HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN     Wednesday April 3-9, 2013  

Chogyal unlikely to return home

Bongthings of Sikkim’s Guardian Deities felicitated

Gangtok, April 9: Chogyal Wangchuk Namgyal is unlikely to return to his Palace here as has been hoped by a section of the Sikkimese people. He has renounced the world and the religious activities of the Chogyal are being carried out by the Tsuklakhang Trust on his behalf, according to members of the Trust.

Revealing this at a historic ceremony here at the Tsuklakhang premises on Sunday in honour of two Lepcha priests (Bongthings) connected to the worship of Sikkim’s Guardian Deities, Trust Secretary Namgyal T. Bhutia in his address said, “His Majesty has been practising Dharma for last several years after renouncing all the comfort of royalty.”

 The statement added, “He always reminds us that he offers his sincere prayers daily for the well being of Sikkim and the Sikkimese irrespective of wherever he may be.”

The Trust was formed in August 1982, a few months after Wangchuk Namgyal was crowned the 13^th Chogyal of Sikkim during the historic funeral of his late father Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal on February 19, 1982.

Ever since the Chogyal has been out of Sikkim most of the time spending his time in meditation and spiritual activities in Bhutan and Nepal.

The Late Bongthing Samdup Tasho Lepcha, who used to perform the annual rituals to Khangchendzonga, Sikkim’s Guardian Deity, on Pang Lhabsol was posthumously felicitated by the Trust here on Sunday along with Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha, who performs the rituals for Yabdu, Sikkim’s Guardian Deity of the southern gate, on the said occasion.

    Yabdu Bongthing Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha being felicitated by Pemayangtse Monastery Dorje    

     Lopon in  Gangtok on Sunday (April 7, 2013)

Prominent among those who witnessed the historic occasion were Pemayangtse Monastery Dorje Lopon (Chief Guest for the function), Trust’s Managing Truste Tsetop Ragasha, and State Government Secretary SD Tshering. Lamas of the Tsuklakhang Monastery, members of the local community and some foreigners also participated in the function.

The felicitation is in “recognition of the selfless services and contribution made by the two very important Bongthings for preserving the rich (and) ageless tradition of worshipping our guardian deity Kanchendzonga  and Yabdu,” Bhutia said.

He added, “The need of the hour is to recognize, preserve and encourage this rich ancient tradition for posterity. Therefore, the Tsuklakhang Trust has embarked upon the task to organize this historic function,” Bhutia added.

Development first, Gorkhaland later

Jairam Ramesh and Bimal Gurung in Darjeeling on Sunday. (pix: The Telegraph)

Darjeeling, April 9: While keeping its demand for separate Gorkhaland State alive the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) is likely call off its agitational approach to the demand.

This has been reportedly decided by the Morcha leadership after Union Minister for Rural Development Jairam Ramesh said in Darjeeling on Sunday that it was time to keep politics aside for five to ten years and focus on the development of the region instead.

“We have taken the decision in the wake of Mr. Ramesh’s visit and having realised that the attitude of the Centre is agreeable,” GJM general secretary Roshan Giri told The Hindu on the phone from Darjeeling.

The GJM had set the Centre the deadline of April 9 to take a call on the Gorkhaland demand failing which it would resume its agitation. A programme of agitations was put in abeyance in response to requests made separately by President Pranab Mukherjee and some Union Ministers when a delegation of the party led by its President Bimal Gurung visited them in New Delhi in early March.

“Our campaign for a separate State that is our ultimate demand will, however, continue with torchlight rallies and holding of public meetings,” Giri said.

Uttarakhand:1985 as cut-off-year for caste certificates

Dehradun, April 9: The State Government on Tuesday decided to issue caste certificates to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Classes members who were permanent residents in the region since 1985, 15 years before the State was carved out Uttar Pradesh on November 9, 2000.

This is as per the directive of the Uttarakhand High Court. Chief secretary Alok Kumar Jain said the government took the decision to fix 1985 as cut off date at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna on Monday, eight months after the Uttarakhand HC issued an order to this effect.

Jain said decision was also followed by a Government order issued by principal secretary S Raju on Monday.

He said this will help maximum number of bonafide and genuine SCs, STs and OBC members who have been living in State within the stipulated time frame get caste certificates. Most of them are those living in Uttarakhand's Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts apart from other parts of the tarai areas. They had been demanding 1985 be fixed as cut-off-year for issuing caste certificates.

Uttarakhand HC issued an order on August 17, 2012 to fix 1985 as the cut-off-date to issue caste certificates in response to a PIL. It had challenged 1952 as cut-off-year for issuing castes certificates to weaker section and urged the court to bring it down to 1985.

A government source said the government decided to implement the HC order as the civic polls are expected to be held in the second week of April.

Editorial

GORKHALAND DEMAND

Stomach Comes First

An army cannot march on empty stomach. This also applies to those who are fighting for a homeland called Gorkhaland in the hills of Darjeeling. While the going is good it would be foolish to embark on an agitational path to achieve Gorkhaland. Both the Centre and the West Bengal Government are in a mood to bring peace and development in the hills of Darjeeling. A confrontational approach to the statehood demand would not only be fruitless at the moment the Gorkhas themselves are divided on the issue.

Any issue that involves the masses must be kept alive through peaceful and non-violent means. This does not mean holding occasional public meetings and press conferences and submitting memoranda to various authorities on the issue. There has to be a systematic long-term plan on the statehood issue. Meanwhile, the political leadership must maintain its credibility and this means not being too corrupt and upholding the democratic process. Darjeeling people deserve a better deal from all concerned and the authorities must ensure that peace leads to prosperity and real development.

GNLF supports formation of Lepcha council

Ghising may return to hills soon: GNLF

Darjeeling, April 9: In a significant move, the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) supported the demand of Darjeeling Lepchas on formation of a separate council to preserve the indigenous minority community’s distinct identity and cultural heritage.

This was made known during the 33rd foundation day celebration of the party in Kurseong on Friday, when around 5000 supporters were present.

“We also appreciate the announcements made by the chief minister to form development boards for Lepchas and Buddhists in the hills,” Mahendra Chhetri, President of the Terai regional unit of the GNLF and a central committee leader of the party said.

 The Morcha staunchly opposed the formation of the Lepcha board under the state government.

“Forming such councils or bodies for conservation and promotion of different tribes and their cultures dwelling in hills has been mentioned in the Sixth Schedule…. We thus appreciate the decision,” Chettri added.

