Category: Exile News

Dedicated Tibetans Making a Difference

October 12, 2023

Jamyang Tenzin, a dedicated Tibetan resident from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India, has initiated a remarkable Cycle Rally campaign under the banner “We Never Forget Tibet.” Commencing on October 12, 2023, the campaign encompasses a challenging journey covering approximately 2000km, with its conclusion in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, located in the north-eastern region of India.

The “We Never Forget Tibet” Cycle Rally Campaign is underpinned by four fundamental objectives:

1.        The campaign’s primary mission is to create widespread awareness about Tibetan issues and educate people regarding the significance of the Tibetan cause.

2.        Within the Tibetan community, the campaign serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need and the utmost urgency of the Tibetan freedom struggle.

3.        The campaign aspires to gather good wishes, providing a robust foundation for the successful execution of various activities initiated by the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile in the upcoming year.

4.        This cycle rally campaign is envisioned to be an inspiration for Tibetan youth, encouraging them to become proactive advocates for Tibetan freedom. The hope is that this rally will kindle the spirit of young Tibetans, inspiring them to engage in more freedom-related campaigns in the future.

Jamyang Tenzin, an enthusiastic advocate for the Tibetan cause, has committed himself to promote awareness about the Sino-Tibet conflict and garner support for the just cause of Tibet. Notably, he participated in the TYC Indo-Tibet Border bike rally in 2020, where he made a significant impact as one of the oldest participants.

In addition to Jamyang Tenzin’s remarkable journey, there are numerous other Tibetan individuals who voluntarily dedicate themselves to the cause of Tibet. One such exemplary figure is Tenzin Tsundue la, who has been tirelessly and single-handedly contributing to the promotion of awareness about Tibet among the Indian masses and foreigners. His decades-long advocacy work continues day and night in the pursuit of Tibet’s freedom.His activism and poetry serve as a profound inspiration fueling my dedication to the Tibetan cause.

Another notable activist and advocate of the Tibetan cause is Sangye Kyab la, a schoolmate of mine. For years, Sangye Kyab has been staging protests in front of the Chinese Consulate every Wednesday and has undertaken extensive cycling and walking journeys across Canada. His commitment involves promoting awareness about the atrocities committed by the Chinese Communist Party in Tibet, and his resolute act of replacing a Chinese flag with a Tibetan flag atop a high flagpole remains an inspiring gesture. Pema Kunga la, a member of Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Toronto, and his friends are running a marathon campaign to seek support for the Tibetan cause.

Further afield, in Australia, activist Tenpa Dhargyal la abstains from celebrating Tibetan New Year each year. Instead, he mourns the loss of Tibetan martyrs and reminds all of the greater cause of Tibetan freedom. Additionally, Jordhen and Ven Bakdo, former political prisoners, regularly engage in protests in front of the Chinese Embassy in Australia.

Mr. Thupten Choenyi la is another dedicated advocate, actively participating in protests in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Through a year-long protest campaign, he has displayed exceptional courage and determination despite challenges posed by individual Chinese citizens and adverse climate conditions.

Tenzin Dhondup la has embarked on a remarkable journey, walking from Dharamshala to Nathula on the Indo-Tibet border in the Northeast Region of India. His mission is to promote awareness about the critical situation inside Tibet.

These are just a few examples of the many Tibetan individuals who are making tireless efforts to advocate for the voiceless Tibetans inside Tibet. I believe that if every Tibetan takes on the responsibility of fighting for the cause of Tibet, drawing inspiration from the words of Tibetan martyrs, there is hope to keep the question of Tibet’s independence and just cause alive.

Now more than ever, the contributions of every Tibetan are crucial to promoting awareness about the critical situation inside Tibet and garnering the support of the international community for the restoration of Tibet’s freedom.

By Sonsnow

Condemn the countries for voting in favour of China in the UN Human Rights Council:

The recent re-election of China to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for a sixth term has sparked widespread international disapproval and criticism. This re-election, despite China’s well-documented human rights violations in Tibet and other colonized countries, raises significant concerns about the credibility and effectiveness of the UNHRC.

China’s record on human rights, particularly in Tibet, has long been a subject of international scrutiny and concern. Reports of repression, cultural erasure, and the denial of basic freedoms have drawn criticism from human rights organizations, governments, and activists worldwide. Despite this, China has consistently secured its seat on the UNHRC, leading to questions about the integrity and impartiality of the council.

