Protests by Tibetan Students Spread

On March 16th, Radio Free Asia reported a large demonstration by Tibetan Students in Machu County(Ch: Maqu), Amdo Tibet which took place on March 14th. It was reported that 30 Tibetan middle school students called for the return of the Dalai Lama and Tibet’s independence. Following their detention over 500 Tibetans protested for their release at the local government office. Several Tibetan teachers were discharged after the protest.

Shortly after, Reuters reported a similar protest by 20 Tibetan students in Hezuo, Amdo Tibet. While it is known that the group was detained, no further details have been received.

It is now being reported that protests by Tibetan students have also occurred in Sangchu County in Labrang (Ch: Xiahe), Amdo Tibet.

An unconfirmed report of Tibetan students protesting at a predominantly Tibetan nationalities university in Lijiang, Yunnan Province has also surfaced.

Portland: I am Tibetan because

I’m Tibetan from Cody Crazybull on Vimeo.

Tibetans in Portland, Oregon declare “I am Tibetan.”

San Francisco: I am Tibetan because

Tibetans in San Francisco Bay area declare “I am Tibetan” on March 10, 2010.

“Lhasa in February” by Woeser

High Peaks Pure Earth has translated a blogpost by Woeser that was originally written for Radio Free Asia on February 24, 2010 and posted on her blog on March 4, 2010.

This is the second blogpost that Woeser has written from Lhasa and she vividly describes, in a poetic way, everyday life there with a lot of interesting details. For background information on her trip to Lhasa, see the introduction to the last post she wrote titled "What Is Happiness?" here on High Peaks Pure Earth.

In her final paragraph, Woeser refers to young Tibetans who are proudly asserting their Tibetan identity, she has described it as a kind of "mission" they are on. For an earlier posting on this topic by Woeser see "I Am Tibetan" and don't miss two videos from Amdo, I Am Tibetan and the hip hop video "New Generation". Lhasa in February By Woeser

Lhasa in February, with the arrival of Losar (Tibetan New Year), the city is slowly being swept away by sandstorms. In the past, the storms would never start this early, is global warming the only reason behind this? The Lhasa river valley used to be surrounded by a group of mountains called the “eight lotus petals” but today as it has been completely destroyed by mining machines, as soon as the wind starts to blow, sand and dust spreads everywhere. Also, on top of Lhasa valley, in the past it used to be the homeland of Tsangpo Songtsen Gompo but today even the local Medro Gongkar county government simply sold its own land to one of China Gold Group’s mining companies. The officials lined their own pockets but contaminated water has polluted farmland and even killed livestock or given the farmers strange diseases. Lhasa in February, with the arrival of Losar, scenes on TV show officials asking the poor about their hardships; they are poor Tibetans from the city of Lhasa or from the remote countryside and pastureland. The officials with their subordinates show off the many hundred Yuan notes, which, with exaggerated gestures, they give to those Tibetans who bend and stick out their tongues (as a sign of respect) or hold out their hands. Also, those Tibetans speaking Lhasa, Shigatse, Nagchu or Chamdo dialects shed tears of gratitude; some even choke with tears, over and over again expressing their eternal gratitude. Yet, if people have to feel this overly thankful for such a little bit of money, doesn’t that mean that their poverty is in fact so widespread and alarming? (more...)

SFTers in Hong Kong Mark Tibetan National Uprising Anniversary

SFT Hong Kong’s Christina Chan reports from in front of the Liaison Office of Chinese People’s Government (Chinese Embassy). Police responded harshly to the peaceful protesters who were demonstrating their solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet.

Tibet in the media on March 10th

A Snapshot of March 10th media coverage from around the world:

Nepal – Tibetan activists protest in Kathmandu (Demotix)
View powerful photos of Tibetans protesting in Kathmandu on March 10th despite severe police crackdown:

London – Reuters footage of March 6th March for Tibet

Watch the video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTM3-E60HHg

San Francisco – KTVU including quote SFT’s Yangchen Lhamo:

24-year-old Yangchen Lhamo said Tibetans have been using the internet, text messages and blogs to organize quickly and efficiently to call attention to their cause.

“We’re seeing the younger generation of Tibetans is carrying the Tibetan movement forward and taking it to new levels with creative nonviolent tactics,” said Lhamo.

Watch the video: http://www.ktvu.com/bartshooting/22805457/detail.html

New Mexico – Albuquerque Journal

Kalsang Lungtok carries a photo of the Dalai Lama as he and around 50 others march to the State Capitol on Wednesday March 10, 2010, to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising against Chinese occupation.

(Eddie Moore/Albuquerque Journal)

New York – Free Tibet Takes on Union Square (NYU News)

Tibetan nun Ngawang Sangdrol said she was imprisoned for 11 years for shouting “Free Tibet” during a protest and secretly recording Tibetan music.

“I know from personal experience, it is very helpful when free people lead a free nation to put pressure on the Chinese government,” she said. “It makes a very big difference.”

Read the full article here with quotes from Lhadon Tethong, Director of Tibet Action Institute and Tenzin Yangsel, SFT Bard College: http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/article.php?id=2164

Taipei, Taiwan – Tibetans Rally in Taipei for Uprising Anniversary
Read full article here: http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_asia/2010-03-15/125517626081.html

New Episode of SFTtv: March 10th Tibetan National Uprising Day global re-cap

Tendolkar, SFT USA Grassroots Director hosts this latest episode of SFTtv, reporting from headquarters in NYC. This episode includes a compilation of the global protests honoring the 51st anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day. Highlights include:

+ NYC footage of the march across the Brooklyn Bridge & rally.

+ Summary and photos of March 10th actions in cities around the world, including “I am Tibetan” video clips.

+ SFT’s former Executive Director,  Lhadon Tethong speaking about the “I am Tibetan” movement.

Tibetans in NY Mark 2008 Uprising Anniversary

March 14^th, 2010- Despite heavy rain around 100 Tibetans and supporters held a demonstration in front of the Chinese Consulate in New York to mark the anniversary of the 2008 uprising in Tibet. The protesters called for the release of Tibetan political prisoners and for an end to China’s occupation of Tibet. Activists also collected signatures for the release of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. The protest was organized by the 5 New York Tibetan organizations.

Click here for video of the protest by RTYCNYNJ

Click here for more photos

Students for a Free Tibet Calgary Presents: Why Tibet Matters, A Discussion with Tendor and Nima Dorjee

Many students often come to us pondering the relevance of Tibet today.  Often, they want to know things like: Why the Dalai Lama matters? Why should we maintain hope for a non-violent solution in response to the Chinese government's oppressive regime? Perhaps you have even asked yourself: why should I care? 

If you have asked these questions or others, make sure to come check out this event taking place Thursday, March 18th at the University of Calgary!

More photos from March 10th Protest in Dharamsala

All photos © Wasfia Nazreen