Buddhist spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, has hailed Bihar election results describing the mandate a hope for harmony in India. Speaking at a convocation ceremony of a private university, he said that a majority of Indians still believed in harmony.
He said, “Secularism means respect not only for other religions but for non-believers as well as they are also fellow human beings. Indian secularism is very relevant today. Some mischievous elements are always there.”
When asked about the rising intolerance in India, Dalai Lama said, “A few problems can be there but India has stood by its value system of secularism and harmony. Bihar elections have proved that majority of Indian people still believe in harmony. I am the longest staying guest of India and do not want to get into its politics.”
“Buddhism originated in Indian and traditionally India is our guru and we are the chelas. There can be a few problems but overall the situation is very good and India has been following the principles of Ahimsa and harmony,” he added.
Reacting to the spiritual leader’s statement, which may further embarrass the BJP, Subramanian Swamy said, “His comments were uncalled for and it shows ignorance on his part.”
However, Congress party welcomed the comments.
The party’s spokesperson, Shakeel Ahmed, said, “There is absolutely no second thought about it. We are 100 percent in agreement with the statement of the Dalai Lama.”