A Tibetan student among J.K. Watson Fellowship Receipents

Kunchok Dolma, a junior at CUNY Honors College at Lehman, is among the recipients of a prestigious three-year Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship. The Fellowship provides internships, mentoring, and enriched educational opportunities to promising New York City undergraduates with the goal of increasing their life choices and developing their capacity to make a difference in their own and others’ lives.

Each summer, fellows participate in a ten-week internship at one of several participating organizations including the New York State Supreme Court and the United Nations.

The Fellowship provides a $5,000 stipend for the first summer and $6,000 each for the second and third summers, totaling $17,000. In addition, students receive a laptop and take part in educational seminars and cultural events.

Nine New York City colleges, including Lehman, are currently participating in the J.K. Watson Fellowship program, which was established in 1999 by the Thomas K. Watson Foundation.

Kunchok Dolma spent her first Watson summer internship (2006) with the Media Services Branch of the United Nations Population Fund in New York. She spent her second summer internship (2007) with Justice Yates at the New York State Supreme Court.

She is planning to spend her third summer internship (2008) with the Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala, India.

Kunchok Dolma was born and educated in Nepal. Before she moved to the United States in 2004, she also volunteered as a teacher in Nepal. Kunchok Dolma’s ambition is to earn Ph. D. in international law in order to serve the Tibetan community through law and non-violence.

First Workshop on the Middle-Way Approach held

For the first-time the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) of the Central Tibetan Administration organised a two-day workshop on the Middle-Way Approach for Tibetan youths studying in the universities from 7-8 November.

There were 33 students from Sarah, Norbulinkga, Chandigarh, Delhi, Baroda and Varanasi participating in this workshop.

According to Mr. Masood Butt who is coordinating the two-day workshop, this workshop is first of its kind. Our department, since 2005, has been visiting the Tibetan schools and settlements across India, Nepal and Bhutan, to raise greater awareness of the Middle-Way Approach of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to resolve the issue of Tibet.

This time we are giving a workshop to the students studying in universities in Northern India. We have a plan to arrange such kind of workshop to the Tibetan university students in Southern India next year, Mr. Masood Butt said.

The workshop is divided into six sessions. The first session is an introduction to Middle-Way Approach, its evolution and main components and Mr. Lobsang Tsultrim Jeshong, Secre-tary, DIIR spoke on it.

Mr. Thubten Samphel, Information Secretary of the DIIR spoke on the Middle-Way Approach: A process of conflict resolution for the 21st century. The speaker for the last period of the first day workshop was Mr. Sonam Norbu Dagpo, International Relations Secretary, DIIR. He briefed on the current status of Sino-Tibetan dialogue and Tibetan and Chinese positions on the issue of Tibet.

Mr Dawa Tsering, head of the Chinese desk at DIIR spoke about Middle-Way Approach in the context of Constitutional and Regional National Autonomy Law of the People’s Republic of China

Mr Karma Monlam from the Department of Education spoke on His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Middle-Way Approach for resolving the issue of Tibet based on non-violence.

On the second day, Kalon Tsering Phuntsok, Kalon for the Department of Religion and Culture explained the Kashag’s 11-point action plan, which is all about what we Tibetans could do for our common cause. This 11-point action plan is in this year’s 6 July (His Holiness’ birthday) statement of the Kashag.

Indian organisations honour His Holiness’ Congressional Gold Medal

The Gandhi Peace Foundation and All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet organized a felicitation function in New Delhi, to honour His Holiness the Dalai Lama for receiving the highest US civilian honour, the Congressional Gold Medal.

Mr Inder Kumar Gujral, former prime minister of India, presided over as the chief guest at the function held at the India Habitat Centre. Representatives of various NGOs and religious traditions were present at the function to felicitate His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

In his address, Mr Gujral said the inscription on the Congressional medal presented to the Dalai Lama ‘’embodies Gandhian principles’’ and thanked the US Congress on behalf of the nation for honouring the leader. The former Indian prime minister further said, “ All the world recognizes it and His Holiness truly deserved the honour of the Congressional Gold Medal. This medal has a great merit not only because it is presented by US congress but also because it says something which reminds us of the message of father of our nation, Gandhi ji.”

