Lhasa (Tibet): Under the garb of environmental protection, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Tibet is carrying out the oppression of the local nomads, and damming the numerous rivers that originate on the roof of the world, a media report said, calling the actions as 'greenwashing'.The term greenwashing, coined by environmentalist Jay Westerveld is the "practice of construing an activity as more environmentally friendly than it really is," Global Order reported.Since 2006, CCP has implemented large-scale programs to accelerate the relocation and sedentarization of the nomadic population, viewed by the authorities as ignorant, backward and irrational, whose 'overgrazing' caused significant damage to the Tibetan grassland ecosystem, the report said. The traditional grazing practised by Tibetan nomads is crucial for Tibetan rangelands; their technique of moving their herd from summer pasture to winter pasture in a rotational fashion helps avoid overgrazing. This renews grasslands, improves wildlife habitats and helps sustain the Tibetan plateau, the report added.The case of Pika is another related issue that hasn't received the attention it deserves. Pika is a native small mammal, widely regarded as the keystone species for grassland biodiversity. However, a campaign that characterized pikas as a pest for their habits of eating vegetation and digging burrows underground and deteriorating grassland quality has been underway in the Tibetan plateau for the last 30 years.Recently, China mobilized 10,000 people in the Ngapa area to poison and exterminate marmots from the grassland, claiming that they are causing grassland degradation. The truth is that this pika poisoning project has the potential to poison all the mammals and birds in the ecosystem that the Tibetan plateau sustains.Another supposedly "green" policy that China is pursuing in Tibet has been of building a number of dams on the plateau, to reduce the country's dependence on coal. However, the cost of the CCP's megaprojects is being paid by the local Tibetans, in the form of disruption of their habitats as well as dislocation of people.Lianghekou hydropower station, for instance, which is located in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture was estimated to help reduce raw coal consumption by 13.3 million tons and carbon dioxide emission by 21.3 million tons per year, the report said.However, beneath the veil of "green energy", about 6,000 people across four counties were relocated and once it is fully completed by 2023, the Lianghekou dam will reportedly drown ancestral homes, Buddhist monasteries and sacred mountains. China is also pursuing a policy of turning vast areas of Tibet into national parks, which is expected to be used as a pretext to remove even more Tibetans from their ancestral lands, the report said.China announced the displacement of more than 1,000 Tibetans from a nature reserve in northern Tibet in 2018, which it called "high-altitude ecological migration".This act of driving away nomads from their lands involuntarily to "help degraded landscapes to recover and to improve the living standards of local people" is ironic given that these nomads have been the traditional land managers for thousands of years, the report said, adding, these moves are meant only to displace them to give way for mining and damming activities. Unless the world comes together to hold China accountable for its environmental destruction in the plateau, the rhetoric of greenwashing will continue to wash away the environmental crimes it is committing in the world's Third Pole, the report concluded.&nbsp;—ANI

Under the garb of environmental protection, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Tibet is carrying out the oppression of the local nomads, and damming the numerous rivers that originate on the roof of the world, a media report said, calling the actions as 'greenwashing'.

China Carrying Out Displacement Of Tibetans In Garb Of Environmental Action: Report

New Delhi: The Indo- Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) mountaineers practised yoga at an altitude of 22,850 feet in the Uttarakhand Himalayas amid the snow conditions. The ITBP mountaineers were on the summit of Mount Abi Gamin last week where they did a high altitude yoga session at a place in the snow-capped terrain en route. While approaching the summit of the mountain, the 14 member team of ITBP mountaineers practised Yoga for 20 minutes amidst snow conditions on June 1 and recorded the highest high altitude yoga practice session to date by anyone, stated a release from ITBP. It was a rare effort by the ITBP mountaineers and never before seen extreme high altitude yoga practice at such an altitude creating a unique one of its kind record.Inspired by the Prime Minister's vision on the International Day of Yoga and the theme this year- 'Yoga for Humanity', the ITBP mountaineers practised yoga at such an altitude to give the message to the people to remain fit by practising various yogasanas. Over the years, the ITBP has taken many initiatives to promote yoga by performing yoga asanas at top mountain ridges in the higher reaches of the Himalayas. The ITBP personnel have been exemplary in promoting Yoga by doing various asanas including Surya Namaskar and various other yogasanas at different high altitude Himalayan ranges on India-China borders including Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in bone-chilling minus temperatures around.—ANI

The Indo- Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) mountaineers practised yoga at an altitude of 22,850 feet in the Uttarakhand Himalayas amid the snow conditions. The ITBP mountaineers were on the summit of Mount Abi Gamin last week where they did a high altitude yoga session at a place in the snow-capped terrain en route.

