Dalai Lama asks India to promote non-violence, harmony

Describing India as the "Guru" (teacher) and the Buddhists as its reliable disciples, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama today asked the country to play an active role in the promotion of non-violence and religious harmony for the welfare of mankind.

Describing India as the "Guru" (teacher) and the Buddhists as its reliable disciples, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama today asked the country to play an active role in the promotion of non-violence and religious harmony for the welfare of mankind.

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"Time has come for my Guru (India) to take an active role in promotion of Ahimsa (non-violence) and religious harmony," the Dalai Lama said at a religious discourse here.

Stating that "Ahimsa" and religious harmony were two treasures of India, Dalai Lama said Buddhists had so far kept India's noble principles alive.

"We, 'Chellas' (disciples) have kept India's treasurers alive. We are reliable 'Chellas' of the country," he said and urged the Indian leadership to spread the message of non-violence.

Terming himself as a "messenger" of non-violence, Dalai Lama said he had long been preaching Ahimsa for the betterment of communities.

While allowing its religions to grow, India had been historically tolerant to other people and their religions.

"India is a role model for others in terms of non-violence and religious harmony though there had been sporadic incidents like burning of a Christian Missionary in Orissa," he said.

"Over all, this country carries the spirit of religious harmony," he said.