Dharamsala, 08-08-2011

My fellow Tibetans:

Today on this auspicious day when Guru Rinpoche, the great Indian yogi who spread Buddhism in Tibet, was born, and in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, our most revered leader, I accept, with deep humility, the post of the Kalon Tripa.

We invoke the spirit and call on the Gods and Goddesses of Tibet to watch over and guide us. My profound gratitude goes out to the overwhelming support of brave men and women in exile, and the enduring solidarity and support of our brave brothers and sisters in occupied Tibet. We are motivated by their support and sustained by their prayers.

Blessed spiritually by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and authorized politically to continue the extended historical legitimacy of the great institution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I am here not as a result of my personal achievement but as a result of the hard work and sacrifices made by elder generations in Tibet and in exile. Today, I pledge to carry on and build upon this great legacy of our elders. I pledge to you, my fellow Tibetans, to strengthen and sustain our movement until freedom is restored in Tibet, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama returns to our homeland.

Source:phayul.com, 06-08-2011

An international gathering of over a thousand youth delegates from more than 50 countries passed a unanimous decision calling for Tibet’s independence and condemned the illegal occupation of Tibet.

International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY), a global NGO with representation in over 100 countries in its recently concluded week-long World Festival and World Council held at Eurocamp near the Austrian capital Vienna unanimously adopted the ‘Tibet Resolution’.

The Tibet Resolution which was adopted on the fourth day of the council reasserted IUSY’s support for an independent Tibet and condemn the illegal occupation of Tibet. The resolution also demanded the government of China to allow UN Special Rapportuers or independent international agencies to visit Tibet to investigate the real situation in Tibet while calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners including the 10th Panchen Lama Gedun Choekyi Nyima.

Source: Phayul[Saturday, July 30, 2011 18:50]

Widespread resentment from local Tibetans resulted in the cancellation of a long-planned trip by Gyaltsen (Ch. Gyaincain) Norbu, the China appointed 11th Panchen Lama to the Amdo region of Tibet this month, reports confirm. 

Threats of pay-cuts and extermination from jobs failed to deter local Tibetan officials from complying with Chinese government decree to prepare a grand welcome for the 21-year old Gyaltsen Norbu.

Source: tibet.net, 17-07-2011

DHARAMSHALA: US President Barack Obama received His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the White House on Saturday, and "encourages direct dialogue to resolve long-standing differences and that a dialogue that produces positive results for China and Tibetans". 

The White House issued a statement following the 45 minutes meeting between President Obama and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

“The President reiterated his strong support for the preservation of the unique religious, cultural, and linguistic traditions of Tibet and the Tibetan people throughout the world," the statement noted.

"He underscored the importance of the protection of human rights of Tibetans in China."

"The President commended the Dalai Lama’s commitment to nonviolence and dialogue with China and his pursuit of the “Middle Way” approach. Reiterating the U.S. policy that Tibet is a part of the People’s Republic of China and the United States does not support independence for Tibet, the President stressed that he encourages direct dialogue to resolve long-standing differences and that a dialogue that produces results would be positive for China and Tibetans. 

"The Dalai Lama stated that he is not seeking independence for Tibet and hopes that dialogue between his representatives and the Chinese government can soon resume,” the statement noted.

On his return to the hotel after the meeting, His Holiness gave a brief reaction to some media personnel waiting there. His Holiness said that President Obama showed concern about basic human values, human rights and freedom. Naturally, His Holiness added, he showed genuine concern about suffering in Tibet and also other places. It was wonderful, he added.

Special Envoy Kasur Lodi Gyari, Representative Kasur Lobsang Nyandak Zayul, and Secretary Tenzin N. Taklha accompanied His Holiness to the White House.

Source: phayul.com, 07-07-2011

Washington, DC: Over 6,000 Tibetans and Tibet supporters flocked to the Verizon Centre in Washington, DC to wish His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 76th birthday, Wednesday. 

The day also being the first day of the Kalachakra teachings began with Kalachakra ritual preparation prayers. The actual program to celebrate His Holiness’s birthday started 10 am with younger members of the Capital Area Tibetan Association (CATA) performing a Tibetan song to welcome His Holiness on stage. 

Mr Martin Luther King III, son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mr Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, accompanied His Holiness on to the stage.

Representatives of various communities including Indians, Kalmyks, Mongolians, Japanese, Chinese, Bhutanese, Vietnamese, Americans and Tibetans led a traditional greeting procession to honour the Dalai Lama. His Holiness was also presented the first copy of a book titled Jigten Migpe, which showcases photos from His Holiness’s life.

Source: tibet.net, 05-07-2011

WASHINGTON, DC: Tibetans, Americans and all friends of the Tibetan people are preparing to offer a warm welcome to His Holiness the Dalai Lama as he arrives in Washington, DC, on 5 July afternoon.

His Holiness has been invited by the Capital Area Tibetan Association (CATA), the organisation of Tibetan Americans in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, to bestow the Kalachakra or the Wheel of Time teachings. Expanding on the significance of this event, CATA says, “The Kalachakra for World Peace 2011 will unfold in a world capital where local actions deeply and globally affect the lives of so many. It will provide a rare chance to act in powerful spiritual harmony as part of a huge group dedicated to invoking the power of great wisdom and compassion, so urgently needed in today’s world.”

His Holiness will also have other programmes during this visit, including a celebration of his 76th birthday on July 6 morning, a public talk on peace beside the Capitol on 9 July morning and an address to a conference on Democratic China and the Future of Tibet on 10 July. The Office of Tibet will be issuing a press statement on 5 July 2011 about the birthday celebration.

On 16 July, the Kalachakra for World Peace 2011 will close with a traditional Tibetan long life prayer offering to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

His Holiness departs for Chicago for programmes there on 17 July before returning to India on 18 July 2011.