His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed his deep sadness and condolences to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and the people of Sikkim following the tragic flash flood that struck the Teesta River Valley on the night of October 4, 2023. The flood resulted in loss of life and extensive damage to property in the region.
In a heartfelt letter addressed to Chief Minister Tamang, the Dalai Lama conveyed his sympathies, saying, “I offer my condolences to families who have lost loved ones, as well as others affected by this disaster, and pray for their welfare.”
The spiritual leader also commended the swift response of the State government and other concerned authorities in providing relief and assistance to those affected by the calamity. In a gesture of solidarity with the people of Sikkim during this difficult time, the Dalai Lama announced that the Dalai Lama Trust would make a donation towards relief and rescue efforts.
His Holiness’s letter concluded with a message of hope, saying, “With my prayers.”
The flash flood, triggered by heavy rainfall and the release of water from upstream dams, has prompted renewed discussions about disaster preparedness and the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters in the region.
As Sikkim works towards recovery and rehabilitation, the support from His Holiness the Dalai Lama serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity, uniting communities in their efforts to rebuild their lives after this devastating event.
Dalai Lama’s Visit to Sikkim Moved to October 17-18
The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama also rescheduled the Tibetan spiritual leader’s visit to Sikkim, originally scheduled for October 11-12, to October 17-18. This decision was made at the advice of the Dalai Lama’s doctors, who recommended that he receive sufficient rest in between his continuous teaching engagements.
The rescheduling ensures that the Dalai Lama can continue to provide spiritual teachings and guidance while also prioritizing his health and well-being. The visit on the new dates, October 17-18, is expected to hold significant cultural and spiritual importance for the region, and preparations are underway to ensure a warm welcome for the revered spiritual leader.
This visit, following the recent natural disaster, will also bring hope and resilience to the people of Sikkim, offering a spiritual boost during a challenging period of recovery and reconstruction. The Dalai Lama’s presence is anticipated to provide solace and inspiration to the affected communities and foster a sense of unity and strength among the state’s residents.
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