DIIR Kalon inaugurates Tibet Museum’s new Exhibition on Self-Immolation Protests

[Source: tibet.net]

April 4, 2014 11:23 am

Kalon Dicki Chhoyang inaugurating Tibet Museum’s new exhibition on Tibetan Self-immolations Kalon Dicki Chhoyang inaugurating Tibet Museum’s new exhibition on Tibetan Self-immolations. DIIR Photo/ Tenzin Phende

Kalon Dicki Chhoyang inaugurating Tibet Museum’s new exhibition on Tibetan Self-immolations. DIIR Photo/ Tenzin Phende

DHARAMSHALA: Ms. Dicki Chhoyang, Kalon of the Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration today inaugurated Tibet Museum’s new exhibition on the wave of Tibetan self-immolations inside Tibet. The new exhibition consists of 27 panels in Tibetan, English and Hindi languages, documenting the aspirations, last words of the self-immolators and the reasons that lead them to self-immolate in protest.

“This exhibit is an effort by the Central Tibetan Administration to ensure that international community is clear about what is self-immolation, why are Tibetans self-immolating, what is leading, up until now, 129 Tibetans to self -immolate, said Kalon Dicki Chhoyang.

“Ever since the self-immolations began, we have urged the Tibetans inside Tibet not to resort to drastic forms of action. While the self-immolations continue, we have a moral responsibility to make sure that the international community understands the background,” she said.

Tibet Museum’s Director Tashi Phuntsok explaining the exhibits to Kalon DIcki Chhoyang.

Tibet Museum’s Director Tashi Phuntsok explaining the exhibits to Kalon DIcki Chhoyang. DIIR Photo/ Tenzin Phende

“The Tibetans self-immolating are not politicians. They are common Tibetan people including farmers, nomads, students, monks and nuns. We have also documented how the Chinese government have responded to the self-immolation protests, she said adding, while we can appeal Tibetans inside Tibet not to self-immolate, the policies that are leading them to self-immolate are not in our control. It is in the hands of the Chinese government. So, through this exhibit, we hope that more and more people would understand the sad events taking place inside Tibet, she said.

The Tibet Museum, an undertaking of the Department of Information and International Relations, was established in 1998, to serve as a remembrance of the loss of Tibetan culture and lives and present the hopes and aspirations of the Tibetan people through collected photographs and life histories.

Speaking to media persons after the inauguration, Mr Tashi Phuntsok, Director of Tibet Museum said: “We have travelled across India particularly south and north-east India showcasing the exhibition. Lots of people have turned up and expressed their solidarity with the Tibet issue after witnessing the exhibitions. Therefore, we are showcasing our new exhibition at our permanent base in Mcleod Ganj so that foreigners as well as our Indian friends can understand what’s happening inside Tibet.”

“We will also travel to various parts of India to showcase the exhibition to create more awareness about the Tibet issue. Tibet supporters and friends of Tibet based outside India, can download our panels from our website or contact our office directly if they are interested to view the exhibit or organise similar exhibitions in their respective countries,” he added.

The Tibet Museum has successfully toured various parts of India including all the major Tibetan settlements. It is composed of three sections: permanent exhibition, travelling exhibition and the photo archive section. It conducts various programs including lecture series, publishing pictorial books, collecting documents, photographs, objects and first hand accounts relating to Tibet and Tibetan issues.

Mr Tashi Phuntsok, Director of Tibet museum speaking to media persons at the inauguration of the new exhibition.

Mr Tashi Phuntsok, Director of Tibet museum speaking to media persons at the inauguration of the new exhibition. DIIR Photo/ Tenzin Phende