Tibetan Headlines
Mar 25: Meeting Delhi Officials
HH the Dalai Lama met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia on Sunday. The two called HH the Dalai Lama one of the greatest humanitarians and said the meeting was a dream come true. In turn, His Holiness said that he appreciates the stand of the Aam Aadmi Party - the ruling party in Delhi - on corruption, calling it a kind of violence that must be done away with.
Mar 24: Released!
Ngawang Gyurme, a monk from the Sog Tsenden monastery in the Nagchu prefecture was released from prison after serving his full term of 15 years for taking part in protests challenging Beijing’s rule in Tibet. Gyurme was detained with five companions and charged with “harming national security.” He endured long years of harsh treatment while in custody.
Mar 23: Mentseekhang Ceremony
The Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute, also known as Mentseekhang, celebrated its 54th anniversary at a ceremony held yesterday. Many dignitaries from both the Tibetan exiled government and the state government of Himachal Pradesh attended the event. A brief talk on the historical background of the medical institute was given and meritorious and graduating students were presented with awards and degrees.
Mar 22: World Water Day
The United Nations World Water Day was observed by Tibetans and supporters to highlight the environmental degradation inflicted by China on the Tibetan plateau and its impacts on rivers and the environment in countries downstream. Organised by the Tibetan Women’s Association and Students for a Free Tibet India, there was street theatre in McLeod Ganj; a film screening, demonstration and a petition launch.
Mar 22: White Manjushri Blessing
HH the Dalai Lama arrived this morning to a hall filled with people waiting to receive the White Manjushri blessing. The blessing of White Manjushri, whose practice is mostly focussed on wisdom along with altruism and compassion, is related to tantra. HH the Dalai Lama stressed the importance of practice and study to attaining real benefit. The event was held by the Foundation for Universal Responsibility in Delhi.
Mar 21: Teaching and Talk
HH the Dalai Lama spoke to a group of Indians and hundreds of students affiliated to Peacejam – an organisation striving to create young leaders committed to positive change - at an event held by the Foundation for Universal Responsibility in Delhi. He initially met the students; he encouraged them in their pursuits and answered questions. Later, he met the older audience and gave a teaching regarding Nagarjuna’s “Fundamental Wisdom.”
Mar 21: One Detained, Another Released
Chinese authorities have detained a monk from Labrang Tashikyil monastery in Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu. Jamyang Jinpa, 43, was detained since last Friday without providing a reason, Golog Jigme a former political prisoner now in exile had told the Radio Free Asia. In a separate incidence, Norbu Tsering, a Tibetan protestor arrested seven years ago for participating in a rally, has been released in “weak and poor” health in Kardze.
Mar 20: Tibetans Urge Rejection
Activists from over 175 Tibetan organisations have delivered a report urging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to reject Beijing's bid for the 2022 Winter Games. The 2008 Summer Games, which were also held in Beijing, led to deadly crackdowns within Tibet despite hope that the international spotlight would lead to an improved human rights situation. The report warns the IOC that allowing Beijing to host again would be "making the same mistake twice."
Mar 19: Seven Monks Detained
Police have arrested seven Tibetan monks during a crackdown at Sog Tsenden monastery in Sog County. Those arrested were: Namgyal Tsultrim, Lodoe Tenzin, Tsultrim Gojhay, Tsultrim Namgyal, Thabkhay Lhundup, Jigme Tsultrim, and Jigme Drakpa. Police did not provide a specific reason for the arrests. Monks within Tibet live in constant fear due to heavy surveillance and monitoring.
Mar 18: Testimony Given
At an event held by the Society for Threatened Peoples during the 28th UN Human Rights Council session, Golog Jigme Gyatso, a former Tibetan political prisoner, gave a testimony calling upon the international community to intervene in order to alleviate the deteriorating human rights situation within Tibet. Representatives from both the US and EU expressed concern regarding the ongoing situation and urged China to address the root causes of unrest.
Mar 18: Monk Arrested
Lobsang Kelsang, a 19-year-old monk from Kirti monastery, was arrested in Ngaba after a solo demonstration against the Chinese government. He carried prayer flags and a portrait of HH the Dalai Lama while calling for freedom for Tibetans and the long life of HH the Dalai Lama. Within minutes, Chinese authorities arrived and arrested him. Lobsang Kelsang is the second monk from Kirti Monastery to be arrested this month.
Mar 17: Budget Session
The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile has begun the 9th session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament with the budget session for the financial year 2015-16, which will continue until March 28. Two resolutions expressed solidarity with the Tibetan self-immolators, and condolences to Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of Tibet. The Middle-Way Approach was confirmed as the parliament’s policy for dealing with the situation inside Tibet.
Mar 16: Paris Rally
Thousands of supporters, comprised mostly of Tibetans dressed in their national costume, gathered from all across Europe to attend the “Europe Stands with Tibet” rally in Paris. Marchers shouted slogans while carrying Tibetan national flags and a large portrait of HH the Dalai Lama. Prominent speakers, including French Justice Minister Mr Robert Badinter and Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, addressed the crowds.
Mar 15: Women’s Empowerment
The Women’s Empowerment Desk at the Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), organised a daylong discussion to review the Women’s Empowerment Policy. Female Kalons (ministers) from the present Kashag (cabinet), seven female Tibetan Parliamentarians and four executive members of the Tibetan Women’s Association participated. The discussion reiterated CTA’s commitment to bringing about positive change.
Mar 14: China Claims Control
After HH the Dalai Lama suggested that the line of Dalai Lamas might end with him, Chinese officials have accused him of “blasphemy,” saying that only Beijing has the power to decide who will lead Tibetan Buddhists after his death. This claim suggests that China plans to exert control over the most important figure to Tibetans inside and outside Tibet, although Tibetans will largely reject any Chinese-appointed successor.