Thursday, December 22, 2011

Web News

Friday, December 9, 2011

Tibetan youth sentenced

There are many protest incidents that go unreported in Tibet, the following is such a case. The Tibetan youth was sentenced to three years for a flag incident.

http://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/sentenced-12092011132955.html

Friday, December 2, 2011

the 12th self immolation


A former monk at Tibet’s Karma monastery, the scene of  a recent crackdown by Chinese security forces, set himself on fire on Thursday in protest against Chinese rule in Tibetan areas, a Tibetan source in exile said.

Karma monastery, located in the Chamdo prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), was taken over by Chinese armed police following the Oct. 26 bombing of a nearby government building.

http://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/protest-12012011162741.html

Friday, November 25, 2011

Girl in Translation

My curiosity was piqued by my wife's interest for the debute novel "Girl in Translation" by Jean Kwok. More information available at author's blogsite  http://www.jeankwok.com/contact.shtml. Choekyi finished reading it in a couple of days: something I couldn't believe and been testing her throughout my own reading on the character plot, event and story. She has amazingly recalled all with great clarity and my doubt of her complete reading of the novel was put to rest. My dear wife hardly recommend me to read any book, but this recommendation was outstanding.
As she was flipping through some magazine, and then suddenly, her eye fell upon this novel. She immediately handed over the title and asked to bring it for her reading.  I dropped at the NVCC library, and without  much effort, located this book and borrowed for Choekyi's reading.   Choekyi was indeed absorbed in this book and turned its last page in a couple of day. I took it from her and began thus my reading of the novel.   It is so gripping and down to earth , simple and yet so true. The novel turned out to be a "semi-autobiography". As an immigrant myself, I told Choekyi and this novel inspired me to write a novel about my own life. She retorted as usual " You are abnormal". She was not at all interested on what I said, but I went on " I can relate myself so much and in so many ways to the character in the novel. There wasnt anything extraordinary stuff in the novel. As a matter of fact, my own life has been more eventful, more adventurous and more colourful to than  the protagonist Kimberly. My life story may contain much more interesting, intriguing and more suspense than what I have read in the novel.  This debute novel  is well written, and the each characters are well defined. if I had the knack or flair for writing a novel, then I dont have to work hard to create plot for my novel. If I go on and tell my own story honestly and truthfully, then the plot is already in placed in the story.
In terms of substance, my own is a story of chasing American dream by overcoming all life's odd and obstacle.  I even suggested her that the title of my book will be " The Tale of Four Brothers".
Tibet faced its tragedy, and its people are scattered all over the world.  Many of them have interesting tales to tell, rug to riches type or about culture assimilation, loneliness, hope, separation, death, regret, anger, helplessness. hard-work, perseverance, struggle, jealousy, adjustment, adaptation, guilt, redemption and honour so on. 


Besides, a novel written in English can be an every effective way to promote Tibetan people's cause. A great tool to reach across boundary and culture barrier and ethnicity. I long to see a exiled Tibetan novel. It is high time that the world should see one from a Tibetan writer.

Girl in Translation is a mesmerizing novel. It was in the Newyork Times Best Selling List and why the novel has become such a hit is simply, it is intriguing, humane, and reflects reality in America. Tt is a story of loves, dream and poverty, perseverance, wit and wisdom. I recommend it to young people who have reached at  crossroad of their life and not knowing which direction to move. 

The novel teaches you the virtue of handwork, the god of small things, and the beauty of brain, and the potential of people.

Webcaste

Thursday, November 17, 2011

spectator,sympathizer or supporter.

I am horrified to watch this grotesque vidoe of self immolation in Tibethttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5o2RFqA_l4&feature=player_embedded. To me I am seeing for the first a human being is burning himself alive. His hands are trembling and his body were twisting with spsam, he has not breathed his last yet.  A closer look one can discern how the flames were shooting from his mouth. That is we heard he has swollen kerosne.There has to been something that is larger than his life,  that drives him to such extreme action. It can not be just a mere patriotic feeling and restment against the Chinese government. The invididual has put himself on harm's way with full knowledge of its consequence.  What you can call it? desperation, courage, bravery, selfless act, violent or sheer madness. Personally, this type of self immolation is unfathomnable to me.   Maybe the Tibetan people's spirit are as real as the flame of the self immolation.  This ultimate sacrifice has tobe the the true symbols of Tibetan spirit. The flame of freedom has been ignited, and it will not be put out by the herrendous gust that blew from the east.

This tragic news from Tibet has petrified me, I racked my brain as what is calling on us. And I penned this piece on this blog as what exiles can do given our situation. As I watch and ponder over the situation and circumstance that led to this immense sacrifice, I started to get numb. The monk, Tsewang Norbu has set himself ablaze, and he is consumed and engulfed by the flames beyond recognition. However, based on the video pictures, he did not do it in isolation. The self immolation took place in a sparsely crowded market area. the clip that we see shot at the moment of incident. Tsewang Norbu has fallen down and lying back, and he is still alive and fighting for life.
The onlookers, who have gathered to watch him dying are mostly Tibetans. This I could make out from their vague conversations and chattering.