The international community, human rights organizations, and Tibet advocacy groups have vehemently criticized China’s re-election. It is seen as a blatant contradiction for a country with a history of human rights abuses to hold a seat on a council tasked with promoting and protecting human rights.

Advocacy groups and concerned nations are calling for greater accountability within the UNHRC. They argue that a reformed election process should consider a country’s human rights record before granting it membership on the council.

The election results reveal that 154 countries voted in favour of China’s re-election. This widespread support for a nation with a tarnished human rights record is alarming and has led to accusations that many countries are turning a blind eye to the atrocities committed by the Chinese Communist Party

For Tibetans, this re-election intensifies our struggle to draw attention to the ongoing human rights violations in Tibet. It underscores the need for more effective international mechanisms to address these issues.

There is a growing demand for a comprehensive review of the UNHRC’s membership criteria and election process. The focus should be on ensuring that countries with credible human rights records are the ones entrusted with safeguarding global human rights standards.

Tibet advocacy groups and human rights organizations will continue our efforts to raise awareness about the situation in Tibet and other colonized countries. Public pressure, awareness campaigns, and advocacy will remain critical in pushing for change.

Collaboration between governments, organizations, and individuals committed to human rights remains essential. It is through collective efforts that the international community can push for change within the UNHRC and hold China accountable for its actions in Tibet and other countries. 

China’s re-election to the UNHRC has sparked outrage and calls for reform. It highlights the need for a more rigorous assessment of a country’s human rights record as a criterion for council membership. Despite this setback, we remains dedicated to advocating for human rights and justice, particularly for Tibet and other countries experiencing oppression under the Chinese government. The struggle continues, and international solidarity is a key element in the pursuit of change and accountability.

By Sonsnow (Wrote with Al writing assistant)

Prostration for the World Peace

Ven. Kalsang Tenzin, a dedicated monk hailing from Amdo, embarked on an extraordinary pilgrimage in 2008. His journey took him from his homeland to India via Nepal, with the noble intention of promoting world peace. Motivated by the rich Tibetan tradition of prostrate pilgrimage, Ven. Kalsang Tenzin embraced the arduous path as a means of deepening his devotion and spiritual growth.

Offering Khata to Ven Kalsang Tenzin la by myself

The Tibetan people hold profound reverence for their leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Many Tibetans from the Kham and Amdo regions undertake pilgrimages to Lhasa, yearning for a glimpse of His Holiness Dalai Lama’s seat in the magnificent Potala Palace and to pay homage to the sacred sites in the area. Additionally, groups of Tibetans embark on pilgrimages to sacred places like Mount Kailash, forming strong bonds with one another under the name of “Choedruk.”

Ven Kalsang Tenzin, somewhere in Tibet

Reflecting on my own childhood, I recall a time when my parents embarked on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, leaving me in the care of my grandmother and other relatives. In their absence, I diligently tended to the family’s yaks and sheep, hoping that the merit gained from my parents’ sacred journey would also extend to me. As fate would have it, my hopes came to fruition, and now I find myself able to visit the holy sites in India and receive the blessings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. In gratitude, I fervently wish for my prayers and blessings to reach my parents in return.

Image Source, VOA

After an arduous nine-month journey from Bodhgaya to Dharamshala by covering more than 2000 km, Ven Kalsang Tenzin finally arrived at his destination—the Dalai Lama’s temple in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala. Overwhelmed with emotions, he prostrated himself three times at the residence gate of His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama. Then he proceeded to the main temple, where he offered heartfelt prayers for the well-being of all sentient beings and the attainment of global peace. The fulfillment of his long-awaited dream brought tears of joy, gratitude, and deep spiritual fulfillment to his eyes.

Image Source, RFA

Kalsang Tenzin’s extraordinary journey and his arrival at the Dalai Lama’s temple symbolize his unwavering devotion to the spiritual path he has chosen. Through his pilgrimage, he manifests his commitment to promoting peace in the world. His prayers, accompanied by tears born from both joy and compassion, reverberate with a heartfelt hope that peace will prevail on Earth, benefiting all sentient beings.

Somewhere in Tibet

Tibet Matters March


The Tibetan Youth Congress organized a month-long “Tibet Matters March”, which has commenced on Tibetan Martyr’s Day on the 29th of April 2023. A month-long march was kicked off from the state of Sikkim crossing West Bengal, and conclude at Tezpur in Assam. TYC volunteers participating from across the Tibetan Youth Congress Regional Chapters in India and Nepal.

