsala, I led jority in the region of Xinjiang. The kill- as it is in Xinjiang. As it is, over 100 Ti- a group of Chinese freedom fighters in ers may have been radicalised abroad betans have burned themselves to death the audience with His Holiness. At the with notions of global jihad. Whatever in protest at Chinese rule. end of the meeting we all stood up to- the truth, there is no doubt that Uighurs gether. I noticed that His Holiness had are committing ever more desperate There is a large military presence in a pair of shoes of very good quality. I acts. Scarcely a week passes in Xinjiang China’s west. The government seems to whispered to His Holiness that he had a without anti-government violence. believe that unless Uighurs and Tibetans are held in check by force, the western pair of very fine shoes; much nicer than The party claims that Xinjiang has been mine. “Yes” his Holiness replied. “I will regions could break away. That is always part of China for 2,000 years. Yet for a danger. But suppression, which leads walk home in them”. I replied, “Yes, most of that time, the region has been on your Holiness, I will walk with you”. to explosions of anger, may increase the the fringe of China’s empire, or outside risk, not mitigate it. We suddenly found ourselves embracing it altogether. An attempt to incorporate each other. these lands began only with the Qing The only way forward is to show Ui- dynasty’s conquests in the mid-18th ghurs (and Tibetans) how they can live Dear brothers and sisters, let’s walk century. (The name Xinjiang, “new fron- peacefully and prosperously together home together! tier”, was bestowed only in the 1880s.) within China. The first step is for the party to lift the bans on religious and Free Tibet. During the chaos of the 1940s, Uighurs declared a short-lived independent state cultural practices, give Uighurs and Ti- Let the Dalai Lama return home. of East Turkestan. But from 1949 the betans more space to be themselves, Communists began integrating Xinjiang and strive against prejudice in Chinese Thank you all. into China by force. Demobbed Chi- society. Economic development needs nese soldiers were sent to colonise arid to be aimed at Uighur and Tibetan com- lands, the state repression of Uighurs munities. Otherwise, there will be more drawing heavily on the Soviet tactics for violence and instability.

MARCH-APRIL 2014 TIBETAN BULLETIN 25 WORLD PRESS The First Lady’s Travel Journal: A Taste of Tibetan Culture

First Lady Michelle Obama, Sasha, Malia and Mrs. Robinson are greeted by Tibetan students at the Zangxiang Village Tea House in Chengdu, China. March 26, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon) White House meal that included the following items: ligious and cultural traditions, and this truk ja (yak butter tea), yak soup made visit was a powerful reminder of how Note: This post is part of a series au- with highland barley, sha pa le (yak pie important it is for each of us to treasure thored by First Lady Michelle Obama made with minced onion and celery), what makes us special, even when it to share her visit to China with young boiled yak ribs, samba (a dense bread makes us feel different from everyone people in the U.S. made with barley) and steamed vegeta- else. I know that’s not always easy, es- bles with barley. pecially when you’re a minority in your Chengdu is sometimes known as the Before we ate, we had the chance to school or community. But in America, “Gateway to Tibet” because it is located spin a traditional Tibetan prayer wheel, our diversity is what makes us who we just a few hours from the towering moun- a device used by the Tibetan people to are — it’s what makes our country so tains and rich culture of Tibet, which is a spread spiritual blessings. Tibetans be- vibrant, strong and endlessly interesting. region of China. There are roughly 6.5 lieve that spinning this wheel helps one So don’t be afraid to celebrate where million Tibetans in China, and they are accumulate wisdom and merit (known you come from and whatever it is that one of the largest and most well-known as good “karma”) and purify themselves makes you who you are — and don’t minority groups in the country. of bad things (known as bad “karma”). hesitate to share that with others. For centuries, Tibet was largely un- We were then greeted by a group of Ti- This visit was such a wonderful way to known to the outside world — but today, betan students who placed beautiful silk end our journey here in China. It has Tibetan Buddhism (the main religion in scarves called “khataks” (which sym- been a tremendous honor for me, my this area) and its spiritual leader in ex- bolize purity and compassion and are daughters and my mother to experience ile, the Dalai Lama, are known across thought to bring good luck) around our this fascinating country over this past the globe for their teachings on compas- necks — this is considered a welcome week. I’ve especially enjoyed speak- sion, forgiveness and tolerance. Tibet gesture. The students then displayed ing with young people in China, learn- is also known for its beautiful, majestic magnificent paintings they had made ing about their hopes and dreams, and landscapes. Some of the world’s tall- called “thangkas.” Thangkas tradition- sharing your stories with them and their est mountains are located there – if you ally depict images of Buddhist deities, stories with all of you. I hope you’ve want to scale Mount Everest, you can retell myths or describe historical events. enjoyed learning about your peers on the start from a base camp in Tibet. other side of the globe — and I hope you I am incredibly grateful that we had the find ways to keep on learning about Chi- To experience some of the rich culture of chance to learn a little bit about Tibet- Tibet, we headed to the Zangxiang Vil- na and other countries around the world an traditions. The Tibetan people have in the years ahead. lage Tea House for a traditional Tibetan struggled to preserve their unique re-

