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We are not refugees out of will: His Holiness the Dalai Lama at inauguration of Dalai Lama Institute’s new hostel

His Holiness The Dalai Lama inaugurating the new hostel at Dalai Lama Institute. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR

Bengaluru: His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited Dalai Lama Institute for Higher studies located near Bengaluru where His Holiness was invited to inaugurate the new men’s hostel sponsored by Kaiser Foundation from Switzerland. Following which, His Holiness gave a talk to students and Tibetans at Amphitheatre who came from Tibetan settlements in the south.

His Holiness then briefly met with Geshes, who are studying English at the institute. During the meeting, he urged them to work hard and preserve the rich knowledge of Nalanda tradition.

More than 1000 people gathered at the venue. Vice Chancellor of Bengaluru University, former Vice Chancellor of Mysuru University, Khenpos and abbot of Monasteries, Members of Tibetan Parliament Pema Delek and Tsering Youdon, Chief Representative Officer and Settlement officers, Director of TCV, Principal of Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Studies, as well as other dignitaries and guests were present at the talk.

 

While addressing the gathering, His Holiness talked about the historical bond shared between India and Tibet. Citing examples from Hindu mythology stories such as Lord Shiva when he resided in Mount Kailash situated in Tibet.

Thanking the staff and faculties for providing a sound education to the students. His Holiness reminded the Tibetans in the gathering that they are not refugee out of will but due to the immense and indomitable adversity faced by Tibetans in the name of cultural revolution, they should pronounce themselves as exiled.

Therefore, it is the responsibility of the exiled Tibetans to represent those inside Tibet about the truth to the whole world.

Meanwhile, His Holiness depicted the rich and unique cultural and religious heritage of Tibet prior to the Chinese invasion. His Holiness also narrated how a Chinese elite once told him there are no documents what so ever that claims Tibet as a part of China.

 

His Holiness then talked about the rich wisdom of Nalanda being preserved in the Tibetan language with more than 300 volumes in the form of Kangyur and Tengyur. He further explained the work of great masters of Nalanda that is also preserved in the Tibetan language.

Speaking on Nalanda tradition based solely on logic and reason, His Holiness affirmed that he respects all religion equally and promotes religious harmony.  However, Nalanda tradition and wisdom according to His Holiness is the only solution to the modern world problems.

Concluding his address, His Holiness urged the Tibetans to practice resilience in their pursuit which will benefit them in the long run.

Prof K.S Rangappa, former Vice Chancellor of Mysuru University praised the university for its sole purpose of social and education centre and not some money making institute which is so prevalent in the country these days. And so, he wished and prayed for the success of the institute.

Prof K.R Venugopal, Bengaluru University Vice-Chancellor also announced that Dalai Lama Institute for Higher studies from now would be regarded as an affiliated institute of Bangalore University. Earlier, the Institute was under the umbrella of Mysore University. He also announced that the institute will gradually facilitate higher education degree such as PhD in the coming years.

The Vice-Chancellor ensured that Bengaluru university will render every support for Dalai Lama Institute and offer to fulfill every necessity to amend any issues to which His Holiness expressed his gratitude for supporting the Institute and thanked them on behalf of the Tibetan people.

Then Principal B Tsering, Principal of Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education read brief annual report followed by Thupten Dorjee, Director of TCV who apprised about the budget of Institute and thanked His Holiness for his unrelenting support towards the institute.

-Filed by Correspondent Tenzin Phende-

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the sponsors accompanied by Mrs B Tsering, Principal of the institute and Mr Thupten Dorjee, Director of TCV. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Khenpos and Abbots of monasteries. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR

His Holiness the Dalai Lama being welcomed by the students. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR

His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the gathering. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR