Date: April 11, 2008
Japan -
Japanese Artiste for early dialogue to resolve Tibet issue.
8th March 2008, Japanese artiste in the field of movie entertainments and modeling, music and songs, writers and composers called for a `Direct talk between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Chinese government` at a press conference at Japan Press Center at Kasumigaseki, Tokyo. Mr. Tatsumura Jin, a noted film director, Mrs. Shimamura, former Asahi Editor and Mrs. Yukawa Reiko, a famous song composer presided over the conference. Some thirty media groups representing national Televisions, News daily, Magazines and Radios attended the press conference. Journalist from neighboring countries like Korea, Taiwan etc. were also present.
Mr. Tatsumura said that many artistes around Japan felt deeply concerned about brutal crackdown of peaceful demonstration by the Chinese authorities in Tibet. What prompted the artistes to come together was to voice against the injustice going on in Tibet before the world eyes. When the Chinese authorities kept criticizing His Holiness Dalai Lama as `a wolf in monk’s garb` and being a separatist etc., `many felt its time that responsible people in the society should come out and speak, else this might send a wrong message to the whole society. ` He said.
An extract from a documentary on His Holiness the Dalai Lama was shown to the medias to let them have a preview of the Dalai Lama. Mrs. Shimamura and Mrs. Yukawa narrated their experiences about meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and said that he represents peace, tolerance and non-violence. They firmly objected to the Chinese authorities use of foul language against the person of Dalai Lama.
A statement made by some 56 Japanese artistes was read and distributed to the press. He said this statement would be sent to the Japanese Government and Embassy of China in Japan. The statement urged the Chinese authorities to stop the baseless criticism against Dalai Lama, as this will not help China. It called upon the China for an early negotiation with Dalai Lama to resolve the Tibet issue to mutual satisfaction. It also urged the Japanese government to call upon Chinese authorities to negotiate with Dalai Lama at the earliest.
Mr.Makino Seishu, former Chairman of Japanese Parliamentary Group for Tibet, Mr. Tsewang Nishikura, a Tibetan Doctor and Mr. T.G. Arya of Office of Tibet, Japan also participated and address questions at the press conference.
Mumbai -
10th April 2008: “Tibet Needs You”
Candlelight Vigil for Human Rights – “Tibet Needs you” was being held at Azad Maidan at 6.30 PM.
Mr. Chemi Youngdrung (President, NDPT) briefed everyone on the program. Ms. Gyari Dolma also gave a talk on importance and objective of holding this Candlelight vigil. She urged the media and worldwide to support Human Rights in Tibet.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Kelly Dorjee, in speech said he is overwhelmed by the courage and hard work of Tibetan people inside and outside the Tibet. He said he is obliged to be the part of this event and extend his full support towards all the Tibetan Cause.
One minute mourning was done for the people inside the Tibet who were brutally killed by Chinese. Following the minute silence, Mrs. Danny Denzongpa and Mr. Kelly Dorjee (Actor/model) lit the first candle of world peace. Other dignitary guests and by the participants all followed them by lighting their candles. The Chief Guest and everyone with their candlelight marched for over half a mile to show their solidarity and support for Human Rights in Tibet.
The Vigil started from Azad Maidan via Metro to church Gate where it was successfully concluded with lots of media coverage and supports from locals.
11th April 2008:
Today's program began at 9AM at Azad Maidan with prayer session led by Tibetan Buddhist monks, joined by Tibetans and supporters joined in the traditional Buddhist Prayers for the martyrs killed during their peaceful demonstrations. Indian Buddhists including followers of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar also joined the procession. In total there were about more than one thousand monks and nuns and thousands lay people in today's event.
The prayers concluded at 12PM with concluding speeches by Tibet supporters.
Dharamsala – The day began with prayer at Lhabsoeri with sangsol. Relay hunger strike is still going on with more student participants from TCV. Around 1500 people attended yesterday’s event since it hit one month anniversary of China’s crackdown on peaceful demonstrators in Tibet. The crowd recited prayers followed by the Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile speech to the gathering.
The special theme during yesterday’s action was made-up dead bodies (symbol of all the Tibetans killed in Tibet). The Dharamsala Solidarity took the dead bodies down to the cremation center, Lower Dharamsala’s Cemetery, as a mock trial of funeral procession conducted to pay tribute and respect to all the Tibetans who were killed fighting for Tibet. In front of the 5,000 people gathered, the 19 made-up bodies were burnt.
In the evening, more than usual, 3000 people came to Tsuklakhang to participate in the evening’s candle light vigil. The former Supreme Justice Commissioner, Jadur Sangpo, kindly addressed the gathering. Thank you kindly to all the staffs from Tibetan Medial and Astrological Institute at Dharamsala, who graciously contributed their one-day salary to Tibetan Solidarity Committee.