Our main programmes in the Czech Republic

Disseminating information

Information and media work is one of Lungta's most important activities. Since 1997 we have been running the Tibet-related website TIBINFO in the Czech language (www.tibinfo.cz). The website is widely used by Czech journalists and opinion-makers, as well as by the public at large as a source of information about Tibet.

Since 1998 we have been publishing the Tibetske listy quarterly magazine, focusing on the current developments in Tibet and Tibetan communities in exile and the Tibetan culture. The magazine is distributed on a subscription basis and sold at distribution points.

Lungta also strives for co-operation with all the leading media in the Czech Republic to increase awareness of people in the Czech Republic about all aspects of the Tibetan issue. Furthermore, we disseminate information through public discussions, film screenings and slide shows.

Seeking compassion

Lungta had the honour to organize two public talks of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Prague in 2000 and 2002, which were attended by thousands of people. Through our website and magazine we also strive to present the thoughts and opinions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, related not only to the issue of Tibet, but also to the compassion in life with all sentient beings.

Preserving the culture

Tibetan culture, religion and way of life are part of the unique identity of the Tibetan people, which has been facing repression from the occupation force in their own country. We think that preservation of this identity is a difficult, but highly important task not only for our organization, but for the international community.

To introduce the Tibetan culture to the Czech public, we organize a number of concerts, performances and exhibitions. The most successful activities included the visit of the Tibetan Institute for Performing Arts (TIPA) to Prague in June 2001. Two performances of a traditional Tibetan opera (lhamo) Zugkyi Nyima, and the Songs and Dances from the Roof of the World show were completely sold out and encouraged the interest of the Czech public in the Tibetan culture.

A concert of the Tibetan singer Namgyal Lhamo in April 2002 and an ethnographic exhibition Tibet 2000 held at the Prague Castle in March 2000 were among our major activities.

Drawing attention to human rights violations

Through organizing demonstrations and public meetings and through publishing the testimonies we draw attention to the repression by the Chinese government of Tibetan people and we speak out for the protection of human rights of all people living in Tibet.

On 10 March every year we hold a special Concert for Tibet commemorating the anniversary of the Tibet National Uprising in Lhasa in 1959. Every year we also organize the Flag for Tibet campaign to honor the anniversary by flying Tibetan flags at town halls, schools, shops, clubs and other buildings all around the Czech Republic. In March 2003 the flags were raised at 184 town halls, which we consider an important moral support to Tibetans.