Dalai Lama congratulates India’s new President
DHARAMSALA, 21 July: The Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has congratulated Droupadi Murmu, the new President of India.
“You are assuming this august position at a time when the international community is becoming ever more aware of the importance of India, which has much to contribute to the peace and development of the world,” the Dalai Lama said in a missive to the congratulate the 15th President of India Droupadi Murmu.
The octogenarian Tibetan leader declared his admiration for India’s “principles of Karuna and Ahimsa” that he said spread far and wide because of Mahatma Gandhi and expressed his “deep respect for India.”
“It has the potential to engender peace within individuals and the world at large. As it is, India is the land of religious harmony, with so many different communities living together here,” he added.
The Tibetan spiritual leader has also said that “the Tibetan people and I have been honoured to receive the unparalleled support of the Government and people of India in our endeavour to protect and preserve our identity, including our ancient Buddhist culture.”
“I would like to take this opportunity once again to express our deep gratitude through you, to the Government and the people of India, for the warm hospitality we have been granted for more than six decades.”
The Tibetan Nobel laureate further expressed his confidence that “the new President will do whatever she can to consolidate India’s strengths and provide a lead in working to develop a more peaceful world, inspired by the treasures of India’s ancient wisdom”, and concluded by offering his prayers and good wishes.
Former Jharkhand Governor and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Droupadi Murmu became the 15th President of India on Thursday.
Murmu received 2,824 votes of 6,76,803 value against the opposing candidate Yashwant Sinha’s 1,877 votes or 3,80,177 value.
The 64-year-old is the first tribal woman to be elected to the position and the youngest president of India.
