Tibet: A Future Vision

POLITY
The polity of future Tibet will be committed to the three cardinal principles, truth, non-violence (ahimsa) and genuine democracy.
Compassion will be the guiding spirit and ideal of universal responsibility based on the principle of interdependence will be the basic philosophy.

Objectives
• To build a just, humane and prosperous society guided by the light of eternal dharma;
• To ensure Tibet as a sanctuary of peace, spirituality and environment purity; and
• To ensure rule of law and a system based on the eternal ideals of freedom, equality, love, beauty, compassion, justice, non-violence and truth.

Guiding Principles
• Tibet will be a Constitutional Democracy.
• Tibet will be a swarajya (self-governing) state.
• The swarajya will reside in the people of Tibet and the Government will derive authority from them.
• In the constitution of Tibet shall be enriched the Supreme Law of the Land. No person or institution will be above the constitution.
• Tibet will be governed by a Central Government acting in balance and in harmony with local governments; authority of the local government shall be protected and it will be ensure that the unique needs of the local people are met.
• The national and official language of Tibet shall be Tibetan.
• The judicial system shall be independent and equally available to every person.
• The basic guiding principles shall not be subject to constitutional amendment.

Principles of Governance
These will be as follows:
• Compassion, being the most noble virtue of a people and the greatest act of a government will be the supreme guiding light.
• Tibet will be a zone of ahimsa (non-violence), its neutrality being guaranteed by the U.N.
• Tibet will be a sanctuary of environment purity. The responsibility of the government will be to achieve and sustain pollution free and pristine environment. It shall protect its hinterland, forests and wild life and regulate its urban life and development to achieve perfect balance between nature and society.
• Tibet shall remain the abode of dharma and spirituality. Freedom of religion being inviolable, religious belief shall not be imposed on the people.
• Tibet shall remain a repository of traditional culture and spirituality. The culture and traditions of the indigenous and autochthonous people and minorities shall be protected.
• Human rights are inviolable and the government will ensure their protection.
• All Tibetan citizens shall have the right to life, liberty, property, freedom of speech and expression, to form associations, publish and disseminate information and ideas, as well as also the right to be gainfully employed.
• All citizens of Tibet-men and women-shall have the right of franchise and shall be eligible to hold public office in accordance with the law.

SOCIETY
The future Tibet is conceived as a compact society insulated from divisive forces, be it gender, caste, creed, class, clan, religious denominations, etc. political, economic and other system and institutions evolved in free Tibet will discourage any form of groupism detrimental to the integrative character of the society.

Family
The basic social fabric of the country shall be woven around the spirit of harmony, love and care and equality among all the people.

Age-old tradition of joint undivided families based on natural equality of men, women and children will be supported by law, if necessary, and by encouraging growth of social institutions so that old, invalid and dependent persons are cared and provided for in a natural manner. This is crucial since the family is the natural and basic unit of society and is the repository as well as custodian of traditional mores, morals and values. Keeping these in view, the following will be the guiding objectives:

• Facilities shall be provided for the family to ensure its protection and care.
• Children who are orphaned, or are for any reason uncared for, shall be looked after by voluntary institutions or the government.
• Each child has the right to live freely without being exploited in any manner.
The objective regarding social welfare shall be clearly stated in the “Directive Principles” of the future constitution of Tibet.

Since all persons have a right to a decent standard of living for themselves and their families, efforts will be directed to minimized the gap between the rich and the poor, the educated and the uneducated, the city dwellers and the residents of villages and the older and the younger generations, in all possible manner. Wealth, position or status, trade and occupation shall not be the basis of social dignity or hierarchy. Action, sense of duty and character would be recognized as the basic social vrtues and the dignity of individuals will be determined through them.
Sense of confidence, social security and justice shall be built up by social conduct, law, institutions and the state.

Decentralization
Local self governments, village panchayat, local governmental and non-governmental institutions shall be strengthened by law and encouraged by the state, through a policy of decentralization in order to solve special problems and remove dissensions effectively at the local level to minimize litigation and causes which lead to conflict.
The entire territory of the country belongs, by natural law, to the citizens of the country. No person can claim individual ownership of earth, air, water, fire, and space. Based on this principle, the land of the country shall also be owned by the entire people but it shall be available to each citizen according to his need and ability to use it.