He said, “When the US Congress presented it to you we felt honored because we thought this was the message which was not only given to you but to the Indian nation as well.”His Holiness expressed concern over China’s “‘policy of suppression’’ in Tibet,” adding, ‘’genuine harmony should come from the heart and not from the gun.’’

His Holiness voiced his concern over the “demographic aggression’’ of the Chinese in Tibet. Chinese authorities are also trying to prevent Tibetan students from taking lessons in Tibetan, saying that learning the language would be of no use, His Holiness said. “There is a degeneration of the Tibetan way of life and cultural genocide is on the rise in various institutions and monasteries.”

“We in India are being able to practice the Tibetan customs in a better way,” His Holiness added. His Holiness said, presently he is following a three-point commitment - promotion of human values of compassion and tolerance, promotion of religious harmony and carrying out his “moral responsibility’’ towards Tibet. “Historically Tibet is the “chela’’ (student) of India and that he considers himself a “messenger of India’s ancient thought,” said His Holiness.

“I also carry the message of secularism. Some people say the word relates to rejection of religion, but I feel in the Indian context it means respect to all religions,’’ His Holiness said.

His Holiness said, “Resolution of issue of Tibet is relevant for India-China relationship. I really wish to see a genuine friendship between India and China.”Scores of Tibetans sat outside the auditorium to watch the function on a big screen.

Mongolian and Russian Buddhists offer Tenshug to His Holiness

Mongolian and Russian Buddhists offer Tenshug to His Holiness

On the margins of their 5-day Buddhist festival in Dharamsala, some 400 Buddhists devotees from Mongolia and Russian Republics including Kalmykia, Buriyatia and Tuva offered a long life prayer (Tenshug) at a ceremony held at Tsuglagkhang, the main temple on 10 November

Thousands of Tibetans and devotees from other countries also joined in the prayer ceremony at a packed main temple courtyard.

Dignitaries, including Kundeling Rinpoche, Justice Commissioners, speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Kalon Tripa, members of Kashag and other officials of the Central Tibetan Administration attended the prayer ceremony.

In his brief address, His Holiness the Dalai Lama recounted the long-standing religious and cultural ties between Tibet and Mongolia, build over hundreds of years ago.

Later in the afternoon, a cultural show was organised at the temple courtyard attracting a large crowd of more than a thousand people. Dance troupes from Mongolia, Russian Republics of Kalmykia, Tuva and Buriyatia and Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts presented cultural songs and dances, showcasing their rich and unique culture and tradition.

In their brief address, the representa-tives of Mongolia, Kalymikia, Tuva and Buryatia expressed happiness to be able to collectively offer a grand long life prayer to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The representatives lauded the support extended by His Holiness and the Central Tibetan Administration in the promotion and preservation of Buddhism in their regions.

While greeting the Buddhists from Mongolia and Russian Republics of Kalmykia, Tuva and Buriyatia, His Holiness said, the unique religious and cultural relationship between Tibet and Mongolia dated back to hundreds of years and started before Buddhism was brought to Tibet.

His Holiness said, “great changes took place in every part of the world, especially in Central Asia, and recent political upheavals led to a transitory lapse of ties between Tibet and Mongolian states.” “ But on the positive side, realising the long-standing deep relationship when we came into exile , there has been a revival of the bond,” added His Holiness.

“With a gradual restoration of freedom in these States, there has been substantial flourishing of Buddhism and its teachings, which spread from Tibet and the great Nalanda University,” said His Holiness.

His Holiness said, under these positive developments, some 400 students from these states are currently studying in various religious, educational and cultural institutions in the exile Tibetan community.”

His Holiness expressed his happiness over frequent visits by students in the days to come and outlined the responsibility of the Tibetans in providing support to the visiting students.

Later in the evening, the Kashag hosted a dinner reception to the visiting dignitaries including Kalmykia President Kirsan Illumjhinov and other delegates from the Russian Republics and Mongolia.

On 9 November, at the request of Mongolian and Russian Buddhists, His Holiness had conferred a one-day teaching on the ‘Three Principal Paths’ (lamtso namsum) by Je Tsongkhapa to a large gathering of thousands of devotees at the Tsuglagkhang.

His Holiness returns amid grand ceremonial welcome

His Holiness receives warm welcome on arrival in Dharamsala after completing US visit

After successfully concluding his high profile visit to United States and Canada, His Holiness the Dalai Lama returned to Dharamshala, amid grand ceremonial welcome by jubilant Tibetans, locals and devotees from other countries.

