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12/10/2008
Sonam Choedon from Tibet crowned Miss Tibet 2008
(The Tibet Post International 12 October 2008)-25-year-old Sonam Choedon from Lithanng county, eastern Tibet crowned Miss Tibet 2008 Dharamsala, India October 12: Colorful firecrackers were repeatedly blossomed into the dark air making spectacular patterns and hundreds of crowd made a roaring clapping as the competition night of the Miss Tibet pageant 2008 started.Director of the Tibetan beauty pageant Mr Lobsang Wangyal thanked the crowd for their overwhelming support. “As you know, as I do as usual, I am happy to talk some points, first: About this pageant, 2nd is politics, as I am supporting middle-way approach of the Dalai Lama and the 3rd is about how to speak our Tibetan language” he said.
Sonam Choedon was born in Lithang in Kham, eastern Tibet in 1983. She is a student, has studied up to class 8 in Tibet. She can speak fluent Chinese, as well as Tibetan.
She came into exile in India in December 2007 in search of better opportunities to study. Her hobbies include dancing, reading and studying languages.“As became a Miss Tibet, I would be speaking on behalf of the Tibetan people, particularly Tibetan women, telling their story and making people more aware of the Tibetan situation. I believe that awareness is the key issue, and hope that by sharing my story it will empower others to do the same.” She said
“I believe that our goal will be achieve soon, without any doubt if we, all Tibetans follow the middle-way that approached by our leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama" she added
“Miss Tibet beauty pageant 2009 will be held June-July 2009’ Mr. Lobsang said
23:00 Posted in Environment | Permalink | Comments (3) | Email this | Tags: miss tibet 2008, tibet, tibetans, politics, news, issues, dalai lama
A Tibetan AIDS activist disappears in Tibet
(The Tibet Post International 10 October 2008)-The whereabouts of Tibetan HIV/AIDS activist, Wangdue (one name only), remains unknown to his family members since he was arbitrarily detained by the Lhasa City Public Security Bureau (PSB) officials from his home on 14 March 2008 in Lhasa, according to confirmed information received by the TCHRD.
Wangdue, now in his early 40s was born in Taktse County (Ch: Daxi/Dagze Xian), Lhasa Municipality, "Tibet Autonomous Region" ("TAR"). He is a former political prisoner initially arrested for his involvement in the March 1989 protest in Lhasa and was later sentenced to three years to "Re-education through Labour" in Sangyip Prison, otherwise known as "TAR" PSB Detention Centre. His prison sentence was further increased by four years by the Lhasa City Intermediate People's Court for his involvement in a protest in Sangyip, and he was later transferred to the notorious Drapchi Prison in Lhasa where he completed his remaining prison term. Following his release in 1995, Wangdue studied English language besides working in Lhasa.
Wangdue later came in contact with a foreign NGO working on an HIV/AIDS awareness program in Lhasa City and worked to create HIV/AIDS awareness in various brothels around Lhasa city, in schools in neighboring counties and towns, and organized talk series in various nightclubs mushrooming in the holy city. The NGO also published and printed numerous education booklets, posters and pamphlets on HIV/AIDS awareness in Tibetan and Chinese language for free distribution to educate the general public on the deadly disease which is gradually gaining ground in Tibet. Due to their success, numerous schools, government offices including the "TAR" Police Academy invited the NGO to give lecture on the HIV/AIDS awareness to their students, staffs and recruits.
Like the Chinese democracy, environmental and AIDS activist, Hu Jia, who has been nominated by the Nobel Committee for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, Wangdue has been spearheading a noble community service project in educating the masses about the HIV/AIDS in Tibet. Wangdue who has disappeared since his arbitrary detention on 14 March, deserves a similar respect and adulation from the international community for his selfless community service and the international community, should therefore, urgently press for his early release so that he can continue with his noble mission of creating awareness on HIV/AIDS, an epidemic which is gradually spreading at an alarming rate in the Tibetan holy city of Lhasa and other neighboring towns and cities.
TCHRD expresses its deepest concern over the safety of Wangdue and urgently calls upon the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to ascertain his whereabouts and physical conditions. The Centre appeals to the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance (UNWGEID) to urgently issue intervention to locate him and his current status.
