Tibetans Accord Warm Welcome to His Holiness on Return

DHARAMSHALA: His Holiness the Dalai Lama successfully concluded his 14-day visit to the US and returned to Dharamsala today.

A warm and ceremonial reception was accorded to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Gagal airport and at Tsuglagkhang on his arrival in Dharamsala. 

Kalon Tripa Prof Samdhong Rinpoche and Speaker Penpa Tsering received His Holiness at the airport. While other senior officials of the administration welcomed him at his residence.

Hundreds of Tibetans carrying traditional scarves, incense sticks, bouquets and Tibetan national flags lined on the road sides to seek blessings and welcome His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

His Holiness’ five-State visit to US began on 1 May at Long Beach, California and ended on 14 May at Newark in New Jersey.
 
His Holiness visited universities in California, Minnesota, Arkansas, Texas and New Jersey. He was bestowed with honorary degree by three universities, University of Minnesota, Southern Methodist University and University of Arkansas.

Amnesty International also conferred His Holiness with ‘Shine a Light Award’ for his nonviolent movement in freedom for his people.

In all his visits His Holiness gave public talk on compassion and leadership, his talk was webcast live from Minneapolis and he interacted with the Chinese scholars and students on revival of Buddhism in China and its implication. 

His Holiness also participated in an interactive session with the foreign media on number of topics.

He gave talks on secular ethics and human values in various universities. His Holiness also met with former US president George Bush and his wife Laura Bush at the George W Bush Presidential Centre.