contact november 2012

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འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་དུས་དེབ།Volume: XIV Issue: 11

30 November 2012

Tibet Support Groups gather in Dharamsala for International Summit

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Continued on page 7

TibetanSelf-Immolations

Rises to 90

Continued on page 6

With sadness and regret we must report the following self-immolations.

30 Nov: Kunchok Kyab, 29, set himself on fire in Shagdom region in Ngaba. Chinese security personnel put out the fire and took him to regional headquarters in Barkham. It is not yet known whether he is dead or alive. According to Kirti Monastery, a large crowd is gathering to demand his return. Kunchok Kyab has two children, a nine-year-old and a six-year-old.

29 Nov: Tsering Tashi, 31, a father of two, set himself on fire near the local Chinese government office in Luchu region. He is survived by his wife Choekyong Tso, their two

children, Dorjee Kyi, 7, and Kalsang Dolma, 3, and his parents. This is the third self-immolation protest in Luchu region in the last ten days.

28 Nov: Wangdhen Khar, 21 years of age, set himself on fire in Tsoe region of Kanlho. He is survived by his father Tsering Thar, mother Kunsang Dolma and his elder brother Jampa and younger brother Sangay Dhondup. Monks and local Tibetans have gathered at his home for prayers.

27 Nov: Sangay Tashi, 18, set himself on fire in Sangkog town of Sangchu region in Labrang. He had studied at a primary school for four years but

By Tenzin Dharpo & Caroline Couffinhal Various Tibet support groups, politicians, and journalists, including 20 Chinese delegates, gathered on the morning of November 16th for the opening of the Special International Meeting of Tibet Support Groups. The meeting, which took place within Dekyi Tsering Hall, Upper TCV, in Dharamsala, was organized by Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India and facilitated by Department of Information & International Relations (DIIR) of the Central Tibetan Administration. As announced in the press release distributed by the DIIR last week, this meeting, with more than 200 members of groups from 43 countries around the world, was aimed at identifying and developing a means to efficiently address the worsening situation in Tibet and the rising number of self-immolations. Indeed, the number of self-immolations is rapidly increasing, and this urgent meeting explored

ways to strengthen support from the international community and to pressure the Chinese government to stop all repressive policies inside the country that are provoking Tibetans to protest. Specifically, the meeting wishes to urge the United Nations to engage in and confront issues pertaining to the crisis in Tibet. At the opening session, a minute of silence was observed in memory of those who have sacrificed their lives. The director of Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India, Dr. NK Trikha, then opened the work session, calling the situation "urgent and critical" and declaring that there is "the imperative need for support groups to meet to coordinate their efforts in support of Tibet." Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay then thanked all the people who came from around the world to participate in this meeting. "By bringing together all Tibet support groups,” he said, “it is a strong message that we want to address, in Beijing, the message that

Representatives from the Summit - Photo by Romain Buffi

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ContaCt magazIne 2 noVemBeR 2012

Mission Statement: Lha is a resource of education and knowledge that provides meaningful, multi-leveled social and educational services for the benefit of others. Background: Lha is a Tibetan grassroots nonprofit based in Dharamsala, India. It is one of the largest social work organizations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population, and people from the Himalayan regions. Lha offers free English, French and Chinese classes, cultural exchange programs, IT classes, vocational training, health and environmental

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EditorStacey GarretsonSub-EditorsTenzin DharpoJohn Curran O’DayAssistant EditorTenzin YountenLayout DesignTamdin YangzomCirculation ManagerLobsang Rabsel

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འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་དུས་དེབ།

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A brand new filter water system was installed at TCV Day School in McLeod Ganj on 14 November. The filter system is an RO+UV+ UF and TTS, considered one of the best filtered water systems available in the area. This filtration system has the 500-liter capacity steel tank and can provide more than 100 liters of clean and safe drinking water per hour to the students, their teachers and staff. The filtered water is to be used not only for drinking but also for cooking, thereby improving the quality of food served at the school. Additionally, we

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news & issues

Low Expectations for China’s Changing Regime By John Curran O’Day The attention of the world is on China as the country transitions to a new Communist government after its 18th National Congress. While China plays an increasingly dominant role in international affairs, one of the most pressing questions surrounding the transition is domestic: will the new government signal any change in China’s widely criticized position toward Tibet? As Tibetans grow increasingly desperate for relief, with the number of self-immolations protesting Chinese oppression growing at an alarming rate, Tibetans, human rights advocates, and sympathizers of the cause wait with bated breath. Navi Pillay, the United Nation’s high commissioner for human rights, recently made a public statement strongly criticizing the Chinese government’s treatment of Tibetans, citing the rise in self-immolations as a clear sign of desperation borne of China’s brutal tactics, ranging from detentions, beatings, torture, and an excessive military presence in Tibetan areas. She noted that there are 12 outstanding requests for visits to China by UN special investigators, and said that “social stability in Tibet will never be achieved through heavy security measures and suppression of human rights.” Unfortunately, her spokesperson, Rupert Colville, explained the rare public admonishment was due to the fact that “we don’t see any visible signs of progress.” Indeed, China’s level of cruelty has only seemed to increase. Phayul recently reported that authorities have gone so far as to ban monks from attending prayer ceremonies mourning the deceased. After a self-immolation by three young monks from the Ngoshul Monastery, police barred fellow monks from attending the loved ones of their colleagues. Information regarding the condition of two monks involved in the protest was unattainable, due to the high security

presence by the People’s Armed Police. Meanwhile, Tsewang Rigzin, president of Tibetan Youth Congress, and 13 fellow protestors were arrested in New Delhi after storming the Chinese embassy there, raising slogans demanding independence for Tibet and relief from Chinese brutality, in an effort to vocalize the issue during the ongoing Congress Convention in China. The rising intensity of the Chinese crackdown and lack of any political response to the protests does not bode well for the Tibetan cause. Chinese transitions of power are notoriously shrouded in secrecy. Those leaders who will assume control are chosen well in advance of

the Congress, and the decision-makers consist of current and retired leaders who are often not even delegates to the official ceremony. While the delegates are chosen by members of the Communist Party, they are vetted by the party’s personnel division, rendering the members’ involvement indirect, at best. For example, Hu Jintao, the outgoing President, is the official delegate from Jiangsu province, despite the fact that he hasn’t called the province home in four decades. Furthermore, specially invited delegates, such as retired President Jiang Zemin, still wield considerable power regardless of the fact that they are not elected. The theme of the current Congress has been largely economic, as the new Communist Party chief and incoming president Xi Jinping made clear in his first comments to the party. His speech

focused on the problem of corruption, which he said, would “doom the party and the state” if it is not curtailed. Corruption is indeed a hot-button issue with the Chinese people and has been the subject of a majority of international news coverage, in addition to other fiscal issues facing China’s rapidly growing economy, the world’s second-largest. The Tibetan issue, as the New York Times recently noted, has received negligible attention. Comments from delegates have ranged from utterly dismissive to bizarre, with one responding to international journalists’ questions by asking, simply, “can I not answer that?,” and Qiangba Puncog,

the deputy party chief of Tibet, offering this baffling take on the problem, according to the South China Morning Post: “I can’t say there are no self-immolations in Tibet; however, most Tibetan people and monks didn’t burn themselves.” More-over, the Times noted that there has been a troubling lack of attention given to the issue by Chinese intellectuals, who are normally adept at circumventing

attempts by the government to block unflattering commentary in social media and elsewhere. “The apathy is appalling,” Zhang Boshu, a Chinese political philosopher, told the Times. The widening gulf between the issues important to China’s Han majority and the desperate cries among minority Tibetans does not indicate good prospects for change, as internal pressure, though heavily stymied, is one of the only effective measures against the ruling elite. It seems, rather, that it might require a highly public and relentless effort on the part of the international community to pressure China into softening its treatment of Tibetans. Perhaps increasingly condemnatory statements from the UN signal an uptick is such pressure. The 18th National Congress, however, did not show any sign that the government will soon relent.

