SFT Delhi Executive Council 2012-2013
Category: Uncategorized
‘A Day For Tibet’ an event enriched with talks, presentations, movie screenings and discussion on Tibet’s current situations was organized by SFT Delhi Chapter in-collaboration with Miranda Foreign Student Association at Miranda House(Delhi University). Coordinator of the event Ms.Rinzin Choedon, doing her 2nd year Eng(H) from the same college and also the Deputy Director of SFT Delhi chapter said “We Tibetan students studying at various colleges across Delhi are always mistaken to be some North eastern or some Chinky Indians by our peer college fellows. They never realize the fact that we belong to one different Nation ‘Tibet’ and which is what currently suffering under the Brutal Chinese Occupation. So in order to maintain our true Identity and also to seek genuine support from our peer Indian youths, I personally very much feel the need of such events in different Indian Colleges across India.” The event was audience by a bulk number of students not only from the host college, but also from other colleges, Institutions and Universities.
The Speakers, Guests and the Audiences
The event began with the power point presentation by Mr.Vijay Kranti, a veteran photo journalist, who is not only an expert on Tibet issues but also a great supporter of the cause. His powerful presentation with the title “Sino-Indian relation and its threats” made the fellow Indian student as well as the professors present in the seminar room think twice on India’s stand regarding Tibet and its strategic plans against China. The beauty of today’s event was the whole session presence of Dr.Pratibha Jolly, Principal(Miranda House) who not only shared and imparted her views and knowledge regarding the current Indo-China relation but also promised to make every possible effort to support the Tibetan cause by helping out with platforms for Tibetan student groups like SFT for future events also. Following the interesting discussion with Mr.Kranti gave a clear cut idea to the Indian Students about the importance of Tibet’s independence for India’s own security. Tibetan traditional refreshment Drey-sil (sweet rice) was also served in-between as a taste of Tibetan cuisine. It was then followed with a short documentary ‘Tibet Will Be Free’ which highlights the struggle of the young Tibetan youths for Independence. Finally for the last program, our very own SFT Delhi coordinator Tsering Tashi, a Tibetan refuge student at KMC College(DU) who crossed the Himalaya on bare foot to exile when he was only 14, left a strong impact on the audiences leaving them with tearful eyes with his researched presentation on the current “trend of self-immolations in Tibet and its causes”. It was no doubt an emotional situation at that time where many of the fellow Tibetan students felt it unbearable to realize the fact and shed their tears in vain.
Besides the main programs, we also had a successful signature campaigns on urgent call for restraint in Ngaba, petitions for release of political prisoners, restraining Nomadic life, Global intervention for Tibet and many more. Also present at the event, our own SFT Delhi Chapter Director Mr.Rigzin Spalgon said “Today’s event turned out to be a great success. Basically SFT aims at youth, which we believe are the thrust of the society and considers the most liable group to receive support and with their intellectual and mighty power of pen can take the Tibet’s struggle to a whole new level or height. Youngsters, especially the students being the future seeds of nation are one of the focus areas of SFT-Delhi.”
All in all, today’s event was a great success, which ended up with promises from the respectable Principal of the Miranda House College for many more similar events in future. As a token of thanks and gratitude, the respected professors, speaker and the Principal were greeted with traditional scarf and some small Tibet related mementos.
PRESS RELEASE
Tibetans & Supporters Protest China’s Latest Propaganda Drive in Tibet & Censure the Ongoing Crackdown in Kardze & Ngaba
New Delhi, July 13, 2011 – Tibetans and supporters staged a protest at the India Gate in New Delhi, slamming China’s latest propaganda drive in Tibet. The Chinese authorities’ most recent campaign inside Tibet is driven by two highly sensitive anniversaries:
- The 60th anniversary of the signing of the 17 Point Agreement of 1951 which, according to China, marks the “peaceful liberation” of Tibet. (Note 1) and
- The 90th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on 1 July.
