I wrote about the anthropogenically induced environmental catastrophe that is looming in The Melting Himalayas. As a long-time student of Tibetan culture, Buddhism and someone who has delved into the politics of Tibet, I offered an observation regarding the politics of China and Tibet.
In New York today, I joined a march and rally in support of the Tibetans. Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising, a day that is embraced by Tibetans all over the world, at home and in the diaspora, as their most important national holiday. Tibetan associations and support organizations, such as the International Campaign for Tibet, organized events. Here’s the march this morning coming over the Brooklyn Bridge.
The AP reports here on the activities of the day from New York to London to Kathmandu, and many other places. In Washington, the Voice of America reports here that “State Department spokesman Robert Wood repeated the U.S. government’s call for a substantive dialogue between the Chinese government and representatives of exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.” Today was also a lobby day on Capitol Hill for activists. The “FT” has more coverage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s meetings in the Tibetan capital in exile, Dharamsala in India.
In New York, in the shadow of the United Nations, a representative of the government read, in Tibetan, the statement of His Holiness marking the anniversary. This is an important statement, reiterating his and the Tibetans’ demand for real autonomy for Tibet. “Looking back on 50 years in exile, we have witnessed many ups and downs. However, the fact that the Tibet issue is alive and the international community is taking growing interest in it is indeed an achievement. Seen from this perspective, I have no doubt that the justice of Tibet’s cause will prevail, if we continue to tread the path of truth and non-violence.”
