Dalai Lama blesses medal winner of Special Olympics

Akriti, Special Olympics bronze medal winner, received the blessings of the Dalai Lama at his residence at McLeodganj in Dharamsala today. Akriti described the meeting as a moment of profound inspiration. The Dalai Lama blessed the young athlete, who had won two bronze medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games held at Turin (Italy). She was accompanied by Anuradha Sharma Chettri and Sachin Sharma, founders of Surya Uday School and Vocational Centre for Special Needs. They have been instrumental in nurturing the potential of children with special needs in the region.

Akriti earned a bronze medal in the Cross Country Skiing (50 metre and 100 metre) event at the Special Olympics while representing India. Her journey from a small hill town to the international sporting stage has inspired many, particularly those within the special needs community.

During this private audience, the Dalai Lama commended Akriti for her achievements and conveyed his heartfelt blessings to her. Anuradha and Sachin, both long-time advocates of neurodivergent individuals, expressed gratitude to the Dalai Lama for spiritual encouragement. “This blessing is not only for Akriti but also for every child who dreams big,” they said.

Akriti’s success stands a testament to the holistic approach and transformative power of support and opportunity, said Anuradha.