ITBP creates record, practices yoga at 22,850 feet

Lhasa: China has intensified appropriation of Ti bet's intangible cultural heritage on one hand while trying to Sinicize Tibetan language, culture, education and heritage.Tibet Rights Collective (TRC) reported that attempts to appropriate some aspects of Tibetan culture while destroying others are to be seen as China's attempts to present to the world its narrative while hiding the gross human rights abuses happening in Tibet.Chinese social media handles are replete with posts that glorify elements of Tibet's culture and heritage which have reportedly been "inscribed on the list of national intangible cultural heritage in China".The technique to make Tibetan incense, Junpa village's Cowhide Boat Dance and Pusum's carving art are being showcased as China's Intangible Cultural Heritage, showing how China is trying to appropriate those elements of Tibetan culture that it needs, while silently destroying Buddha statues, imposing Mandarin on Tibetan children and is aiming to cut Tibetans off their ancient traditions. "Junpa village is famous for cowhide boat dance, the unique dance was chosen for the list of National Intangible&nbsp;&nbsp;Cultural Heritage of China in 2008. Quxu County, Lhasa City, Tibet of China", reads one of the several such tweets from the social media handle @BarkhorLhasa.Tweets regarding Puduiba Xuan Dance, an ancient Tibetan art form for self-entertainment and Tibetan kite making could be seen in the profile, whose Twitter bio says, "Welcome to China's Tibet".A Twitter profile, @tibet_online which identifies itself as "A reliable platform to show Tibet" also tweets about the legend of Lhoba ancestors of Tibet, "one of the smallest among China's 56 ethnic groups in terms of the population". Such Twitter profiles, which are created to spread misinformation about Tibet are trying to portray that China is trying to preserve and celebrate Tibetan cultural heritage whereas, on the ground, China is trying to Sinicize Tibetan language, culture, education and heritage, reported TRC. Chinese state-affiliated news media outlets are also pushing out content related to the protection of intangible heritage; reports talk about the launch of region-wide surveys, digitalization of intangible cultural heritage resources, workshops, and formation of Tibet Thangka Association and cultural work conferences. This consciously overlooks the Chinese attempts to appropriate Tibetan culture and destroy Tibetan identity. With the coming of Xi Jinping, the repression in Tibet has become more intensive and China is putting efforts to do every bit to restrain Tibetans from exercising their rights.Chinese authorities have switched Tibetan language schools to Chinese. Chinese colonial schools are imparting propaganda lessons to children who are separated from their parents.The demolitions, which began in late October 2021, resulted in the destruction of three enormous Buddha statues, a row of 45 prayer wheels and a monastic school in the county between October and December 2021, reported TRC.&nbsp;—ANI

China has intensified appropriation of Ti bet's intangible cultural heritage on one hand while trying to Sinicize Tibetan language, culture, education and heritage.

China Promotes Tibet's Intangible Cultural Heritage Amid Intensified Sinicization Process

Washington: In a veiled attack on China, International Campaign for Tibet, Chairman Richard Gere who advocates for the human rights in Tibet said that irrespective of the time it takes someone to change its path and tread on the path of non-violence, it still works."Nonviolence works, but it takes a long time. But once it works, it's finished. It's complete", Richard Gere said while delivering a powerful message at the inaugural session of the 8th World Parliamentarians' Convention on Tibet. Gere supports the Tibetan Independence Movement and he is permanently banned from entering China, reported The Tibet Rights Collective.Spiritual leader Dalai Lama delivered a video message during the convention. He shared his thoughts and the need for love and compassion for others at the Convention on Tibet and stated that "the cause of Tibet is about truth."Dalai Lama said, "I would like to urge all of you who have gathered for this meeting to consider ways to revive and advance the essence of Tibetan culture, which is about keeping in mind the well-being of others. And it would also be beneficial if you could work to train people in educational institutions about such human values as kindness and honesty.The eighth World Parliamentarians' Convention on Tibet (WPCT) was held in Washington, DC. from June 22 to 23 to gather the world leaders in expressing concern over human rights violations and religious repression in Tibet. It seeks to encourage legislators to advocate for the survival of Tibetan identity and culture and to take note of human rights concerns and repression in Tibet and to encourage parliamentarians to, in their respective countries, support a quick resumption of dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government for "negotiated solution on Tibet".Apart from panel discussions and briefings for parliamentarians, the gathering also had a special message by Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.Pelosi on Wednesday said that for decades, the Chinese government has waged a dangerous assault on human rights in Tibet which clearly shows that it has no regard for Tibetan autonomy, identity or faith."For decades, the Chinese government has waged a dangerous assault on human rights in Tibet, clearly showing that it has no regard for Tibetan autonomy, identity or faith. This forum is crucial, bringing together leaders from all over the world to advance real autonomy for Tibet," she added. US House Speaker Pelosi said that the world has a moral duty to speak out with one voice against Beijing's abuses and stand up for the Tibetan people. She added that if "we do not speak out against human rights abuses in China because of commercial ties, we lose all moral authority to speak out against humans rights, anywhere."&nbsp;&nbsp;—ANI

 In a veiled attack on China, International Campaign for Tibet, Chairman Richard Gere who advocates for the human rights in Tibet said that irrespective of the time it takes someone to change its path and tread on the path of non-violence, it still works.

'Non-Violence Works': Tibetan Human Rights Activist In Veiled Attack On China

Geneva:&nbsp;A prayer service to mourn and pay final respects to Jigme Gyatso, a former Tibetan former political prisoner who died on July 2 in his hometown Kanlho Tibetan area, was organised by the regional association of Dhomey, Switzerland, at the Tibet Institute Rikon.While addressing the gathering, Representative Thinlay Chukki appreciated the initiative of Regional Domey Association for organising the prayer service honouring the contributions and selfless acts of Labrang Jigme Gyatso in standing against the violations of fundamental rights in Tibet by China.Representative Thinlay urged the Tibetans to revisit the video testimony of Jigme Gyatso, where he narrated in detail the pattern of torture he was subjected to while in Chinese prison.She recalls the indomitable courage of Tibetan people inside Tibet and urges for united collective efforts in strengthening voices for freedom in Tibet.Jigme Gyatso, aka Labrang Jigme, died due to multiple health complications resulting from torture and inhumane treatment sustained while in Chinese prison.He was arrested for the first time in 2006, upon returning from India to attend His Holiness the Dalai Lama's teaching.Since then, he has been arrested by the Chinese authorities multiple times.In 2016, he was pseudo-released from prison after serving five-year imprisonment under the alleged charges of "inciting separatism".Prior to this, he had exposed pattern of severe rights violations by China in Tibet, including torture in custody, via his video recorded testimony circulated widely on social media platforms.—IANS

A prayer service to mourn and pay final respects to Jigme Gyatso, a former Tibetan former political prisoner who died on July 2 in his hometown Kanlho Tibetan area, was organised by the regional association of Dhomey, Switzerland, at the Tibet Institute Rikon.

