2003 ICT Annual Report - International Campaign for Tibet

In 2003 ICT also celebratedits 15th anniversary. I amtremendously proud of whatwe have accomplished,despite the huge tasks still ahead of us.Our achievements are due to an exceptionallycommitted community of Tibetans,ICT staff, Board of Directors and membership.We are continually inspired bythe Dalai Lama and the Tibetans people,especially those inside Tibet who arefighting on innumerable fronts to maintaintheir identity and dignity, and to securetheir rights.A personal highlight for me in 2003was our Light of Truth awards, when wehonored three activists for their contributionsand commitment to raisingawareness of the Tibet issue: MicheleBohana, former Congressman BenjaminGilman and Professor Robert Thurman.After the Dalai Lama presented the awards,Ngawang Sangdrol closed the eveningwith a song that she had written and sungin prison, and for which her sentence wasextended another six years:Land of Snow, Land of SnowMy beloved countryThe root-soul of the nation is Tenzin GyatsoIf each and every Tibetan unites,One day, the sun will appear from behind the clouds.The sun will appear from behind the clouds.Thank you for helping Ngawang Sangdrolto be able to sing this song in freedom -and for all of your support for this greatorganization.Sincerely,John Ackerly,President3