‘My Chief Minister’: Dalai Lama Extends Condolences, Announces Aid for Himachal Flood Victims
CM during the meeting with his Holiness at Dharamshala. Old photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Sept 10,
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed profound sorrow over the widespread destruction and loss of lives caused by the recent wave of torrential rains, floods, and landslides in Himachal Pradesh.
In a personal letter addressed to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Tibetan spiritual leader conveyed his condolences to bereaved families and all those affected. “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,” he wrote, acknowledging the severity of the calamity.
Demonstrating solidarity with the hill state, the Dalai Lama announced that the Dalai Lama Trust will extend financial assistance to support ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures. “I am aware that the State Government and all concerned agencies 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 contribution,” the letter added.
Confirming the gesture, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) spokesperson noted that His Holiness described the Chief Minister as “my Chief Minister,” underlining his deep emotional connection with Himachal Pradesh. “Dharamshala has been my home for more than 65 years. I deeply appreciate the friendship and hospitality that people from all walks of society in Himachal Pradesh have shown me and my fellow Tibetans,” His Holiness stated.
The message comes amid reports that Tibetan settlements in McLeodganj, Kullu, and Kasumpti were also battered by the late August deluge. According to the CTA’s Home Department, monasteries, dormitories, and residential colonies in Kullu’s Dobhi Palrabling and Manali Dekyiling settlements sustained extensive damage from mudslides and flooding. Though timely evacuation prevented casualties, the scale of property loss was described as “colossal.”
Also read:Tibetan settlements in Himachal among worst-hit by Monsoon fury: CTA
To meet urgent needs, the CTA has already disbursed emergency relief funds amounting to Rs 4 lakh (USD 48,000) for affected families in Kullu.
Closing his message, His Holiness offered prayers for the speedy recovery of Himachal Pradesh and its people, reaffirming the spiritual and cultural bond he has shared with the state for over six decades.
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