[wsfii-coord] Proposed change of date for Dharamsala WSFII.

[Yahel Ben-David]

Dear All,

Following the latest posting on this list (and extensive off-list 
discussions) regarding the proposed main annual WSFII event in India, it 
now appears that Dharamsala is better positioned than Bangalore to make 
that a reality. The Dharamsala WSFII is gathering momentum very quickly.

I just had a long phone conversation with Dr. Arun Mehta about this and 
we both feel that this year’s International WSFII for Inida should be in 
Dharamsala. However, it seems that the May 20th date is not going to 
allow us the time needed to prepare properly for such a large scale 
event. We therefore suggest postponing the Dharamsala WSFII to after the 
rainy season, sometime in October.

In order to fix a final date we will have to re-approach the office of 
H.H. the Dalai Lama, and possibly try to synchronize it with the IT 
minister of India. It appears that H.H. does not have any trips or 
teachings planned for October 2006.

We also feel that this will allow for a greater degree of cooperation 
and participation from all parties, and will allow us to make this event 
into a truly international summit. Dr. Mehta and myself hope that nobody 
would be offended or hurt by this suggestion. Being a joint venture, we 
must encourage everyone to comment before we can decide.

Since there are speakers and guests who have confirmed their 
participation in Dharamsala for May 20th, we must notify them ASAP about 
any changes. If there is a positive consensus about this proposed 
change, it would help if the WSFII-Coord could make this decision into 
an announcement which we can forward to our guests and activists in 
order to explain the change in dates.

I urge you to voice your thoughts and concerns, as well as your support 
for the proposed change of dates as soon as possible!

We must decide and announce the change very quickly.

Thanks!

Yahel