Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok, Chairman of the Kalachakra Organising Committee, briefs CTA press on the emergency meeting:
The Kalachakra Organising Committee held its 6th meeting on 16 November headed by Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay. During the meeting, the committee discussed various issues related to the Kalachakra, particularly the difficulties that have arisen as a result of the recent demonetisation drive by the Indian government. The issue was also discussed and deliberated during the Kashag’s internal meeting earlier.
It is clear that the government’s sudden ban on old 500 and 1000 notes has resulted in a lot of difficulty for pilgrims particularly those coming from Tibet. For instance, currently there are a lot of Tibetan pilgrims from Tibet stranded in Dharamshala facing difficulties as a result of the cash crunch. Therefore, these matters were discussed on an urgent basis and three guidelines were issued.
- Tibetan pilgrims from Tibet who have come for the Kalachakra and are currently stranded in Dharamshala with cash difficulties to pay for accommodation and daily sustenance would be welcomed at the Tibetan Reception Center. Efforts are underway to make accommodation and food arrangements at the center. (Contact the Tibetan Reception Center at +91-1892-221307, 220077) Since the pilgrims will be going to Bodh Gaya to attend the Kalachakra, the Tibetan reception center with the assistance of the Tibetan settlement officer of Dharamshala would also provide them with whatever help they require.
- A lot of people, both Tibetans and foreigners from the west, are expected to come to the Kalachakra. And in case the cash difficulty continues to that day, we request them to respect the host country’s legal compliance regulation while exchanging their currencies to Indian rupees. Bringing US dollars could be safer and more feasible.
- It is possible that devotees may wish to offer cash donations during the teachings. Therefore, the committee is arranging for facilities to accept donations from the devotees through cheques, traveler’s cheques or through electronic means such as credit or debit cards. So these matters were discussed during the meeting.
Finally, I request all Tibetan individuals as well as organisations to unite our efforts and devise legal means to help each other, particularly the Tibetans pilgrims from Tibet facing difficulties, and not rely solely on the Central Tibetan Administration to resolve all these issues.
For more inquiries, contact:
- Mr Tenzin Lungtok : +91 – 9418655398
Organising Committee Members:
- Mr Nangzey Dorjee : +91 – 9801863618
- Wangchuk Phasur : +91 – 9882694453
- Thinley Gyatso : +91 – 8894566999
