The march, sponsored by the International Tibet Independence Movement, spanned from the Modern Times Bookstore in Broad Ripple to the Clearwater Crossing General Cinema. The Indianapolis-based organization was formed in 1995 by Thubten Norbu, the Dalai Lama's brother, to raise public awareness of the crisis in Tibet.

ITIM president Larry Gerstein reminded the marchers before starting their trek to be glad they live in a country where they can speak out.

"If we tried to do this in Tibet, we would be arrested," he said.

Tenzin Kelseng, a Tibetan monk who came to America to raise awareness, led the march. Participants carried signs, waved Tibetan flags and passed out information to people on the streets.

"I think we accomplished some good today," said graduate student Carrie Hill, vice president of IU's chapter of Students for a Free Tibet. "We're trying to mobilize the Indianapolis community to take action. This is another step in the right direction."

The need for such a march stems from the fact that the Chinese government invaded the predominantly Buddhist country of Tibet in 1949. According ITIM statistics, about 1.2 million Tibetans have been killed, and thousands more have been tortured and imprisoned since the invasion. More than 6,000 Buddhist monasteries have been destroyed, forced sterilization and abortions have become commonplace for Tibetan women, and Tibetans have become a minority in their own country.

"Tibetans need our help," said Indianapolis resident Julie Crow, treasurer of ITIM. "A lot of problems in the world can be so confusing, but Tibet's case is so cut and dry."

Thanks to efforts by groups such as ITIM, Students for a Free Tibet and an increasing interest by Hollywood and the media in the subject, public concern is growing.

"We are getting so much support for Tibetan freedom," Kelseng said. "I think people are drawn to our cause because of our use of nonviolence and truth."

ITIM makes several suggestions about what students can do to help their cause, including boycotting products made in China, educating yourself about Tibet and writing letters to government officials, human rights groups and the media.

For further information contact IU's Students for a Free Tibet at sftibet@indiana.edu, or contact the Tibetan Cultural Center at 334-7046. >