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Will prefer to die in free democracy of India rather than among ‘artificial’ Chinese officials: Dalai Lama
"At the time when I die, I prefer dying in India"
Dharamshala: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama stated on Thursday that he would rather pass away among “real” and loving Indians who live in a free and democratic society than with “fake” Chinese officials.
These comments were delivered by him at a two-day discussion with young leaders that took place at his home in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, during an event hosted by the USIP (USIP).
“I told former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, I will live another 15-20 years, there is no question. At the time when I die, I prefer dying in India. India is surrounded by people who show love, not artificial something. If I die surrounded by Chinese officials…too much artificial. I prefer dying in this country with free democracy,” Dalai Lama said.
“At the time of death…one must be surrounded by trusted friends who really show you genuine feelings,” he added in a video posted on Facebook.
Chinese authorities often view the Dalai Lama with distrust despite his universal acclaim for both his wise political insights and his enlightened spiritual teachings. He is frequently viewed by the Chinese government as a divisive and separatist character.
The Tibetan spiritual leader had to seek refuge in India in the 1950s when China invaded Tibet without authorization. The Dalai Lama wanted to promote a halfway settlement with China to settle the Tibet issue peacefully.
The Dalai Lama has always been a clear and continuous target for the Indian government. He is a highly regarded religious figure that the Indian populace holds in high regard. In India, he is given complete freedom to practise his religion as he pleases.
Following a hiatus of more than three years, the Dalai Lama visited New Delhi last month. He spent a month in Ladakh before travelling to the nation’s capital.
The Dalai Lama is a legendary figure who fights for freedom and democracy throughout the world as well as in his own nation. Because of Chinese hostility, the Dalai Lama renounced his position as the spiritual head of more than 7 million Tibetan Buddhists and has been living in exile ever since.
