Arunachal Pradesh Leaders Urge 17th Karmapa to Return for Buddhism's Well-being

MP Tapir Gao and CM Pema Khandu ask the 17th Karmapa to return to India to support Buddhism and Tibetans. The Karmapa, who left India in 2017, recently met the Dalai Lama in Zurich, Switzerland. Gao expressed hope that the Indian government will resolve the Karmapa's visa issues.

Member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh, Tapir Gao, has called on the 17th Karmapa to come back to India and manage his institution for the betterment of Buddhism and the Tibetan community in India.

Gao, along with Chief Minister Pema Khandu and other state leaders, visited Gyuto Tantrik Monastery in Dharamshala on Thursday. They voiced strong wishes for the Karmapa, Urgyen Trinley Dorjee, to return.

The Karmapa, who acquired Dominican Republic citizenship, has been out of India since 2017. After applying for an Indian visa in 2018, it was denied. He recently met the Dalai Lama in Zurich, Switzerland, marking their first meeting since his departure.

During an interview with ANI, Gao expressed his prayers for the Karmapa's health and stressed his importance in Dharamshala for the well-being of Buddhism and Tibetans. Gao also hoped the government would sort out the Karmapa's visa issues.

Lobsang Dorjee, Gyuto Monastery's administrator, told ANI that both the Dalai Lama and Karmapa met recently on foreign soil. He mentioned the monastery's strong desire for the Karmapa's return. Born in 1985, the Karmapa made a dramatic escape from Tibet to India in 2000. He heads the 900-year-old Karma Kagyu Lineage and guides millions of Buddhists globally. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)