DHARAMSHALA: In an expression of solidarity with the sufferings of the people affected by the massive Nepal earthquake on 25 April, Tibetans across India and Nepal held prayer services and collected donations for earthquake relief, as directed by the Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration.
Samyeling Tibetan Settlement, Delhi
Tibetans in Samyeling Tibetan Settlement in Majnu Ka Tilla, Delhi, organised a prayer service on 28 April to pray for the victims of the Nepal earthquake. They also collected donations from the public to be sent as relief to the people affected by the natural calamity.
Shri. B.M Singh, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, joined the Tibetans in their prayer service.
Residents of Ladakh Bodh Vihar in Delhi also held an hour-long service to offer their prayers for the victims of the earthquake.
Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement, Karnataka State
The Tibetan community of Bylakuppe settlement in Karnataka State, held a prayer session for the victims of the devastating earth quake at Dicky Larsoe Community hall on 29 April.
The prayer service began with a minute’s silence to mourn those who have lost their lives in the earthquake.
More than 500 members of the community assembled at the service which was attended by former Kalon Ven. Tsering Phuntsok. Also present were local Justice Commissioner, Settlement officers, President of Tibetan Freedom Movements, Chairman of Cooperatives and other NGOs / Staffs and members of respective offices.
The monasteries in Bylakuppe were also requested by the settlement officers to hold similar prayers session at their respective monastery on the same day.
One thousand butter lamps were lit at the service.
Pokhra Tibetan Settlement, Nepal
Tibetans residing in Lo-drik Paljorling settlement in Pokhra, Nepal, held a prayer service on 28 April to express their solidarity with the massive loss of lives and properties in Nepal, Tibet, and parts of India as a result of the 25 April earthquake.
Members of the Tibetan settlement gathered in the Tashi Choglay Namgyal community hall to offer their prayers. The settlement officer, heads of various Tibetan organisations, and monks from nearby monasteries, took part in the service.
Gaden Jangtse Monastery, Mundgod, Karnataka State
The monks of Gaden Jangtse Monastery in the south Indian Tibetan settlement of Mundgod, Karnataka State, held a special prayer service on 30 April to offer the monastery’s prayers and condolences at the massive loss of lives and destruction caused by the 25 April Nepal Earthquake. The prayer service was led by Jetsun Lobsang Choenyi, the abbot of the monastery. The earthquake’s impact has also been seen neighboring countries like India, Bhutan and Bangaldesh. In border regions of Tibet particularly in Nyalam, Dromo, Kyidong, the impact of the quake was quite severe as at least twenty Tibetans have reportedly died and over sixty injured.
