It is not often that the old warriors return to don the battle gears. But for the Tibetan freedom fighters, with the battle not yet won, there is no luxury of retirement, not so soon.
On the morning of the 18th January, after the ceremonial breaking of the fasting by the 35 students of Sara Tibetan Institute, with juice, scarf and the singing of the Tibetan National Anthem, four former Executives of Tibetan Youth Congress joined TYC at the Campaign Site to express their unstinted support for the Organization’s Two-Month’s Relay Hunger Strike for Tulku’s release in Dharamsala.
The former activists, Mrs Dolma Gyari, Mr Karma Choephel, Mr Karma Yeshi and Ms Dolma Choephel sat on the fast as the former Executives of TYC along with the present Centrex members. They were also joined by Ms Tsering Lhamo, General Secretary, RTYC Dharamsala and Ms Maria of New Zealand as volunteers.
“The presence of the former executives is an expression of solidarity with the plight of the Tibetans inside Tibet and the efforts made by the TYC in the case of Tulku Tenzin Delek. Some of the former Centrex, I believe were not able to participate in this Relay Hunger Strike owing to unavoidable reasons. I believe that we all continue to be supportive of the TYC”, said Mrs Dolma Gyari, former Information and Joint Secretary of Tibetan Youth Congress and the current Vice-Chairperson of Tibetan Parliament in Exile.
The participation of Mrs Dolma Gyari in the Campaign, starkly reminds other leaders that the high offices and positions does not bar or exempt one from carrying out one’s obligation as a Tibetan and that until freedom is achieved, each Tibetan should share their part in the Freedom Struggle, that includes ALL.
“I have always supported the campaigns of TYC and has retained the commitment to serve its goals despite being out of the Executive Office. Tulku Tenzin Delek is a highly revered lama known for his social activities and is falsely accused by China. We must stop China from playing with Tibet and the Tibetans at its whims.” said Mr Karma Choephel, former Chairman of Tibetan Exile Parliament and presently a member of Tibetan Parliament.
Notwithstanding the fact of being the major training ground for Tibetan leaders in Exile, TYC acutely lacks active participation from the former leaders in the political activities of TYC which has sadly dwindled as a result of a shift in the policies of Tibetan Govt. This spurred a need of fresh impetus in the freedom struggle with the leaders leading from the front rather than couch potatoes.
“I strongly support the social and cultural service activities carried out by Venerable Tulku Tenzin Delek in Tibet. I pray for his immediate and unconditional release and appeal the International Communities to support the Tulku’s release activities undertaken by Tibetan Youth Congress and other NGOs”, said Mr Karma Yeshi, former Vice President, TYC and the present member of Tibetan Parliament.
Former Joint Secretary of TYC, Ms Dolma Choephel who was also a part of the Strike said ” The efforts of TYC and the participants of the Hunger Strike would contribute immensely for the unconditional release of Tulku Tenzin Delek. It is time for all the Tibetans to unite and consolidate their efforts, as every Tibetan has got duties on their shoulders to stand up for the common cause regardless of who the Organizer is”.
The ongoing campaign by TYC was launched formally on 2nd of November 2004 in Mumbai City, followed by campaigns in Kolkatta, Bangalore and Delhi. The campaign included Film Screening, Pamphleteering, Signature Campaign, Postcard and Posters Campaign, Photo Exhibition, Public Address, Candle Light Vigil, Phone and Fax Jam and Press Conferences etc.
The Two-Months Relay Hunger Strike in Dharamsala which commenced on 24th of November 2004 will culminate on the morning of 26th January 2005. However TYC continue to demand the immediate and unconditional release of Tulku Tenzin Delek.