His Holiness, on his arrival at the Gaggal airport,was greeted by Gyalwa Karmapa Rinpoche, Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche, Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Mr Karma Chophel, Deputy Speaker Mrs Gyari Dolma, members of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, and heads of the all the Tibetan institutions in Dharamshala.

Other dignitaries and officials of the Central Tibetan Administration were present at His Holiness’ residence to welcome him.

A ceremonial traditional Tibetan opera dance was performed by artists of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts and Thangthong Lugar to welcome His Holiness.

More than 10,000 of Tibetans and scores of other devotees carrying scarves, incense and flowers lined on long stretches of road festooned with Tibetan national flags, welcome banners and colourful buntings to greet him and to get a glimpse of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The huge cheering crowd was in festive mood, as His Holiness had been honoured with the US Congressional Gold Medal by President George W Bush at the Capitol Rotunda on 17 October. The event resulted in an unprecedented grand celebrations by Tibetan community across the world.

An upsurge of grand celebrations of the award ceremony by Tibetans were also witnessed in Tibet, as China left no stone unturned to intensify crackdown to curb the jubilant Tibetan people’s respect for His Holiness.

During his three-day visit to Ottawa, Prime Minister Stephen Harper called on His Holiness for a historic meeting at his Ottawa office, despite strong objections by China in hosting the Tibet’s spiritual leader.

His Holiness had also received a warm welcome from thousands of Tibetans on his arrival in New Delhi on 2 October.

Tibetan MPs join their EP counterpart at EP Inter-Parliamentary Conference

A four-member delegation of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile led by Mrs. Dolma Gyari, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan parliament, and Kalon Tempa Tsering, Kalon for the Department of Information and International Relations, set out to attend the Inter-Parliamentary Conference at the European Parliament.

The two-day conference is convened by Mr. Thomas Mann, member of the European Parliament and President of the EP Tibet Inter-Parliamentary Group.

Deputy Speaker Dolma Gyari is expected to address the parliament along with Thomas Mann, Hans-Gert Pottering, President of the EP, Kelsang Gyaltsen, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for European Affairs, and President and Vice-President of the political groups in EP.

There is workshop on the environmental pollution in China and the Olympic Games 2008 Beijing during the conference.

Isabel Hilton, columnist for British newspaper, author of The Search of the Panchen Lama, and editor of a website devoted to climate change and environment, will speak on the environmental pollution in China at the workshop.

A panel discussion will be held for the second workshop on Olympic Games 2008 Beijing. The speakers are Pal Schmitt MEP, former Olympic gold winner in fencing, Peter Stastny, MEP, participant of 4 Olympic Games, and Jean-Paul Marthoz, Belgium columnist and former international press director for Human Rights Watch.

The Tibetan MPs will meet the Tibetan community in Belgium on 8 November and Mrs. Dolma Gyari is expected to speak at the gathering.

They will be returning back to India by 12 November.

The delegation includes Mr. Sonam Damdul, Mr. Sonam Topgyal and Mr. Tsultrim Woeser.

His Holiness unveils Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Delhi

His Holiness the Dalai Lama unveiled the Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda) at the inauguration and dedication ceremony, marked by traditional Japanese prayer for world peace by Japanese monks and nuns in Indraprastha Park in Delhi.

While addressing the occasion, His Holiness said it would go a long way in promoting human values, peace and brotherhood among people across the globe.

His Holiness said, it is not the image but the message contained in thesculptures that is more important.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit described the monument as a new landmark of Delhi, which would promote peace and human values. The 30-metre high white pagoda is an initiative of the Shanti Stupa Society in cooperation with the Delhi Development Authority.

The plan for building a Shanti Stupa was initially proposed by late Indian prime minister, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru. Nichidatsu Fujii, a leading Japanese Buddhist leader had donated his entire award money from the Jawahar Lal Nehru Award for this project.

The pagoda with a 37-meter diameter has a ramp to facilitate the visits of physically challenged individual on wheel chair. The monument would be surrounded by a beautiful Japanese style rock garden.

M.C. Bhandare, Orissa governor, Haryana governor A.R. Kidwai, and Delhi Lt. Governor Tejendra Khanna, Shri Dinesh Rai, Vice-Chairman, Delhi Development Authority, and leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha L.K. Advani were among others who were present during the inaugural function.

