This week, a driver stuck in traffic on U.S. 29 might catch a glimpse of something rare: a group of travelers who consider the slow pace of rush hour a good thing. The 16 core participants in the “March for Tibet’s Independence” want as much attention as possible during their march from Charlottesville to the Chinese embassy in the nation’s capital.
And they certainly do turn heads. Most of the marchers carry signs advocating Tibetan freedom and wear matching T-shirts with the message “Free Tibet” in bold print across the front. One man sports traditional red and gold Tibetan Buddhist robes.
They are all on a 115-mile journey, which began June 2 and ends June 11. The march is under the direction of Larry Gerstein, president of the International Tibet Independence Movement. He’s the one working out details like vehicle transportation of luggage and where the marchers eat and sleep each night. Last Monday, the group stayed at St. Stephen’s Church in Catlett.
“We have no relation with people in the churches we’re staying in,” said Gerstein. “But they’re willing to take us in. I’ve been so humbled by the generosity of strangers.”
Participants in the march include Ngawang Norbu, a native of Tibet whose relatives died as a result of Chinese occupation, and Jigme Norbu, the Dalai Lama’s nephew and the son of the co-founder of ITIM.
“I participate in these sorts of things partially because of what I saw in my father, how he would advocate Tibet’s cause to his last breath every day,” said Jigme Norbu, who has been involved with walks and rides since 1996. “But I also do it because it’s a responsibility to care about independence, no matter what country you’re in.”
Added Gerstein, “It’s imperative to Tibetans that this political prisoner is released.”
It’s possible that not everyone in Central Virginia sees it that way or comprehends the cause, given some of the negative responses the marchers have received.
“One guy yelled out, ‘Get a job,’ and there have been a couple of incidents where people have made inappropriate gestures,” said Gerstein.
The marchers also say that local police in counties south of Fauquier have been getting calls about the hazards of a large group walking on the sometimes narrow shoulder of 29 north. As of Tuesday morning, the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office reported no complaints.
In general, marchers claim to have been receiving more positive feedback than negative.
Said Gerstein, “People have been honking, waving, giving the thumbs up. One woman came out to give us strawberry shortcake, and a local mail lady pointed out her license plate, which said ‘Tibet.’ ”
Marchers attribute some of the positive reactions to the spreading awareness about the current situation in Tibet.
ÅgA couple of years ago, we would go to table at large Tibetan freedom concerts, and people had no idea what we were talking about when we discussed a free Tibet,” said Gerstein. “Now there are more groups fighting for the cause, and more world leaders pushing China for a solution to this problem.”
The “problem” being Chinese-Tibetan tensions, which originated long before 1995. In 1949, China invaded the southwest area of Tibet. Ten years later, following a failed Tibetan uprising, the Dalai Lama fled to India, where he began a government-in-exile. Then in 1995, soon after the Dalai Lama recognized Gendhun Choekyi Nyima as the Panchen Lama, Tibet’s second most important religious figure, the then 6-year-old was arrested.
Since the kidnapping, ITIM has organized 12 marches and bike rides for Tibetan freedom and the Panchen Lama’s release. In total, they’ve covered a distance of 3,200 miles.
In addition to marching, the group is speaking out in churches and schools en route to Washington. One talk took place Tuesday night at the Bull Run Unitarian Universalist Church in Manassas; another is scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Osbourn Park High School in Manassas. The group will also host an 11 a.m. rally outside the Chinese embassy in D.C. Sunday, June 11.
“The thing to keep in mind,” said Norbu, “is that anything is possible. Anything can change.”