 Prayer service held in Switzerland for late ex-Tibetan political prisoner

Uttarkashi: Five more bodies were airlifted to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp in Uttarkashi's Matli on Monday.
According to the officials, so far, a total of 26 bodies have been airlifted from Droupadi's Danda II mountain peak which was hit by a huge avalanche on the morning of October 4.
"Five more bodies have been airlifted to ITBP camp in Matli, today. A total of 26 dead bodies have been airlifted from mount Draupadi Ka Danda-2 till now," the ITBP informed.
On Saturday, at least seven bodies were brought from the advanced base camp to the Matli helipad.
According to the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), as many as 29 persons including two instructors and 27 trainees went missing when the avalanche hit Draupadi ka Danda mountain peak in Uttarakhand.
Personnel from various teams of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), the Air Force, the Army and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the High Altitude War School in Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir have been deployed in the rescue operations.
Mountaineers from the NIM participating in a training course were trapped in a glacier crevice on Tuesday morning after an avalanche hit the peak. The team was returning after summiting.
About 41 trainees and instructors of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering were hit by an avalanche. The institute said that the Advanced Mountaineering Course commenced on September 14 at NIM Uttarkashi.
The course moved to the mountain on September 23 with 41 people- 34 trainees and seven instructors and one nursing assistant. The group arrived at the Base Camp on September 25. As per the training programme, the course was conducted for high altitude training from October 2-October 4.
After summiting the 5,670 metre altitude Mt Draupadi ka Danda II the team was on its way back when the avalanche struck at around 8:45 am above camp 1 in which 34 trainees and 7 instructors got caught, according to a release by the NIM on October 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;
—ANI

Five more bodies were airlifted to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp in Uttarkashi's Matli on Monday.

Uttarakhand: 5 More Bodies Airlifted To ITBP Camp In Matli

Dharamsala: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Tuesday welcomed the recent statement from the G7 Leaders' summit in Hiroshima, calling for a "world without nuclear weapons".

"This joint statement reflects the reality that we live in an increasingly interdependent world, and represents an opportunity to make this 21st century an era of peace and cooperation.

"As an avowed campaigner for demilitarization throughout the world and the elimination of all nuclear weapons, I firmly believe this to be a positive initiative. In January 2022, when the five nuclear-weapon states made a joint pledge affirming that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought, I warmly commended their action," the spiritual leader said in a statement.

"In these times of uncertainty and upheaval across many parts of the globe, it is vitally important that all of us make earnest and concerted efforts to resolve problems through dialogue and diplomacy. Therefore, commitments like the one by the G7 countries represent a powerful message and recognition of the urgency of putting an end to the threat that these weapons pose to humanity.

"A world without nuclear weapons is necessary and possible. In our interconnected world, violence brings suffering even to those far from the conflict. I sincerely hope that we can all remember the oneness of humanity, and recall that harming anyone with violence, including the use of nuclear weapons harms us all," the Dalai Lama said.

"I pray that this 21st century becomes a more compassionate, peaceful and harmonious world," he added. IANS

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Tuesday welcomed the recent statement from the G7 Leaders' summit in Hiroshima, calling for a "world without nuclear weapons".

Dalai Lama welcomes G7 leaders for 'world without nuclear weapons'

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Tuesday welcomed the recent statement from the G7 Leaders' summit in Hiroshima, calling for a "world without nuclear weapons".


Shimla: Tibetan Buddhist monks in Shimla performed traditional Cham (Lama Dance) to celebrate the birthday of the Guru Padmasambhava. Scores of monks assembled here at Dorjeedak Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Panthaghati near Shimla. Through these rituals, Tibetan Buddhist monks paid offerings for compassion and world peace. Before the dance performance, the monks and other Tibetan offered prayers for Guru Padmasambhava. The Buddhist monks through Lama Dance enacted the drama of the arrival of the 8 reincarnations of Lord Padmasambhava and welcomed the lord here. This dance is performed with traditional Tibetan musical instruments and monks wear masks and traditional hats and caps. The Buddhist monks here believe that this is performed to pay respect to guru Padmasambhava. The day of the dance performance is celebrated as his birthday. All Buddhist monks pray for the long life of the Dalai Lama and also other high Lamas. Tibetan monks also offer prayers for world peace and perform dances to preserve their centuries-old tradition. "According to the Lunar calendar of Tibet, the Birthday of the Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) is celebrated on the 10th day of the 4th month of the Tibetan calendar. All these Lamas and monks are doing the ritual dance for the offering. We are practising the preaching of the Guru Padmasambhava. We are reminding his teachings and performing rituals and preaching is important for world peace," said Shedup Mipham, a Tibetan Buddhist monk and secretary at Dorjeedak Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. People from the Tibetan community gathered here also to see the rich traditional dances of the Buddhist monks. The local residents of the Tibetan Buddhist community in exile here are pleased to take part in the Buddhist chanting. The local residents of the Tibetan Community here believe that the preaching of the Guru is important in propagating Buddhism and the message of compassion and peace. —ANI

 Tibetan Buddhist monks in Shimla performed traditional Cham (Lama Dance) to celebrate the birthday of the Guru Padmasambhava

