SHILLONG: Corruption is not only a form of exploitation it is also a terrible form of violence said the Dalai Lama when asked about corruption in the Indian context.
The Tibetan spiritual leader, on his maiden visit to the city, had caused a stir on his first day when he said at the Martin Luther Christian University convocation on Monday that India, despite its religiosity, is very corrupt and its highly-educated citizens are often the most corrupt.
“Ahimsa is not only against killing, but also against exploitation. Corruption is actually exploitation and that is a form of violence,” the Tibetan exile said at a gathering of journalists at Pinewood Hotel on Wednesday.
“I think we should educate people that Ahimsa should be practised in all fields, like economics, politics and at the family level. Corruption is a modern cancer and can be found everywhere. Only difference is the degree of the corruption. It clearly shows that we are lacking firm conviction about the value of ethics. We must educate people from kindergarten to university about modern ethics. Society is only concerned about material value, but we need a long-term programme to educate the public,” the Nobel laureate observed.
Although firmly in love with his adopted homeland for the past 55 years, the Dalai Lama is not shy of pointing out India’s problems and another one of these, he feels, is that the country’s present economic system is unsustainable so long as it leaves behind the majority rural population.
On his last full day in the city, the Dalai Lama was asked where he sees India 50 years from now. He said he was confident that it would remain a free country, but, added, “I hope India, and the whole world, will reduce the gap between the rich and poor. Development must take place in rural areas, not just cities.”
The Tibetan monk repeatedly observed that the present economic system is not sustainable. At lunch (hosted at the hotel earlier by Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma) he said that the discussion veered around the point that villages should have same facilities in schools and hospitals as the big cities.
Tibet’s most famous exile then cited Taiwan and Japan as examples of countries have practised inclusive development. “We should develop that way. Even millionaires should not just be made in cities, but also rural areas,” he said with a laugh.
The 78-year-old was also asked about the pros and cons of Indian democracy. He replied that it was India’s ancient tolerance for diversity of opinion – through its many religions – that has played a big role in making the modern republic a success in democratic terms. However, when pushed for a negative, he said that freedom without a sense of responsibility could lead to problems. Although even described as a “demon” by Chinese officials, the 14th Dalai Lama was, perhaps surprisingly, positive about the People’s Republic.
He described the Communist country as going through a transition phase and hoped that the new president Xi Jinping would take the country forward and apply its own laws in regard to the Tibetans’ desire for more freedom, something the Tibetan administration in exile contends is part of China’s constitution.
“The overall trend in the world is for more freedom, democracy and the rule of law,” the Dalai Lama explained. He said no matter how powerful China is, it cannot go against the trend. In 15, 20 or 30 years things will change in China.
The revered leader even recounted part of his relationship with Communist China’s first leader, Mao Zedong, explaining that he saw Mao as a father figure and was treated like a son in return. Mao also, initially supported real autonomy for Tibet as a “special province,” he informed.
At the start of the session, the feted guest reiterated his three main commitments – to convince people to pay attention to their “inner values.” To emphasise the universal message of “love, forgiveness and compassion” that can be found in all the major religions of the world. To preserve Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan culture.
When asked by the media when he thinks he might return to his homeland, the Dalai Lama with his characteristic chuckle simply said , “Nobody knows. “I think 99 per cent of Tibetan people are waiting for me to return. I want to go to Tibet. It is my home. But the Chinese government will not allow that. Chinese hardliners accuse me even today of being a ‘splitter ‘ and a reactionary.”
He said the whole world knows that Tibetans are not seeking independence. Chinese people also know this. “When I heard from the media that some officials call me a demon I said yes, I am a demon with horns,” and here the Lama stuck two fingers to the side of his head.
“If I am a demon, logically a demon’s palace will be prison. So, if I return there it will not be of much use. Perhaps I’ll be more relaxed in prison – with no work,” he said to a loud laugh from the press.