Dalai Lama joins Indian-Tibetan friendship celebration
Dalai Lama joins Indian-Tibetan friendship celebration
| Original Source : Phayul[Tuesday, June 15, 2010 16:20] |
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By Phurbu Thinley
His Holiness the Dalai Lama gestures as he attends fire ritual (havan) being conducted by Hindu priests for his continued well-being and long life at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala, India, Tuesday, June 15, 2010. The prayer ceremony is part a day-long event organised by the local Indian community of McLeod Ganj to celebrate “50 years of friendship” with Tibetan exiles. (Photo by David Huang)
Dharamsala, June 15: Exiled Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama Tuesday attended a celebratory function marking “fifty years of friendship and understanding” among Indians and Tibetans here in this north Indian hill town. As part of the celebration Hindu priests conducted a fire ritual (havan) and prayer chanting ceremony in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his continued well-being and long life. Senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration, members of the organising committee of the event and hundreds of Tibetans, Indians and visiting tourists participated in the event held at the courtyard of the Main Tibetan Temple (Tsuglag khang) here. “We chanted and offered prayers for the well-being and long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. And also in our puja we offered prayers for the happiness, success and well-being of Tibetans here and all over the world,” said Swami Ananda Ji, the leader of the priests. The day-long event, which also included offering free community meal in traditional Indian style to the public, was organised by six organisations representing the Indian community of McLeod Ganj, also called Upper Dharamsala. Meal was also offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and, officials of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and Indian dignitaries at the Tsuglagkhang (Main Tibetan Temple) courtyard here. The event was jointly organised by Indo-Tibet Friendship Society (ITFS), Hotel Association, Beopar Mandal, Bagsu Taxi Union, Auto Union, and Trekkers Association of McLeod Ganj. In his opening speech, Mr Ajay Sing Mankotia, President of ITFS, described the event as “a celebration of 50 years of togetherness” for Indians and Tibetans in Dharamsala and elsewhere in Himachal Pradesh and India. “This celebration is an expression of gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai lama and to show that that we are blessed by his presence here,” Mr Mankotia said. “Your Holiness’ presence here for the last 50 years has not only helped us to grow together, but also helped Dharamsala to prosper spiritually. This has given Dharamsala the sanctity it enjoys now,” he said. The exiled Tibetan leader thanked the organisers and the people of the town for the puja and the event. In his speech, the Dalai Lama reminded the Tibetans to continue to preserve and uphold the values that define the Tibetan people and their culture. “In embracing modernity and progress, we must not abandon the human values that has been so preciously passed down on to us by our elder generations. These values make up our unique culture,” the Dalai Lama said. “It is these spiritual values that are so ingrained in our culture and in our way of life that make us special and loved by the outside world, and if we are to abandon these values, then it will be a very disheartening situation,” the Tibetan leader said. The Dalai Lama has been living in McLeod Ganj, a hill-top town in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, since 1960, following Chinese occupation of Tibet and a failed 1959 uprising against the Chinese rule over it. In April, Tibetan exiles organised a two-day event here called “Thank You Himachal” to thank the people and the government of the state on the 50th anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s arrival in Mcleod Ganj. The Dalai Lama arrived here in April 1960, a year after entering India, to shift from his temporary base in Mussoorie in the present-day Uttarakhand state. Since then Dharmsala has served as the base for the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. Little over 35,000 Tibetans live in Dharamsala and 14 different Tibetan settlements across the hill state. |
The ‘garbage girl’ of the mountains
The ‘garbage girl’ of the mountains
Dharamsala: Every morning, along with a handful of volunteers, including some foreigners, British national Jodie Underhill sets out to collect non-biodegradable waste dumped carelessly in the mountains surrounding McLeodganj, the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile in Himachal Pradesh.
She is a follower of Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama and also a believer in Gandhian values. But Jodie has earned a fan following of her own in this Himalayan town by helping clean up mountains of trash.
“This state is rich in flora and fauna, but sadly the people, especially the tourists, are destroying its pristine beauty by spreading trash here and there,” Underhill, who is popular among the locals as the “garbage girl”, told IANS.
She came to this town in January to sponsor the education of some Tibetan children but soon got involved in cleaning the mountains after seeing piles of garbage.
“Every Monday and Tuesday we visit Triund (the popular trekking route overlooking this town) to collect waste like polythene and paper bags, empty beer and liquor bottles, old tents, food item sachets and clothes. On an average, we are collecting 35 sacks of garbage from the nine-km stretch every week,” she said.
Underhill said that 70 percent of what they collect at Triund is plastic bottles.
“Garbage has been burnt or thrown down the mountains for many years and although we have made great progress clearing it, we need to ensure that waste is disposed of correctly in the future,” she said.
But just collecting the dumped garbage is not the only intention of the 34-year-old Briton.
“During the garbage collection drive, we also educate the local people and vendors about the scientific disposal of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste,” she said.
Besides cleaning the hills, the Mountain Cleaners – as her group is known – is also providing waste disposal bags to the people settled in nearby areas of this town.
“We are working alongside the state forest department to improve facilities, educate people about waste and recycling and to promote efficient and safe waste management. We aim to provide long-term waste disposal solutions and guidelines for the people visiting the mountain camp, especially schoolchildren,” said Claire Jabre, another volunteer.
Ravi Kumar, a resident of Bhagsunag village located on the outskirts of this town, said: “Once an eyesore, the hills are almost free from plastic pollution. People have also developed a proper waste disposal sense with the intervention of the Mountain Cleaners.”
“The damage we have done to our planet cannot be reversed, but we can all make positive changes for the future by reducing, re-using and recycling. Let’s leave our children a planet that is habitable not just for them but for future generations too,” Underhill said.
According to the tourism department, more than 10,000 trekkers visit Triund every year and tourism, including climbing, is a key source of income for the local people.
Source: IANS
Himachal Pradesh plans revival of Kangra organic tea
Himachal Pradesh plans revival of Kangra organic tea
Organic Kangra tea will be grown over an area of 150 hectares by Himachal Pradesh’s agriculture university at Palampur, the heart of Kangra tea belt.
This was decided by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister P K Dhumal in a meeting here recently with additional secretary, commerce Government of India A K Mangotra and top Tea Board officials.
“The state government was making an effort to popularise and patent Kangra tea amongst tea lovers for its quality flavour, besides promoting organic tea production.
“Around 7,700 hectares have been estimated by surveyors in all three districts which could develop into quality organic tea gardens,” said Dhumal.
“At present the state is producing 850,000 kg of tea every year. This can be raised to 2.5 million kg in the next few years,” he said.
The British began cultivation of the Kangra tea in 1,882 in and around the Palampur foothills in the Kangra valley region some 260-km from here.
The Kangra tea is known for its flavour rather than its weak colour.
It is grown in a pocket of 2,060 hectares in and around Palampur.
Its production is negligible though. But until a few years ago it was in demand by some drinkers in the country besides being very popular in neighbouring Afghanistan.
The production has dropped in recent years as far cheaper tea from other places in Asia is now available in the market.
Tenzin Norzom crowned Miss Tibet
Tenzin Norzom crowned Miss Tibet
| Original Source : Phayul[Sunday, June 06, 2010 23:41] |
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By Phurbu Thinley
23-year old Tenzin Norzom walks the stage after being crowned Kingfisher Miss Tibet 2010 at the beauty pageant’s grand finale night in Dharamsala, India, Sunday, June 6, 2010. (Photo: Tenzin Choejor/Exilelens.com)
Dharamsala, June 6: 23-year old Tenzin Norzom from Varanasi was crowned Kingfisher Miss Tibet 2010 at the beauty pageant’s grand finale night here this evening. “I am extremely happy winning the Miss Tibet 2010 crown,” Norzom told Phayul.com after winning the title. “Even if I didn’t win the Miss Tibet crown tonight, I came prepared in my mind that one of us will win in the end and I would still be happy thinking that after all it is another young Tibetan woman who is the winner,” she said. She said one of her first mission would be to urge young confident Tibetan women to participate in the Miss Tibet beauty pageant. And then the most important thing, she said, will be to use the beauty title to promote awareness on Tibet. “Right now my top priority will be to complete my further studies,” she said. Born in Hunsur Tibetan settlement in South India, in 1986, this soft-spoken beauty queen has just completed Shastri degree (equivalent to Bachelor of Arts degree) from the Central University of Tibetan Studies in Varanasi. She is fluent in English, Tibetan and Hindi, and likes reading, music and dancing, and playing badminton. Last year’s Miss Tibet Tenzin Choezom crowned Norzom as the new Tibetan beauty queen and presented a scholarship cheque of 100,000 rupees. A panel of two judges elected the new winner. Norzom edged out three other contenders after going through seven rounds of competitions to claim this year’s Tibetan beauty title, the ninth in a series started since 2002. Yangchen Metok, 19, from Dharamsala, was declared the first runner-up and won a scholarship cheque of 50,000 rupees. She was born in Golok in Amdo province of Tibet in 1991 and came to India in 2008. 
The four contestants pose during the ‘Traditional Costume’ round on the grand finale night of the Miss Tibet beauty pageant at Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) in Dharamsala, India (Photo: Tenzin Choejor/exilelens.com)
Rinchen Choden, 25, a hair stylist with a Bachelor in Commerce degree from Bangalore was the second runner-up and won a scholarship cheque of 25,000 rupees. The organisers also presented the third runner-up, 22-year old Tenzin Namchoe, a scholarship cheque of 10,000 rupees. Presently she is a second-year student at St Joseph College Bangalore, pursuing a Bachelors of Social Work. The beauty pageant’s finale night this year has been a low profile one without the usual firecrackers. This, the beauty pageant’s director Mr Lobsang Wangyal said, was in solidarity with the victims and survivors of the recent earthquake in Tibet’s Kyegudo region. Before the final rounds of the beauty pageant kicked off, a huge crowd of thousands of people, who gathered for the show, participated in a short prayer session for the earthquake victims. Mr Wangyal later announced a donation cheque of 10,000 rupees towards the earthquake relief measures. Also the annual Free Spirit Award for 2010, which is presented by Lobsang Wangyal Productions for those who have contributed for the Tibetan cause and world peace, was given to Dr Mahesh Yadav. Dr Yadav has been a staunch Tibet supporter for years. He has drawn blood portraits of world leaders, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet, to bring awareness about world peace and freedom in Tibet. |
Miss Tibet competition kicks off with swimsuit round
Miss Tibet competition kicks off with swimsuit round
| Original Source : Phayul[Saturday, June 05, 2010 12:18] |
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By Phurbu Thinley
Dharamsala, June 5: First phase of a three-day Miss Tibet beauty pageant competition kickstarted with a swimsuit round at a local swimming pool here yesterday afternoon. 
(from L to R) Yangchen Metok, 19, from Dharamsala, Tenzin Norzom 23, from Varanasi, Rinchen Choden, 25, from Bangalore, Tenzin Namchoe, 22, from Bangalore pose during swimsuit round at Funky Town in Dharamsala, India, Friday, June 4, 2010. The four contenders will vie for this year’s Tibetan beauty title to be decided on the ‘Grand Finale’ night on June 6. (Photo: Exile Lens)
The competition started with four contestants performing a ramp show in swimwear around a mini swimming pool located at a picturesque local on the lap of Dhauladhar mountain range. The participants contested for 40 points judged by two jury members 10 points each for their figure, skin, posture and poise. A large public enthusiasts turned up to watch, what has been described by many in the exile Tibetan community as the “most daring” part of the beauty pageant. A strong media presence, however, dominated the scene of the competition round. Scores from six more competition rounds in the next two days will add up to decide the final crowning of this year’s Tibetan beauty on the grand finale night on Sunday at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA). Two more rounds – “Presentation and Talent” – will be held tonight at TIPA. This year’s pageant is officially called Kingfisher Miss Tibet Pageant 2010, as KF is the sponsor of the pageant. Meet the Miss Tibet contestants Rinchen Choden – Born in Tawang in north eastern India in 1985, she is a hair stylist with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. She speaks English, Hindi, Tibetan, Tamil and Kanada, and likes reading, swimming and shopping. She has many goals in life, but says “we can only stick to a single goal and aim for it”. By winning Miss Tibet, she says will empower her to do something for Tibeta and her people. Aspiring to become a top model, she says, has been her childhood dream. Tenzin Norzom – Born in Hunsur Tibetan settlement in South India, in 1986, this 23-year old beauty has just completed Shastri degree (equivalent to Bachelor of Arts degree) from the Central University of Tibetan Studies in Varanasi. She is fluent in English, Tibetan and Hindi, and likes reading, music and dancing, and playing badminton. She says her immediate goal is to win this year’s Miss Tibet crown and be the messenger of the Tibetan freedom movement to the people of the world. Her second goal is to boost confidence in the younger generation Tibetan girls to participate in this Miss Tibet contest and prove to the world that “we Tibetans can do it.” Tenzin Namchoe – Born in the Tibetan capital Lhasa in 1988, she came to India in the year 2000. Presently she is a second-year student at St Joseph College Bangalore, pursuing a Bachelors of Social Work. She speaks Tibetan, Chinese, English, Hindi, and reading, helping others, playing piano and dancing her hobbies. After completing her studies she wants to commit her life to social work in Tibetan community and help Tibetan youths to find purpose in their lives. She wants to commit her life to social work in the Tibetan community after completing her studies. Yangchen Metok – She was born in Golok in Amdo province of Tibet in 1991 and came to India only recently. She studied till class VIII in her native place and is currently studying English language at a local local institute. She speaks Tibetan and Chinese and likes singing and dancing. Once I become proficient in English language, I would like to become an air hostess, she says. To contribute as much as she can for the Tibetan cause, and find ways to work for the betterment of the lives of poor people, she says her longterm goals. For images of the contestants, Click Here |
Tibetans say ‘Tashi Deleck’ on air from today
Tibetans say ‘Tashi Deleck’ on air from today
Original Source : Himvani.com By: Mohit Behl
Dharamsala: Spirituality went technical today in Dharamsala when His Holiness the Dalai Lama inaugurated the first licensed community radio station in Himachal Pradesh. The radio station named Tashi Delek 90.4 FM was launched at the Tibetan Children Village.