Tibetan Buddhists Perform Lama Dance To Celebrate Birthday Of Guru Padmasambhava

Lhasa (Tibet): The selling of groundwater and spring water in plastic bottles is the biggest scam on earth and China is performing the same tricks with Tibetans, according to Tibet Rights Collective.
China is stealing Tibet's groundwater and selling it back to Tibetans, who previously got it for free. In one of the ads, a young Tibetan nomad woman was seen promoting a Chinese brand of bottled water that is actually sourced from Tibet. China has reduced the status of the once-proud and self-sustaining nomads of Tibet to beggars. China has forcefully removed from their traditional grazing lands to make way for so-called 'nature reserves' and now, the nomads are reliant on the Chinese government's meagre subsidies. Except for the tea, all of these were available for free to nomad yak herders. They would camp near rivers, lakes or other water sources to fetch their own water. Now they are reduced to buying water that Chinese entrepreneurs are bottling by tapping into Tibet's abundant groundwater and spring water, reported Tibet Rights Collective.
Tibet Rights Collective is a Delhi-based advocacy and policy research group that aims to increase access to information about the politics, culture, traditions and language of Tibet by offering a strategic overview of the ground situation
The ad's main intention is to sell bottled water to the Chinese saying that this is the cleanest water for them but it is not. Tibet's once-pristine rivers are no longer trustworthy. As the pollution from rampant Chinese mining ventures has rendered some sections of rivers dangerous, with yaks dying from tainted water.
According to this article, China is the biggest plastic polluter on the planet--by some accounts responsible for a third of global plastic waste.
Tibet's immense reserves of groundwater were never exploited until the Chinese invasion of Tibet. And not on any scale until 2006, with the arrival of the railway from Golmud to Lhasa. The railway link makes the export of Tibet's bottled water to Shanghai and Beijing economical--and highly lucrative trade.
Starting out in 2006 with a few water bottlers on the plateau, the number of enterprises ballooned to almost 30 operators by 2014, encouraged by tax breaks and heavy subsidies from the State. In 2014, the regional government of Tibet signed contracts with 16 major companies to expand the water bottling industry, under an initiative called 'Sharing Tibet's Water with the World.' Facts and figures are hard to come by. In 2017, Xinhua News reported that 800,000 tonnes of water were bottled in Tibet, in an industry employing 20,000 workers, with an income generation of USD 223 million. By 2025, the target is to produce 10 million tonnes of bottled water, an exponential increase. And an eco-disaster in the making for Tibet. There is absolutely no need to share Tibet's water with the world: all that is happening here is sharing China's plastic pollution with mass production of plastic in Tibet, Tibet Rights Collective reported. —ANI

The selling of groundwater and spring water in plastic bottles is the biggest scam on earth and China is performing the same tricks with Tibetans

China Selling Water From Tibet In Plastic Bottles To Tibetans Is Scam: Report

Lhasa (Tibet): The situation in Tibet continues to raise concerns, with ongoing uncertainty about China's intentions as authorities are forcibly seizing property from Tibetan farmers in Rebgong County, Qinghai Province, with an excuse to construct a hydropower dam, according to Tibet Press. According to Tibet Press, Locals have been warned to cooperate and abandon their land, with the threat that their compensation will be withheld for those who refuse to give their land. The order was issued on May 23, 2023, by Langya village authorities, which are roughly an hour's drive from Rebgong. It required seven villages in the area to relocate so that the Chinese government could start the first phase of construction ten days after the notice was issued. This dam is one of the major initiatives of China's 13th Five-Year Plan and has a total area of 4.58 million square metres and will cost Yuan 245 million to build. Rebgong, also called Tongren in Chinese, is a Tibetan-populated area of the Qinghai province of China. It is situated in Malho, sometimes called Huangnan. The reservoir region of the project is home to the Tibetan settlements Shu-Ong-Kye, Shu-Ong-Nyi-tha, Langya, Malpa-Jam, Malpa-Kharnang-Kharshi, and Malpa-Chauwo. It is predicted that the development of the reservoir would start soon. According to Tibet Press, peasants would be compelled to move to towns and cities in search of temporary employment if local officials seized their property. The policy of rural urbanisation, the forcible relocating of Tibetan nomads and farmers to urban areas, and the ongoing settling of considerable numbers of Han Chinese in Tibet are all examples of China's efforts to compel the incorporation of Tibetan minorities into the Han-Chinese-dominated majority. Chinese infrastructure and development projects in Tibet have led to frequent clashes with Tibetans, who accuse Chinese firms and local officials of improperly confiscating land and disrupting the lives of local people, Tibet Press reported. This issue is not new and traces back to China's invasion of Tibet in 1951, resulting in a continuous deterioration of Tibetan lives. Ever since the protests in 2008, more than 150 Tibetan monks have self-immolated. The torture, mistreatment and deaths of thousands from Chinese state repression have resulted in repercussions that are felt even today. Note that 87,000 people died when China invaded Tibet in 1951. Countless more have died in the subsequent years and the toll is telling. The cultural and ethnic identity of Tibet is being erased systematically by China. Today, relatives of Tibetan protestors are routinely harassed, thrown into prison for "re-education" denied political and medical rights, and even killed if deemed to be a threat. The treatment of nomadic herders who lived in Tibet has been even worse. More than a million nomads have been forced to leave the grasslands with a ridiculous plea that this move is meant to protect the ecology of the grasslands, Tibet Press reported. After two years of living in urban environments, most were forced to abandon their new homes to use them as tourist centres and for government housing. The year 2017 witnessed a state-sponsored forced resettlement wherein Tibetan nomads returned to the grasslands without the animals that were their main means of livelihood. By 2018, Chinese security forces in the region were forcibly promoting "bilingual education" by arresting anyone promoting the Tibetan mother tongue and related issues as an 'underworld gang crime'. Following Xi Jimping's directive to improve security in the region, various organs of the Chinese state including, the Public Security Bureau, the State Security Bureau, the United Front Work Department, the Religious Affairs Bureau, the TAR Internet Affairs Office, and the Internet Management Department jumped to establish political achievements. There is no authentic information about the extent of secret trials being conducted in the region, Tibet Press reported. With the introduction of cash rewards for spilling the beans on 'dissidents, cadres at every level of government are making the lives of remaining Tibetans in the region even more difficult. A recent Freedom House report lists Tibet as the worst country to live in the world. Another feature of Chinese rule in Tibet is the political re-education camps. China has criminalized any form of social activism in the region and is hard at work to try and destroy the influence of any form of traditional leaders at the grassroot levels under the excuse of eradicating 'mafia-like gangs. There is a massive database of Tibetans in the region wherein anyone affiliated with dissidents is deprived of political rights and access to jobs and healthcare. Tibet is one of the issues that China remains sensitive about globally. This translates in practice to the United Front Works Department (UFWD) which operates to subvert opposition to the CCP, both within China and overseas. Apart from confusing ethnic minorities on their rights of self-determinism and setting up a false narrative, the UFWD is also active internationally with the objective of co-opting ethnic Chinese individuals and communities abroad, Tibet Press reported. The spy case against the Overseas China Affairs Office was a prime example of the UFWD in action. The launch of the 'China Association for Preservation and Development for Tibet Culture' is an "NGO" that has been set up by the UFWD for the sole purpose of defrauding the world on China's human rights track record in Tibet. Another institution that is being led by former top CCP officials is the 'China Society for Human Rights Studies' which deeply studies foreign human rights in the US as a propaganda tool. The presence of government-sponsored non-governmental organizations is an obstructionist tact that China is utilizing to establish itself as a paragon of human rights in front of the United Nations. According to UN sources, more than 23 Chinese NGOs have falsified data in the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (UNCESCR) to defend China's track record of breaking international treaties and covenants it is party to. The 'rule of law' is noticeably absent in China, where there was the infamous 709 crackdown against more than 300 lawyers, paralegals and assistants, Tibet Press reported. Three years after the whistle-blower Li Wenliang died of Covid, China is still standing firm in maintaining its stance on the pandemic in the international arena. China's game plan in Tibet become clear from three UN reports released in February 2023. These reports state that nearly one million Tibetan children have been separated from their families and sent to residential schools run by the CCP. Tibet Press claims that in these schools, Tibetan children are forced to learn Mandarin with a curriculum that teaches them about Chinese culture and are indoctrinated with CCP ideology. In Marc 2023, the UNCESCR expressed concern at China's "coercive boarding school system and expressed concern over the CCPs attempt to undertake large-scale erasure of Tibetan identity and culture. There is a clear and present danger to the Tibetan people from the CCP. One way or another, the Communist Party aims to Sinicize all of Tibet and its people. This being the objective, it is not surprising that the record of their actions makes their intentions crystal clear. The lesson learnt is that Tibetans the world over must unite and rally behind their brethren in Tibet. Unless this happens, China will soon subsume the Tibetan identity within Han China and then it will be too late. —ANI

