GUNTUR: The Dharamshala-based Norbulingka Institute, which is organising the Kalachakra 2006, will construct a stupa as a memorial for the event taking place here from January 5 to 16.

The former Tibet Prime Minister and organising committee chairman Kelshang Yeshi told reporters at a press conference here on Friday that they did not mean to make it a one-time affair, but wanted the event to put Amaravathi on international Buddhist circuit. "We wish to continue our association with Amaravathi even after the event is over," he added.

Medical facilities

The Norbulingka Institute thanked the State Government for providing one of the best infrastructure facilities with all basic amenities. A 10-bedded special ward was inaugurated at the Government Hospital for the Kalachakra and ambulances kept ready. The Norbulingka also set up a special clinic.

Some skin diseases were reported among several Tibetan visitors, who came to the clinic for medicines. Sixty-three doctors from all disciplines were deployed at the hospital and a 20-bed ward was specially earmarked at Guntur Government General Hospital for the visitors.

When asked about the high tariff on tents, the Norbulingka representatives explained that they had to bear the overheads on several aspects of organising the event including paying the power bill.

The institute is bearing all expenses for the 1,500 monks who will be conducting all the rituals.

The organisers said that drowning of a Tibetan youth was negligence on the part of the visitor and advised all the Tibetans to take sufficient precautions.

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