26 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH-APRIL 2014 WORLD PRESS I unequivocally support the middle-way approach advocated by Dalai Lama: Karmapa Rinpoche

Economic Times: Do you support the Dalai Lama’s call dhism to distant parts of the world. I for meaningful autonomy for Tibet, or have nothing but gratitude for the Gov- Ogyen Trinley Dorje, the 17th Karmapa the ‘middle-way approach’? Do you ernment of India since my arrival. think Beijing will heed the demand? or head of the Karma Kagyu school of Could you please elaborate on the his- Tibetan Buddhism, has for the first time His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, is my torical linkages between Tibet and In- slammed Beijing’s totalitarian rule in spiritual and temporal leader and has dia for our readers? Tibet and come out in open support of been like a father figure for me in Dalai Lama’s middle-path approach, or Dharamsala. I unequivocally support the Tibet was as independent nation from ‘meaningful autonomy’ to resolve the middle-way approach advocated by the ancient times right up to 1951. Dur- Tibetan crisis. In an interview with ET’s Dalai Lama. ing this period Tibet was in full control Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury in New Delhi, of its external and defence policies. It the Karmapa who has lived in exile in He is the one and only leader who would maintained strong religious, cultural and India since 2000 when he was just 14, provide leadership in this momentous trade ties with India. The common bor- expressed hope that a change in politi- task, not just in this life but in future der was open and peaceful, allowing not cal situation in China will soon make lives as well. It is the shared responsi- only the free movement of goods and the communist country change its policy bility of all Tibetans to preserve the Ti- people but also the flow of some of the towards Tibet, Edited excerpts: betan religion and culture and uphold finest thoughts of human civilisation. the Tibetan identity. I am committed to the well being of the Tibetan people. I Hindus and Jains revere Mount Kailash regard it as my duty and responsibility to and Mansarovar Lake in Tibet as places support the religion and culture of Tibet. of holy pilgrimage. Tibetans regard In- dia as the Holy land of Lord Buddha I am totally committed to the middle- and aspire to make a pilgrimage to Bodh way approach. It is quite possible that Gaya. Buddhism came to Tibet from In- the political situation in China will dia. Along with Buddhism came much change considerably, which will result of the Tibetan language and the Tibetan in a rethink on the Tibetan issue within script, which was derived from ancient the Chinese Communist Party. Addition- Indian scripts. ally, the power of the aspirations and compassion of the Dalai Lama is virtu- What made you flee to India when you ally limitless. were just 14? There has been a fresh round of self-im- It is the hope of all Tibetans to see the I had to receive oral teachings of the molations in Tibet in protest against Chi- Dalai Lama return to Tibet safely and for Karmapa Lineage which have been na’s rule and in demand for more rights. Tibet to enjoy peace, happiness and the passed down in an unbroken chain from Do you support this method of protest? freedom to practice religion and culture. India since the time of Lord Buddha. The origins of my lineage are in Nalanda Tibet is under Communist China’s to- You have been living in India for more whose great scholar, Naropa, received talitarian regime. Unlike democratic In- than 13 years now. How do you feel in the teachings from his teacher, the Ma- dia, there is no religious freedom there. exile? hasiddha Tilopa. The Karmapa lineage Many Tibetans, including the illustrious is deeply rooted in India. heads of the different sects of Tibetan India is my second home. The Tibetan Buddhism, had to flee to India following culture and religion has flourished in My predecessor, His Holiness the 16th the Cultural Revolution. India’s open, free and welcoming at- Karmapa, took refuge in India and es- mosphere. India has given refuge to the tablished the Rumtek Monastery in Sik- The spate of self-immolations reveals Dalai Lama and to many Buddhist lin- kim. The head lamas of the four main the the underlying tension that has been eage heads that have set up monasteries Tibetan Buddhist traditions are also simmering for decades due to China’s around the country when many other na- currently residing in India. The Chinese misguided policies in addressing the tions did not have the courage to do so. Government would not allow them to grievances and resentments of the Ti- visit me in Tibet. Most importantly, I de- betan people. These are symptoms of a Tibetan Buddhism, culture and the Ti- sired to study under the tutelage of the broken and wounded people desperately betan way of life thrive in India. India Dalai Lama. If I had stayed in Tibet, I crying out for the restoration of their has not only saved Tibetans and their would have been forced to denounce the cultural identity, and religious and hu- way of life from extinction but also en- Dalai Lama. man rights. abled us to draw inspiration from this holy land of the Buddha and take Bud-