What I can not understand is why those people who are nearby appears to be so indifferent. It is completly in contrast to the another self immolation in Amdo Ngaba, where the crowd are shouting, screaming and calling for the Dalai lama frantically. Which is indicative of the dire situation and the crowd's understanding of why the self immolation is occuring.  Whereas the people that have sorrounded the bornfire that Tsewang Norbu made has  no such sense of urgency or remorse. If i am not mistaken, I had an impression of those people were watching him dying are  acting so unsamaritan. Noone is coming forward to assist the burning victem. The usual report of hundreds and thousands of Tibetans showing solidarity and sympathy for the victems, seemed to be so unreal based on this clip. Those spectators are so relaxed, they are chatting leisurely, and caring so little for the cause that the this man burnt himself. When the Vitanam monk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E37cMtCrKoAburnt himself to death. The people around him were worshipping and prostrating infront of him. Any Tibetans can not remain as a spectator when such a scene of self immolation unfolding infront of your eyes.
Recently, in China, people's apathy made international headlines when a child struck by a car were left unattended by dozen of people who passed by, not even calling for police.  I hope the Tibetan, whose is known to have a culture of compassion and equanimity, act kindly and selflessly.  This clip is indeed very graphic and disturbing and more disappointing is the way those onlookers are reacting to the scene. When I asked someone, what she would do on this case, she said " I would not try to put out the fire, because it is too late, and however, I will show my solidarity and support by raising his slogans against the Chinese government".  I dont know what I will do when I am a witness to such unbearble scene.



  

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Human Rights Appeal


In a direct appeal to China’s President Hu Jintao, two major human rights organizations have called on the Chinese government to end the “repressive” policies in Tibetan areas that are being blamed for 11 self-immolation protest deaths so far this year. Read more at...

http://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/appeal-11072011164439.html

New interview

Sunday, November 6, 2011

daring self immolatioon

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=182813208471308&set=a.103537169732246.7176.100002278901265&type=3&theater


Palden Choezom’s body was cremated at the same spot in Nyitso monastery, where early Tsewang Norbu’s body was cremated around 5 am on November 6,2011.
A high level Chinese official from Gandze prefecture accompanied with few others have come to Nyitso monastery and ordered the body be cremated. For the official complained it is drawing attention from the crowd. But Tibetan protested against such decree saying that to keep the body for three days is a Tibetan custom that have not violated the Chinese law, which led to postponement of cremation until 6th. Nov. The Chinese officials order that the cremation should be done before dawn on 6th of Nov, to which the monks have not accepted.  Around 1000 monks and nuns have gathered in Tawu Nyitso monastery, and they were enraged and showing apparent sign of desperation, they are not willing to follow the Chinese official order. The outer courtyard of Nyitso monastery is filled with lay people. Representatives from other major monasteries in kham such as from Dangon, Kandze, Sethar, and Lithang monasteries etc have arrived to show their solidarity and support for the late nun. Unprecedented numbers of people have converged in Tawu to show their support and consolation for the deceased.
Former political prisoner Lobsang Jingpa said Nyitso monastery is surrounded by Chinese police and armed force were parading in street in a show of force and intimidation.  Armed police forces were taking position at old cinema hall adjacent to the monastery but they are not coming out.

The nun self immolated on Nov 3rd. since then the body was brought to Nyitso monastery and kept there, while the monks held prayers said a former political prisoner Tawu Jingpa who contacted with local resident in Tawu county.
The nun has a picture of the Dalai Lama and Karmapa under her hat, which was not burned.






Thursday, November 3, 2011

Tibetan spirit

Women with their babies in strollers, elder people walking on a stick, young and trendy girls in high heel, restless and youthful looking guys in their sneakers, they come with one purpose : to amplify the voice of those Tibetan heros inside Tibet. Tibetan people from all walk of life descended on D.C to join the Global Day of Action jointly organized by five regional Tibetan Youth Congress. The officials of Chinese embassy who are hiding inside their compound must have felt the tremor triggered by the raucous free Tibetan protesters. It was a powerful show of people's force. By today's gathering of Tibetan people clearly indicated that the Tibetan struggle is growing bigger and stronger, and louder. Capital Areas Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, which have played an indispensable role of  co-hosting the mass protest have done a brilliant preparation.

As I approach the Chinese embassy, I could hear the echo of loud protest far away. Getting closer to the vicinity of the Chinese embassy, I saw a sea of snow lions flag hoisting high and fluttering in the air, as if challenging the lone Chinese flag across the street. There are familiar faces, and there are new faces, as I walk into the centre of the crowd. Three highly charged speeches were delivered. by the leaders of the organization. Tsewang Ringzen, the president of Tibetan Youth Congress delivered a high spirited and uplifting speeches.  He commended those brave men and women in Tibet for their ultimate scar fices. He urged Tibetans that freedom comes with price , and that Tibetan should be ready to pay the price.  His speech was highly inspirational and very moving. Then followed by a speech by the president Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Newyork echoing the same message of independence for Tibet. The speakers are extremely passionately and upbeat. It was a somber atmosphere, at the same time lots of excitement on the air. A crowd of such scale are rare to see in Washington D.C.