ECONOMY
The fundamentals principles underlying the future economy of Tibet will be: non-violence, self-sufficiency, right livelihood and harmony with nature. An economy based on these principles may be called Middle Path Economy. It may be made clear that the middle path economy is not the same as mixed economy which makes a pathetic and unsuccessful effort to combine the features of the two opposing economic system,i.e, the capitalist and the socialist system of economy. Impermanence and valuelessness of wealth is the central point of this economy. Wealth is for the people and not vice-versa; likewise ‘needs’ have to be distinguished from ‘wants’. The real needs of a noble person are food, house, clothes and medicines. However, material development and economic growth result in a tendency whereby one develops desire to acquire and accumulate more and more and this leads to exaggeration of needs. The entire economy centres round the unending and ever increasing greed for profit. The marketing strategies alongwith advertising create a consumerist societywhich thrives on artificially created wants. In order to present a better and humane alternative to the capitalist economic system the communist devised and developed the socialist economic system. Despite its apparent radicalism and egalitarianism in its essence it had much in common with capitalism. At best it was nothing more than state capitalism. It denied basic economic freedom to the individual and rejected the principle of ownership. With all its aberrations it proved worse than the capitalist system. The unresolvable contradictions made it totally unviable and vulnerable.

In brief, both capitalists and socialist economic systems are equally unsuitable for the wellbeing of human society in general and for the betterment of the Tibetan society in particular. Thus, there is no appropriate existing model of economic system which could be adopted by Tibet in future. The economic policy has to be based on the concept of self-sufficiency and proper apportioning of surplus growth so as to fulfill the requirements of real need of the people.

Non-Violent Economy
A non violent economy implies a system free from violence, such as unnecessary killing and torture including that of animals, exploitation of labour, consumers, and indirect violence which includes production, trade and transportation of weapons and financing and supporting people or organizations indulging in violent acts.

Self-Sufficient Economy
A self sufficient economy will mean that the necessities like food, house, clothes and basic medicines are produced in sufficient quantity within the country, preferably at regional and local levels. It does not, however, imply that nothing can or should be imported from outside. It only means that the total national import must be equal to or less than the total export value and that there is no trade deficit. Foreign aid and contributions may be accepted after carefully scrutinizing all aspects. Under no circumstances foreign loan will be accepted, howsoever easy may be the repayment terms and conditions or even if it be interest free.

The future Tibet should have a unique monetary system, the like of which does not exist elsewhere in the world. This will, however, require to be regulated in a manner that its international value remains stable and inflationary conditions are avoided. While banking system is a practical proposition, there will have to be strict control over its operations. Its main functions will be restricted to foster savings and promote productive investments. A minimum possible use of currency for internal exchange purposes will be permitted. Trade through barter system will be encouraged within the country to simplify trading. The role of money and its absolute value has to be curbed. Money is easy to accumulate, it is easy to steal and it is also very easy to show off. It has the tendency to change people’s mind and condition them. Honesty and integrity of people become easy prey to the monetary affectations. This situation will be avoided.

Harmony with Nature
Tibetan economy shall ensure the maintenance and protection of ecological balance. Ecological degradation results from greed and mindless exploitation of natural resources. To ensure the maintenance of ecological balance economy would be organized on the principles of respect for nature and all forms of life. Among other things it would entail management of land and its use in a scientific manner by equitable proportionate distribution of forest area, grazing area, agriculture land, horticulture area, housing, small private garden, etc. industrial area will be located and developed separately, away from habitats-both urban and rural. The industrial zones will have only temporary habitation facilities for transferable industrial workers and no permanent residential settlements will be allowed to be built within the prohibited zone. Migration of people from towns and villages to industrial areas will be strictly forbidden.

Each industry will be carefully chosen after considering its pollution and environmental hazards. Strict remedial and precautionary measures will be implemented through appropriate industrial law for environmental protection. Heavy industries requiring heavy transportation of raw material and finished product, using large quantities of fuel, wood and water and which pour out polluted water, and storage of harmful gases, chemicals and like materials, will not be permitted in future Tibet.

On the other hand, traditional handicraft, cottage industries and small scale industries will be encouraged and given priority especially cottage industries like diamond cutting, watch making, electronics and computer instrumentation.

