Staff Reporter, The Hindu

NEW DELHI: Swarms of students, sociologists and foreign delegates 
descended on the dusty K.V. Grounds at Jawaharlal Nehru University 
here on Tuesday to hear the Dalai Lama deliver the opening lecture 
for the eight-day-long "Satyagraha Centenary International Conference 
- Globalisation of the Gandhian Way".

"I am an admirer of Gandhi and wherever I go I carry his message of 
non-violence and compassion. The universality of his teachings 
transcends barriers of religions and faiths," said the Dalai Lama in 
his self-admittedly "broken English" as his translator stepped aside 
with a respectful bow.

Linguistic trouble, however, did not prove a deterrent for the 
profundity of his message to seep through the crowd, most of which 
comprised Tibetan students who applauded each time the disarming 
leader broke into his local dialect.

The Dalai Lama said the value of Mahatma Gandhi lay in his 
implementation of the age-old principle of "ahimsa" which, though a 
part of Indian culture for centuries, was brought to the forefront of 
political and social reform only through persistent efforts of the 
Mahatma. "I am no scholar and I have no scholarly knowledge. I merely 
strive to practice 'ahimsa' as I consider it synonymous with truth, 
honesty and compassion. The only motivation required to adopt an 
"ahimsa" lifestyle is to inculcate a genuine respect for other human 
beings and their interests."
Violence

The Tibetan spiritual leader said resorting to violence was counter-
productive and unrealistic and the true solution to any conflict 
should be sought through constructive dialogue. "It is heartening to 
see young students develop an interest in the principles of Gandhi. 
Great leaders over the years have idolised him and Martin Luther King 
Jr. even went to the extent of emulating the Bapu's spartan lifestyle 
and wardrobe."

"India should realise its traditional cultural richness," the Dalai 
Lama added.