MINNESOTA: On his arrival at the residence of the University of Minnesota’s President for a welcome reception on 6 May, members of the Tibetan community presented ceremonial welcome dances and offered Droso Chema. Tibetan community President Tsewang Ngodup introduced the board members and the guests.

At the reception, the university thanked His Holiness for being an inspiration to all of them and conveyed their heartfelt gratitude for his presence.

Director May Jo Kereitzer said, “There is no one appropriate for this honor (honorary doctorate) than His Holiness the Dalai Lama whose vision for peace and non-violence inspired thousands around the world.”

Kereitzer further informed that the university has built partnership with the Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute in Dharamsala to work on research and development.

Among those who came to greet His Holiness at the reception were members of the Board of Regents (governing board) of the University, Mayor Chris Coleman of St Paul, and Congresswoman Betty McCollum, who conveyed to His Holiness greetings from former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. 

In his remarks His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that he was not special and that he was only doing his share of contributing to build a happier human society.

His Holiness stressed the need to understand the new reality taking into account of the global interest like global warming which has some serious repercussion in the world. Putting into account of the recent failure of the Copenhagen summit on the environment, His Holiness held responsible the governments for placing their country’s interest before global interest.

He said, “The purpose was same for all the countries to build a healthy society for which it is necessary for everyone to work together.”

His Holiness also appreciate the university’s research in Tibetan medicine and referred to himself as an ‘old patient’ of Tibetan medicine and also mentioned that many prominent Indian people, including family members of well known doctors in New Delhi have undergone Tibetan medical treatment.

The Tibetan medical tradition was a synthesis of Tibetan, Indian, Chinese and Persian healing systems, which came about as a result of a semi-international medical conference convened by a Tibetan emperor in the eighth century.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama reaffirmed his commitment on promoting human values and religious harmony.

His Holiness arrived in Rochester in the state of Minnesota on Thursday (5 May), from Long Beach, California, for his annual health checkup at the Mayo Clinic. The doctors found him in good health.

His Holiness has begun his two-day programme, which is being co-hosted by the University of Minnesota and the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota. 

His Holiness’ programe for 7 May includes a meeting with the press, an address to the Tibetan community and another meeting with Chinese and other students and scholars.