Records are made and broken in the Olympics. A medal more, then Michael Phelps will hold the maximum number of gold medals in the history of the Olympics as an individual athlete. It is truly phenomenal when a person can push his/her body beyond normalcy and break or make records in sporting activities, displaying the triumph of the human spirit. The attention of the world is on these inspiring individuals, who are breaking the normal human barrier. On the other hand, so were the former 12 brave Tibetans who sat for a fast (no food, no water) for 9 days, willing to continue their fast but were forcibly removed by the Indian authorities. This was also a display of the power of the human spirit. The triumph of humanity. It is not known, but the hunger strike without food and water for 9 days may be termed as a record of sorts.

However, the rest of the world was busy appreciating the records made by the Olympians. This is truly lamenting as this is a clear sign that materialism and commercialization has crept in the society and has wrecked the society like cancer.

. A larger part of the world is least bothered about the wiping of a civilization from the face of this planet, of a race which is slowly getting massacred and a way of life based on compassion, which is unique and which holds the key to the survival of humanity.

Today is day two of the 3rd Batch of the indefinite fast, the cool weather and frequent showers in Delhi is a blessing to the hunger strikers as their bodies are parched due to absence of water. Slow signs of dehydration will set in just like in the previous groups. The participation by a 63 year old, Mr. Dhondup Tsering from Bylakuppe and Venerable Thupten Tsewang aged 19 from Sera Jey; the youngest till now, makes it momentous generating an impact which will reverberate in the exile community as well as in Tibet. This is a clear sign that the movement is cutting across generations and is accepted by all who are willing to sacrifice for the cause of Tibet. This is a positive sign which is much needed for the sustainment of the movement.

The afternoon today was peppered with a public forum where the protestors discussed several issues including the future direction of the Tibetan Youth Movement. The ever increasing fury seen in the protests are a sign that the people have truly risen and they will not rest until their goals are met. The basic idea of a People’s Mass Movement, is a healthy practice in a maturing democracy that the Tibetan society is in right now. The involvement of the common Tibetans and not restricting decision making to the echelons of the society has made the People’s Mass Movement a success, as Mahatma Gandhi had rightfully said “that the path one takes is more important than the goal itself.”

The six have lost an average of 1.7 kilograms of body weight, although serious signs of dehydration have not set in, it is just a matter of time. The alarming thing was that the oldest participant 63 year old Mr.Dhondup has lost 4 kilograms of body weight; this rapid deterioration of physical health will be a major matter of concern in the days to come. What is remarkable is the enthusiasm shown by him, while Tibetans younger than him are busy enjoying the comforts they have in life or the warmth of their homes; he is here sacrificing for a cause, a cause which ironically will secure the future of these very same young Tibetans. These brave 6 warriors manifest truth and justice, the ordeal they have placed themselves into is not for them, it is for the generations which will come after them. It is for keeping alive the idea of a civilization known as Tibet, of a compassionate way of life which we need, which in the years to come will be a requirement for the basic survival of life on this planet.