Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the National Democratic Alliance on their sweeping victory in the Lok Sabha general elections this Thursday. His Holiness remarked with “admiration and pride” that India as the world’s largest democracy was emerging a leader in the community of nations.
“India is one of the great ancient civilizations, a distinctive and fundamental feature of which has been ahimsa and karuna — non-violent conduct motivated by compassion,” His Holiness continued.
“In addition to promoting an appreciation of the oneness of humanity and encouraging inter-religious harmony, I am committed to reviving interest in the ancient Indian understanding of the workings of the mind and emotions. I believe India is the only country that can successfully combine this ancient knowledge with modern education and ensure that people know how to achieve lasting peace of mind. The positive response I have encountered, especially among young Indians, in exploring such possibilities I regard as a sign of hope.
“We Tibetans have tremendous respect for India as the source of our spiritual culture. The traditions of Nalanda University brought to Tibet in the eighth century have had a powerful impact on our development. One highly regarded Tibetan master in the 14th century paid tribute to this when he said, “Until the light (knowledge) was brought from India, Tibet, even as the Land of Snows, remained in the dark.”
“Last month marked the 60th anniversary of our life in exile. I would like to take this opportunity to express the Tibetan people’s immense gratitude to the Government and people of India. It is due to India’s consistent generosity and kindness to us that we have been able to preserve our ancient cultural heritage in exile.
In conclusion, His Holiness wrote: “I pray you will be successful in meeting the challenges that lie ahead in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of India.”
The striking result of the 17th Lok Sabha election has set PM Modi on course to become the first Prime Minister after Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru and Indira Gandhi to win a second consecutive five-year term with a full majority.