Passang Passang
Age: 63
Born: Kongpo Kyedong, South Eastern U Tsang Province, Tibet
In America Since: 1998
Occupation/Education: Dishwasher in Hospital
Current Residence: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Future Aspiration: To one day feel my own nation's soil mingling with my toes.

Why I March: Much like my son Nyima, who was one of the PeaceRiders, I am involved on this level in order to spread awareness of the Tibetan situation in the hopes that WE will regain control of our nation and preserve our culture.

Tenzin Jamyang
Age: 32
Born: Dharamsala, India
In America Since: 1993
Current Residence: Chicago, Illinois
Occupation/Education: Real Estate, Small Businessman
Future Aspiration: To increase my knowledge of Buddhist Principals, and to utilize my financial resources to assist those less fortunate than myself.

Why I March: Right now this is the best possible thing for me to do in support of my people's cause. If we don't individually get involved, then who will.

Ngawang Norbu
Age: 53
Born: Dingri, Gangar, Southern U Tsang Province, Tibet (Just outside Qomolangma Ri ­Mount Everest- National Preserve)
In America Since: 1995, New York
Occupation/Education: Lab Assistant: Human Genome Lab, MIT University
Current Residence: Boston, Massachussetts
Future Aspiration: To enthrone His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama in his rightful place within the Potala Palace.

Why I March: Peace and Compassion are extremely important concepts that need to be held close. His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, has been struggling for the benefit of not only his Tibetan people, but also those of Chinese descent and the rest of the world for decades. He wishes to see a similar situation in Tibet to that of Hong Kong- a One Nation/Two System Policy, which would grant all Tibetan Provinces with autonomy. Such a change in policy would benefit the entire world. Unfortunately there has been no change. It's as if China has gone deaf to this basic request. All Tibetan people inside and out are insulted by the recent publication of the infamously false "White Papers," which label His Holiness as a "Splittist", and reassert that Tibet has and always will be part of the supposed "Motherland." We are not Boddhichitta like His Holiness and therefore do not have his supreme patience, and so we fight for our birth rite of independence by Marching in honor of those lost, and with the hope that one day Tibet will truly be Free!

Jigme Norbu
Age: 38
Place of Birth: NY, NY
In America Since: Birth
Occupation/Education: Self Employed
Current Residence: Bloomington, Indiana
Future Aspiration: To regain Tibet for Tibetans

Why I March: I dedicate this march to my Father - Thupten Jigme Norbu, Takster Rinpoche - Eldest brother of His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, and the strongest advocate for Tibetan Independence and the proper liberation of six million Tibetans still under Chinese Communist Rule.

Douglas F. Herman (Tour Coordinator and Photographer)
Age: 30
Born: New York, NY
In America Since: My whole life, except for a two-year stint in Asia.
Occupation/Education: Photographer, Writer, Educator
Current Residence: New York, NY
Future Aspiration: To develop curricula fully exploring the Tibetan Diaspora

Why I March: I was greatly motivated by the Tibetan cause once I began to investigate the community upon my return from Tibet, Nepal, and India. Many people know what has happened to the Tibetans but not everyone does something about how disgusted the facts make them feel. It is simply not enough to support these people silently, and it certainly isn't enough to just attend a concert of your favorite musicians for financial support of their cause. I tell almost everyone I know about Tibet and my experiences with these great people fighting for something we take totally for granted here in America. All I advocate for is a greater awareness in our community so that somehow this will come to a peaceful conclusion and our future generations will never have to think about what these people know.

Larry Gerstein
Age: 51
Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York
In America Since: Birth
Occupation/Education: President, ITIM; Professor, Ball State University
Current Residence: Fishers, Indiana
Future Aspiration: To retire in an independent Tibet!

Why I March: To give voice to the people inside of Tibet who firmly desire independence, to advocate for the release of The Panchen Lama, and to assist Taktser Rinpoche in His effort to return Tibet to the Tibetans.

Tsering Dhondup
Age: 30
Born: Kathmandu, Nepal
In America Since: 1999
Occupation/Education: Floor Finisher, Indiana University Hospital Current
Residence: Indianapolis, Indiana
Future Aspiration: Develop a Gift Shop Chain of stores.

