Dharamshala: Rinzin Wangmo, the 10th Panchen Lama's daughter, last month helped along Kyigudo relief efforts by sending a relief convoy of nine trucks and participating in the distribution of essential aid to victims, it has emerged.
Rigzin Wangmo first arrived in the devastated Kyigudo (Chinese: Yushu) County on 22 April, to visit and comfort the victims in the worst-hit areas of the region.
On 23 April, Wangmo sent the 9 trucks, filled with essential food aid and shelter such as roasted barley flour, butter, salt, tents, quilts and clothing. The aid was aimed to be in line with needs of the victims, most of whom had not received the vital food and shelter supplies promised by the Chinese government. The aid was targeted towards nursing homes and orphanages, many of which had completely destroyed by the quake.
Reports of the Tibetan spiritual figure's visit quote victims saying her arrival brought not only material assistance, but some spiritual comfort following the Chinese refusal to recognise His Holiness the Dalai Lama's bid to visit the Tibetan region.
She has summoned around three hundred monks from different areas of eastern Tibet at the funeral to offer prayers for those who lost thier lives during the deadly earthquake. It's very comforting for those who survived.
In a message to victims of the disaster, Wangmo said that the spirit of the 10th Panchen Lama was with them, and stressed the importance of community assistance and solidarity in dealing with the tragedy.
"We want you to know that in this land our ancestors experienced and overcame a variety of disasters. From generation to generation [the Tibetan people] have taken root here, and built up a beautiful and warm home. Today we should have the confidence and reason to believe that with strong community assistance, Yushu people in their perseverance will in the near future see this land bloom once more."
