Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama yesterday condemned the discriminating caste system in India, saying it should be discontinued.
Interacting briefly with over 1,000 foreign tourists at the Tsuglagkhang courtyard in Dharamsala, the Dalai Lama expressed admiration at the secular nature of India’s religious traditions.
“India is home to all of the world’s major religious traditions and also respects non-believers. This is really wonderful and something to be proud of,” he said.
His call comes amid atrocities against the Dalit community and the alleged dilution of SC/ST Act which is meant to ensure their protection.
The Dalai Lama said inner peace was the basis of self-confidence and that children should be taught about inner values and moral principles through a secular approach in schools instead of self-centred attitude.
The Nobel Peace Laureate also emphasised the importance of Tibetan language and said it was the only language that has preserved India’s ancient knowledge.
“The rich ancient knowledge of Nalanda is lost to the world now. However, due to the painstaking effort of the Tibetan translators, this knowledge is now available only in Tibetan language. Therefore, the preservation and study of Tibetan language is crucial.”






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