Day 6 (Sept 14, 2002): We assembled for the morning exercise at 6am. Since the pillar needs some final touches and the ground needs to be cleaned, we spent very little time on physical training. Pema Sithar la, one of the participant of the workshop who is also an artist, started painting the 'rising sun' on the pillar.

We gathered half-an-hour earlier today to discuss 'Self Analysis And Future Plans' at 8.30am. Each participant analysed their role in the struggle, and how individually or through organisations they plan to work in the future.

By 9 o' clock people had started coming. They had come by walking, by bicycles and motorbikes from all five camps. A gathering of about 400 people had assembled around the 'Martyr Pillar' for the public meet.

With the representatives from all the organisations and the settlement office, the inauguration of the pillar which is also the concluding ceremony of the workshop started with the Tibetan National Anthem by the students from the Central School for Tibetans (CST) and Karma Yeshi la's introductory speech. Chief guest of the occasion was Rev Jigme Tulku, a young incarnate lama from the settlement who is loved by the people for the various welfare projects he financed and associated with. During his talk he stressed on the need of education among the youngsters which could empower and enable them to take part in the freedom struggle. He said such workshops are useful to our people who lack political awareness.

Ven Jigme Rinpoche Inaugurates The Martyr Pillar

The Cooperative Secretary, Chairman of the Local Assembly Jamphel Dhondup la also spoke on the occasion. Jamphel la asked people to come forward and help the workshop process with financial support.

Jigme Rinpoche inaugurated the 'Martyr Pillar' by lighting a butter lamp. He performed the consecration on the pillar and prayed for all the martyrs of Tibet. Rinpoche then offered silk scarfs to the workshop trainers and participants. Public too paid their respect by offering scarfs at the pillar. We observed a symbolic 'two minute silence' and sang the Tibetan National Uprising Song in tune with the school band.

Key Note Address by Ven Jigme Rinpoche

After the formal function was over, the public was invited to the hall, where the workshop participants presented their two drama pieces. The plays were much appreciated.

By 12.15pm, the concluding ceremony was over. With this we came to the end of the 'Non-Violent Action For Tibet' workshop in the Phuntsokling Tibetan Settlement in Orissa. We now plan to move to Phendeling Tibetan Settlement, Mainpat in Chattisgarh State.

Martyr Pillar

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

---

List of Participants (Orissa): Migmar, Rinchen Gelek, Tenzin Losang, Tsering Dolma, Tenzin Mindup, Samten Wangmo, Tenzin Wangmo, Sonam Yangchen, Kalsang, Tashi Gyatso, Tsering Dhondup, Tenzin Choephel, Tsewang Thinley, Ngawang Tsetan, Dorjee, Nyima Tsering, Gedun Sangpo, Pema Tashi, Dawa Rinchen, Pema Sither, Choeying Gyurmey, Tsering Gyalpo, Karma Dorjee and Penpa Thackchoe.