DHARAMSHALA: Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, in a letter addressed to Odisha Chief Minsiter Naveen Patnaik on 18 Oct, expressed his sadness and condoled the tragic loss of lives and the extensive trail of destruction caused by cyclone Phailin in the state.
“On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration, I express my heartfelt condolences to the family members of those who lost their lives; and also express my deepest sympathy to all those affected by this natural calamity,” Sikyong said.
He also thanked the chief minister and his government for extending all possible assistance to the Tibetans living in the state, whose standing crops suffered damage due to the cyclone.
“Over the past several decades, successive state governments have extended generous humanitarian assistance to Tibetans, for which we are very thankful. We look forward to your continued support and leadership,” he said in the letter.
About 3000 Tibetans live in the Tibetan settlement in Gajapati district of Odisha state. The settlement was established in 1963 and most of the Tibetan residents earn their livelihoods, primarily, as farmers.