His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written today to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh to tell him how deeply saddened he is to learn of the torrential rains that have triggered floods and landslides resulting in the tragic death of many people and severe damage to roads and infrastructure in north India, particularly in Himachal Pradesh.

This morning His Holiness the Dalai Lama flew from Delhi and arrived in Leh. He was received at the airport by Thiksey Rinpoché, Taglung Matrul Rinpoché, Taglung Tsetrul Rinpoché, Jhado Rinpoché, and Drukpa Khamdrak Rinpoché, the leaders of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, as well as Hon CEC LAHDC Leh Adv Tashi Gyaltsen, Hon Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, and the Representative of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Dhondup Tashi.

This morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama stepped into the temple courtyard adjacent to his residence, a radiant smile on his face. He was presented with the traditional ‘Chema Changphu’ as artistes from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) sang their welcome to him on his birthday.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to Mr Petteri Orpo to congratulate him on assuming the office of Prime Minister of Finland following recent elections.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to Shrimati Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, to offer his congratulations on her 65th birthday today.