 The foundation day rally has come at a time when the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, the ruling force in the hills, has fallen out with the State Government. The Morcha has also been criticized by the people and opposition leaders for betraying the cause of the people on Gorkhaland. Supporters of the Morcha and other parties are now joining the Trinamul Congress.

Ghisingh, who was banished from the hills in 2010 and has since being living in Jalpaiguri, did not attend the meeting.

However, the GNLF reiterated its demand on Sixth Schedule status for the Darjeeling hills that allows autonomy to a specific geographic area with constitutional validation.

“We observed the foundation day of our party as the Gorkhaland Namkaran Sthapna Diwas to remind people that it was the GNLF and its chief Subash Ghisingh who had raised the demand of statehood on April 5, 1980, that is 33 years back,” said Chhetri.

 “The meeting is a part of the exercises taken up at the preparatory phase. Our principal leader (Ghisingh) will soon address people in public and will also go to the hills within next four to six weeks.”

THE TSUKLAKHANG TRUST

CITATION

Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha

Late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha was the son of late Ren Yangkyok Lepcha and late Renyu Champi Lepcha from Nung, located in Tingvong village, Dzongu, North Sikkim. In the village and beyond he was better known as Nung Taso or the Kongchen Bongthing. He belonged to an ancient lineage of powerful Lepcha shamans who are the sole keepers of the ritual knowledge of the sacred Kongchen ritual. On the 29^th of October 2011, late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha passed away at the age of 84 in his home in Nung during a minor earthquake.

His clan, the Garkum tsum ptso, is associated with the powerful mountain deity Kongchen and traces its ancestry back to the soldiers (vik) of Kongchen. Their lineage is said to have performed the worship to this protective deity since time immemorial. The importance of this lineage for the appeasement of Kongchen and the worship of Sikkim as Beyul Demoshong was recognised by the Chogyals of Sikkim. Henceforth, the annual ritual to Kongchen and the other protective mountain deities of Sikkim became an integral part of the Sikkimese festival Pang Lhabsol.

For the people of Dzongu, the ritual was a four-day-long affair. The Kongchen Bongthing performed a ritual to Mount Khangchendzonga and then set off towards the Royal Palace together with five other villagers who were appointed by the Chogyal. At the same time, the other village bongthings also performed a similar ritual. From Dzongu they used to bring fish from a specific waterfall and birds from the forests above Sakyong. When they arrived at the Palace, offerings were exchanged. The Kongchen Bongthing received incense, rice and millet beer from the Chogyal and held a ceremony. Then – with the Chogyal’s ritual gift of a yak – the delegation returned to Dzongu and performed the final part of the ritual at the lha tsu, an altar place at Nung. Here, the yak was sacrificed and all local deities of Sikkim were called upon to protect the land, the Chogyal and the people.

 Late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha assisted his father with the performances of the Kongchen ritual and learned the sacred knowledge of his clan. The elaborate ritual was then discontinued after 1975, but until today it is still held on a village level. Sadly, the sacred knowledge of this ritual has not been passed on to Late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha’s son, but the community bears hope that his grandson will take on the responsibility and carry on the ancient tradition of the Kongchen ritual.

As specified by its Settlor, Tenzing Tobgyal Wangchuk Sisum Namgyal, Chogyal of Sikkim, The Tsuklakhang Trust endeavours to uphold and propagate for the benefit of all sentient beings the traditional, religious and social customs, ceremonies and teachings as expounded by Guru Rinpoche, introduced into Sikkim by the Naljor Che-zhi and patronized by successive Chogyals of Sikkim.

Therefore, in recognition of the selfless service and contribution made towards preserving the ageless tradition of the unique Sikkimese festival of Pang Lhabsol, The Tsuklakhang Trust is pleased to honour late Bongthing Ren Samdup Taso Lepcha post-humously with this citation and offer good wishes and sincere prayers for his descendents long and healthy lives and perpetuation of their ritual lineage. 

May his soul rest in peace and be blessed by the Triple Gems forever!

Tashi Deleg

Place: Tsuklakhang, Gangtok

Date: 7^th April, 2013

Sd/-                                                                 Sd/-                                       Sd/-

(Namgyal T. Bhutia)                       (Tsetop Ragasha)                         Chief Guest            

Secretary                                          Managing Trustee                       Dorje Lopon

The Tsuklakhang Trust               The Tsuklakhang Trust            Pemayangtse Monastery

THE TSUKLAKHANG TRUST

CITATION

                                                              Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha

Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha’s ancestors have been responsible for performing rituals in honour of Yabdü, the guardian deity protecting Sikkim’s southern gate, for over two and half centuries.  He is the son of late Ren Pembo Lepcha and late Angu Lepcha of Chegra Busty, located above Teesta Bazaar under Kurseong Sub-Division of West Bengal. He descends from a line of Bongthings spanning more than forty generations.
The ritual for Yabdü forms part of the sacred Pang Lhabsol celebration which is unique to Sikkim. It is observed at the end of August or early September, on the immediate Friday preceding the 15^th day of the 7^th month of the lunar calendar when Pang Lhabsol is observed at the Tsuklakhang in Gangtok.
Immediately following the conclusion of the Drukpa Tsheshi rituals at the Tsuklakhang in July, the ritual offerings required by the Bongthing are prepared and dispatched by special carrier from Gangtok. Ritual purifications and prayers commence upon reception of the offerings which consist of seven packets of incense for daily purification, give different colour prayer flags, one kilo of bal-tshon (multi-coloured woolen threads), one kilo of butter, a brick of Tibetan tea, a bottle of rum and a basket of chang together with money.
The day’s celebration commences at 7.00 am with the Bongthing’s purification of the area, the hoisting of the prayer flags and the bal-tshon together with seven male Lepcha helpers at an open air altar overlooking the River Teesta. Butter lamps are lit and offerings are laid out on wild banana leaves: the first fruit of the harvest, offerings of papaya, cucumber and sweets together with chang. The Bongthing, who fasts until the conclusion of the ritual at 2 pm, performs his ritual chant invoking Yabdu, his mamu consort and other protecting deities of Sikkim for the benefit of all sentient beings. The day concludes with a feast for all villagers.

Bongthing Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha has been holding the annual Pang Lhabsol ritual for Yabdü since 1962 following the demise of his late father. In olden days, the ritual used to be performed in a jungle above Kali Jhora and Teesta but this was discontinued at the time of his late grandfather due to attacks by tigers and other wild animals. 