Why I March: For my Country, to Free Tibet, to end the suffering that is occurring, and to be a voice for the voiceless within Tibet. To fulfill my parents wish to return to their home country.

Tony Settineri
Age: 19
Born: Elgin, Illinois
In America Since: n/a
Occupation/Education: Creative Writing Major, Ball State University
Current Residence: Ball State: Muncie, Indiana
Future Aspiration: To become a novelist and explore the world

Why I March: I support the Tibetans in their fight to rid THEIR country of the Chinese Government¹s presence and influence. I am also appalled to learn about the situation concerning Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. Although I just recently learned about the difference between a Monk, a Geshe, and a Rinpoche, I find it hard to believe this Rinpoche who is known around the world as simply being a Tibetan Teacher and preserver of Tibet's cultural identity could be responsible for a terrorist bombing. He is scheduled to be executed sometime this month and I oppose this action by the Chinese government. Free Tenzin Delek Rinpoche NOW!

Kimberly Namgyal
Age: 28
Born: Louisville, Kentucky
In America Since: n/a
Occupation/Education: Administration, Clarian Health Hospital: Indianapolis, Indiana
Current Residence: Indianapolis, Indiana
Future Aspiration: To further develop a novel about my experiences in this life.

Why I March: I march in order to act as a voice for the six million Tibetans inside Tibet who cannot speak about their country's future. By holding a picture of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche as I walk and advocate for his timely release as opposed to silently allowing for his barbaric death sentence to be carried out I hope that someone will be motivated to learn more about the situations occurring outside our borders. It's all about awareness.

Tenzin (Dranyi)
Age: 31
Place of Birth: Bhutan
In America Since: 1998
Occupation/Education: Translator for Tibetan Cultural Center TCC/Jhamtseling: Bloomington, Indiana
Current Residence: Indianapolis, Indiana
Future Aspiration: A FREE TIBET

Why I March: Peace begins with Freedom. A Free Tibet means one step closer to a Free World.

Ngawang Lobsang
Age: 26
Born: Kathmandu, Nepal
In America Since: 1998
Occupation/Education: Computer Technician
Current Residence: Chicago, Illinois
Future Aspiration: To further investigate the Information Technology Industry.

Why I March: I haven't lost hope Tibet will be FREE!!!

Olga Kildisheva
Age: 18
Born: Kharkov, Ukraine
In America Since: 1998 Occupation/Education: Purdue University: Psychology, Political Science, Wildlife Studies; SFT Chapter President
Future Aspiration: To work within a government agency in order to protect our ecosystems, while simultaneously exploring the world.

Why I March: I got involved in Students for a Free Tibet, which obviously led me to being a part of this March For Tibet, due to an overwhelming curiosity in Eastern religions and philosophies. I was initially exposed to Tibet and the plight of its people via books and videos, but it wasn't until a group of Tibetan Buddhist Monks visited my High School that I realized I wanted to get involved in any way possible. When I arrived at Purdue University I went to a SFT meeting and once the leadership graduated I became more involved on a level of necessity to maintain the Chapter. Regardless of how difficult it has been to establish events and drum up support it has always been worth my time and energy, and I hope to organize many future events to help the Chapter and SFT itself grow exponentially.

Valerie Purvin
Age: 53
Born: New York, NY (That makes 3 New Yorkers on this walk in Indiana)
In America Since: n/a
Occupation/Education: Among other things Valerie is a Neuro-Ophthalmalogist: (Visual disorders that take root in the brain) Both Clinical (Midwest Eye Insititute) and Academic (Indiana University); Graduate of Tulane Medical School, Undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Univerisity of Wisconsin; Madison (back when it was cool); Professional Violinist (from her days in NYC).
Current Residence: Indianapolis, Indiana
Future Aspiration: "To learn how to live more in the moment"

Why I March: I feel that everyone who knows about what has been happening in Tibet for the past 50 years needs to do whatever they can to bring their plight to the forefront of the public eye. This is just one of my ways.

Jamyang Dolma
Age: 55
Born: ChangTang, WesternTibet
In America Since: Boise, ID 2002 Family came over 1997 Last son arrived 1999 in year Jamyang established citizenship
Occupation/Education: Nurse¹s Assistant (and Topden¹s Mom)
Future Aspiration: Taking care of Topden is enough is it not?

