PUNE, Maharashtra: Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political leader of the Tibetan people, today addressed the 5th annual national conclave of Indian student parliament at Pune in Maharashtra.
During his address on the topic ‘Religion in Storm or Storm in Religion’, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay touched on several themes including ‘Religion to Religiosity to Religionism’, ‘Originality to communalism to fundamentalism’, ‘Inclusive to Exclusive to Exploitative to sometimes explosive’, and ‘Secularism: Anglo Franco definition, Maoist/Marxist definition and the Indian/Gandhian definition’.
He explained, in his address, that the original teaching of all religions is all-inclusive enveloping humans, animals and the natural environment. It is all about love, compassion, respect and tolerance.
However, he said, when a community is formed around a religion, it gives religion a societal dimension. “At this point, separation starts between communities in identity, in interest and in mindset leading to formation of nations such as the Hindu nation, Muslim nation, Christian nation etc. This portends to formation of civilizations in terms of religion. Therefore, we have to distinguish between religion, religiosity and religionism,” Sikyong noted.
Speaking on Secularism, Sikyong said that the greatest strength of India is its spiritual soft power of being a deeply secular country comprising of diverse religious traditions. He said: “India is the abode of 9 spiritual traditions of which 4 originated in India itself. In the true sense of the word, India is the epitome of unity in diversity. This unity in diversity is the beauty of India, it’s the pride of India and the strength of India.”
Sikyong also asserted that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the living example of India’s rich ancient knowledge that has been preserved and enriched by the Tibetans who call themselves the ‘Chelas’ and India their ‘Guru’.
Summing up, Sikyong urged the students to practice religion but to be careful of religiosity and to stay away from religionism. He also eloquently quoted Mahatma Gandhi, Guru Nanak, Rabindranath Tagore, Karl Marx, Samuel Huntington, and Max Weber among others to elucidate his case made during the address.
Sikyong’s address was followed by a thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the over 10,000 students attending the national conclave.
Sikyong also met, on the sidelines of the conclave, Mr. Natwar Singh, former External Affairs Minister of India, Mr. Brij Behari Lal Butail, Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Mr. Haribhau Bagade, Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and Mr. Anna Hazare, prominent social activist.
Later in the evening, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay attended the closing ceremony of the three-day conclave and addressed the gathering. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shri. Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri. Devendra Fadnavis were also present on the dais along with other dignitaries.