Born around 1935, Bongthing Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha is now close to eighty years old and, having no son, has been training his nephew Ren Tashi Lepcha for the past three years with the view of ensuring the ritual’s continuity. He leads a very humble and pious life dedicated to ritual and prayer for the benefit of Sikkim and all sentient beings. His personal association with the Palace and subsequently with The Tsuklakhang Trust spans more than fifty-one years. He is the only surviving Bongthing in the area who is not only a repository of the old culture, traditions and values but also one who still celebrates Sikkim as Beyul Demoshong, the sacred hidden land blessed by Guru Padmasambhava.

As specified by its Settlor, Tenzing Tobgyal Wangchuk Sisum Namgyal, Chogyal of Sikkim, The Tsuklakhang Trust endeavours to uphold and propagate for the benefit of all sentient beings the traditional, religious and social customs, ceremonies and teachings as expounded by Guru Rinpoche, introduced into Sikkim by the Naljor Che-zhi and patronized by successive Chogyals of Sikkim.

Therefore, in recognition of the selfless service and contribution made towards  preserving the ageless tradition of the unique Sikkimese festival of Pang Lhabsol, The Tsuklakhang Trust is pleased  to honour Bongthing Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha with this citation and offer good wishes and sincere prayers for his long and healthy life.

May he be blessed by the Triple Gems forever!

Tashi Deleg

Place: Tsuklakhang, Gangtok

Date: 7^th April, 2013

Sd/-                                                                 Sd/-                                       Sd/-

(Namgyal T. Bhutia)                       (Tsetop Ragasha)                         Chief Guest            

Secretary                                          Managing Trustee                       Dorje Lopon

The Tsuklakhang Trust               The Tsuklakhang Trust            Pemayangtse Monastery

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday   April 6-12,  2013    

Dalai Lama hopeful for peace with China under Xi

Dharamshala, April 5: His Holiness the Dalai Lama said the newly-elected Chinese President Xi Jinping represents a positive change in China. He is hopeful of a new era of reconciliation and peace with Beijing and its new leadership.

This disclosure was made at Salugara in North Bengal recently where the Tibetan spiritual leader gave religious teachings, Tibet Post reported.

Replying to media queries after his three-day teachings, the Dalai Lama said he knew Xi’s father.

Stating that change will come to China, the Nobel Laureate added it would not come immediately but “it may happen soon.”

Speaking to members of the Tibetan community, His Holiness explained that it is now almost two years since he devolved his political responsibilities to the elected Tibetan leadership. Not only has he himself retired, but he has also brought an end to the involvement of the Dalai Lamas in the political affairs of Tibet, a role that began with the Fifth Dalai Lama nearly four hundred years ago.

Bongthings connected to worship of Sikkim’s Guardian Deities to be honoured

Gangtok, April 5: Two Lepcha Bongthings (priests) – one alive and the other who passed away in 2011 – will be felicitated by the Tsuklakhang Trust here on Sunday for their long services to the people of Sikkim. The two and their ancestors have been performing the annual Pang Lhabsol pujas to the Supreme Guardian Deities of Sikkim – Khangchendzonga and Yabdu – for a long time.

Late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha and Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha’s ancestors have been performing the annual rituals for generations, according to the Trust.

Late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha, who passed away on October 29, 2011, was the son of late Ren Yangkyok Lepcha and late Renyu Champi Lepcha from Nung, located in Tingvong village, Dzongu, North Sikkim. He was better known as Nung Taso or the Kongchen Bongthing. He belonged to an ancient lineage of powerful Lepcha shamans who are the sole keepers of the ritual knowledge of the sacred Kongchen ritual.

Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha’s ancestors have been responsible for performing rituals in honour of Yabdü, the guardian deity protecting Sikkim’s southern gate, for over two and half centuries. 
He is the son of late Ren Pembo Lepcha and late Angu Lepcha of Chegra Busty, located above Teesta Bazaar in West Bengal. He descends from a line of Bongthings spanning more than forty generations, the Trust said.

The felicitation is “in recognition of the selfless service and contribution made towards preserving the ageless tradition of the unique Sikkimese festival of Pang Lhabsol,” and also to “offer good wishes and sincere prayers for his descendents long and healthy lives and perpetuation of their ritual lineage.”

The felicitation function will begin here at the Tsuklakhang Monastery premises on April 7 (Sunday) at 9.30 a.m.

All, including the media, have been invited by the Tsuklakhang Trust to witness this unique and auspicious occasion.

Sribadam sisters in national football team

(L to R) Lako Phuti Bhutia, Coach Palden Bhutia and Nima Lhamu Bhutia (pix: sikkimexpress)

Gangtok, April 5: Two sisters from Sikkim’s remote village of Sribadam in West Sikkim – Lako Phuti Bhutia and Nima Lhamu Bhutia – have made it to women’s national football team.

The two have been short-listed for the Senior Women’s National Football Coaching camp in Pune (Maharashtra), which began on Monday, according to Sikkim Football Association (SFA) General Secretary Menla Ethenpa.

Unfortunately, due to “personal reasons” Nima Lhamu could not make it to the training camp which is expected to end on May 10 next month. Lako, who is participating in the camp, has thanked the SFA and her Mangalbaria Football Academy coach Palden Bhutia for giving her the opportunity to represent the State at the national level. The two sisters are the daughters of Mikchen Bhutia and Late Pem Lhamu Bhutia of Sribadam.

The coaching camp will train the team members for preparation of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Womens Asia Cup Qualifiyer’s Round, SFA said.

Thank you, Ranbir: United Sikkim

Gangtok, April 5: After Bollywood superstar had agreed to promote Bhaichung Bhutia co-owned United Sikkim FC, USFC owners released a statement in its official facebook page thanking Ranbir Kapoor. The statement is as follows -

“United Sikkim FC owners, FidelisWorld and Bhaichung Bhutia, extend their gratitude and thanks to Ranbir Kapoor for his generous acceptance to be the brand and goodwill ambassador for United Sikkim FC.”

It added, “The United Sikkim FC warmly welcomes Ranbir Kapoor into the United Sikkim family and shares their delight in having a genuine football lover and an achiever like Ranbir Kapoor as the club’s ambassador. His international appeal and acceptance as a global youth icon and celebrity would definitely go a long way in promoting United Sikkim FC among his millions of fans, both within and outside India.