Enacting self-immolations:

TYC has artfully enacted the self-immolations in an open area, on a big white clothes. As the spectators watching the drama unfolding with heroic act of selflessness. It brought tears from many eyes in the crowd.
The crowd become very emotional, it was a moment of awe and depressing yet the glorify of those who sacrificed for Tibetan cause were duly honored. Sanga, memeber of TYC Newyork, conveyed a direct message to the Tibetan in Tibet in my interview " Dear brothers and sisters, our ears are tuned to and our eyes are wide open, we are with you in spirit and in deed". Seeing the grand parade  that stretches for miles away with the thundering slogans for Tibetan cause is indeed a great spectacle. The demonstrators were focused, and committed to scream out of their lung. It is what they  can do at least for the moment , they do it with passion, sincerity and genuine feeling for the nation. 

The parade from the Chinese embassy to Dunpon Circile come to a halt with pizza lunch served to all participants. From there the crowd resumed its protest and marched to White house. Another round of speeches were delivered, one particularly speech by RTYC Manisota was very inspiring.  The protest was a huge  success both for its turn out of protesters and for the message that it has conveyed to all people on the way. The protest has inspired the content for a documentary film. It all come down to one thing.  "United we win and divided we fall". As President Tsewang Rigzin said, it appears the protest would end and we go back to our respective places, but the struggle for Tibetan independence would go on ceaselessly..


 




Katri speaking to India TV

I never knew our Katri speaks fluent Hindi.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iT6PIIW6XI&feature=player_embedded

Second nuns self immolated

selfless act of self immolation,
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/burn-11032011092237.html

Mr Jingpa from Dharamsala, who had contacts with the locals in Tawa county in Tibet spoke to RFA.


“As of now a joint prayers session were organized at the Tawu Nyitso monastery with participants from few other nunneries including Dakar nunnery. After the nun’s self immolation, thousands of local Tibetan gathered at Tawu market areas and shouted slogans such as long live the Dalai Lama, before proceeding to Nyitso monastery. The monastery has now been besieged by local Tibetans. The police and military forces have also been stationed around the monastery and nunnery. The officials of the monastery and nunnery have been summoned to the police station. The reasons for why they are called to police station are unclear”.


“a Tibetan nun from the Darkar Choeling in Tawu has set herself alight around 12:30 pm, on November 03.

She has swollen and doused herself with kerosene before setting herself alight. She was shouting “long live his Holiness the dalai Lama, Free Tibet, Dalai Lama return to Tibet.

In about minute she fell to the ground, but then she rose up and shouted again with hands clasp. Her entire body was engulfed with fire, and flames shooting out of her mouth, her slogans become inaudible. It took her about few minutes before she fell to the ground again and succumbed to the burns. The self immolation took place at the same place, where Tsewang Norbu (a monk from Nyitso monastery has self immolated). Soon after the nun self immolated and dead, local police swooped at the scene and attempted to take possession of the dead body, but then the Tibetan masses at the scene shouted against the police and brought the corpse to Tawu Nyitso monastery and kept in the prayer hall.

Paden Choezom hails from Dongchen village in Tawu, she is 35 years old, her father’s name is Chongney, and mother’s name is Yama Choedon.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Friday, October 28, 2011

Shar Balek

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDwahj8_hhg&feature=player_embedded

Reporting

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Local's solidary

 Based on news filtering in from Tibet, Chinese are handling the self-immolation attempts differently based on regions of its occurrence. It is a surprising, that no arrest and no crackdown of any sorts on Kandze monastery in the wake of a lone monk's self immolation. Could it be that the monastery was isolated, and the Chinese police didnt want to bother it. Or it is possible that the Chinese have not reached a decision on how to handle the Kandze case, and they will waite a while to deal with it. Locals in Kandze are well known for their courage  to stand up against the Chinese military. The following stories is the most updated on Kandze self immolation.

http://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/concern-10262011165423.html

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

self-immolations in Kham.

This morning I woke up with the sad news of another attempted self-immolations in Kham Kandze. Monk Dawa Tsering  set up himself on fire.

http://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/immolate-10252011102725.html

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Crying for Freedom

What has driven the peaceful and pious monks and nun to take such drastic step of burning themselves in protest against the Chinese rule in Tibet? How far such frustration, and desperation are representatives of the entire Tibetan populace? There are more such questions in our mind than we can find answers to them. In any movement or struggle, there are emerging leaders for revolutionary movement. The fiery self -sacrifices  of these nine-Tibetan youth since March this year showed a new tactic  and new leadership in fight for the Tibet cause. it  might become a triggering point in a new kind of campaign against the Chinese rules that cost lives. That deviates somewhat to our principles of nonviolence and peaceful movement.

 Each time the news of another burning reached the outside world, Tibetan in exiles are tinged with sadness and remorse. Prayers are said, and protests are held to amplifying the Tibetans crying for freedom.
is that all Tibetans in exile could do to solute the ultimate sacrifices of the these young patriots?  For they have given their lives for ours.

A group of Tibetan will be meeting today to mull over the possibilities and feasibility of what Tibetan diaspora
could do to serve the wishes and aspirations of the perished and alive heroes of our time.  At the same time, they are stunningly curious to understand the underlying angst of their courageous actions. 

Monday, August 15, 2011

Monk burned himself to death

Tibetan Monk Sets Himself Ablaze

2011-08-15
In a self-immolation protest, he calls for freedom for Tibet and the Dalai Lama's return.
Courtesy of Free Tibet.
An undated photo of Tsewang Norbu.
In the second such case reported this year, a Tibetan Buddhist monk has set himself on fire and died in protest at Beijing’s rule in Tibetan-populated regions of China, according to a Tibetan source in exile.

