By Choekyi Lhamo
DHARAMSHALA, Sept. 17: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Friday wished the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 71st birthday. The 86-year-old congratulated PM Modi on India’s robust democracy, which he said is “deeply rooted in religious pluralism for its remarkable harmony and stability”. Earlier this year, PM Modi had also wished the Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday in July through his twitter account.
“For us Tibetans living in exile, India is not only our spiritual refuge, but for more than sixty-two years has also been our physical home. May I again take the opportunity to offer our deep gratitude to the Government and people of India for the warm and generous hospitality we have received,” the Nobel laureate said in the letter. The Dalai Lama also said that the Indian leader had brought confidence in the country despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
As a long-life practitioner of Buddhism, he noted that Indian tradition could prove beneficial to humanity, “I am convinced that the age-old Indian traditions of doing no harm, ahimsa, backed by a compassionate motivation, karuna, are not only relevant but are necessary in today’s world. I also believe these principles can be readily combined with modern education for the wider benefit of humanity.”
Also, on the occasion of PM Modi’s birthday, the Dharamshala community administered free vaccinations and testing was done at the TCV Day School in McLeod Ganj today. This program was organized by the Delek Hospital in collaboration with Rotary club, Indo-Tibet Friendship Association (ITFA), Kunphen centre and the Settlement office. The Doeguling Tibetan Settlement office in Mundgod also organised a mass COVID-19 vaccination drive for Tibetan monks, nuns and lay residents at the settlement’s hospital as a token of appreciation to the Indian Prime Minister.