Named after Tibetan greeting ‘Tashi Deleck’, meaning hello/good luck/may many good things come to you/ blessings and greetings , the goal of the radio station is to serve the Tibetan, Indian and expatriate communities of the region with excellent music and timely local information. The radio station also intends to tie up with local NGO’s in surrounding areas which are in need of a community radio but can’t afford one. Besides this, young wannabe broadcasters will also be taught at the radio station.
Tsewang Yeshi, president of Tibetan Children’s Village school said, “The purpose of this radio station is to serve the local community, educating them about health and social issues, and at the same time to provide information and entertainment.” Tashi Delek 90.4 FM is broadcast from the main Tibetan Children’s Village School in upper Dharamsala. It has a station manager with six student programme contributors and five volunteers.
Patil for holding junior national cricket camps at Dharamsala
Patil for holding junior national cricket camps at Dharamsala
Original Source : Zee News
Dharamsala: Abound with cool climatic conditions and equipped with high class training facilities, Dharamsala is a fit place to hold camps for junior national cricket teams, feels noted player Sandeep Patil.
“Dharamsala is a right place to hold camps for under 16 and under 19 Indian cricket teams. This town is blessed with cool climate particularly in summers and high class training facilities like well-equipped fitness centre,” Patil told reporters last evening.
Patil, who is director (Operation) of Bangalore based National Cricket Academy (NCA), said Dharamsala had hosted summer coaching camps of North Zone cricket academy successfully in the past and coaches who had visited this place hold high opinion about the excellent conditions.
The prominent cricketer was on a day-long visit to see the functioning of state cricket academy run by Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA).
The HPCA stadium here has been further spruced up in view of two IPL matches on April 16 and 18.
Sanjay Sharma, spokesman of HPCA, said that the association headed by president Anurag Thakur is running three academies at Dharamsala, Una and Kangra for budding girls cricketers in the state.
Dharamsala gets ready to hold two IPL matches
Original Source : Indian Express
Dharamshala is getting a facelift with new hotels coming up and additional accommodation being created. But all this is not without a reason. The hill station will host two matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) — on March 16 and 18. And the Kangra district authorities have put in all efforts to meet the needs of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association.
On Sunday, former state tourism minister G S Bali inaugurated his newly-built hotel, The Grang Raj, in Kangra town.
“We have already had clinched a contract with Kings XI Punjab for their stay here. So we are very much part of the key hosts of the event,” said Raghubir Bali, son of G S Bali.
MP Anurag Thakur, president of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, said “Everything is set for the IPL matches. We have reviewed the arrangements for the teams, visiting dignitaries, media persons and VIPs who are scheduled to reach Dharamshala. There will be no shortage of rooms and new hotel The Grand Raj will be a favouriate place with the visitors.”
Pitch ready to host IPL matches: HPCA
Pitch ready to host IPL matches: HPCA
Original Source : HimVani.com
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association has claimed that it has completed all arrangements and reparations to host two IPL matches in Himachal Pradesh, which are scheduled to held at Dharamshala on April 16 and 18, 2010.
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) president Anurag Thakur told HimVani that Himachal would host two Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty-20 cricket matches at HPCA stadium in Dharamshala to be played in April and all arrangement including security have been given final shape. The Lok Sabha MP said the state would host two matches under the session two of the IPL that would get underway from March 12. He said these matches would not only bring revenue to the state but also give a boost to tourism industry.
He said on 16 April, Kings Eleven Punjab would play against Deccan Chargers in a night match. The HPCA president further informed that on 18th April, King’s Eleven Punjab would play against Chennai Super Kings and that it would be a day match. He informed that Tibetan Spiritual leader Dalai Lama would be the chief guest in the match. HPCA has claimed that Dharamshala cricket stadium can acomodate 20,000 spectators and it has also developed a new media centre along with the stadium. Earlier, the stadium had a capacity of 12,000 persons.
Dhumal says yes to campus at Dharamsala
Original Source : Indian Express
The Himachal Pradesh government has paved the way for the Central University’s temporary campus at Dharamshala, and also endorsed the draft report of the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development team. The report proposes two separate campuses at Dehra and Dharamshala — south and north, respectively.
“The government is keen to see that the university is established at the earliest,” Dhumal said in the Assembly on Friday.
The Indian Express reported on Friday that the Himachal Pradesh Central University would have its temporary address at Dharamshala, till work on establishing the main campus at Dehra was completed.
A high-level team of the HRD ministry headed by Sunil Kumar, a Joint Secretary-rank officer, visited Dehra and Dharamshala last month for site inspection and had sent a draft of the report to the state government last week. According to highly placed sources, the government has returned the report to the ministry for its consideration and decision. The final report will be submitted to HRD Minister Kapil Sibal soon, Sunil Kumar hinted while talking to The Indian Express on phone.