The situation in Tibet continues to raise concerns, with ongoing uncertainty about China's intentions as authorities are forcibly 

China Forcibly Seizes Tibetan Farmers' Land To Build Hydropower Dam: Report

Paris (France): French senator Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio wished health and long life to the 14th Dalai Lama and also expressed support towards the defence of Tibetan culture and identity. "Senator of Val d'Oise, I have had the honour of chairing, for three years, the Senate's international information group on Tibet, which was created in 2000. It has twenty senators, of all political tendencies, all committed to the defence of Tibetan culture and identity," Brinio stated in her piece in Tibet Rights Collective Ahead of Dalai Lama's birthday, she had said that like every year, Dalai Lama's birthday will be celebrated in conjunction with the Tibet Office with which we work closely. This event will take place in the presence of members of the information group, representatives of associations, NGOs and the Tibetan community in France, the Val d'Oise senator said. "On behalf of the International Tibet Information Group, I most sincerely wish full health and long life to His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso. May he remain a landmark in this hectic and constantly changing world, and continue to pour out his ocean of wisdom for many more years," she further stated. Brinio further stated about a delegation of three French senators that went to Dharamshala earlier this year, where they were warmly received by Dalai Lama in a private audience at his residence. "This trip focused in particular on the future of the Tibetan plateau and the climatic and geopolitical challenges of this area, which concentrates on the water resources of several countries, including India, Nepal and China. The senators were also able to meet with the Speaker of Parliament in exile and other parliamentarians, actors from civil society, representatives of NGOs, and young people and visit the Tibet Museum, which represents a cultural richness both for Tibetans and for the world," the senator stated in her piece. Further recalling the visit, the Val d'Oise senator said that during this audience, the Dalai Lama recalled the need to live in compassion. He also recalled that every human being arrives on earth and leaves this earth in the same way, whatever their religion, whatever their state of mind and whatever their beliefs. Thus, he must make sure to live in harmony with his fellow men all his life. "The Dalai Lama is considered by Tibetan Buddhists as the emanation of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of compassion and patron saint of Tibet. Spiritual leader, his word and his wisdom have a sacred value for all Tibetans," she stated. The delegation was deeply touched by this meeting and was particularly marked by the central place of the Dalai Lama in the hearts of Tibetans. Aware of the current difficulties in Tibet, the Dalai Lama nevertheless remains in his place of spiritual leader and keeps hope in the strength of the Tibetans to preserve their culture, their religion and their identity, while respecting this "middle way" that he always defended, Brinio added in her Tibet Rights Collective piece. Indeed, the senators met eight Tibetan refugees who arrived in March from Nepal, including a very young child and his grandmother who had been picked up in Nepal. Three out of those eight said that they have come to Dharamsala because they wanted to see the Dalai Lama before he dies. This trip will have made it possible to further strengthen the commitment of the senators of the group in favour of the Tibetan people who will always find them at their side, Senator Brinio added. Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio is currently a Senator in the French Senate. She is also the President of the Tibet group in the French Senate. A member of the Republicans, she served as the Mayor of Saint-Gratien, a commune in the northern suburbs of Paris, from 2001 to 2017. She began her political career by running for mayor of Saint-Gratien. From 1983 to 2001, she was deputy mayor in charge of social affairs. She is a teacher by profession. In the Senate, Eustache-Brinio is a member of the Committee on Constitutional Law, Legislation, Universal Suffrage, Rules of Procedure and General Administration, Tibets Right Collective stated. —ANI

French senator Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio wished health and long life to the 14th Dalai Lama 

French Senator Jacqueline Eustache-brinio Praises Dalai Lama, Expresses Support For Tibetan Culture