The monk—identified as Tsewang Norbu, 29—set himself ablaze on Monday, said Chime Tendzin, a monk living in southern India and citing contacts in Sichuan province’s Kardze (in Chinese, Ganzi) prefecture, where the self-immolation took place.

“At around 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 15, a monk from Tawu [county’s] Nyatso monastery protested near a bridge in front of the county headquarters,” Chime Tendzin said.

“He shouted slogans calling for freedom for Tibet and for the return to Tibet of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and distributed leaflets calling for human rights in Tibet.”

The monk then doused himself with kerosene and set himself alight, continuing to shout slogans for about 15 minutes until he died, Chime Tendzin said.

China’s official Xinhua news agency confirmed the death on Monday, saying “It was unclear why he had burnt himself.”

Monastery surrounded

Chime Tendzin said that Chinese armed police have now surrounded Tawu Nyatso monastery and have demanded that Tsewang Norbu’s body be given to them.

“Security has been tightened in the county in the wake of this incident. The situation is very tense now in Tawu.”

“For now, the monastery has kept the body covered in a yellow scarf,” Chime Tendzin said, adding that the monastery is conducting prayers for the dead monk and have refused to hand over his body.

Chime Tendzin gave Tsewang Norbu’s father’s name as Tsoleg and mother’s name as Shogleg, and the website Tibet Express identified the dead monk’s home village as Lowa, in Tawu (in Chinese, Daofu) county.

“[In previous years], the Tibetan people in Tawu county celebrated the Dalai Lama’s birthday with great fanfare,” Chime Tendzin said.

“But this year, the Chinese government blocked this celebration in the monastery, and even cut off electricity and water for the monastery and a nunnery, which infuriated the local people.”

Repeated protests

Kardze has been the scene of repeated Tibetan protests, both by individuals and by small groups, despite the threat of detentions and violent assaults against protesters by Chinese police.

In March, Phuntsog, a monk at the Kirti monastery in Ngaba prefecture, set fire to himself in protest at rule by Beijing, leading to a security crackdown by Chinese forces and the forced removal of about 300 monks from the monastery.

The London-based Free Tibet rights group has expressed concern that the same crackdown will take place in Tawu.

“Following Phuntsog’s death, the Chinese regime deployed troops onto the streets of Ngaba, forcibly removed hundreds of monks, imposed curfews, undertook house searches, and set up military roadblocks around the town which remain six months later," Free Tibet director Stephanie Brigden said in a statement.

"We have grave concerns over what could unfold in Tawu," she added.

“In the last few hours, telephone lines have been cut and Internet cafes closed in an effort to control news spreading across Tibet and to prevent news being shared with the outside world," Brigden said.

"We have received reports that the army has surrounded the monastery. We call on the Chinese authorities to act proportionately.”

Reported by Soepa Gyaltso for RFA’s Tibetan service. Translations by Dorjee Damdul. Written in English by Richard Finney.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Voice of dissent

Tibetan Mine Protesters Detained

2011-08-05
Local people fear environmental damage, harm to sacred sites.
RFA
Authorities have detained Tibetans protesting mines in Dzogang county during the last three months.
Chinese authorities have taken into custody two men identified as the “ringleaders” of Tibetan protests against mining in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), according to Tibetan sources.

The detentions follow a wave of roundups of other protesters who have sought to block mine operations in the TAR’s Chamdo prefecture during the last three months, sources said.

A local Tibetan, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that authorities detained the two—identified as a lama named Tendzin and a layman named Tashi—“around July 20.”

“With this, the number of people held in connection with the mining protest is estimated to be around 50,” the source said.

Reached for comment, a police official in Chamdo prefecture’s Dzogang (in Chinese, Zuogang) county confirmed on Friday that “two local people” had been detained, but hung up when asked for additional information.

Beaten, detained

Protests in Dzogang began in May, when local Tibetans learned that “around 200” Chinese laborers had been deployed to work at mines in “several locations” in the county, according to another source.

“Dzogang county authorities, in order to quash the protest, warned the local people that any demonstrations against the mining would be construed as politically motivated, and urged them to refrain from such actions,” the man said.

Police beat Tibetans in Dzogang county’s Bethong township when they appealed for a halt to mine operations, another source said, adding that county officials said the land on which the mines were located had already been sold to a Chinese company.

“The local people were told that the land belongs to local and county government, and that the people have no say in how the land is used,” he said.

On June 30, nine unidentified Tibetans were detained for protesting Chinese mining on a sacred mountain near the villages of Topa and Sapa in Bethong township, the same source said.

“A convoy of official cars and four military trucks descended on the villages and detained nine local people at around 9:30 p.m.,” the source said. “The detentions were in connection with earlier protests against the mining.”

Chinese military personnel were then deployed at four mining sites, and the movements of local villagers were restricted, the source added.

Delegates held

Then, on July 2, three village officials—Arsong, 56, Tashi Namgyal, 60, and Jamyang Thinley, 62—who had traveled as delegates to the Tibetan capital Lhasa to protest the mining and detentions, were taken into custody by Dzogang county police and brought back to Dzogang.

