His Holiness Meets Tibetan Community in Jodhpur, Urges for more efforts on education[Sunday, 13 February 2011, 12:45 p.m.]

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with former ruler of Jodhpur, Gaj Singh (2nd L) during a programme in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, in western India.

JODHPUR:
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed the Tibetan community in Jodhpur
on Thursday, emphasising the need for efforts in learning both
traditional and modern education.His Holiness said the younger
of Tibetans must work hard in their studies, particularly to put more
efforts in studying Buddhism.His Holiness also emphasised the
need to excel in modern education. “We lost our country mainly due to
the lack of modern education, so there should be no further negligence
in this field. The parents should do their best to give education to
their children.”His Holiness recounted the events which forced
the Tibetan people to become refugees. “Around 52 years have passed
since we became refugees. We did not become refugees not because of
some illegal activities committed by us in Tibet or due to some natural
calamity. It was rather because of a force imposed on us by a foreign
power that made us refugees when situation became desperate in 1959.”His
Holiness said the Tibetan people living inside Tibet have maintained
their determination and courage. “This was proved by their peaceful
protests across Tibet against the government of the People’s Republic
of China.”The Tibetan people living in the free countries are also putting efforts on behalf their brethren in Tibet.His
Holiness thanked the government and people of Rajasthan for their
pledge to support the Tibetans doing winter business in the state for
their livelihoods. The Tibetan community presented a memento to His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a symbol of their deep gratitude and reverence.Over
400 people, including 300 Tibetans and members of the Indo-Tibetan
Friendship Society, attended the address by His Holiness the Dalai
Lama. Indian Dignitaries Praise Tibetan community in Jodhpur

The Tibetan community in the Indian state of Rajasthan presents a souvenir to His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Earlier
in the programme, His Holiness offered souvenirs to Maharaja Gaj Singh,
the erstwhile ruler of Jodhpur, Chandresh Kumari, Member of Parliament,
and the city mayor. In his address, the mayor expressed gladness to get the opportunity to invite His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Jodhpur. “His
Holiness the Dalai Lama is a renowned figure throughout the world and
his deeds are highly praised by people in all parts of the world. “The
Nobel Peace Prize conferred on him is only a small acknowledgment in
comparison his remarkable service to the world,” he said.“I
have a firm belief that Tibet will accomplish freedom during the
lifetime of the present His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” he added.In
her address, Chandresh Kumari, a member of the Jodhpur’s royal family
and the member of Indian Parliament, said: “ I was fortunate enough to
be able to meet and receive the blessings of His Holiness the Dalai
Lama during the past 42 years of stay in Dharamshala.”Ms
Chandresh Kumari praised His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his remarkable
service in promoting India’s rich tradition of non-violence and ethics.On
behalf of the Indian community, Maharaja Gaj Singh expressed happiness
to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama in their locality. “Many amongst
the local Indian people have never seen His Holiness the Dalai Lama,
except in television and newspapers. Today, we feel very proud and
happy to meet you here.”He said the local people prefer to buy
garments being sold by the Tibetan community owing to their good
quality and reasonable prize.More pictures:

Members of the Indian and Tibetan communities listen to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s address in Jodhpur on 10 February 2011

His Holiness the Dalai Lama during a programme organised by the Aravali Institute of Management in Jodhpur on 9 February 2011

An official of Tibet Museum explains to Indian visitors about photos on Tibet at a photo exhibition organised on the occasion of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to Jodhpur and Jaipur

Indian school children present a Rajasthani dance on the occasion of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Jodhpur

–Report filed by Ngawang Thogme and Tashi Phuntsok