The 2nd Panel Discussion on upcoming Kalon Tripa election and Democracy by NDPT concludes in South India

The largest Tibetan Settlement in exile, last afternoon, witnessed a major Panel Discussion on, "The Significance of 2011 & The Status of Our Democracy” organized by National Democratic Party of Tibet.

Despite a hot early summer afternoon, Dekyi Larsoe Tibetan Community Hall in Bylakuppe was thronged with over 800 people to participate in the panel discussion on the topic that currently adorns every Tibetan discussion.

The latest awareness campaign on the promotion of democracy focussing specially on the upcoming Kalon Tripa and Chitue election and the means for further advancement of democracy in Tibetan exile and its' system and the structure concluded successfully after over 3 hour-long discussion including hectic and interesting Q & A.

The panelist for the current discussion by NDPT included Choekyong Wangchuk, Tibetan MP and Executive Director of TPPRC, Kirti Dolkar Lhamo, Tibetan MP and President of Tibetan Womens Association, Pema Delek, Former Tibetan Parliament member, Lukar Jam, Independent Research Scholar, Lobsang Yeshi, Former Vice President of Tibetan Youth Congress and Independent Researcher and Chime Youngdung, President of NDPT. The Panel discussion and the Public debate was moderated by Utruk Tsering, General Secretary of NDPT and Geshe Loga from Sera Mey University.

President Chime Youngdung in his introductory address briefed the audience on the importance and the objectives of the awareness campaign. Besides speaking about the founding of the Organization in accordance with the advice and the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Mr President also stressed on the significance of 2011 and the responsibility of the Tibetan people for making the upcoming events historic and a success in the annal of Tibetan democracy and Tibetan Struggle.

Choekyong Wangchuk in his presentation emphasized that year 2010 is equally important as year 2011 in Tibetan struggle, so everyone must prepare for the both events; Kalon Tripa election and the Chitue election. While stressing on the Tibetan Democracy as the gift from His Holiness, he also assured that compared to the other democracies of the world, Tibetan democracy has achieved greatly and one should not be so much perturbed with certain unpleasant developments. He also stressed that in any democratic country in the present world, there isn't any that is a partyless democracy. Mr Choekyong concluded that those who wish to stand for the elections in Kalon Tripa and Chitue should declare openly and present themselves before the public.

Kirti Dolker Lhamo: Under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, we are gifted with democracy with three perfect democracy pillars. So we should not waste this gift and utilize it to perfect the present democracy. We should also act accordingly to the time. Today, our foremost duty is to search a perfect candidate for the Katri and Chitues. Mrs Dolkar made major stress that the next Kalon Tripa should be a one that follows Middle Path as their stand and who understand the wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Pema Delek: While mentioning the gradual progress of Tibetan Democracy in exile and the development of the exile Government structure etc under the blessing of His Holiness, Mr Delek stated that the perfection of our Democracy depends fully on the Tibetan people. We shouldn’t force our people to vote for a particular candidate but it is important to create awareness among the people for the importance of voting and election. We need to elect someone who is more responsible and sincere.  He explained that our democracy could be termed both as Parliamentary Democracy as well as Presidential Democracy given the present structure and power distribution.

Lobsang Yeshi in his address stated that Democracy in Tibetan exile which is a blessing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is one great achievement that we can fluent against China. The undemocratic China still remains one reason why world supports us and hates China. Democracy in China could also be a major turning point for freedom and independence in Tibet. He further stated that looking back, Tibetan democracy has attained great strides towards perfection. And if there still are drawbacks in our democracy, a major reason could be that we have failed to follow every other advice and guidance of His Holiness on the same.

He further stressed that another reason that ails our democracy is that despite huge and unprecedented awareness campaign, there is fewer population involving in the processes of democracy. Even those who are actively involved in the elections, their final verdicts are driven by affiliations and affinity. The upcoming Kalon Tripa and the Chitue election is yet again a test of our democracy and commitment of Tibetan people towards their country and the freedom struggle.