Transport and communication will also receive full attention so that there is no isolation either within the country or vis-à-vis the outside world.

Value based Economy
A value base economy will be developed to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor. The goals set for eradication of poverty and unemployment will be implemented within a time frame. The first two five year plan will be concentrating on this programme and a reliable system will be evolved to check accumulation of unlimited wealth or capital in the hands of some persons or groups of persons.
Cooperative movement will be promoted and traditional village communities will be restored.
Future Tibet will not join any international finance or trade organization and in the interest of its own countrymen shall maintain a neutral policy. However, Tibet shall have bilateral mutually advantageous trade relations with other countries, particularly its neighbor like India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia and others. Its policy will be that of caution towards the introduction of heavy machinery which is supposed to be time saving, labour saving, etc. machine will not decided the fate of men; men will always control the machines.

EDUCATION
The main objective of the education policy of future Tibet shall be to develop the minds of young Tibetans in a manner that they regain their originality and unfold their basic potential in goodness and awakening of intelligence. This may be termed as natural flowering. Dissemination of knowledge and its transmission to individuals will be channelized in order to achieve the aforesaid objective. The aim of education will not be merely to earn livelihood or obtain gainful employment but much more than that.

Traditional Tibetan educational system, originated from the land of the Budha, always aimed at guiding individuals for attaining elevation and perfection. The purpose of human life is to attain supreme freedom and in that process to lead a blissful and holistic life for which dispelling of ignorance and awakening of wisdom are indispensable. Hence education is directly aimed at dispelling ignorance and generating wisdom combined with compassion. This essential value of education shall not be allowed to be lost in trivialities of forms and modalities of education system.

The state will neither control education nor indulge in the development of human resource to suit the policies of the state. Education will be instrumental only in giving an individual the ability to inquire into everything without any pre-conceived notion. The main responsibility of the state will be to create opportunities and provide facilities for all desirable kinds of learning and research. Education will be given top priority in the national agenda and not less than one-fifth of the annual budget of the central and the state government combined will be allocates for the purpose.

Teachers will be selected from amongst the best qualified persons in the society. In order to attract talent, the social status and service conditions of the teachers shall be the highest among all the professions. A cadre of Tibetan Educational Service(TES) will be created which will be the highest cadre of the national services.

The structure of education will be on the following lines:
A. Basic Education
• Pre -School level: 2 years (age group 4-5years)
• School level: 8 years (age group above 6)
• Intermediate level: 1 year

B. High School Education
Pre-university: 4years

C. University Education
• Graduate: 3years
• Post-graduate: 2years
• Research: (not fixed)

A. Basic Education
It will be the responsibility of the state government to provide for basic education for 8years and intermediate education for 1 year, guidelines for which will be laid down by the Central Parliament. Commercialization and elitism in education will not be permitted. There will be universalisation of education at the basic level that is up to the intermediate year. No Tibetan citizen of school going age will be allowed to remain without proper schooling except those who are duly admitted as monks or nuns in a recognized monastery or nunnery. Any absence from basic schooling will be punishable under law for parents who are found guilty of not sending their children to schools.

Necessary and adequate facilities will be provided by the state for handicapped and disable children. Entire expenditure on basic school education, including the cost of textbook, will be borne by the state. Parents will be required to contribute only towards the cost of school, dress, transport and stationary. Modern facilities will also be made available for the children provided the cost is shared by parents with infrastructural subsistence coming from the government.

Each village will be provided with a school up to Class 5 covering the population residing within a distance of 5kms. There will be a school upto intermediate class within a radius of 10 kms. Children residing in exceptionally remote areas will be provided with either boarding accommodation or transport facilities, as the case may be.

Course of Study
Tibetan language shall be taught compulsorily from pre-school to the intermediate class. From class 5 to 8 a foreign language will be taught as an optional subject. The study of classical languages which have profound significance for traditional Tibetan culture will be encouraged.

The other compulsory subjects will be include Civics, Ethics, Mathematics and General Science for the students from pre-school level to intermediate level. Preliminary logic will be included in the general science. Besides, one craft or training in one vocation will be included as an extra subject from class 5 to 8. Labour and productivity will also be a part of school discipline.

