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Amaravati, 18 January 2006 (www.tibet.net) - The historic event of the 30th Kalachakra 2006 ended on 16 January with a valedictory function attended by His Holiness the Dalai Lama along with K. Rosaiah, Minister for Finance and Health, K. Lakshmi Narayana Minister for Cooperative and Transport, J. Geeta Reddy, Minister for Tourism, D. Prasada Rao, Minister for Revenue, D. Manikya Vara Prasada Rao, MLA, Tadikonda, R.Sambasiva Rao, MP Guntur and other concerned officials of the state and district administration of the government of Andhra Pradesh.

While addressing the valedictory function, His Holiness said that 300 volumes of Buddhist literature would be donated to the Buddhist study centre. Not only this, His Holiness said that a deity of Kalachakra and a statue of Bodhisattva would be placed at the study centre. He thanked the state government and its people for extending their extensive support in making this Kalachakra event possible and their effort in building Buddhist centres in the state.

His Holiness said that India has and always been an example of bringing all the diverse cultures into a mainstream and promoting religious harmony among different religious traditions. Apart from this, His Holiness, particularly lauded the efforts of Dr. Ambedkar for uplifting the social problems and emphasizing Buddhism to promote more social values.

'Showing interest in Buddhism is not sufficient in understanding Buddhism but what is requred is a more thorough study to acquire the real essence of Buddhism', His Holiness said.

As a token of appreciation, His Holiness the Dalai Lama announced Rs. 30 lakh as a donations towards the ongoing construction of Dhyana Buddha project and for the establishment of an international Buddhist study centre.

Mr. K. Rosaiah, Minister for Finance, said that the Kalachakra teachings by His Holiness has once again blessed this place and it has now become an international known pilgrimage centre.

Mr. Dharmana Prasada Rao, Minister for Revenue, said that the Kalachakra was a historical event. He complimented the officials for their efficiency in organising the programme effectively.

Earlier, His Holiness released a souvenir published by the district administration on Kalachakra. Mr. Rahul Bojja, IAS, Guntur district joint collector, Mr. Vijay Mohan, Kalachakra special officer, Mr. Manish Sinha, officer on special duty and other officials of various departments were given meritorious certificates. On behalf of the state government, Ministers, Mr. Dharmana Prasada Rao and Dr. Geeta Reddy presented mementoes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Mr. D. Manikya Varaprasad, Tadikonda MLA, Mr. Janga Krishna Murthy, Gurajala MLA, Mr. Raymond Peter, Managing Director of State Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs. G. Jayalakshmi, Guntur district collector were also present during the funtion.