CHAIRMAN’S NOTE June – July 2010
Since our last newsletter went to press we heard the news of the devastating earthquake that occurred Yushu in the region of Chinese-occupied Tibet with the loss of over 2400 lives and many thousands injured. This area is traditionally known as the Tibetan provinces of Kham and Amdo. 90% of the population is Tibetan. Tibetans in exile and the Tibet support groups worldwide were saddened by the news, and a fundraising effort was started around the world.
After the earthquake, world leaders sent condolence letters to the Chinese government, but failed to acknowledge that the devastation is in the Tibetan areas. It would therefore have been a moral gesture to send at least a letter to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who is after all, the leader of the Tibetan people. His Holiness was shocked by the news of the earthquake, and immediately asked the Chinese government to allow him to visit the area to comfort those survivors and lead the prayers for those who died. The Tibetans in Yushu wanted His Holiness to go there to be with them. There was no reply from China. If China has concern for the Tibetans who are living under its control, then it would have allowed His Holiness to go. It would have been an ideal opportunity to show their support for Tibetans. This would go some way towards lessening the feelings of restlessness and resentment that the Tibetans have under forced Chinese rule.
We have written to Prime Minister John Key asking him to request China to allow His Holiness to visit Tibet, and to write a letter of sympathy to His Holiness. This has been referred to Foreign Minister Murray McCully, but as yet there has been no reply. Perhaps New Zealand is too comfortable with China.
Those of you who are on email received my messages about the earthquake and our appeal for donations through Friends of Tibet and the Tibetan community. I am delighted to inform you all that so far over $5000 has been received.
After writing to three organizations, only one responded, the Tibet Foundation based in London, and we were delighted to receive detailed account of its work and how it delivers funds to the needy Tibetans. This organization was established over 25 years ago to assist Tibetan refugees in India, Nepal and Bhutan. Eighteen years ago it started sending funds to Tibet to assist in humanitarian aid and education for the Tibetans, and they are already working in the area of the earthquake. They have a five year project to rebuild Yushu and they will need ongoing support for this.
We will be sending our first donation to the Foundation at the end of June. We are still accepting donations. If you would like to help in this way, please send your cheque to us and mark Tibet earthquake donation on the back of the cheque. Many thanks.
I would like to thank our branch in Wellington, who along with Tibet Solidarity Network, had a fundraising evening, the Tibetan community in Whangarei, Friends of Tibet members in Christchurch and the Buddhist centre in Blenheim for their fundraising. Auckland branch is contemplating organising a cottage concert through Trade Me, the proceeds going to the earthquake relief. I shall send you information once this has been finalised.
His Holiness the Panchen Lama turned 21 on 25th April, and many enquiries have been made around the world as to his whereabouts and wellbeing. Again all queries have been met with a wall of silence. We had planned protests outside the Chinese embassy and consulate in Wellington and Auckland on 26th April as not to clash with Anzac Day, but these were cancelled due to the earthquake and the subsequent pressure China was under. We felt that protests were inappropriate at this time. However, we did have the postcard campaign to Murray McCully, asking him to find the whereabouts of the Panchen Lama, but as yet no one has had a reply.
75th Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama: His Holiness will turn 75 on 6th July this year. We have been asked by the Tibet Government in exile to celebrate his birthday in a special way. I know that the Tibetan Buddhist centres will be holding prayers and celebrations.
As part of His Holiness’ birthday celebrations, the Auckland Tibetan community is offering a dinner for Friends of Tibet members to say thank you for all the support that you have given. This will be held at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 172 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead on Saturday 10th July at 7 pm. Please reply by 25th June letting us know how many are coming for catering purposes. See the invitation in this newsletter.
With best wishes and Tashi Delek,
Thuten Kesang,
National Chairman.
