Day Five (Wednesday. May 22, 2002): This morning's first session talk was by Tenzin Tsedup la and topic was 'Freedom Struggle Inside Tibet'. He narrated his experiences in the prison and his life as an activist in Tibet. 'The hope we had on Tibetans in exile when we were in Tibet and my expectations are now a shattered dream.'

The 'Martyr Pillar' is now drying up slowly and getting ready to receive the final touches. If the sun gives us the company, perhaps we would continue to work on it today during the work session. Someone suggested that the channel needed some more widening for a smooth flow of water during the monsoon. We would rework on the channel today.

The Channel is widened and deepened. One group continued work on the 'Martyr Pillar'. A marble slab is being prepared to carve the memorial wordings. The memorial is now ready to be inaugurated on 24th May -- the last day of the workshop.

'A Season Outside' a documentary film by Amar Kanwar was screened in the evening. The next session was for the responses for the film Gandhi by Sir Richard Attenborough.

Responses on the film 'Gandhi'

Ugyen Tashi: 'I think Gandhi was provoked by a strong feeling of humiliation. His suffering and determination finally defined India as a nation. Tibetans in Tibet go through many difficulties. But in exile we live in comfort. There is a sharp contrast in the way we talk and think'.

Lobsang Tsetan: 'This workshop taught me many things I never knew. Gandhi's spiritual and political struggle frightened me. Do we have his courage and determination?'

Karma Yeshi: 'As a leader, Gandhi led the struggle, walked through the dusty roads in India with ordinary people to set an example for the younger generations to come. We are simply engaged in talking of love and compassion for our adversary.'

TT Karma Choephel: 'Gandhi's philosophy of using non-violence in the freedom struggle was not out of his deep love for the British. I may be wrong, but I think this way. Gandhi knew that there was no way we could fight the British in the battlefield. So the best means is to use non-violence to humiliate them and defeat them.'

Martyr Pillar under construction

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

---

List of Participants (Miao): Rapten Tsering, Kuku Lhamo, Choephel, Tenzin Wangchuk, Tenzin Choephel, Tsultrim Dorjee, Sangye Dorjee, Dolma Tsering, Jampa Tashi, Thupten Tsering, Tenzin Rinchen, Tenzin Tendar, Ugyen Tashi, Tenzin Lhahgoe, Tempa Tashi, Tenzin Youdon, Norbu Tsering, Sonam Tsomo, Tenzin Pema, Sangye Wangmo and Pema Rinchen.

| Home | Back | Up |