Dalai Lama receives warm welcome in Kangra after returning from Ladakh

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Dalai Lama returns to Dharamshala after over two months in Ladakh, welcomed by Tibetan and Gaddi communities.

Dharamshala, September 4

Tibetan spiritual leader and 14th Dalai Lama returned to Dharamshala on Friday after spending more than two months in Ladakh, receiving a warm welcome from members of the Tibetan and Gaddi communities at Kangra airport.

The Dalai Lama arrived at Kangra airport in a special Indian Air Force aircraft. A large number of members of the Tibetan community gathered outside the airport to welcome him, with considerable enthusiasm reported among those present.

Members of the Gaddi community also joined the welcome programme and presented a traditional folk dance as a mark of respect. Following the reception, the Dalai Lama was escorted to his residence in McLeod Ganj under tight security arrangements.

The Dalai Lama had arrived in Ladakh on 28 June. During his stay, he participated in various religious and spiritual programmes held there.

His return to Dharamshala has brought a sense of celebration amongst members of the Tibetan community, who had been awaiting his return for long now.

Ajit Neharia, president of the Bharat-Tibet Maitri Sangh, Dharamshala, said the Dalai Lama’s presence in the town was important for both local residents and the Tibetan community.

“The Dalai Lama’s presence in Dharamshala is extremely important for local people as well as the Tibetan community. His return has brought happiness to the town and his presence will further add to the vibrancy of the region,” Neharia said.

He added that the Dalai Lama had travelled to Ladakh at the request of his followers.

Tsering Dolma, president of the Tibetan Women’s Association, said the Tibetan community was delighted by the Dalai Lama’s return after a long wait.

“The Tibetan community is extremely happy with his return. People had been waiting for him to come back to Dharamshala for a long time,” she said.

Dolma added that his return had also brought happiness to local traders and taxi drivers, besides members of the Tibetan community.

Following his return, a teaching programme by the Dalai Lama is scheduled to be held at the Main Tibetan Temple on 6 September. His return has generated considerable enthusiasm among members of the Tibetan community in Dharamshala.