Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju who attended the 90th birthday celebrations of Dalai Lama at Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple on said one felt blessed in the presence of the Tibetan leader.
Speaking at the celebrations amidst the presence of his Cabinet colleague Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Hollywood actor Richard Gere, Union Minister Rijiju said, “Your holiness, you are more than a spiritual leader. You are a living bridge between ancient wisdom and the modern world. We feel blessed in your presence.”
Rijiju also noted, “For over seven decades, you have carried the light of the Buddha’s teachings with humility and clarity, guiding not only followers of Tibetan Buddhism but also people of all faiths and backgrounds.”
“In a world at strife with conflict, your message embodied in how you continue to lead your life assumes even greater and more urgent significance. It is a matter of pride and honour for India and Indians to have you in our midst,” he said. Rijiju reached McLeodganj on July 5 to attend the long-life prayer offering on the birthday eve.
He travelled by overnight train from Delhi to Pathankot in Punjab and further travelled by road. Ahead of reaching McLeodganj, Rijiju clarified that the position of the Dalai Lama is of utmost importance, not just for Tibetans but for all his followers across the world.
