Mahatma Gandhiïž’s message of non-violence should spread to entire world: His Holiness
Monday, 21 January 2008, 12:40 p.m.
 His Holiness the Dalai Lama being received at the Darpana Academy inAhmedabad. Mrinalini Sarabhai (L) and her daughter Mallika Sarabhai (R) |
 His Holiness the Dalai Lama with artists of Natarani Theatre ofDarpana Academy. |
 His Holiness addressing students of the Gujarat Vidyapith University. On the left is Vidyapith Chancellor Narayan Desai |
Ahmedabad: His Holiness the
Dalai Lama said the students and teachers of this institute, which was
founded by Mahatma Gandhi himself, should make a concerted effort and
play a leading role on this planet to spread the Mahatma Gandhi message
of non-violence to the entire world. His Holiness was speaking on
Globalisation and World Peace at Gujarat Vidyapith University on
Saturday afternoon.
Emphasising that non-violence has become a political reality in today
world, His Holiness said since Ahimsa or non-violence movement has its
root in India, it is important the country must spread this message to
the whole world.
His Holiness said the principle of Mahatma Gandhiïž’s adherence to
religious tolerance and pluralism in resolving every form of violence
in this small world has become a single entity.
Violence today has become outdated and resorting to it would be
self-destructive. Therefore, one must apply dialogue and non-violence,
whenever we face conflicts and problems, His Holiness said.
While terming the violent approach of Chinese authorities in handling
problems as shortsighted, His Holiness said that China has yet to learn
the principles of truthfulness and non-violence and compassion from
India. Highlighting the grave implications of global warming, His
Holiness underlined that a concerted effort of the whole world with
clear vision is the key factor to solve the negative effects of climate
change.
Following his talk, His Holiness launched a book by Mrinalini Sarabhai, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi for Children.
Dignitaries present at the function were Chancellor Narayanbhai Desai and Vice Chancellor Sudarshan Iyengar, Mrinalini Sarabhai.
Prior to his talk at the Vidyapith University, His Holiness paid a
short visit to Kanoria Centre for Arts and Darpana Academy, to get a
glimpse of dazzling display of Tibetan cultural heritage including
photo exhibition on his life, traditional thangka paintings by artists
from Norbulingka Institute, free medical camp by Tibetan Medical and
Astro Institute and photos on Tibetan assistance during Gujarat
earthquake.
A large crowd of visitors from all walks of life thronged at both the
venues to give a rousing welcome to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
On 18 January, His Holiness spoke on Ethics and Bussiness at Indian
Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A).
While addressing a packed auditorium at IIM-A, His Holiness said,
“There are different kind of ethics- those which come from theistic
roots, those stemming from non-religions like Jainism and Buddhism and
secular ethics. But what all these have in common is compassion and
warm-heartedness. From these, stems the foundation of a good
relationship-trust and openness.”
His Holiness said, “Money is not important in itself, it is a just a
piece of paper with pretty pictures on it. We need it to develop mental
faculties, education, infrastructure, and this makes it valuable.
“But hankering after it mindlessly can only lead to unhappiness” His Holiness added,
Describing himself a Buddhist Marxist His Holiness said, “Capitalism is
about exploiting resources to the utmost, while Marxism seeks not only
profitable enterprise, but also how to make equal distribution of its
fruits.”
Responding to a question on how inner peace could be sustained in the
face of oppression, His Holiness said, I have been homeless for the
last 50 years. If I think about this, it will only lead to frustration.
Instead, I see it as an opportunity to increase fortitude. His Holiness
said strengthening of good relation between India and China could have
a positive impact on Tibet.
“Pandit Nehru and other leaders at the time made several policies to
give shelter to Tibetans and also help them preserve their culture and
heritage. Nehru once told me personally that to keep the Tibetan
freedom struggle alive, it was necessary to educate the youth. With the
support of the government of India, many schools have been established
since then,” said His Holiness.
His Holiness said that India is his second home and lauded the Indian government for its support to the Tibetan refugees.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama was in Ahmedabad on 18 and 19 January to
launch the Tibet Festival held in the city. The festival was organised
by the Department of Information and International Relations of the
Central Tibetan Administration, Kanoria Centre for Arts, Darpana
Academy and Alliance France dïž’Ahmedabad.