Xi Jinping


news & issues

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Visits Japan By Carolyn Hannah His Holiness the Dalai Lama ar-rived in Japan on 4 November for a 12-day trip. Traveling to Yokohama, Tokyo, Kanazawa, Okinawa, and back to Tokyo he met with various groups, from panel discussions to public talks, concluding with a meeting with the Japanese Parliament. A highlight of the trip was a two-day conference with prominent scientists which of-fered an opportunity for dialogue on aspects of ancient science meeting modern science. His Holiness has always had a very deep interest in scientific issues, inner as well as outer observable science. He considers scientists to be curious, open-minded and skeptical of new things. His Holiness feels skepticism is necessary for thorough investiga-tion, calling this the Nalanda Tradition of learning in Buddhism which inves-tigated even the Buddha’s own words. While technology has advanced great-ly in the last 200 years, and has almost the power of a religion for some in modern times, it cannot now answer some of humanity’s deepest problems. We must make significant “advances in human compassion,” he said, while pursuing “secular ethics based on sci-entific findings”. One of the presentations at the sci-ence conference was given by Dr. Fu-mio Shimura, Professor of Engineer-ing at Shizuoka Institute of Science & Technology, who discussed quantum physics in relation to the Heart Sutra as a different way of considering how form is emptiness, emptiness form –

an important Buddhist concept. Even when your brain is full, he said, it is essentially empty. The atom itself also demonstrates this quality. This began a lively discussion with His Holiness on the meaning of form and its vari-ous categories in classical Buddhism: that which can be seen; that which can be seen only by its effects (such as the wind); and that which cannot be seen but is still form. Modern physics has begun em-phasizing the interdependence of all things, that nothing is isolated. An example of this, given in the talk by Dr. Haruo Saji, President of Shizuoka Junior College, was the poetic ques-tion, “Can you see the clouds in pa-per?” Paper, he explained, is made of the pulp of trees which need water to grow, most often in the form of rain, which comes from clouds. “I was once told the concept of interdependence did not exist in science,” His Holiness remarked, “but now that word seems to be finding a place.” Combining the concept of interdependence and the idea of the relationship of emptiness and form, he said, that while the pres-ent is very, very important, the future is even more so “because the future is still empty, like space. Anything is possible…it is still in our hands.” Dr. Kazuo Murakami from Tsukuba University, a longtime colleague of His Holiness, spoke on “Switching on Genes to Make Us Shine”. Our genes have an on/off switch, he said, and compared this to His Holiness’ teach-ing about how to change the world by changing the mind, ridding ourselves

of “bad stress” and building up our “good stress”. With amuse-ment he noted that peo-ple’s blood sugar levels were greatly lowered when listening to co-medians as compared to listening to scien-tific talks. Not that we should throw out sci-ence for only laughter, he said, we need both,

but laughter does have the advantage of no side effects. His Holiness then noted how laughter can not only sig-nify great joy, but also discomfort as when someone is tickled too much. Likewise can tears be a sign of both sorrow and happiness. He would like to see more investigation into “the science of tears”. During His Holiness’ trip to Ja-pan, he also visited Yokohama, where he spoke On Geshe Langri’s “Eight Verses of Training the Mind” to an at-tendance of more than 6000 people. On a trip to the island of Okinawa he reiterated his two lifelong commit-ments, the promotion of human val-ues and religious harmony, and again emphasized the enormous importance of dialogue between people and coun-tries with differing opinions, goals, and claims. We must seek the path of peace and this will take action. The younger generations must think deep-ly on how this can be achieved and it will take great amounts not only of courage, but also deepening compas-sion for each other. On 13 November, His Holiness vis-ited the Japanese Parliament Building to speak to members on “Human Val-ues and Universal Responsibility”. In a non-partisan show of support for Ti-bet and its struggle, around 150 mem-bers of the Parliament called upon China to finally address the legiti-mate issues of the Tibetan people as they call for human rights and an end to China’s ruthless oppression. “We strongly urge the Chinese government to immediately stop the unlawful sup-A moment of laughter with Japanese scientists

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe welcomes His Holiness to the

Japanese Parliament

Continued on page 8


news & issues

Continued from page 1The Number of Tibetan Self-Immolations Rises to 90

was forced to return home to help with family chores. He is survived by his parents and four siblings.

27 Nov: Kalsang Kyab, 24, set himself ablaze in front of a Chinese government office in Kangtsa town in Ngaba region. Described as gentle natured and a man of few words, he never attended school. He is survived by his parents and six siblings.

26 Nov: Gonpo Tsering, 24, and father of three children below the age of six, set himself on fire in Luchu region of Kanlho. He succumbed to his injuries and local

Tibetans carried his charred body inside the Monastery where monks and a large number of Tibetans from the surrounding regions assembled, against official orders, to offer prayers for the deceased and express their solidarity.

26 Nov: Kunchok Tsering, 18, set himself on fire near a mining site in Amchok region of Labrang. Monks of the Amchok Monastery and a large number of local Tibetans gathered at the deceased’s home to offer prayers. Kunchok Tsering is survived by his wife, Sangay Tso, and parents Phagkyab and Gonpo Tso, and an elder brother.

26 Nov: Wangyal, a student of Sertha People’s Middle School, set himself on fire in Sertha region of eastern Tibet. Chinese armed forces arrived at the scene and doused the flames. His condition and whereabouts are unknown. Wangyal is around 20 years of age and an orphan. He has three brothers and one sister.

25 Nov: Sangay Dolma, a nun, passed away from her self-immolation protest in front of the Chinese government office in Dokarmo town of Tsekhog, Malho. Prayers were carried out at her nunnery which is located near Sangag Mindrol Dhargeyling Monastery. It

is being reported that Sangay Dolma left a last will written as a poem in six stanzas before carrying out her fiery protest.

23 Nov: Tamding Dorjee, 29, set himself ablaze near the entrance of the local Chinese administrative office of Dokarmo town in Tsekhog region of Malho. Following the self-immolation protest, thousands of local Tibetans gathered to offer prayers and attend the funeral later in the night.

22 Nov: Tamding Kyab, 23 years of age, set himself on fire in the Kluchu region of Kanlho, eastern Tibet. Tibetans recovered his charred body and carried it to

his home. Monks from the Shitsang Monastery performed prayers. A nomad, Tamding Kyab was earlier a monk at the Shitsang Monastery, where currently his younger brother is studying.

22 Nov: Lubum Gyal, 18, passed away after setting himself ablaze in Dowa town of Rebgong. Tibetans rescued his body from falling into the hands of Chinese authorities and then monks from the Dowa Monastery carried out the last rites. Lubum Gyal is survived by his father Tsego.

20 Nov: Tsering Dhondup, 34, set himself on fire at Amchok, in Labrang. He is survived by his wife Tamdin Tso and his two young children. Monks performed the last rites.

19 Nov: Wangchen Norbu, 25, set himself ablaze near the Gaden Choepheling Monastery in Domey Tsoshar. He passed away at the site of his protest and his charred body was carried inside the Monastery premises for prayers and last respects.

17 Nov: Sangdhak Tsering, 24, a father of three-year-old child, died after setting fire to himself in Rebgong. Local Tibetans say Sangdhak Tsering had repeatedly told his wife that it was not worth living without freedom in Tibet.

17 Nov: Chagmo Kyi, a mother of two children, set herself on fire at Dolma Square in front of Rongwo monastery in Rebgong. Thousands of local Tibetans, including monks of Rongwo monastery, cremated her body behind the monastery.

15 Nov: Tangzin Dolma, 23, set herself ablaze in Tsemo region of Rebkong. She is survived by her parents, Bhulo and Tashi Dolma.

15 Nov: Kharbum Gyal, a teenaged Tibetan set himself on fire in Tsemo region of Rebkong and passed away in his protest.

12 Nov: Nyingchag Bum, 20, set himself on fire on the main street of Dowa town in Rebgong. He died later that day. Local Tibetans prevented the police from taking away his body and took it to Dowa monastery for prayer service.

12 Nov: Nyingkar Tashi, 24, self-i m m o l a t e d at Ghey-mar Thang in Dro Rongpo region of Rebkong. “Six million Tibetans want freedom for Tibet,

independence for Tibet, freedom to learn Tibetan language, freedom to speak our mother tongue,” Tashi wrote in a last note.

10 Nov: Gonpo Tsering, 19, set fire to himself in Lushoe village in Tsoe county (Gansu province). Local Tibetans tried to extinguish the flames, but

Continued on page 20


news & issues

Tibet Support Groups gather in Dharamsala for International Summit

Continued from page 1

we are more united, stronger and stronger, and that the issue of Tibet remains intact and alive. Together, we can work and make the Tibetan cause a major diplomatic issue of the year 2013." He concluded by saying, "this meeting can and should give hope to the Tibetans in Tibet, showing them that their voices are heard.” On Saturday, representatives of the various support groups were able to meet His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama for a private audience. Work sessions during the three-day meeting led to a plan of action with various proposals, including the establishment of an intergovernmental forum to develop an action plan in response to the self-immolation before the end of 2013. The tactic would be to organize days of lobbying and advocacy in international forums, supported by a communication campaign on the self-immolations. Moreover, this forum would work with a wider range of outlets by organizing rallies and other events, and appeal to local media and the general public using a strategy based on social networking. Furthermore, the plan calls for developing Lhakar, a homegrown Tibetan self-reliance movement, in 25 additional countries over the end of the year 2013, and strengthen the movement where it already exists. The plan would encourage support groups, associations, and Tibetan Buddhist centers to join the Lhakar movement by setting up presentations, workshops targeting key organizations, and by seeking support from celebrities, parliamentarians, and others. The recommended actions include sus-tained use of social networks, online videos, flash mobs, and cultural events. On the international stage, the plan aims to stop the re-election of China to the United Nations Human Rights Council before November 2013.