Two other groups of villagers were detained on July 6 and 7, the source said, naming some of those held as Ga Tashi, Tsesong, Buti, Lobsang Tsultrim, Delob, Butob, Gendun, Jamyang Nyima, and Bu Tashi.

On July 14, a lama named Nyima was also detained, the source continued.

Mining operations in Tibetan regions have led to frequent standoffs with Tibetans who accuse Chinese firms of disrupting sites of spiritual significance and polluting the environment as they extract local wealth.

Reported by Soepa Gyaltso, Dawa Dolma, and Dhondub Dorjee for RFA’s Tibetan service. Translations by Dorjee Damdul. Written in English by Richard Finney.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Monday, May 23, 2011

Breathtaking

Dr. Lobsang Sangay lives  up to Tibetan people's expectation. In this first interview by a Indian Natioal TV, he is very vocal and measured, and his message is loud and clear. Tibet's exile government has a fine spokesman, and great leader. In this interview I would give him 5 out of 5 .
http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/your-call/i-stand-for-the-middle-way-lobsang-sangay/200320

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Tibetan leafleting suspect held

I was surprised to see a video clip of the Tibetan monks being released are warmly welcomed by local Tibetans. It is a sign of their respect and reverence for their monks actions and achievement. Such footage emanating from Tibet is very rare indeed.

http://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/suspect-05172011160857.html

Summer pasture

Interesting movie,

Welcoming Heros

It is an amazing shot of how Tibetan have warmly recieved the expolitical prisioner.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wr0mYXOJWc&feature=player_embedded#at=14

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Tibetan warriors

When hundreds of Kirti monks are now  languishing in jail and their whereabout remains unknown, it is a shame to remain indifferent by Tibetans in foreign soil. That's way the peace march from NY to Washington D.C is a way to express solidarity and amplify their voices for the world to hear.

My curiosity picked me to ask how the idea of march was born to one of the core marchers. Like the 2008 sponteneous  uprising in Tibet, when news of dire situations in Amdo Ngaba  reached outside the world, Tibetans from all over the world  were saddened and angered. It spurred a chain of emotional outburst followed with a determination to stand up and to work to alleviate their sufferings and sorrows.

  Unsatisfied with the occassional shouting in front of the Chinese embassy in NY, few Tibetan from Amdo put forth the idea of taking a long March to Washington D.C. It was a courageous call to walk for the Kirti monks in Amdo Ngaba without any supervision or intervention from Tibetan NGO. In that way the ideas of walk spread to ten people, who are very motivated and strong willed to make the sacrifice and do something.

Most of the walkers are from Amdo, they are very patriotic people, and they are moved by the actions of kirti monks from Amdo. These ten warriors, three women and seven men walked two hundred fifty miles to reach their destination.

They were welcomed with open arms by Tibetans in the Capital area. Regional Tibetan Youth Congress hosted them lunch box in D.C and they provided snacks and tea at the welcome reception held at Vinna Community Centre.  It is an interesting scene to see the appreciation shown to these ten brave warriors. The Tibetan organizations have done commendable job in organizing such a warm reception. As one of the walkers, a monk who said that they are uneducated people, so walking to lend their support for Tibetan inside is the only way.  I would say, that it takes courage, sacrifce and gut to endure such a long journey.  These warriors spirit are high and their action speaks the importance of determination and will to struggle.

Their march might not have brought any tangile result in term of relieving the suffering of Kirti monks, but they reminded all Tibetans that kirti monks are in their darkest moment and they need us.

Their talk to the Tibetan children is inspiring and very beneficial. Tibetan sunday school have thought out an interesting program, where the children played the roles of hosting and welcoming the walkers. Hearing from the walkers would have impressed the youngsters.  This is an event that they can not forget, the kids are introduced to the importance of Tibetan language and keeping their Tibetan identity.  It helps.

It is indeed an inspiration to the Tibetan inside Tibet, what ever happens to the Tibetan brethern inside matters deeply to the Tibetan in exile. The voice of freedom rings and it echoes and it reverberates and amplified multiple times by Tibetan warriers like those ten I have seen today.

It is alway about unity,coupled with  solidarity brings strength and sustenenous to  a struggle. No matter how bleak is the situation in Tibetan, we should be reminded that a night will always be followed by a day. 

it reminds Rober Frost
"  The woods are dark, deep and lovely,
 but I have a miles to go before i sleep and miles to go before i sleep..."





Monday, May 2, 2011

His Holiness is well



I recall on my first field assignment to Ethica in upper state NY several ago, when I was covering the Dalai lama's audience with the local Tibetans. His Holines's presence is overpowering, and very serene. An air of tranquility and peace prevailed in the small hotel lobby, when some members of audience outburst with tears with joy and sadness, I couldnt control my self and joined the chorus. This time it was different, I was a reporter and acted professionally. I had the most amazing intimate close capture of  HH arriving at the Hotel.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

His Holiness arrives on May 2


"I take the path that is less travelled by others, that makes all the difference", it is not an exaggeration to state that I have have pioneered the possibility of assigned reporters to be able to send in video feed. With the required  trainning and proper equipment, you need not be a rocket scientist to single handledly film, edit and produce a several minutes of video feed.  I have proved that this is alternative that can be emulated by any reporters on their subseqent assignment. 

