"I have enough time to rest, but I don't have a minute to waste". Come and catch me with your wise words and we will have some fun with our words of wisdom.
In a startling development, Golok Palden, a renowned Tibetan singer celebrated for his charisma and sense of humor, has been detained and sentenced to three years for singing a patriotic song. Golok Palden gained popularity for his captivating performances in traditional song competitions earlier this year, earning praise and love from Tibetans across the globe.
The Chinese government’s repressive policies have taken a concerning turn, particularly targeting Tibetan intellectuals dedicated to preserving and promoting Tibetan culture. Golok Palden’s case serves as a stark example of the oppressive measures imposed on those who strive to uphold their cultural identity.
I call on the support of advocacy groups and human rights organizations for his immediate release, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rich Tibetan cultural heritage from forced assimilation policies implemented by the Chinese government.
This incident underscores the broader challenges faced by Tibetan artists and intellectuals who find themselves in the crosshairs of policies that aim to suppress dissent and erode the distinct cultural identity of Tibetans.
This powerful story encapsulates the profound sacrifice and unwavering commitment of a Tibetan prisoner. This narrative revolves around Takna Jigme Sangpo la, a Tibetan political prisoner faced with a pivotal choice.
Amidst adversity, Takna Jigme Sangpo la was presented with an opportunity to leave prison and seek medical treatment in the United States. However, this prospect came with a daunting condition—a commitment to never return to his beloved Tibet. In the face of this ultimatum, Takna Jigme Sangpo la made a choice that would resonate through the corridors of history.
When questioned about his seemingly unconventional decision, his response echoed with the clarity of purpose and a profound commitment to the cause of freedom: “I want to return to a Free Tibet.” These words encapsulate not just a personal longing but the collective aspiration of a people yearning for freedom from oppression and the restoration of fundamental rights.
Takna Jigme Sangpo la’s story embodies profound resilience and an unwavering dedication to the dream of a free homeland. It illustrates that the pursuit of freedom and justice often demands sacrifices, both personal and profound. His refusal to compromise on principles, even in the face of personal freedom, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit that beats within the heart of the Tibetan people.
In stories like these, we find inspiration—a reminder that the flame of freedom burns brightest in the hearts that refuse to be extinguished. Takna Jigme Sangpo la, Tibet’s longest-serving political prisoner until his release in 2002 due to international pressure, remains an enduring symbol of courage, determination, and the unyielding pursuit of a brighter future.
May his story echo as a source of inspiration, urging us all to stand firm in our convictions and work tirelessly towards a world where freedom and justice prevail.
Introduction: We have a deep and strong connection with our leader, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who holds immense significance in our fight for freedom and the preservation of our rich culture. However, under Chinese rule, Tibetans in Tibet face limitations on their religious and cultural practices, including restrictions on publicly commemorating significant events related to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Restrictions and Challenges Faced by Tibetans in Tibet: Under Chinese rule, Tibetans are unable to openly display images of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama or publicly celebrate his birthday. Such restrictions have created an environment where observing His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s birthday openly is seen as an act of defiance against Chinese authorities. These restrictions are part of the Chinese government’s policy towards Tibet, which has been forcefully imposed for the past six decades.
Finding Ways to Honor and Celebrate: Despite the restrictions, Tibetans in Tibet have found creative ways to honor and celebrate His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s birthday. Symbolic mediums, such as offering butter lamps and Sangsols on high hills and mountains, are some of the common ways to demonstrate their devotion. As the Chinese began to impose more tighter rules and regulations, Tibetans express their wishes for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s well-being by posting the numeric representation of his age and symbols like his hat, hands, and slippers.
Resilience and Faith of the Tibetan People: The resilience and unwavering faith of Tibetans in the face of adversity are their greatest strengths. Despite physical constraints and mental torture imposed by Chinese authorities, they maintain deep trust in Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and his leadership. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s message of hope and resilience resonates with Tibetans around the world, serving as a symbol of inspiration.
Expressions of Devotion: Tibetans express their devotion through heartfelt messages alongside images of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s hand. One message translates to “Long live the lifeline of the snow land, the Symbol of Peace,” while another conveys birthday wishes on his 88th birthday. These expressions reflect the deep reverence and longing for his safe return to a free Tibet.
Social media Pictures posted by the Tibetans in Tibet.
Conclusion: The restrictions faced by Tibetans in Tibet regarding the celebration and expression of their devotion to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama highlight the ongoing struggle for freedom and cultural preservation. Despite these challenges, Tibetans in Tibet find alternative ways to honor and celebrate the auspicious occasions of their root guru. The unwavering faith and resilience of the Tibetan people serve as a testament to their deep spiritual connection and their commitment to the cause of Tibetan freedom.
I had an opportunity to attend a discussion on the Report, “Desecration in Drago County” published by the Tibet Watch and the Free Tibet. This is one of the many pieces of evidence coming out of Tibet at the cost of many lives.
“Violence ensued with the Chinese police firing upon an entire family of a Tibetan protester, including their dog, a Tibetan mastiff. Described by the source as a “rainstorm of bullets” (Tib: མེ་མདས་དྲག་ཆར་།), the shooting was reported by Tibetan media outlets» but not covered in wider English language media. Encircled at their home, the gunfire killed two brothers: Yeshi Samdup and his cousin Yeshi Rigsel. Their sibling Yonten Sangpo was shot in his neck, and Sanglha, their mother who was in her 70s, was shot in her left hand. Yonten’s wife was tied outside her home in handcuffs while their house was ransacked by the police authorities; a sacred golden statue and some cash kept at their house was seized and their motorcycle was burned. Five little girls were also wounded. The police then tied a noose around the neck of Yeshi Samdup and Yeshi Rigsel and dragged their bodies downhill. Even as Yonten was profusely bleeding from the gunshot in his neck, he was forcibly taken to the police station and beaten without mercy.”
