Dharamshala — The Minister of Religion and Culture, Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok, led a press conference at the Lhakpa Tsering Memorial Hall to explain some security and administrative measures for the 34th Kalachakra.
At the press conference, Yuthok sat between the Minister of Security, Phagpa Tsering, and the Minister of Health, Choekyong Wangchuk.
Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok, who is also Chairman of the organising committee, explained some of the organising committee's preparations to make sure the event is successful and convenient for the devotees.
In order to ease the public's anxiety amidst the global violence and terrorist attacks of our day and age, especially because of the terrorist attack at Bodh Gaya in 2013, the minister told the media present that the organising committee is paying particular attention to the issues of security.
"The state and district officials have been very cooperative and has promised to render whatever assistance that is not feasible from the part of the organising committee. And we are deeply thankful for that," he explained.
"His Holiness the Dalai Lama is always concerned about the welfare and health conditions of the devotees that come to attend his talks and teachings. He constantly enquires whether the devotees are taken care of properly or not. Therefore, we are placing extra importance to the security, welfare and the facilities to make the Kalachakra effortless and hassle-free for the public," he said.
He also explained the few initiatives taken by the Central Tibetan Administration to make the Kalachakra more accessible to people, regardless of an individual's financial situation.
"Whenever there is a Kalachakra, there are always people who sincerely wish to attend the teachings, yet aren't able to, because of financial limitations. This time, we have tried to reduce this difficulty," he said.
"Moreover, we have also advised our officials and field staff to attend to all the grievances of the devotees. We have explained that earnestly serving the public would be akin to providing a great service to His Holiness, to the Buddhist doctrine as well as to the Tibetan people," he said.
"For instance, the department of education will sponsor destitute Tibetan children to attend the teachings. Similarly, the Department of Home would sponsor destitute Tibetan individuals and families, and the department of religion would do the same to Tibetan hermits and yogis," he further added.
The 34th Kalachakra initiation being organised by the Central Tibetan Administration will be held at Bodh Gaya, known as one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Bihar State in India, from 3 – 14 January 2017.