MARCH-APRIL 2014 TIBETAN BULLETIN 27 WORLD PRESS The Diplomat speaks with the prime minister of Tibetans in exile

by Anuradha Sharma, The Diplomat, Published 7 April 2014

stitution and Autonomy Law of the Peo- ple’s Republic of China for the minority nationals in both letter and spirit. I have continued working in accordance with the policy that has long been in place. Neither the Indian government nor any official in the Indian government has raised any objection to it. Some critics who advocate the independence of Tibet do not seem to like the stand and make accusations of compromising the sover- eignty of Tibet. I’ve met several leaders and people in authority in India and the reception I’ve got from them and the re- lationship I’ve had with them have been On April 26 it will be three years since betan population across the globe in very positive. So, officially I don’t see you won the historic elections that five continents. It’s a grueling schedule any problem there. As for critics, what made you the first political leader of every time—seven countries in 13 or 14 can I say? People write all kinds of the Tibetans, a post relinquished by days in Europe and seven states in eight things. I choose to ignore the allegations the Dalai Lama. What has the experi- days in the U.S. The normal schedule is because they are baseless. As a political ence been like? 8 am to 8 pm, followed by dinner and leader you expect some criticism from informal interactions with the local Ti- time to time. The first year was anxious but I told betan communities. By the time you go myself this is my karma and I had to to sleep, it is past midnight and the next But do you feel India could do a lot do the best I could to fulfill the aspira- morning you wake up early to travel to more? tions of Tibetans in exile and Tibet. The another city or country. The good part We are guests in India and in no position 400-year-old institution of the Dalai of it is the opportunity to meet different to make any demands. Given a chance, Lama was changing course. All of a sud- kinds of people, the exposure to differ- we would like to urge upon India to den His Holiness had decided to pass on ent cultures and political systems. the baton of political head and that came make Tibet a core issue in its dealings to someone like me: young, new to poli- Engaging with China without an- with China. It is in India’s interest for tics and without much administrative ex- tagonizing India, is that a tightrope? the Tibet issue to be resolved. It is our perience. I was anxious about the trans- A recent opinion piece in an Indian appeal to India, as we do to any other fer of political authority and so were newspaper accused you of being country sympathetic to our cause, to the Tibetan people. In the second year, “alarmingly pro-Beijing,” threaten- press China to engage in dialogue to re- the anxiety subsided but it continued to ing India’s security. How do you react solve the issue of Tibet peacefully. be very hectic, and so it has been since to that criticisms? But China has been consistent in re- then. Except Sikkim, I have been to all fusing to recognize you as the political the Tibetan settlements in India, all Ti- I was born in India and I’ve spent more head, stalemating the talks. betan schools, 90 percent of the monas- years here than anywhere else. India has done the most for Tibetans, in fact more teries and around 80 percent of old-age Yes, there has been a stalemate since than any other country. Tibetans are for- homes. In North America and Europe, January 2010, not because of a lack of ever grateful to India. The Middle Way I’ve visited all major Tibetan communi- willingness from the Tibetan side, but approach has explicitly been our official ties except three or four places. I am still because China is maintaining hardline policy since the early 70s and Tibetans working hard and intend to continue do- policies at the ground level and hardline seek genuine autonomy for Tibetan peo- ing so; the rest I leave to the collective rhetoric at the leadership level. They are ple. The “Memorandum On Genuine karma of the Tibetan people. on record that they don’t want to talk Autonomy For The Tibetan People” was to me because talking to me amounts What is it like managing a ‘nation’ presented to the Chinese government to recognizing the Tibetan administra- without physical boundaries? What by the previous Khashag (cabinet) in tion. However, for us process is second- are the challenges and opportunities? 2008. “Genuine autonomy” essentially ary and substance is primary. We have means the genuine implementation of consistently urged a continuation of the The major challenge is the travelling autonomy rights enshrined in the Con- that is required to reach out to the Ti- dialogue between the envoys of HH the 28 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH-APRIL 2014 WORLD PRESS

