Resolve Tibet issue through non-violence: Dalai Lama

Dharamsala: Lobsang Sangay swears-in as the Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile in presence of Tibetan Spiritual leader Dalai Lama at Tsuglagkhang, the main temple in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala on May 27, 2016. (Photo: IANS)

Dharamsala- Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Friday called for concerted efforts to resolve the Tibet issue but through non-violence.

Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile Lobsang Sangay here, the Dalai Lama said he worked wholeheartedly for the Tibetan cause for over 57 years.

“However, I have devolved my political responsibility to an elected leadership since 2011 but I will continue to work for Tibet’s culture and religion,” the Nobel Peace laureate said.

The Dalai Lama said the most important aspect of the Tibetan movement should be to fulfil the aspirations of the majority Tibetans who continue to remain inside Tibet.

He emphasised that the Tibetan movement should be based solely on the principle of non-violence.

On educating the Tibetan children in exile, he called for a renewed emphasis on holistic education.

“There are over 1.5 lakh Tibetans in exile. We should not just be satisfied with a successful livelihood. We should focus on a holistic education of our children,” he said.

“Despite the great heights that modern education has reached, it is still inadequate when it comes to inner values. Moreover, the prevalence of social ills like corruption and dishonesty are a result of the lack of moral principle in modern education,” the Dalai Lama said.

At the same time, the Dalai Lama — who is revered by his community as a ‘living god’ — lamented the negative campaigns that took place in the run-up to the final Tibetan general election.

“I was pained to see the degradation of morality and the overtones of regional loyalty during the election campaign. It’s very unfortunate,” he said.

The Dalai Lama along with many of his supporters fled Tibet and took refuge in India when Chinese troops moved in and took control of Lhasa in 1959.

The Tibetan administration-in-exile is based in Dharamsala.