Dharamsala, November 27 – His Holiness the Dalai Lama attended the 18th annual National Conference of the Vitreo-Retinal Society Thursday in Palampur, some 40 Kms from here, after concluding a 3 day teaching and initiation for Russian Buddhists yesterday.

Speaking at the conference, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said the world should learn religious harmony from India.

“Religious harmony is still very much alive in India. So rest of the world must learn that.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke highly of India saying that the concept of Non Violence or “Ahimsa” was an ancient Indian philosophy and that he was only a messenger conveying the principles of Non-Violence everywhere he travels.

His Holiness said that eye was a vital organ and that he was pleased to be amidst eye surgeons. “Eye is, I think, one of the most important organs. I can imagine, without hearing, ok. Complete blind, very difficult,” His Holiness said in his self taught English.

The Tibetan leader also released a book at the conference that is participated by more than a hundred eye surgeons from various parts of India and abroad. The Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology in Palampur has organized the conference. His Holiness also released a book on the occasion.

Founded in the year 1992, the Vitreo-retinal society of India, promotes the practice and research of the diseases of retina and vitreous.

The Tibetan leader is scheduled to visit Australia and New Zealand between December 1 and 10, 2009, during which he will confer a series of teachings and public talks including a lecture at the Closing Plenary of the Parliament of the World’s Religions.