Latest news with #InternationalCampaignforTibet
The Advertiser
20 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Richard Gere vows to keep fighting for Tibetan cause
As the chair of the International Campaign for Tibet, Richard Gere is the best-known supporter of the Dalai Lama and his people. On Thursday, he vowed to keep fighting for the Tibetan cause even after the eventual death of the elderly Nobel laureate and as China seeks to impose its will on the community. "This is many lifetimes of commitment," said Gere, who has been stationed in the northern Indian town of Dharamshala for week-long celebrations of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday on Sunday. "His Holiness has been very clear that at some point the body is going to fall apart for all of us," the 75-year-old movie star, who has been a devoted follower of the Dalai Lama for decades, told Reuters on the sidelines of an event for Tibetan youth. "We all have to be aware that His Holiness can't carry us on his shoulders forever. We have to carry ourselves and we have to carry each other." On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama assured millions of his followers that upon his death he would be reincarnated as the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and spelt out a succession process that sets up a renewed clash with China. Beijing insists that it will choose his successor. China brands the Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for keeping alive the Tibetan cause, as a "separatist" and prohibits displays of his picture or any public show of devotion towards him. The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in Dharamshala since 1959 after fleeing a failed uprising against Chinese rule. He has since called for a "middle-way approach" that does not seek Tibet's independence from China but demands autonomy for Tibetans to protect and preserve their culture, religion and national identity. "There's always a way to work through things, and everyone wins," Gere said. "The universe is not zero-sum. It's very expansive, and there's space for all of us." Addressing 95 Tibetan youngsters from 15 countries, Gere said that on his deathbed, he would not be thinking about his movies but what he has been able to do in advocating the Tibetan cause in global capitals. "And the conduit of me doing something meaningful in the world has really been through His Holiness, through the Tibetan cause, through the visionary possibilities of Tibetan culture," he said. As the chair of the International Campaign for Tibet, Richard Gere is the best-known supporter of the Dalai Lama and his people. On Thursday, he vowed to keep fighting for the Tibetan cause even after the eventual death of the elderly Nobel laureate and as China seeks to impose its will on the community. "This is many lifetimes of commitment," said Gere, who has been stationed in the northern Indian town of Dharamshala for week-long celebrations of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday on Sunday. "His Holiness has been very clear that at some point the body is going to fall apart for all of us," the 75-year-old movie star, who has been a devoted follower of the Dalai Lama for decades, told Reuters on the sidelines of an event for Tibetan youth. "We all have to be aware that His Holiness can't carry us on his shoulders forever. We have to carry ourselves and we have to carry each other." On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama assured millions of his followers that upon his death he would be reincarnated as the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and spelt out a succession process that sets up a renewed clash with China. Beijing insists that it will choose his successor. China brands the Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for keeping alive the Tibetan cause, as a "separatist" and prohibits displays of his picture or any public show of devotion towards him. The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in Dharamshala since 1959 after fleeing a failed uprising against Chinese rule. He has since called for a "middle-way approach" that does not seek Tibet's independence from China but demands autonomy for Tibetans to protect and preserve their culture, religion and national identity. "There's always a way to work through things, and everyone wins," Gere said. "The universe is not zero-sum. It's very expansive, and there's space for all of us." Addressing 95 Tibetan youngsters from 15 countries, Gere said that on his deathbed, he would not be thinking about his movies but what he has been able to do in advocating the Tibetan cause in global capitals. "And the conduit of me doing something meaningful in the world has really been through His Holiness, through the Tibetan cause, through the visionary possibilities of Tibetan culture," he said. As the chair of the International Campaign for Tibet, Richard Gere is the best-known supporter of the Dalai Lama and his people. On Thursday, he vowed to keep fighting for the Tibetan cause even after the eventual death of the elderly Nobel laureate and as China seeks to impose its will on the community. "This is many lifetimes of commitment," said Gere, who has been stationed in the northern Indian town of Dharamshala for week-long celebrations of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday on Sunday. "His Holiness has been very clear that at some point the body is going to fall apart for all of us," the 75-year-old movie star, who has been a devoted follower of the Dalai Lama for decades, told Reuters on the sidelines of an event for Tibetan youth. "We all have to be aware that His Holiness can't carry us on his shoulders forever. We have to carry ourselves and we have to carry each other." On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama assured millions of his followers that upon his death he would be reincarnated as the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and spelt out a succession process that sets up a renewed clash with China. Beijing insists that it will choose his successor. China brands the Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for keeping alive the Tibetan cause, as a "separatist" and