Traditional physical exercises and outdoor camps, traditional music, chanting of hymns, singing of classical songs will be also be compulsory in school syllabus; these would however be spaced out in an appropriate and practical manner. To sum up, after passing class 8a student should be able to read, write and choose any occupation and lead a wholesome life.

After class 8, most of the student should be leaving the schools to take up some vocation for earning their livelihood. The continuation of family business will be encouraged, the idea being that basic education must not be responsible for turning the recipient into a white-collared worker and delinking him from hereditary family occupation.

It is envisaged that after class 8, at least 50% of the students will terminate formal schooling with one year of intermediate course. The remaining 50% will be carefully selected for further studies. During intermediate class, those students who will be terminating their formal studies will be given one year’s basic training in two or three alternative vocations related to their respective family background. By now, the student would have acquired a better know how and developed an inventive approach.

B. High School Education
The students selected for high school education will be divided into two groups:
I. Vocational training along with related academic inputs;
II. Academic disciplines-science, humanities, commerce, etc

1. Out of the total students under this group not less than 50% would be admitted for 4 year high School Education. The syllabus as this stage will include vocational training along with related academic inputs. The vocational courses could be painting, tailoring, carpentry, iron smithy, masonry, weaving and similar other vocational subjects. For imparting adequate training in these areas, polytechnics will be set up. The students will be given clear understanding that they will be terminating their schooling after 4 years and starting their careers. They will be not entitled to pursue higher education in regular universities.
2. The other group comprising of not more than 50 percent, who have been adjudged excellent, will be following pure academic courses in Pancha-mahavidya (the five traditional disciplines), science, arts, commerce, etc. The students will be pursuing their university education compulsorily at least up to graduate level.

The state will be providing the basic infrastructure for these schools. While no tuition or capitation fee will be charged, all other expenses will be borne by the student. Outstanding student or economically poor student may be awarded maintenance scholarships for which rules will be laid down.

Entire school education shall be governed by a basic School Board constituted by the State Government and a High School Board Constituted by the Central Government.

Non-commercial and non-elitist private schools established by voluntary organizations shall have to impart education within the ambit of these guidelines and they will be affiliated to their respective Boards for the purpose of examination.

C. University Education
The state shall have only one University established by law, though it may have one or more campus in each province to carter to university education at regional level.
The university shall offer two types of education:
1. Formal
2. Non-formal

Formal education shall be imparted in the university campuses or affiliated institutions within a prescribed framework. Non-formal education shall be imparted through Open University system.
Traditional monastic education shall not be governed by the university system.

Any courses of study related to warfare, weapon production, or any experiment involving torture of animals will not be permitted in any institution.

Foreign students would be admitted in accordance with the regulations formulated by the Central Government but no restriction will be imposed for admission of foreign monks in any monastic institution.

HALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Health and family welfare of the citizens will also receive priority, next to education. Tibetan system of medicine will be promoted and given utmost importance. At the same time, modern research work and comparative studies will also be given due encouragement. Likewise, other traditional system such as Ayurveda, acupuncture, acupressure, naturopathy, and even homeopathy will be receiving due importance. At the same time, modern medicine (allopathic system) will also be practiced.

Medical Facilities
Fully equipped hospitals and health centres will be set up within reasonable reach of citizens requiring treatment.
In the first two phase of national planning, facilities of health centres for a population of 2500 and a full-fledge hospital for 20,000 citizens will be provided. Besides, one medical doctor will be available for each group of 2500 persons.

Preventive Measures
Preventive measure against epidemics and infectious diseases will receive adequate attention. For proper child health care, vaccinations shall be given regularly. Birth control may not be immediately necessary keeping in view that small population of the country at present, however other issues related with family planning, e.g, minimum age for marriage, gap between two children, etc, will be resolved through legislation, if necessary.

Intake of fast food and production of preserved food will be discourages or would be properly regulated. Standardization of eatable item and control of supply of food and drinks, etc, shall be kept under close scrutiny and control of health department. Efforts will be made so as to use water from natural streams of wells. In the event of drinking water through supply system becoming unpotable, proper drinking water will have to be provided by other means. Chemical disinfectants and pest control agencies will be avoided as far as possiblie. Use of chemical fertilizers and similar other means of agriculture, horticulture and fruit growth will also be avoided.

