Tsewang Rigzin
Leh, July 12: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama arrived in Leh today amidst tight security. He flew in from Himachal Pradesh aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft, landing at the Technical Airport in Leh.
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Upon arrival, His Holiness was warmly received by a gathering of top religious, social, and political leaders of Ladakh. From the airport to Jivetsal in Choglamsar, thousands of people from all walks of life lined both sides of the road, holding khataks and flowers to welcome the spiritual leader.
Among those who received the Dalai Lama were Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC Leh Tashi Gyalson, President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association Chering Dorjay, President of the Ladakh Gonpa Association Gyen Stanzin Dorjey, Executive Councillors, leaders of various religious communities, and hundreds of other dignitaries.
Speaking upon his arrival, His Holiness emphasised the importance of preserving the Nalanda Tradition of Buddhism, which has been safeguarded in Tibet for centuries. He said the Himalayan region has a vital role to play in this effort. He also expressed gratitude to India for its unwavering support since 1959, when he fled Tibet, in helping the Tibetan people preserve and promote their rich Buddhist heritage.
“It is a special day for the people of Ladakh as this is after a gap of more than one year that the Dalai Lama finally embarked on a tour of the region. He will spend a few days at his official residence for acclimatisation to the high altitude before leaving for Zanskar to start his public discourse and interactions,” said a leader of Ladakh Buddhist Association.
He added that they would approach the Dalai Lama for a few teaching sessions on his return from Zanskar.
The monks were also seen playing traditional instruments to welcome the Dalai Lama in Ladakh.
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