prohibits displays of his picture or any public show of devotion towards him. The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in Dharamshala since 1959 after fleeing a failed uprising against Chinese rule. He has since called for a "middle-way approach" that does not seek Tibet's independence from China but demands autonomy for Tibetans to protect and preserve their culture, religion and national identity. "There's always a way to work through things, and everyone wins," Gere said. "The universe is not zero-sum. It's very expansive, and there's space for all of us." Addressing 95 Tibetan youngsters from 15 countries, Gere said that on his deathbed, he would not be thinking about his movies but what he has been able to do in advocating the Tibetan cause in global capitals. "And the conduit of me doing something meaningful in the world has really been through His Holiness, through the Tibetan cause, through the visionary possibilities of Tibetan culture," he said. As the chair of the International Campaign for Tibet, Richard Gere is the best-known supporter of the Dalai Lama and his people. On Thursday, he vowed to keep fighting for the Tibetan cause even after the eventual death of the elderly Nobel laureate and as China seeks to impose its will on the community. "This is many lifetimes of commitment," said Gere, who has been stationed in the northern Indian town of Dharamshala for week-long celebrations of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday on Sunday. "His Holiness has been very clear that at some point the body is going to fall apart for all of us," the 75-year-old movie star, who has been a devoted follower of the Dalai Lama for decades, told Reuters on the sidelines of an event for Tibetan youth. "We all have to be aware that His Holiness can't carry us on his shoulders forever. We have to carry ourselves and we have to carry each other." On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama assured millions of his followers that upon his death he would be reincarnated as the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and spelt out a succession process that sets up a renewed clash with China. Beijing insists that it will choose his successor. China brands the Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for keeping alive the Tibetan cause, as a "separatist" and prohibits displays of his picture or any public show of devotion towards him. The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in Dharamshala since 1959 after fleeing a failed uprising against Chinese rule. He has since called for a "middle-way approach" that does not seek Tibet's independence from China but demands autonomy for Tibetans to protect and preserve their culture, religion and national identity. "There's always a way to work through things, and everyone wins," Gere said. "The universe is not zero-sum. It's very expansive, and there's space for all of us." Addressing 95 Tibetan youngsters from 15 countries, Gere said that on his deathbed, he would not be thinking about his movies but what he has been able to do in advocating the Tibetan cause in global capitals. "And the conduit of me doing something meaningful in the world has really been through His Holiness, through the Tibetan cause, through the visionary possibilities of Tibetan culture," he said.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Richard Gere vows to keep fighting for Tibetan cause
DHARAMSHALA, India: As the chair of the International Campaign for Tibet, Richard Gere is the best-known supporter of the Dalai Lama and his people. On Thursday, he vowed to keep fighting for the Tibetan cause even after the eventual death of the elderly Nobel laureate and as China seeks to impose its will on the community. "This is many lifetimes of commitment," said Gere, who has been stationed in the northern Indian town of Dharamshala for week-long celebrations of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday on Sunday. "His Holiness has been very clear that at some point the body is going to fall apart for all of us," the 75-year-old movie star, who has been a devoted follower of the Dalai Lama for decades, told Reuters on the sidelines of an event for Tibetan youth. "We all have to be aware that His Holiness can't carry us on his shoulders forever. We have to carry ourselves and we have to carry each other." On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama assured millions of his followers that upon his death he would be reincarnated as the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and spelt out a succession process that sets up a renewed clash with China. Beijing insists that it will choose his successor. China brands the Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for keeping alive the Tibetan cause, as a "separatist" and prohibits displays of his picture or any public show of devotion towards him. The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in Dharamshala since 1959, after fleeing a failed uprising against Chinese rule. He has since called for a "middle-way approach" that does not seek Tibet's independence from China but demands autonomy for Tibetans to protect and preserve their culture, religion and national identity. "There's always a way to work through things, and everyone wins," said Gere. "The universe is not zero-sum. It's very expansive, and there's space for all of us." Addressing 95 Tibetan youngsters from 15 countries, Gere said that on his deathbed, he would not be thinking about his movies but what he has been able to do in advocating the Tibetan cause in global capitals. "And the conduit of me doing something meaningful in the world has really been through His Holiness, through the Tibetan cause, through the visionary possibilities of Tibetan culture," he said. Tenzin Kunsel, a 26-year-old nurse in Sydney who moved from Dharamshala 12 years ago, said she hoped to use the teachings from the three-day event, including from Gere, to learn how to advocate and lobby for the Tibetan cause. "It's up to us now," she said, wearing a traditional Tibetan ankle-length robe secured around the waist by a sash. "It's time for all Tibetan communities to come together and take it forward."
Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
'Many lifetimes of commitment': Richard Gere vows to keep fighting for Tibetan cause
DHARAMSHALA, India - As the chair of the International Campaign for Tibet, Richard Gere is the best-known supporter of the Dalai Lama and his people. On Thursday, he vowed to keep fighting for the Tibetan cause even after the eventual death of the elderly Nobel laureate and as China seeks to impose its will on the community. "This is many lifetimes of commitment," said Gere, who has been stationed in the northern Indian town of Dharamshala for week-long celebrations of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday on Sunday. "His Holiness has been very clear that at some point the body is going to fall apart for all of us," the 75-year-old movie star, who has been a devoted follower of the Dalai Lama for decades, told Reuters on the sidelines of an event for Tibetan youth. "We all have to be aware that His Holiness can't carry us on his shoulders forever. We have to carry ourselves and we have to carry each other." On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama assured millions of his followers that upon his death he would be reincarnated as the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and spelt out a succession process that sets up a renewed clash with China. Beijing insists that it will choose his successor. China brands the Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for keeping alive the Tibetan cause, as a "separatist" and prohibits displays of his picture or any public show of devotion towards him. The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in Dharamshala since 1959, after fleeing a failed uprising against Chinese rule. He has since called for a "middle-way approach" that does not seek Tibet's independence from China but demands autonomy for Tibetans to protect and preserve their culture, religion and national identity. "There's always a way to work through things, and everyone wins," said Gere. "The universe is not zero-sum. It's very expansive, and there's space for all of us." Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore $500 in Child LifeSG credits, Edusave, Post-Sec Education Account top-ups to be disbursed in July Singapore PAP questions Pritam's interview with Malaysian podcast, says politics should stop at water's edge World Liverpool's Portuguese forward Diogo Jota dies in car crash in Spain Sport Liverpool star Diogo Jota dead at 28: What you need to know about the footballer Business 60 S'pore firms to get AI boost from Tata Consultancy as it launches a new innovation centre here Singapore Scoot launches flights to Da Nang, Kota Bharu and Nha Trang; boosts frequency to other destinations Singapore Electrician who bit off part of coworker's ear during fight gets 6 months' jail Asia 4 dead, 30 missing after ferry sinks on way to Indonesia's Bali Addressing 95 Tibetan youngsters from 15 countries, Gere said that on his deathbed, he would not be thinking about his movies but what he has been able to do in advocating the Tibetan cause in global capitals. "And the conduit of me doing something meaningful in the world has really been through His Holiness, through the Tibetan cause, through the visionary possibilities of Tibetan culture," he said. Tenzin Kunsel, a 26-year-old nurse in Sydney who moved from Dharamshala 12 years ago, said she hoped to use the teachings from the three-day event, including from Gere, to learn how to advocate and lobby for the Tibetan cause. "It's up to us now," she said, wearing a traditional Tibetan ankle-length robe secured around the waist by a sash. "It's time for all Tibetan communities to come together and take it forward." REUTERS
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Martin Scorsese Honors the Dalai Lama at Tribeca Festival
Event, in Coordination with the International Campaign for Tibet, Launches Countdown to the Dalai Lama's 90th Birthday on July 6 NEW YORK, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese delivered a heartfelt tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama Friday at the Tribeca Festival's screening of his 1997 biopic Kundun, marking the 30-day countdown to the Tibetan spiritual leader's historic 90th birthday on July 6. Held at the SVA Theatre in Manhattan, the afternoon was a featured stop on the Compassion Rising World Tour — a global initiative led by the International Campaign for Tibet. The event brought together members of the Tibetan community in New York and New Jersey, the Tribeca film community and an inspiring circle of filmmakers, cultural leaders and changemakers. The program celebrated the Dalai Lama's lifelong commitment to peace, compassion, and human dignity. "I want to begin by sending my best wishes to His Supreme Holiness the Dalai Lama on the upcoming occasion of his 90th birthday on July 6th. He's the reason we're all here today," said Martin Scorsese, reflecting on the Dalai