Sewage system and drainage would be standardized by law and recycling of garbage for fertilizers will be encouraged. Public transportation facilities will be planned in a manner so as to minimize pollution and tensions.

RELIGION
Tibet is known to the world for more than 1200 years as the land of ‘spiritualism ‘. Undoubtedly, Tibet has devoted all its genius to the ‘inner exploration’. And its findings, reflected in its unique culture, are of tremendous value for the entire humanity. The people and the state, throughout this long passage of history considered preservation and promotion of spirituality as the paramount objective and all other activities were aimed at the realization of this inner experience.

Since the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet through royal patronage and initiative, the unique and famous expression “Chos Srid Zung Drel”, meaning the union of dharma and polity became the popular expression for describing the nature of state policy. Consequently a large share of state power and revenue was utilized for maintenance and promotion of universal heritage and welfare of monks; monasteries, temple, religious institutions, etc. many westerners misconstrued the ancient Tibet and state with theocratic form which is not true since Buddhism is an atheist religion.

In pre-Buddhist times, the state was under the influence of Bon and subsequently after adoption of Buddhism, the latter always remained the state religion. However, despite this, the microscopic minorities in Tibet, such as the Bon, the Christian and the Muslims were also enjoying complete religious freedom and living in a state of harmony and security. The Buddhist way of life provided the best cultural fabric with no fragmentation and discrimination of any kind.

Preservation and Promotion of Spiritual Heritage
In free Tibet, preservation and promotion of spiritual heritage shall, therefore, be receiving utmost attention of the state. Preservation, promotion and dissemination of Tibet’s unique spiritual heritage for the entire humanity is considered sacred duty and obligation of the people of Tibet more so, after reaching out to the modern world living in freedom in exile. It shall be the responsibility of the state to see that all efforts are made for attaining this objective by giving it a concrete shape. Evidently, this would mean that the nature of state polity shall be secular in the real sense of the term.

The misuse or rather abuse of the word “secularism” has led to a distorted and misconstrued meaning of this expression. It is commonly understood as anti-religious or anti-spiritual or a kind of faith unrelated to “Dharma”. But secularism in free Tibet would mean that the state would be aware of its empirical limitations and may not interfere in the sphere of spiritual life of the people in general and individuals in particular.

Freedom of Religion
Freedom of conscience, freedom of religion as well as freedom not to believe in any particular religion shall be the fundamental right of the people duly guaranteed under constitution. The law of the land shall not being guided any spiritual tradition, scriptures, religious teachings and or institutions. The entire nation shall follow and be subject to a uniform civil/code law. Secular ethics and fundamental morality as transmitted through spiritual traditions shall, however, from the basis of lawmaking process. The legislated rule will be applicable to all without any exception. The state shall have due regard for each and every spiritual tradition and or religious order and all different traditions shall have equal rights and privileges notwithstanding the number of their followers or believers.

Administration of Religious Affairs
There shall be a Council of Religious (Spiritual) Affairs, which will be a constitutional authority. His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be the supreme patriarch of this Council. The constitutional will have provision for appointing regencies in the absence of His Holiness and the functioning of the Council shall be regulated through adequate legislation.

All the monasteries, temples and other spiritual institutions shall be under the administrative control of the Council of Religious Affairs (CRA) and govern by it. Laws and regulations for their governance shall be framed by CRA. Maintenance of discipline in monastic establishments, laying down of eligibility conditions for the inmates and various functionaries with a view to controlling the quality and regulating the number of monks, nuns and other spiritual practitioners shall be the responsibility of CRA.

Each individual, above the age of 18, which declares himself as the believer of any spiritual faith shall be required to pay a “spiritual tax” prescribed under the law from time to time and this part of revenue shall be exclusively utilized for spiritual affairs under the control of and monitoring of the CRA. Financial support for religious purposes shall be given on the basis of the number of persons following them.

CULTURE
The concept and paradigm of culture as understood today are a contribution of western thought. Buddhist tradition does not spell out anything about culture, until perhaps in very recent times. The meaning of culture as understood today is the result of interaction between western thought and Indian tradition during the course of the last century or so. In the present context the word Sanskriti is employed for culture while in western concept, the definition of culture has been varying both in time and space. It is, therefore, easy to talk about culture in consonance with the Tibetan world view.