On 13 November, His Holiness had inaugurated the Satyagraha Centenary International Conference on the theme of ‘’Globalisation of the Gandhian way: Sociology, Politics and Science of Satyagraha’’, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, attended by participants from 17 countries.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrives in Japan

His Holiness delivers at a school in Tokyo in Nov.

After successfully concluding a two-day program in New Delhi, His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Japan for a week-long visit at the invitation of the All Japan Buddhist Federation and Kanagawa Buddhist Federation

His Holiness was received at the Narita Airport by officials from the Representative office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as Tibetans and Mongolian Buddhists lined up to welcome him at the airport.

The director of Kanagawa Buddhist Federation, Ven Wada Taiga said, he was honoured and happy to have His Holiness in Japan.

In a brief interaction with leaders of the Japanese Buddhist group , His Holiness outlined the importance of developing closer understanding with other religious faiths

His Holiness said, “I always love coming to Japan. I am very happy to be here again in Japan at your invitation.” During his 9-day visit, His Holiness will give a series of educational and religious lectures in Yokohama and other cities. On 20 November, His Holiness is scheduled to address a large gathering on ‘Faith and Peace’ at National Convention Hall of Yokohama.

His Holiness last visited Japan from 30 October to 11 November 2006

My purpose is the promotion of religious harmony: His Holiness

His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that his purpose to visit Japan is to promote religious harmony and he is happy to be able to participate in two of the most important religious functions in Japan.

While addressing a press briefing at the New Grand Hotel in Hachioji, Tokyo, His Holiness said he is not disappointed over the Japanese government’s indifferent attitude since his visit to the country is not political.

On being asked if he is upset over the Japanese government’s attitude, compared to the honor and respect in which he has been received by the leaders of US and Germany recently, His Holiness said, “Main purpose my visit of is not political, so, nothing to ask the Japanese government.”

“And also I don’t want to create any inconvenience to any person. So, no problem,” His Holiness added. On his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, His Holiness said, “German Chancellor is one of my long time friends, who has kept the spirit of human friendship even today and that we have met as friends.”

On Tibet’s environment, His Holiness called for special care to preserve Tibet’s ecosystem, adding, once you damage the fragile environment of Tibetan plateau, it will take a long period to recover.

His Holiness said that since major rivers originating in Tibet feed into South Asia, “Special care of the Tibetan ecology is not only the concerns for six million Tibetans, but also the concerns for millions of people.”

But some people from China “have no knowledge of ecology. They are only concerned about industries (with) no idea of ecological consequences,” His Holiness said.

The Chinese government has begun to impose “some restrictions on deforestation in some parts of Tibet. However, unfortunately now in China, sometimes restrictions can be easily ignored through pocket money, corruption,” His Holiness added.

His Holiness said, “Some Chinese businessmen still can carry out deforestation and also they exploit natural resources with poor care for the ecology.”

The comments came as China’s state Xinhua news agency said climate change was causing more weather-related disasters than ever in Tibet.

Also during the press conference His Holiness said “all Tibetans wish to return to Tibet” and reiterated that he was open to resolve the issue of Tibet over a “genuine autonomy”.

“We are seeking genuine autonomy within the constitution of China provided the Chinese government is ready to create a meaningful autonomy,” the exiled leader of Tibet said. “Whole world knows the Dalai Lama side is not seeking independence,” His Holiness added.

His Holiness gave a public talk on “Modern World and Spiritual Development” at Hachioji New Grand Hotel to the crowd of 400 people from different walks of life.

His Holiness told the gathering that the mission of his life is promotion of human values. His Holiness said that mutual trust is the foundation of human relation and no matter how powerful, how rich an individual may be, he cannot be happy without human companion.

Holiness said that his first teacher of compassion is his mother and that the seed of compassion has been first planted by her. His Holiness further said that a balance attitude towards the development of both mental and physical is important for overall well being of humanity.

His Holiness visited Setagaya Gakuen, Gokokuji temple and Nichidai High School. He will also speak to the children and the staff of the two schools.

Thousands gathered in Yokohama to listen His Holiness.

His Holiness addreses a gathering in Yokohama on 20 Nov.

