Washington DC, USA, 5 July 2011 - His Holiness the
Dalai Lama arrived in Washington, D.C. on July 5 afternoon from India.
On his arrival at the airport His Holiness was received by Kasur Lodi
Gyari, Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Kasur Lobsang
Nyandak Zayul, Representative of H.H. the Dalai Lama for the Americas. A
Representative of the Protocol Division of the State Department, as
well as of the Embassy of India were there to welcome His Holiness. Mr.
Kalden Lodoe, President of Capital Area Tibetan Association, which is
organizing the Kalachakra teachings, welcomed His Holiness on behalf of
the community.
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| His Holiness the Dalai Lama is
greeted by members of the Tibetan community on his arrival at his hotel
in Washington DC on July 5, 2011. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL |
At the hotel, members of the Capital Area Tibetan
Association performed the traditional Gyalshey (court dance) along the
entrance as younger members sang songs of welcome and offered Droso
Chemar to His Holiness. His Holiness was welcomed by Under Secretary
Maria Otero, the US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Mr. Penpa
Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Kalon
Tripa-elect, Tromthok Rinpoche, abbot of Namgyal Monastery ,and other
senior Tibetan lamas. Former Tibetan Supreme Justice Commissioner
Lobsang Dhargyal Phunrab, Kasur Alak Jigme, Kasur Jetsun Pema, and
former Tibetan Election Commissioner Dorjee Damdul Gonshar were also
there to greet His Holiness.
His Holiness had a brief meeting with Under Secretary Otero before he retired for the day.
His Holiness’ program for July 6 begins with preparatory prayers and a function to celebrate his 76th birthday.
In the coming days His Holiness will be visiting the Capitol Hill to
meet with Speaker John Boehner and other members of Congress.