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Man of Moment

Today on April 27,2011 Tibetan election commission declared Dr. Lobsang Sangay as the  winner of the  third Kalon Tripa election. The harvard educated legal scholar flew from Boston and he had  a flurry of activities in washington D.C. It includes his last interview with RFA, and then with VOA followed by AFA, Reuter. Even BBC was frantic in reaching Lobsang say for interview  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-13205481   His comments and respons are well thought and measured. He has the knack of addressing western media that none other candidate could possibly have done.


 He was indeed the man of the moment, extremely demanding, charismatic, articulate and friendly. He seized the opportunity to field quetions and grand interviews to many media outlets. His day one went without a hitch but with great hype.  It is encouraging and news to see the level of interest and importance given to his victory by international media.  I have already imagined, that Dr. Lobsang Sangay is a media savvy personality. His personality will bring much deserved attention to the plight of Tibetan people.
 
 I was a strong supporter of his candidancy from the day one till to the day of his landslid victory. His win signify the yearn for a change among the Tibetan dispora. Tibetan media, and lots of them have smeared, slandered Sangay, but to no vail.  He emerged as  people's prime minister.  It was a day that Tibetan exile have joined the mainstream of world democracy.  As Lobsang himself said, it is a unmistakeble signal to China that the younger generation of Tibetan exile government is set to lead the Tibetan movement with much vigour and valor. 
 
It is a  new chapter in the history of Tibetan exile and a new biggining for a new kind of struggle for Tibetan exile, with a lay person at the helm of the Central Tibetan Administration. It is a now time for all Tibetan to put aside any interal  political bickering and work toward for the greater cause of free Tibet.   Under the new leadership of Kalon Tripa, Tibetan has much to be exicited and hopeful. Exile Tibetan have elected an energetic and innovative and forward thinking scholard to lead the cause.
Dalai Lama announced his complete retirement and the process of delvoving all this power to elected Tibetan leadership has well underway. The Tibetan Chater is being revised to meet the Dalai Lama's wishes. That will vest great power on the person of Kalon Tripa.  I wish Tibetan Prime Minister elect Dr. Lobsang Sangay my best wishes, and may his vision for the future Tibetan being fulfilled.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Decision points

Soon after he left office, the 43rd former president of United State started to write his memoir" Decions Points". Running over 481 pages, the book is a great achievement for the president in laying out his legacy for the posterity. What a fine and phenomenal feat George W, Bush has crafted. My prospective of George W,Bush has been changed by the great insights on Bush illuminated in  book. Consequently I  respect him as a man of faith, and great integrity. His Dad wrote to him quoting " I love you more than tongue can tell".

On the chapter under Freedom Agenda, he has proudly scripted of his five time meeting with  His Holiness the Dalai Lama and being the first U.S president appearing with Dalai Lama in public. He shared with Hu that he was planning to attend the ceremony where the Dalai Lama would recieve the Congressional Gold Medal.  He told China's leaders they should not fear him . "This is not meant as a slap at China", Bush said "but as a measure of my respect for the Dalai lama and for the U.S congress", for he was a strong belief in religious freedom. Presuemablly Hu replied that this is a politically sensitive issue in China, " ...it will draw very strong reaction from the Chinese people". Bush rightly pointed out China wants stability, we want freedom.

Bush wrote that he found that the Dalai Lama to be a "Charming, peaceful man" whom Chinese leaders should embrace.  I recall that His Holiness said that he "loved" Bush, for he is straightforward and honest.

Courageous, candid, cunning, comical and contemplative, curious , conscioustious would be my abjectives to describe Bush.   I feel elated for having read this wellwritten great book. At times, Bush's sense of humor have strewn over the pages. Any events that come to his desk, he dealt it with the best interest of American people. He weighed each issues with its pros and cons and he regreted not of any decision that he delivered upon careful thoughts. The job of an American president is mindblogging, especially Bush had faced many national crisis during his presidency. Yet he handled them deftly and swiftly and carefully. I know the media pundits, have badmouthed Bush excessively, and his approval rating has plunged in the final years in white house.   But I have no doubt, read this book, and it will turn the tide, the books is a testament of Bush's sterling record as a great president, who steward America at times of great upheaval and crisis.

Bush was a very pragmatic and pratical person, as he wrote "let my actions send the messages". He is not that a gifted speaker as the current president Obama. But Bush is a man of a principle and god fearing. he belivers strongly that action speaks lounder than words and he practised it during his presidency. One of his favourite Bible verse for politicians Mathew 7:3-"Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye"?

His memoir provides excellent insights on leadership, family value, religious faith and political ambitious. In the the first chapter, Bush wrote about his drinking habit and how he kicked the habit. He has beautifully summised his determination that was fueld by faith "I would not have quit drinking without faith. I also dont think my faith could be as strong if I hadnt quit drinking. I believe God helped open my eyes,which were closing because of booze"  and Bush always felt he had a special connection to the words of "Amazing Grace" :" I Once was lost, but now am found/ was blind, but now I see".

