BLOOMINGTON, Indiana – At least one local resident will help lead a discussion panel during the Dalai Lama’s visit to Bloomington next month — model Elaine Irwin-Mellencamp, wife of rocker John Mellencamp.
Irwin-Mellencamp will sit on a panel alongside boxing legend Muhammad Ali and the Dalai Lama’s sister, Jetsun Pema, the force behind the extensive Tibetan school system in India.
“I’m honored,” Irwin-Mellencamp said Thursday as she toured the Tibetan Cultural Center, where the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader plans to dedicate a new interfaith temple Sept. 7.
Irwin-Mellencamp, Pema and Ali will lead a children’s discussion panel on how to resolve conflicts without violence.
“If you’re going to instill some great principles to carry on, who better than (children) to carry this out?” Irwin-Mellencamp said.
The Pennsylvania native is a cover model and spokeswoman for the Indy Racing League. She has appeared in advertisements for Victoria’s Secret, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Revlon and Loreal.
The visit will be the Dalai Lama’s fourth trip to Bloomington.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his nonviolent struggle against Chinese rule of his home nation of Tibet.