Flag-off ceremony of the Tibetan Youth Congress’s “Tibet Matters March” in presence of forest Minister of the state, Sikkim.

The following particular date and place are outlined to send a clear and concrete message to the G20 leaders that China’s “diplomatic assurances” are not to be trusted.

On 23rd May 1951, Tibetan delegates were forced to sign a “Seventeen-Point Agreement” with unacceptable intimidation, and large-scale military retaliation. The Tibetan delegates were also given the only choice of either signing the “Agreement” on their authority or accepting responsibility for an immediate armed indulgence in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet.

For the next eight years, Tibetans tried to abide by the terms of this document but China, on the other hand, showed no inclination to honour its own part of the “Agreement”, and PLA immediately set out to inflict unbelievable atrocities upon the Tibetan people and occupied Tibet in 1959. H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama was forced to flee Tibet and the Tibetan government (Kashag) repudiated the so-called “17th Point Agreement” in the Yugyal Lhuntse District of Tibet on 26th March 1959, and again on his arrival in Tezpur in Assam (India), H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama internationally repudiated the “17-point Agreement as having been “thrust upon Tibetan government and people by the threat of arms.”

“Tibet Matters March” aims to urge the G20 leaders to raise the issue of the Sino-Tibet conflict which plays a significant role in resolving the growing tension between China and a number of countries in Southeast Asia.

The very survival of almost 2 billion people depends on the freshwater resources originating from the Tibetan plateau. The continued exploitation of the Tibetan landscape, ecosystem, and natural resources by the Chinese Communist regime will produce a direct impact and long-lasting negative consequences for the downstream countries. Therefore, it’s high time to talk about Tibet which significantly matters in promising and promoting permanent peace and security in Asia. 

After more than six decades of forceful and illegal occupation of Tibet, China has turned Tibet into the world’s least-free country, sharing the bottom spot with South Sudan and Syria in Freedom House’s global freedom scores. The current human rights situation in Tibet has been one of the worst in recent years with the forceful imposition of repressive policies that primarily aims to eliminate the very Identity of Tibetans.

Under the Chinese colonial education system, over one million Tibetan children have been separated from their families and forcefully placed into Chinese state-run colonial boarding schools. It is a genocidal policy to indoctrinate Tibetan children from their cultural roots: the Tibetan language, Tibetan religion, and cultural heritage.

And under the Chinese massive surveillance system, they have been taking their hands-on mass collection of Tibetan DNA samples including children as young as five. We believe this is their newest attack on Tibetan identity, massive surveillance on individual privacies, and freedom of movement inside Tibet. Therefore, Today, Tibetan Youth Congress urges the international community and the G20 leaders, in particular, to raise the Tibet issue with the Chinese leaders.


Demands:

1) We urge the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi Ji, and world leaders to raise the issue of the Sino-Tibet conflict with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the G20 summit in September 2023.

2) We demand the Chinese government addresses the ever-deteriorating human rights situation under its repressive rule in Tibet and immediately shut down the colonial boarding schools that attack and eliminate the Tibetan culture and identity.

3) We also seek the support of international community in resolving the Sino-Tibet conflict.

Currently the Tibetan Youth Congress volunteers have reached in Alipurduar in West Bengal and entering in the Assam state in two days.

Despite the difficulties of the heat-waves hitting more than 35’C, the volunteers continue to walk under the scorching sun to amplify their voices.

Marytrs’ Memorial Basketball Tournament Resumes after two years.

The opening match was between All-Star Team (Green-light) and the Team Lhakar (Black). Pic-credit: VOT

The largest and oldest Tibetan Basketball Tournament organised by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Dhasa resumed after two years of Covid Chaos.
The Tournament begins in the mid of September every year, and the final match is often scheduled on the 7th of October, on the founding day of the Tibetan Youth Congress, the largest Non-governmental organisations of Tibetan Community in Exile.

Team Garuda (Blue) and Brute Team (White)

This year, there were 8 boys’ teams and 2 girls’ teams that were participating in the tournament. Team Drokpa ( Nomad Team) and Team Mentsekhang, the teams dominating the Tournament in the past years have not taken part this year.


