Inspired by the Dalai Lama’s message of love and compassion for others and in celebration of his 80th birthday, New York based Himalayan Elders Project have launched a project to provide a year-long support to 80 elders residing in the Tibetan settlements in South India.

The Himalayan Elders Project will make contributions of 1500 Indian Rupees (Rs) to each elder per month for 80 elders in financially destitute settlements in India. The commitment will begin on His Holiness’ birthday on 6 July 2015 and last for a full year.

This project is initiated by Thupten Sherab and Thupten N. Chakrishar, who are also the founders of the Himalayan Elders Project, and it will be assisted by local coordinators including Geshe Ngawang Lobsang of Sera Monastery.

Himalayan Elders Project is a community initiative providing time and space for seniors in New York to gather, practice dharma, socialize, share life experiences, cherish community connectedness, and enjoy a renewed sense of independence.

Kalon Trisur Samdhong Rinpoche formally inaugurated the 80 for 80 project in New York.

Sonam Chodon, one of the initial sponsors of this project tells VOA’s Tibetan Service that as she has not met her parents for a long period of time, helping other parents or elderly people gives her similar sense of joy and satisfaction as serving her own parents.