There was a little bit of Derry in Dharamshala earlier this month when Richard Moore travelled to northern India to catch up with his old friend, His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

On October 5 Richard visited the Tibetan spiritual leader’s official residence in Himachal Pradesh where he has been living in exile since 1959.

The Children in Crossfire founder told his old friend about the ongoing work of the charity which he established in Derry in 1996 in order to help improve the lives of young people in some of the most impoverished regions of East Africa.

"The last time you were in Derry in NI was in 2017,” said the Creggan native. “We had a wonderful time and thank you for all your support. It has been extremely valuable to me personally and to my organisation.”

Richard Moore presenting his old friend the Dalai Lama with a gift from the Mayor of Derry and Strabane Councillor Grace Uí Niallais.

placeholder image — Richard Moore presenting his old friend the Dalai Lama with a gift from the Mayor of Derry and Strabane Councillor Grace Uí Niallais.

Mr. Moore presented the Dalai Lama with with a gift from the Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais.

In return, His Holiness asked Richard to give the Mayor a khata – a Tibetan scarf that symbolises 'purity, respect and goodwill' – which he did last week.

Children in Crossfire said it believes the gifts underline bonds of shared respect and affection between him and our city and district.

Also on the delegation to India was Greg McLaughlin who presented His Holiness with a Derry GAA jersey.

Greg McLaughlin presenting the Dalai Lama with an Oak Leaf jersey.

The Co. Derry GAA Board said: “Richard's friendship with the Dalai Lama goes back many years, and it's a proud moment to see Derry colours as part of it. Well done, Greg. That jersey has travelled further than most!”