The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has expressed gratitude to Karnataka, which has provided shelter to refugees from his country for over five decades now.
The Dalai Lama, during his interaction with the Tibetan community at the Central College on Tuesday, said that, “In 1959, Pandit Nehru had written to various states about the condition of affairs in Tibet. We recieved the most favourable reply from Karnataka, under the leadership of then chief minister, the late Nijalingappa,” the 14th Dalai Lama said.
There are about 40,000 Tibetans in Karnataka, he said and added that the community, which follows the Nalanda tradition, is keen on preserving its culture, promoing peace, non-violence and compassion.
The spiritual leader also said that Tibet has always had friendly relations with India. Tibetan scholars have preserved Indian academic work from the past. “Tibet is a reliable Chela for India. It’s Gurus come from Nalanda in India,” he explained.
Chinese relations
When asked about Tibet’s relations with China, he expressed the belief that the power of truth would outdo the power of the gun.
“There are many from the Chinese community who are now compassionate with Tibet’s cause,” he said and asked Tibetan students to mingle with those from all regions, including students from China.
“The present generation does not know much about the history of the conflict. The talk helps restore faith in us,” said Lhamotso, a degree student in the City.
Born in Tibet, Lhamotso moved to Bangalore for her education when she was 10 years old.
“Back home, people do not speak much about the bitter conflict. They are attempting to move on. But there is no denying that there is also an element of fear,” she said.
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