Gangtok, Dec 14: Sikkim offered a warm farewell to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama this morning, with devotees gathered to seek a final glimpse and blessings of the revered spiritual leader as his motorcade sped towards Libing Army Helipad for his departure for Salugara, West Bengal, where he is scheduled to give a general teaching followed by the Ceremony for Generation of Bodhicitta (Semkye) at Sed-Gyued Monastery, Salugara.
Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, accompanied by Madam Krishna Rai, along with Mr Arun Kumar Upreti, Speaker, SLA, Mr VB Pathak, Chief Secretary, Mr AK Singh, Director General of Police, Mr R Telang, Additional Chief Secretary, Mr Tenzing Gelek, Chairman, Administrative Reforms Commission and other dignitaries and officers bid a warm farewell to His Holiness from the Army Helipad, Libing, marking the conclusion of the three-day visit to the State.
Also present were Dr Passang D Phempu, Secretary, Ecclesiastical Department, Mrs Tashi Cho Cho, Secretary, Home Department, Mrs Cheden P Ladingpa, Secretary (Protocol), Home Department, Mr Pempo T Pulger, State Protocol Officer, Mr Tushar Nikhare, District Collector, Gangtok District, Mr Tenzing Loden Lepcha, Senior SP, Gangtok District, Ms Mingma Diki Sherpa, Additional Secretary, Protocol, Mr Praneet Pradhan, Joint Secretary Protocol, Mrs Youdon Aukatsang, Tibetan Parliament, Mr Lhakpa Tsering, Tibetan Settlement Officer-Gangtok and Mr Zimba Pintsok Bhutia, Local Tibetan Assembly Chairman.
The three-day visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Sikkim was marked by profound spiritual engagements and warm receptions. His arrival in the State capital on December 11 was met with traditional rituals and enthusiastic greetings, setting the tone for the commencement of a spiritually significant journey since his last visit to Sikkim in 2013.
On December 12, Paljor Stadium became a haven for over 30,000 individuals, spanning state dignitaries, government officials, monks, and devotees from all walks of life, gathered to receive the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
His Holiness delivered teachings on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo’s 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva (‘Laklen Sodunma’) and conducted the ceremony of the generation of Bodhichitta (‘Semkye’).
In addition to imparting teachings, His Holiness also led the audience in a solemn prayer invoking Avalokiteshwara, expressing compassion for those who lost their lives in the recent October flash flood-disaster in Sikkim while conveying wishes for peace and happiness to the people of the State and neighbouring regions.
The reverberations of his teachings at Paljor Stadium have etched an enduring impression, fostering a profound sense of spiritual enrichment among the devotees.
The visit reached its pinnacle on December 13 with a State banquet held in honour of His Holiness. The Government of Sikkim hosted this esteemed event at Samman Bhawan, providing a platform for dignitaries, officials, and attendees to express their reverence and appreciation for the revered spiritual leader.
His departure from the State today has stirred emotions, with locals and devotees bidding a warm farewell, making the visit a memorable blend of spiritual exchange and cultural celebration.
