17 September, Dharamsala The Dalai Lama, a Tibetan spiritual leader, wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi a happy 73rd birthday on Sunday and expressed his happiness at seeing India’s rising importance on the world scene, which was evident at the just finished G20 conference.
His Holiness sent the Prime Minister a letter with his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for the day.
“May I also take this opportunity to congratulate you on the success of India’s G20 presidency, culminating in the summit on the theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’,” His Holiness wrote.
“I have a deep emotional connection to this topic. I passionately believe in humanity’s interconnectedness, and whenever I can, I try to persuade others of its significance.
“As India’s longest-staying visitor, it has been an honour and a source of pride for me to see India’s rising status on the world scene, as shown in occasions like the G20 summit. The chance to emphasise the interconnectedness of our common planet was also greatly enhanced by that encounter.
“Indian ahimsa and karuna traditions date back more than a thousand years. India sets an example for the rest of the world as the world’s biggest democracy, its most populous country, and a country with a long history of religious peace.
“Additionally, India’s expanding technology and scientific skills strengthen its ascent to leadership.
“Permit me to once again express my sincere gratitude to the government and people of India for their gracious hospitality and support to us over the last 64 years,” I said on behalf of the Tibetan people.
Finally, His Holiness prayed for the Prime Minister and wished him “continued good health and success in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of this great country, and in contributing to the creation of a more compassionate, peaceful world.”
The world-traveling monk, who is renowned for his simplicity and lighthearted demeanour and likes to attend meetings with religious leaders, characterises himself as a simple Buddhist monk and gives talks to businesspeople on the ethics of the new century and the art of happiness.
He represents Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of mercy, in the human realm for Tibetans.