The power of words has been fully revealed on the pages of "Decision Points", it has established the Bush cow boy as a family guy, friendly and funny.  It is a must read for any one who is interested in humanity and humility.   This phenomenal memoir openned my unsatiated desire to know and read more other political memoirs, as Bush family has two other best seller by Laura and his daugher Jena. I have spent over 20$ to purchase the book and it was most fulfilling investment for me.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Happy time in Old Tibet

“Happy time in old Tibet”


Ten years of research and writing has resulted with this historical novel. Drawing from the theme of love, life and social situation of the old Tibet, Zhurai, a Chinese woman writer has woven what seemed to be an interesting and lively work of historical significance for Tibetan. Speaking at ICT to a minuscule audience of Tibetan and American, she has shared her determination to probe further the reality of old Tibet, at the background of what Chinese propaganda has been projecting the old Tibet as “dark society, barbaric”. The talk in Chinese, that was translated in English focused on her effort and interaction with the real people of Tibet, who belongs to different social status of the old Tibet. My understanding is the book is based on a true life account of some of the living characters of the historical novel. But the book has been written in a fictional, novel style.

My initial impression of the book is some pure research historical works of a writer, who makes a case against Chinese propaganda. The talk generated good discussion and curious questions from the audience. However, as the author said, the Chinese government didn’t receive the book positively. Its publication was denied by communist government in mainland China, so she has to publish it in Taiwan. I feel In order to fully appreciate the work of literature, a thorough reading is essential, albeit it is written in Chinese mandarin.

The author looks very gentle with a mild character and interesting personality. With a great sense of humility, she spoke of what she believed to be the true. “She portrayed a very perfect old Tibet society”, shared by one of the audience members. The author to my astonishment confidently said there was no serfdom in Tibet. She said it was a creation of the Chinese government for propaganda reason. There are nobles, merchant and farmers. There was only one instance of Tibetan farmers ever revolted, in Tibet’s 2000 history. It is a strong indication of the complacency attitude of the farmers, whereas in China, peasant revolt is a recurring phenomenon. The ICT lecture series is often very informative and eye-opener to many issues. I was glad, I could make it.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

March protest 2011


A Tibetan monk arrested after lone protest.


Tibetans in Tibet have observed March 10th, in various covert forms despite of extremely clamp down. According to source from Kangdze in kham , a Tibetan monk has protested on March 10th in Kandze County, coinciding the the 52nd anniversary of Tibetan national uprising day.



Around 12:00noon on March 10, 2011, a monk from Kham Gonjo shouted slogans, for free Tibet in Kandze county market areas, in the presence of big crowd. He was alone. The monk is in his 50s.


His name is Wangchen Gelek , from Gonjo. He is originally from Amtsong Monastery in kham before joining Dothong monastery in kham Kandze and stayed there five years..

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Horror and Hope



A Tibetan documentary film titled "Horror And Hope"was released,coinciding one year  anniversary of the deadly Jyekundo earth quake.

click here for the release of the story http://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/film-03312011123112.html

The documentary chronicles the rescue efforts by all those came to assist aftermath of the earthquake,was produced by a local Jyekundo resident. While the film was distributing and circulating in shops, the Chinese government has banned it.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

03/10

You can beat me dark and blue, but our yearn for freedom will remain unwavering. Nepali policemen are "extremely aggressive", said by an eye witness in Kathmandu. The video clip testify Nepali police violently lash out against Tibetan protesters, without any provocation. They are no different than the Chinese policemen  in Tibet.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/tibet/8373152/Police-clash-with-pro-Tibet-protesters-in-Nepal.html

Dalai Lama cede political power

 Not matter what the media pundits and analysts speculate, the Dalai lama is paving way for the continuity of Tibetan struggle by squarely putting the responsibility on a new breed of leadership. The Dalai Lama renouncing his ceremonial power is  hard for the Tibetan to digest. But as Holiness said, the exile democracy has fully matured and now is the time. I agree to what the BBC correspondent in Bejing said
"By devolving political power, the Dalai Lama is trying to ensure Tibetans will have an elected leader they can look to, who is outside China and beyond the Communist Party's control". see the detail article.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12689911
Tibetan exile should be proud of having such a beloved and most progressive leader. Who nurtured the exile Tibetan democracy to its full potential and now letting it stand on its own feet. Bejing will have  sleepless night. As a spokewoman of Bejing said this is a "trick" to international community. Dalai Lama possess a vision and political will that frighten the communist leaders.
I believe Tibet China conflict is a race against time, with a robust exile democracy, Tibetan can waite for decades and democracy will win eventually.

TYC protests

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Chinese theives

Tibetan offers everything to the monastery to attain salvation and for good fortune, but not all Chinese nationals would perceive it in the same way. An attempted bulgary at Tibetan monastery were prevented by monks, read the detail story by clicking here..
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/break-in-03082011160143.html

Monday, March 7, 2011

Man Monk & Mystic

An authorized biography of the most celebrated world leader, Man, Monk & Mystic is a fascinating tale of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The title is fitting as the author attempted to describe the Dalai Lama in his multi-dimensional roles.
 He observed "I have seen many spiritual masters in my career, but there are very few who switch so effortlessly between their ordinary mortal concerns, their renunciatory  objectives, and their mystical calling as the Dalai Lama does".

