Secularism has worked for India: Dalai Lama

Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader has showered rich praise on India’s practice of secularism and underlined the need for reducing conflicts based on religion in the world.

Appreciating India’s vibrant democracy, the iconic Tibetan leader said: “Barring a few exceptions, this country is the most stable country in comparison to others.” “The Constitution of India based on secularism has brought good results here,” he stressed.

The Dalai Lama, who has been living in exile in Dharmsala, hill resort town in Himachal Pradesh for nearly five decades, also called for people-to-people contacts between India and Pakistan saying, “it’s very important, it must continue.”

“Conflicts over religion are taking place sometime which is not good. We must bring everybody close and develop trust. Because serious matter cannot be solved through mistrust,” the spiritual leader said while addressing a global conference on “Strengthening Democracy in Asia: Participation, Inclusion and Rights”.

Taking note of the recent attacks against minorities and religious places, and disturbances created by political or military leader for their own propaganda, the Dalai Lama said that people should continue to live close to each other and that’s the only way to build trust.

Speaking about India-China relations, he said that India should welcome and facilitate the visit of Chinese students and Buddhist pilgrims to the country.

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