“The Chinese government’s propaganda display in Lhasa, in addition to their just-released white paper on Tibet, are nothing but futile attempts to convince the world that Tibetans are happy and prosperous under Chinese rule, when the reality couldn’t be further from the truth”, said Jyotsna George, spokesperson for the Delhi Chapter of Students for a Free Tibet, “Tibetans have repeatedly rejected Chinese rule and it has only been ever growing since the widespread protests across the plateau in 2008”.
China has sealed off the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) to foreign tourists for a month to prepare for and choreograph these events. Reports suggest that senior Chinese leaders and perhaps some foreign guests will travel to Lhasa in mid July for events to mark the 60th Anniversary of the signing of the17 Point Agreement. The period is also likely to include military exercises which will only serve to heighten existing tensions.
Following the major crackdown in Ngaba (Chinese: Aba), Kardze (Chinese: Ganzi) has been closed to visitors since April 21. A wave of protests has been taking place in the region since 6 June calling for ‘Independence’, ‘Freedom’, the release of local and respected religious teachers, and ‘the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet’.
“We are here today to expose the true reality of 60 years of Chinese tyranny in Tibet and to support Tibetans in Kardze and across eastern Tibet who have been protesting daily for their human rights and freedom despite intense crackdown by Chinese armed forces”, said Priyadarshini Singh, a Tibet supporter, “further, we demand that China immediately stop the ongoing crackdown in Kardze & Ngaba and release all those detained and imprisoned at once.”
So far there have been more than 39 arrests including some senior monks, nuns and laypeople with girls as young as 17 & 18 years old.
Kardze is currently under heavy security watch and military clampdown. Several checkpoints have been installed everywhere requiring Tibetans to show household registration, identity cards, a document from the local government granting permission to travel thereby imposing strict restrictions over the movement of Tibetans.
Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) works in solidarity with the Tibetan people in their struggle for freedom and independence. We are a chapter-based network of young people and activists around the world. Through education, grassroots organizing, and non-violent direct action, we campaign for Tibetans’ fundamental right to political freedom. Our role is to empower and train youth as leaders in the worldwide movement for social justice.
Today, the Global Day of Action for Tibet, SFT India is joined by SFT Chapters and Tibet Support Groups in the US, Japan, France, and Germany, in protesting against China’s false claims of the “peaceful liberation” of Tibet.
On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, SFT Delhi celebrated the day to commemorate the importance of our unique and precious Tibetan Language. Under the brutal Invasion and oppression of China, we feel the danger of losing our own mother tongue and see it as a threat to the future Tibetan generations. We believe that language is a primary Identity of a Nation and being a Tibetan, every youth should come forward, take special responsibility and show concern in preserving our own Tibetan Language.
On 21st Feb 2011, we took some advance steps and initiative to showcase the importance of our mother language and how it is slowly vanishing among the young adults. On the very day, besides speaking fluent Tibetan for the whole day, we also promoted its importance to our Indian friends in Delhi University. In addition, we created a short video clip to illustrate the state of our own Tibetan language for Tibetans at this stage!
In Tibet, there is no freedom to be a pure Tibetan since now even their language right is taken away by the Chinese. But what binds us here? We are all free so it is our prior responsibility to make use of the rights that our young brothers and sisters in Tibet are deprived of. Tibetans in Tibet are patriotic to do something for Tibet but they don’t have any rights. We have freedom here so just stand forward and make a difference.
In the video, the play showcases the daily life of Tibetan youth and the careless difficulties that they face while speaking their own mother tongue. Although it is a short informal skit, we can clearly see where our mother language “Bod Yig” stands, while we lose ourselves in other societies. A young guy finds it easy to speak fluent Hindi/English or any other language but cannot speak pure Tibetan. So, I urge the Tibetans especially the young people to take special consideration and come forward in promoting and preserving our own Mother language.
~ Rixin Spalgon
TOP TEN REASONS TO SUPPORT SFT
Reason 10: SFT is youth :Our base of young Tibetans and supporters know change is possible. Young people have the passion, commitment, and inexhaustible energy to work for what they believe in.
