50th Tibetan National Uprising Rally in New York

50th Tibetan National Uprising Rally in New York

[New York: 10th March, 2009]
The East coast US Tibetan Congregation marked the 50th Tibetan National Uprising on March 10, 2009 in New York. The event was organized by RTYC, NY & NJ, RTWA, NY & NJ, Tibetan Community, NY & NJ, USTC and SFT. Tibetans from Vermont, Amherst, Boston, Philadelphia, Connecticut, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C joined the rally to make it over 3500 people in size."50 years too long", "50 years too long" slogans marked the 50th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day rally in New York. "50 years of resistence" in blood red color on black flags fluttered high above the heads of the Tibetans and supporters as they started the march from Brooklyn over the famous Brooklyn Bridge. The rally started with each marcher holding a Tibetan flag. After crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, the marchers swiftly switch into a black flag symbolizing a protest. The words on the black flag read “Tibet, 50 years of Resistance” with “50” blood color.

"50 years of Occupation", "50 years of genocide", "50 years of Agony" - these words on the back of T-shirts also helped spread the message "50 years too long". It’s been 50 years since Chinese Communist Regime illegally occupied Tibet and has continued its brutal rule in Tibet. The rally started in Brooklyn with thousands of Tibetans and supporters marching over the Brooklyn Bridge. Banners, flags, placards, T-shirts and a dummy of Hu Jintao were a part of the rally as it cut through the heart of China Town with onlookers showing interest and support. A young Tibetan girl among others while passing out fliers to onlookers was asked about today's rally. She explained about the number "50". At the Chinese Consulate Tibetans took turns to spit on Hu Jintao's dummy as they passed by on their way to Union Square where the rally continued.

50th Tibetan National Uprising Rally in New York
50th Tibetan National Uprising Rally in New York
50th Tibetan National Uprising Rally in New York
50th Tibetan National Uprising Rally in New York
50th Tibetan National Uprising Rally in New York
UN was the first stop where the program started with Tibetan National Anthem and a 2 minute silence to mourn all the martyrs who were killed. His Holiness the Dalai Lama's statement was read at the UN in Tibetan by Tibetan Community executive Karma Khedup and in English by Tenzin Dekyi. RTYC president Tsering Palden, RTWA Secretary Tsomo, Tibetan Community VP Phurbu Dorjee, SFT representative Kala and USTC member Santa Rose - the five organizers of the rally spoke to the public. Other speeches included TYC VP Dhondup Dorjee, Chedue Tseten Norbu, ex-political prisoner Ngawang Sangdrol, Amalia Rubin and Reverend Bernard Daughtry.

Chedu Tseten Norbu mentioned an incident in Samye where prisoners were kept in a single room that barely fit all of them. There were given food only once a day. Without a plate, the prisoners could not hold the hot food in their hands. The only option was to pick up and eat the sand covered food. The doctor who was sent to the prison ultimately became insane after witnessing the inhuman conditions and ill-treatment of the prisoners. Another incident happened in April of 2008 in Chengdu where after an argument; a group of Chinese students attacked a Tibetan student so badly that he died from the injury. His parents were not notified for more than a week. Such are the conditions and situations in which Tibetans live in Tibet. These are only a few of the many several cases of brutality and torture by the Communist regime in Tibet.

The other speakers clearly indicated that the torture and brutality of the Communist Chinese Rule is very much widespread. At the same time it was clear that the supporters will always stand with us till the end.

Majority of the protesters in the rally were young Tibetans. Without a doubt, they have shown that they are not just the future of Tibet but they are ready to lead the struggle and take it to the next level. Their spirit and dedication is very much apparent from their participation not only in the rally but in going to the Capitol building and talking with the US Senators and Representatives in Washington DC about the situation in Tibet.

Bhod Gyalo
RTYC, NY & NJ