TAWANG, Jan 25: The Sikyong (Prime Minister) of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Dr Lobsang Sangay has arrived in the district to a warm welcome accorded by State’s Tourism and RWD Minister Pema Khandu at Urgen Sangpo Helipad, Tawang on Saturday. Tawang DC Abhishek Dev, ZPC Jambey Tsering and SP Tawang along with a host of public leaders received the Sikyong and his entourage at the Civil Helipad.
En-route to the district headquarters, the Sikyong made a brief visit to Jamyang Choekhorling Monastery and the birth place of the 6th Dalai Lama – Tsangyang Gyatso at Urgelling in Tawang.
At Galden Namgey Lhatse, Dr Lobsang and Pema offered their prayers and paid reverence to the 27ft high golden Buddha.
Later in the day, a private meeting between the Sikyong and the Tibetans, living in settlements in the district, was held at Zomkhang hall which was roughly attended by about 200 Tibetans.
The State guest extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, Pema Khandu and the people of the State in general for the love and support rendered to the Tibetan community in Arunachal Pradesh.
“I had never imagined that I would be in a position to visit Arunachal in such a brief time, I couldn’t have made the visit possible if it was not for the effort taken by Pema”, said the Sikong of CTA.
On a weeklong tour to Arunachal Pradesh, Dr Lobsang will be visiting various Tibetan settlements in the state viz. Tenzingang, Miao and Tezu on Jan 27, 29 and 30 respectively. He is also scheduled to visit Bomdila, Khalaktang and Tuting.
After his Arunachal, the Sikyong will attend the Tibet Festival at Guwahati in Assam, starting Feb 2. Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness, the Dalai Lama will also attend the festival, who will be accompanied by Tourism and RWD Minister Pema Khandu, who is also the chairman of the festival organizing committee.