Dharamshala, 9th July: On July 8, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated that India maintains a consistent policy of treating Tibetan Spiritual Leader Dalai Lama as an honored visitor. The statement by the MEA Spokesperson came two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the Dalai Lama to wish him a happy 86th birthday. On the occasion, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang also greeted the Dalai Lama. The states, in particular, share boundaries with China.
Observers saw PM Modi’s move as a contrast to India’s tougher ties with China, as he wished the spiritual leader for the first time since 2015. On the occasion of his birthday, his holiness stated that they expressed their heartfelt greetings and that these kind words meant a lot to him. According to him, “They extended their heartfelt congrats on my birthday. As a result, I greatly appreciate this nice expression.”
In response to a question, the MEA Spokesperson reiterated the official position, saying, “The Government of India has consistently treated His Holiness the Dalai Lama as an honored guest in India and recognized religious leader with a wide following in India. Many of His Holiness’ followers in India and around the world commemorate His Holiness’ birthday.”
“I think I am the longest guest of the Indian government,” says the Dalai Lama. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama delivered a virtual speech to his supporters on July 6. “Since I became a refugee and settled in India, I have taken full advantage of India’s freedom and religious harmony. I want to assure you that for the rest of my life I am committed to reviving ancient Indian knowledge. I really appreciate the Indian concept of secular values, not dependent on religion, such as honesty, karuna (compassion), and ahimsa (non-violence),” said the Dalai Lama.” remarked the Dalai Lama.
“As I always mentioned, India is my home. I was born in Tibet. But most of my life was spent in this country. I really feel proud that I am a guest of the Indian government. I think I am the longest guest of the Indian government. But at least that guest will not create a problem,” He went on. Some of the countries need to follow India’s principles of religious harmony,” he remarked. The Dalai Lama recommended the medical community be more compassionate in their work.
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