Lama's extraordinary legacy. The Compassion Rising World Tour was launched to honor the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday by igniting a worldwide wave of compassion, courage, and conscience. Through a growing series of tour stops in cities around the world, the movement strives to inspire individuals and communities to carry forward His Holiness's vision of a more just, connected and humane world. This campaign also invites audiences to learn more about the Dalai Lama – spiritual leader, global peace icon, and, in his own words, "a simple Buddhist monk." His remarkable journey from a small village in Tibet to the world stage has been defined by compassion, resilience, and a lifelong dedication to the service of humanity. Friday's program featured traditional Tibetan music and dance, appearances by Martin Scorsese, Michael Imperioli, Thelma Schoonmaker, Ellen Lewis and Jane Rosenthal, as well as a special 35mm screening of Martin Scorsese's Oscar-nominated 1997 film, Kundun, portraying the true story of the Dalai Lama's early life. This Tribeca gathering signals the beginning of tributes, artistic homages, and personal reflections as people around the globe prepare to celebrate His Holiness's milestone birthday on July 6, 2025. In recognition of the occasion, the Central Tibetan Administration has declared 2025 the Year of Compassion. His birthday will spark a year of global celebration, encouraging people from all walks of life to come together as his powerful legacy lights up our world. From cities to small towns, people everywhere are invited to harness the power of compassion, connection, and shared humanity. Learn more at and join the movement to be part of something transformative. #CompassionRising #DalaiLama90 Media Assets Available: High-resolution photos (credit: Sonam Zoksang) B-roll footage of Martin Scorsese's remarks/event (credit: Arthur Woo) Backgrounder/ Fact sheet / Key quotes Download full press kit: LINK Media Contact:Chad Chitwood, Communications Officer International Campaign for Tibet(202) 785-1515press@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE International Campaign for Tibet Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Dalai Lama mourns older brother, veteran Tibet leader
The Dalai Lama led prayers in India on Sunday mourning the loss of his elder brother, a veteran leader of the exiled Tibetan people, who has died aged 97. Gyalo Thondup was born in 1928, more than three decades before the 1959 revolt in Lhasa against Chinese forces, whose crushing forced the Dalai Lama across snowy Himalayan passes into India. He later led the Tibetan government in exile as chairman of its "Kashag" or cabinet in the early 1990s, and was the personal emissary of the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama, speaking Sunday in prayers at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in southern India, said elder brother "did his best, and was very dedicated and brave". The spiritual leader offered prayers "for the fulfilment of the deceased's wish to be able to work closely with the Dalai Lama for the Tibetan cause in all his future lives". Thondup died in India on Saturday evening. The fading generation of Tibet leaders -- especially those who can remember what their homeland was like before the 1959 uprising -- raises worries amongst many in the diaspora for the future. The 89-year-old Dalai Lama says he has decades yet to live, but Tibetans who have followed him abroad are bracing for an inevitable time without him. China says Tibet is an integral part of the country, and many exiled Tibetans fear Beijing will name a rival successor to the Dalai Lama, bolstering control over a land it poured troops into in 1950. - 'The world is changing' - Tibet has alternated over the centuries between independence and control by China, which says it "peacefully liberated" the rugged plateau and brought infrastructure and education. The International Campaign for Tibet group said Thondup was the "point person to take up the Tibetan issue internationally" after the Lhasa uprising. He was also key among those who reached out to the CIA for supplies to a 2,000-strong force to launch guerrilla attacks against Chinese forces as a Cold War proxy. During the 1960s they snuck into Tibet from Nepal's mountainous kingdom of Mustang to lay ambushes, including blowing up Chinese army trucks. But after the CIA cut funding, and the Dalai Lama in 1974 urged fighters to lay down arms, the fighters and Thondup followed his call for a peaceful solution. Thondup, speaking in 2008, is quoted as saying that he hoped China would take a more "reasonable approach and treat us equally". Despite little sign of policy shifts from Beijing, including rounds of negotiations in which he had a major role, he said he had not lost hope for a peaceful resolution. "Have you ever dreamed? China is changing, the world is changing," he said. "I'm quite optimistic". str-pjm/sn