Targeting UN member states, this movement will create support from civil society and attempt to utilize delegates’ 'no vote'. Despite the likely reelection of China, the effort would be considered a success if it manages, through days of lobbying, letter writing, and online actions, to create awareness among the general public and generate media coverage of the appalling record of human rights abuses in China. Furthermore, the plan suggests creating a network of the eight governments whose countries are dependent on water from Tibet. This campaign will target the environmental ministeries of India, Pakistan, Burma, Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. The concluding statement of the meeting read, “We express deep anguish that Tibetans feel compelled to self-immolate as an act of political resistance. We resolutely stand in solidarity with their aspirations for freedom and for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to his homeland. Responsibility for this crisis lies with China’s leaders and their failed Tibet policies over the last sixty years. We call on China’s new leaders to urgently address the root

causes of these self-immolations. ” “We, the conference participants,” it continued, “renew our commitment to work together and in cooperation with Tibetan organizations, Chinese human rights defenders, and other concerned organizations around the world, in pursuit of a political solution to the Tibet issue consistent with in-ternational human rights standards.” Tsering Dhondup, Secretary of the Office of Tibet in France, noted that, "it is always a great experience to work with people from all over the world with different cultures and paths, and see what they do in their country for Tibet. And as Sikyong Lobsang Sangay said, the year 2013 will put the Tibet issue on the table of every government." A Brazilian participant stated, “we came all the way from Brazil to support Tibetans; it is about humanity. So we are here to discuss human rights and non-violent actions.” Hope is on everyone's lips. Whether in the short or long term, the conference participants anticipate their work will benefit the fight for an improvement of the situation in Tibet.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay and Dr. NK Trikha - Photo by Norbu Wangyal at Phayul


news & issues

By Haley Lewis The UN high commissioner for human rights, Navi Pillay, in a rare public criticism over China’s conduct regarding human rights issues, urged China to promptly address the escalat-ing situation in Tibet. Referring to the suppression of human rights she said, “The people of Tibet have been driven to desperate forms of protest”, such as self-immolations in protest of China’s excessive use of force in their rule. A spokesman for Ms. Pillay, Rupert Colville, when addressing the assembly recently in Geneva said, “Self-immolations are evidence of how serious the situation in Tibet has become and we felt the time had come to talk publicly about that, as we don’t see any visible signs of progress.” One of the cases being reported out of Tibet is of a 17-year old girl who was severely beaten and sentenced to three years in prison for distributing flyers calling for Tibet’s freedom and for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet. Others have been sentenced to between four and seven years in prison for making films, writing essays, or distributing photos of self-immolations and other events outside of China. Among the many concerns human rights officials have are the unfair trial standards faced by prisoners as well as the many reports of torture and ill-treatment of detainees. In a statement made to the general assembly in New York on 2 Novem-ber, Ms. Pillay said, “More needs to

UN High Commissioner Urges China to Address Pressing Human Rights Issues in Tibet

be done to protect human rights and prevent viola-tions.” She urged China to release Tibetans who had been detained merely for exercising fundamental human rights such as free-dom of expression, asso-ciation, and religion, and also referred to, “reports of detentions and disap-pearances and of exces-sive use of force against peaceful demonstrators and curbs on the cultural rights of Tibetans”. She stressed that, “Social stability in Tibet will never be achieved through heavy security measures and suppression of human rights. Deep underlying issues need to be addressed and I call on the government to seriously consider the recommendations made to it by various international human rights bodies, as well as to avail itself of the expert advice being offered by the UN’s independent experts on human rights.” In November 2008 the UN Commit-tee Against Torture recommended that China conduct a thorough and inde-pendent inquiry into events surround-ing March 2008 protests, including the reportedly excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators, most notably of monks in Kardze county, Ngaba county, and Lhasa as well as allegations of torture and ill-treatment against those arrested and detained.

According to Pillay, China had pledged to step up cooperation with the UN on human rights but she added there were already 12 outstanding requests for United Nations special investigators to visit China to explore human rights issues. With regard to self-immolations, the High Commissioner also called on Tibetans to refrain from resorting to such violent forms of protest and urged community and religious leaders to use their influence to help stop this tragic loss of life. “I recognize Tibetan’s intense sense of frustration and despair which has led them to resort to such extreme means”, she said, “but there are other ways to make those feelings clear. The government also needs to recognize this, and permit Tibetans to express their feelings without fear of retribution.”

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay

Japanese monks chanting the Heart Sutra

pression of the Tibetan people’s hu-man rights and improve the situation.

We are ready to send such a message to the international community with-out any hesitation,” declared the Par-liamentarians. Further, on the connected issue of the self-immolations, His Holiness said when asked in Okinawa, that the Chinese government is “not investi-gating the real causes of the self-im-molations”, but is taking the easy way of “blaming us for all the problems in Tibet”. I have repeatedly “asked

them [the Chinese Government] to come to India and check all my files and speeches,” he said. They have not come. If only the people of China knew about the true situation, they could decide what is right and what is wrong, but the heavy blanket of cen-sorship and false information prevents this. “Censorship is totally immoral,” said His Holiness. His Holiness returned to Dharam-shala on 15 November.

His Holiness Visits Japan



Students Raise their Voices in Protestnews & issues

Tibetan students rally in Rebgong

barred from making any contact with those confined there. Mobile phone and internet connections are currently restricted in Chabcha village. It appears that three students were arrested, while five students, who were severely injured by police beatings, have been taken to a hospital in Tsongon. A further 20 or so students remain in hospitals in Chabcha. They have not been permitted to see their families. The students in Chabcha have demonstrated before; in 2010 they protested the Chinese government’s plan to remove all Tibetan textbooks from schools. Earlier this month, on 9 November, students numbering in the thousands took to the streets of Rebgong (Chinese: Tongren) protesting for equality, freedom, and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. The students came from the four districts of the region – Thunring, Chentsa, Tsekhog, and Yulgan – and joined with students in Rebgong. They gathered in the early hours of the morning and began the peaceful procession. “The students have been protesting in front of the major Chinese government offices and have jam-packed entire streets in the region,” Dorjee Wangchuk, an exiled Tibetan with contacts in the region said. “The students have been reciting the ancient Tibetan prayer hymn for His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Ghang-ri Ra-wei Kor-wei) and raised slogans calling for freedom in Tibet, the rights of the Tibetan people, and the return of the

By Stacey Garretson Recently, Chinese authorities in the Tsolho region distributed a ten-point political questionnaire to students, followed by a speech that included: allegations and abusive remarks against His Holiness the Dalai Lama, accusing him of provoking unrest in the region; disrespectful remarks about people who have died of self-immolation; and derogatory comments about the Tibetan language. The document contained such questions as: Who is agitating for separatism and causing unrest? What is the reason behind self-immolation protest? What harm is caused by illegal public protests? Does bilingual education mean the deterioration of minority language? In response, thousands of students from Chabcha Sorig Lobling Medical School gathered early in the morning of 26 November to peacefully march into the town of Chabcha, shouting slogans for equality of nationalities, freedom of language, respect for truth, and reestablishment of government. Within two hours, Chinese security forces arrived, disrupting the demon-stration and asserting control over the area. According to Mogru Tenpa, a Ti-betan parliamentarian, “Chinese forc-es started to severely beat the students without provocation, injuring many.” Images that have surfaced in the me-dia confirm the students’ injuries. The school was then put under complete lock down and Chinese security forces sealed the area. Students have been barricaded inside the school for two days now while parents and local Tibetans have been

Dalai Lama to Tibet.” Later in the day, students joined with a large number of local Tibetans at Dolma Square in front of Rongwo monastery. Armed forces were deployed to the area but there were no reports of any confrontation between security forces and students. Authorities stopped vehicular traffic due to the massive numbers of demonstrators in the streets. The previous day saw hundreds of schoolchildren protesting against the Chinese government in Dowa town-ship in Rebgong. The students shout-ed slogans while marching towards the local government office, where they pulled down a Chinese flag. In order to avoid trouble with authorities, teachers immediately sent a notice to the parents to take their children home and the school remained closed for the rest of the day. The Chinese government has tried for decades to control and suppress Tibetans through cash bribes, disappearances, detainments and imprisonments, torture, constant surveillance, restriction of movement, and military crackdowns. But the growing Tibetan resistance suggests that such tactics will not crush their resolve. Speaking about protesters in Tibet, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay said, “Almost all of them were born after the Chinese occupation of Tibet and the Cultural Revolution. They have grown up in the Chinese system, received Chinese education. They are the primary beneficiaries of whatever the Chinese government gave them. They are saying, ‘This is not what we want.’ ”

Injured student in Chabcha


Tibetan Headlinesnews & issues

projects in villages where similar protests have taken place.

16 Nov: Protest Around the World In Dharamshala, a large number of Tibetans marched from Norbulingka to Tsug-la Khang. In Bern, Switzerland, Tibet activists occupied the entrance of the Chinese embassy in a major protest yesterday, calling for an immediate and drastic change in China’s Tibet policy. In Geneva, Tibetans carried out a three-day ‘kneel down’ campaign in front of the United Nations office.

15 Nov: Candle Light Vigil Instead of a celebration, students from the Tibetan Children’s Village School in Gopalpur chose to mark Children’s Day in India with a candle light vigil in solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet. Students, on their own initiative, offered prayers, and lit over 10,000 candles and butter lamps.

14 Nov: Global Solidarity Day Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay today called for a Global Solidarity Day to be observed. “On December 10, Noble Peace Prize Day, which also coincides with the World Human Rights Day, we appeal to all Tibetans to observe a ‘Global Solidarity Day for Tibet’ and urge all Tibetan organisations to carry out campaigns,” he said.