We could imagine something like this happene only in the movies. But this is happening in Tibet, and Tibetans are witnessing and experiencing it in thier everyday lives.
Tibetan man named Tseten was arrested a month ago from Dzendu, and his where about is unheard since then.
Amidst Chinese authorities arbitrarily arrest and detaining Tibetans with various baseless allegations and accusations, Tseten from Kyekudo was arrested by the Dzendu police in August. His where about is still not disclosed by the Chinese authorities.
The unnamed source from Tibet says, Tseten was arrest from Dzendu on his return from home town Chumar Lapzong, where he visited to meet his family members and relatives. His family members are still uninformed about on what ground he was arrested.
Although his family members visited police stations to inquire about the reasons of his arrest, the authorities have not shared any information. They were threatened by the authorities not to visit the station again.
In the recent years, Chinese government has been imparting patriotic education in the government schools and forcefully shutting down the Tibetan run schools that primarily focus in preserving the Tibetan language and culture. The writers, intellectuals and social service activist are constantly targeted and arbitrarily arrested with various baseless allegations and accusations.
On 24th August, five Tibetans from Serther Country in eastern Tibet were arrested in connection to organizing religious activities and one of them was killed with inhuman torture in prison.
Rinchen Dhondup along with seven other Tibetans were detained for sharing Covid-related photos and videos and are presently under the so-called Law counselling programme. Amidst the rise in Covid cases in Tibet, China continue to enforce its Lockdown policies in the Tibet Autonomous Region and other parts of Tibet for the past month. Many Tibetans have been forcefully put into quarantine centres, which were poorly facilitated without proper meals and bedding facilities.
Rinchen Dhondup along with seven other Tibetans from Shantsazong, Lhasa and Chumar Lapzong were arrested for airing and sharing Covid-related information.
According to a source, they were arrested for sharing videos and photos about poorly facilitated quarantine centres where all the Tibetans with or without covid symptoms were put together without providing proper medical facilities and meals.
All of them are unschooled Tibetan nomads. They were detained in a security office at Nagchu for five days and were interrogated about to whom and how they shared the information. later, they were punished with 3000 yuans each and are presently under the so-called Law counselling programme.
With Covid cases rising in recent months, in the name of Covid, Chinese authorities tighten their control over Tibetans and many monks from other regions were evicted from the Yarchen Gar Buddhist monastery.
It pains me so deep and hurts me so hard to see the suffering of my people under the Chinese repressive policies. I wish I were there to work day and night for their well-being. My heart goes out to them. Sending them prayers from the land of Lord Buddha.
Hear it Out!
This is in Tibet, where #CCP are moving perfectly healthy young children & elderly Tibetans to these dark rooms with no access to food & medical treatment & mixing heathy people with those who have tested positive for #Covid so disease can spread & take the lives of more Tibetans pic.twitter.com/dDbV686Vzt
Credit: Tibet.net (Students of Tibetan Children’s Village School in Gopalpur, India enacting a short drama on the Chinese authorities’ atrocities against Tibetans during the four-day Tibetan People’s Solidarity Campaign in New Delhi, India, 2013) The prisoner fainted down at the floor was me.
Chinese authorities arrested Rinchen Samdup from Kham Kardze on charges of the security breach. According to a source, he was arrested from Kardze while he was having a gathering with his friends. The only information the authorities gave to his family members was that he was arrested on charges of a national security breach.
The information about his arrest was uncovered only after three months, and his whereabouts are still unknown amidst his mother’s deteriorating health. The Chinese authorities successfully kept his arrest secret from the outside with their strict surveillance and censorship systems.
The information about self-immolation took place in 2015 by Shurmo, a 26-year-old man came to light in 2021, after solid five years.
Therefore, the Chinese government uses the censorship technique nationwide but tends to be stricter and more pervasive in the occupied Tibet and Xinjiang regions.
23 years college-going girl Tashi Yangkyi and her mother Rigzin Dolma, age 76 were arrested on 13th August 2022. They were accused of having contact with outside Tibetans and sharing unauthorized images. Her mother was released on the 14th but where about of Tashi Yangkyi was still not known. Family members were informed by the Chinese authorities that she was detained in local custody for three days and was later taken to another custody. Where about of her is still not known by the family members and what unauthorised pictures they have shared and circulated are still not disclosed by the authorities.
Young monks in line for a little walk around Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala. August 8, 2022, Photo by Sonsnow
China has no moral rights and political authority to choose the next Dalai Lama. China has constantly been portraying him as an enemy of the Chinese people, “A Wolf in Monk’s Robes” and blamed him for instigating Self-immolation and separatist activities inside Tibet with baseless allegations and accusations. Still, CCP is interested in choosing his reincarnation. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is widely known as a beacon of peace and a living example of an enlightened being who can practice love and compassion to such an extent that he treats his enemy as his friend. But China continues to accuse him of engaging in anti-china activities in exile and attempting to split China. Ironically, it is a worldwide known fact that he has been advocating for genuine autonomy within the framework of the Chinese constitution.
In fact, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has made it crystal clear in his statement made on September 24, 2011, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama said “As far back as 1969, I made clear that concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lama’s reincarnations should continue in the future”. He further stated that “When I am about ninety I will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people who follow Tibetan Buddhism, and re-evaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue or not. On that basis, we will take a decision”
Therefore, China has no moral right and political authority to get involved in choosing the next Dalai Lama.
China has no moral right and political authority to choose the next Dalai Lama.https://t.co/K9OKvbqNcR
