Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 6 (HBTV): 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 the chief minister of 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, Loksabha 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 well being of Buddhism and Tibetans in India and pass a message for the peace and tranquillity all over the world."

"As far as his visa issue is concerned I think it will be addressed by the government of India and that should not be an issue," Tapir Gao added.

Lobsang Dorjee, administrator of Gyuto Monastery told ANI, "Dalai Lama and Karmapa met on foreign shores recently. Karmapa Lama was living here in this monastery for many years but he left India in 2017 and all directors and students of this monastery all lamas wish that he must return to India."

His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Urgyen Trinley Dorje, is the head of the 900-year-old Karma Kagyu Lineage and guide to millions of Buddhists around the world.

Born in 1985, the Karmapa resided in his temporary home at Gyuto Monastery in India after making a dramatic escape from Tibet in the year 2000.    

(ANI)