More than 5000 Japanese Buddhists, comprising of chief abbots and monks, scholars and general public from different part of Japan converged at the National Convention Hall of Yokohama to listen to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s message on faith and peace.

His Holiness was invited by the All Japanese Buddhist Federation (AJBF) and Kanagawa Buddhist Federation (KBF) to speak on the theme” Believing one’s faith and peace” at the Buddhist Conference commemorating their 50th and 40th anniversaries respectively.

His Holiness presented the Federations with statue of Buddha each as a symbol of goodwill and implication that they are disciples of Buddha.

While giving a positive implication that humanity is heading towards a better future, His Holiness said, “Although even now violence are there, but I find the world is heading toward a better future. People have realized that violence is not the ultimate solution to all the problems.” His Holiness added, “Many political parties committed to humanity and environment has come up. Science and spirituality has also come closer which will usher a new era of peace and harmony.”

Outlining that humanity is a source of our future hope, His Holiness told the Buddhists gathering that “Development within one century clearly shows that humanity has gained much experience through difficulties.”

His Holiness said, “Humanity has learned much through its past mistake, negligence and ignorance, we have realized that we are all same human beings on one blue planet, whether we are believer or non-believer, eastern or western, our future is same.” On the importance of developing positive approach in solving problems, His Holiness said, “Too much reliance on modern development has made us to model the education system on brain development, but not on warm heartedness and compassion. Due to lack of our perception and awareness of reality, many new problems come up.”

His Holiness said, “Economic power and prosperity of a nation depends on other countries.” Realising this reality, he said, “It is important to adopt a global approach at all the problems based on Buddhist concept of interdependence.”

Speaking on the promotion of human inner value, mainly compassion, His Holiness said, “We have many religious traditions. Despite the difference in names and philosophies, they all have great responsibility in promoting human value based on love and compassion.” He said Buddhist concept of inter dependencies is very effective in all walks of life. It can be said as a Buddhist contribution to the humanity. “Everybody should keep his own faith and it is not necessary to become Buddhist. Practicing one’s own faith with open heart is good for oneself as well as for others,” His Holiness concluded.

His Holiness left the auditorium amid standing ovation from the gathering.

Besides attending the Buddhist Federations’ function, His Holiness conferred audiences to a group of Taiwanese monks, Mongolian community and to some Japanese supporters. He also gave an exclusive interview to Nippon Television of channel four.

Later that day, His Holiness gave a public talk on “Material development and Spiritual Harmony” at Hachioji New Grand Hotel in Tokyo

Long life offering to His Holiness in January 2008

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has decided to mark the year 2008 with a long life offering ceremony as an official expression of gratitude and reverence to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his successful passing over the obstacle year based on his merits and that of entire Tibetan people.

The ceremony, to be held on 3 January 2008 is also to celebrate the ever flourishing of his meritorious service and receiving numerous international recognitions, especially, the US Congressional Gold Medal conferred to him by president George W Bush in Capitol Rotunda on 17 October.

The Tibetans will present long life offerings during a teaching by His Holiness on the second Dalai Lama Gedun Gyatso’s ‘Jampel Tsencho,’ to be conferred at the request of the CTA at Drepung Monastery, located in Mundgod in South India.

According to an announcement issued by Kashag on 9 November, for the enhancement of Tibet’s collective merit, Tibetans can give donations and offerings for the long life ceremony at their respective Tibetan settlements and welfare offices before 3 January 2008.

Human Rights Centre condemns harsh prison term to four Tibetans

The Dharamshala-based human rights watchdog, Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), condemned the decision of the Intermediate People’s Court in Karze, Tibet for giving long prison sentences four Tibetans.

Ronggye A’drak was sentenced to eight years imprisonment and deprivation of political rights for four years, according to confirmed received by TCHRD. He called for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s return to Tibet during an annual Lithang horse race festival in Kardze, in southeastern Tibet in August this year.

The other three Tibetans were also jailed for terms ranging from three to ten years for spying for overseas organisations and subversion.

Among them, Adruk Lopoe, a nephew of Ronggye A’drak received the heaviest sentence of ten years’ imprisonment on charges of “colluding with foreign separatist force to split the country and distributing political pamphlets.”

Kunkhen, an artiste who was arbitrarily arrested on 22 August by Public Security Bureau (PSB) officials in Lithang for unknown reason was sentenced to nine years of imprisonment on charges of “carrying out splittist activities. A third, named Lothok, was given a three-year sentence.