Tibetan View of Culture
The three stages representing change, from natural to well-cultivated and then decay, I.e, prakriti, sanskriti and vikriti is nearer to our concept of culture. In this context we conceive culture as the mature stage of civilization-always and absolutely on the positive and creative side. The perception of the negative side as that of culture of war, conflict or violence, as understood by the western world is totally alien to the Tibetan viewpoint.

Culture and Dharmic Education
Truly speaking, culture is a state of mind acquired through education and practice of morality which is source of creativity. Culture, therefore, manifests itself in the way of life as also in the form of creative performing or the visual arts. Against this background, we conceive of future Tibet wherein all efforts shall be made to preserve and protect the purity of collective and individual minds of the Tibetan people by imparting dharmic education. Here too, the dharmic education will not mean non-secular education. It foresees an educational pattern under which both the system and content of education are based on the process of inner development generated from mind free from prejudices, and blind faith, unaffected by indoctrination or influenced by commercialized artificial information. Freedom, natural growth and flowering of individual mind shall be considered as the basic source of cultural development and no efforts will be spared to preserve traditions which will ensure this process.

The desired social conditions will be created through mass education using effective communication skill and, wherever necessary, legislation will guarantee it. People will be encouraged to maintain traditional ways of life, be it the food habits, dress, customs, housekeeping or similar other chores.

Ministry of Cultural Affairs

A full fledge Ministry of Cultural Affairs will be set up which will organize archeological explorations of historical sites and their excavation, preservation of monuments, artifacts, etc. libraries, museums and archives will be set up at different levels- national, state, district and local under uniform central legislation. Framing of stringent laws for prevention of smuggling of antiques and adequate enforcement machinery will receive high priority. Appropriate legislation will be passed for registration and maintenance of antiques and objects of cultural value in the possession of individuals. Music, dance, drama, folklore will receive due attention and patronage of the state.

Promotion and Traditional Crafts
All kinds of handicraft in metal, wood, stone, textile terracotta, etc, shall be promoted. Nongovernmental organizations, which are engaged in cultural activities, will receive adequate support. Local arts and crafts will receive full attention of the government since these are facing near extinction due to social, political and economic subjugation of the Tibetans in Tibet.

Traditional festivals and rituals will form part of socio-cultural milieu of the country as it was prior to Chinese occupation. The state would ensure and expenditure of a minimum of 4 percent out of the nation’s budget for preservation, protection and promotion of cultural activities. This would also serve as an effective medium of non formal education.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Basically, the plan foresees future Tibet as a “Zone of Ahimsa”, implying a demilitarized region, having no alignment with any big power or a power bloc and non-involvement in any kind of the production of arms.

In the event of a workable association with China, diplomatic relations with other countries will be responsibility of China, yet the Tibetans will have the right to deal with other countries directly for trade and commerce and in areas of education, cultural exchange, etc. Tibet shall also hold independent views vis a vis the other countries notwithstanding their relations with China. Tibet will evolve and maintain its own modalities about non-involvement in war or weaponry production and its trade or transportation.

In the event of Tibet regaining complete independence, it shall remain totally neutral and non-aligned. It shall have most cordial and friendly relations based on the principles of compassion, fraternity, co-existence and policy of non interference. It shall maintain an absolutely transparent approach with each and every nation and relations shall be founded on truth and the principles of inter-dependece and universal responsibility and not on the basis of self or mutual petty interests like short term commercial or political gains. The boundaries of Tibet will be properly demarcated and well defined. While doing so, Tibet shall respect the views and wishes of all its neighboring countries and not adopt any rigid attitude. Traditional and historical boundaries will be protected as far as possible. Indo-Tibet border, in particular, will be in accordance with the McMohan line as agreed by Shimla Convention 1914.

Tibet will not consider any country unfriendly but will always oppose any kind of violation of human rights, suppression of democratic norms, eruption or threat of any violent action, terrorism, religious fanaticism, and cultural domination, imposition of language, religious practices and economic and political systems; production and experimentation of nuclear or chemical arms.

Free Access to Places of Pilgrimage
Tibet may prefer to make some of its major places of pilgrimage freely accessible to devotes of various faiths, such as kailash, Mansarovar, Lhasa and Samyas where within specified areas, pilgrims could go and move about without any restriction. However, only limited number of places will be opened for foreign tourism due to cultural and environment reasons.

