His Eminence the Karmapa Rinpoche today graced the 43rd founding anniversary of Tibetan Delek hospital at Gangchen Kyishong. The ceremony is also being marked as part of the ‘2014 – Year of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama’ announced by the 14th Kashag.
The ceremony was attended by Tibetan justice commissioners, members of the Tibetan Parliament and the respective Kalons and secretaries of the various departments of the Central Tibetan Administration.
A new residence for the doctors of Delek hospital was also inaugurated on the occasion.
Addressing the ceremony, His Eminence the Karmapa Rinpoche acknowledged the crucial public service performed by the hospital in catering to the healthcare needs of the Tibetan community. He said: “ I am glad to be here today to mark ‘2014 – Year of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama’ and the 43rd founding anniversary of Delek hospital. The healthcare services provided by Delek Hospital are really commendable and helpful to the Tibetan community as well as the local Indian people.”
“ Personally, whenever I suffer any ailment, I avail the services of Dr. Tseten la of Delek Hospital. I feel the health facilities of the hospital and the qualifications and determination of the doctors are really admirable. It serves as a perfect role model for aspiring Tibetan doctors,” he said.
He urged the hospital authorities to continue their exemplary work and underlined the need to fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s message of peace, non-violence and service to the needy. “ If you continue your exemplary service, you would be fulfilling the true aspirations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, not just in words but in deeds,” he said.
Mr. Dawa Phunkyi, chief administrator of Tibetan Delek hospital, read out a brief report of the hospital’s notable works and achievements.
The ceremony also saw the presentation of souvenirs to Mr. Harrie Penders and group, for their financial charities and conferment of awards to long-serving staff of the hospital.
A cultural performance was presented by Thangthong Lukar group at the end of the ceremony.