14 Nov: Pelosi on Tibet Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi welcomed the Flame of Truth in San Francisco, the final stop of the relay across America. “The people of Tibet have legitimate grievances after decades of harsh rule. They have been

24 Nov: TID Protest On Friday the Tibet Initiative Deutschland (TID) held a march in Berlin, Germany handing over 8,000 signatures to the German Government’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Markus Löning in protest of the forced resettlement of Tibetan nomads.

23 Nov: Tibet Education Project The CTA has officially launched the Tibet Education Project, a two-year program aimed at improving the quality of educational opportunities for Tibetan refugee students in India and Nepal. Funding comes from the US Agency for International Development, which awarded US $2 million to Tibet Fund in September.

22 Nov: Arrests in South India More than 110 Tibetan students studying in Chennai staged a mass protest yesterday, demanding inter-national intervention in the alarming escalation in self-immolation protests inside Tibet. They occupied a busy road opposite the United States Con-sulate, were then arrested, detained for five hours, and then released.

22 Nov: Notice of Punishment A five-point notice by Chinese authorities in Malho region gives local officials orders “to punish self-immolators and their families; even those who had offered condolences and prayers to the bereaved family members and relatives.” Further, it announces the cancellation of government aid to families of self-immolators as well as development

economically marginalised in their own land, imprisoned for peacefully expressing their political views, and forced to endure ‘political education’ campaigns to denounce His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The United States, a country rooted in the values of liberty, equality, and human rights, has a special responsibility to protect and promote those values, both at home and abroad,” she said.

13 Nov: Chinese Notice The Chinese government has reinforced the existing ban on Tibetans from keeping pictures of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The posted notice pledges to strengthen state management of monasteries, prohibit under-aged Tibetans from joining monasteries and nunneries, and “maintain unity of the motherland and fight against the Dalai group’s separatist activities.” All religious activities must strictly conform to government regulations.

13 Nov: TYC Members Arrested Yesterday members of the Tibetan Youth Congress protested outside the Chinese Embassy in Delhi. Police arrested 13 of the Tibetan activists, who were led by the current TYC President Tsewang Rigzin who had demanded to speak to members of the Chinese government about the deteriorating situation within Tibet.

2 Nov: Torch Relay in Zurich The Flame of Truth Torch Relay has arrived in Zurich. Ven. Thubten Wangchen, a Tibetan Parliamentarian from Europe, was welcomed by about 700 Tibetans. Switzerland is the last leg of the European Relay which has passed through 23 countries on its journey which began in Spain.

Tibetan students,Chennai -Photo from Phayul

TCV Candle Light Vigil - Photo from Phayul

Relay concludes in Geneva, Switzerland


International Headlinesnews & issues

nearly 1,700kg (3,700 pounds) of cocaine. Ezequiel de Souza, Paraguay’s most wanted man, and alleged Bolivian drug lord Marco Antonio Rocca Ali, known as “El Presi,” were among the 20 people arrested. Paraguayan police say this is the biggest seizure of drugs in the South American country this year. Landlocked Paraguay borders Bolivia, one of South America’s main cocaine producers, and Brazil, which has become one of the world’s top consumers of illegal drugs.

8 Nov: Red Dramas Red dramas - shows which glorify the army, the party and ordinary villagers living hardscrabble lives during the early days of the communism - are flooding the airwaves in China as the 18th Party Congress gets under way in Beijing. But a growing number of young people are unimpressed by these patriotic period pieces. “As a post-80s child I guess I want to see different cultures, thoughts, ideas and interesting things in this world,” stated one Chinese youth.

7 Nov: Pacific Earthquake A 7.4 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Guatemala shook buildings in the capital and killed at least 39 people on Wednesday. Landslides blocked roads, many houses were severely damaged and numerous people were trapped under rubble. As many as 100 people were unaccounted for. President Otto Perez said there had been five aftershocks, with authorities distributing 16,000 emergency rations and mobilizing more than 2,000 soldiers to help with the rescue effort.

26 Nov: Protest in Bangladesh Thousands of angry textile workers demonstrated in Dhaka today after a fire over the weekend killed 111 workers in Bangladesh’s worst-ever factory blaze. Working conditions in Bangladeshi factories (where labor costs are as low as $37/month) are notoriously poor and overcrowded, and locked fire doors are common.

23 Nov: Passport Map Dispute China issued passports in May that include a map that claims the area of Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin (in India), the entire South China Sea, and even Taiwan, as Chinese. India has retaliated by stamping these passports with its own version of the map, marking out its own territorial boundaries.

21 Nov: Cease Fire An Egyptian-brokered ceasefire hopefully puts an end to Israeli air raids and Hamas bombs. In all, the recent offensive killed 162 Palestinians, including 37 children, and 11 women, along with three Israeli civilians and a soldier.

14 Nov: Spain & Portugal Strikes Demonstrations turned violent in Spain and Portugal after millions took part in a mostly peaceful general strike on Wednesday against austerity policies. In Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona, police and demonstrators clashed with rubber bullets fired and nearly 140 arrests made. The strike cancelled hundreds of flights, schools were shut, factories were at a standstill and trains barely ran.

11 Nov: Drugs Seized in Paraguay Agents in Paraguay have seized

5 Nov: Syrian Kurds Flee Syria Roughly 30,000 Syrian Kurds have fled over the border to Camp Domiz in Iraqi Kurdistan where they are finding some freedom to flaunt their ethnic identity through speaking their own language and flying the Kurdish flag without fear of reprisals. The Kurdish people, who number more than 20 million, are divided between Syria, Iraq, Turkey, and Iran, and are often described as the world’s largest ethnic group without a state. They make up about 10% of the population in Syria.

4 Nov: New Coptic Pope In Egypt the Coptic Orthodox church has chosen a new pope, Bishop Tawadros, to lead the Middle East’s biggest Christian community. In a sumptuous ritual filled with prayer, chants and incense at Abbasiya cathedral in Cairo, the 60-year-old bishop’s name was picked by a blindfolded child from a glass bowl in which the names of two other candidates had also been placed. Tawadros replaces Pope Shenouda III who led the church for four decades until his death last March.

1 Nov: Murder in Pakistan In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, a couple killed their teenage daughter by pouring acid on her face and body after they caught her talking to a boy. “There were third-degree burns on her scalp, face, eyes, nostrils, both arms, chest foot and lower part of legs. Even her scalp bone was exposed,” the doctor said. According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, almost 1,000 women lost their lives last year in so-called honor killings.

Bangladeshi garment workers

Earthquake damaage in Guatemala

Children at Camp Domiz


Central Tibetan Administration The CTA serves in Dharamsala as the govern-ment in exile of Tibet. It is democratic with judiciary, legislative, and executive branches. Within the Executive branch there is the Kashag, consisting of the departments of Religion and Culture, Home, Education, Finance, Security, Information and International Relations and Health, and Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay. WEB: www.tibet.netLOCATION: Dharamsala – 176215PHONE: 01892-222218HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:00 am-5:00 pmEMAIL: [email protected]

The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama (OHHDL)OHHDL is the personal office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The office organizes his schedule, including appointments and travel plans, diplomatic and personal correspondence, and liaises with officials of the Central Tibetan Administration. When His Holiness is in Dharamsala, his schedule includes daily religious practice and studies, meeting with private audiences, and congregating with the Tibetan Kashag and senior Tibetan governmental officials. WEB: www.dalailama.comLOCATION: Thekchen Choeling, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala – 176219PHONE: 01892-221343 / 221879EMAIL: [email protected]

Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)The Tibetan Youth Congress is an advocacy and political action organization with chapters around the world. The Tibetan Youth Congress organizes cultural exhibitions, educational campaigns and social welfare activities. The organization publishes a series of periodicals and magazines on the Tibetan cause. WEB: www. tibetanyouthcongress.org LOCATION: Tipa Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala -176219PHONE: 01892-221554 / 221010EMAIL:[email protected], [email protected]

Tibetan Women’s Association The Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) conducts workshops on gender sensitization and domestic violence throughout Tibetan settlements in India, provides Tibetan women with education scholarships, and connects women with international sponsors. WEB: www. tibetanwomen.org LOCATION: Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala – 176219PHONE: 01892-221527 / 221198EMAIL: [email protected]

Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV)TCV provides care to Tibetan children by creating a nurturing environment and fostering Tibetan values and culture while delivering a modern education. There is an Upper and Lower residential school in Dharamsala and day school in McLeod Ganj, with other branches throughout India. WEB: www.tcv.org.inLOCATION: Dharamsala Cantt.176216PHONE: 01892-220356 / 221348EMAIL: [email protected]

Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute (Men-Tsee-Khang)Men-Tsee-Khang is a facility for research, training and practice of traditional Tibetan medicine. Patients may seek treatment at Men-Tsee-Khang for both acute and chronic conditions. The facility provides extensive training and produces traditional pharmaceuticals. WEB: www.men-tsee-khang.orgLOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala – 176215PHONE: 01892-223222EMAIL: [email protected]