United Sikkim FC players and officials are also grateful to Ranbir Kapoor for becoming their ambassador. We thank Ranbir Kapoor for his selfless approach to promote us and we are encouraged by his gesture.”

Bhaichung Bhutia, co-owner of the Sikkim based club was ecstatic over the development. “We are proud to unveil Ranbir Kapoor as our brand ambassador. We have known each other for quite some time. He is a keen follower of football,” said Bhaichung to The Times of India on Tuesday.

CHOGYAL WANGCHUK NAMGYAL

On his 60^th birthday, Sikkimese want him to come back home

Gangtok, April 5: Wangchuk Namgyal, the 13^th Chogyal of Sikkim, turned 60 on Monday (April 1).On this ‘auspicious occasion’, the National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO), expressed its greetings and long life to the Chogyal, who has dedicated his life to religious and spiritual activities.

“On the auspicious occasion of the 60th Birthday of His Majesty, the 13th Miwang Denjong Chogyal Wangchuk Tenzing Namgyal, this organization expresses its greetings to all the Sikkimese people,” NASBO President Sonam Lama Kaloen said in a press statement.

“This organization shall be holding prayer meetings wishing for the long life of His Majesty as also in anticipation that His Majesty would soon resume back to his seat at Gangtok Palace…,” the statement said.

Prince Wangchuk, as he was known then, was crowned the 13^th Chogyal on February 19, 1982. It was on this day that his father Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal was cremated at a historic event when elected members of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly led by former chief minister BB Gurung offered khadas and acknowledged Wangchuk as the next Chogyal.

 Though Sikkim’s Namgyal dynasty traces its origin in the former kingdom to the 13^th century it effectively ruled Sikkim from 1642 to 1975, when Sikkim became the 22^nd State of the Indian Union amidst allegation that India had annexed Sikkim.

Meanwhile, NASBO yesterday celebrated the 90th official birthday of the 12th Denjong Chogyal Palden Thondub Namgyal.

NASBO members offered khadas to the portrait of the Chogyal during a ceremony and acknowledged the former Chogyal’s “bold stand” during 1973-1975 when the former kingdom faced a difficult period.

Editorial

LEVEL PLAYING FIELD

For Free And Fair Polls

If Nepal’s controversial move to hold elections under the supervision of a former supreme court chief justice as caretaker prime minister succeeds India ought to re-think of hold national and state elections under a similar system. Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, who has just returned to his country after a four-year self-imposed exile, wants the general elections in his country to be held under army supervision. He says there would be law and order problem if elections are held under the present political dispensation. In India, people, by and large, are fearful of misuse of power and show of money power by the ruling elite during elections. They want a level playing field for a free and fair polls. One writer rightly said: “In many regimes, democratic competition is undermined less by fraud or repression than by unequal access to resources, media, and state institutions. When opposition are denied access to finance and mass media, their ability to compete in elections—and survive between elections—is often impaired.”

Much the same feeling persists in India’s northeastern State of Sikkim. Since the 1974’s elections to the Sikkim Council, followed by the ‘special poll’ in 1975, the Sikkimese people have always feared and doubted the credibility of ‘elections.’ Communal passion was whipped when pro-Sikkim Sikkim National Party won majority of Council seats in 1973 elections, leading to Sikkim’s ‘merger’ with its protecting power in April 1975. The outcome of the Assembly polls in November 1989 and May 2004 are dark shadows in Sikkim’s quest for genuine democracy. The Sikkimese people are widely aware of misuse of ballot boxes and electronic voting machines by the establishment if polls are held under the prevailing system. As the next Assembly polls in Sikkim draw near the Sikkimese people have started saying that if polls are not held under President’s rule the ruling party Sikkim Democratic Front, which has been in power uninterruptedly for nearly two decades,  would stand to benefit. Unfortunately, India does not have the necessary law to hold elections under President’s rule. Our MPs and MLAs would not agree to such a law.

Sikkim govt-sponsored Everest expedition runs into trouble

March 2012 in Gangtok: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling with IHCAE Director GT Bhutia    

  (extreme right) and mountaineer Kazi Sherpa (left) of IHCAE, who represented Sikkim in the 2012 Everest Expedition. (file pix)

Gangtok, April 5: The Sikkim government- sponsored Everest expedition in Nepal has run into rough weather as mountaineering associations have demanded that the trek be postponed in order to ensure all climbers get equal opportunity for selection.

Seven mountaineers have been selected by the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Ecotourism (IHCAE) for the Rs 1.4 crore expedition scheduled to commence from the first week of this month, PTI reported.

The IHCAE is a division under the Sikkim Tourism department and is based in Chemchey, South district.

Top mountaineering associations claim that qualified and veteran mountaineers were kept in the dark about the selection process, and thereby denied rightful opportunity to be considered by the IHCAE.

The mountaineering associations include Sikkim Mountaineering Association, Sikkim Amateur Mountaineering Association, Travel Agents Association of Sikkim and Sikkim Association of Adventure Tour Operators.

The associations argued that a pre-Everest expedition within Sikkim could have been conducted by the organisers to select the best mountaineers available in the State.

“An Everest expedition is like the Olympics for every mountaineer. While we thank the state government for providing an opportunity to the Sikkim climbers, we are sad to see that experienced and qualified mountaineers were kept in dark about the selection process. Even the mountaineering associations here came to know about the expedition only after seven members had been selected,” said Deepak Chhetri, the general secretary of the Sikkim Amateur Mountaineering Association.

IHCAE director G.T. Bhutia said it was his discretion to choose the men and women for the Everest climb. “Being the director, powers are bestowed on me to choose the people for the Everest expedition. The expedition has been approved after IHCAE placed a proposal before the government. As far as the selection is concerned, the seven mountaineers are from Sikkim who have undertaken many expeditions before. The question of postponement does not arise as bookings for logistic support and other formalities have already been completed.”

Chhetri alleged that the IHCAE had not provided an opportunity to all mountaineers in the State for selection for the Everest expedition and accused Bhutia of arbitrarily and clandestinely choosing the seven. “We fail to understand on what basis these climbers were selected when there are several others with superior experience,” he said.

States participate in 10-day handicraft exhibition

Gangtok, April 5: Neeru Sewa, Minister for Commerce and Industries Department inaugurated Gandhi Shilp Bazar 2012-13 at Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom complex here on Tuesday.

