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It was a cold, very rainy day in Indianapolis, but 22 dedicated Tibetans and three others gathered at 10 am in front of the "Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument" in downtown Indianapolis to begin the "March for Tibet'ss Independence" from Indianapolis to Chicago. For Indiana and the Rangzen walkers, this monument is quite auspicious as it was dedicated in 1902 to Indiana's heroes who died in the War for the Union (1861-65), the War with Mexico (1846-48), Indian and British Wars (1811-12), the War of the Revolution, and the capture of Vincennes, Indiana from the British on February 25, 1779. The Monument rises 342 feet in diameter and, at this time of year, it is decorated as a Christmas tree which many believe is the tallest in the United States! Of the 25 people gathered today, four Tibetans intend to walk the entire time to Chicago. Eighteen other Tibetans (2 from Chicago & 16 from Indiana), two Westerners, and one Vietnamese individual joined these core walkers to show their support for this 200+ mile March for Independence. Before the walk began, two Tibetan Gomang Monks from Indiana led the spirited chanting of Tibetan prayers and the Tibetan National Anthem. The core walkers are as follows. Mr. Pasang la from Minnesota joined this walk because he wants to share the message to release Tenzin Delek Rinpoche from Chinese prison. He took 2 weeks off from his work and thought, "it is very important to make my voice heard." It is highly likely that he will lose his job because of this decision. Pasang la is the father of one of the bike riders who took part in our Ride for Tibet's Independence from DC to Toronto this past April. Another walker is Mr. Ngawang Norbu from Boston. He is a long time Rangzen fighter. Ngawang la is walking to campaign for the release of The Panchen Lama, the second most important spiritual leader for the Tibetans. Mr. Tenzin Jamyang, the third core walker, is also very concerned about the release of both The Panchen Lama and Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. Tenzin la was a hunger striker in front of the U.N. in 1995. Finally, Mr. Jigme Norbu, the leader of this walk is involved because of the inspiration of His father, Taktser Rinpoche (oldest brother of His Holiness The Dalai Lama). Jigme la is committed to continuing His father's wishes and hard work for an independent Tibet. Jigme la stated, "I want to become the voice of six million voiceless Tibetans who are suffering inside Tibet." Free Tibet slogans were heard on the street of Indianapolis as the walk began. People driving nearby honked loudly for a free Tibet. The walkers stopped at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis for a presentation where they spoke with students about Tibet and their reasons for walking. The presentation was well received. Our host, Campus and Community Life, also provided everyone in attendance with pizza and soft drinks. After a short break, the walkers headed to the street again and the colorful Tibetan flag waved in the air despite the rain showers. The walkers loudly shouted their slogans in Tibetan and English such as "Free The Panchen Lama," "Free Tenzin Delek Rinpoche," "Independence for Tibet," and "Shame on China" into the deep sky. During the course of the day, there was excellent press coverage. The local Indianapolis CBS affiliate was present and a report was broadcast on the evening television news. Two newspapers were present and a local radio station. Further, the walkers were interviewed by Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, and Voice of Tibet. On Day 1, the cold air touched every step the walkers' took until the dark sky signified the end of the day's journey. Hopefully, this will help prepare the walkers for the heavy snows that are expected along the way. Regardless of today's weather, the spirit of the walkers was strong and they are absolutely committed to delivering their messages at the front door of China's Consulate in Chicago on December 10th, Human Rights Day. To cap off this successful day, the walkers and others were treated to hundreds of sha (meat) and potato momos prepared by Tibetans who were unable to walk during this day. Ngawang Norbu la reported, "these momos are all I need to complete the Rangzen walk to Chicago!" |
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