Dharamshala (HP): Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama said that he is open for talks with China over the problems of Tibetans and the Chinese, "officially or unofficially" wanted to contact him. "I am always open to talk. Now China also realises that the spirit of Tibetan people is very strong. So, in order to deal with Tibetan problems they want to contact me. I am also ready", he said. The Dalai Lama made the remarks while to speaking to reporters in Dharamshala before embarking on a visit to Delhi and Ladakh. Responding to a question on whether he wishes to resume talks with China, he said, "We are not seeking independence, we have decided since many years that we remain the part of People's Republic of China...Now China is changing. The Chinese, officially or unofficially want to contact me". On July 6, Dalai Lama celebrated his 88th birthday and visited the Main Tibetan Temple courtyard in Dharamshala, adjacent to his residence. While addressing the gathering during the celebrations the Dalai Lama said that he has not been angry with anyone, not even those Chinese leaders who have adopted a harsh attitude towards Tibet, according to the official statement released on Dalai Lama's website. "I was born in Tibet and I bear this name Dalai Lama, but in addition to working for the cause of Tibet, I've been working for the welfare of all sentient beings. I've done whatever I could without losing hope or allowing my determination to flag," the Tibetan spiritual leader said. "I'm angry with no one, not even those Chinese leaders who have adopted a harsh attitude towards Tibet. Indeed, China has historically been a Buddhist country as witnessed by the many temples and monasteries I saw when I visited that land," he added. In his remarks, Dalai Lama said knowledge of Tibetan culture and religion can benefit the world at large. He said, "I believe there is knowledge within Tibetan culture and religion that can benefit the world at large. However, I also respect all other religious traditions because they encourage their followers to cultivate love and compassion." He further said, "According to indications in my own dreams and other predictions, I expect to live to be more than 100 years old. I've served others until now and I'm determined to continue to do so. Please pray for my long life on that basis." Earlier in April, Dalai Lama called for a focus on wisdom and compassion as he highlighted the situation in Tibet by giving his own example and stressed upon looking at the current situation from a broader perspective. Addressing the gathering on the second day at the Global Buddhist Summit 2023 in New Delhi, the Dalai Lama had said, "I can also share with you that by engaging in this kind of inner development and particularly focusing on Wisdom and compassion. It really can help increase our courage as well. For example: in the case of my dealing with the current struggle and situation of Tibet, if you think just only about it from a narrow-angle, you can lose your hope." "But if you look at this crisis and look at this current situation from the broader perspective of the courage that cultivation and compassion give you, then you can have a much more resilient mind. So, even in your daily life, there might be problems which may seem enormous and unbearable. Still, if you have the courage, you will be in a much stronger position to turn adversities into opportunities," he added. The Dalai Lama had earlier too said that majority of people in China realise that he is not seeking "independence" within China but meaningful autonomy and preservation of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Last year he had told reporters in Jammu during a visit to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh that "Not Chinese people, but some Chinese hardliners consider me a separatist. Now, more and more Chinese are realising that Dalai Lama not seeking independence but within China meaningful autonomy and to preserve Tibetan Buddhist culture." —ANI

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama said that he is open for talks with China over the problems of Tibetans and the Chinese

'Chinese Want To Contact Me': Dalai Lama Says Open To Talks With China Over Tibetan Problems

New Delhi: Several Tibetan nationals on Friday gathered at Majnu Ka Tila in north Delhi to protest against the Chinese delegation attending the G20 Summit in the national Capital, a police official said.
“The protest was peaceful. We have now dispersed the crowd,” the police official said, adding that no protest is allowed.
Police on Friday had barricaded and deployed a large number of personnel, including paramilitary forces at Majnu Ka Tilla area ahead of the two-day G20 Summit scheduled to take place this weekend.
On Thursday, President of the Tibetan Youth Congress Gonpo Dhundup had announced plans for the protest on Friday against China’s unlawful occupation of Tibet. He expressed deep concern about the critical situation in Tibet and explained that protests occur whenever a Chinese delegation visits a free nation.&nbsp;
—IANS

Several Tibetan nationals on Friday gathered at Majnu Ka Tila in north Delhi to protest against the Chinese delegation attending the G20 Summit

G20 Summit: Tibetan nationals protest in Delhi against Chinese delegation

Dharamsala: In a letter to the Moroccan Prime Minister, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama extended his condolences and said he was saddened by the devastating earthquake that struck the country leading to the deaths of over 2,100 people and injuring thousands others.  “I offer my condolences to Your Excellency, the families of those who have lost loved ones and pray for all those affected by this great tragedy,” he wrote.  “I am aware that your government is doing everything it can to provide support to help the rescue and relief efforts in the quake zones. It is also heartening that the international community is sending aid following the earthquake.  “As a token of my solidarity with the people of Morocco affected by this tragedy, I have asked the Gaden Phodrang Foundation of the Dalai Lama to make a donation towards the rescue and relief efforts,” he added.  At least 2,122 people have been killed and 2,421 injured as a result of the massive 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck central Morocco on the night of September 8.
—IANS

In a letter to the Moroccan Prime Minister, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama extended his condolences and said he was saddened by the devastating earthquake

Dalai Lama saddened over deadly quake in Morocco

Dharamsala: Expressing source of satisfaction to witness India's growing stature on the international stage, reflected in the just concluded G20 summit, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Sunday greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 73rd birthday.
In a missive, His Holiness offered the Prime Minister sincere greetings and wished him many happy returns of the day.
His Holiness wrote, “May I also take this opportunity to congratulate you on the success of India’s G20 presidency, culminating in the summit on the theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' - ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.
“This is a theme that resonates strongly with me. I firmly believe in the oneness of humanity and encourage other people to appreciate its importance whenever I can.
“As India's longest staying guest, I have found it a great privilege and source of satisfaction to witness India’s growing stature on the international stage, reflected in events such as the G20 summit. That meeting also provided a great opportunity to highlight the interdependence of our shared world.
“India's traditions of ahimsa and karuna are more than 1,000-years old. As the largest democracy and most populous nation on the planet, with a long tradition of inter-religious harmony, India presents an example to the world.
“In addition to this, India’s growing scientific and technological capabilities enhance its emerging leadership.
“On behalf of the Tibetan people, may I once again express deep gratitude to the government and people of India for their hospitality and generous assistance to us over the last 64 years.”
His Holiness concluded his letter with prayers and wishing the Prime Minister “continued good health and success in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of this great country, and in contributing to the creation of a more compassionate, peaceful world.”
The globetrotting monk, known for his simplicity and jovial style and prefers to participate in meetings with religious leaders, and lectures businessmen on ethics for the new millennium and the art of happiness, describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk.
For Tibetans, he is the human manifestation of Chenrezig -- the Bodhisattva of compassion.
—IANS

