The Dalai Lama grants special audience to senior local officials

DHARAMSALA: His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed that he is very comfortable in Dharamshala and said that he has a deep love and affinity for Dharamshala, where he has had his permanent official residence since 1960. Describing Dharamshala as “very suitable” in terms of altitude and climate despite heavy rains during the monsoon, His Holiness said: “Since we are from the land of snow, we feel very happy when the snow falls in Dharamshala.”

The Dalai Lama was speaking with a group of local Indian officials of the Kangra district, which include Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police (SP), and many other administrative officers at his official residence in Mecleodganj, Upper Dharamsala (North India) on Monday.

His Holiness recalled the early days of his exile in India. He spoke about his relocation from his initial residence in Mussoorie to Dharamshala at the advice of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He said, “I am very comfortable in Dharamshala and have a deep love and affinity for Dharamshala.”

Expressing his gratitude to the freedom and security provided by India, His Holiness thanked the government of India, HP government and public of India especially the officials and police department of Kangra for their constant assistance and security. The Dalai Lama said that his Indian police guards have provided security and protection to him since 1960 and also shared personal stories of interactions with the policemen and women.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama then responded to questions from the guests and spoke on an array of topics ranging from philosophy to science, religion, and human rights among others.