The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Saturday made a passionate appeal to the world leaders to come forward and make the 21st century violence-free. He said, “People in India live without any conflict. This is a good symbol. Let us make this century violence-free. I think it is the responsibility of the world leaders and the need of the hour to follow path of non-violence.”
The Dalai Lama, who was speaking at a Buddhist congregation at Lossany monastery at Gulabgarh, a scenic township tucked away in Padder valley of the state’s eastern Kishtwar district, called upon the people of Jammu and Kashmir “to uphold communal harmony and strive to make the century violence-free.” More than 10, 000 people attended the rally.
The spiritual leader was earlier accorded a warm welcome by hundreds of his supporters. Gulabgarh has a sizeable Buddhist population but a large number of Muslims from neighbouring villagers also greeted the Dalai Lama on his maiden visit to the area. Among them was chief minister Omar Abdullah who receiving him said that he was “the Messenger of Peace”. Mr Abdullah had specially flown from summer capital Srinagar to Gulabgarh to receive the spiritual leader.
Giving a clarion call for peace and unity among the people of all faiths, the Dalai Lama said: “It is one of the highest virtues and this should lead to the unity of hearts among peoples of all faiths.” He said that he had wished to visit Gulabgarh before too “but it came through only now”.
Mr Abdullah, endorsing the Tibetan spiritual leader, however, said that Jammu and Kashmir symbolises the communal harmony, brotherhood and secular democratic temperament. “The people of the state have lived in an atmosphere of amity since ages respecting each others’ faiths and cultural diversity,” he said.
Describing him as a “shanti doot”, the chief minister said that peace and détente are the subjects of global significance in present-day world scenario and every human being is equally important stake holder in global peace and tranquillity.
He added that the people of Gulabgarh and its neighbourhood were eagerly waiting for the Dalai Lama’s visit to this area and their desire has been fulfilled today.
“I congratulate you for this occasion,” he said and wished well-being and prosperity to them and the people of the state as a whole. Responding, the Dalai Lama lauded Mr Abdullah’s endeavours for equitable development of all areas and all sections of the society. He referred to his association with the late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and Dr Farooq Abdullah and appreciated their role in strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s high values of communal amity.