Role of Resolving Conflicts
Tibet will play an active role in resolving conflicts between ethnic groups or antions through non-violent methods and peaceful negotiations. It will also assist or participate actively in cultural affairs, human rights movement and environmental activities of the United Nations or similar other organizations.

Tibet will help and assist in the dissemination of cultural and spiritual heritage wherever required. No foreign national will be allowed to use the territory of Tibet for any kind of activity, which directly or indirectly involves violence or is against the interests of any other nation or people. Special protection and privilege will be extended to refugees seeking asylum in Tibet for legitimate reasons, known criminals or terrorist will not be given shelter in Tibet.

Cooperation among Nations
Cooperation amongst small nations and regional blocs will be encouraged and Tibet will take initiative in bringing them together. His Holiness has made it clear that “among different nations there must be equal concern for the welfare of even the smallest nation…A variety of political systems and ideologies is desirable to enrich the human community so long as all people are free to evolve their own political and socio-economic system, based on self determination. If people from poor countries are denied the happiness they desire and deserve, they will naturally be dissatisfied and pose problems for the rich. If unwanted…..Imposition by one nation upon another continues, the attainment of world peace is doubtful”.

A universal humanitarian approach to world problems seems to be the only sound basis for world peace and sharing universal responsibility shall be the magna Carta of future Tibet’s foreign policy.

ENVIRONMENT
According to Tibetan world-view, environment is not an abstract compartmentalized concept; it is part of the life style in the totality. In accordance with this, the entire socio-cultural, economic, religious and traditional scenario will be projected on the nation’s canvas to draw a composite, harmonious and nature-friendly eco-system. Relationship between man and animal, man and nature is deeply integrated with religious as well as material consideration.

Tibet’s Unique Geo-physical Situation
Apart from this, Tibet has a special role to play in the field of environment for the world in general and the Asian region in particular, due to its geo-physical situation. Being the ‘roof of the world’ and the land of origin of many great rivers, it controls the environmental and weather conditions of the region to a very great extent. Therefore, His Holiness the Dalia Lama’s emphasis for maintaining Tibet as a zone of non-violence and a sanctuary of environmental preservation is rightly placed.

Restoration of Damaged Environment
One of the most sacred and urgent tasks in free Tibet will be the restoration of its damaged environment and eco-system. A comprehensive survey will be undertaken to examine the state of affairs in industrial establishments, production centers, agriculture outfits, mode of transportation, planning of towns and habitats, land use, etc. all such industrial complexes and activities which are not found to be eco-friendly shall be closed down notwithstanding the financial loss. Environmental preservation will receive prime consideration in Free Tibet’s agenda.

Friendly Eco-growth
It will be ensured that at least thirty three percent of country’s territory at all time is covered by forests and/or reserved for forestry. Urban development and town planning shall be controlled by legislation to prevent concentration of population as few places and growth of unplanned habitats and houses. While giving due consideration to the needs of the commuters, the authorities will strive to ensure that the public transport system remains eco-friendly. Maximum use of solar energy will be made; use of fuel, etc, for generating power shall be controlled.

Traditional Methods of Agriculture
The entire agriculture system will be recognized in order to revert back to traditional methods of agriculture. Total ban will be imposed on the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and anti-termite treatments. Wild life will be protected as it used to be prior to Chinese occupation.

The multiplicity and bio-diversity will be conserved at all costs. All religious practices and rituals shall be encouraged and restored which reflect the idea of environment and ecology in accordance with the ancient traditions. Lakes, ponds, rivers, streams shall be maintained as per ancient customs and traditions. Strict legislation shall be passed to regulate the use of mines and minerals. No industry, whether small, big or cottage, shall be allowed to be established unless cleared by environmental experts. Areas for setting up industrial complexes will be allowed only after thorough investigation in regard to their suitability and if they are not likely to result in harmful effects on the environment of the concerned region. The so- called “plastic” culture will be strictly discouraged.

All methods of transport and communications be it air or road transport, will be carefully regulated. Transport through rivers will be commenced so as to avoid road transport as far as possible. Inflow of sullage and sewage into rivers and other water resources will also be controlled. Removal of garbage, too, will receive high priority.
All environmental issues direct or indirect will be a matter of serious concern in free and future Tibet.