The Dalai Lama receives Mahatma Gandhi International Award in Bodh Gaya
January 4th 2012
Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India, 4 January 2012 (by Tendar Tsering, phayul.com) - His Holiness the Dalai Lama formally received the Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Reconciliation and Peace earlier today during his Kalachakra teachings at Bodh Gaya. Representing the Gandhi Development Trust in Durban, South Africa, Ela Gandhi, grand daughter of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation, personally presented the award to the Tibetan spiritual leader.
Expressing concern over climate change and global warming, the Dalai Lama said he always told people to preserve the environment.
"Do not use plastic bags and do not litter, keep your surroundings clean," he said.
Praising development in the region, the Dalai Lama said the situation had improved significantly comparing to what he saw when he came here from Tibet 50 years back.
"I am impressed about the efforts of people to preserve religion and culture and for development of education and health," he said in an address to the public at the Tawang Higher Secondary ground on the fourth day of his visit here.