Indian MP Advocates for Bharat Ratna Award for Dalai Lama in Parliament: A Call for Recognition

Revisiting Calls for Bharat Ratna to Honor His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Indian MP Tapir Gao is once again urging the central government to bestow the Bharat Ratna, India’s top civilian award, on His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. During a recent session in the Lok Sabha, he described the Dalai Lama as a “global symbol of peace, non-violence, and compassion.” This isn’t the first time Gao has made this call; he initially raised the issue last December.

Gao emphasized that India, known as the land of non-violence, should recognize the Dalai Lama’s significant contributions to humanity. Now at 90, the Dalai Lama’s impact extends well beyond Buddhism; he represents a universal message of peace. Gao stated, “Today, the Dalai Lama is not just a religious figure but a symbol of peace across the world.”

After his speech, Gao continued to advocate on social media, warning about Chinese interference in the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation. He asserted that only the Tibetan spiritual tradition has the authority to determine the next Dalai Lama, which is a process rooted in the rich Nalanda Buddhist tradition.

Gao is part of the All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet, a coalition consisting of around 80 MPs advocating for Tibetan issues. This forum endorsed the call for the Bharat Ratna after the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday on July 6. They have also suggested that Parliament invite the Dalai Lama to speak in a joint session.

Earlier in March, the Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition echoed this sentiment, praising the Dalai Lama’s efforts in preserving Himalayan Buddhist traditions and promoting peace. They urged the government to confer the Bharat Ratna ahead of his milestone birthday.

Support for this initiative is widespread among prominent Indian leaders. Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shanta Kumar and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar have both argued that honoring the Dalai Lama would showcase India’s respect for his lifelong commitment to truth, compassion, and non-violence.

In recent years, the global conversation around the Dalai Lama’s influence has gained traction. A survey conducted by a social media platform revealed that 78% of users view him as a positive force for peace. This shows how deeply people resonate with his teachings, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.

In conclusion, the voices calling for the Bharat Ratna for the Dalai Lama highlight not only his achievements but also India’s broader commitment to upholding values of peace and compassion in an increasingly chaotic world.

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