The Department of Health, the Central Tibetan Administration marked the International day in support of torture victims on 26 June, 2015 at Dharamsala, India in accordance with this year’s theme: Right to Rehabilitation Now. According to the official statement released by the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), “The people from around the world come together on 26 June to remember those who have been tortured, by calling for the prevention of torture and an end to impunity. The Tibetan Torture Survivors’ program of the Health Department, an affiliated member of IRCT, joined hands on this important day with countless other torture rehabilitation centers globally to acknowledge the importance of healing, recovery and rehabilitation of Tibetan Torture Survivors.
On 26 June 2015, the Tibetan Torture Survivors’ rehabilitation program (TTSP) of the health department organized a play titled “Norbu” through the actors of the Tibet Theater, an independent theater group led by Lhakpa Tsering, which was shown to about 250 people including Tibetan Torture Survivors at TIPA Hall. Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay kindly graced the occasion along with Health Kalon Dr. Tsering Wangchuk and Chitue Gang Lhamo, an ex political prisoner herself. The play highlighted the struggles of the Tibetan Political prisoners in Tibet and en route to India. In addition, the main theme of the play was to create awareness among the public about the life and living conditions of the Tibetan Torture Survivors in exile and the ways in which they are being rehabilitated through the CTA’s health department.
The Tibetan torture Survivors chose to live a life of HOPE, DIGNITY, FORGIVENESS AND ALTRUISM despite unbearable torture by the perpetrators and consequent traumatic events in their lives. They are known for their inherent resilience towards suffering, painful health effects and disability caused by torture and trauma through the practice of Buddhist spiritual and cultural coping means. This experience is also highlighted in the following narrative of a Tibetan Torture Survivor.
” I bear no anger against my perpetrators for what they did to me as a devout Buddhist. Whenever I feel pain and I struggle with my illnesses, I practice and pray that my illnesses and pain can be beneficial in relieving the sufferings of all other people in this world. May my suffering take away the pain of others, I pray daily.” – A Tibetan Torture Survivor.
The Health Department of the Central Tibetan Administration is dedicated to the wellbeing of the Tibetan Torture Survivors through the provision of medical support and rehabilitation services.