Shillong, Feb 3:Making India an example of tolerance and an all embracing country, the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama said China should learn from India in accommodating different languages, scripts and different cultures harmoniously even as he made it clear that Tibet was not seeking separation from China.
Addressing the glittering Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) convocation on Monday at the U Soso Tham auditorium, the Dalai Lama said the Chinese should learn from India as it embraces different people, different language, different script and different lifestyles but lives “harmoniously.”
Among the dignitaries who were seen during the convocation was Meghalaya governor KK Paul, chief minister Mukul Sangma other dignitaries and the MLCU vice chancellor Robert G Lyngdoh- who was instrumental in getting the Dalai Lama to address the convocation.
Ever since the Dalai Lama made India his home, this is the first visit of this Tibetan spiritual leader to Meghalaya. Many Tibetans who are staying in Meghalaya were seen flocking the venue and some of them were standing on the roads as volunteers to welcome His Holiness.
The Dalai Lama compared India to the United Nations as he said it accommodates various cultures, multi-race, multi-religion and lives in harmony.
“That is the greatness of India which itself is the best example for the rest of the world,” the Dalai Lama said adding that “so many different languages, different scripts but all for common interests that we can live together happily.”
The Dalai Lama said, “I tell my Chinese friends. They should learn from India even as he blamed the Chinese hardliners for infusing hatred against his people in Tibet. He said that the Tibetans are not seeking separation from China as he informed that they belong to China with common interests and common economic development.
The Dalai Lama, however, said that it is because of some Chinese hardliners that consider Tibetan script and language as a threat to the country and therefore putting “lots of restrictions to their way of life (in that country).”
Claiming to be a disciple of Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, Dalai Lama said he has hope that India’s ‘concept of peaceful living’ will ‘make better Asia’ and in turn make a better world. He said, “Over 3000 years ago, India has a concept of Ahimsa. Because of that, it commands respect and it is the living example of religious tolerance and culture.”
Appealing to people to shun violence in any form, the Dalai Lama said, “Power of the gun, power of the force and power of violence though very decisive, is of short period.” He felt that the power of truth immediately may not be very effective but years, decades and centuries after wards, the power of truth wins trusts, friends and more truthful people.- By Our Reporter
According to the reports, Dalai Lama said that Tibetans are not seeking separation from China. I wonder what is it then when i see everywhere Tibetans hang a bag that writes, “Free Tibet”. And yea, one more thing, i just want to throw critical question here. If Meghalaya is demanding for Inner Line Permit then what are the conditions for the Tibetans who has spread across the state.?