His Holiness and CTA express sadness over Nepal earthquake tragedy, make generous contributions
DHARAMSALA, Apr 27: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration have expressed deep sadness at the devastation caused by the massive 7.9 magnitude earthquake that shook Nepal and parts of Tibet and India.
His Holiness in a missive to the Nepalese Prime Minister, Sushil Koirala on Apr 26 expressed his solidarity and offered condolences to the victims and their family members who have suffered great loss in the tragedy.
“The people of Nepal and Tibetans have been neighbours throughout history and many Tibetan refugees live in Nepal. I offer my condolences to you and to those who have lost members of their families, friends and their homes in this tragedy,” His Holiness wrote in the letter.
He added: “As a token of solidarity with the people of Nepal, I have asked the Dalai Lama Trust to make a donation towards rescue and relief efforts.”
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has also expressed its deep shock and sadness at the horrific devastation caused by the earthquake in an emergency meeting of the Kashag (Tibetan Cabinet) held here in Dharamsala on Sunday and further decided that the CTA would hold a special prayer session on Apr 27 at 4 pm at Tsuglagkhang, the main temple in Mcleod Ganj to offer prayers to those who have lost their lives in this natural disaster.
The CTA in a press release on Apr 26 also announced to donate a sum of NPR 20 Lakhs to the government of Nepal as a token of contribution from the Tibetan administration towards its rescue and relief efforts in the country.
While expressing his grief and sadness, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the political leader of the Tibetan people, said, “At this dark and painful time, words fail to convey how deeply we feel for the people affected in Nepal, Tibet and India”
“On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the entire Tibetan people, I express my profound sympathies and condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and whose lives have been severely devastated by this horrific natural calamity.”
“Our sincere prayers are with the people affected by the earthquake and the governments at this time of national tragedy,” he said.
The Kashag has instructed its Representatives abroad and the Settlement Officers to collect donations from their respective areas towards relief efforts in Nepal.
It further instructed all the Tibetan settlements, monasteries and communities in Nepal to actively engage in rescue and relief efforts in their localities.