12:49 Posted in Freedom of expression | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: tibet, tibetans, politics, news, issues, dalai lama
His Holiness Extends Message to 1st Europe Tibetan Congress
(The Tibet Post International 11 October 2008)-Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama has extended his message to the representatives of Tibetan communities across Europe, who are holding the first Europe Tibetan Congress in Basel, Switzerland, from 11 – 12 October.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama could not attend the inauguration ceremony of the congress, since His Holiness had to cancel his visit to Switzerland due to slight indisposition.
In his message issued on 3 October, His Holiness said: “I am pleased to know that a congress of Tibetans is being held in Basel, Switzerland, to which representatives of Tibetan communities across Europe have been invited.”
His Holiness said: “Tibetans in Europe, of whom the largest number have been settled in Switzerland since the early 1960s, have been well integrated in their adopted countries. They have also worked hard to preserve their identity and our Tibetan culture, which, deeply influenced by Buddhism, embodies knowledge
and values that I believe have the potential to be of
benefit to humanity in general.”
“The fact that new generations of Tibetans, who have been born and brought up in foreign lands, are able to follow their elders in upholding our cultural heritage in exile and creating a greater awareness of the Tibetan issue amongst the international public is a source of pride. Therefore, I offer my greetings to all of you on this occasion and encourage you to redouble your efforts in these activities,” His Holiness said.
His Holiness said: “The Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, who is Chairman of the elected Tibetan political leadership in exile will be attending this congress. I have no doubt that he will give a thorough explanation of the issues that are of greatest concern to us today.”
The two-day congress will begin with a long life prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, followed by a keynote address by Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche.
Around 127 delegates from over 15 countries will attend the congress.
During the course of the meeting, the delegates will focus on discussing responsibilities and challenges for Tibetans living in Europe on how to preserve and promote Tibet’s unique culture, religion, language and identity.
They will also deliberate to find ways to improve the Tibetan people’s social, culture and human rights situation in Tibet.
12:44 Posted in Freedom of expression | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: tibet, tibetans, politics, news, issues, dalai lama
09/10/2008
6.6 Magnitude quake hitsTibet caused at least 9, scores injured
(The Tibet Post International 07 October 2008)-At least 9 Tibetans were killed and scores injured when a strong earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale struck Lhasa, capital of Tibet and adjoining areas today, the local officials of TAR government said.
The Chinese army and rescuers have rushed to the scene to save an unknown number of victims buried under rubbles of houses collapsed in the quake which hit the area at 4:30 p.M. (2 p.M. IST).
The epicenter of the quake was a township of Dhamshong County. More people are feared buried in debris and many houses collapsed, the so called TAR local officials said.
Traffic and telecommunication were cut off in Dhamshong.
Soldiers and medical staff were rushing to the site, official Xinhua news agency reported.
Deaths and injuries were also reported in a neighboring county, but the exact number of casualties was yet to be verified, it said.
The epicenter was located at 29.8 degrees north and 90.3 degrees east, 82 km from Lhasa, according to the State Seismological Bureau (SSB).
Tremors were felt in Lhasa, but no major damages were found in buildings or historical sites there, including the famed Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple, the report said.
The Qinghai-Tibet railway and Lhasa airport maintained normal operations.
Meanwhile, officials in neighboring Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region today confirmed the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that shook the its far-flung western mountainous last night didn't cause any casualties but altogether 225 rural households were damaged.
The quake epicenter was in the mountainous area about 100 km away from the county seat of Wuqia, Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture. The quake damaged telecom facilities in the region. PTI reported
13:26 Posted in Media | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email this | Tags: tibet, lhasa, china, news, world, www.potalapost.com
Can thee women symbolize Miss Tibet?
(The Tibet Post International 04 October 2008)-After almost year open application, only two Tibetan women will compete in the Miss Tibet pageant 2008. The two contestants will be disclosed on 12 October when they will come on stage to compete in four rounds of competitions in evening gown, talent, traditional costume and interview.Unlike other world communities, Tibetan women still incurable to participate this kind of events, maybe lack of confident or modern educations, maybe an old shadow community and family restriction behind the pageant. It is also faraway to reach at international level as Tibetan women slot in modern societies for a little space.