Dalai Lama and Chinese counterpart. summers. (Laughs) Middle Path. It is a win-win situation for all: China can have its sovereignty and Three more self-immolations took Recently, I went to Arunachal Pradesh territorial integrity and Tibet can have its place in Tibet in March this year, tak- (a northeastern state in India bordering genuine autonomy. ing the total number of cases to 129 Tibet) and visited the Tawang and Tut- since 2009. What steps have you taken ing and Gelling areas. The McMahon The Dalai Lama’s objective was to to address this issue? Line was close by and I could visualize separate politics from religion. Has Tibet across it, similar to India on this that happened? We have consistently and categorically side of the border. During my visit to urged the Tibetan community not to Ladakh in July 2012 I could see Tibet To a large extent. It’s still going through resort to any kind of drastic action, in- on the other side—arid, dry mountains, a transition, but institutionally and con- cluding self-immolations. Despite our without much vegetation. I am planning stitutionally and on a day-to-day basis, appeals, self-immolations have sadly to go to Sikkim and set my eyes on Tibet a clear separation has taken place. His continued, the blame for which goes to on the other side. These are my attempts Holiness still remains the most popular Chinese repression inside Tibet. to get as close as possible to Tibet in the and most revered person among the Ti- current circumstances. betans. But because he magnanimously How to reconcile this form of violent devolved his political authority, he has agitation with the basic Buddhist Are you hopeful that in your lifetime been deliberate in his approach to ensure principles of non-violence? it will be possible to regain Tibet? that the separation remains.

