Dalai Lama pins hope on youth

By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, April 1: “The younger generation is the sign of hope and by cultivating a compassiote mind, they can make a mark in the 21st century to make it a century of peace, which should be in sharp contrast to the 20th century when more than 200 million people were killed. This century belongs to the younger generation,” said the Dalai Lama here on Saturday in a clarion call to the youth. 
The Tibetan spiritual leader arrived in the city today as part of a 12–day visit to Assam and Aruchal Pradesh. His visit has been marred by protests from Beijing, while New Delhi has stoutly defended it as non–political. “Differences can be cleared through dialogue,” the Dalia Lama reminded.
Delivering a talk on ‘A human approach to world peace’ on the platinum jubilee celebration of The Assam Tribune and the golden jubilee celebration of Dainik Asam held today at ITA Muchkhowa in the city, the Dalai Lama went nostalgic and recalled his earlier days of exile. “Perceiving a threat to my life, I escaped from Tibet in 1959. Thereafter, I was received by Indian officials on the borders of Aruchal and entered this country, and now I am the longest staying guest in India,” he quipped.
The Dalai Lama said he came to India as a refugee in 1959 and had to wait for a long time at the border till confirmation came from India’s side that he could stay. “Aruchal Pradesh is very dear to me. On stepping there, I feel free. I have visited Tawang a couple of times,” he said.  
The Dalai Lama said peace in the world can be realized with a compassiote mind that serves the basis of humanity and a peaceful existence.
“The major problem the world is facing is the problem of suffering, which we have to elimite logically. Innocent people are killed every day in incidents which cannot be ignored. So, it can be said that the sense of concern in an individual is the basis of empathy for one another. Once we all are full of compassion, there will be no need to cheat, deceive, and betray, which ultimately disturbs the emotions. My commitment is to promote one being,” the Dalai Lama said.
The Tibetan spiritual leader also said India can contribute significantly to humanity. 
However, the Dalai Lama didn’t comment on Chi’s protest against his visit. Earlier, ULFA(I) leader Paresh Baruah had asked the Dalai Lama through an open letter not to comment on Chi as it is a neighbour, and his remarks could create tension between the two tions.