His Holiness attends founding anniversary of Buddhist School in Jammu

His Holiness the Dalai Lama (c), J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah (3rd L), cabinet members and MLAs during the 15th foundation anniversary of the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural School in Jammu and Kashmir on 5 June 2010/Photos by Jigme Tsering/TibetNet

Gulabgarh, J&K His Holiness the Dalai Lama this morning presided over the 15th founding anniversary of the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural School in Gulabgarh, a remote hamlet located 62 km from Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Mr. Omar Abdullah attended the ceremony with His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the invitation of the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association.

Around 18,000 people, including local Himalayan Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims, accorded grand welcome to His Holiness on his first-ever visit to the region.

Lauding inter-religious harmony in Indian and its millennia old non-violent ideals, His Holiness emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and harmony among different faiths in the community.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama encouraged the students to enhance their interest in studying Buddha’s teachings and their commentaries contained in Kagyur and Tengyur which are well preserved by the Tibetan people.

All the religious faiths have a common aim to mitigate negative human emotions and to instil positive qualities of love and compassion, His Holiness said. “ So I respect all religious traditions even though I am a Buddhist,” he added.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaks to an exclusive gathering of Himalayan Buddhists at Gulabgarh on 6 June 2010. His Holiness underlined the importance of upholding one's ancestral Buddhist religion and advised students to learn Tibetan language in order to study Tibetan Buddhism. His Holiness told the school administration to make efforts to get qualified Tibetan teachers. His Holiness offered a total grant of 15 lakh rupees for three years for the region's educational development.

Describing the region as a very beautiful place with green forest and snow-capped mountains around it, His Holiness said the people living in the region should be not only physically graceful but also beautiful from inside.

His Holiness told the youngsters of the region to take more interest in studying their ancestral tradition and religion.

His Holiness expressed his happiness in meeting with Mr Omar Abdullah as he recounted his close relation for His Holiness with his father and Dr. Farooq Abdullah and grandfather Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.

Mr Omar Abdullah said he also felt very happy to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the second time. He expressed hope that people in the region will embrace His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s positive qualities.

Groups of schoolchildren and local youths presented traditional songs and dances.

His Holiness led prayers for global peace.

His Holiness is conferring long-life initiation to the people this afternoon and will participate in an interfaith dialogue on Sunday morning.