The 10-day exhibition-cum-sale of genuine handicrafts products has been sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

A total number of 150 stalls have been allotted to artisans from all over India and local artisan from Sikkim, an IPR release said.

The participant’s states are Meghalaya, Mizoram, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, West Bengal, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Madya Pradesh, New Delhi, Gujarat, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

The exhibition is an annual feature of Sikkim Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd.  and is proving boon to artisans as their products are sold  at large numbers. It also provides big platform for artisans to have direct interaction with the buyers. The basic objective for organizing such kind of exhibition is to promote genuine handicrafts products.

Suspicious transactions in Sikkim, Goa casinos under intelligence scanner

New Delhi, April 5: The threat of terror financing is getting scarier and bigger by the day. In the last year, the country’s intelligence and law enforcement agencies have detected 1,444 suspicious cases of financial transactions allegedly used to exclusively fund terrorist activities. The cases have been forwarded to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-Ind), which has been tasked to probe money laundering and terrorist financing.

The FIU is examining suspicious transactions in businesses such as casinos in Sikkim and Goa. The agency received 12,655 suspicious reports last year from various casinos in the two states, which are now being analysed to probe the nature of the money. Memorandums of Understanding have been signed with 19 countries, including Mauritius, the Philippines, Australia, Canada, USA and Japan, to share related information for further exchange of information to counter online gaming, money laundering and terrorist financing.

“A casino sector assessment committee was constituted under the Director (FIU-Ind) which carried out a comprehensive review of the casino sector and has made several recommendations to the government for strengthening the anti-money laundering regulatory frame for this sector,” FIU report stated.

Apart from casinos, reports are also being received about attempts by some real estate agents and dealers in precious metals and stones, and other high value goods to create a non-breachable financial firewall for their illegal activities in terror funding.

PEOPLE & PLACES Sikkim

Saluting The Ritual Keepers of Sikkim’s Guardian Deities

The Tsuklakhang Trust (Sikkim) on Sunday (April 7, 2013) will honour Late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha of Dzongu, North Sikkim, and Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha of Teesta Bazaar, West Bengal, for their valued services in the performance of  the annual Pang Lhabsol rituals to Sikkim’s Guardian Deities – Khangchendzonga (Kongchen) and Yabdu – for a very long time.

“Their lineage is said to have performed the worship” of Sikkim’s protecting deities “since time immemorial,” read the Tsuklakhang Trust’s citation of the two Lepcha Bongthings (priests).

CITATION Highlights

Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha

Late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha was the son of late Ren Yangkyok Lepcha and late Renyu Champi Lepcha from Nung, located in Tingvong village, Dzongu, North Sikkim. In the village and beyond he was better known as Nung Taso or the Kongchen Bongthing. He belonged to an ancient lineage of powerful Lepcha shamans who are the sole keepers of the ritual knowledge of the sacred Kongchen ritual. On the 29^th of October 2011, late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha passed away at the age of 84 in his home in Nung during a minor earthquake.

His clan, the Garkum tsum ptso, is associated with the powerful mountain deity Kongchen and traces its ancestry back to the soldiers (vik) of Kongchen. Their lineage is said to have performed the worship to this protective deity since time immemorial. The importance of this lineage for the appeasement of Kongchen and the worship of Sikkim as Beyul Demoshong was recognised by the Chogyals of Sikkim. Henceforth, the annual ritual to Kongchen and the other protective mountain deities of Sikkim became an integral part of the Sikkimese festival Pang Lhabsol.

Late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha assisted his father with the performances of the Kongchen ritual and learned the sacred knowledge of his clan. The elaborate ritual was then discontinued after 1975, but until today it is still held on a village level. Sadly, the sacred knowledge of this ritual has not been passed on to Late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha’s son, but the community bears hope that his grandson will take on the responsibility and carry on the ancient tradition of the Kongchen ritual.

Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha

Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha’s ancestors have been responsible for performing rituals in honour of Yabdü, the guardian deity protecting Sikkim’s southern gate, for over two and half centuries.  He is the son of late Ren Pembo Lepcha and late Angu Lepcha of Chegra Busty, located above Teesta Bazaar under Kurseong Sub-Division of West Bengal. He descends from a line of Bongthings spanning more than forty generations.

The ritual for Yabdü is an integral part of the sacred Pang Lhabsol celebration which is unique to Sikkim. It is observed at the end of August or early September, on the immediate Friday preceding the 15th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar when Pang Lhabsol is observed at the Tsuklakhang in Gangtok.

Bongthing Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha has been holding the annual Pang Lhabsol ritual for Yabdü since 1962 following the demise of his late father. In olden days, the ritual used to be performed in a jungle above Kali Jhora and Teesta but this was discontinued at the time of his late grandfather due to attacks by tigers and other wild animals.

Born around 1935, Bongthing Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha is now close to eighty years old and, having no son, has been training his nephew Ren Tashi Lepcha for the past three years with the view of ensuring the ritual’s continuity. He leads a very humble and pious life dedicated to ritual and prayer for the benefit of Sikkim and all sentient beings. His personal association with the Palace and subsequently with The Tsuklakhang Trust spans more than fifty-one years. He is the only surviving Bongthing in the area who is not only a repository of the old culture, traditions and values but also one who still celebrates Sikkim as Beyul Demoshong, the sacred hidden land blessed by Guru Padmasambhava.

HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN     Wednesday April 3-9, 2013  

Tsuklakhang Trust to honour Lepcha Bongthings connected to Sikkim’s Guardian Deities

Gangtok, April 2: Two Lepcha Bongthing (priests) – one alive and the other who passed away in 2011 – will be felicitated by the Tsuklakhang Trust for their long services to the people of Sikkim. The two and their ancestors have been performing the annual Pang Lhabsol pujas to the Supreme Guardian Deities of Sikkim – Khangchendzonga and Yabdu – for a long time.

Late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha and Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha’s ancestors have been performing the annual rituals for generations, according to the Trust.

Late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha

Late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha was the son of late Ren Yangkyok Lepcha and late Renyu Champi Lepcha from Nung, located in Tingvong village, Dzongu, North Sikkim. He was better known as Nung Taso or the Kongchen Bongthing. He belonged to an ancient lineage of powerful Lepcha shamans who are the sole keepers of the ritual knowledge of the sacred Kongchen ritual. Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha passed away at the age of 84 in his home in Nung during a minor earthquake on October 29, 2011.

