I am son of India, messenger of its ancient thoughts: Dalai Lama

CANACONA: Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama today said that he was son of India and a messenger of its ancient thoughts.

"I am son of India. The different ideas and logic filled in my brain come from India," the 81-year-old monk said in a video message, which was aired from Dharamsala, during the inauguration of ' India Ideas Conclave' here.

"For 57 years, this body is survived by rice and dal from India," he said.

The Tibetan spiritual leader could not make it to the conclave on health grounds.

"Wherever I go, I tell people that I am a messenger of Indian ancient thoughts. The concepts of 'ahinsa' ( non-violence) and 'karuna' ( compassion) are something which is a gift of India to the world," the octogenarian said.

He said spiritual leaders should make the ancient Indian thoughts available to the public.

"Some traditions in India (which) came as part of the feudal system should be discarded, while those belonging to ancient times should be maintained," the Dalai Lama said.

Apologising for not attending the conclave, he said, "My knees are telling me that you are an 81-year-old person now."