Tibetan Library (LTWA)(Centre for Tibetan Studies)The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives has the purpose to restore, protect, preserve, and promote Tibetan culture in all its aspects. They offer courses in Tibetan and Hindi language and Buddhist philosophy and can provide affordable accommodation for those enrolled in two or more courses. WEB: ltwa.net, tibetanlibrary.orgLOCATION: Gangchen KyishongDharamsala - 176215PHONE: 01892-222467 / 226181HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:00am-1:00pm, 2:00-5:00pm. Closed 2nd and 4th Sat. every monthEMAIL: [email protected]

Delek HospitalDelek Hospital is a small, Tibetan run hospital in Dharamsala. It has 45 inpatient beds, holds outpatient hours from 9am to 12pm Monday through Friday, and can handle most small procedures. Patients are responsible for a 10 Rupees registration fee, although this is waived for those who fall under the poverty line. The hospital has a pharmacy on site.WEB:www.delekhospital.org (Friends of Tibetan Delek Hospital)LOCATION: Kharadanda Road, Dharamsala -176215; Delek Clinic, Bhagsu Road, Dharamsala -176219 PHONE: 01892-222053 / 223381HOURS: Outpatient, Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00 pm-4:30 pm; Emergencies, 24 hours dailyEMAIL: [email protected]

Sambhota Tibetan Schools SocietyThe society was established in 1999 to provide educational and administrative guidance to all Tibetan schools in remote areas of India and Bhutan that do not fall under the guidance of Tibetan Childrens Village. Today there are 12 schools under this organization.WEB: www.sambhota.orgLOCATION: Session Road, Dharamsala - 176215PHONE: 01892 - 228877 | 226877EMAIL: [email protected]

Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)Students for a Free Tibet is an international nongovernmental organization that promotes the Tibetan cause among the non-Tibetan community. The organization attempts to build international solidarity by advocating for a free Tibet through chapter organizations at Universities around the world. WEB:www.sftindia.org, www.studentsforafreetibet.org

LOCATION: Jogiwara RoadMcLeod Ganj, Dharamsala - 176219PHONE: 01892-220589

Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) TCHRD advocates for human rights and provides education on the human rights situation in Tibet. The centre publishes journals and articles, as well as conducts workshops and campaigns. WEB: www.tchrd.orgLOCATION: Top Floor, Narthang Building Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala - 176215PHONE: 01892-223363EMAIL: [email protected]

Lha Charitable Trust (Lha)Lha is a Tibetan grassroots nonprofit based in Dharamsala, India. It is one of the largest social work organizations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population, and people from the Himalayan regions. Lha offers free English, French and Chinese classes, cultural exchange programs, IT classes, vocational training, health and environmental awareness education, distribution of clothes and medicine, a community kitchen, and many other programs and activities. (see page 2)WEB:www.lhasocialwork.orgLOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod GanjPHONE: 01892-220992EMAIL: [email protected]

Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet(Ex Political Prisoners Association)Gu-Chu-Sum is a social service organization that provides financial and medical support for ex political prisoners and political activists from Tibet. In order to join Gu-Chu-Sum, one must register as a political prisoner or political activist through the Department of Security. WEB: www.guchusum.orgLOCATION: Jogibara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala -176219 PHONE: 01892-220680 / 220679EMAIL: [email protected]

Tong-Len Charitable TrustTong-Len’s mission is to help displaced communities in

North India achieve a secure and sustainable future. Tong-Len projects include educational and health programs, childhood education and sponsorship, primary and nursery tent schools, and children’s support hostels. Some volunteer opportunities available.WEB: www. tong-len.orgLOCATION: Top Floor, Bank Of Baroda, Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamsala-176215PHONE: 01892-223113 / 223930EMAIL: [email protected]

Tibet CharityTibet Charity provides programs including English and computer classes, an animal care program, and a variety of medical and educational financial support programs. WEB: www.tibetcharity.inLOCATION: Temple Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala – 176219PHONE: 01892-221790 / 221877HOURS: Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm EMAIL:[email protected], [email protected]

Charities and Organizationsaround town


Seen through the eyes of a foreigner interested in Tibetan Buddhism and culture, Dharamsala—the home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama—

always evoked some special, unique and spiritual feeling in me. Having spent the past eight years with various studies and readings about Tibet, I was very eager to meet Tibetan people and to become useful to their

community.

Given my experience with development issues and my current stud-ies, I decided in January 2012 that I would come to McLeod Ganj and make my long-term dream a reality. Among all organizations that I con-tacted, Lha provided me with the handiest and most practical informa-tion. Soon after our first emails, I felt attached and could not wait to arrive here. Watching videos, reading articles, and imagining myself walking the streets of McLeod Ganj made me feel already involved with the Tibetan community.

After spending some days in Delhi, I finally arrived to McLeod after an exciting journey on the twisting roads up to the Himalayas. The welcoming of Lha, their guidance and the introduction to the Tibetan society was a stunning experience for me. I knew on my first day that I was going to have a wonderful time. The four weeks I spent here were filled with an interesting mixture of official research, unofficial talks, impressions and feelings, all of which helped me to get to know Tibet-ans better by finding out more about the realities they face.

I spent my days visiting the offices of Tibetan NGOs engaged in po-litical, social and human rights issues. I received the most welcoming approach and I am very grateful to all people who were always here for my never-ending questions. Thanks to you, I got on a new path to know you better, not merely from books and teachings, but by getting some real-life experience. Through my engagement, I aim to offer a long-term assistance to Lha and to do my best in the West to raise further

CHOICE HIV/AIDS Initiative CHOICE HIV/AIDS Initiative provides HIV/AIDS education, prevention and care services in Tibetan settlements throughout India. The services provided by CHOICE range from in-dividual counseling to organizational training. CHOICE has a sponsorship program and oc-casionally utilizes volunteers. WEB: www.choicehivaids.orgLOCATION: Arora House, 2nd Floor, Temple Road, DharamsalaPHONE: 01892-220239, 941-831-6896EMAIL: [email protected]

Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution (TCCR)Tibetan Centre for Conflict Resolution is a non-profit, educational organisation dedicated to the non-violent management of conflicts in the Tibetan Community and the world as a whole.They work to promote the approaches and tools of non-violent conflict resolution and democratic processes in the Tibetan community in exile and elsewhere. WEB: http://tccr.orgLOCATION: Session Road, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala 176215PHONE: 0189 222 6627EMAIL: [email protected]

Rogpa Baby Care CenterThe Rogpa Baby Care Center helps low-income Tibetan families to become self-sufficient by provid-

ing free child care for infants so their parents can work. The center needs volunteers to help with art, games, singing and other tasks includ-ing diaper changing.WEB: www.tibetrogpa.orgLOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka Guest House, Jogiwara Rd., McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala - 176219 (near no.13 on map)PHONE: 981-665-9549HOURS: Mon-Sat: 8:00 am-12:00 pm or 1:00 pm- 5 :00 pmEMAIL: [email protected]

Dharamsala Dog RescueDharamsala Dog Rescue is in urgent need of vet volunteers, animal experts and sponsors. We are in immediate need of sponsors for two paralysed dogs that need a home, wheelchair, monthly food and medicine. Please contact us if you see an injured/sick dog. WEB: www.hnsindia.orgLOCATION: Behind the District Court Complex on Chilgari St, Lower DharamsalaPHONE: 981-622-0841EMAIL: [email protected]

Clean Upper Dharamsala Project Founded in 1994 to provide a waste management system in and around McLeod Ganj, the Green Workers, the Handmade Recycled Paper Fac-

tory, the Green Shop and the Environmental Education Center are part of the Clean Upper Daramsala Project. Weekly guided tours are of-fered on Wednesdays at 3 pm.WEB: www.tsodhasa.orgLOCATION: Bhagsu Rd., McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala - 176219PHONE: 01892-221059EMAIL: [email protected]

The Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC)

ANEC facilitates trainings, workshops and open forum discussions on non-violent strategies to help resolve dis-agreements and differences at all levls of human society. ANEC welcomes

volunteers from western countries to participate in informal panel discussions on ideas of re-gional and global peace and nonviolent strate-gies. Free lunch and tea for volunteers.WEB: www.anec.org.inLOCATION: No. 262, 1st floor, Khajanchi -Mohalla, Khunyara Rd, Lower Dharamsala PHONE: 981-632-7158 / 867-990-4767EMAIL: [email protected], [email protected]

National Democratic Party of TibetThe NDPT is currently the only Tibetan political party. With 5000 members in 36 regional

Charities and Organizationschapters throughout the world, the main aim and objectives of the NDPT are to prepare for the establishment of a political party in a future Tibet, to promote democracy, to educate the Tibetan people about the significance of political parties, and to create awareness among the people about Tibetan issues. WEB: www.ndp4tibet.orgLOCATION: Dharamsala–176219EMAIL: [email protected]

