A press conference to announce the first phase of ALL-INDIA RELAY HUNGER STRIKE to save Tulku Tenzin Delek from execution was organized by Tibetan Youth Congress, Friends of Tibet ( INDIA) and United Tibetan Association of Maharashtra and Gujarat, at the Press Club, Mumbai at 2.30pm, 4th Nov.
The press conference was addressed by Mr.Aspi Mistry, spokesman, FOT (India), Mr. Lobsang Yeshi, Vice President, Tibetan Youth Congress and Mr.Tenzin Tsundue, Gen.Secy of Friend of Tibet (INDIA).
In his introductory message, Mr Aspi stressed on the importance of the Tibetan cause and the urgent need to save and support the last non-violent freedom struggle of the modern times. He pricked the conscience of the world, particularly Indian public and of the Govt. by reminding Indias longtime commitment to moral values encompassing peace, justice, truth and freedom the world over since the dawn of its independence.
Later Mr.Lobsang Yeshi elaborated on the objectives and the details of the five day campaign, the activity schedule for which, he said would include; Press Conference, Chain Hunger Strike, Signature Campaign and petitions, Postcard Campaign, Posters, Banners and pamphleteering, Photo Exhibition, Video Screening, Public Talk, Phone Jam, Fax Jam, Online campaigns, Demonstrations and Candle Light Vigils etc. He further briefed on Chinas Death Sentence on Tulku Tenzin Delek, and stated that this is barbaricTulku is a noble monk with an altruistic mission to up hold the values of Tibetan religion and culture. The death sentence is inhuman and is a reflection of gross human rights violations vastly prevalent in China.
FOT Gen Secy, Mr Tsundue too protested against the Death Sentence of Tulku and stated that if we fail to stop the execution of Tulku, thousands of Tibetans who respect and deeply appreciate Rinpoche for his contribution for the preservation of Tibetan religion, culture, language, environment and the national identity would be highly disappointed and their hopes and dedication for the cause would be adversely affected. He further spoke on the Chinas devious policy of racial discrimination and repression not only in Tibet but also in China, despite Chinas growing power, China is on the verge of collapse and gross discontentment prevails in the entire nation, so we need to keep the freedom movement on for the imminent realization of Rangzen.
The inaugural ceremony of the Five day campaign saw over a hundred Tibetans and Tibet-supporters from RTYC Baroda, Bandara, Nasik, United Tibetan Association of Maharashtra & Gujarat, along with Indian supporters thronging the Azad Maiden, to actively participate in a just and noble struggle.
The ceremony began with an address by the representatives of the Organizing groups including Lobsang Yeshi and Mr Jigme Gadong, Mr.Tsundue, Mr. Tashi of UTAMG with the singing of National anthems of Tibet and India. This was followed by invocation prayers.
The first day had over 55 participants sitting on 24 hour hunger strike. The entire day the participants sat uttering prayers for the release of Tulku Tenzin Delek and for the spread of peace and justice the world over. Hundreds of Indian supporter and the major media groups joined the strikers and expressed their solidarity and support for the cause.
The supporters observed the Photo exhibition, viewed movies on Tibet and also signed petitions and sent postcards etc for the cause. Earlier in the morning, the participants signed a Jumbo size Petition addressed to the Consulate General of China, based in the City.
The sight of the HUNGER STRIKE speaks out- loud and clear, the demands of the participants. The bright and vibrant sight of the banners, posters, national flag and the pamphlets etc needs no mistaking that China could never turn a blind eye or deaf ears to the voices of the striking hundreds.
In the evening, a Prayer meeting and a Candle Light Vigil was conducted. The Chief Guest of the meeting was Mr. Ajay Kumar Aggrawal of FoT(INDIA), a long time Tibet supporter and a writer. Mr Aggrawal said, the situation of Tibet is not just the issue of Tibetans alone but a collective responsibility of the world to attend. The Candle Light Vigil attracted the presence from scores of local commuters returning home from work, adjoining hawkers, staff bearers from nearby shops, offices, hotels and restaurants etc. AND the local police added to the specter of the vigil.
The event received an extensive coverage in the newspapers and the television including Reuters, AP, TOI, Doordarshan, Zee News and numerous other city papers and television channels etc. Hundreds of inquisitive supporters were individually briefed on the situation in Tibet . Over several thousand pamphlets were distributed.
