The three hunger strikers are on their eighteenth day with only couple of glasses of water to sustain their body. Their health condition deteriorating day by day, their determination never deterred. Supporters keep on pouring from every nook and corner to show their support and convey their wishes for the fulfillment of the demands.
About 14 people from Boston on April 18th and a bus full of Tibetan supporters from Washington DC and Virginia on April 19th joined the hunger strikers and thrown themselves for a day long fasting. Tibetans from Conniticut, Philadelphia, Minnisota and many other places sat on the fast in unison with the common demand. The supporters, for most of the time, spent their day with reciting prayers.
The New York Sunday Tibetan School students, about 120 of them, visited the hunger strikers. The little toddlers sat along with others and recited prayers. Then they visited the three hunger strikers with hugs and kisses. Most of the kids couldn’t control the flowing tears from their eyes while they embraced the three dying strikers including Mr. Sonam Wangdu, who happened to be volunteering as a teacher on Sundays in the Sunday School. Many of the kids presented flowers, letters and poems, expressing their love and appreciation. Moment of sadness, love and catharsis engulfed the Dag Hammarskjold Plaza until the little students were escorted back to their place.
“I am so sad that you are sacrificing your life for Tibet. When I grow up……still Tibet is not free….I too will go on Hunger Strike like all of you…..Last night…when I come back from Hunger Strike….. my dad told me a brief story of why you are doing this. I believe that if we keep trying……Tibet will be free. Thank You!” wrote Ngawang Tseten, a eight years old boy from Tibetan Sunday School.
Woeser Dolma, a 7 years old girl in her letter says “Thank You!!! Everyone is sad but it doesn’t matter if you feel proud of yourself. It’s your wish to feel your feeling. I wish it doesn’t come to death…. If you die…I wish you three a nice Big Thank You…..and keep it in your soul forever…. I will never forget this very moment at all in my whole life.”
“Thank you for doing such a big favor for the sake of the country….it is a pleasure to have some people like you to have your soul ready for the country. I don’t know how can I thank you guys so much….it’s amazing that you guys think of your country first…..it makes me cry….Long live three of you..” Tsechu, aged 9, expressed these lines in her letter.
“Even if you die, the story you made will live forever.” Passang Tsering, a 11 years old boy added these words in his long letter to the three hunger strikers.
The number of local supporter kept on increasing. Some of the members from United Nations Secretariat, including Mr. Om Pradhan and Tsering Wangyal visited the hunger strikers and expressed their concerns and solidarity.
The day culminates with Tibetan National Anthem.
