FISHERS, Ind. – On June 27th at 9 am, Taktser Rinpoche along with his wife Kunchok Norbu will help launch an eight-day, 100-mile “March for Tibet’s Independence” from China’s Consulate in New York (520 12th Ave) to Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
The walk leaders will deliver a letter to the Consulate asking China, in part, to end its’ illegal occupation of Tibet, Eastern Turkistan, and Southern Mongolia, recognize Taiwan as an independent Nation, and permit Tibetan Teams to participate in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
In 1950, Rinpoche escaped Tibet to educate people about the atrocities in his country. Before moving to the United States in 1951, he traveled the world meeting government and United Nations officials to establish support for Tibet. Sadly, no one listened.
“My admiration and respect for Taktser Rinpoche knows no bounds. His actions and dedication to securing Tibet’s independence are a true act of patriotism. He serves as an inspiration for all Tibetans,” said Sonam Wangdu, Chairperson of the New York based U.S. Tibet Committee.
“Since leaving Tibet in 1949, Rinpoche has been a strong and steady activist for Tibet’s independence,” said Brooklyn born, Professor Larry Gerstein who is President of the International Tibet Independence Movement (ITIM) and who co-founded this organization with Rinpoche in 1995.
Taktser Rinpoche has led and/or inspired 13 of ITIM’s walks and bicycle rides for Tibet’s Independence in North America. ITIM walkers and bike riders have compiled 3,330 miles in more than 330 days!
Gerstein and twenty-four Tibetans who are from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, Chicago, Indiana, Philadelphia, Vermont, Maryland, Virginia, and India will complete this year’s walk.
Rinpoche’s son, Jigme Norbu, will join his father and mother at the beginning of this walk and he will carry the mantel of Tibet’s independence to Philadelphia where he will reunite with Rinpoche at Independence Hall on the anniversary of “Independence Day” for the United States. Jigme has completed six ITIM walks and bicycle rides since 2003.
For more information, visit www.rangzen.org or contact Professor Larry Gerstein (rangzen@aol.com; 317-506-2249).
Released on 6/25/07
