His Holiness the Dalai Lama addresses the International Prayer Day, organised by the Tibetan Solidarity Committee, today,at the Tsuglag

His Holiness the Dalai Lama addresses the International Prayer Day, organised by the Tibetan Solidarity Committee, today in Dharamshala, India. Scores of Tibetans, young and old, offered prayers for those Tibetans, who sacrificed their lives in the peaceful protests in Tibet
By Bijender Sharma
DHARMSHALA April 07 , 2008 ---- Tibetan Spritual leader Dalai Lama today said that the recent protests all over Tibet have not only contradicted but also shattered the People Republic of Chinas propaganda that except for a few "reactionaries", the majority of Tibetans enjoy a prosperous and contented life. These protests have made it very clear that Tibetans in the three provinces of Tibet, U-tsang, Kham and Amdo, harbor the same aspirations and hopes. These protests have also conveyed to the world that the Tibet issue can no longer be neglected,Dalai Lama said in a statement issued here today. These protests highlight the need to find a way to resolve the issue through "finding truth from facts". The courage and determination of those Tibetans who have, for the greater interests of Tibetan people, demonstrated their deep anguish and hopes by risking everything is very commendable as the world community has acknowledged and supported the spirit of these Tibetans,he said.
He said,Since March 10 this year, Tibetans have witnessed protests and demonstrations in almost all parts of Tibet, even in a few cities in Mainland China by students, which are the outburst of long pent-up physical and mental anguish of the Tibetans and the feeling of deep resentment against the suppression of the rights of Tibetan people, lack of religious freedom and for trying to distort the truth at every occasion, such as saying that Tibetans look towards the Chinese Communist Party as the "Living Buddha", is an ultra leftist statement and smacks of Han chauvinism.
His Holiness , very much saddened and concerned by the use of arms to suppress the peaceful demonstrations of Tibetan people's aspirations that have resulted in unrest in Tibet, causing many deaths, and much more causalities, detention, and injury. Such suppression and suffering are very unfortunate and tragic which will reduce any compassionate person to tears. He, however, feel helpless in the face of these tragic incidents.
He appreciated the acts of many Tibetan government employees and Communist Party cadres who have, without losing their Tibetan identity, shown grit and sense of what is right during the present crisis. In future, Dalai Lama appealed to the Tibetan Party cadres and government employees not to look always for their personal benefit, but to work for safeguarding the larger interests of Tibet by reporting the real sentiments of the Tibetan people to their superiors in the Party and try to give unbiased guidance to the Tibetan people.
He said Presidents, Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, Nobel Laureates, Parliamentarians, and concerned citizens from every part of the world have been sending clear and strong messages to the Chinese leadership to stop the present ongoing harsh crackdown against the Tibetan people. They have all been encouraging the Chinese government to follow a path where a mutually beneficial solution could be reached. We should create an opportunity for their efforts to bring out positive results. I know you are being provoked at every level but it is important to stick to our non-violent practice,he said.
The Chinese authorities have been making false allegations against myself and the Central Tibetan Administration for instigating and orchestrating the recent events in Tibet. These allegations are totally untrue. I have made repeated appeals for an independent and respected international body to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. Dalai Lama very much sure this independent body will uncover the truth. If the Peoples Republic of China has any basis and proof of evidence to back their allegations, they need to disclose these to the world. Just making allegations is not enough.
Dalai Lama cleared,For the future of Tibet, I have decided to find a solution within the framework of the People's Republic of China. Since 1974, I have sincerely remained steadfast to the mutually beneficial Middle-Way Approach. The whole world knows this.
The Middle-Way Approach means that all Tibetans must be governed by similar administration that enjoys meaningful National Regional Autonomy and all the provisions in it, self-rule and full decision-making, except for matters concerning foreign relations and national defense. However, I have said it from the beginning that the Tibetans in Tibet have the right to make the final decision for the future of Tibet.
