Pune to Mumbai
Over 200 Tibetans representing the southern chapters of Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) gathered in Pune in the evening to observe the 46th anniversary of National Tibetan Women’s Uprising Day and to begin the Peace March to Mumbai. The function was organized at Pune’s Dr. Ambedkar Statue. The guest of honours at the function were Mrs. Rashmi Tribhuvan (Mayor of Pune), Ms. Ratla Bhartiya (Vice President, Stree Shakti Jagran), Mr. Sharad Rana (MP), Mr. Patwakar (Friends of Tibet, Nasik) and Babu Bhonsle (President, Dalit Panthers of India).
Hordes of Pune residents turned up to attend the function with the local media in full strength. It was a good opportunity for the leaders of the Peace March to put forth the demands of the March and issues that have gathered urgency inside Tibet. The case of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen lama and other prominent prisoners of conscience were raised strongly to the shock and disbelief of many onlookers some of whom never even had heard about Tibet. A young Indian woman found it hard to believe that in this day and age, right next to their door, there are people who are fighting for the survival of their culture, identity and historical pride.
The peace March was flagged off at the end of the function. On march 13, the peace marchers reached Bhoppuri, a semi-urban town where they held a public gathering and presented the reasons behind this march to the locals who expressed their support. Another public gathering was organized at Dehu village where the local RSS leaders led the reception for the peace marchers. The main speakers at the event were Prakash Mitbhakre (RSS Pune Zonal Secretary) and Milind Dange (RSS Pune Joint Secretary). As per now (March 14, Monday), the peace march has left Dehu village.
Dehradun to Delhi
One hundred and fifty members from the regional chapters of TWA in and around Uttaranchal area started the peace march from Dehradun on March 12. A function organized at the city’s parade ground marked the 46th anniversary of national Tibetan Women’s Uprising day as well as the flagging-off ceremony of the peace march.
The chief guest at the function was Mr. Hira Singh Bisht (Minister of transport, Labour and Technical Education) who expressed his support for the demands put forth in the peace march. The president of Uttaranchal Women’s Association, Ms. Neelam Sehgal was the guest-of-honour. Ms. Sehgal was attended the function in a ‘green’ chupa (the ‘green’ colour is representative of TWA’s organizational identity as in the ‘green’ of Green Tara) and led the march from Parade Ground to Ghantaghat in the middle of the town. Dr. S. Faroukh (Chairman of Minority Welfare Commission, Uttaranchal) was also present at the function.
The Himalayan Committee for Action on Tibet (HCAT) offered full support for the Peace marchers by obtaining necessary permits and using media contacts.
Media attention to the march was relatively extensive with the vernacular papers like Dainik Jagran and Amar Ujala providing vast space of columns to the demands and issues raised by the peace marchers. Popular TV news channels such as Zee News and Sahara covered the march.
As per now, the marchers are nearing Roorkee where a press conference with the local reporters is being planned.
Siliguri to Kolkata
Over 150 people are participating in this march representing the northeastern and western chapters of TWA. This march was started on March 12 when a function to mark the 46th year of National Tibetan Women’s Uprising was organized. The chief guest at the function was Pandit Deepak Roy (member, Salugara Panchayat Samiti) who expressed his ‘wholehearted support’ to the Tibetan cause in his speech.
The Tibetans in and around Siliguri were united in their support to the march. Members of the local chapter of Tibetan Youth Congress and representatives from local organizations supported with their help in arranging the needs of the marchers. The Dimapur Tibetan Sweater Sellers association made a collective donation of Rs. 8000/- towards the peace march fund.
A brief tragedy struck the march when 72 year old Tsamla became sick on reaching Kishanganj where she was promptly hospitalized. It was then unanimously decided to send Tsamla back home in Darjeeling but she fiercely resisted and refused to go back. She reportedly said she would go back only after reaching Kolkata where the march concludes. This incident has greatly moved the youngsters who form a dominant part of this group.
They were further bolstered in their courage and determination when it was discovered that a member of RTWA Ravangla was over 4 months pregnant. Stories and events like these keep alive a nation and an identity in exile. It shows the love for freedom and hunger for homeland and ensures in the long run that the young do not forget the reason for their refugee status.
A young Indian teenager, Shivain (Friends of Tibet, Kolkata) is also participating in the march to Kolkata. He assisted Tathagatha Chakravarthy (also from the same organization) to arrange all the permits and accommodation for the marchers once they reach Kolkata. Three Taiwanese women are part of the march, one of who is helping as Medical Assistant.
As of now the marchers have reached Uttar Dinajpur, almost 55 kms away from Siliguri. Meanwhile Tsamla is walking and going strong. She believes she can reach Kolkata. God willing! Let it be!
Dharamsala to Chandigarh
The members of the regional chapters of TWA in northern India are participating in this march. Some volunteers and foreign supporters are also taking part. The peace march flagged off from the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharamsala where a function to commemorate the 46th anniversary of Tibetan Women’s uprising was held. Mrs. Gyari Dolma (vice chairperson, ATPD) was the chief guest among other leaders and representatives from major Tibetan NGOs.
Mrs. Gyari underlined the importance of projecting a united front when working for the cause of Tibet’s freedom. She said the renewed contact established between H.H. the Dalai Lama’s envoys and the Chinese leadership is a welcome step and that dialogue is necessary in solving issues. She, however, pointed out that it is also important for fostering a conducive atmosphere for possible negotiation is the responsibility of both the Tibetans as well as the Chinese leadership.
The peace marchers stayed for the night at Sarah institute near Dharamsala on March 12 where the members of Sarah TYC along with the staff of the institute held a reception. The principal of Sarah in a speech that stirred the hearts of the marchers said Tibetans should be proud of their non-violent struggle, as the path of non-violence was more arduous than violence. “Each step that you take is for the cause of Tibet’s freedom; victory is secondary when non-violence espouses mutual benefit, what is important is your motivation to contribute your cause,” he said.
The marchers reached Kangra the next day where Mr. Ratan Jagdamba (chairman, Kangra Zila Parishad) was invited as the chief guest at a public gathering. Rishi Walia (General Secretary, Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch) was also present. They expressed hope that the Indian government will come out with more clear and confident support to the Tibetan cause.
On reaching Dehra on March 14, a heavily attended function was organized at the main intersection of the town where almost 350 Indians were present. The guests at the function included Mr. Surinder Surjji (Bharatiya Janata Party, Kangra), Mrs. Meenakshi Parmar (Dehra Women’s Association, Inder Mohan Walia (vice president, Dehra Nagar Panchayat), Naresh Thakur (Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha) and Roshan Lal Kaushal from HP NGOs.
Mr. Surjji spoke about the importance of restoring Tibet as a buffer zone and how it was in the interest of India to support a Free Tibet.
Mrs. Meenakshi concentrated her speech on the preservation of Tibet’s rich and fragile environment. She strongly warned that the continued environmental damage in Tibet would lead to enormous damage to India’s environment as well.
TWA gen-secy. Ms. Passang Dolma called for more enhanced support from the Indian public on the Tibetan issue.
As of now, the marchers has covered 61 kms and will leave Dehra on March 15.