TCHRD questioned the integrity of Chinese judicial court in slapping harsh sentence to Tibetans for expressing their basic freedom of expression.

It expressed grave concern over the fate of the four Tibetans and seeks immediate intervention by the governments and the international community.

It urged Chinese authorities to give four Tibetans fair re-trial with adequate legal representation and follow all domestic and international legal norms.

Mongolian and Russian Buddhist Festival in Dharamsala

From Left: Telo Rinpoche, Speaker Karma Choephel and Kalon Tripa inaugurates the Russian Buddhist festival.

From 6-10 November, a five-day Mongolian and Russian Buddhist festival has began with an art exhibition by Mongolia and Republics of Kalmykia, Buryat and Tuva of the Russian Federation, at the Tibet Museum here in Dharamsala. Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche was chief guest at the inauguration of exhibition. Addressing the people at the inaugural ceremony, Telo Rinpoche, head of the Kalmyk Buddhists, said the purpose of their visit is to strengthen the historical bond the Mongolians and Russians share with the Tibetans. We are fortunate that we could gather here in presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama but unfortunately not in free Tibet. We hope that our future gathering will be in free Tibet.

He said that their relationship with Tibet is neither a spontaneous idea nor a fantasy. It is a historical fact. Telo Rinpoche thanked His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) on behalf of the Mongolian and Russian Buddhists, saying that revival of Buddhism in their country didn’t happen by coincidence. It happened with blessings of His Holiness and support of the CTA. We, the independent country and republics, should support the Tibetan cause, he added.

He also said that they wear the pride of being the first one to offer long life prayers to His Holiness after His Holiness was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

In his address, Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche underlined the serious problem facing Buddhism in Tibet.

In view of the present situation in Tibet, Kalon Tripa said Mongolian and Russian Buddhists have responsibility to preserve the Buddhist tradition. It is both your and our duty to preserve Buddhism in future, he said. Recounting the fall of communism in Mongolia and Russian Federation in 1990 and revival of Buddhism thus after, Kalon Tripa said Buddhism has flourished well in Mongolia and Russia these days when it is facing difficulties in Tibet. In the past we have helped you to revive Buddhism in your country and we hope you would help us in future to revive it in Tibet.

Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche further said that with blessings of His Holiness we have preserved Tibetan Buddh- ism quite well in exile and we welcome the Mongolians and Russians to receive education and training from Tibetan monasteries here in future. Mr. Tashi, representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Russia, in his brief introductory address said that the Office of Tibet in Russia serves as a cultural and spiritual bridge between the Tibetans and Mongolians as well as Russians. Since the revival of Buddhism in Mongolia and Russia, people got opportunity to receive His Holiness’ teachings and today we share an intense relationship with them. Last year people of Kalmykia awarded their highest award “White Lotus” to His Holiness and this year with Mongolia and Republics of Tuva and Buryat, they are offering long life prayer to His Holiness shows the intensity of our relationship.

Present at the occasion were Justice Commissioners of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Kalon for the Department of Religion and Culture and some MPs of the Tibetan parliament.

On 9 Nov, His Holiness the Dalai Lama had conferred teachings for the Mongolian and Russian delegation, the next day the Delegation offered grand long life prayers to His Holiness. In the afternoon, on the same day, there was a multicultural performance at the Main Temple, His Holiness grace the cultural show.

‘Tibet should not be a barrier in Sino-Indian relations’

File Photo: Kalon Tripa

According to a report by the Press Trust of India, Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche said “the Tibet issue should not become a barrier in the bilateral relations between India and China,” at a book release function in Delhi yesterday.

He said that India could have the opportunities and modalities to speak for Tibet in an cordial environment, only if they establish a trustworthy friendship with China on an equal footing.

He said, despite the massive infrastructure development projects in Tibet, the living standard of Tibetans had not improved.

“Thousands of Tibetans are risking their lives and escaping to India for want of better employment, education and health facilities, services that are inadequate in Tibet,” he said.

He further said, “Tibet has increasingly become a supplier of resources to the Chinese mainland without any adequate return.”

Kalon Tripa left Dharamshala on 13 November for a 9-day visit to Delhi, Uttarakhand and Nagpur. He will return to Dharamshala on 22 November.

