Describing Dalai Lama as "modern incarnation of Lord Buddha", former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today sought the Tibetan spiritual leader's blessings for India to move on the path of peace and harmony.
Speaking at a function here to commemorate the 80th birth anniversary of the Dalai Lama, the Congress leader said he was a "great gift of God to humanity".
The event was attended by a number of dignitaries from diverse professions and walks of life, including former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, former Finance Minister P Chidambaram and Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi. Several jurists, artistes, historians, diplomats, actors and businessmen also attended and recalled their long association.
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Talking about the present world which faces "turbulence", Singh said the challenge before humanity is to use science and technology for strengthening creative forces rather than its destructive side, where the spiritual leader's life and work assumes importance.
"I seek your blessings for our country to go forward on a path of peace, harmony, patience and forbearance," he said.
"Ours is a land of 'rishis', 'munis' and great spiritual persons. His Holiness, in this present time, is a gift of God to humanity to perform the same functions as our ancient seers have performed in helping to guide the country and our people in the righteous path," he further said.
The remarks came against the backdrop of debate recently over "intolerance" in the country in the wake of the Dadri lynching incident.
Describing him as a representative of ancient civilization and a "modern incarnation of Lord Buddha", the former Prime Minister said, the people of India were grateful to him for choosing the country after leaving Tibet.
"We live in a world of great turbulence. We live in a
world where science and technology are making profound changes with the way the people live.
"There are good points, there are bad points and the challenge before humanity is how to use science and technology for strengthening the creative forces rather than the destructive side of science and technology," Manmohan Singh said, adding the Dalai Lama's life and work assumes importance here.
He added that though the world cannot live without science and technology, one must harmonise the spirit of positive forces that have guided India for so long with modern science and technology, where his life can play an important role.
"Our journey is not complete. This long journey that lies ahead of us, of modernising our nation, unwinding the forces of science and technology and spiritualism, it is that path in which you can play a great role in guiding our country to that direction," he said.
Chidambaram said no one in the audience can think of Tibet without a pang of guilt, but said he believes in the Dalai Lama's wish that justice will prevail one day for Tibet.
The former Home Minister said all these years, the Dalai Lama has lived in India but not once has he spoken a word of ill against anyone.
Tibetans have a lot of forbearance and have not been a source of anxiety for anyone, Chidambaram added.
He said as 60 million people stood displaced in the world, which has been going on for centuries, "I don't think anyone in this audience can think of Tibet or speak about Tibet without a pang of guilt. I am not here to suggest any solutions. I don't have any...I completely believe in the Dalai Lama when he says that one day justice will prevail."
Singh said every time he interacted with the Dalai Lama, he came away as a man more at peace with himself and the outside world. "I came away a happier man, a man more at peace with myself," he said.
Advani said the Dalai Lama was loved by all including believers and non-believers.
"This person can't think ill of anyone. He exudes positivity, humility, love for all and respect for all," he said, adding that he spreads a sense of oneness and only a 'sadhu' (saint) can spread such kind of shine.
