His Holiness the Dalai Lama Inaugurates 92nd Annual General Meet of Association of Indian Universities

SARNATH: Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama graced the inauguration of the 92nd Annual Meet of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) at Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Sarnath, Varanasi today.

The three-day Annual General Meet of the Association of Indian Universities is being hosted by the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies. It is the first in Varanasi. The 92nd meet will delve on the topic: ‘Higher education in the era of innovation, entrepreneurship and disruptive technology with a focus on human values in the age of disruption’.

Dignitaries at the inaugural event were President of Association of Indian Universities, Mr Pritam B Sharma, Vice Chancellor of Amity University, Balvinder Shukla, General Secretary of AIU, Professor Furqan Qamar, Global Coordinator of Higher Education, World Bank Group, Mr Francisco Marmolejo, Vice Chancellor of Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Professor Geshe Ngawang Samten, foreign delegates, representatives of apex body, officers and members of AIU and CIHTS.

Professor Geshe Ngawang Samten, Padmashri awardee and Vice-Chancellor of Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies delivered the welcome address.

“As one of the cherished area, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has taken the initiative of promoting human values based on the philosophy of universal responsibility and common sense. Thus it is secular and universal in nature,” he said, referring to His Holiness’ longstanding commitment and leadership in secular ethics initiatives.

“The receptivity of His Holiness’ initiative is extremely encouraging. Top scientists of Neuroscience, Psychology and educationists have been working for more than a decade on the nature and impact of destructive and positive emotions in our lives… The impact of the work is being seen in so many countries, particularly in North America and European countries, reaching to millions of teachers and students”.

The Vice-Chancellor further noted India’s rich history of providing holistic education and therefore, its unique potential in creating a compassionate person equipped with professional skills.

The chief guest of the event, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said in his remarks that time had come for India to share with the world the pragmatic wisdom of the country’s thousand-year-old tradition and take leadership in creating an education of both heart and mind.

“Out of 200 countries in the world, only this country has the ability to combine modern education and ancient Indian thought. While modern education brings physical comfort, ancient Indian knowledge brings inner peace,” he said.

“I think that Buddha is a product of ancient Indian culture. This country has over 3000 years, sophisticated cultural heritage there. Indus valley civilisation produced many thinkers, preacher of Ahimsa,” he remarked, adding that Indians should feel proud and start to revive this wisdom for good of entire humanity.

He argued that the modern education, although highly developed, was insufficient. “Modern education is highly developed, but it is not sufficient by itself to reduce violence and bring about peace. The violence comes from anger and fear, and that’s what we have to tackle. Material goals are not enough”.

Talking about the futility of eloquent statements and resolutions for peace, His Holiness said, “Just beautiful statements and resolution will not bring change; We must build genuine peace through action and courage”.

“In this 21st century, India must contribute to creating an era of peace, not just through prayer but by taking action. This century should be the century of dialogue”.

Professor Furqan Qamar, Secretary General of AIU said, “I am in dilemma that who should I thank first. Let me thank CIHTS and Professor Samten for coming forward to host the 92^nd annual meet of Association of Indian Universities, and who also worked hard and provided us with the privilege of being in the august presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I, on behalf of each one of you, express my deepest sense of gratitude for your holiness, not only for inaugurating it today but to have an interactive session on human values and universal ethics tomorrow morning”.

Registrar of Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Dr RK Upadhyay delivered the vote of thanks.

About 150 Vice Chancellors of Indian Universities, academicians and scholars across the globe are taking part in the annual forum. The second-day session will include interaction with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on topic, ‘Higher Education in an era of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Disruptive Technology with Focus on Human Values in Age of Disruption’.