His clan, the Garkum tsum ptso, is associated with the powerful mountain deity Kongchen and traces its ancestry back to the soldiers (vik) of Kongchen. Their lineage is said to have performed the worship to this protective deity since time immemorial, according to the Trust

The importance of this lineage for the appeasement of Kongchen and the worship of Sikkim as Beyul Demoshong was recognised by the Chogyals of Sikkim. Henceforth, the annual ritual to Kongchen and the other protective mountain deities of Sikkim became an integral part of the annual Sikkimese festival Pang Lhabsol held in the 7^th month of the lunar calendar.

The felicitation is “in recognition of the selfless service and contribution made towards preserving the ageless tradition of the unique Sikkimese festival of Pang Lhabsol,” and also to “offer good wishes and sincere prayers for his descendents long and healthy lives and perpetuation of their ritual lineage.” 

 Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha

Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha’s ancestors have been responsible for performing rituals in honour of Yabdü, the guardian deity protecting Sikkim’s southern gate, for over two and half centuries. 
He is the son of late Ren Pembo Lepcha and late Angu Lepcha of Chegra Busty, located above Teesta Bazaar under Kurseong Sub-Division of West Bengal. He descends from a line of Bongthings spanning more than forty generations, the Trust said.
The ritual for Yabdü forms part of the sacred Pang Lhabsol celebration which is unique to Sikkim. It is observed at the end of August or early September, on the immediate Friday preceding the 15^th day of the 7^th month of the lunar calendar when Pang Lhabsol is observed at the Tsuklakhang in Gangtok.

 Bongthing Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha has been holding the annual Pang Lhabsol ritual for Yabdü since 1962 following the demise of his late father. In olden days, the ritual used to be performed in a jungle above Kali Jhora and Teesta but this was discontinued at the time of his late grandfather due to attacks by tigers and other wild animals. 

Born around 1935, Bongthing Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha is now close to eighty years old and, having no son, has been training his nephew Ren Tashi Lepcha for the past three years with the view of ensuring the ritual’s continuity. He leads a very humble and pious life dedicated to ritual and prayer for the benefit of Sikkim and all sentient beings.

His personal association with the Palace and subsequently with The Tsuklakhang Trust spans more than fifty-one years. He is the only surviving Bongthing in the area who is not only a repository of the old culture, traditions and values but also one who still celebrates Sikkim as Beyul Demoshong, the sacred hidden land blessed by Guru Padmasambhava.

 The felicitation function will begin here at the Tsuklakhang Monastery premises on April 7 (Sunday) at 9.30 a.m.

All, including the media, have been invited by the Tsuklakhang Trust to witness this unique and auspicious occasion.

DNA study to observe vivacity of Uttarakhand’s Bhotiya tribe

In perhaps the first ever study of its kind, there is going to be a DNA study conducted on the Bhotiya tribals of Uttarakhand, as to what makes them so dynamic as to take the lead in studies and adorn top administrative and other positions as compared to the other tribes in this small mountain state.

It has been found that despite the topography constraints and also the non priority status given to education by the successive governments of Uttarakhand and earlier the neglect shown to the region by the Uttar Pradesh government, of which it was a part, the Bhotiyas, despite having a count of 36,438 only in this small mountain state have 80 per cent literacy.

The Bhotiyas, said to be ethno-linguistically Tibetan people, living in the trans-Himalayan region that divides India from China, made their presence in this part of the country almost centuries back, when they led a nomadic life traveling with their large flock of pack goats, sheep and ponies from the trade posts of Garotk and Gyanima in Tibet to the Gangetic plains.

The annual migration of their caravans took place along established trade routes, for the Bhotiyas were legendary traders and trans-Himalayan trade partnerships with nomadic Tibetan Khampas and Dokpas were formed and nurtured over generations until Chinese occupation of Tibet and subsequent 1962 Sino-Indian War, after which the trade stopped completely.

The Bhotiyas have made a number of success stories in this small mountain state and carved a niche for themselves in top administrative positions. The DNA test will start from the members of the scheduled tribe living in Pithoragarh district and will also cover those living in Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts. There are about 13 sub-sects among the Bhotiyas.

Other things that will also be studies are that despite having high intake of salt why do they not suffer from blood pressure and has the change from their old traditional nomadic way of living to high profile jobs brought any change in them.

Incidentally of the scheduled tribes found in Uttarakhand, while the Bhotiyas have an 80 per cent rate of literacy, the Tharus have 67 per cent, Jaunsaris 58.9 per cent, Bokshas 49.9 per cent and rajis 35.8 per cent. The literacy rate of the Bhotiyas happens to be six per cent more than the national literacy average. (Hill Post)

Editorial

NEPAL CRISIS

Elections May Be Delayed

The main objective of Nepal’s chief justice-turned-prime minister Khilraj Regmi’s job is to ensure that the general elections take place at the earliest so that an elected representative forms the government. This is a strange situation but as Nepal’s politicians were unable to do what they were supposed to do someone other than a politician had to be placed on top to see that petty politics do not come in the way of making democracy more meaningful to the people. Hopefully, Regmi will not repeat what a number of his predecessors did – and that is to remain in power as long as possible and forget the main reason for getting the top job.

It is to be noted that the new PM’s job is to head an ‘interim government’ and not to stay in power for too long. However, there are reports that the much anticipated election for a new Constituent Assembly in Nepal is likely to get delayed. The 11-point agreement among four major parties had proposed polls by June 21 but the interim election council led by Regmi is yet to announce election dates - more than two weeks after assuming charge. On Saturday, the Election Commission stated that possibility of holding polls within the June deadline is unlikely unless election-related amendments are made within the next few days. If polls are not held by June, before the onset of the monsoon season, it could get delayed by several more months. What next if even the head of judiciary fails to deliver?

POLITICAL SYSTEM OF BHUTAN: 1616-2013

The political system of Bhutan has evolved over time together with its tradition and culture. It has developed from a fragmented and a disoriented rule of the different regions by local chieftains, lords and clans into the parliamentary democracy we have in place today.

The first move towards a systematic scheme of governance came in 1616 with the arrival of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal from Tibet. He introduced the dual system of governance with the Je Khenpo as the spiritual head of the nation and the Desis, as the head of the temporal aspects.