Reason 9: SFT is nonviolent :We apply nonviolence theory and practice to our activism for Tibet because we believe it’s the most effective way to achieve our goal. There is no better way to fight for peace than to promote nonviolence as a weapon.
Reason 8: SFT is grassroots :We’re a network of students, Tibetans, activists, professionals, artists, volunteers, and many others working at the grassroots level to mobilize people power in a way that truly changes the course of history.
Reason 7: SFT is diverse :SFT’s membership is composed of Tibetans, Americans, Europeans, Indians, Chinese, Canadians, Australians, Japanese, Taiwanese, and dozens of other nationalities with diverse cultural backgrounds and political viewpoints — because the goal of Tibetan freedom unites everyone.
Reason 6: SFT is global :We are everywhere. With members in more than 50 countries, chapters and networks in 35 countries, and offices in 4 countries, our constituency spans the globe.
Reason 5: SFT is cutting-edge :SFT’s membership and leadership is made up of the most talented innovators, strategists, and visionary techies. We use the latest information technology and social media tools to successfully execute campaigns and actions that inspire Tibetans and directly challenge China’s control over Tibet.
Reason 4: SFT is about training:We invest in the next generation of Tibetan leaders and Tibet activists through our unique leadership training programs. Our Free Tibet! Action Camps and regional trainings help young leaders hone their skills to effectively lead strategic campaigns and non-violent actions for Tibet.
Reason 3: SFT is fun:We believe in hard work and in having fun. We emphasize the importance of humor and laughter in our work, so that freedom is not merely the destination but also the journey.
Reason 2: SFT is strategic :We think and plan before we act. Our leadership has the vision, experience, and strategy to develop and execute effective campaigns and actions.
Reason 1: SFT is for an independent Tibet :Ultimately, we believe that the social, economic, environmental, and cultural interests of the Tibetan people can only be truly safeguarded if Tibet is an independent nation. We know this goal is possible and will continue to work hard to achieve it.
Membership to SFT India is open to anyone interested to lend a hand to the cause.
For Students- Rs.100 for 3 years
For Non-Students- Rs.200 for 3 years
If interested mail us – info@sftindia.org www.sftindia.org
For Delhi Chapter:
Visit www.sftdelhi.wordpress.com/www.facebook.com/sftdelhi
This festival is organized by the Film Club of Miranda House, University of Delhi.
They will screen films by Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam on 15th, 17th and 19th of February, 2011.
Program:
Tuesday 15th Feb
2.00pm Dreaming Lhasa (90 mins)
Thursday 17th Feb
2.00pm The Shadow Circus (50 mins)
3.15pm The Reincarnation of Khensur Rinpoche (62 mins)
Saturday 19th Feb
10.45am The Sun Behind the Clouds (79 mins)
The film screening on the 19th (Saturday) will be followed by an interactive session with the filmmakers.
Written by LSR College
“Some, however, feel dissatisfied that the Indian government did nothing to help the leader when she was under house arrest”.
November 13, 2010: New Delhi, From calling it a landmark moment to one that will strengthen democracy in Myanmar, the release of Aung San Suu Kyi has been hailed by students of Delhi’s Lady Shri Ram College, the alma mater of the Nobel laureate.
The pro-democracy leader was Saturday released from house arrest to the cheers of thousands of supporters.
Although Saturday was a holiday for the college, excited students telephoned one another once televisions flashed that Suy Kyi was a free person again.
‘It’s almost unbelievable. Everyone was sceptical if it would really happen. It is like a miracle,’ Nandini Dey, a final year Political Science Honours student at the prestigious college, told IANS.
Suu Kyi has been placed under house arrest on numerous occasions since she began her political career, totalling 15 of the past 21 years.
She was released after serving an 18-month house arrest handed down by a court in July 2009 for breaking the terms of her previous incarceration by allowing an uninvited US national to swim to her lakeside home.
‘We are expecting some celebrations in the college. The students are really happy,’ Dey said.
A Nobel Peace laureate, Suu Kyi passed out from the college in 1964 with a degree in Political Science.