Expressing source of satisfaction to witness India's growing stature on the international stage, reflected in the just concluded G20 summit

Dalai Lama greets Modi; says India's growing stature reflected in G20 summit

Washington: A powerful Congressional committee has passed a bill to strengthen US efforts in pushing China to negotiate with the Dalai Lama’s envoys to resolve the longstanding Tibet-China dispute and counter the Communist Party’s propaganda about the history of Tibet.  The bill, which among other things also dismisses as inaccurate the Chinese claim that Tibet has been part of China since antiquity, was passed unanimously by the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
“This bill stresses the need for a dialogue between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the democratically elected leaders of Tibet. Any resolution must include the wishes and the voices of the Tibetan people,” House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul said during the markup.  “Tibetans are a democracy-loving people who wish to practice their own religion freely and have their own wishes and desires acknowledged as we do in the United States of America. The freedoms that we enjoy, we want to be enjoyed by the people of Tibet,” McCaul said.  The bill, an amended House version of legislation introduced last year by Congressmen Jim McGovern and Michael McCaul, as well as Senators Jeff Merkley, and Todd Young, will pressure the Chinese government to resume negotiations with the Dalai Lama’s envoys or the democratically elected leaders of the Tibetan people. The dialogue process has been stalled since 2010.  McCaul said the ruling Chinese Communist Party or CCP has a long and violent record of oppression against the people of Tibet.  In October of 1950, Chinese Communist troops annexed Tibet, killing tens of thousands of Tibetans and monks. The CCP’s ongoing oppression of the people of Tibet ultimately forced the Dalai Lama to flee to India. This persecution has continued to this day, he said.  Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act pushes back against CCP propaganda about the history of Tibet.  “The United States has never accepted that Tibet was part of China since ancient times,” as the CCP falsely claims. This legislation clarifies US policy, highlights the unique language, religion, and culture of the Tibetan people, and directs US diplomacy to push back against CCP propaganda,” McCaul said.  McGovern, another main sponsor of the bill, said under international law, Tibetans are people who have the right to determine their own destiny. Also under international law, there is a right to truth. The truth is that Tibet has not always been part of China, as the Chinese government claims.  “My bill requires the State Department to counter the PRC’s disinformation about Tibet, its history and its institutions, including that of the Dalai Lama. Rather than lie about the history of Tibet, I call on the Chinese Government to restart dialogue with the Dalai Lama to resolve the long-standing dispute between Tibet and China and respect the aspirations of the Tibetan people,” he said.  China says the Dalai Lama, 88, is “by no means just a religious figure, but rather a political exile who has long been engaging in anti-China separatist activities and attempting to split Tibet from China.” Ranking Member Gregory Meeks said for far too long, Beijing has repressed the Tibetan people and shirked its commitments to work with the Dalai Lama and his representatives to resolve the Tibet question through dialogue. I am deeply concerned by the ongoing effort by Beijing to dilute the distinct religious, cultural, linguistic and historical identity of the Tibetan people…This is an important and very timely measure.”
—PTI

A powerful Congressional committee has passed a bill to strengthen US efforts in pushing China to negotiate with the Dalai Lama’s envoys

Congressional committee approves bill to strengthen US efforts in pushing China to negotiate with Dalai Lama’s envoys

New Delhi: Tibetan people are "dying a slow death" in the face of China's repression and the democratic nations must stand up to the Chinese belligerence, the president of Tibet's government-in-exile Penpa Tsering has said.
Tsering said democratic nations around the world must look at the "internal forces" such as the Tibetans, Uyghur leaders and pro-democratic activists in Hong Kong to put pressure on Beijing to reverse its aggressive approach and bring "positive changes" within that country.  He said there has not been much understanding in the world about the extent of China's strategic objectives and plans and that there is a need to create awareness on what Beijing's machinations are.
In an address at an awareness event on Panchen Lama, the Sikyong or political leader of the exiled Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) accused China of destroying the historical basis of Tibet's existence.  I have been telling the world that "we are dying a slow death, we are being stricken by being squeezed out of our breath by the dragon", he said last night. After a failed anti-Chinese uprising in 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet and came to India where he set up the government-in-exile. The Chinese government officials and the Dalai Lama or his representatives have not met in formal negotiations since 2010.  Beijing has in the past accused the Dalai Lama of indulging in "separatist" activities and trying to split Tibet and considers him as a divisive figure.  However, the Tibetan spiritual leader has insisted that he is not seeking independence but "genuine autonomy for all Tibetans living in the three traditional provinces of Tibet" under the "Middle-Way approach".  Tsering said that the Chinese government is facing various domestic challenges including in the economic and political fronts and there has to be a "union of internal and external forces" to bring '"positive changes" within that country.  He identified Tibetans, Uyghur leaders and pro-democratic activists in Hong Kong as internal forces that have deep insights into China and its Communist government.  The Tibet's government-in-exile based in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala represents over one lakh Tibetans living in around 30 countries.  In his remarks on the internal situation in China, Tsering claimed it is the only country that spends more financial resources on internal security than external security as the Communist regime has been facing anger from the people.  Listing challenges that Beijing has been facing, he named economic downturn, unemployment and housing problems, which constitute about 30 per cent of China's GDP, as the main vulnerabilities.  "We are the internal forces. There has to be a union of internal and external forces to bring about positive change. That is why I ask governments, please don't look at us from the perspective of victims of communism that you can just pity on," he said.  The Tibetan leader said even India can take inputs from Tibetans for its China strategy.  He also underlined the need for democracies including India, to speak more clearly on issues related to China.  "When we reach out, we can reach out only to the democratic free world. We cannot reach out to other authoritarian regimes, as they follow the same practice as what China does so. One thing that we have been saying is that democracies around the world should come together when it comes to China," he said.  "It's important to fight against authoritarian regimes and their ideology and their ambitions," he added.
Referring to the eastern Ladakh border row, Tsering complimented New Delhi for taking a "very strong position" on disengagement from all quarters' for normalisation of ties.  "One has to be very, very strategic when you deal with China. I think the Indian government so far has taken a very strong position that unless there's disengagement from all quarters, there won't be normalisation of relations," he said.  Asked about expectations from India on the issue of the successor to the 14th Dalai Lama, Tsering said a statement from New Delhi would be very helpful.  The Tibetan leadership has been maintaining that China cannot decide the next Dalai Lama.  He also referred to the US law on Tibet that said the issue about the reincarnation will be decided by the Dalai Lama.  Tsering said if the Indian Parliament or the government can come out with a statement, it will help the Tibetans because many people look at India's leadership when it comes to Tibet.  The US and several democratic countries have been consistently supporting the Tibetan cause notwithstanding China's strong objection.  In 2020, the US came out with legislation reaffirming the absolute right of Tibetan people to choose a successor to the Dalai Lama and the preservation of Tibet's environment.  "It is really important that we create more awareness on what China is doing, not only to Tibet but also to the region, countries in the region and internationally"' Tsering said.
—PTI

