Tibetan world magazine
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The Tibetan world magazine was started by few tibetan college students in new delhi. Tibetan World started as an idea mooted in a conversation between two friends, Tenzin Wangchuk and Tenzin Nyima. The idea seemed viable after looking at it from every foreseeable angle.There were a few Tibetan websites, quite a few sites relating to various Tibetan political issues, but this particular idea, a monthly magazine by and for young Tibetans worldwide, no; it was a niche in the market. The magazine, though targeted at a worldwide readership, would be assembled, printed and published in Delhi; in addition, the team would, for the most part, consist of young Tibetans at a crucial stage in the realisation of their ambitions.
They considered the staff they would need for the venture: an editor, writers, advisors and so on. Speaking to close friends in India, some were enthusiastic about the idea, some were critical. Having sounded everyone out, they retired to consider. Well, they wouldn't know unless they did it, and if they didn't try they would never know. At last they had their mind on the matter. They spoke to a friend, a businessman in Nepal, who would offer financial support. This friend, though he gave assistance with sales and distribution for few months, would let them down on this due to personal problems, which was to be the first of many financial hurdles. No one well-known was approached; this would have detracted from the ethos of the idea, and anyway they doubted that any such people would condescend to help such an obscure group of young amateurs. Neither, then, did they approach the Tibetan Office or any NGOs. They had of course received assistance early in life from the government, and they felt that the thing to do was to give something back, and, so far as would be possible, do so under their own resources.
First on board came Tshering Chonzom, doing her M.Phil Final year at present (2005), who discussed the matter at great length and helped lay some of the foundations of the concept. Tshering Chonzom agreed, after a little hesitation, to be the editor.
Next, Colin McIntosh, a friend from Scotland, who would help with editing and proofing and some of the writing. Then came Samdup Tenzin a Richardson Fellowship student studying at St Andrews in Scotland, who would come to write much of the history articles. Also joining the group at this time were Lhakpa Tsering, Rinchen Tobgyal, a biotechnology student in India, and Tenzin Pema, studying for pursuing her gradaution in journalism, also in India. Finally Tibetan World approached a friend in Holland, Alex Bunjes, who agreed to serve in an advisory capacity. These are the ten people who formed the core of TWM. Since then, TWM has gained many friends, well-wishers and contributors, and has received praise from the highest quarters.
Tibetan World was produced from a central hub situated at Tenzin Wangchuk's place of residence; one side of the room is Wangchuk's personal space, and the other is the TWM office. When the first issue was being prepared, there was not even a printer to produce the leaflets for the magazine's introduction to the western world, at the visit to Glasgow of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
In terms of the magazine itself, it was as well-received and as successful as distribution constraints would allow. But financial difficulties threatened to strangle the project before it had a chance to mature and show how capable it could be. Parents, Friends and relatives had given financial help, lending money to help during the crucial teeth-cutting. But as the time approached to settle these debts the money was not available, so it soon became a case of borrowing from Peter to pay Paul. As the 5th issue approached, it seemed that Tibetan World might go under. The team declared that the magazine would be sold on the street corner if need be, but this was perhaps more a tribute to the dedication of the team than any kind of practical thinking; without certain resources the magazine would not get printed at all.
One day Chenga Tsering and Tenzin Rabgyal came to the office to make a subscription. They were from Youth Opportunities Trust Asia, and had struck a chord. Tenzin Wangchuk was invited to their office for a chat, and Tibetan World subsequently submitted a project report, which was forwarded to some of the trustees in the UK. Following this an appointment was fixed for December with the Chairman of YOTA, Alan Clements, and the YOTA trustees and Tibet Relief Fund CEO, Philippa Cardick. Tshering Chonzom, Tenzin Wangchuk, Tenzin Nyima, Tsering Ngodup and Tenam were there for the interview. After an interview and going through the cover letter, budget, marketing plan, outgoing per month, a grant and loan was being offered by YOTA. Tibetan World's application succeeded, they secured a part grant, part long-term, 0 % interest loan, which was to provide office equipment. A much-needed respite from the demon dollar was gained. Money problems persist; Tibetan World is indebted to a few parties.
All in all, it has not been an easy ride; TWM is not out of the woods yet. We have many friends and relatives to whom we are extremely grateful, without whom we could not have survived. But the spirit of those who brought TWM into the world has won out: love, enthusiasm, hard work and a core concept of Buddhist ideals have brought us this far and firm determination will see the magazine through the difficult parts. As illustrative of the energy and sense of purpose of the team members, the last words go to Tenzin Pema…
"I thought the idea was brilliant… even in high school I had always dreamed of starting this magazine
The world today has become a smaller place than what it used to be a few centuries back. And technology has made this world a small close-knitted family. The access to information is now much easier and conceivable than ever before. It is here that, Tibetan world magazine opens up unlimited possibili ties and opportunities for the younger Tibetan generation, to speak out and express their ideas.
Tibetan World is a project that had its beginnings in May 2004 and the first issue saw its birth on 6 July 2004. Tibetan World Magazine has been conceived with the motive to engage Tibetan people (especially the youngsters) in a meaningful dialogue on what entails being a Tibetan. We aim to bring up all the aspects of Tibetan society in open and bring together people from all walks of life, for greater awareness and interaction amongst the Tibetans from all walks of life. This would involve all aspects of living in a society, right from the essentials of: Education Political understanding Currently tibetan world magazine boast of readership all over the world.
the magazine's website: www.tibetanworldmagazine.com