Nyingtob Ling (Realm of Courage) Nyingtob Ling supports Tibetan children from disadvantaged families. The children work hard at making delightful handicrafts and paintings. They are so friendly and love to have visitors.WEB: www.nyingtobling.orgLOCATION: Near Norbulingka, SidhpurPHONE: 01892-246366, 981-685-1841EMAIL: [email protected]

around town

Cherish Every Moment…Name: Paul Davies (Australia) Job at Lha: English Teacher

Lost, depressed and alone three short years ago, my day to day experience of life was an excruciating and endless cycle of suffering. I was a boy trapped inside a man’s body. What else could I be? I’d never met a man, let alone spent enough time in the presence of one to know the minutiae of detail needed to become one. And then a man entered my world who showed me what it means to be a compassionate and good man. He is a Tibetan. He talked with me about the plight of his people, which was initially too hard to hear. But as I grew as a person, I became hungry to understand more. Last year my Autistic son travelled with me to McLeod Ganj to see for ourselves about the Tibetan conflict, and perhaps to find a vehicle through which I might help. I worked for 3 months teaching English at an Elementary level to Tibetan refugees at Lha. Upon my return to Australia I completed a CELTA Certification, whereby I might become a stronger more knowledgeable teacher when I returned to India in the autumn of 2012. I write this short note describing my experience as I prepare for my

journey back to Australia in two days. I do not feel sad as I did last year because I know that I will return here as soon as possible. So, how could a single man with a 22 year old Autistic son want a future like this living in India? Some see my actions as compassionate, which is true, but I am also a little selfish. The reward I feel in my heart is beyond any material reward the western world has to offer. Much as any CEO of a corporation seeks a monetary reward, I too seek a reward, only mine is not in the form of empty monetary riches but what I’ve received as a result of working with Tibetans - an opening of my heart, friendship with the planet’s most evolved and beautiful people, comradeship with like-minded individuals, and much less suffering. My experience at Lha has been rewarding and rich beyond imagination. Let me encourage you to consider being involved in this growing group of professional individuals and truly witness compassion in action, and taste a life you deserve and will never regret. Do it for yourself.


BUS SCHEDULE

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

Leaving from the McLeod Ganj bus stand, unless otherwise stated: DELHI: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am, 6pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm and 8:30pm (Rs330) Semi Deluxe Bus: 6pm (Rs355) AC Volvo Semi-Sleeper: 8pm (Rs1035) AC TATA: 8:30pm (Rs840)

AMRITSAR: Ordinary Bus: 4:45am (Rs165) *from Dharamsala

DEHRADUN: Ordinary Bus: 9pm; AC Deluxe: 5:30pm MANALI: Ordinary Bus: 5:40pm, 8:40pm *from Dharamsala

PATHANKOT: Ordinary Bus: 11am, 12:10pm, 12:30pm, 2:10pm, 3:50pm, 5pm(Rs75)

SHIMLA: Ordinary Bus: 5am, 5:30am, 6am, 8am, noon and 4:55pm (Rs235) *from Dharamsala Semi-Deluxe Bus: 8:22am, 7:45pm and 9:30pm (Rs???) *from Dharamsala

FOR BOOKINGS: Location: Ticket stand under McLLo’s, main square Hours: 10am-6pm, daily Phone: 221750 For deluxe buses, book through any travel agency.

TAXISA private taxi to Lower Dharamsala will cost you Rs 180. Cram into a jeep (from the bus

stand), and it’ll only cost you Rs10.

IMPORTANT CONTACTSAmbulance: 01892-102, 222189

Kangra Airport: 01892-232374, 232324

Bhagsu Taxi Union: 01892-221034

Tourism Office: 01892-23107

Rail Booking & Enquiry: 01892-265026

Police Superintendent: 01892-222244

Police Contact InformationLocation: Past St.John’s Church on the road to Dharamshala in Cantt. area.Phone: 221 483

Tibetan Delek Hospital Location: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower DharamshalaHours: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, Mon-Sat; Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm, Mon-Sat; Emergencies: 24-hrs, daily.phone: 222 053,223 381

Post OfficeThe McLeod Ganj Post Office is located on location: Jogiwara Rd, past Peace CafeHours: 9:30am-1pm and 2-5pm, Mon-Fri; 9:30am-noon, Sat. Phone: 221 924Parcels and money orders can be sent in the mornings only.

Library of Tibetan Works & ArchivesWEB: www.ltwa.net/libraryLOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower DharamsalaHOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:00-1:00pm, 2:00-5:00pmPHONE: 921-842-2467

Public Audience with HH KarmapaWEB: www.kagyuoffice.orgLOCATION: Sidhpur HOURS: Wed & Sat: 2:30pmPHONE: 981-631-5336

BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY

Nov 30 - Dec 13: Dalai Lama teachings in Mundgod, KarnatakaDec 24-26: Dalai Lama teachings in Dharamsala on Shantideva’s A Guide to the Boddhisattva’s Way of Life (chodjug) and confer a Medicine Buddha Empowerment (menlha wang) at the request of a group of Russians at the Main Tibetan Temple.Jan 7-10: Dalai Lama teachings in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India on Shantideva’s A Guide to the Boddhisattva’s Way of Life.

UPCOMING EVENTSNaam Art GalleryLOCATION: Main Road Sidhbari DharamsalaPHONE: 9816043708

Tibet MuseumLOCATION:Near the Main Temple and the Namgyal Monastery gate, McLeod GanjHOURS: Tue-Sun: 9:00am-5:00pm

Tibet Photo Exhibit: 50 Years of Struggle and Oppression LOCATION: Gu-Chu-Sum hall on Jogiwara Rd, next to the Lung-ta Japanese RestaurantHOURS: Mon, Wed & Fri: 2:00pm-5:00pm

Kangra Art MuseumLOCATION: Near Bus Stand, Kotwali BazaarPHONE: 01892 224214HOURS: Tue-Sun: 10:00am-1:00pm & 2:00pm-5:00pm

The Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts (TIPA)WEB: www.tibetanarts.orgLOCATION: Kotwali BazaarPHONE: 1892-221478EMAIL: [email protected]

Form Gallery LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd. near Oasis CafePHONE: 8894-060602HOURS: Daily, 12:00pm-6:00pm

ART & MUSEUMSOm Yoga, Meditation & Reiki CentreWEB: www.omyogaindia.comLOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara RoadPHONE: 980-569-3514 EMAIL: [email protected]

Tushita Meditation CenterWEB: www.tushita.infoLOCATION: DharamkotHOURS: Mon-Sat: 9:30-11:30am PHONE: 01982-21866EMAIL: [email protected]

Vipassana MeditationWEB: www.sikhara.dhamma.orgLOCATION: DharamkotHOURS: Mon-Sat: 4:00-5:00pmPHONE: 01982-21309EMAIL: [email protected]

Rishi Yoga & Meditation CenterWEB: http://.rishiyogaindia.com/reach.phpLOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, opposite Gaden Choeling NunneryPHONE: 9736184741, 9882228502EMAIL: [email protected]

MEDITATION

activities & tourist info


activities & services

Dr. Sant Marwah Clinic LOCATION: In front of Main Temple, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala - HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pm, Closed MondayPHONE: 01892-21106, 981-602-1106EMAIL: [email protected]

Dr. Kumar Ayurvedic and PanchkarmaWEB: www.kumarayurveda.comLOCATION: Hotel Surya Rd., opposite thethe Club HouseHOURS: 9:00am-2:00pm & 2:30-7:00pm; Emergencies: 24 hrs dailyPHONE: 8894492837EMAIL: [email protected]

Maanav Health ClinicLOCATION: Main SquareHOURS: 10:00am-12:30pm and 2:00-5:00pmPHONE: 941-815-5795EMAIL: [email protected]

heAlth serVices

lAnGuAGes

Lha Healing Oil Massage Courses & TreatmentLOCATION: Lha Office, Temple RdPHONE: 01892-20992 HOURS: Registration, 9:00am-11:00am

Om Yoga CenterWEB: www.omyogaindia.comLOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Rd.HOURS: Daily, 8:00-9:30pm & 4:00-5:30PMPHONE: 980-569-3514EMAIL: [email protected]

Nature Cure Health ClubShiatsu massageLOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka,Jogiwara RdPHONE: 941-813-0119EMAIL: [email protected]

Shiatsu & Swedish Massage LOCATION: Lha Office, Temple RdPHONE: 01892-20992

Synergy Ayuredic Massage CenterLOCATION: Near Tibetan Ashoka,Jogiwara RdPHONE: 941 80 8488EMAIL: [email protected]

Traditional Thai MassageLOCATION: Opposite the Govt. Tourist Infor-mation Centre, Hotel Surya RdPHONE: 981-633-9199EMAIL: [email protected]

Tibetan Language Class LOCATION: Lha Office, Temple RdHOURS: Registration from 9-11am, Mon-Fri PHONE: 220 992See ad on pg 3.

Hindi ClassesLOCATION: Ketan Lodge, Jogiwara Rd, beside the Korean RestaurantPHONE: 981-649-4732

Hindi Lessons with SunilLOCATION: Kunga Guesthouse, Bhagsu Rd and in DharamkotPHONE: 01892-21942, 941-818-7281EMAIL: [email protected]

Tibetan LanguageLOCATION: The Tibetan LibrarySee Buddhist Philosophy Listing

Hindi Lessons with KailashLOCATION: At Bhimsen’s Indian Cooking Class PHONE: 01892-20063, 941-816-1947HOURS: Daily, 4:00-6:00pm

Tibetan with Pema YoudonLOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, opposite the post officeHOURS: 1:00-4:00pm, or leave a message.

Esukhia Online Tibetan Courses and Tibetan Immersion SpokenLOCATION: Esukhia Office,Tilak Ray Building, Bhagsu Road, DharamsalaWeb: www.esukhia.orgPhone: 8679502538E- mail- [email protected] Om Yoga, Meditation & Reiki Centre

LOCATION: Ketan Lodge, behind Akash Hotel, on Jogiwara Rd - Map #11HOURS: 8:00am-6:00pmPHONE: 980-569-3514

Rishi Yoga & Meditation CenterWEB: http://.rishiyogaindia.com/reach.phpLOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, opposite Gaden Choeling NunneryPHONE: 9736184741, 9882228502EMAIL: [email protected]

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Men-Tsee-Khang LOCATION: Between McLeod Ganj and Lower DharamshalaPHONE: 01892-22618 / 223113EMAIL: [email protected]

Primary Health CentreLOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, main marketHOURS: 9:30am-4pm, Mon-Sat

Nature Cure Health Club LOCATION: Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House-Map #10HOURS: 9:30am-6:30pmPHONE: : 941-813-0119EMAIL: [email protected]

Tibetan Delek Hospital LOCATION: Gangchen Kyishong, between McLeod Ganj and Lower DharamsalaPHONE: 01892-22053 / 223381HOURS: Outpatient services, Mon-Sat: 9:00am-1:00pm; Specialist clinics, Mon-Sat: 2:00-4:30pm; Emergencies: 24 hrs daily

Ayuskam Health CareWEB: www.ayuskama.comLOCATION: First floor Hotel Anand Place, near Bhagsu taxi stand and near Tibetan Hotel Ashoka Guest House McLeod GanjPHONE: 980-592-8923, 973-621-1210

Lha Tibetan Cooking School LOCATION: Lha Office, Temple RdHOURS: Registration, 9:00-11:00amPHONE: 01892-20992

Indian Cooking ClassesLOCATION:Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka GuesthouseHOURS: 10:00am-6:00pmPHONE: 941-813-0119EMAIL: [email protected]

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Lhamo’s Kitchen, Tibetan Cooking ClassesLOCATION: Bhagsu Rd, near the Green ShopHOURS: 8:00am-9:00pmPHONE: 981-646-8719

Nisha’s Indian Cooking ClassLOCATION: Hotel Lotus Leaf, Jogiwara RdHOURS: 4:00-6:00pmEMAIL: [email protected]

Sangye’s Kitchen Traditional Ti-betan Cooking ClassesLOCATION: Lung-ta Restaurant, below the Tashi Choeling Monastery on Jogiwara RdHOURS:10:00am-12:00pm & 4:00-6:00pmPHONE: 981-616-4540EMAIL: [email protected]

Mr. Rita Kapoor’s Indian Cooking, Knitting & MomosLOCATION: Old German Bakery, 1st Floor, Room No. 2, Opp. Buddha Hall, BhagsunagPHONE: 94592 06586

yoGA & reiKi


news & advertisements

Visitor Services Offered at Lha

TIBETAN LANGUAGE CLASSLearn more about the Tibetan people and explore the unique Tibetan culture including Buddhism by

learning the Tibetan language! Learn reading, writing, speaking, and grammar. Beginner and intermedi-ateclass levels with qualified teachers for interested individuals and small groups.

TIBETAN COOKING CLASSLearn a variety of traditional and modern vegetarian Tibetan foods including momo, thukpa and Tibetan bread from qualified teachers. Learn to prepare and then taste the delicious and yummy Tibetan foods

for individual or small groups.

TIBETAN ARTS CLASSLearn the basic traditional Tibetan form of painting including drawing and how to use color for interest-

ed individuals and small groups with a professional and qualified artist.

TIBETAN HOME-STAYLha arranges short or long term home-stays with refugee families giving visitors the chance to experi-

ence the Tibetan life style. Home-stays provide a valuable opportunity for visitors and locals to connect and learn about each other’s cultures.

YOGAFor sound physical, mental and emotional development we offer Sivananda and Hatha yoga for begin-

ners with a qualified teacher for small groups.

MASSAGEComplete physical and mental relaxation and stress reduction with re-vitalizing techniques of deep tis-

sue and acupressure with a professional therapists.

Contact: Lha Office on Temple Road, opposite State Bank of India.Phone: 01892-220992 Email: [email protected]

Jogiwara Road McLeod Ganj Dharmasalawww.facebook.com/qinnuu.garbu

988229826288940606029857173893

ARTSPACESeed Cafe

Japanese Restaurant

ARTSPACE

Tem

ple

Roa

d

Jogi

war

a R

oad

Main Sq.Bhagsu Road

Map #14


SEVEN HILLS OF DOKEBI

KOREAN RESTAURANT

Pure Korean Food AvailableFor both Veg & Non Veg

We serve special Kimbab (Sushi)For every day veg, tuna, avocado,

And many other naturally Korean foodsKimchi, Bulgogi, Very Clean & Delicious!!!

Also good MusicClassics, Jazz, Pop, Korean &

we have nice fireplace

Open 10:00am ~ Closed 10:00pmLocated on Jogiwara Road-Map #12

Mobile: 98055 83234Near the Japanese Restaurant

GOING TO AMRITSAR?Come see us at Tourist Guest House

British colonial mansion turned into beautiful guest house that tourists have been flocking to for a taste of the Raj life style.

We have Internet connection at Rs 1/min.

Comfortable stay with home cooked meals. Dorm bed Rs 125, Single/dble w. bath Rs 175-350.

Walking distance from train and bus. Private parking.Recommended in travel guide ‘Lets Go-2000’.

Contact Harindar at : 0183-2553830 / 09356003219E-mail : [email protected]

NorbulingkaWhere nature flourishes and tranquility prevails

Preserving Tibetan CultureLIVE ART

FINE SHOPPING

ART GALLERY

DOLL MUSEUM

SERENE GARDEN CAFE

INNOVATIVE CRAFT AND DESIGNGuided Tour, Round Trip Sharing Ride

Minimum Four People RequiredRs. 150 per person from McLeod Ganj

Tickets Available at Chonor Guest HouseContact: Chonor Reception #01892-221 468/01892-221006

Trisong Dorjee #9816523556Website: www.norbulingka.org

Dr. Mobile ShopYour Communication Partner

Mobile Sales, Mobile Repair, Sim Cards, Purchase and Recharge Phone Service

Black Magic Building (underground), Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj Phone: 9857011101

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Learn Hindiwith Experienced Teacher, Surinder Kumar

Individual or Group Classes, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm everyday.

Located in Hotel Himalayan Paradise - Map #10Phone: 9882228502

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Interested in a Tibetan Homestay?

Lha Charitable Trust can arrange homestays of one month with a Tibetan refugee family. By sharing day-to-day life with a Tibetan family, you will have an opportunity to experience Tibetan culture in an intensive way. Spend your time in Dharamsala learning the language, cooking Tibetan meals, sharing rituals with a family, and making friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Homestays include accomodation, breakfast, and dinner. If you’re interested in a Tibetan Homestay, contact Lha at [email protected], or stop by the Lha office on Temple Road

in McLeod Ganj.


Dream Holidays Travels and ToursGround Floor of Asian Plaza Hotel, Main Square / Bus Stand, McLeod Ganj - Map #18

(3rd office inside Mall)“let us be your dream holiday”

+Worldwide Air Travel Arrangements - Lowest Fares Guaranteed+Discounted domestic air tickets

+AC & Non-AC cars & jeeps for short & long tours, airport & train station transfers+Rail tickets and hotel reservations + Short and long trekking tours

phone: 0091 1892-221 469 / 220 790, mobile: 981 608 7878 / 941 809 7149email: [email protected], web: www.dreamholidayindia.com

Jimmy’s Italian KitchenMain market, just opposite of prayer wheels on the

second floor. Jogiwara Road, McLeod - Map #6Contact: 9816124833

Come for fine Italian food, amazing views from the roof top terrace garden, live music, stylish decor & yummy desserts!

CARPE DIEMRESTAURANT & PIZZERIA

“Your Health is our Happiness”MEXICAN, ITALIAN, INDIAN, CHINESE,

CONTINENTAL, & THAI FOODHealthy hygiene, No MSG•Everything washed with sterilized water•Homemade muesli & homemade curd•Large variety of fresh juices•Wood-fired pizza oven & clay Tandoori oven•Relaxed atmosphere including roof top tables •& Japanese-style seating areaLive music every Sunday•

Located on Jogiwara Road,across from the Tibetan Reception Center

(down from Post Office) - Map #8

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

Common Grounds Cafe is a nonprofit venture of Common Grounds Project, an NGO with a mission to establish and promote innovative forums to achieve common grounds of shared understanding between Chinese and Tibetan people. We also host weekly programs including screenings, discussions, & workshops.