Tibetan parliament to hold its 5th session in March 2008

Members of the 14th Tibetan Parliament-in-exile will meet here from 4-15 March 2008 for its spring session.

This is the fifth session of the 14th Tibetan parliament-in-exile. The parliament meets twice a year.

The members have to report here on 3 March 2008, according to an announcement issued on 12 November by the Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat.

New Kalon to Head the Health Department

New Health Kalon

The official ceremony for the appointment of Mr Paljor Tsering as the new Kalon was held in early this morning in the Kashag Secretariat.

After his nomination was approved by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, he was sworn into office by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 24 November in New Delhi.

Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche, Health Kalon Kesang Yangkyi Takla, Education Kalon Thupten Lugrig and Kalon Tsering Dhondup of the Department of Finance and the Chief Election Commissioner Mr Tashi Phuntsok were present at the felicitation ceremony.

Other dignitaries present at the ceremony were secretaries from departments of the Central Tibetan Administration and representatives from Tibetan institutions based in Dharamshala. An announcement issued this morning by the Kashag secretariat declared that Mr Paljor Tsering is appointed as the new Kalon for Health.

Former health Kalon Mrs Kesang Yangkyi Takla was appointed as Kalon for the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR). Kalon Tempa Tsering will continue to be the representative at the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New Delhi.

Mass Awareness Workshop on Middle-Way Approach Kicks off

The two-day workshop on mass awareness campaign on the Middle-Way Approach to Tibetan settlement officers organised by the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) began this morning at the Gangkyi staff mess.

While speaking to settlement officers from 37 Tibetan settlements, DIIR Secretary Jeshong Lobsang Tsultrim said, the workshop aims to further disseminating awareness on Tibet to the Indian community by the settlement officers in their respective settlements. He said, the workshop will also focus on the measures to strengthen the relations between Indian and Tibetan community. DIIR Secretary Mr Jeshong Lobsang Tsultrim giving the introductory address on the inaugural session of the workshop

He expressed gratitude to the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) for their constant support in providing financial support to the project on the awareness of Middle-Way Approach. The three representatives from the NCA who are attending the workshop received standing ovation from the participants.

While speaking on the background and the meaning of the Middle-Way Approach, Mr Sonam Norbu Dagpo, the Secretary for International Relations said, The Middle-way Approach is the best possible method to resolve the issue of Tibet, safeguarding the vital interests of all concerned parties. It aims to protect and preserve the culture, religion and national identity of Tibet, safeguard the security and territorial integrity of China and peaceful borders and international relations,he added.

His Holiness joins religious heads to promote love and forgiveness

His Holiness offers prayers at the Golden Temple

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will join some 50 senior religious figures at a major inter-faith dialogue this week in Amritsar on how to heal the world through love and forgiveness.

The five-day summit organised by the Elijah Interfaith Institute aims to bring together representatives from each of the major religions, including Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism,

Sikhism, Jainism and other religions. His Holiness will give a keynote address on how can religions share their wisdom at Guru Nanak Dev University on 28 November.

His Holiness said, “Our planet is in desperate need for love, forgiveness and inter-religious harmony. This meeting of leaders and scholars from around the world will explore how the wisdom of our traditions can help achieve these things.”

His Holiness poses with religious leaders during Inter faith summit in Amritsar

Dr Alan Goshen-Gottstein, founder and Executive Director of the Elijah Interfaith Institute said, “this meeting of the most senior religious leaders in the world takes places at a crucial time in our history. While technologies advances have brought wonderful opportunities, we still see insecurities, violence and hatred. The answer to our most pressing problems do not lie in technology and the material realm alone.”

He said, “This global gathering of minds will explore how, by responsibly sharing wisdom, the great faiths can have a practical and meaningful role in bringing love and forgiveness into this world. Sharing wisdom is key to healing the wounds of the world.”

Other participants include American Christians including Miroslav Volf, the British Chief Rabbi, Dr Jonathan Sacks and Sheikh Muhhamad Nur Abdallah, President of the Islamic Society of North America, Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo of India, Chief Rabbi Joseph Azran of Israel and religious scholar Adamou Ndam Njoya of Cameroon. This is the third meeting of the Elijah Board of World leaders. Previous meetings of the Elijah Board of World Religious Leaders were convened in Seville in 2003 and Taiwan in 2005.

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