'Non-Violent Action For Tibet' Workshop: Chattisgarh

'Non-Violent Action For Tibet' Workshop (11)
(Sept 20-26, 2002. Mainpat, Chattisgarh)

Workshop Trainers: Karma Yeshi, Sethu Das, Tenzin Tsundue and Tenzin Tsedup

"The great gift of freedom can never come to a people through charity.
We must win it before we can own it"
Rabindranath Tagore (1919)

Based on the feedback received from the workshop on 'Non-Violence And Social Action' held in Dharamsala and Derahdun last year, members of the Friends of Tibet (INDIA) and its advisors spent the first day of this year planning a series of workshops on 'Non-Violent Action' in India, Nepal and Bhutan. Then a three-month long workshop was organised by the Friends of Tibet (INDIA) on 'Non-Violent Action For Tibet' in three Noth-East states in India -- Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Sikkim. The workshop team then decided to cover three Tibetan settlements in Central India. And the third phase of the workhsop led by Karma Yeshi la covered three Tibetan settlements -- Phuntsokling (Chandragiri, Orissa State), Phendeling (Mainpat, Chattisgarh State) and Norgyeling (Bhandara, Maharashtra State).

Worshop team was kept small for flexibility and the maximum effect. Karma Yeshi (Ex Vice-President, Tibetan Youth Congress), Sethu Das (President, Friends of Tibet INDIA), Tenzin Tsundue (General Secretary, Friends of Tibet INDIA) and Tenzin Tsedup (Former Political Prisoner) were the trainers for the one-month long workshop in Central India.

Members of the Friends of Tibet (INDIA) and its advisors thank all the organisations and individuals who made the workshop on 'Non-Violent Action For Tibet' a reality.

You may see photographs and read an interesting daily report on the Chattisgarh workshop by Tenzin Tsundue at:

DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3 | DAY 4 | DAY 5 | DAY 6 | DAY 7

Workshop Theme: Throughout the history, exceptional people in many countries have used non-violent action as a means of bringing about desired social and political change. In modern times, Mahatma Gandhi once again brought it into prominence by leading the people of India to freedom through non-violent action against the then most powerful nation on earth. This fact alone should be enough to dispel any lingering doubts that non-violence cannot work against strong military powers like China. Non-violence is a weapons system in its own right and there should be no doubts about this. However, as with conventional weapons systems, non-violent action also requires systematic training and, in fact, calls for more inner strength, courage and perseverance.

When we take an objective look at the Tibetan struggle today, there are certain realities which we must all agree. First of all, the Chinese are not going to walk away from Tibet because we tell them to. At the same time no other country will sacrifice their self-interest for the sake of Tibet. Even those who support the right of the Tibetan people to freedom can do very little until the Tibetans lead them into action. In short, without first making it absolutely clear what it is that the Tibetan people want and without consistent and continuous action on the part of the Tibetan people, we cannot hope to change the situation inside Tibet. At the moment, however, all is not yet lost. There is still hope for Tibet to be free and independent again.

Speeches / Presentations:
| 'Know Your Government' by Karma Yeshi | 'Mapping The Tibetan Freedom Movement' by Karma Yeshi | 'An Outsider's Point Of View' by Sethu Das | 'Individual As An Activist' by Tenzin Tsundue | 'Freedom Struggle Inside Tibet' by Tenzin Tsedup

List of Participants (Chattisgarh): Dawa Tsetan, Sonam, Migmar Tashi, Kalsang Youdon, Chemi Dolkar, Sonam Gyatsen, Tenzin Sherab, Jamphel, Tsering Dhondup, Tenzin Paldon, Tenzin Yangkyi, Sonam Dolma, Lobsang Samten, Tenzin Choklang, Kunga Tashi, Tenzin Tsering, Sonam, Tenzin Jangchup, Karma Gyurmey, Chime Yangzom, Thupten Choephel, Sonam Gyurmey, Choedon, Tashi Gyurmey, Tenzin Choegyal and Tenzin Pehka.