Dharamsala, November 19 – His Holiness the Dalai Lama was awarded the “Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice” on Thursday in the Indian capital New Delhi. At a glittering ceremony at the Taj Mahal Hotel, Bollywood actress Rani Mukherjee presented the award to the Tibetan leader.
In his address to the gathering, the Tibetan leader lauded India for its ancient tradition of Ahimsa and harmonious existence of various religious traditions for many years. “India (is), I feel, the only country where major world religious traditions live together. Occasionally some problems happen, that’s understandable, over billion human being, some mischievous people always there.”
The Tibetan leader said India’s tradition of Ahimsa and religious harmony is not only ancient one but also very relevant even in today’s world. “So I myself lived in this country for 51 years, and I am carrying to various parts of the world these two messages, message of Ahimsa based on love and compassion, and message of religious harmony,” said His Holiness.
His Holiness said India and Pakistan should work towards achieving mutual understanding and friendship. “I really hope, eventually something like Hindi Chinni Bhai Bhai, that’s difficult, but Hindi Pakistan Bhai Bhai, should be, should be,” said His Holiness pointing to a gentleman from Pakistan among the audience. His Holiness’ concern for friendship between India and Pakistan was received with thunderous applause.
At the time of this report going online, His Holiness was delivering the inaugural address on “The Art of Happiness in Troubled Times” at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2010 at the Taj Palace Hotel Friday. Later in the day, His Holiness will deliver the Silver Jubilee Lecture on “Human Approach to World Peace” for the Institute for Social Sciences at their premises.
His Holiness will participate in Mind & Life XXII on “Contemplative Science: The Scientific Investigation of the Effects of Contemplative Practices on Human Biology and Behavior” from Nov. 20 to Nov. 23 at the India Habitat Center in New Delhi. His Holiness will be conferred an honorary doctorate degree by Jamia Millia Islamia University in the afternoon of Nov. 23.