Tibetan people are "dying a slow death" in the face of China's repression and the democratic nations must stand up to the Chinese belligerence

Tibet 'dying a slow death', democratic nations must stand up to China: Penpa Tsering

Siliguri (West Bengal) [India]: Tibetan spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama on Thursday arrived at Siliguri's Sed-Gyued Monastery to deliver teachings to his devotees. Preparations were in full swing at the monastery ahead of the Buddhist spiritual leader's visit after a gap of 13 years.
He visited the monastery after completing a three-day tour of Gangtok, the state capital of Sikkim. The Dalai Lama will deliver a two-hour-long teaching on Bodhicitta, the main cause of a Buddha, and the thoughts that help bring peace to the mind. Around 20,000 devotees have gathered from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Dooars, and neighbouring states like Assam, Bihar, and Sikkim, including Nepal and Bhutan, for the Dalai Lama's teachings at the monastery. A devotee from Darjeeling GT Bhutia said: "The visit is a great opportunity to receive teaching from His Holiness Dalai Lama. The lesson is very important at this time when lots of fights and wars are going on. This is the right remedy for the world."
Another devotee from Nepal TD Bhutia said: "We can't express our happiness through words. It's more than any festival or something else. It's a priceless gift of my life." On Tuesday, an estimated 30,000 devotees converged at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok to witness the teachings of the Dalai Lama.  The Tibetan spiritual leader delivered the teaching on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo's 37 Practices of Bodhisattva ('Laklen Sodunma') and the ceremony of the generation of Bodhichitta ('Semkye'). The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva ('Laklen Sodunma') is an ancient text written in the 14th Century BCE by Tokme Sangpo, a Buddhist monk who was born in Puljung, south-west of the Sakya Monastery in Tibet. Dalai Lama shared: "By examining always the status of one's mind, with continuous mindfulness and alertness, to bring about the good of others--this is the practise of all the bodhisattvas. If you cultivate Bodhichitta on a daily basis, you can yield more benefits". Dalai Lama also recited a prayer, invoking Avalokiteshwara, for those who lost their lives in the recent flood disaster in Sikkim and for the peace and happiness of the people of Sikkim and neighbouring regions.  He emphasised compassion, nonviolence, and the importance of universal responsibility.
—ANI

Tibetan spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama on Thursday arrived at Siliguri's Sed-Gyued Monastery to deliver teachings to his devotees.

Dalai Lama arrives at Siliguri's Sed-Gyued Monastery to deliver teachings to his devotees

Dehradun: US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti shared the joy of being in Uttarakhand during the Tibetan New Year. In some regions, Tibetan people celebrate Losar for 15 days. It is a festival for all Tibetans world over where they come together, offer prayers, perform group dance and perform rituals. "Thrilled to be in Uttarakhand this Losar--the Tibetan New Year," US envoy shared a post on X. He further visited the Hanifl Centre at Woodstock School, where he witnessed the impressive efforts by the centre in shaping the next generation by conserving and restoring the beautiful landscape and biodiversity of the Himalayas. "I visited the Hanifl Centre at Woodstock school where I'm excited to see the impressive efforts by the center in shaping the next generation in conserving and restoring the beautiful landscape and biodiversity of the Himalayas. #IncredibleIndia," the post added. Hundreds of Tibetans in exile gathered to participate in a circle dance in the North Indian hill town of Dharamshala on the second day of Losar, the Tibetan New Year. It's like a festival for all Tibetans across the world, where they come together, offer prayers, perform group dances, and do their rituals. Many Tibetans, mostly in traditional dresses, participated in a group dance in McLeodganj to celebrate the second day of their Tibetan new year- 2151, 'Dragon Wood' year according to the Tibetan lunar calendar. Polam Dolma, a Tibetan woman in exile said, "It is the second day of Losar, the Tibetan new year and here we are participating in a circle dance so many people have joined with our traditional clothes. So I am very happy and excited and this year the celebrations are more happening as compared to last years and more people have joined." On Saturday, monks at the Dorjidak Monastery offered special prayers for world peace and the long life of their spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama also extended his Losar wishes to Tibetans and posted a message on his social media handle. Taking to X, the Dalai Lama in a video posted, "I would like to wish my fellow Tibetans, both inside Tibet and those in exile, a happy new year this Losar. Tashi Delek to all of you." "Despite undergoing great difficulties in exile and living under a powerful Communist Chinese regime, the faith and aspiration of our people, the majority of whom are inside Tibet, have remained undiminished while I have been the leader," he said. —ANI

US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti shared the joy of being in Uttarakhand during the Tibetan New Year

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