But a major breakthrough came about in 1907 when the people unanimously enthroned Ugyen Wangchuck as the fist hereditary King of Bhutan. He was the man who had proven his mettle by banding together the different Dzongpons and Penlops (governors of fortress), ending centuries of strife and bringing much needed stability and peace to the country. Since then, the country has been ruled by successive monarchs of the Wangchuck dynasty.

In a move to ensure a more democratic governance of the country, the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck instituted the National Assembly (Tshogdu) in 1953. Every gewog has an elected member representing it in the National assembly. It became a platform where the people’s representatives enacted laws and discussed issues of national importance.

The establishment of the Royal Advisory Council (Lodoe Tshogde) in 1963 as a link between the king, council of ministers and the people was another move towards democratization. It also advised the king and the council of ministers on important issues and ensured that projects were implemented successfully.

The institution of Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogdu (District Development Assembly) in 1981 and Gewog Yargay Tshogchung (County Development Assembly) in 1991 by the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck was another move towards decentralization.

But the devolution of the power of the King in 1998 to the cabinet ministers was the highest form of decentralization. The King, thereafter, began to serve as the Head of the State while the government was managed by the Prime Minister.

In November 2001, on the advice of the Fourth king, a committee chaired by the Chief Justice of Bhutan, was formed to draft the constitution of Bhutan. The constitution was launched in 2008 and with it a parliamentary democracy introduced. The progression from Hereditary Monarchy to that of a Parliamentary Democracy has been a carefully managed process that culminated in 2008 when Bhutan held its first elections country wide. The Druk Phunsum Tshogpa was mandated by the people to head the new government with a major victory. Today with 45 elected members, Lyonchen Jigme Y Thinley steers the government with just two opposition members from the People’s Democratic Party.

The organs of the Bhutanese government comprise of the Legislature, Judiciary and the Executive. The ruling political party, the opposition and the National Council now forms the legislative body.

GJM, ABGL leaders, supporters join TMC

North Bengal Development Minister Goutam Deb

Darjeeling, April 2:  Two leaders of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and Akhil Bharatya Gorkha League along with their supporters on Sunday joined the Trinamool Congress which also held a public meeting at Darjeeling hills.

Prominent defectors to the TMC fold include N B Khawas of the GNLF who was a councillor, Manoj Dewan, former general secretary of the AIGL and J B Tamang, a GJM unit leader from Munda Khoti below Sonada in Darjeeling.

The joined Trinoomul Congress in presence of North Bengal Development Minister Goutam Deb.

Tamang said he would continue to work for the development of the Hills and he was "not opposed to the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration," PTI reported.

Dewan said more workers of the ABGL would join the Trinamool Congress. In his address, Deb said, "We are very happy to have these new friends among us. We hope others will come to the Trinamool Congress fold soon."

More than 50 supporters from various political parties, including Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) party, joined the TMC on Sunday. The induction comes ahead of the crucial panchayat election.

"This is the first political programme without our leader Mamata Banerjee in the Hills. Our message is that in democracy every political party has the right to organize its programme. We will not be intimidated in any way and will organize more programmes in other areas of the Hills," said Deb.

Deb spoke positively on the issue f converting Darjeeling Government College into a university and establishment of a medical and engineering college in Kurseong and Kalimpong respectively.

INTERVIEW Lhasang Tsering

“The Tibetan government-in-exile has forgotten our freedom struggle”

Interview with Lhasang Tsering, former president of Tibetan Youth Congress, and Rangzen activist on self-immolations of Tibetans in Tibet. (Translated from Tibetan by Sonam Gyatso, Library of Tibetan Works and Archives)

Tibet Times: What do you think are the main hopes and aspirations of the brave Tibetans who set themselves on fire inside Tibet?

Lhasang Tsering: Human beings, when faced with desperate situations, either kill others or kill themselves. Those Tibetans who set themselves to fire raised slogans calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet; some raised slogans about freedom in Tibet and there were also some who raised slogans for Tibet’s independence. In all, it is clear that Tibetans inside Tibet are not happy. These desperate actions makes it clear Tibetans are suffering under the brutal Chinese occupation and their intense desire for freedom is also clear. We, the Tibetans living in exile, must respect their aspirations. Particularly, the Tibetan Government-in-Exile must recognize this. Our government must respect the brave Tibetans who sacrificed their precious lives for the cause of Tibet.

Q: What would be the short-term and the ultimate impact on the Tibetan cause of these self-immolations? What is your personal view?

A: It is a huge loss for the family members and relatives of the brave Tibetan monks and nuns who set themselves on fire. They are no longer alive. However; it depends on us whether their actions will have a positive or negative result for Tibet and the Tibetan people. For example, if you hit others with just a single finger, rather than hurting others, you would be hurting yourself. However; if you hit with a firm, clenched fist with all five fingers joined in unison; it will hurt your opponent. I heard that some members’ in our community are debating whether these self-immolations are acts of violence. I feel really depressed and sad to hear such debates. People who circumambulate Tsuklagkhang and other holy sites kill insects by trampling on them. Can you refer to this as an act of violence? Their motive is spiritual accomplishment. It cannot be violence to sacrifice one’s life for the sake of protecting one’s country and one’s nation and to preserve our religion and culture. The real act of violence is being inflicted by the Chinese who oppress our people and create these desperate situations. Shirking from the responsibility to serve the Tibetan cause and failing to stand up to oppression and injustice is an act of violence and deceit.

Q: How do you define the present status of the Tibetan struggle for independence?

A: Considering the courage and dedication of Tibetans inside Tibet, the status of our struggle for independence is highly commendable and hopeful. However, the Tibetan Government-in-Exile has rendered our struggle directionless. Whether it is an individual or of a community; or even a nation; one must fulfill three conditions for a movement to succeed. Firstly; the aim of the struggle should be clear. Secondly; one must have the necessary confidence to achieve that goal. Thirdly; one must actively work to achieve that goal. Apart from merely stating that it is for the mutual benefit of Tibetans and Chinese, our present Middle Way Policy does not have clear aims and objectives. We do not have confidence because we fear that China is mighty and powerful. Apart from issuing statements or making speeches about our cause; in reality; in exile we do not have enough people who sincerely care about the Tibetan cause and no one actually leading an active struggle.

Q: Are you satisfied with official campaigns initiated by Kashag and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile to highlight the critical situation inside Tibet?

