Arunachal CM Invites Dalai Lama; Push for Karmapa's Return Grows

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu visited Mcleodganj to meet the Dalai Lama, participate in special prayers, and invite him to visit Arunachal Pradesh. CM Khandu, MP Tapir Gao, and other leaders also pushed for the 17th Karmapa's return to India to support Buddhism and Tibetan communities.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu visited Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, on Friday to meet the Dalai Lama. The Chief Minister joined special prayers organized by the people of Tawang for the long life of the Dalai Lama, which began on September 3 and conclude on September 7. The Dalai Lama is expected to join the prayers on Saturday.

"His health has improved a lot, and we pray for his long life," CM Khandu said. "This morning, I had a very good discussion with His Holiness. The people of Arunachal Pradesh share a very good relationship with the Dalai Lama. On behalf of the state's people, I invited him to visit Arunachal Pradesh whenever he feels so. He kindly accepted the invitation, and he will definitely visit in the coming days." Meanwhile, MP Tapir Gao from Arunachal Pradesh has urged the 17th Karmapa to return to India and oversee his institution for the "well-being of Buddhism and Tibetans in India."

On Thursday, CM Khandu, MP Gao, and other leaders from Arunachal Pradesh visited the Gyuto Tantrik Monastery in Dharamshala. They expressed a strong desire for the 17th Karmapa, Urgyen Trinley Dorjee, to return to India. The Karmapa left India in 2017 and has since taken Dominican Republic citizenship. He applied for an Indian visa in 2018, which was denied.

The 17th Karmapa met the Dalai Lama in Zurich, Switzerland, on August 25, marking their first meeting since the Karmapa left India. In an interview with ANI, MP Tapir Gao said, "I am praying for his (Karmapa's) good health and long life. He should return to India, to Dharamshala, and look after this institution for the well-being of Buddhism and Tibetans in India, and spread a message of peace and tranquility worldwide."

(With inputs from agencies.)