Bylakuppe: Tibetan Spiritual leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, the Dalai Lama arrived at the Tibetan Settlement camp at Bylakuppe yesterday afternoon on a five-day visit.

President of Tibetan-government-in-Exile officially known as Central Tibetan Administration Lobsang Sangay too arrived to take part in the functions late yesterday night.

Dalai Lama, who had arrived in a chopper when he visited Bylakuppe two years ago, arrived on road this time from Shivamogga. Thousands of Tibetans lined along the bridge built across Cauvery River along Kushalnagar and Koppa, and extended a warm welcome to the Tibetan spiritual leader.

As per the tradition, Hunsur Assistant Commissioner K. Satish and Tahsildar J. Mahesh extended a warm welcome for the Spiritual Leader in the presence of Tibetan Settlement Officials Gelak and Lhakpa Tsering, Tibetan MP Pema Delak, Tibetan Government in Exile Security Minister P. Delak and Serache Monastery Secretary Geshieshi.

Expressing his happiness to be at one of great monastic institute of Sera Monastery, the Tibetan Spiritual leader explained about the change in his schedule due to cold and tiredness.

He praised the progress in student exchange program from monastery with Tumkur University and encouraged further development. He said “Tibetan Buddhism must go parallel with science. I urge everyone to study rigorously on those rich Nalanda traditions.” He also enquired about Tibetan population in Bylakuppe and Kollegal settlements.

Hayagriva Initiation conferred: Dalai Lama today conferred Hayagriva Initiation (Tamding Yangsang Kawang) at a function held at Sera Mey Monastery in Bylakuppe which was attended by President of Tibetan-government-in-Exile Lobsang Sangay, Monastery officials and Buddhist monks.

Speaking on the occasion, Dalai Lama said that people belonging to various castes and religions were living in peace and harmony in India, though their lifestyle, language, art and culture and traditions differs.

He said that though there are many religions in the world, Buddhism has a special place. Along with the traditions and cultures of Tibet, there is a need to preach about Buddhism, he added.