We Tibetans deeply indebted to India for warm hospitality: Dalai Lama

NEW DELHI: In a special message read out at a day-long conference organised here to mark his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama said "we Tibetans" are deeply indebted to the govt and people of India for the warm hospitality they have shown since 1959, even as he indirectly questioned China's claim over Tibet.The Tibetan spiritual leader recalled how it had been more than 66 years since a large number of Tibetans, including him, fled to India following the "Chinese Communist invasion of Tibet".Referring to India as "Arya Bhumi" in his written message read out at the conference by his confidant and noted scholar Samdhong Rinpoche, the Dalai Lama said that "here (India) I have enjoyed the freedom and opportunity to continue my studies of ancient Indian wisdom".

He felt a "special closeness" to India, which, over and above being the world's most populous country and the largest democracy, is the land of the Buddha, the place where he attained enlightenment, he added.Reflecting on the profound impact the 14th Dalai Lama has had on the world, a declaration adopted at the conference organised by International Buddhist Confederation and attended by nearly 500 participants, including renowned Buddhist monks and scholars, hailed him for having consistently championed the preservation of the rich Tibetan culture and religious freedom.

"His (Dalai Lama) recent statement announcing the continuation of his reincarnation, and only by Tibetan people without any foreign interference is a testament of preserving its culture and heritage," the declaration stated. "His wisdom in safeguarding the sacred institution of the Dalai Lama - particularly his clear and courageous stance on its future - stands as a beacon of spiritual integrity in the modern world," it said.In his message, the Dalai Lama added, "I believe that if aspects of India's ancient wisdom, of which the Buddha's teachings are a part, are combined with modern education they can make a beneficial contribution to greater peace and happiness in the world".Recalling that soon after "we Tibetans" came to India, the Dalai Lama said the Indian govt actively supported establishment of schools for Tibetan children to receive modern education while also learning about Tibetan culture and traditions.