Mcleodganj (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 6 (HBTV): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu visited Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh on Friday to meet the Dalai Lama. The Chief Minister participated in the special prayers organised by the people of Tawang for the long life of the Dalai Lama.

The five-day prayers started on September 3 and will conclude on September 7. Dalai Lama will also join the prayers on Saturday. 

Pema Khandu said, "His health has improved a lot. So, we also pray for the long life of His Holiness. This morning, I had a very good discussion with His Holiness. The people of Arunachal Pradesh share a very good relation with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.” 

So, Khandu said, on behalf of people of the state, he invited the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh as and when he feels so. He was kind enough to accept the invitation on behalf of the people and in coming days, he will definitely be visiting Arunachal Pradesh, the chief minister said.

Meanwhile, member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh, Tapir Gao has urged the 17th Karmapa to return to India and look after his institution for the "well-being of Buddhism and Tibetans in India."

MP Tapir Gao and CM Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu along with other leaders of their state visited Gyuto Tantrik Monastery in Dharamshala on Thursday. Many of them have expressed a strong desire that the head of the Gyuto sect, the 17th Karmapa, Urgyen Trinley Dorjee should return to India. 

Karmapa Lama left India in 2017 and he has taken the citizenship of the Dominican Republic. According to sources after taking the Dominican citizenship, Karmapa applied for an Indian visa in 2018, which he was denied. 

The 17th Karmapa recently met the Dalai Lama in Zurich Switzerland on August 25. This was his first meeting with the Dalai Lama after leaving India. 

In an interview with ANI, Lok Sabha member from Arunachal Pradesh Tapir Gao said, "I am praying for his (Karmapa's) good health and long life and he should be back to India to Dharamshala and look after this institution for the wellbeing of Buddhism and Tibetans in India and pass a message for the peace and tranquility all over the world."   

(ANI)