Source: phayul.com

Dharamsala, Feb 11: United States Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, Maria Otero, who also serves as Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, is on aweek-long visit to South Asia in an effort to review the “specific challenges” faced by Tibetan exiles in the region.

Source: phayul.com, 10-02-2011

BEIJING — A blind Chinese activist under house arrest since his release from prison in September has appeared in a video accusing the authorities of using "hooligan methods" to silence rights campaigners.

Chen Guangcheng, who gained worldwide fame for exposing abuses in China's "one-child" population policy, has not been heard from since he was freed five months ago after serving a four-year sentence.

He was jailed in 2006 after accusing family planning officials in the eastern province of Shandong of forcing women to have late-term abortions or be sterilised.

The hour-long video, obtained Wednesday by the US-based rights group China Aid from a person it said was a "reliable government source who is sympathetic to Chen?s cause", contains Chen's first public comments since his release.

Source: tibet.net, 07-02-2011

DHARAMSHALA: TIME, one of the world's top news magazine, listed His Holiness the Dalai Lama as one the world's top 25 political icons, describing him as “not only the greatest and most public advocate for Tibetan rights and the virtues of Tibetan Buddhism, but for interfaith tolerance and peace as well to people around the world.”

Source:tibet.net, 07-02-2011

DHARAMSHALA: The annual 'Festival of Tibet', held in Brisbane from 3 – 5 February, showcased Tibet's cultural heritage and highlighted pressing issues of political and environmental conditions inside Tibet.

The event featured photo exhibition, films, panel discussions and talks, meditation and concerts. The proceeds from the “Tibet: Awakened Heart Concert”, featuring Tenzin Choegyal, Taro Terahara, Female Tibetan singer Jamyang Dolma, will go to towards the flood relief in Queensland, the organisers said.

The organisers of the festival, led by Mr Tenzin Choegyal, brought together at the event noted personalities such as diplomats, educationalist, environmentalist, musicians, artists and journalists. 

Kalon Tempa Tsering, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kasur Jetsun Pema, famously known as “Mother of Tibet” for her commitment to Tibetan children's education were the honourary guest speakers at the festival.

Source: tibet.net, 07-02-2011

DHARAMSHALA: Offering a financial contribution to the newly inaugurated 'Government Industrial Training Institute'  at an Indian village neighbouring Doeguling settlement in Mundgod, His Holiness described it as  “the Tibetans' contribution to the transformation of India's rural areas.”

Addressing the inauguration of the training institute last week, His Holiness said: “I am indeed very happy that our aim has now materialised with the start of this training institute. As I had promised earlier, I will send a contribution of Rs 100 lakh to the institute. As I knew that there are around 200 students in this institute, I also want to give a separate of Rs 10,000 for a one day picnic with meals and fruits.”

By Sonam Tsomo of Tibetan Freedom, 04th, Feb, 2011

MUNDGOD: Remembering hundreds of year old unique bond between Tibet and Mongolia, His Holiness the Dalai Lama extended his greetings to Mongolian students and devotees at Drepung Gomang Monastery on their New Year on 3 January.

His Holiness conveyed his greetings to monks studying Buddhism at Drepung Monastery and around 300 Mongolians who have travelled to Doeguling Tibetan settlement in Mundgod to attend his teachings.