By Tenzin Norsang

New Delhi, November 13 – His Holiness the Dalai Lama today inaugurated the Satyagraha Centenary International conference on “Globalization of the Gandhian Way: Sociology, Politics and Science of Satyagraha” at Jawaharlal Nehru University. The 7 day conference which is held in JNU, Delhi from 13th to 16th and for another 3 days in Bithiharwa,the village where Gandhi trained first satyagrahis on Indian soil. The conference has delegates from 14 countries. Many dignitaries were present on the opening day along with few hundred Tibetans and Indians. Prof Samdhong Rinpoche (Kalon Tripa of the Tibetan Exile Government) an ardent Gandhian was also present at the Conference.

The program started with the offering of the variety of souvenir items to His Holiness. His Holiness was presented with a poster of the Burmese Nobel Laureate Aung San Su Kyi by a Burmese Satyagrahi. His Holiness was also presented a book which contains the first interview he gave after arriving in exile. It was followed by the presentation of prizes to the winners of national debate and essay competition on “Youth and the Gandhian Way”.

His Holiness spoke about the importance of implementing India’s old concept of ahimsa. He said he admired Gandhi for using ahimsa in political struggle. He talked about the importance of dialogue in resolving issues as violence creates more violence. He expressed his pleasure over the young people taking interest in Gandhian philosophy

On 14 November, His Holiness will inaugurate Vishwa Shanti Stupa at Indraprastha Park, New Delhi, a project initiated by Delhi Development Authority and Nipponzan Myohoji Fujii Guruji Shanti Stupa Society. The president of India, Mrs Pratibha Patil is also expected to attend the ceremony and address the gathering.

Later in the evening, His Holiness will leave for Japan.

Photos by Tenzin Dasal Phayul