Chime Youngdung in his speech stated that Tibetan democracy is far from having realized perfection as Tibetan Parliament still has only one house. He stressed that for a democracy to be called genuine we must have 2 houses of Parliament and also build multi party system. In the present environment, public do not know even the 43 Chitues as the interaction and the commitments is almost non-existent. We need to share the burden of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and work towards contributing to its perfection. To implement His Holiness's wish, Our Parliament must initiate measures to work towards realization these goals. Until then we cannot call ours a perfect democracy.

In the future eventualities of absence of His Holiness, perfect Tibetan Parliament consisting of 2 Houses involving representatives directly elected by people would carry forward the struggle to its fruition.

The final speaker, Lukar Jam in his deliberation stated that while mentioning the Democracy as a gift of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, we must remember the contribution and sacrifices made by numerous Tibetan patriots, scholars and writers like Dawa Norbu and Jamyang Norbu etc. Our next Kalon Tripa being an open minded as well as sincere, must be a strong advocate of Rangzen. We must to put it straight vote for a candidate who aspires and fights for Tibetan Independence. Until a candidate for a Kalon Tripa comes out specifically with a clear declaration of his intentions to fight election and the presents various views on issues related with Tibetan struggle, we must not vote for anybody. I will not vote for anybody and I appeal everyone not to vote for anybody.

He further appeal the monks to shurn politics and not to engage in politics. If possible vote only for the religious sect candidate and not the regional.

This talk was followed by intra-discussions and Q & A wherein speakers clarified each others views and questioned each other.

This was later followed by hour-long Q & A from the public. Later a thank you speech and souvenirs for the speakers were presented by the President Chime Youngdung.

Report issued by Central Executive Committee of National Democratic Party of Tibet

Date: 28 February 2010

Panel Discussion 2010 Time:2:00PM saturday, February 27th Location:Dickyi Lurso Community Hall ,Bylakuppe

