Dharamsala, India: Tibetan Cultural Preservation as a Political Act
The Trip:
The Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, and subsequent interventions in the name of ‘development” have allowed millions of Chinese to flood into the region. This influx has led to an intense marginalization of local Tibetans who are being denied jobs, religious freedom, education, and even the ability to speak their own language. The Alternative Break trip to India will focus on understanding the political importance of preserving Tibetan culture through the development of a strong Tibetan refugee community and government in exile. During the first half of the trip the group will travel to Leh, also known as “Little Tibet” to experience traditional Tibetan life. Then we will visit Dharamsala, the seat of the Tibetan government in exile and the home of H.H. Dalai Lama.
On this trip students will engage with local NGO’s, participate in service-learning projects, study at Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable Hospital, visit the Tibetan Children’s Village, meet with key religious leaders such as H.H. Gyalwang Karmapa or H.H. Dalai Lama and live with Tibetan families in homestays. Participants will learn about all aspects of the Tibetan political situation and the culture as they work and live alongside the refugee community. Upon return to the U.S., students will learn about ways they can become involved in solidarity movements surrounding Tibet, such as AU Students for a Free Tibet.
Student Leaders:
Emily Fleitz is a junior double majoring International Relations and Religion. She participated in the India trip during the summer of 2011. On campus Emily is also involved with AU Students for a Free Tibet and is a member of the American University Honors community.
Ellie Yanagisawa is a sophomore studying International Relations. She was a participant on the 2011 summer trip to India, and is a member of AU Fair Trade and AU Students for a Free Tibet.
Tentative Itinerary (Subject to change):
Day 1 Leave for India
Day 2 Arrive in Delhi, meet our guide, Peter Sonam, go to hotel, eat dinner
Day 3 Fly to Leh (Ladakh)
Day 4 Volunteering at Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable Hospital, which promotes medical development and provides health care for people in rural Ladakh.
Day 5 Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable Hospital
Day 6 Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable Hospital
Day 7 Trek - Arriving at Mahabodhi International Meditation Center campus and taking some rest. Then Yogasana section and with Pranayama practices.
Day 8 Trek - Leaving early morning from Mahabodhi campus to Camp Destination.
Day 9 Trek - At the campsite
Day 10 Trek - At the campsite
Day 11 Trek - Leaving early morning to go to Mahabodhi campus and Ladakhi cultural program held in the evening.
Day 12 Women Literacy Project - adult literacy program
Day 13 Women Literacy Project - adult literacy program
Day 14 Youth Development - working with students on service projects
Day 15 Fly to Dharamsala and travel to McLeod Ganj, go to a monastery and museum
Day 16 Visit Palden Gyatso- Chinese prison camp survivor and activist, start homestays and volunteering for Tibet Hope Center, LHA, etc.
Day 17 Tibetan Children’s Village- boarding school for refugee children
Day 18 Tibetan Parliament- the Tibetan government in exile
Day 19 Visit Ama (Mother) Adhe- Chinese prison camp survivor
Day 20 Meet with Tenzin Tsundue- poet and activist
Day 21 Tibetan Women’s Association
Day 22 Visit Lhasang Tsering- warrior for the Tibet
Day 23 Drive to Delhi
Day 24 Swaminarayan Akshardam temple, boat tour and fountain show
Day 25 India gate and last minute shopping in Connaught Place
Day 26 Arrive home
