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His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Representative to Moscow visits Kalmykia Republic
Friday, 29 May 2009, 4:40 p.m.
Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Representative to Moscow Dr. Ngawang Rabgyal visited Elista, capital of Kalmykia Republic from 21 to 24 May. He was invited as a guest on the occasion of 400th anniversary of Kalmykia becoming a part of Russian Federation.
On 21 May, the chairwoman and vice-chair of Friends of Tibet Society received Dr.Ngawang Rabgyal with a luncheon meeting where they briefed him about their activities for the cause of Tibet. Following the luncheon meeting, Dr. Rabgyal visited a new monastery "The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni", the biggest monastery in Kalmykia, and had meeting with Shajin Lama, abbot of the monastery.
The Friends of Tibet Society organized a public meeting on 22 May, where Dr. Rabgyal gave talk on 'The situation in Tibet and policy of Central Tibetan Administration,' which was followed by a question and answer series. Dr. Rabgyal took the opportunity to express gratitude to Kalmykia Republic and presented white scarf to the chairperson of Tibet Support Group as a mark of respect.
Representative Dr. Rabgyal also met with the minister of culture and education of Kalmykia and vice-chairman of the Kalmykia government.
The minister of Culture and Education hosted lunch in honour of Dr. Rabgyal and members of Friends of Tibet Society. Following the lunch Dr. Rabgyal delivered talk at Elista High School. Later in the evening, he was invited for a dinner reception by the Vice-Chairman of Kalmykia government.
On 23 May, as the government and people of Kalmykia Republic commemorated the 400th anniversary of Kalmykia becoming a part of Russian Federation. On the occasion, thirty-two monks of Dzonga Choede performed religious dance (in Tibetan is called Cham), which was telecast live by two television channels and attended by about 10,000 people.
Dr. Rabgyal met president, prime minister, and other government officials of Kalmykia Republic during the visit.
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