Miss Tibet launches signature campaign for Tibetan cause

Dharamshala, Aug 14 (ANI): Tenzin Norzom, Miss Tibet 2010, joined a signature campaign with activists in Dharamshala on Friday, protesting China's oppression in Tibet.

As a part of the drive, signatures of the people who support the Tibetan Movement are being collected on a big scroll. The banner will be later presented to the UN Secretary General.

"Firstly, as Miss Tibet, I have the responsibility towards the Tibet cause. When I saw a non-Tibetan people contributing his blood for Tibetan freedom, it really inspired me. I came to know him after I got my title. So, it really inspired me. I just feel like working with him for the Tibetan cause," said Norzom.

Mahesh Yadav, an Indian activist who joined the signature campaign, has been making portraits of various world leaders with his own blood for the past fourteen years.

Yadav painted a portrait of the US President Barack Obama, appealing for Tibet's freedom.

"My blood is devoted to the freedom of Tibet, the support is important for the independence of Tibet. I am going to appeal the whole world with this message. I have painted Barack Obama's portrait using my own blood. And this is a message to save humanity. We have appealed the US President to save Tibet, because Dalai Lama is fighting for non-violence," said Yadav.

Meanwhile, a group of Tibetan volunteers launched a website to campaign for a candidate, Lobsang Sangay, for the ensuing polls to elect the Tibetan Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister) -in-exile.

"We have just launched a website called kaluntripa.org and this is to campaign for Dr. Lobsang Sangay. He is a Harvard law graduate and currently working in Harvard Law University. So, many young Tibetans in exile would like to see him as next Prime Minister of the Tibet Government in exile," said Lobsang Wangyal.

An estimated 80,000 Tibetans arrived in India along with the Dalai Lama after an abortive uprising against the Chinese rule in 1959 and over the years their numbers have swelled. (ANI)