May 28, 1999:
A Glimpse at the Tibetan Government In-Exile
After a 13 hour bus journey from Delhi, I finally arrived in Dharamsala, India; the home of The 14th Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Government In-Exile, and a very large number of Tibetan refugees. During the bus drive, we were stopped for over one hour by the Indian police who carefully searched a number of bags for merchandise. Many Tibetans had to pay "taxes" or hush (bakshech) money for their goods. My bags were felt, but not openned. Apparently, this is a very common occurence on the road to Dharamsala. I was shocked by the accuracy of the Police in selecting bags that contained untaxed goods. Without a scanner, dog, or any technical equipment, they picked bags that were filled with such goods. Dharamsala is a hill station that sits in the foothills (8000+ feet) of the Himalayan Mountains. It is located in Northeastern India and the State known as Himachal Pradesh.
Entrance to Tibetan Government In-Exile
The
entrance to the Central Tibetan Government In-Exile
compound reflects the simplicity of the Tibetan community, yet richness
of the culture and activity in this plush remote village. All of the Departments
affiliated with the exile Government are located here as well as housing
for staff.
The Department of Information and International Relations
One
of the first structures you notice on the path through the Tibetan Government
In-Exile compound is the Department of Information and International Relations
(DIIR). DIIR is responsible for international activities related to the
Tibetan Government In-Exile. It also publishes and distributes audio,
visual, and print materials worldwide.
The Department
of Education
The Department of Education is responsible for educating all the Tibetan children in-exile. Currently, there are Tibetan schools in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. This Department also publishes and distributes textbooks to the students.
Stupa 
This Stupa or Chorten was erected about 4 years ago. It is called bDud-btul (pronounced dul-tul). This Stupa sits in the middle of the Tibetan Government In-Exile compound. Government buildings are located to the right and left behind the Stupa. This Stupa was constructed to eliminate all obstacles that hinder the Tibetan community from reaching their objectives. Buddhists circumambulate this structure chanting various mantras, especially Om Mani Padme Hum (I acknowledge the great spirit of compassion that is ever evolving in me NOW).
Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies
The
Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies (Chetui) consists of 46 members
some of whom are elected and others appointed by His Holiness The Dalai
Lama. The Assembly members represent each of the three Regions (U-Tsang,
Kham, & Amdo) of Tibet, the five religious lineages (Bon, Nyingma, Kagyue,
Sakya, & Gelug), North America, and Europe. Members serve a 5 year term.
The 12th Assembly is led by Professor Samdong Rinpoche.
The Kashag
The
Kashag or Cabinet is the highest executive branch of the Tibetan Government
In-Exile. Currently, there are six Ministers or Kalons serving in the
Kashag. They are elected by the Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies.
While the Kalons oversee the entire Tibetan administration, they do not
make elective policy decisions.
Library of Tibetan Works & Archives
The
Library of Tibetan Works & Archives is comprised of several Departments
(e.g., Musuem, References, Archives) that strive to perserve and enhance
Tibetan culture. Classes are also offered to persons interested in Tibetan
Language, Buddhism, and Philosophy. The Library is a very popular meeting
place for visitors and recent arrivals from Tibet.
A View of the Himalayan Mountains
From
my room located near the Library of Tibetan Works, it takes one step to
reach the Himalayan Mountains!