Arunachal CM Advocates Bharat Ratna for Dalai Lama

New Delhi, Jul 9 (PTI) - Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has advocated for honouring the Dalai Lama with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. Khandu announced his intent to write to the central government recommending this accolade for the Tibetan spiritual leader.

In a Tuesday interview with PTI Videos, Khandu expressed that Beijing has no standing in the selection of the next Dalai Lama, as Tibetan Buddhism isn't practiced in mainland China, unlike in Tibet and India's Himalayan regions.

Asked about a campaign led by several MPs to bestow the Bharat Ratna on the Dalai Lama, Khandu highlighted the Dalai Lama's significant contributions to propagating and expanding the Nalanda school of Buddhism, which originated in India.

"In the 8th century, many gurus from Nalanda University traveled to Tibet. At that time, the Bon religion was prominent there. By merging Bon with Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism emerged and spread throughout Tibet," Khandu explained.

He noted that Tibetan Buddhism's influence now spans the Himalayan belt, from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.

The 14th Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 following China's invasion of Tibet. Since then, he has resided in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, alongside other exiled Tibetans.

Khandu emphasized how the Dalai Lama transplanted many monastic traditions from Tibet to India, founding institutions, particularly in southern India. These monasteries have significantly benefitted Buddhists in India's Himalayan region.

"Monks from our region study there and later bring back their knowledge and practices. The Dalai Lama has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting the ancient Nalanda tradition, which originated in our own country," Khandu stated.

He affirmed that recognizing the Dalai Lama with the Bharat Ratna is a commendable move. Khandu plans to formally recommend the Dalai Lama for the award in a letter to the central government soon.

Notably, Mother Teresa, Abdul Ghaffar Khan, and Nelson Mandela, all born outside India, have previously received the Bharat Ratna in 1980, 1987, and 1990, respectively.

Reflecting on the recent 90th birthday celebration of the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala on July 6, which he attended, Khandu shared that although he has visited the hill station several times, this particular occasion felt special.

The event assembled people from across India and around the globe, including diplomatic representatives, with video messages from those unable to attend. It marked a historic moment for all involved.

"His Holiness remains mentally agile, despite having a recent knee operation," Khandu added.

Discussing the Dalai Lama's successor, Khandu, a Buddhist himself, mentioned that it is a subject of ongoing conversation.

"The Dalai Lama institution has persisted over 600 years. The Gaden Phodrang Trust oversees the process to identify the next Dalai Lama, which will only commence after the current Dalai Lama's passing. There is no rush, and the process adheres to strict guidelines," he noted.

Khandu acknowledged speculation regarding the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution and the possibility of the next Dalai Lama being a woman.

"Before the 90th birthday celebration, all heads of Buddhist traditions met and affirmed the institution's continuation. Although China objects, their stance is based on their own policies. The Dalai Lama institution primarily concerns the Himalayan belt and Tibetan Buddhists. China shouldn't interfere," he concluded.

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