Greeting the President of India on his Birthday
October 1, 2019
Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, India – On the occasion of the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind’s 74th birthday, His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote to him to offer his congratulations.
“India’s role as a democracy committed to pluralism and diversity is an example to the world,” the letter continued, “and I take pride in noting that the philosophy of ancient India, exemplified by the traditions of scholarship upheld at Nalanda University, took a scientific approach founded on reason. India’s ancient traditions, including ahimsa and karuna, are of great relevance in today’s world.
“I am glad to note that in the course of his recent address to the United Nations General Assembly, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi remarked that India gave the world the Buddha’s message of peace, not war.
“Since I consider myself a messenger of India, I am confident that through sharing the treasures of ancient Indian knowledge for the greater good of humanity, India can play an active role in creating a happier and more peaceful world.”
His Holiness ended his letter with an expression of thanks. Writing on behalf of the Tibetan people, he took the opportunity to extend deep gratitude to the government and people of India for the warm and generous hospitality Tibetans have received in this country for so many years.