His Holiness Starts First Day of Teachings in Gangtok, Warm Welcome by Sikkimese Public
Dharamshala 21 April 2005: His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his entourage arrived at Bagdogra airport near Siliguri in West Bengal yesterday and drove to Gangtok. Mr. Pawan Kumar Chamling, the chief minister of Sikkim, and his ministers, religious leaders, the public and the members of the six Tibetan associations and the eight Sikkimese Buddhist associations, which requested His Holiness the Dalai Lama to give the teachings, extended a warm welcome.
The chief minister accompanied His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the place that will be his residence during the period of his visit in the state capital.
This morning the chief minister called upon His Holiness the Dalai Lama, followed by Mr. Tarkarpa, the speaker of the state legislative house and then by Mr. R. Ramarao, the governor of Sikkim.
After these courtesy calls, His Holiness the Dalai Lama drove to the Guards Ground to start teachings on Sem-nyid Ngalso or Relaxing the Mind Itself.
The teachings are telecast live across the tiny but magical Himalayan state by Nayuma Cable, the state cable system.
Later, in the day, Mr. Pawan Kumar Chamling, the chief minister, will host a luncheon for His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Metok Khang, the chief minister’s residence. Mr. R. Ramarao and Mr. Tarkarpa will also join them.