ANEC FREE Film Screening on

“The Third Tibetan Nationwide Uprising 2008”

(10th year commemoration)

        

On 27th July, 2018 Active Nonviolence Education Center screened a 48 minutes documentary film based on the 2008 Tibetan Nationwide Uprising which plays a significant role in the history of Tibetan resistance. The film was screened followed by audience discussion at Common Ground Café, McLeodGanj, Dharamshala between 3 pm to 4:20 pm. The reason behind screening the documentary film was to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Tibetan Nationwide Uprising and an attempt to make people aware of what had happened during the particular uprising, its causes, significant and how the demonstrator staged a peaceful protest against Chinese rigid policy. Despite of the unprecedented repression Tibetans didn’t retaliate instead resisted nonviolently. Around 14 people Tibetans and foreigners from different countries attended the film screening.

Ms. Tenzin Lhaze, Assistant Trainer and Teaching officer gave a detailed introduction about ANEC and how it was successfully institutionalized under the guidance of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and unwavering visions of Rabbi Everett Gendler and Dr. Mary Gendler

Subsequently, Mr. Thupten Choephel, Trainer and Research officer briefed them regarding the Causes and significance of Tibetan Nationwide Uprising. Where he mentioned few concrete causes which ultimately led the eruption of massive revolt in the history of Tibet against the Chinese repressive Government

  1. In 2006, China completed the construction of the Beijing-Lhasa railway. The railway brought floods of Chinese settlers, making it harder for Tibetans to access job and university admission. Thus the pent-up resentment exploded during the uprising making it one of the causes.
  2. From 2001 to 2007, much aspect of Tibetan culture, language, music, art and literature witnessed a revival similar to the one that occurred in the 1980s. This culture renaissance created a sense of Tibetan pride.
  3. It was difficult for Tibetan inside Tibet to exchange information of their current situation with the Tibetans in exiles but the release of 2007 Windows Vista ultimately conceded the digital barrier between Tibetans in Tibet and in exiles. It had made very convenient for both the end to have better and clear communication.
  4. 2008 Beijing Olympic was one of the causes of Tibetan resentment against China.

Significance:

  • 2008 Tibetan Nationwide Uprising gave a clear message to the world that Tibet includes Tibetan Autonomous region and as well as eastern Tibet which was incorporated into the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Qinghai, Gansu and Yunan.
  • Where world witnessed the repressive condition of Tibetan under the Chinese Communist Party which completely contradicts with the Chinese government’s portrayal of Tibet as paradise and Tibetans living in extravagant lifestyles.
  • This uprising ultimately brought forth the new movement known as Lhakar where Tibetans began taking part in small acts of resistance every Wednesday, through personal actions such as wearing traditional clothes, eating Tibetan food, listening to independent radio, and using the Tibetan Language at home. Moreover it strengthen the conviction of Tibetans to stride towards the path of nonviolence.
  • It arouses the sense of oneness and unity for the Tibetan inside Tibet as well as in exile.
    The film was followed by audience discussion. Every single person seemed to emotionally connect with the film which in turn made an impactful discussion. A couple shared their own experience back in Tibet where Chinese officer rudely and forcibly prohibited them from juggling without any concrete reasons. And the other person through his research and from books conveyed that Chinese have been violating the human rights in Tibet and trying to wipe out the distinct culture of Tibetans through force culture assimilation since many decades.

The Film screening concluded with the vote of thanks to all the attendees from ANEC’s staff. Overall the Screening of documentary film was productive.

  (THE END)

 

 

 

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