Shewatsel, Leh, Ladakh, India - Although he is currently on a visit to Ladakh, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been moved by reports of excessively heavy monsoon rains that have caused the loss of precious life, as well as damage to property and infrastructure in several parts of Himachal Pradesh, bringing great hardship to many people. He has written to the Chief Minister, Jai Ram Thakur to express his sadness.
“I offer my condolences to you, to the families who have lost loved ones, and to all those affected by this devastation,” he wrote. “I pray for them.
“I appreciate that the State Government and other agencies are doing their utmost to provide relief to people affected by these calamitous conditions.
“As I hope you know, I naturally feel a particular affinity for the people of Himachal Pradesh, which has been my home for more than sixty years.
“As a token of our solidarity with the people of Himachal Pradesh, our friends and neighbours, the Dalai Lama Trust is making a donation to relief and rescue efforts.”
His Holiness ended his letter by offering his prayers and good wishes.
