Dalai Lama writes to CM on rain disaster

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has written to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by this year’s exceptionally heavy monsoon rains across the state.

“I would like to offer my prayers and condolences to you, to the families who have lost loved ones, and to everyone affected by this natural disaster,” the Dalai Lama wrote in his letter to the Chief Minister.

Mcleodganj, often referred to as ‘Little Lhasa’, has been home to the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetan refugees living in exile for decades. It also houses the headquarters of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile and the Tibetan Parliament.

Acknowledging the state’s efforts, the Nobel laureate said, “I am aware the state government and all agencies concerned are engaged in urgent relief and rehabilitation work. As a token of my solidarity with the people of the state, I have asked the Dalai Lama Trust to make a donation as a contribution to the relief and rehabilitation efforts.”

The Dalai Lama has lived in Dharamsala for more than 65 years and shares a close bond with the region. “As you know, Dharamsala has been my home for more than 65 years. I often refer to the state’s Chief Minister as ‘our Chief Minister’,” he wrote.

“I deeply appreciate the friendship and hospitality that people from all spheres of society in Himachal Pradesh have shown me and my fellow Tibetans all these years,” he added.

The letter concluded with the Dalai Lama extending his prayers and best wishes to all those affected.