October 19 – A Day of Solidarity!

By Tenzin Nyinjey

On 27 April 1998, Pawo Thupten Ngodup immolated himself in the heart of Indian capital Delhi. Ngodup’s demand was legitimate. He wanted China to end its illegal occupation of Tibet. He wanted Tibetan independence, Tibetans to rule for and by themselves—free from foreign dictation—something that is enjoyed by every dignified people on earth and recognized by the ideals of the United Nations.

Ngodup’s fiery and ultimate act of non-violent protest, his hands joined together in a gesture of peace and non-violence while his whole body enveloped in mortal flames, was a fitting tribute to the indomitable spirit and determination of the Tibetan people, or for that matter any people on this earth, resisting oppression and tyranny. His heroism sent out a clear message to humanity: one could make only two choices in life, either to live with dignity or bow down to slavery. Ngodup chose the former. He chose freedom. He chose liberty.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Birthday greetings to Archbishop Tutu

China’s South Africa: Denial of the Dalai Lama's visa

China is a not a democracy with a Constitution that governs through the rule of law. We should not allow it to have an undue influence on matters that go to the heart of our political independence - Stevens Mokgalapa, Democratic Alliance MP, South Africa

After long pending weeks of waiting for the South African Government's to grant a visa to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Delhi finally breaks the silence and made a statement in calling off visit.

In the statement, His Holiness expressed regrets over “inconveniences caused to his hosts and the large number of South African public who were keenly waiting to receive him and hear his message.”