Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama extended his congratulatory wishes to newly-elected Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday.
‘Today, the international community is becoming ever more aware of the leadership role that India can play in contributing to the peace and development of all humanity. With your long and rich experience of public service, I am sure you will be able to serve this great nation and its people with success,” Dalai Lama wrote in his letter.
Dalai Lama said India is the land of ‘ahimsa’ and ‘karuna’, ideas that contribute much to the flourishing of humanity.
Lama further said, “Over the years, India has taken great strides in many fields, especially in science and technology. As someone who has lived here for most of my life, I consider myself very much part of Indian society. It is auspicious that you are taking up this position on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence.”
Moreover, Dalai Lama praised the traditional techniques of mental training which include Yoga and meditation in India.
“I am proud to say that ancient India is the source of an understanding of the mind and emotions – as well as of its traditional techniques of mental training, such as meditation and yoga – that can be of benefit to all human beings, both now and in the future,” Lama said.
The 14th Dalai Lama expressed his commitment to creating awareness of this treasure.
“India is uniquely well-positioned to combine these essential bodies of knowledge. I am aware that such initiatives have begun in several states, and I very much hope that they will grow across the nation,” Lama added.
Meanwhile, Dhankhar won the election by 346 votes. Dhankhar got 528 votes and opposition candidate Margaret Alva got 182 votes.
However, on 11 August, the new Vice-President of the country will take the oath. A day prior on 10 August the term of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu ends.