Tibet Lost Due to Lack of Modern Education: Tibetan Leader

Monday, 14 February 2011

Dharamshala: The younger Tibetans must work hard in their studies, particularly to put more efforts in studying Buddhism said Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 10 February in Jodhpur while emphasising the need for efforts in learning both traditional and modern education among the Tibetan community.

His Holiness also emphasised the need to excel in modern education. "We lost our country mainly due to the lack of modern education, so there should be no further negligence in this field. The parents should do their best to give education to their children," said His Holiness while addressing the exile Tibetan community in Jodhpur, according to Tibetan government official media; Tibet Net.

His Holiness recounted the events which forced the Tibetan people to become refugees. "Around 52 years have passed since we became refugees. We did not become refugees not because of some illegal activities committed by us in Tibet or due to some natural calamity. It was rather because of a force imposed on us by a foreign power that made us refugees when situation became desperate in 1959."

His Holiness said the Tibetan people living inside Tibet have maintained their determination and courage. "This was proved by their peaceful protests across Tibet against the government of the People's Republic of China. The Tibetan people living in the free countries are also putting efforts on behalf their brethren in Tibet," said Tibet Net.

His Holiness thanked the government and people of Rajasthan for their pledge to support the Tibetans doing winter business in the state for their livelihoods.

The Tibetan community presented a memento to His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a symbol of their deep gratitude and reverence. Over 400 people, including 300 Tibetans and members of the Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society, attended the address by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Earlier in the programme, His Holiness offered souvenirs to Maharaja Gaj Singh, the erstwhile ruler of Jodhpur, Chandresh Kumari, Member of Parliament, and the city mayor. In his address, the mayor expressed gladness to get the opportunity to invite His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Jodhpur.

"His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a renowned figure throughout the world and his deeds are highly praised by people in all parts of the world. "The Nobel Peace Prize conferred on him is only a small acknowledgment in comparison his remarkable service to the world," he said. "I have a firm belief that Tibet will accomplish freedom during the lifetime of the present His Holiness the Dalai Lama," he added.

In her address, Chandresh Kumari, a member of the Jodhpur's royal family and the member of Indian Parliament, said: " I was fortunate enough to be able to meet and receive the blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the past 42 years of stay in Dharamshala." Ms Chandresh Kumari praised His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his remarkable service in promoting India's rich tradition of non-violence and ethics.

On behalf of the Indian community, Maharaja Gaj Singh expressed happiness to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama in their locality. "Many amongst the local Indian people have never seen His Holiness the Dalai Lama, except in television and newspapers. Today, we feel very proud and happy to meet you here." He said the local people prefer to buy garments being sold by the Tibetan community owing to their good quality and reasonable prize