His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama kept his date with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore and welcomed the Class of 2010 PGP students for their second session on June 10, 2009. While addressing the gathering the Nobel Peace Prize winner said that today’s youth has the power to shape the 21st century in their hands. He also commented on the potential he sees in India to carve a new peaceful and more compassionate century ahead.
The Dalai Lama was welcomed by the Director of IIM Indore Dr. N Ravichandran, the Chairman of IIM Indore LN Jhunjhunwala, members of the board of governors, members of faculty, press and the students among joy and fervour. In his introductory speech, Jhunjhunwala referred to the Dalai Lama as an ‘avatar of Buddha’ and said, “This visit of the Dalai Lama is unprecedented and this is a divine visit that happens once in centuries. The fact that the Dalai Lama can smile in the face of adversity is a sign of divinity.
Prabandh Shikhar has been sanctified by his visit today.” While addressing the gathering, the IIM Indore Chairman went on to describe the current situation of Tibet and its occupation by China.
Showing his modesty and great sense of humour, the Dalai Lama said that all the talks about his divinity are farce. “I have no healing power, I am not a divine person, I don’t do magic. I am talking to you as a fellow human brother, just trying to convey and spread my message of honesty, self-justice and equality,” he said, and added that mutual respect is the only way to bring in genuine harmony between all religions of this world.
The spiritual leader then went on to describe that he is a messenger of Buddhism and that he brings to this world, two messages: love and Ahimsa. “Smiles break all language barriers,” he quipped, and added that those who lack compassion are self-centred. He called upon the current generation to practice non-violence and compassion, so that the next generation follows and a peaceful world order emerges. The Dalai Lama also spoke on India’s current political stability and commented that this stability will result in greater prosperity.
Dr. Ravichandran concluded the session held at IIM Indore auditorium and expressed his gratitude to the spiritual leader for enlightening both the institute’s faculty and students with his valuable teachings, thoughts and blessings.