As human beings, self-immolation is ex- Yes, that’s why I left America and Is it possible to be a minister in the tremely painful but, at the same time, we came here to work for that. During my Tibetan government of exile without must keep in mind that none of the self- Arunachal Pradesh trip, it was like re- being religious? immolators so far has tried to hurt even tracing the steps of His Holiness and a single Chinese person or cause any my parents. I remembered my late fa- Yes. damage to Chinese property. So, even ther in Bomdilla village where he first Do you consult His Holiness for any though it is a painful kind of death, the stayed after crossing over. I called up executive decision? self-immolators are deliberately staying my mother from Tuting where she lived away from harming others. It a violent for a while before shifting to Darjeeling, Officially it is not mandated. But he has act upon oneself, yes; but in the larger where my parents met and lived. Both vast experience and it would be great to sense, it cannot be summarily catego- of them had followed His Holiness, who have his views, although he deliberately rized as “violence” in that it is not aimed had crossed over through Tawang, 55 does not give formal instructions. He at causing harm to anyone else. years ago. They didn’t have much with also joked once that now that I am an them when they crossed over to India Are refugees still arriving from Tibet? elected head of the people, I can be criti- because they intended to go back. Their cized by the people, including His Holi- Yes. Many come for religious and sec- wait to go back home has now crossed ness himself. (Laughs) The last thing I’d ular education in India and some are 55 years and my father passed away in want is criticism from him. forced out by oppressive Chinese poli- 2004 without realizing that dream. This cies. However, the number of arrivals story is similar to thousands of Tibetans I was born in India and I’ve spent more has decreased because of the immense in exile and inside Tibet. All this makes years here than anywhere else. India pressure the Chinese government places me more determined in my cause. Ful- has done the most for Tibetans, in fact on the Nepalese authorities (Nepal has filling their dream is the sole purpose of more than any other country. Tibetans been the entry point for refugees fleeing my life. It is the quest for my own iden- are forever grateful to India. The Mid- Tibet) and the very strong sealing of the tity and dignity. Someday soon we shall dle Way approach has explicitly been border areas. have it. our official policy since the early 70s and Tibetans seek genuine autonomy You’ve never been to Tibet. How does In the past, you were a member of the Ti- betan Youth Congress and also the Stu- for Tibetan people. The “Memoran- Tibet seem to you from the memories dum On Genuine Autonomy For The your parents passed on to you? dents for a Free Tibet, both of which are strong advocates of Rangzen, or com- Tibetan People” was presented to the I was born in a Tibetan settlement to my plete independence of Tibet. Now, as the Chinese government by the previous refugee parents in Darjeeling. My father, head of the Central Tibetan Administra- Khashag (cabinet) in 2008. “Genu- who was a monk in Lithang, and moth- tion, you are a staunch advocate of the ine autonomy” essentially means the er, who lived in Chamdo, were always Middle Path. genuine implementation of autonomy arguing over whose village was more rights enshrined in the Constitution beautiful. I was told stories of a beau- I still have the same passion for Tibet and Autonomy Law of the People’s tiful land, with clear streams, trees and that I had earlier. However, with time Republic of China for the minority na- flowers and farmland. But I guess the I’ve realized that it was wise and realis- tionals in both letter and spirit. beautiful bit must have been true for the tic on the part of our elders to opt for the