A: As I said earlier; besides merely refusing to listen to the voice of the general Tibetan people; the Kashag is doing nothing to resolve the issue of Tibet. Therefore; it is not a question of whether it satisfies me or not. I am left in dejection and hopelessness. The government is an organization to lead people. What the Tibetan Government needs to do is to lead the struggle for freedom. The Tibetan Government-in-Exile, based in Dharamshala, has forgotten our freedom struggle and yet it seems that it perceives itself as running a real government. This is not right. The roof above our heads and the soil under our feet do not belong to us. They all belong to others. Even the general public knows that a ‘mutually beneficial’ solution for resolving the Tibet-China issue is not practical and achievable. Even if it may be achievable, we must know that we don’t have time to wait for long. Thousands of Chinese are migrating into Tibet even at this very moment when I am being interviewed here. Yes; Time is running out on us.

Q: What responsibilities and what kind of movements we Tibetans in exile must initiate considering the critical situation inside Tibet? Could you please share your thoughts?

A: In exile, non-governmental organizations and ordinary Tibetans are making every possible effort towards our freedom struggle. However, these will not bring real, meaningful result, as they cannot influence the international community. We need a clear plan and a leader who can lead us and unite us all. Without such leadership, it would be like laying thousands of bricks in the wilderness. Such bricks scattered on the desert surface will not result in a house. There are many people who appreciate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s decision to devolve his political power to an elected leader; but I absolutely do not consider it a positive step. For example; if there is a shepherd who, in the name of taking his sheep to a greener pastureland, herds them here and there, and finally leave the sheep in the middle of a vast desert telling them ‘now the authority is in your hands’, is the shepherd fulfilling his duty? Of course; democracy is important, but it is an internal matter of a free country. Is it worthwhile to argue about the shape and size of the house and the colour of the walls before you have the land to build the house? In my view democracy can wait; but not the struggle for freedom.

Q: All the people who immolated themselves are monks and nuns and we often say that our struggle is for the cause of Tibetan religion and culture, so what in your view are the responsibilities of the Tibetan reincarnated lamas belonging to different religious sects in exile?

A: I cannot speak about the views of Tibetans inside Tibet, but Tibetans in exile must have various opinions with regard to this matter. Some people are not able to express their views because of their faith and devotion. Personally, I think that I have put my best possible effort in leading movements and nurturing leaders for the cause of Tibet while I was working with Tibetan Youth Congress. What I want to say is that if [in our community] there are people who think there is a spiritual practice that is more precious and sacred than serving the happiness and wellbeing of one’s country and its people; then I request you not to live in the Tibetan community. Please do not take benefits from our community. I cannot accept a spiritual practitioner who seeks to achieve individual enlightenment and who works only for the personal benefit or for the next life without shouldering responsibility for Tibet and the Tibetan people. We Tibetans do not need such spiritual practitioners at this moment.

Q: After His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s devolution of political power to an elected leader, do you think we can see some change in our movement and the nature of our struggle?

A: His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been the Spiritual and Political head of Tibet for centuries. I cannot say for sure there could be a change in a day or two, or within the next few generations to come. On paper, it can be written that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has devolved his political authority to an elected leader. However; in the hearts and minds of Tibetan people it is only His Holiness the Dalai Lama who will remain as the Spiritual and Secular head of Tibet. When my body and mind separates from each other and when my flesh and blood spills out, even at that moment, my consciousness will regard His Holiness the Dalai Lama as my sole leader. [At this moment, Lhasang la took a pause and shed tears]. Once again I request His Holiness the Dalai Lama to reconsider his decision of devolving political authority when our freedom struggle needs him most because our nation is on the brink of death. The Tibetan people can change their clothes but how can we change our hearts?

Q: Do you see some hope that the Tibetan struggle [for autonomy] will gradually move on to struggle for Rangzen?

A: I am not a person who relies on empty hopes. If you ask me do I think should the struggle move on to Rangzen; in reality, I would say definitely I do. I was the one who openly expressed that it would be an impractical [solution] when His Holiness the Dalai Lama proposed the Middle Way Approach on 15 June 1987. At that time, there were Tibetans who even threatened to kill me. My children also faced problems in their school because of my position. I still keep the same political stand. I haven’t made the slightest change to it. I believe in truth and justice. I am not a person who only thinks about personal benefits. The Tibetan Government-in-Exile took a wrong position right from the beginning. There is no benefit in changing the driver if one is travelling on the wrong road. No matter how many times you change drivers, if your vehicle is going on the wrong road there is no change. First and foremost the Tibetan Government in Exile must change its course.

Q: What is your view on people who believe that we cannot have dialogues with the Chinese Government or receive international support if the Tibetans opt for Rangzen?

A: This is absolutely rubbish. They are ignorant about world politics. The policy of a state or nation is driven by its national interest. There is not a single nation in the world that frames their foreign policy by renouncing its own national interest for the sake of other nations. Between 1959 and 1965, the United Nations passed resolutions recognising Tibet’s right to self-determination. This happened when we were advocating Tibet’s independence. However; because of the spread of Communism in USSR and other countries, US and other western allies gave more focus on how to defeat Communism. As a result, Tibetan issue lost limelight then. After renouncing Rangzen as our official policy, we have not had a single nation that came up and extended meaningful support. Presently, as China is becoming more powerful, it naturally affects the interest of many other countries. For their own interests, not out of concern for Tibet, I am sure we will receive support from these countries if we take some clear actions. Isn’t it foolish to complain that one cannot get a sponsor for one’s child without first enrolling the child in school?

Q: Lhasang la, what is your expectation [from] and appeal to the Tibetans inside Tibet, especially Tibetans who set themselves on fire?

A: First of all, I would like to bend my knees to the ground in prostration before those valiant self-immolating sons and daughters of Tibet. At this present critical moment, we must prepare ourselves for a determined action. Even an old man like me has made preparations since long time back. I registered [the ownership of] my small bookshop and bank account in my wife’s name. We Tibetans must share our happiness and suffering together. Whether the loss of these lives benefits our cause or not will depend on the Tibetan Government-in-Exile and the officials working in the exile Tibetan community. I request our government to come up with a well-planned strategy and to take concrete step for our struggle for freedom if we really think Tibet’s situation is critical and feel solidarity with those brave Tibetans who have already given up their lives by setting themselves ablaze. It is not of much use for ordinary Tibetans to go and protest in front of the Chinese embassy if our government is not willing to lead us from the front. The Tibetan Government-in-Exile must lead the protests and demonstrations for our freedom! (Rangzen Alliance)