Dalai Lama relocates to Syracuse, NY for recovery from knee surgery

By Tenzin Nyidon 

DHARAMSHALA, July 9: The revered exiled spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama, departed the Park Hyatt hotel in New York early Tuesday morning to a temporary residence in Syracuse, New York, to aid his recovery and undergo follow-up physiotherapy in the coming days.

The Dalai Lama, who recently had knee replacement surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York, had been staying at the Park Hyatt since his discharge from the hospital. According to his personal physicians, Dr. Tsetan Dorjee Sadhutsang and Dr. Tsewang Tamdin, the octogenarian leader’s recovery is progressing positively, prompting the move to a more accommodating environment for his continued recovery. 

“His Holiness is recovering exceptionally well and is able to walk. Soon, he will move to a place with a better environment. Tibetans inside Tibet and in exile should not be worried about his condition. There’s nothing to worry about,” stated Dr. Tsetan D. Sadhutsang.

In a medical bulletin, Dr. David J. Mayman, Chief of the Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement Service at HSS, detailed the recovery process earlier. “During the first week after knee replacement, the primary objective is to minimise inflammation and swelling. His Holiness is mobile and walking with our physical therapy team.” “I would expect His Holiness to continue to improve in terms of his knee and walking over this coming year,” Dr. Mayman said. 

Meanwhile, a large number of Tibetans and followers of the Dalai Lama gathered outside the Park Hyatt hotel early in the morning to see their leader off, expressing strong emotions and chanting longevity prayers for his swift recovery. International leaders, followers and well-wishers have poured in with their message of love and speedy recovery for the much admired religious leader.