Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama today granted a special audience to a group of local Indian officials of the Kangra district comprising of Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police (SP), Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Additional District Magistrate (ADM), and AC to DC at his official residence in McLeod Ganj.
During the special audience, His Holiness the Dalai Lama briefly interacted with the officials and recalled the early days of his exile in India. He spoke about his relocation from his initial residence in Mussoorie to Dharamshala at the advice of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. His Holiness further expressed that he is very comfortable in Dharamshala and said he has a deep love and affinity for Dharamshala. Describing Dharamshala as “very suitable” in terms of altitude and climate despite heavy rains during the monsoon, His Holiness said: “Since we are from the land of snow, we feel very happy when the snow falls in Dharamshala.”
Expressing his gratitude to the freedom and security provided by India, His Holiness thanked the government and public of India especially the officials and police department of Kangra for their constant assistance and security. His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that his Indian police guards have provided security and protection to him since 1960 and also shared personal stories of interactions with the policemen and women.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama then responded to questions from the guests and spoke on an array of topics ranging from philosophy to science, religion, and human rights among others.