Wish You All Happy Losar

   Namlo Sartse La Tashi Delek Shu

Dialogue with Dalai Lama only way to resolve Tibet issue: Envoys

Dharamsala, Feb 1: Envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama said Tuesday that the only means to resolve the issue of Tibet was through dialogue with the exiled Tibetan leader. Special Envoy Kasur Lodi Gyari (L) and Envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen at a press briefing on the 9th round of Tibet talks in Dharamsala, India, Tuesday, February 2, 2010 In a statement issued here today, the two envoys said they had urged China in talks last week to stop labelling the exiled Tibetan leader a separatist, and to engage with him on resolving Tibet's future. "We called upon the Chinese side to stop these baseless accusations against His Holiness and labelling him a separatist," the statement said. "Instead, we urged the Chinese leadership to work with him to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Tibetan problem based on the memorandum," it added. “His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaks on behalf of the Tibetan people, with whom he has a deep and historical relationship and one based on full trust. "It cannot be disputed that His Holiness legitimately represents the Tibetan people, and he is certainly viewed as their true representative and spokesperson by them. "It is indeed only by means of dialogue with the Dalai Lama that the Tibetan issue can be resolved. The recognition of this reality is important," the envoys said in the statement. Special Envoy Lodi G. Gyari, however, said he was “disappointed” by the “attitude and rigidity in the behaviour” of the Chinese leadership in their willingness to tackle Tibet issue, indicating that the talks that resumed last week after a break of 15 months had apparently failed to make much headway. In the statement, the envoys maintained that a major difference between the two sides was the “conflicting perspectives” on the current situation inside Tibet. “So, in order to have a common understanding of the real situation, we suggested a common effort to study the actual reality on the ground, in the spirit of seeking truth from facts,” the statement said. “This will help both sides to move beyond each others' contentions," it added. China on Tuesday said it "dismissed the Dalai Lama's claim as being "legal representative of Tibetans". It also said the "private representatives" of the Dalai Lama had "no legal status" to discuss the affairs about Tibet. The envoys said they had made it clear to China that the Dalai Lama had no personal demands to make and was solely concerned with the rights and welfare of the Tibetan people. "The fundamental issue that needs to be resolved is the faithful implementation of genuine autonomy that will enable the Tibetan people to govern themselves in accordance with their own needs," their statement said. “Since His Holiness the Dalai Lama has consistently made his position clear on the future of Tibet within the framework of the People’s Republic of China, given political will on the Chinese leadership’s side we do not see any reason why we cannot find a common ground on these issues,” it said. China on Monday said that the door for contacts and talks remained open, but no concessions would be made on issues concerning China’s control of Tibet. Du Qinglin, the head of the Chinese government representatives for the talks, said that the so-called "Greater Tibet" and "high-level autonomy" violated China's Constitution and only “if the Dalai lama completely abandoned such claims, could there be a foundation for contacts and talks”, according to a Chinese state media report. Reacting to the Chinese counterpart’s remarks, Mr Gyari said, there was “no such thing” as “Smaller Tibet and Greater Tibet” from the Tibetan viewpoint. “Our belief is that all Tibetan areas must be under a uniform policy and a single administration,” he said. He, however, said both sides had agreed during the talks on the importance of carrying forward the dialogue process. “So our commitment to dialogue remains very firm irrespective of Chinese attitude,” Mr Gyari said. “During the talks, they (Chinese counterparts) also conveyed to us repeatedly about the importance of continuing the dialogue process," Gyari said. “But this process of dialogue to be able to continue, we told them there should be some tangible progress,” he added. The Tibetan envoys said they also submitted a “Note” relating to the “Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People" to the Chinese government representatives. They said the note contained “seven points" to address the fundamental issues raised by the Chinese leadership during the last round of talks and some constructive suggestions for a way forward in the dialogue process.

Change Change Change

By Email[Monday, February 01, 2010 12:31]