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

A Fallen Hero


"Oh my God", I have yelled out, and I was completely shocked, extremely saddened, when I first read the news of tragic death of Jigme Norbu la. This shocking news has been flashed in most major wire news and they all have attributed his walk for Tibetan independence as a cause for his untimely death. Jigme Norbu meet his tragic end on a Florida highway, when he is walking for global peace and Tibetan independence. He was hit by a sport utility and killed on the spot.


http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=29110&article=Dalai+Lama%E2%80%99s+nephew+killed+by+a+car+while+walking+for+Tibet
He is dead while on duty. He gave up his life for the Tibetan people. A Tibetan hero's tragic death is  a great loss for peace loving people and those who fought for  Tibetan independence.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Third generation

A sense of camaraderie have been built among these young and third generation of Tibetans in exile. The sense of oneness and one voice and their desire to channelize their energy and time for a cause is completely voluntary act. They are taking parts in demonstrations to voice protest against Chinese leaders' recent visit to Washington D.C. These young Tibetans galvanize resources through fund raising for an awareness and for community activities for the run up to Kalachakra initiation in summer.  Out of the numerous activities under way coinciding  the Dalai Lama's Kalachakra is a basket ball tournament, with participants from Tibetan communities all over America.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Incredible Tsampa

 Jamyang Norbu la's  article on  Tibetan culinary is illuminating and empowering.  I was thrilled to read his  part I  of the article and look forward to read up coming parts too. After going through his piece on Tsampa  I feel great of being a Tibetan Tsapa eater.  We all know what Tsampa and the process of eating,  but JN's writings is extremely lucid, humorous and very telling. This is the gift  of great writer, and essayist. The complete article can be viewed here.


http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=29080&article=IN+DEFENCE+OF+TIBETAN+COOKING+%28Part+I%29+%E2%80%93+Jamyang+Norbu




I have also listened to a great song on Tsapa by a Tibetan singer.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfh2wwQwJychttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfh2wwQwJyc

Monday, February 7, 2011

Karmapa conundrum

Could the massive overhaul of stashed away cash in monastic residency of Karmapa is stage managed ? are the Indian authorities tipped off by a disgruntled party with ulterior motive ? Is this raid and the discovery of large chunk of cash from Karmapa's office  emerge to be the  iceberg of a bigger set up ? Would this crisis of  karmapa conundrum be a blessing in disguise?  There are more questions whirling around in our mind, than could possibly be answered.

The central government of Indian is probing into Karmapa,s source of foreign currency, including Chinese yuan.  and the legitimacy of land deal and cash possessions. Eventually the result of investigation could lead to two conclusions:
1. Karmapa has no connection with the Chinese authorities at all, and hence Indian government's suspicion of Karmapa will be cleared and that could pave his way to Rumten monastery in Skkimm, and greater freedom of movement for the wise young lama.

Or 

2. The Indian government found some suspicious activities of Karmapa that could not be independently verified, hence Indian government's determination to keep a lid on the young lama justified. And his future movement will further be restricted in the future.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Hu, nudged on rights.

Hu's three days state visit to United State and his meeting with President Obama was hailed by Bejing as a "new chapter" in the Sino-US relationships. Whatever maybe the objective of President Hu's visit, China's rise as a world power  is well recognized by international communities and particulary the United State. Washington accorded the highest honour of warm receptions to the visiting guest with 21 gun solutes, a state dinner. But the US sides were determined to score points or deliver actions besides all the pageantry. A $ 45 billion us export deals were signed by the presidents. US president, congressmen, even reporters  all have nailed down China on human rights. For the first time Hu Jingtao was compelled to admit that "a lot needs to be done" on human in China.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Hu's response to Post

Tibet issues is apparantely one of the major sensitive issues  dogged Sino-US relationships. It is reported, Hu did not respond to all the questions including one on Liu Xiabo. Hu blamed on translation and technical problem when he appeared to be dodging questions on human rights when the first time by Associate Press, at the white house press conference.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/16/AR2011011601921.html?referrer=emailarticle

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Buddhism & Democracy


            Democracy and Buddhism are compatiable, in the sense that both put people's interest above anything else,says one of the panelists at a roundable discussion held at ICT this Firday, on the topic " Electing Leaders without a Territory: Challenges to Tibetan Democracy in Exile." While the 2011 exile Kalon Prime Minister's elections have become the hot topic in Tibet dispora, such a thoughtful discourse by outside observers was timely and appropriate.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Foe by J.M Coetzee

   There are some books to be read, others to be digested, some to be cherished, some to be forgotten and others to be treasured.

“Foe is a finely honed testament to its author’s intelligence, imagination, and skill…the writing is lucid and precise, the landscape depicted mythic yet specific”. This New York Times review and other book critics heaped accolade on the fine texture of the novel. Acclaimed writer and the winner of the Nobel Prize in literature, Coetzee’s Foe is magnificent work of art to be cherished and treasured.

One's mission

Gene Smith's legacy for the world and humanity...

http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=28852&article=E.+Gene+Smith%2c+Who+Helped+to+Save+Tibetan+Literary+Canon%2c+Dies+at+74

Sunday, January 2, 2011

New York Debate

I was geared up to watch the New York Kalon Trip debate in live through the web cast. And it is very disappointing when the technical difficulties failed my expectation. As the connection failed repeatedly after few rounds of questions  and I missed 90% of the proceedings (fortunately, the entire debate was posted on Tibetan community association website afterward)http://www.tcnynj.org/events.html
 However, the start went smoothly, and this is what I have observed.

In tune with Tibetan custom of respecting the elders, the eldest candidates Tashing Wangdue was called in first. Dr. Lobsang Sangay call in the last.