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Raipur, Chattisgarh, India, 7 March 2013 (Central Chronicle) – India is the land of wisdom where civilization developed in ancient times when it was known as “Arya Bhhomi”, said Nobel Prize winner for Peace the Dalai Lama while addressing as chief guest the first convocation ceremony of Kushabhau Thackeray University of Journalism and Mass Communication (KTUJMC) on Thursday.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama delivering the Convocation Address at the 1st Convocation Ceremony of Kushabhau Thackeray University of Journalism and Mass Communication on Thursday. in Raipur, Chattisgarh, India, on March 7, 2013. Photo/Tenzin Taklha/OHHDL

425 degrees and 24 gold medals were distributed to the graduates and the toppers on the merit lists respectively of 2007 – 2012 of the varsity.

Modern education is important but we should not neglect the ancient Indian education system as it gives us deeper knowledge of Indian culture and tradition, said the Dalai Lama and added that the ancient education system was relevant in today’s life while modern education does not touch that milestone of ancient education system of India. India has become great due to its rich philosophical thoughts, texts, etc., sad the Dalai Lama.

Every country across the world has its own culture, tradition and philosophical thoughts but India is the only country which provides space for Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, etc., said the Dalai Lama and added “We should all draw strength from our traditional and cultural values.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama presenting a gold medal to one of the toppers during the 1st Convocation Ceremony of Kushabhau Thackeray University of Journalism and Mass Communication on Thursday. in Raipur, Chattisgarh, India, on March 7, 2013. Photo/Tenzin Taklha/OHHDL

Due to its rich culture and tradition we admire India as a teacher and we are its follower, the Dalai Lama said. Addressing the students, the Dalai Lama said “We should get inspiration from persons like Nagarjuna who was in this country. I love, respect and admire this country very much,” the Dalai Lama said.

The Nobel Prize winner for Peace the Dalai Lama also said that he felt peace and blessed when he visited the historical places of Buddha, Jain, Shaiv and Vaishnav cultures at Sirpur, a village he visited in the morning. He further added that he would like to visit Sirpur again and added that he would like to sit in meditation at Sirpur when he visited the place next.

Dalai Lama made state feel proud: CM

The Chief Minister, the Honorable Dr. Raman Singh in his remarks said that it was a matter of great joy for the state of Chattisgarh in general and for the student of KTUJMC in particular that the chief guest of this first convocation was the harbinger of world peace the Dalai Lama.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama visiting the archeological site at Sirpur, Chattisgarh, India, on March 7, 2013. Photo/Tenzin Taklha/OHHDL

The gracious presence of the Dalai Lama on this occasion had made it a historical event to be remembered by the people of Chattisgarh during his address to the first convocation. He said that it was also a matter of great pleasure and pride for Chattisgarh that the serenity of Sirpur had attracted the Dalai Lama to the extent that he had decided to sit in meditation for an hour during his next visit. The Chief Minister said that the meditation of the Dalai Lama will go into the records as the second great event after Nagarjuna made his sojourn there years ago. He added that the Dalai Lama followed the footprints of Mahatma Gandhi for the sake of Tibet and the entire world has become a home for him.