Tibetan Olympics torch makes mark in Mcleod Ganj
News: Tibetan Olympics from May 15-25DHARAMSHALA, India, 20 March 2008 (PTI) — Though they do not have representation at the Olympic Games, Tibetans are organising their own version in May at the headquarters of Tibetan government-in-exile. The Tibetans Olympics will be organised at Macleodganj and the surrounding areas around Dharamsala from May 15 to 25, said its organiser Lobsang Wangyal. The Tibetan government-in-exile has its headquarters in Dharamsala while the Dalai Lama lives in Macleodganj, read Press release: Tibetan Olympics Torch makes its mark in McLeodMCLEOD GANJ, India, 10 March 2008 — The fourth leg of the Tibetan Olympics Torch Relay March will be a part of the 49th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day. The torch will be lit at the Tsug La Khang (Main Temple) after the official function of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. Tibetan youth with their faces painted in the colours of the Tibetan flag, will be the first torch-bearers in the McLeod Ganj leg of the relay. The torch relay will join the Tibetan Uprising Demonstraton read AnnouncementMCLEOD GANJ, India, 6 March 2008 — The fourth leg of the Tibetan Olympics Torch Relay will be held on March 10th in McLeod Ganj. It will join the Tibetan Uprising Demonstration from Tsug La Khang (Main Temple) to Kacheri in Lower Dharamshala. All are welcome to participate and carry the torch! |
MCLEOD GANJ, India, 11 March 2008 — The fourth leg of the Tibetan Olympics torch relay was lit at the Tsug La Khang (main temple) in Mcleod Ganj as a part of the Tibetan uprising against the Chinese rule of Tibet. A few Tibetan youth, with their faces painted with the Tibetan flag, held the torch for the Mcleod Ganj relay, in the presence of thousands of Tibetans, foreign supporters and the media. The day was the 49th anniversary of the 1959 uprising of Lhasa demonstration against the Chinese invasion of Tibet, on Monday, which was commemorated by Tibetans around the world. The Dalai Lama, in his speech on the occasion, said that Tibetans have had to live in a state of constant fear, intimidation and suspicion under Chinese repression. "During the past few years, Tibet has witnessed increased repression and brutality." He said that his commitment to the Middle-Way policy to resolve the Tibetan issue has remained unchanged. The policy would benefit both the Tibetans and the Chinese, he added. Presenting his views on the Beijing Olympics, he said, "Since such international sporting events, and especially the Olympics, uphold the principles of freedom of speech, freedom of expression, equality and friendship, China should prove herself a good host by providing these freedoms." Besides sending their athletes, the international community should remind the Chinese government of these issues. He said he was aware of the large number of activities being undertaken by parliaments, individuals and non-governmental organisations around the world, in view of the opportunity that exists for China to make a positive change. The Olympic Games no doubt will greatly impact the minds of the Chinese people. The world should, therefore, explore ways of investing their collective energies in producing a continuous positive change inside China even after the Olympics have come to an end. One hundred Tibetans, who were undertaking a "Return home to Tibet" march, led the demonstration. The Tibetan Olympics torch relay followed them down to Kacheri in Dharamshala. The "Return home to Tibet" march was organised by five Tibetan NGOs, namely — Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Women's Association, Gu Chu Sum (ex-political prisoners' organisation), National Democratic Party of Tibet and the Students for a Free Tibet. The torch was carried by various people including some western supporters. The torch is now en route to Tokyo to be carried there on 16 March. Report and photos by Lobsang Wangyal More about the McLeod Ganj Torch Relay
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