by Bhuchung D. Sonam In One Hundred Years of Solitude, the master wordsmith Gabriel Garcia Marquez tells the story of Colonel Jose Arcadia Buendia and his incestuous family stuck in a time warp in Macondo, a small town located somewhere in that appallingly chaotic continent of South America. In the end a child with a pig's tail is born to Aurelio, the seventh and the last generation of the Buendia. The newborn baby is consumed by a feasting sea of red ants as his mother lies dead on the bed. I surely do not see such a hellish end for Tibet — or for that matter anyone else. However, lessons must be drawn and learned from fiction as much as from reality. Garcia tells the story of the Latin America that he lived and experienced with a super dose of magic and irony. It has been fifty years since we came into exile, and almost ten years since the prime minister was directly elected by the Tibetan people in exile. Samdhong Rinpoche won the first two elections hands down. No match. No question. Clean "people's mandate" as he called it. Samdhong Rinpoche, first directly elected Prime Minister of the Tibetan exile government/file Based on this people's mandate Rinpoche has initiated many drastic changes, both in the management of the exile government and in the external affairs — renewal of talks with China, privatization of business enterprises, introducing organic farming in Tibetan settlements and wide-ranging adjustments in financial accounting within the administration. Some were successful. Some were not. Some will have a long-lasting impact. Samdhong Rinpoche's term ends on 14 August 2011. "What happens if His Holiness is no longer with us?" is the most frequently asked question. And it is absolutely valid. I’ve pondered over this for many sleepless nights. Many agree that there will be some setbacks. "But the Question of Tibet will not die," His Holiness says. Then there is the other question. "What happens if, when Samdhong Rinpoche's term is over, we don't have anyone who is as capable as him?" This is not only an invalid question, but also reflects a 'second class' attitude that we have of ourselves. Many years ago, the Tibetan Medical and Astro. Institute did not allow books authored by Tibetan doctors working for it to be displayed or sold at its bookshop. Meanwhile, books on Tibetan medicine written by passing travellers and Westerners with shoddy research were sold. This is a typical example of an others-are-always-better-than-us perception. "For God’s sake open the universe a little more," writes Saul Bellow in his novel The Dean's December. Change is inevitable. With change comes risks, failures and eventual success. This thing called CHANGE comes only when we come out of our shell. "Stretch your hands, stretch your legs, stick out your nose, stick out your ears, stick out your tongue, stick out your eyeballs, stick out everything," sing the JJI-Exile Brothers, a promising Tibetan rock band. Familiarity brings comfort. It also brings stagnation and worst of all it brings about death of the imagination. The time has come for us to "stick out everything" and be useful. During a public discussion about next the prime minister — organized by the National Democratic Party of Tibet — one of the participants, a member of the Exiled-Tibetan Parliament, said that since the basic policy to resolve the issue of Tibet, which is the Middle-Way Approach, cannot be changed, the next prime minister should be someone who is able to manage the administration and look after the Tibetan settlements. Really? Policies regarding Tibetan struggle for freedom cannot be changed? If a democratically-elected prime minister cannot initiate policy changes, then who can? Such assumptions and premature articulations not only undermine the position of the prime minister but also weakens our nascent democracy and the decentralization of power that His Holiness has so patiently and carefully initiated and nurtured since the early days in exile. Accepting the existing set up without logical questioning and putting up creative challenges is what our own Nobel Laureate abhors. His Holiness is supposed to have said, "Don't you have any fresh ideas?" to a gathering of Tibetan VIPs a few years ago. In a sea of forever-bowing bunch of bureaucrats and politicians, people get suffocated. Too much bowing and too much readiness to accept ‘received wisdom’ are also unhealthy for democracy. The dreadful fate that the last of Colonel Buendia's family suffered at the end of One Hundred Years of Solitude was because they never changed. We live in a different age — nanotechnology, superfast computers and a sky full of information. We must move forward or "move ahead" as the exiled Tibetan prime minister once said. He who fails to change with time is likely to be a museum piece. What is to be done then? Opening up our universe and sharpening our imaginations are good ways to begin. We also need to shake ourselves from the stupor of self-satisfaction — and "the most successful refugee community in the world" tag. Successful or not we are still refugees, a 'stateless' people. We also need to reject any undemocratic ideas, such as making amendments in our constitution to give the incumbent prime minister a third term in office. Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche himself has rejected this absurd idea saying that what could not be done in ten years is unlikely to be achieved in another five. Rinpoche's decision is absolutely correct and is perfectly in tune with democratic norms. Such constitutional amendments to extend terms are generally done by power-hungry rulers with dictatorial inclinations. It is strange that a tiny group of exile Tibetans want to push through this proposal. Once, while talking about the possible next prime minister, I was asked who I would vote for — Gyari Lodoe Gyaltsen or Juchen Thupten Namgyal? At that time, I was into Dostoevsky's Idiot, so I became Myshkin and said I had no idea. Gyari Lodoe and Juchen Thupten are figures on the horizon. Both of them have served Tibetan society in various capacities throughout their lives. They made contributions to a varying degree. However, to be brutally honest, their peak days are behind them. One must have no illusions about the evening sky. It is always followed by night. The next PM? Your Vote. Your Man "Who then? Kalon Tripa needs experience. Anyone can't do it just like that?" says my friend. True. Just anyone cannot do it. That is why we need foresight, imagination and inquisitiveness to find out, talk, debate, ask and sometimes also be frustrated. I will even to go the extent of suggesting that every now and then we become the totally quiet and clever Balram Halwai in Aravind Adiga's White Tiger, a driver who listens, learns, plans and then acts with full knowledge. So, for any Tibetan who sees only familiar characters for the post of the next prime minister, I must repeat Bellow again — for God’s sake open up your universe a little more. The views expressed in this piece are that of the author and the publication of the piece on this website does not necessarily reflect their endorsement by the website.