Why I March: To build upon what my son Topden accomplished during the PeaceRide04 in April. I want to do my part in truly liberating Tibet by peaceful means

Ngawang Dolma (aka Ngawang D)
Age: 39
Born: Lhasa, Tibet Fled to Dharamsala 1985
In America Since: 2001
Occupation/Education: HouseKeeper
Current Residence: Minneapolis, MN
Future Aspiration: To continue to provide a warm home for my family

Why I March: For Peace, to Free Tibet, and to save Tenzin Delek Rinpoche

Charlie Roach
Age:  51
Birthplace:  Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Occupation:  Stock market speculator
Education:  2 Masters degrees, 3 bachelor degrees, CPA
Current Residence: Anderson, Indiana
Future aspiration:  To see an independent Tibet in my lifetime

Why I March:  To acknowledge the unspeakable horrors visited upon the Tibetan people by the PRC is simply not enough; if you stand by and do nothing, you are as culpable as the evildoers.

Yangbum Gyal
Age: 36
Born: Amdo, Tibet
In America Since: 2004 (just arrived from Dharamsala, India
Occupation/Education: Tibetan Medical Practitioner: Tibetan Medical and Gastrological Insititute: Dharamsala, India Tibetan Language/Culture Professor: Indiana University Spring Semester 2005
Future Aspiration: To continue my Medical practice and to educate Americans about the rich culture of the Tibetan people.

Why I March: To support the cause for Tibetan Independence and to utilize my abilities as a Practitioner of Tibetan medicine to ensure that the Walkers maintain good health

Ngawang Gyaltsen (aka Arya, and Ngawang C)
Age: 37
Born: Pokhara, Nepal
In America Since: 2002
Occupation/Education: Tibetan Buddhist Monk Current Residence: Tibetan Cultural Center, Bloomington, IN
Future Aspiration: To preserve Tibetan culture and maintain the TCC- a positive environment for people of all ethnicities and backgrounds to explore Tibetan Buddhism

Why I March: For Peace and a Free Tibet!

Katy Quick
Age: 16
Born: Yokohama Naval Base Japan
In America Since: n/a
Occupation/Education: Student; Merrillville High School, IN (Junior)
Current Residence: Merrillville, IN
Future Aspiration: Film Direction

Why I March: "When I heard what all of you had to say today in the presentation it really pissed me off, and when I get mad I get impulsive."

Robert Hopkins
Age: 19
Born: Gary, IN
In America Since: n/a
Occupation/Education: Student; Merrillville High School, IN (Senior)
Future Aspiration: To enter the field of Culinary Arts

Why I March: "After being present for your presentation at my school I wanted to help. If there is anything that I can do to change this world than I will do it."

Rinpo Tenzin
Age: 32
Place of Birth: Amdo, Tibet
In America Since: 1997
Occupation/Education: Cook
Current Residence: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Future Aspiration: To continue to fight for a Free Tibet

Why I March: To Free Tibet! To tell Tibetans not to give up and continue to fight to realize our goal. To Free the Panchen Lama, all the Tibetan Political Prisoners, and support World Peace.

Rabka
Age: 35
Place of Birth: Amdo, Tibet
In America Since: 1999
Occupation/Education: Cook
Current Residence: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Future Aspiration: Keep on fighting for Tibet!

Why I March: To Free Tibet, and emphasize the need to cultivate a future permeated by World Peace, which can start by releasing all Tibetan Political Prisoners.

Tsewang Rigzin
Age: 33
Born: Unfortunately outside Tibet
In America Since: 1993
Occupation/Education: Banking
Current Residence: Vancouver, WA
Future Aspiration: To be reunited with my brothers and sisters inside Tibet in a FREE TIBET very soon.

Why I March: To educate people about the illegal occupation of Tibet by Chinese and to seek their support in regaining our Fatherland. To tell the damn Chinese that WE WILL FIGHT UNTIL WE FREE TIBET.

Kalden Norbu
Age: 25
Born: Tibet
In America Since: 1999
Occupation/Education:  Business Administation & Accountant
Current Residence: Portland, Oregon
Future Aspiration: Free Tibet

Why I March: To keep the Tibet Issue alive and inspire younger hommies to fight for a Free Tibet. Not to mention, to stop the execution of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche and free The Panchen Lama.