Sikkim gears up for Dalai Lama's visit

Hectic arrangements are going on in Sikkim to make the visit of the Dalai Lama a grand success.

Hectic arrangements are going on in Sikkim to make the visit of his highness Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet a grand success, with barely a few days left for his arrival in Gangtok. According to state officials, apart from tight security arrangement for the spiritual leader and his entourage, large-scale planning is being made to accommodate thousands of his followers, who are expected to come to the state from Darjeeling, Bengal, Northeastern states, Nepal and Bhutan.

Although the Lama has been to Sikkim many times before, his forthcoming visit gains importance in the wake of the new found camaraderie between India and China, who has formally recognized Sikkim as part of the Indian republic. The Sikkim people also hope that Lama's visit will finally lead to the trade route between India and China to be opened before long.

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The Dalai Lama, who will reach Gangtok on April 20 for a week long stay, is expected to visit several monasteries in the state and will give several spiritual discourses. The state government's department of ecclesiastical affairs will take care of the spiritual leader's visit, it is learnt. The state government has formed a core group of senior government officials and others to look after the arrangements.

The Supreme head of Gelugpa sect Vajrayana Buddhism with its seat in Tibetan capital Lhasa, the Dalai Lama's 'government -in-exile' runs a number of organisations in Sikkim and Darjeeling. The Dalai Lama's government has also deputed a Tibetan welfare officer to look after the welfare of the Tibetans living in Gangtok and Ravangla.

Security and traffic arrangements are being worked out for the Dalai Lama's visit to Ravangla and Namchi, two other destinations included in his programme. On 27 April, the Dalai Lama will leave for Bagdogra, concluding his week-long visit to Sikkim state.