As many times, even a single woman continued for saving or discouraging the last pageants, can thee women symbolize the Miss Tibet?
It said, judges will decide the winner through the four rounds, which will have 10 points each. But the organizer did not explain who and how many judges on the decision.
The two contenders will be trained in yoga, dance and stage craft, and will be given orientation on Tibetan culture for a week.
'The winner will receive a cheque for 100,000 rupees (2500 USD approx), and the second place will receive 50,000 rupees (1250 USD approx). The prize money is offered to help the winners further their education or vocational skills' organizer reported
13:24 Posted in Freedom of expression | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: miss tibet
His Holiness offers Prayers and Condolences for Tibet Quake Victims
(The Tibet Post International 07 October 2008)-His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed his deep condolences to the families affected in the earthquake that hit Dhamshong county and neighboring areas west of Lhasa, Tibet, on Monday."I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and property as a result of the earthquake that struck Dhamshong county and neighboring areas west of Lhasa on Monday, 6 October 2008," His Holiness the Dalai Lama said in his condolence message.
"Our prayers go out to those who have lost their lives in this tragedy and offer condolences to their families and those affected by this natural disaster," His Holiness said.
His Holiness said: "I am exploring avenues to extend assistant as a token of my deep concern and solidarity with the people devastated by these earthquakes."
Tibetan spiritual leader H.H the 14th Dalai Lama is in Delhi, Indian capital for a medical examination weeks after he completed his 8 days of teaching for Taiwanese and Singaporean Buddhist followers.
"This is a follow-up medical check-up. He is currently in Delhi for it" according news reports from his office.
The Tibetan spiritual leader, 73, will be in New Delhi for a few days before returning Himalaya home town to Dharamshala, the northern Indian town where the central Tibetan government-in-exile is based.
Since his stay in hospital, the Dalai Lama has begun 8 day teachings again in Dharamshala but trips to Germany and Switzerland this month have been cancelled.
Many world leaders have recently called to enquire and express concern for his current health, including US President George W. Bush.
Tibetan spiritual leader H.H the 14th Dalai Lama fled to exile in India in 1959 following Chinese occupation of Tibet.
13:21 Posted in Freedom of expression | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this
Eight Tibetan monks Jailed for five years to life sentence
(The Tibet Post International 08 October 2008)-According to reliable sources, 23 September 2008, eight Tibetan monks from eastern Tibet jailed five years to life sentence in connection with planting a bomb at Chinese official building in Gojong district on 23 March, during Tibetan protests in all part of Tibet.
Tibetans were given heavy punishment for some genuine reasons, with the Chamdo [in Chinese, Changdu] Intermediate People's Court confirming the sentences of the eight Tibetan monks on 23 September 2008 after arresting them from Gojong Thangkya monastery.
'The arrested monks from the Thangkya monastery (Chinese: Tongxia monastery) - around 850 miles east of Lhasa - fled after their homemade bomb exploded in Kyabal town (Chinese: Gyanbe township) at midnight, 22 March 2008 but later confessed to planting it. There was no mention of casualties or damage' Chinese state media 'Xinhua' reported April 2008.
The eight monks sentenced were named by sources in Gojong Kyabal town as: Gyurmed Dhondup, 28, who was jailed for life; Dorjee Wanggyal, 31, who received a fifteen year sentence; Kunga Tenzin, 20, sentenced for fifteen years, Kunga Phuntsok, 19, sentenced for ten years, Tsering Nima, 17, sentenced for ten years, Rinchen Gyaltsen, 28, sentenced for ten years, Tsewang Yeshe, 20, sentenced for nine years, and Trinley Wanggyal, 21, who was handed a five-year sentence. Tseten, a 30 year old, is still detained and his sentence wasn't immediately known.
22 Tibetans were also detained in Markham county in May. Only six are known to have since been released. A further five monks from Phunlak Gonsar and Khenpa Lung monasteries are also believed to have been jailed in connection with a blast.
13:17 Posted in Freedom of expression | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this