Monks, Members of Congress, Tibetans and Supporters March from White House to Chinese Embassy.

March 10, 1999, the 40th anniversary of the historic uprising in Lhasa which led to the exile of the Dalai Lama, marks the first of a series of “dreaded anniversaries” for China this year.

On this day, Tibetans worldwide converge at the nearest Chinese Embassy or consulate to protest the continued occupation of their native homeland. The Dalai Lama’s annual message, his “state of the union”address, will be read at the embassy.

In Washington, monks, members of Congress, Tibetans and supporters will march for Tibetan freedom from the White House to the Chinese Embassy. The march will be lead by Tibetan monks of Drepung Loseling monastery and followed by marchers in chains to symbolize the continued oppression in Tibet.

At the Embassy, they will hold a rally, addressed by members of Congress and the senior representatives of the Tibetan government in Exile. Students groups are planning to erect a makeshift refugee camp at the embassy, symbolizing impossibility for most Tibetans to return. There will be a candle light vigil expressing solidarity with the Tibetans in Tibet.

Major anniversaries facing China this year also include the 10th anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre and the death of Chinese leader Hu Yaobang and the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Other events being organized to commemorate the anniversary include a major photo exhibition at the Cannon Rotunda on Capitol Hill and a hearing on Tibet by the House International Relations Committee on March 11. Invited witnesses include Special Coordinator for Tibet Julia Taft and Special Envoy of H. H. the Dalai Lama Lodi Gyari.

New Uprising for Tibet: Ending 40 Years of Occupation
March 8-14, 1999
Washington, DC

Program

Monday, March 8, 1999

  • Photo Exhibition, Survival of the Spirit, Nancy Jo Johnson. Canon House Rotunda, Capitol Hill

Tuesday, March 9, 1999

  • Photo Exhibition. Canon House Rotunda, Capitol Hill

Wednesday, March 10, 1999

  • Photo Exhibition. Canon House Rotunda, Capitol Hill
  • Lobbying Day, Capitol Hill
  • 3:30 pm
    • Freedom March. White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, to Chinese Embassy lead by Drepung Loseling monks
  • 5:30 to 700 pm
    • Uprising Day Rally and Refugee Camp, Chinese Embassy, 2300 Connecticut Ave.Speakers: Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Benjamin Gilman, Kalon Pema Chinjor, Tibetan Minister for Security, Deputy Wangchuk Dorjee, member of Tibetan Parliament, Mr. Dawa Tsering, Representative of H.H. the Dalai Lama, and Mr. John Ackerly, President of the International Campaign for Tibet.

Thursday, March 11, 1999

  • Photo Exhibition Canon Rotunda, Capitol Hill
  • 10:00 am
    • Hearing on Tibet in the House International Relations Committee, 2172 Rayburn Building, Capitol Hill
    • Tibetan Association Meeting
  • 5:30 to 7:00 pm
    • Photo-Mandala Opening Reception: 1539 Longworth Building, Capitol Hill

Friday, March 12, 1999

  • Photo Exhibition Canon Rotunda, Capitol Hill
  • Tibetan Association Meeting 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
  • Tibetan women’s rally at Chinese Embassy, 2300 Conn. Ave.
  • Tibetan Association Reception Karma Gyaltsen and troupe to perform. Venue: Bardo Rodeo, Arlington, Virginia

Saturday, March 13, 1999

  • Photo Exhibition Canon Rotunda, Capitol Hill

Sunday, March 14, 1999

  • Photo Exhibition Canon Rotunda, Capitol Hill
  • Sacred Music Sacred Dance for World Healing by Loseling monks at The Birchmere, Alexandria

The following organisations are involved in organising the events for the Tibet Week.

  • Office of Tibet, New York
  • Capital Area Tibetan Association
  • Students for a Free Tibet (GWU)
  • Students for a Free Tibet (U. of Maryland)
  • Conservancy for Tibetan Arts and Culture
  • International Campaign for Tibet
  • Students for a Free Tibet, Mt. Vernon School