Dalai Lama said, the hosting of the Olympic games this year is a matter of great pride to the 1.2 billion Chinese people. I have from the very beginning supported the holding of these Games in Beijing. My position on this remains unchanged. I feel the Tibetans should not cause any hindrance to the Games. It is the legitimate right of every Tibetan to struggle for their freedoms and rights. On the other hand, it will be futile and not helpful to anyone if we do something that will create hatred in the minds of the Chinese people. On the contrary, we need to foster trust and respect in our hearts in order to create a harmonious society, as this cannot be built on the basis of force and intimidation.
Dalai Lama made it clear that struggle of Tibetans is with a few in the leadership of the People's Republic of China and not with the Chinese people. Therefore we should never cause misunderstanding or do something that will hurt the Chinese people. Even during this difficult situation, many Chinese intellectuals, writers and lawyers in Mainland China and other parts of the world have sympathized and shown us their solidarity by issuing statements, writing articles and offering pledges of support that is overwhelming.
If the present situation in Tibet continues, Dalai Lama very much concerned that the Chinese government will unleash more force and increase the suppression of Tibetan people. Because of my moral obligation and responsibility to the Tibetan people, he asked the concerned leadership of the PRC to immediately stop their suppression in all parts of Tibet and withdraw its armed police and troops. If this brings result,he also advised the Tibetans to stop all the current protests.
He urged the Tibetans who live in freedom outside Tibet to be extra vigilant as they voice their feelings on the developments in Tibet. We should not engage in any action that could be even remotely interpreted as violent. Even under the most provocative of situations we must not allow our most precious and deeply held values to be compromised. He firmly believe that we will achieve success through our non-violent path. We must be wise to understand where the unprecedented affection and support for our cause stems from.Tibet is currently virtually closed and no international media is allowed there, I doubt my message will reach the Tibetans in Tibet. But I hope through media and by word of mouth, it will be passed on to the majority of you.

Shimla, April 6
A festive atmosphere prevailed in the city as various social, religious and cultural organisations joined hands to celebrate the dawn of “vikrami samvat 2065” (the Hindu New Year) as the cultural revival day, here today.
Celebrations that began in the wee hours continued till evening as various organisations had organised different events under the aegis of “sanskriti utthan manch”. The programme started on the historic Ridge early in the morning. It was followed by an hour-long session of yoga organised by the local chapter of Patanjali Yogapeeth of swami Ramdev.Thereafter a hawan was organised by the Gayatri Parivar in which Governor V.S. Kokje also participated. He complimented the manch for taking initiative for revivifying the national panchang (almanac) for the year.He also released the ‘nav samvat calendar 2065’ and went around the Bharat Gaurav exhibition organised to highlight the contribution of ancient India in various fields.
Hundreds of men, women and children participated in the “jagriti march” organised to mark the occasion. On-spot painting competition, group song competition and fancy dress for school children were also held. Narinder Kataria, mayor of the Shimla Municipal Corporation, gave away prizes to the winners.The “sewa bharati” had organised a blood donation camp at which 65 persons donated blood.
The programme concluded with bhajan sandhya organised by the Art of Living at which Chief Minister P.K. Dhumal was also present. He said this collective initiative of the society would go a long way in preserving the rich cultural traditions and cherished values. The government would provide all required support to ensure celebrations at a grand scale next year. The nine-day Navratri fair also started today at various famous shrines in the state.
Bilaspur, April 6Yog guru Baba Ramdev said he had taken a pledge to train more than 1 lakh yoga trainers throughout the country within a year so that they help him in his dream of making more than 100 crore countrymen healthy and happy through yoga.Addressing thousands of yoga seekers, in his six-day Yog Vigyan Shivir here today, Ramdev said yoga is the only alternative to come to succor of millions of my countrymen who toil hard to eke out bread of their family in a daily struggle.He gave a clarion call to society to follow ideals of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and help him form Yog Hind Fauj on the pattern of his Azad Hind Fauj.
Ramdev castigated those politicians, who were corrupt and did not deserve the positions they had occupied. He said politics had become a profession rather than an opportunity to serve society and some people have turned it into a profitable business. He said all politicians were not that way, but such exceptions were living in sheer minority and depression.
Nothing could be more frustrating than finding even some criminals, murderers and rapists being elected to our legislatures. Voting should be made compulsory for every person to weed out such unwanted persons.