The Louisiana Himalaya Association Inc.
In the Tibetan language Lha is a sacred word meaning "the fundamental goodness of our nature." It is an awakened state of mind, which in Tibetan Buddhism is described as the Primordial Pristine Awareness."

Founded as a grassroots organization in 1997, the Louisiana Himalaya Association Inc (LHAInc) is dedicated to helping Tibetan refugees who have fled their country to escape persecution. Having made the treacherous journey by foot over the Himalayan Mountains to seek asylum in India and Nepal, this displaced population faces monumental resettlement issues, especially in the fields of education, employment, healthcare, and housing. LHA fundraises and organizes volunteer efforts to support social service programs in Dharamsala, India, focusing on these vital areas of life; we are also dedicated to helping preserve and make available the vast wisdom, rich culture and profound knowledge of the Tibetan people, both in India and the West Through His Holiness the Dalai Lama, other Rinpoches, monks, nuns and local Tibetan people, we explore the Tibetan's path, the goal of which is universal peace and an end to suffering for all.

In India the primary goal of LHA is to help facilitate a healthy transition for the refugees, and provide assistance as they work to rebuild their lives and preserve their sacred culture. In Louisiana, we work to support the India projects and work to help make Tibetan teachings available in the west. We strive to create a cross- cultural bridge between the people of Tibet and those of Louisiana In the wake of the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina, LHAinc. expanded its mission to provide social and material support services in Southwestern Louisiana and Mississippi to storm affected communities as well.

Since its inception, LHAinc. has organized volunteers to help fufill its social service and cultural mission. LHA's fund raising efforts generate economic assistance for the projects in the Tibetan refugee Communities. Two of the main organizations with which LHA closely works are it's sister organization, LhaIndia (ww.lhaindia.org) and the Om Prakesh Foundation (www.omprakesh.org). Other organizations assisted by LHA volunteers and resources are the Tibetan Women's Association, Tibetan Parent's Association, Mother Theresa's Home
for the Destitute and Dying, and the Tibetan Welfare Office's Environmental Program LHA Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization, a non-profit group solely dependent on financial donations from its many generous friends, corporate sponsors, volunteers and supporters.