Jiyo Hazaron Saal, dear neighbour Tibet!

Happy birthday to Dalai Lama! Wish you a happy and healthy long life, to steer the Tibetan society through such testing times. Remember Marana Pratap and Mahatma Gandhi. Between those two heroes lives Buddhism, inspiring millions for more than 2500 years! Communism is already dead in lesser than two decades your age. However, like all religions, reforms are overdue in Buddhism globally. It is not the religion of the weak. But it must be proved. One Indian under the influence of Buddhism from his birthplace has already proved it in our own times. Religion is not for the hungry, starving or ailing. So, means of livelihood must be provided. The fingers producing goods and services are the first targets for the proselytisers, whether religious or political. I would like to quote two poetic gems: “bhooke bhajan na hoi Gopala, ye lo apni kanthimala” and, Rahiman paani rakhiyo binu paani sab soon, paani gaye na ubre moti manus choon”.

M L Gupta