The students of LSR have been actively involved in marches and protests for her release.
Malavika Vettath, alumni of the college, said: ‘Year after year we have been given the example of Suu Kyi. As students, we took out marches and protests. This is a landmark moment. We are proud to have such an alumni’.
For the students, the release signifies victory of democracy in Myanmar. But everyone is asking what her next step will be.
‘I don’t know what she is planning – whether she will stay in Myanmar or opt to leave the country. But it will definitely strengthen democracy there,’ said Paloma Ganguly, an alumni.
‘It will bring change. I wonder how the Myanmar government will manage this but it will be good for democracy,’ Dey said
Neha Bansal, a student of Economics Honours, hopes it will renew the trust of Myanmar’s people in their government.
‘She is a person with a strong political mindset. People in Myanmar had lost their faith in the government. With her release I hope their confidence in their government will go up,’ she said.
Some, however, feel dissatisfied that the Indian government did nothing to help the leader when she was under house arrest.
‘The Indian government never took a stand. It is about supporting democracy. Even – President – Obama said this in his address to parliament. I am happy that she is free but I wish our nation had a more active role in the release,’ said Shalini, another LSR student.
Phayul[Tuesday, October 26, 2010 11:21]
By Tenzin Tsering
Dharamsala, October 25: The Students for a Free Tibet India concluded a 5-day intensive training in strategic nonviolent action Sunday in the valleys of lower Dharamshala. More than 40 Tibetan and Indian students from Bangalore, Baroda, Delhi, Pune, Kathmandu, Dehradun, Mundgod, and Dharamsala participated in SFT’s flagship leadership training program.
Representatives of Tibetan Women’s Association, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, National Democratic Party of Tibet, and GuChuSum also participated in the training.
“The motivation behind this Action Camp is to train young Tibetans and Tibet supporters on bringing methods of nonviolent activism in the freedom struggle of Tibet” said Tenzin Choedon, the new National Director of SFT India.
Our goal is to produce young Tibetans who are articulate, strategic thinkers and are efficient event organisers in future activism, added Choedon.
“Through this training, we have empowered student activists across India and expanded their understanding of the power of nonviolent action to bring about real change in Tibet,” said Choedon.
“SFT India’s vision is to build our network of Tibetan youth leaders so that we have hundreds of strategic organizers, articulate spokespeople, and effective advocates here in India and around the world. We believe this is how we can truly challenge China’s rule in Tibet.”
Aside from the workshops, presentations were given by guest speakers including Tibetan uprising hero Tsewang Dhondup; Gandhian scholar Rajiv Vohra; professor Kondapalli of Jawaharlal Nehru University; and Rangzen activist Gen Lhasang Tsering.
“This is my second time attending SFT’s leadership training and I look forward to sharing the skills I learned with my fellow Tibetan activists, and in turn strengthening our movement for freedom,” said Sonam Tenzin, a participant from South India and founder of the SFT chapter at Ganden Monastery.
SFT’s signature leadership training program, Free Tibet! Action Camp has been attended by hundreds of young Tibetans and supporters in countries around the world, including the United States, India, Germany, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The trainings focus on the theory and practice of nonviolent direct action, media campaigning, video activism, grassroots organizing, and strategic planning.
Free Tibet! Action Camp also provides participants an opportunity to try rope climbing and blockades, some of the same skills used in SFT’s signature banner hanging actions designed to highlight China’s illegal occupation of Tibet and to help press for change on the ground in TibetThe five day long Action Camp included an intensive program on philosophy of non violence in the Tibetan movement, presentations, workshops, political theatre, media advocacy, event management, technology and activism among others.
“The last five days at the Camp have been one of the most fulfilling and enriching experience for me as a Tibetan and as a student. I will share the knowledge I gained here with other Tibetan students “ said a college student participant from Pune.
“I thank the professionals, many of whom are non Tibetans, and taught us so much in the past few days. I am more inspired now to work for the Tibetan movement,” said another participant.
