DHARAMSHALA, December 2: His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in the east Indian city of Kolkata to attend a special gathering in honour of Mother Teresa at the invitation of the Missionaries of Charity (MoC) Thursday.
Ignoring China’s reservations, West Bengal Governor M K Narayanan was present at the gathering along with MoC Superior General Sr Prema.
Addressing the gathering, Narayanan remarked that Mother Teresa and His Holiness the Dalai Lama were “people of pious disposition and the best known humans on earth.”
Earlier, reports indicated that Chinese Vice Consul Yu Li met the West Bengal home secretary, handing over an official note, urging West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor M K Narayanan not to attend any programme addressed by the Dalai Lama.
Speaking on behalf of CM Mamata Banerjee, who is tending her ailing mother, MP Derek O’Brien conveyed the goodwill of the people of Kolkata and Bengal to the Dalai Lama.
“That is the only reason that Banerjee was not here. She would have been here 200 per cent. But her mother is not well,” Derek said.
The 76-year old Tibetan spiritual leader, while addressing the gathering, reminisced his earlier meetings with fellow Nobel Peace Laureate Mother Teresa.
Impressed by the dedication of the sisters who have continued the humanitarian services started by Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama complimented the MoC.
“Dedicated sisters, you all are really working hard. You practice and implement the teachings of Jesus Christ.”
While commenting on one his principle commitments of promoting secular values based on the humanity’s basic foundations of compassion and love, the Dalai Lama mooted for the introduction of secular ethics in school education.
Later, responding to queries from the media, the Tibetan leader chose to disregard China’s objections to his visits and meetings with various leaders as “quite routine”.
“I have faced this before. I don’t want to comment,” the Dalai Lama said.
“In March, I formally, officially handed over the political responsibility to democratically elected leadership. I am no longer a leader of the political administration. So, I don’t like to politicise my visit here.”
Indian political parties across the spectrum have reportedly criticised China following the incidence.
While the BJP, Indian largest opposition party has termed the advice absolutely uncalled for, the Left parties have also dissociated themselves with the Chinese move.
