Manmohan wants Dalai Lama's blessings for harmony in India

NEW DELHI: Describing Dalai Lama as "modern incarnation of Lord Buddha", former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today sought the Tibetan spiritual leader's blessings for India to move on the path of peace and harmony.

Speaking at a function here to commemorate the 80th birth anniversary of the Dalai Lama, the Congress leader said he was a "great gift of God to humanity".

The event was attended by a number of dignitaries from diverse professions and walks of life, including former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, former Finance Minister P Chidambaram and Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi. Several jurists, artistes, historians, diplomats, actors and businessmen also attended and recalled their long association.

Talking about the present world which faces "turbulence", Singh said the challenge before humanity is to use science and technology for strengthening creative forces rather than its destructive side, where the spiritual leader's life and work assumes importance.

"I seek your blessings for our country to go forward on a path of peace, harmony, patience and forbearance," he said.

"Ours is a land of 'rishis', 'munis' and great spiritual persons. His Holiness, in this present time, is a gift of God to humanity to perform the same functions as our ancient seers have performed in helping to guide the country and our people in the righteous path," he further said.

The remarks came against the backdrop of debate recently over "intolerance" in the country in the wake of the Dadri lynching incident.

Describing him as a representative of ancient civilization and a "modern incarnation of Lord Buddha", the former Prime Minister said, the people of India were grateful to him for choosing the country after leaving Tibet.