(The Olympic Torch. Picture from thisislondon.com)As the time to light the torch in Beijing grew closer, so did the murmurings of protest. It all began on March 10 when a peaceful demonstration to mark the anniversary of a previously unsuccessful uprising turned deadly and 200 monks were thrown in Jail. The plight of these protesters irked every Buddhist in the country and by the time the torch was lit so was the fire in the hearts of millions of people around the world. The revolution had begun.
The grounds for this revolt were laid as many as 49 years ago when the religious and political leader of Tibet- His holiness the Dalai Lama was forced to leave the land. Over the years restrictions have been imposed whereby people may be jailed or exiled for even speaking of their leader. Conditions have deteriorated to the point where Tibetans feel their culture is slowly, gradually and purposefully being eradicated. Education for instance in Tibet only comprises of Chinese history and not their own. Forced to live a life of banality and as second class citizens in their own land, the frustrations have finally found a vent.
On the 10th of March the peaceful protests turned deadly when a procession of 500 monks was beaten up and tear gassed. About 200 monks were arrested. Demonstrations have turned deadly sympathetic citizens have united to perhaps even boycott the Olympics in a desperate attempt to bring China around. The protests turned so volatile that the torch had to be put out at least three times as it was taken around in Paris.
But is this boycott truly justified? The Olympic torch signifies more than just the beginning of a game. It signifies the opening of a platform for the world to come together on equal terms, interact and celebrate universal brotherhood. Cast, creed, colour of skin all discarded in this joyous event.
The Dalai Lama too urges his followers to stop the violence and China to start talks. The peace loving monk has gone so far as to say that he will abdicate his position if this violence continues. Especially in the recent days, with the disaster that has struck China, he asks everyone to stop their protests and give China a chance to deal with the destruction of its home. It is by showing compassion that the door to negotiations can be opened and the torch of brotherhood re-lit.
The grounds for this revolt were laid as many as 49 years ago when the religious and political leader of Tibet- His holiness the Dalai Lama was forced to leave the land. Over the years restrictions have been imposed whereby people may be jailed or exiled for even speaking of their leader. Conditions have deteriorated to the point where Tibetans feel their culture is slowly, gradually and purposefully being eradicated. Education for instance in Tibet only comprises of Chinese history and not their own. Forced to live a life of banality and as second class citizens in their own land, the frustrations have finally found a vent.
On the 10th of March the peaceful protests turned deadly when a procession of 500 monks was beaten up and tear gassed. About 200 monks were arrested. Demonstrations have turned deadly sympathetic citizens have united to perhaps even boycott the Olympics in a desperate attempt to bring China around. The protests turned so volatile that the torch had to be put out at least three times as it was taken around in Paris.
But is this boycott truly justified? The Olympic torch signifies more than just the beginning of a game. It signifies the opening of a platform for the world to come together on equal terms, interact and celebrate universal brotherhood. Cast, creed, colour of skin all discarded in this joyous event.
The Dalai Lama too urges his followers to stop the violence and China to start talks. The peace loving monk has gone so far as to say that he will abdicate his position if this violence continues. Especially in the recent days, with the disaster that has struck China, he asks everyone to stop their protests and give China a chance to deal with the destruction of its home. It is by showing compassion that the door to negotiations can be opened and the torch of brotherhood re-lit.
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