His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Dalai Lama reaches Leh in Indian Kashmir as part of an annual visit to the Himalayan region.
A large number of people lined the road leading to Jivetsal Choklamsar, a
summer resort of the Dalai Lama.
Buddhists welcomed the Dalai Lama's visit.
"His holiness is again among us and has come to Ladakh after visiting
Dharamsala and Delhi. All people, especially Buddhists feel that they are very
fortunate to see him again," said Geshe Konchok Namgyal, a Buddhist
scholar.
The convoy of vehicle was surrounded by a parallel chain of people, all
dressed up in traditional attire and carrying Phogs (incenses), Khataks
(traditional white stole) and flowers.
Numerous school children in tidy uniform held Khataks (traditional white
stole) in their folded hands and welcomed the Dalai Lama.
"His Holiness represents peace for us. He comes here every year. We
feel peace in the air after his arrival said Tashi Morup, a journalist.
The Dalai Lama was welcomed by a number of dignitaries, including state
chief grand Omar Abdullah.
Delegates representing different religious and community groups were also
present.
The Dalai Lama has lived in India's northern Dharamsala with thousands of
his followers ever since they fled from their homeland after a failed uprising
against Chinese rule in 1959.
In 1950, the Chinese troops marched into Tibet and occupied it.
An estimated 134,000 Tibetans live in exile, a majority of them in India
and Nepal.
Sympathisers of the Tibetans have accused China of repressing the religious
aspirations of the Tibetans, specially, the exiled spiritual leader the Dalai
Lama who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
Soon after reaching at Fotang Palace, the Dalai Lama said that he had a very friendly relationship with the CM's grand father Sheikh Abdullah and his father Dr Farooq Abdullah. He said that J&K has a very long and bright future under young and dynamic leadership of Omar Abdullah.
The Dalai Lama also enquired about the education and development scenario of Ladakh.
Later, the Chief Minister attended the concluding function of Ladakh Kissan Jawan Vigyan Mela held at DIHAR, DRDO, Leh as a chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Abdullah appreciated the efforts made by the DIHAR Scientists in developing new research technology in the field of agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, animal husbandry and poultry etc. which has greatly helped the local farming community to enhance their economy. He also recalled the cordial relation between Army and civilians in Ladakh and said that Kissan and Jawans are the two pillars of the country.
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