His Holiness the Dalai Lama Praises India's Ancient Secular Traditions

His Holiness the Dalai Lama (C) poses with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan (L) and Governor Rameshwar Thakur (R)/Photo:OHHDL

Bhopal: Praising the centuries old secular traditions of India, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said that they are more relevant in today’s world.

Delivering a lecture on human rights through global responsibility at Madhya Pradesh legislative assembly’ auditorium Wednesday afternoon, His Holiness said India’s secular ethics are one of the important factors for its successful democracy. Stressing on the protection of human rights in the world he said it is more important in India due to prevalent caste system and poverty here.

The symposium held under the aegis of Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission was presided over by Governor Rameshwar Thakur while Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the guest of honour.

His Holiness said India needs to pay more attention to remove poverty. His Holiness said there is growing interaction between different communities in the world to resolve disputes and develop harmony. He called for a greater role of women in promoting values like compassion and forgiveness.

His Holiness also stressed on individual freedom as one’s qualities could not be utilized without it. He said society could not be transformed without individual creativity.

'Compassion, love key to human rights protection'

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaks during a programme in Bhopal, the capital of India's central state of Madhya Pradesh, on 17 March 2010

His Holiness the Dalai Lama said the ethos of global brotherhood, compassion and love hold the key to protection of human rights.

His Holiness said: 'It is this ethos which will help develop a more civilised society and curb violation of human rights on the basis of poverty, caste, religion and social disparity'.

His Holiness said that all human beings are equal despite following different religions, speaking different languages and living in different regions. He said money and wealth alone cannot bring about happiness in life.

'They cannot help one to gain wisdom. For attaining these virtues, a human being must imbibe spiritual and human values. The life of the people of the countries, which have best of material facilities, lacks inner quality. Their young generation has gone wayward', His Holiness said.

Presiding over the function, Governor Rameshwar Thakur said His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a strong proponent of human rights in the modern world and it was astonishing that human rights violations are on the rise despite spread of education, science and technology.

Chief Minister Chouhan said that protection of human rights is intrinsic in India and ages ago, the Indian civilisation had recognised the world as a family through its principle of 'vasudhaiv kutumbakam'. His government was striving to tread the path of development and progress while protecting human rights, he added.

source tibet.net