I am 'longest guest' of India: Dalai Lama

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Wednesday said "he is the longest guest of India, who would never cause any trouble to his host."

In a virtual interactive session with GV Prasad, co-chairman and managing director of Dr Reddy's Laboratories, and others, Dalai Lama said "India, which practices Ahimsa and Karuna (non-violence and compassion), stands as a role model for other countries."

"As I always mentioned, India is my home. I was born in Tibet. But most of my life was spent in this country. I really feel proud that I am a guest of the Indian government. I think I am the longest guest of the Indian government. But at least that guest will not create a problem," he said.

He remarked that religious harmony in India was remarkable and there is free media." Describing India as a secular country, the Tibetan leader in exile said he has been promoting "Ahimsa and Compassion", which are intrinsic values of Indians that have been followed over thousands of years.

"With over a billion population, India is a perfect example of religious harmony. It is not because of any political reasons, but it is because of its people. Some of the countries need to follow India's principles of religious harmony," he said. Dalai Lama advised the medical fraternity to be more compassionate while discharging their duties.

Wishes poured in from around the globe on the occasion of his 86th birthday on Tuesday. Thanking everyone, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their wishes, Dalai Lama said he was determined that he must live at least 110 years.