Dalai Lama says he is 'messenger of Indian culture'

Dalai Lama also criticised the caste system in the society.

Guwahati, Apr 2: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Friday said he was the 'longest guest' of the Government of India and has now become a messenger of Indian culture.

"I am the longest guest of government of India for the last 58 years and am now paying back for that gesture by becoming the messenger of Indian culture," he said while delivering a lecture on 'Ancient Indian Knowledge in Modern Times' in Guwahati.

He said, "for the last few years, I have started describing myself as the son of India. A few years ago, some Chinese media came and asked why I say so. I told them that each part of my brain is filled with Nalanda thoughts".

"Physically, for the last over 50 years, my body is surviving on Indian dal and chapati. So, physically and mentally I am an Indian," he said.

Referring to secularism, he said, "I am fully committed to promote communal harmony. It is understandable that there are some mischievous people who cause trouble".

He said that the only way to reduce differences and problems was to consider that 'we are all human beings'. Releasing the Assamese version of his autobiography 'My Land and My People' in the same function, he said he was optimistic about a non-violent and peaceful world.

"I don't know whether in my lifetime I will see any big change, but I am optimistic. Through education, the next generation will realise and bring compassion and love. The future of humanity depends on humanity itself, not on God," he added.

"If Mohammad, Buddha, Mahavir reappear today, then they will ask who created violence? Not God, you created. So it is your responsibility to end violence," he said.

Criticising the caste system, he said, "in Indian caste system, people from lower caste are always less privileged. Emotionally they always feel inferior. It is very bad. We have to change this."

He expressed displeasure over the fact that "the upper caste think that they have the right to exploit the poor people" and said it is very harmful for equality.

PTI