TIBET KITCHENRESTAURANT & BEANS CAFE

BEST AUTHENTIC TIBETAN CUISINE IN TOWNSPECIALIZING IN THAI, BHUTANESE, & CHINESE

WE ALSO SERVE FRESH BEAN COFFEEHealthy Hygienic - Only A.C. Restaurant in town

Homemade Noodles - Internet surfing

Party Bookings AvailableOpen 11:00 am to 9:30 pm. Located at the Main SquareContact: 01892-221980, Mobile: 98058 75626 - Map #5

Are you reading this byChance?

Or was it destined…

Discover the Secrets of Being, Doing and Having everything.Unravel the Mystery of your life, And Find the Purpose & Happiness.

Take a walk to….

KUNDALINIEsoteric Boutique

On hotel Surya Road, Mcleodganj - Map # 21

Result guaranteed life-style ideas & discussions at 6:00PM every eveningTuesday through Friday.

Reiki Meditation Healing, Crystals, Pashmina CarpetsEvery product a labor of love

HOTEL LADIES’ VENTURE“The most suitable place for foreigners, holidaymakers, honeymooners,

trekkers, and those who wish to commune with nature!”

We offer: Affordable dormitories, well-appointed rooms, boarding, and McLeod Ganj’s FINEST hospitality!

Jogiwara Road - Map #11Mobile - 981 623 5648 Hotel - 01892 22 1559

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Glorious ArtsBELIEVE IN THE BEST

Precious & Semi-Precious Stones Gold & Silver Jewellery

Pashmina Shawls ♦ Thangkas ♦ Carpets, etc. Also Made to Order

**Bring in this ad and receive 11% off any one item!** (expires 31 July 2012)

Shop No. 11, Mount View Complex, Temple Road, McLeod Ganj (inside Hotel M, opposite reception desk - Map #2)

Mobile: +91-9816559319 / 9960802594 Also visit us in Goa, near the CSM Hotel, Baga

Deals in:


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McLEOD GANJ

DHARAMKOT

Vipassana Centre

Tushita CentreTibetanChildren’sVillage (TCV)

Naddi Village

CanttPolicePost

Road to Dharamshala

Main Bazaar

TIPA

BHAGSU NAG

LhaMAIN

SQUA

RE

For Details See Advertisement Pages

12. Seven Hills of Dokibe 13. 8 Auspicious Him View Hotel 14. Art Space15. Hotel Nataraj16. Pema Thang Guest House17. Chonor House18. Dream Holidays Travel19. Crepe Pancake Hut20. Ahimsa House & Lha Soup Kitchen21. Kundalini22. Namgyal Cafe

2

3

Map not to scale

4

5 68

10 1114

1312

1516

17

9718

19

Thank you for patronizing our advertisers!

20

Road to Dharamshala

8 AUSPICIOUSHIM VIEW HOTEL

Located below Ghu Chum Movement at Jogiwara Road (Map #13). We have 8 beautiful, well-decorated rooms with good-luck symbols in each.

All rooms have a balcony facing the Himalayan Range. Enjoy the sunrise from your bed!

Our restaurant serves Vegetarian Tibetan and Continental dishes. We also have a coffee and juice bar featuring homemade cakes.

Phone: 01892 220567 Cell: 9418236603Email: [email protected]

1

T H I S S P A C ECOULD BEY O U RA D V E R T I S E M E N T

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Rishi Yoga & Meditation Center

Private and Group ClassesTraditional Indian Ayurvedic healing

and Reiki healing - Map #10

Courses: 3, 5, 11 days with Indian Himalayan teacher Nitin Gill

Located: Hotel Himalayan Paradise, opposite of nunneryPhone: 9736184741 & 9882228502Email: [email protected]

Web: http://rishiyogaindia.com/reach.php

1. Lha Headquarters2. Glorious Arts3. Common Ground Cafe4. Kunga Guest House & Nick’s Italian Kitchen5. Tibetan Kitchen6. Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen 7. Nature Cure Health Club8. Carpe Diem Restaurant9. Dr. Mobile10. Rishi Yoga & Meditation Center Learn Hindi with Surinder Kumar11. Hotel Ladies’ Venture

22

Nature Cure Health Clubwith Mahinder Kapoor

Jogiwara Rd, next to Tibetan Ashoka Guest House - Map # 7Mobile: 94181 30119 or 09736333888

Email: [email protected]

12 years’ experience & recommended by the Lonely Planet

Visit us for: Swedish massage courses & treatment, Zen Shiatsu courses, treatment, reflexology treatment, SPA, Singing Bowl Treatment, steambaths, sauna & mud baths.

Our teacher has had experience teaching in Israel.


Chonor HouseChonor House (map #17) is centrally located overlooking His Holiness the

Dalai Lama’s temple. We have eleven uniquely decorated and well-appointed rooms with room service and housekeeping.

Internet is available in our Cyber Yak.Our chefs create a wide range of Tibetan and International specialties which can

be enjoyed in our beautiful restaurant, our peaceful gardens, or on your own private balcony. Visit our bakery for freshly-made cakes and cookies to enjoy

here or to take away.For that special gift to take home, visit our shops,

Chonor Designs and Norling Designs (on Temple Road)and choose from our exclusive range of jewellery, clothing, and handicraft items.

Phone: 221815Talented artisans from Norbulingka Institute create all of our designs.

Phone: +91(0)1 892 221 006/221 077 Fax: +91 (0) 1892 221648Email: [email protected] - or - [email protected]

Website: www.norbulingka.org/site/visitor.htm

and RestaurantPema Thang Guest House

Charming, comfortable, and scrupulously cleanMinutes from Main Temple and Market, tucked on a

quiet street with magnificent view of the Kangra Valley.Rooms feature kitchenette. New addition: Yoga Hall

Traditional Tibetan Musical Eveningwith Buffet Dinner Every Month

Adjoining Restaurant offers delicious local and continental fare described by Wikitravel as

“lip-smackingly yummy.”Hotel Bhagsu Road, McLeod Ganj: Map #16Phone: 221871/221001 www.pemathang.net

Crepe Pancake Hut

Visit our Café for organic flour-made pancakes with fresh fruit sauce, a variety

of fillings & Green and Grain salads

Come to enjoy our homemade Pineapple beer & Ginger beer

Jogiwara Road, opposite Mountview Guesthouse (Map #19)

Mobile: 9418607037

KUNGAGUEST HOUSE

Spacious rooms with views over the valley, and...

NICK’S ITALIANRESTAURANT

Home baked cakes, quiches, pies, pastas, cheese, & Italian

favourites served on our massive terrace.

We also have on sale theRigpa Tibetan CalendarBhagsu Road - Map #4

Phone: 221 180

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Namgyal Cafe

The famous and popular Namgyal Cafe has merged with Om Hotel right off the main square - Map #22

Extensive vegetarian menu• Terrace dining with beautiful view• Best pizza in McLeod Ganj• Good music and friendly staff•

Open every day from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm

Gonpo died two hours later. As a high school student, Gonpo received awards for best student and excellence in studies. Local Tibetans described him as very friendly and moral. Since June, he had been involved in artistic work educating people in his region.

8 Nov: Kalsang Jinpa, an 18 year old nomad, set himself on fire at Rongwo monastery while calling for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s return to Tibet. He died on the spot. A photo shows his body was completely burned. Over 6,000 Tibetans gathered for his funeral.

7 Nov: Tsegyu (Tsegyal), a 27 year of old father of two, set himself on fire in Tingser village of Bekar town in Driru (Ch: Biru) region of Nagchu. He was detained by local Chinese authorities and denied any medical treatment for his burn injuries. He died in police custody on 18 November. Tsegyu is survived by his two children, a 6-year-

old and an 8-month-old infant.

7 Nov: Tamdin Tso, 23 and mother of a seven-year-old son, set her-self on fire in Re-bgong. Her father, Tamdin Kyab, has since made an emotional appeal, requesting people

to pray for her rebirth into an indepen-dent Tibet in her next life. “So, I think it is of no use to ponder over anything else than to respect her decision and sacrifice,” Kyab stated. “Therefore, I appeal to all of you to remain united and work together to fulfil her goals and aspirations.”

7 Nov: Dorjee, 15, a monk of Ngoshul monastery set fire himself on fire with two other teenage monks in Gomang township in Ngaba county in Amdo. After shouting slogans calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans, he

The Number of Tibetan Self-Immolations Rises to 90died on the spot.

7 Nov: Samdub, 16, a monk of Ngoshul monastery, set fire himself on fire with two other teenage monks in Gomang township in Ngaba county in Amdo. It is believed that he was taken to Ngaba county hospital.

7 Nov: Dorjee Kyab, 16, a monk of Ngoshul monastery, set fire himself on fire with two other teenage monks in Gomang township in Ngaba county in Amdo. It is believed that he was taken to Ngaba county hospital.

4 Nov: Dorjee Lhundup, a 24-year old Thangka painter, set himself on fire in Rebgong. He died and his body was carried to Rongwo monastery. Later in the afternoon, thousands of local Tibetans gathered for his funeral at a crematorium near the monastery. Dorjee Lhundup is survived by his wife Yakmo Tso, and two children, son Kunsang Dorjee, 4, and daughter Tengzin Dolma, 2.


contact november 2012

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