Secularism has brought good results for India: Dalai Lama

NEW DELHI: The Dalai Lama today advocated practice of secularism saying it has brought "good results" for India, which he described as most stable "barring few exceptions".

The comments by the Tibetan spiritual leader assume significance in the backdrop of attacks against minorities and their religious places in the country.

"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," he said while addressing a global conference on "Strengthening Democracy in Asia: Participation, Inclusion and Rights".

Noting that India has a rule of law and deep rooted democracy, he said, "Barring a few exception, this country is most stable country in comparison to others" and added that "the Constitution of India based on secularism has brought good results here".

Underlining the importance of freedom, he said "freedom is essential for human being to have creativity. It is not only human, even animal also love freedom so it is important that people should have freedom."

The Dalai Lama also advocated people-to-people contacts between India and Pakistan, saying "it is very important. It must continue".

Taking note of "some disturbances on account of political or military leaders for their interest and propaganda", the Tibetan spiritual leader said "people should continue to have close relationship and that is the way to build trust."

On China, the Dalai Lama said India should welcome more Chinese students and Buddhist pilgrims to the country.

India should facilitate more Chinese Buddhists and students to visit the country, he said.