MARCH-APRIL 2014 TIBETAN BULLETIN 29 OBITUARY Veteran Tibetan Communist Leader Passes Away Veteran Tibetan Communist leader, Bapa Phuntsok Wangyal passed away in Beijing on March 30, 2014 at the age of 92. He was the founder of the Tibetan Communist Party in the 1930s, which he subsequently merged with the Chinese Communist Party. He was a strong advocate of the Middle way Approach of the Central Tibetan Administration to resolve the issue of Tibet and has urged the top Chinese leadership including former Chinese Baba Phuntsok Wangyal (2nd right standing) with Panchen Lama (4th ), and members of the first fact- finding Tibetan delegation from exile that visited Tibet in 1979 President Hu Jintao to let His Holiness to me that he did not think that being a membership in the Party was re- the Dalai Lama return to Tibet. Communist meant a Tibetan needed to stored. He remained a Tibetan patriot The demise of Bapa Phuntsok Wangyal dismiss Tibetan traditions,” His Holi- throughout his life and met with all the elicited outpourings of grief and condo- ness said reminiscing his meeting with Tibetan delegations from exile which lences from across the Tibetan political Bapa Phuntsok Wangyal. visited Tibet from 1979 to 1985. In his spectrum. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, “I pray that Phuntsok Wangyal may have recent autobiography, he reiterated that who shared a unique bond with the vet- a good rebirth and offer my condolences His Holiness the Dalai Lama be allowed eran communist leader issued a personal to his wife and children,” His Holiness to return to Tibet to bring lasting peace condolence message at his demise. the Dalai Lama added. in China. “I am deeply saddened to learn of the Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the dem- Phuntsog Wangyal has openly supported passing away of Bapa Phuntsok Wang- ocratically elected political leader of the Middle Way Approach proposed by yal in Beijing. He was a true Commu- Tibet, in his condolence message said: His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a prag- nist, genuinely motivated to fulfill the “The Central Tibetan Administration matic solution to the current crisis in interests of the Tibetan people. In his in Dharamshala extends its profound Tibet. He stated that “the Dalai Lama’s death we have lost a trusted friend,” His condolences to his family. We hope the Middle Way Approach of seeking only Holiness said. Chinese leadership will take heed of the a meaningful autonomy for Tibet rath- “I first met Phunwang, as he was popu- veteran Communist leader’s wisdom er than independence, in the present larly known, in 1951, when he accom- and far-sighted vision to resolve the is- critical context, is an expression of the panied Chinese officials to Lhasa. Later, sue of Tibet.” great responsibility he takes in giving during my visit to Beijing and other serious thoughts over the fundamental Born in 1922 in Bathang, in eastern Ti- interests of the Tibetan people. It also cities in 1954-55 he assisted and inter- bet’s Kham province, he was a key figure preted for me in the course of which we shows that he takes great responsibility in drafting the 17-Point Agreement to in understanding the issues concerning became good friends. During the series ensure Tibetan people’s right to regional of meetings I had with Chairman Mao in both sides and in carefully studying the national autonomy. As an early convert changing circumstances. Furthermore, it particular, he was of crucial help as my to socialism, he worked tirelessly to cre- interpreter.” is a thinking that is based on reality and ate a socialist Tibet that would encom- foresight.” “Through his own example Phunwang pass all Tibetans in the three traditional showed that you could be a true Com- provinces of Kham, Amdo and U-Tsang In a meeting with President Hu Jintao munist while at the same time proud of under a single administration. He truly in 2008, when unprecedented protest your Tibetan heritage. He caught me by believed it would bring egalitarianism broke out in Tibet against the repres- surprise, when, at our first meeting, in in the Tibetan society. Despite his con- sive policies of the Chinese government, the company of the Chinese delegation, tributions, he was arrested by the Chi- he expressed disappointment over the he chose to make prostrations before nese authorities in 1960 for his so-called Chinese government’s hardline position me. At the same time, while the Chinese advocacy of local Tibetan nationalism during the talks with the envoys of His officials were all dressed uniformly in and spent 18 years in solitary confine- Holiness the Dalai Lama. He was criti- their regulation Mao suits, he wore a ment. Despite undergoing immeasurable cal of the Chinese government’s outright traditional Tibetan chuba. When I asked suffering, he remained a vocal critic of rejection of the Tibetan proposal for him about this he told me it would be the Chinese Communist Party and its genuine autonomy, which he considered a mistake to think that the Communist misguided policies in Tibet. consistent with the constitution of the People’s Republic of China. Revolution was primarily concerned Following his release during Deng with how to dress. He said it was more Xiaoping’s liberalization policy, his Phuntsok Wangyal is survived by his about a revolution of ideas, indicating wife Tseten Dolkar and his four children.

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QUOTES

“This is a physical condition like any other and people should not look down upon others. All human beings are equal and capable. Discrimination on the basis of caste, religion or any other condition is a sinful act,” ---His Holiness the Dalai Lama to media during a visit to the Tahirpur Leprosy Complex in New Delhi, India.

****** “The Tibetan people have risen time after time to overcome great adversities in the long history of our civilization. Today, our sense of identity, solidarity, and dignity is deeper than ever. If we remain united, and bring the rich traditions of the elders to interplay with the innovation and dynamism of the younger generation, I firmly be- lieve that the Chinese government will have no choice but to address our aspirations,” ---Tibetan Political leader Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay in his 55th Tibetan National Uprising Day statement. ****** “I am totally committed to the middle-way approach. It is quite possible that the political situation in China will change considerably, which will result in a rethink on the Tibetan issue within the Chinese Communist Party. Additionally, the power of the aspirations and compassion of the Dalai Lama is virtually limitless. It is the hope of all Tibetans to see the Dalai Lama return to Tibet safely and for Tibet to enjoy peace, happiness and the freedom to practice religion and culture.” ---His Eminence Karmapa Rinpoche during an interview to the Economic Times ******

“The Tibet question is universal. It is a question of liberty, democracy and solidarity, which are the values at the foundation of the European Union. As such, Eu- rope has these values as a legacy and must defend them everywhere they are in danger in order to find a sustainable solution. Thus, support must be brought to the Middle Way Approach of Tibetans – Umaylam – and to the dialogue with China:” ---Henri Malosse, President, European Economic and Social Committee

Edited by Lobsang Choedak 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