Unexpected often comes. Günter Hager, landlord of “Josef” in Linz, has been to Tibet many times, has now built three orphanages there and has met the Dalai Lama more than ten times. However, Hager will remember Thursday’s flight from Leh in the high Himalayan desert to Delhi in India.
“I’ve been here many times, at least 25 times. But this time there was a striking amount of military personnel in and around the airport. Hundreds of people were dressed in festive attire,” Hager told the “Krone” from Delhi. The riddle was quickly solved. “Like me, His Holiness the Dalai Lama had completed his sojourn in the Ladakh region and flew back to Dharamsala via Delhi. I was on the plane with him on the one hour flight to Delhi.”
For some gossip with the Dalai Lama
Hager was also lucky enough to sit next to the Tibetan spiritual leader. “We were half an hour late because everyone from the pilot to the flight attendants came to kneel in front of him,” Hager said. At first he held himself back. “I didn’t mean to be annoying. But then I thought to myself, I have to take the chance,” Hager said. He also knelt before the Dalai Lama.
Then the two exchanged a few words. “Unfortunately it was very loud and therefore correspondingly short. We’ve met before, and the best part is that he always remembers and recognizes me – even though the Dalai Lama has met many, many people in his life.”
Active in Tibet for many years
For the Linzer, the introduction is also a sign of appreciation for his efforts in Tibet. He has been flying regularly to Northern India since 1998 and has started building three orphanages (Josef 1 to 3). About 125 children have already been given a place here, mainly education. “I was just downstairs as we opened the third house. It is always very moving, because there is a lot of appreciation and gratitude,” says de Linzer happily.
Birthday Party In Delhi
For the time being, however, Günter Hager is not going home. “I’ll be staying in Delhi for a few days now, celebrating my 67th birthday here in peace and then flying home,” he tells Krone on the phone.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
