'Rock In Exile'
(Delhi University | February 07, 2007)

New Delhi: 'Rock in Exile' - a concert in support of a Free Tibet at the Delhi University on February 7, 2007 was a performance to remember. For the first time in exile, two prominent Indian and Tibetan rock band came together exhibiting their support for Tibet. Organised by Friends of Tibet (Delhi), the rock concert delighted an enthusiastic audience of around more than 300 people of all ages.Using the universal language of music, this concert highlights on creating awareness among the Indian friends about Tibet and more specifically aims at spreading the miserable and deprived conditions of Tibetans inside Tibet and its strruggle for freedom from China.

The program was put together with money contributed by Indian members of Friends of Tibet from Mumbai, Ambernath, Cochin and Kottayam, and also by the Indo-Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO). The event commenced with a personal account of Tenzin Tsundue's experience in the Chinese prison when he attempted to have a glimpse of Tibet, his own counrty. Tenzin Tsundue whose trademark is a red bandana on his forehead, defines himself as a believer of non-voilence and peace. 'I personally invite all the people of the world to walk the path of non-voilence', says Tenzin Tsundue, a Tibetan poet and activist.

Songwriter-activist Phil Void and his band the Dharma Bums made a special appearance by addeding heat to the event with their song "Rangzen" and few other numbers. The Dharma Bums band setting the mood for the event with Miss Tibet 2006 Tsering Chungdhak and Metok Lhazey, one of the participants for Miss Tibet 2006. The Dharma Bums band setting the mood for the event with Miss Tibet 2006 Tsering Chungdhak and Metok Lhazey, one of the participants for Miss Tibet 2006. The band has performed all over the world for cause of a Free Tibet. The group was started as a loose collection of musicians seeking enlightenment. Their songs reflect a strong belief in freedom and the eternal quest for enlightenment by the human spirit.

Miss Tibet 2006, Tsering Chungdhak and one of the other five participants of Miss Tibet 2006, Metok Lhanzey glinted the stage as a guest apprearance and performed along the Dharma Bums band. The main attraction of the event was the two hottest and young rock band of India and Tibet, ie. Parikrama and JJI Exile Brothers. Their head-banging rock songs were full of energy and no wonder thrilled the audience with maximum satisfaction.

Signature Campaign, Tenzin Tsundue's Presentation and a Farewell to those who Rocked Delhi.

Parikrama, India's biggest and oldest rock band performed their lungs out at the concert by almost bringing down the roof whereas the inquisitive audience could not stop their swings to these numbers. Parikrama has already done more than two hundred live concerts across the country and they were the first Indian rock band to do an AIDS awareness concert as early as in 1992. Their way of supporting the Tibet cause through music was overwhelming and appreciable. 'Parikrama has been associated with Tibet for sometime now and we feel good for what we are doing to support a cause. Our support for the Tibetan freedom struggle will sustain till we exist', says the lead vocalist of the band. "We pray and hope to perform for an independent and Free Tibet few years down the lane," he adds. The music brought squeals and shouts from the audience, who clapped their hands in time to the music.

The Tibetan rock band JJI Exile Brothers which needs no formal introduction to the music lovers lured the crowd with their Tibetan fusion rock songs. Their songs are revolutionary in nature and provokes Tibetan nationalism, loyalty and unity. They are probably the one and only Tibetan band in the Tibetan Diaspora at par with international musicians so far. "It is our fate that we are born as refugee but one must strive to break through this label and dream for a free Tibet. Unlike other refugess who are placed in a refugee camp, we Tibetans are so fortunate to live freely and it is all because of His Holiness the Dalai Lama", says Tenzin Jigme, one of the JJI Exile Brothers. He further adds that Tibetans must feel grateful to India for their constant support and considerate gestures.

The hall was adorned with Tibetan national flags and prayer flags creating an ambience to get the feel of Tibet. Many of young Indian supporters as well as Tibetans joined the concert and offer their sincere support at the signature campaign desk to the cause of Tulku Tenzin Delek's release. Leaflets, brochures, stickers and books on Tibet were distributed at the information desk as well. Eventually the artists were felicitated with the offering of traditional scarf (Khatak) and a small gift as a token of appreciation for their support. Thus, concludes the 'Rock in Exile' concert in support of a Free Tibet. But the movement must go on…for a Free Tibet.

'Rock in Exile' concert was organised by Friends of Tibet (Delhi) at the Shankarlal Hall, Delhi University, North Campus on February 7, 2007.