Tibetan Headlines
Nov 30: Book Launch
The Peaceful Struggle of Tibet, a book written by Tibetan activities, Lingtsa Tsetan Dorjee was published by Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy. The book was written as a journal while he was in a prison in Nepal during his first march in 2012. He disappeared after starting his second peace march to Tibet in 2013.
Nov 30: Meeting With His Holiness
His Holiness the Dalai Lama met a group of Tibetans who have newly arrived Tibetans from Tibet. The audience took place at Tsugla-khang, the main temple in Dharamshala. His Holiness said that the reason behind the survival of Tibetan race over the last sixty years is due to the immense sincerity and courage of Tibetans inside Tibet. HH also gave them a teaching Introduction to Buddhism.
Nov 29: Welcome back!
His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived home in Dharamshala following his trip to Japan and Mongolia from 9 to 26 of this month. Locals, newly arrived Tibetans and tourists lined up to welcome him. He was met at Gaggal Airport by Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and officials of Central Tibetan Administration.
Nov 28: Leaders’ Gathering
The first meeting of the leaders of various Tibetan organisations in Dharamshala has been held, convened by the Tibetan Settlement Office (TSO). The TSO proposed items for discussion aimed at forming closer ties and better cooperation among the organisations to improve welfare and community development. Awards were also presented to honour outstanding service for the Tibetan community, dedication for Tibetan cause and for social service.
Nov 25: Aid for Lal Qila
The state government of Delhi is donating over INR 1 Crore (US$150,000, £120,000) to the Tibetan sweater sellers whose stock was destroyed in the fire at the Lal Qila Tibetan refugee market in Delhi on November 8. Each family will receive INR 1 Lac (US$1,500, £1,200). The Central Tibetan Administration expressed profound gratitude to the state government on behalf of the affected families.
Nov 24: Not Worried about Trump
HH the Dalai Lama has said that he looks forward to meeting the United State’s new President and has no worries about him. “I always consider America as a leading nation of the free world”, said His Holiness, “I feel during an election the candidate has more freedom to express. Once elected, having the responsibility, then they have to tell you their sort of vision, their works according to reality”.
Nov 23: Documents Lost
Documents held by Sanjor Tsokpa, an association for newly-arrived Tibetans with 600 members, have been destroyed in a fire in a house in Bhagsunath in McLeod Ganj. No human casualties were reported but the fire also damaged property and stock belonging to local traders. Gendhun Tsephel who rents the property said he has complained several times to the local electricity board about the electrical supply to the building.
Nov 22: Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal has been renovated and is now open to the public following a three-day purification ritual. Boudhanath stupa suffered massive cracks during the devastating earthquake in Nepal last year. The restoration of the stupa cost INR 320 million (US$4.7 million, £3.8 million) which was raised from donations from Buddhist around the world in gold, cash and free labour.
Nov 21: “Thank You Dhasa!”
The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) says “Thank you Dharamshala for coming out to the Lal Qila Benefit concert”. The Lal Qila Market traders' shops were destroyed by fire earlier this month. TYC specially thanked “the artists Prashant Tamang, Abhishek Kumar, JJI, Mariko and Thinley for performing, Kunga Guest House, Dawa Rinchen la TT travels, Potala Travels and all those who made donations. “Thukje che! Bhod Gyalo!”
Nov 19: His Holiness Visits Mongolia
HH the Dalai Lama arrived in Mongolia on a four-day visit following his trip to Japan. His Holiness visited Gaden Thekchen Choeling, Mongolia’s largest monastery, and spoke to the abbots and senior religious leaders from across the country. Despite China’s objection, the Mongolian government supported Gaden Monastery’s invitation to Tibet’s spiritual leader and said that no meetings with government officials are planned.
Nov 19: Kalachakra Services
The Tibetan Youth Congress has announced that it will provide social service programmes at the upcoming Kalachakra between Dec 23 and Jan 17. 200 volunteers in nine units will provide assistance as required for devotees in Bodh Gaya, supervised at all times by a TYC governing body member. Two 24-hour hotline numbers have been launched – 7261841877 and 9906827444.
Nov 18: Protestors Arrested
Twenty Tibetans, including women, who were protesting against mining in Yangdro village in Dechen County in the Tibet Autonomous Prefecture have been arrested. Radio Free Asia reported that they obstructed vehicles entering the mine and were arrested by armed military personnel. No further information is available due to the communications restrictions in the region.
Nov 17: Street Protest in Tibet
Two young Tibetan women have staged a protest in Ngaba town, reports Radio Free Asia. A video clip shows them walking on a main road near Kirti monastery, calling out “Long live the Dalai Lama". RFA has no independent confirmation of the story, nor of the women’s identities and present whereabouts. The Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet said their sources had not heard whether the women have been detained.
Nov 17: Help for Pilgrims
The Tibetan Government-in-Exile is making arrangements to help people wishing to attend the Kalachakra in January and who are facing difficulties with the withdrawal of cash in India. Accommodation and food is available at the Tibetan Reception Centre in Dharamshala for travellers stranded without cash, and arrangements are being made for cheque or online payments facilities during the Kalachakra. They are suggesting that travellers use US$ cash.
Nov 17: Cash Crisis Hits Tibetans
Tibetans reliant on the winter season sweater selling business are being devastated by the current Indian cash crisis. With Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes having been taken out of circulation, there is no cash in the economy for small market trader transactions. Accepting the old notes is “illegal”, said one trader,“ but…if we don’t then there is no business. Customers have only old notes.”