Dalai Lama lands in Sikkim :: Lobsang Wangyal.com

Reportage – 2005

Dalai Lama lands in Sikkim

GANGTOK, India, 21 April 2005

The Dalai Lama being received by the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Pawan Kumar Chamling, at the state Circuit House.

After an 11-day tour of Japan amidst Chinese outcry against his visit to the country, the Dalai Lama landed in Gangtok, Sikkim, on the 20th for a week-long tour to give teachings, and to visit Buddhist sites and a Tibetan settlement in Ravangla.

The Dalai Lama was received by the state Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling. The residents of the town lined up at the road side to get a glimpse of the Dalai Lama, who was driven from Bagdora airport to Gangtok. His helicopter flight had been cancelled at the last minute due to bad weather.

The Dalai Lama is teaching from the text of "Semnyid Ngalso" (Relaxing the Mind) for today and tomorrow (22 April), and on the 23rd, he will be offering the Rinzin Dhondup Initiation.

The first day of the teaching, today, had about 10,000 devotees attending.

His visit was requested by six Tibetan Associations and eight Sikkimese Buddhist Associations.

The Dalai Lama being received by the residents of Gangtok at the state Circuit House. Miss Tibet 2004 Tashi Yangchen is seen in the photo.

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Sikkim is situated at an altitude of 1,870 metres (5,500 feet) above sea level. The state boasts of itself as the "Land of Peace and Tranquility". Tourism is the major source of income. Handicrafts and handloom consitute the cottage industries which the state is trying to promote as the second main target of commerce.

Ethnically, the state is made up of three main races: Bhutia, Lepcha and Nepalese. The Nepalese form the majority of the population, and Nepali is now the official language of the people.

Tibetans form a negligible number of the total population but their mark is felt remarkably due to their monasteries, businesses and events. Hotel Tibet and Cafe Tibet are two of the most popular spots in all of Gangtok.

The Statue of Unity right above the bustling MG Road, in dire need of a suitable backdrop.

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A striking "Statue of Unity" right above the town's bustling MG Road is unique with its own historical background. However, it is becoming a neglected spot. The monument itself is not very photogenic due to an ugly background. A fitting backdrop would perhaps give the face-lift that the monument deserves.

The town is clean and the people are hospitable. The town even has certain do's and don'ts: No spitting, no littering, do not encourage beggars, no plastics, no honking, etc. But for the honking, the rest of the rules are mostly followed. The over-done horn takes a bit of the charm off the town. A "No Horn in Gangtok" would make it the finest hill station of India. Nevertheless the taxi services are cheap and good.

An overview of Gangtok from TV tower. The Palace monastery or the Palace of the former kings of Sikkim, is seen at the top of the hill.

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The world's third highest mountain "Kangchen Dzonga" is in view from Gangtok on a bright day.

The Dalai Lama visited Sikkim for the first time in 1956. During that time he attended the 2500th year of Buddha's birth anniversary celebration in India.