March 10th 2007 Speech at the United Nations, New York City
Statement of Professor Larry Gerstein
President, International Tibet Independence Movement
Delivered by Ngawang Norbu, ITIM Board Member
Tashi Delek! I want to thank all the organizations that have coordinated this demonstration today. Thank you also for allowing me to say a few words on this very solemn and disturbing occasion of the 48th Anniversary of China’s brutal, illegal invasion of Tibet and its’ bloody massacre of Tibetans in Lhasa. As you probably know, our organization was co-founded by Taktser Rinpoche and myself in March of 1995 during a 7-day walk for Tibet’s independence. Since that initial walk, we have organized 11 walks or bicycle rides all over North America and we have completed over 3,400 miles in about 325 days! Most of our walks have either begun or ended on March 10 including on this very spot. This year, however, we will walk during the summer months. We will continue to walk and ride bicycles until we achieve Rangzen.
I cannot fully express what is on my mind and in my heart today. I have so many mixed and very strong feelings. One thing is for sure though. I deeply believe as do all the leaders of the International Tibet Independence Movement, that Rangzen is the only answer to restore the freedom for all the Tibetans scattered around the entire world, and most importantly, to free the Tibetans brutally oppressed and victimized inside of Tibet.
Today, we all should reflect on what the Tibetans fought for on March 10th 1959 and what they continue to fight for in their own strategic, private, and nonviolent way. They fought to keep their country. They fought to protect their environment and their Monasteries. And, they fought to protect their leader, His Holiness The Dalai Lama.
For the past 48 years, their persistent demand for Rangzen in the face of overwhelming emotional, political, and military power and cruelty has not weakened or changed. They have never demonstrated or expressed a desire to compromise with China. Given the reality of China’s leaders, they know such a compromise is not possible. They also know they are entitled to their birthright and they should not sacrifice this fundamental human right under any circumstance. Additionally, they are well aware drastic changes are occurring in China and it is highly likely, in the near future, China’s current political and governmental structures will collapse. When this happens, Tibetans inside of Tibet will be ready to fly their Snow Lion Flag on top of the Potala Palace. This is what they want. This is what Taktser Rinpoche has wanted since He escaped from His Chinese captors in 1949 after being thrown out of His Monastery in Amdo. This is what He still wants even at the age of 84. This is also what the International Tibet Independence Movement has been fighting for since it began.
We firmly believe Tibetans are the rightful and best rulers for Tibet. They know their country. They know their people. They know their own culture and religion. They do not need a stranger to lead them or manage their affairs. They do not need an outsider to develop their economy, teach their children, or help them build their roads and build their transportation system. They also don’t need a stranger to manage their relationships with other countries. What they need and want from China is a peaceful, supportive, and friendly neighbor.
I would like to discuss one other issue before I end my talk. This April 25th, Gedun Choekyi Nyima, The Panchen Lama will turn 18 years old. In most parts of the world, He will be considered an adult. For all of us, however, we still envision Him as a 6-year old boy who was taken from us by China. Our eyes have only seen a picture of Him when He was 6. It is hard to see Him any other way. I want to strongly encourage you to take greater action on His behalf this year so that we can finally see Him as a free man and not an imprisoned young child who only lives in our imagination. In the very near future, the entire worldwide Tibet movement will launch a massive campaign to release Gedun Choekyi Nyima. Please make this campaign a high priority in your life this year and ask everyone you know to get involved as well.
Thank you again for allowing me to speak. I look forward to the day very soon where we no longer need to demonstrate on March 10th. I also welcome the day when I can celebrate the liberation of Tibet inside of Tibet, and I can personally experience a March 10th memorial service in Lhasa where we honor all the Tibetans who have perished fighting for Rangzen.
Long Live His Holiness The Dalai Lama!
Long Live His Holiness The Panchen Lama!
Bhod Rangzen!
