DHARAMSHALA: Addressing the first convocation ceremony of Kushabhau Thackeray University of Journalism and Mass Communication (KTUJMC) yesterday, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said India is the land of wisdom where civilization developed in ancient times when it was known as “Arya Bhhomi”, reported Central Chronicle news agency.
His Holiness said modern education is important but we should not neglect the ancient Indian education system as it gives us deeper knowledge of Indian culture and tradition. He added that the ancient education system was relevant in today’s life while modern education does not touch that milestone of ancient education system of India. India has become great due to its rich philosophical thoughts and texts, he said.
He praised India for its plularism with co-existence of different religious traditions such as Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam etc. “We should all draw strength from our traditional and cultural values,” he added.
His Holiness said we admire India as a teacher and we are its follower due to its rich culture and tradition.
Addressing the students, the Dalai Lama said “We should get inspiration from persons like Nagarjuna who was in this country. I love, respect and admire this country very much,” the Dalai Lama said.
His Holiness said that he felt peace and blessed when he visited the historical places of Buddha, Jain, Shaiv and Vaishnav cultures at Sirpur, a village he visited in the morning. He further added that he would like to visit Sirpur again and added that he would like to sit in meditation at Sirpur when he visited the place next, the Central Chronicle said in its report.
Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh said that it was a matter of great joy for the state of Chattisgarh in general and for the student of KTUJMC in particular to have His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the harbinger of world peace, as the chief guest at the ceremony.
He said the people of Chattisgarh will remember His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit as a historical event.
He said that it was also a matter of great pleasure and pride for Chattisgarh that the serenity of Sirpur had attracted the Dalai Lama to the extent that he had decided to sit in meditation for an hour during his next visit.
The Chief Minister said that the meditation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama will go into the records as the second great event after Nagarjuna made his sojourn there years ago. He added that His Holines the Dalai Lama followed the footprints of Mahatma Gandhi for the sake of Tibet and the entire world has become a home for him, the Central Chronicle said in its report.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama also met with some members of the Tibetan communities from the Tibetan Settlement in Mainpat, Chattisgarh, and the nearby Tibetan settlements of Bhandara in Maharashtra.