The 20th Martyrs’ Memorial Basketball Tournament was scheduled to kick off on 25th September 2022, but was delayed by a day due to the heavy rainfall in Dharamshala.

Brute Team player in action Pic-credit: Sonsnow

The Tournament attracts people of all ages from the hill station which is popularly known as the little Lhasa. You will see students in their uniforms rushed to the venue to witness their much-awaited matches. It is also common to see monks and nuns in their red robes running from their retreat centres to the tournament site to see the skills of the young men and women who are taking part in the Tournament.
This Tournament aims to create awareness among the younger generations about the Tibetan Martyrs who sacrificed their precious life for the cause of Tibet. It also hopes to promote much-needed health awareness among Tibetans.

The Tournament started after 10th March 1998. Tibetan Youth Congress organized a Hunger Strike unto death at Jantar Mantar New Delhi as per the resolution adopted during the 27th and 28th Working Committee Meeting held in Mussoorie and Orissa. The hunger strike coincided with the 39th Tibetan National Uprising Day and was intended to draw global attention, thereby compelling the United Nations to implement the International Council of Jurists (ICJ’s) recommendations on Tibet. There were six hunger strikers representing the six million Tibetans. On the 48th day of the hunger strike, the remaining three hunger strikers were forcefully dragged by the Indian police. Thupten Ngodup, who had volunteered to be in the second batch of hunger strikers ran to the public toilet where he had hidden a jar of petrol, poured it onto his body, and set himself ablaze for the cause of Tibet. His self-immolation drew the attention of the media all around the world. He suffered 90 percent burns and was declared dead two days later on 29th April 1998.

In memory of the late Pawo Thupten Ngodup and thousands of other Tibetan martyrs, the day has since been marked as Tibetan Martyrs Day by the TYC, and Regional Tibetan Youth Congress started the tournament two years later in memory of the Tibetan Martyrs.

Tournament Poster

TWA exposed CCP’s ill-treatment of Tibetans amidst the rise of Covid Cases in Tibet.

Amidst the increasing rise of Covid cases in Tibet, China continues to impose severe lockdown policies in the big cities of Lhasa and Shigatse in the Tibet Autonomous Regions.
Tibetans continue to express their outrage against the poorly facilitated quarantine centers.

Tibetan Women’s Association centrex, along with its Regional Chapter, Dharamshala played a Short Skit at Mcleod Ganj, exposing the Chinese ill-treatment of the Tibetans with the zero Covid policy.


Their press statement states that “We request to all the leaders for your urgent help in this crucial matter. Tibet needs your support. Tibetans are facing extreme violations from the Chinese communist party. Recently Chinese government started conducting COVID-19 tests, which led to inhumane behaviour toward the Tibetans from the Chinese Officials. Chinese communist party has been forcefully taking Tibetans regardless of their age, even a 2-year-old could not escape the torture of the CCP. As per the reports, thousands of Tibetan people were inhumanely dragged into a good carrier and were placed in a mass internment camp.

Irrespective of their COVID reports, both positive and negative patients were put into the same camp with unhygienic washrooms and toilets. If so, the Tibetans went against their commands, they were threatened to exploit their basic rights. Even with such atrocities behaviour from the Chinese Officials, the Tibetan people accepted to follow the command to be quarantined however they were treated in an obnoxious way.
They were served with stale and decaying food. They were exploited mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially.
In a recently circulated video, people have expressed their struggle in meeting the necessities and not knowing their families’ whereabouts. An innocent stated *send us back to our home, we want to live, we will die here in this conferment room”


During the pandemic, the Chinese officials launched a helpline number that claims to help the citizen during the crisis but in actuality, the citizens are unable to reach the given number. The stripping of the Basic Human Rights of the Tibetan people is still an ongoing issue. Chinese officials are using COVID as an excuse to exterminate the Tibetan population. Tibetan people are injected and the purpose of vaccination is a mystery.

The Tibetan people are going through a wide range of violence in the name of quarantine. We the Tibetan women’s association urged the world health organizations and the higher authoritarian of the respective organizations to look into this urgent issue. The people of Tibet are in waiting of hope for your support and to take action immediately.

More and more Tibetans are coming out into social media and airing their frustrations against the Chinese government for failing to provide adequate meals and care for people detained under the guise of covid prevention.

One Tibetan women in her video expressed, “Why detaining us in this poorly facilitated detention, we would rather choose to die in our own home.”