The Dalai Lama on Tuesday stressed on the need for cordial relations between India and China.
“In the long run, cordial relations will prevail and should prevail,” he told reporters after his speech at the state-level seminar on “Social Justice and Dr B R Ambedkar” organised by the Social Welfare Department at Dr B R Ambedkar Bhavan at Vasanthnagar here.
“China houses a large number of Buddhists, while Buddhism originated in India and travelled across China. That way, the two countries share similarities. Therefore, I feel that the two countries will have cordial relations one day,” the Dalai Lama said while responding to a question on the strained relationships between two major economies of the world.
He termed the growing bond between China and Pakistan, which has worried the Indian establishment, as serious political matter. He refused to comment on the issue.
The Dalai Lama termed the demolition of ancient monuments in Tibet by the Chinese regime as very sad.
Regarding China’s objection to his visit to Arunachal Pradesh recently, he said: “I visited Arunachal Pradesh. I prefer to remain silent on the issue.”
Regarding religious conversions, he said, “ Religious conversion is a matter of personal choice. Buddhism is the most scientific religion and if people from other religions accept Buddhism by choice, then there shouldn’t be any objections.”
Kharge takes dig at BJP
Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday indirectly took a dig at the BJP and the JD(S) for trying to ‘appease’ Dalits.
Kharge said, “Some people get food from outside, sit in Dalits’ houses and consume it, while some bring bed and furniture with them for their stay at Dalits’ houses. Such people desperately attempt to project themselves as messiah of Dalits which is quite unfortunate.”
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