Gangtok: The Dalai Lama donated Rs. 10 lakh to the Sikkim state government in the wake of the flood that has happened in the state.
Writing to the chief minister, he said, “I am writing to express my sadness about the loss of life and widespread damage to property that has occurred in Sikkim as a result of the flash flood that took place in the Testa River Valley last night. I offer my condolences to families who have lost loved ones, as well as others affected by this disaster, and pray for their welfare.”
He commended the state government in the letter saying, “I commend the State government and other concerned authorities for all they are doing to provide relief to people affected by this calamity. As a mark of my solidarity with the people of Sikkim, I have asked the Dalai Lama Trust to make a donation of Rs. 10,00,000.00 (Rupees ten lakhs) towards relief and rescue efforts.”
While the Dalai Lama was scheduled to visit Sikkim, he postponed his visit due to the calamity. The office of Tibetan spiritual leader announced the postponement of his scheduled visit to Sikkim from October 16 to 22 owing to the natural calamity.
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“In view of the recent disaster in Sikkim caused by floods and the ongoing focus of the state machinery in relief efforts, the planned visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Gangtok and Salugara scheduled from October 16 to 22 has been postponed until further notice,” an official statement said.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Our prayers are with the people and state of Sikkim,” it added.
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