'Non-Violent Action For Tibet' Workshop
(July 9-15, 2002. Rabangla. Sikkim)


5.30am: Gyatso la and The Workshop Team

Day Two (Wednesday. July 10, 2002): It was raining at 10am. There was mist and water everywhere. I doubted the first exercise would happen. At 5.30am we were at the ground in front of the Rabangla monastery. Physical training master Gyatso la came and then people started walking towards the ground one by one. We stood in line and sang the Tibetan National Anthem, while Tsedup la hoisted the National Flag. Many were finding the exercise a bit difficult. We had to go for jogging for 20 minutes. Gyatso la gave instructions and a small talk on 'discipline'.

By 9.10am, participants had assembled in the hall. Today, Tenzin Tsedup la spoke on 'Freedom Struggle Inside Tibet' followed by a question and answer session. Later he said that he enjoyed the talk and felt very good while talking. He was satisfied about the talk.

After tea, the 'Work Session' started. Some women had to take leave today as it was the market day and it is time for their weekly ration shopping. About 20 of us worked on the 'Martyr Pillar.' A pit for the base was dug and a tin roof to protect the base from the rain.

We left for lunch at 12.15pm and gathered after an hour. A group discussion planned went on very well. The topic was the situation Sethu Das had created and tried at the Miao settlement in Arunachal Pradesh. This time, they have to 'free the Rabangla settlement from the Chinese invasion' and bring back the settlement officer who is in exile.' Three groups presented three different ideas.

After tea, it was time for discussing the film 'Gandhi.' People reacted in different ways, some tried to relate the issues from the Tibetan freedom struggle. Later two parts of the documentary 'A Force More Powerful: A Century of Non-Violent Conflict' (Dir: Steve York) was screened. Day Two ended with the slogan 'Bo Gyalo!' (Victory For Tibet!).


Screening of the Film 'A Force More Powerful'


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


List of Participants (Rabangla): Tsewang Paljor, Tsering Wangyal, Rinchen Dolma, Tsewang Choedon, Tsering Yangchen, Sonam Lhamo, Tsering Youdon, Bhuchung Tsering, Ugyen Tenzin, Lhakpa Bhuti, Dikyi, Karma Yangdol, Migmar Dolma, Pema Wangyal, Rinzin Khando, Tsering Tashi, Tsering Phuntsok, Lodoe Nangpa, Sonam Tsering, Youton Gyatso, Nyima Tsering, Youten Gyatso, Nyima Tsering, Tsechae Lhamo, Dolma Tsering, Thinley Youdon, Tsomo, Sonam Tharhyal, Nima Tsering, Kalsang Choedon and Woesel Lhamo.

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