Himachal Pradesh: BJP MP demands Bharat Ratna for Dalai Lama

Dharamshala: BJP MP and former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Shanta Kumar on Tuesday demanded Bharat Ratna for Nobel Peace laureate and Tibetan leader Dalai Lama.

"The Dalai Lama is spreading the message of peace through Buddhism in the world, and I demand the Government of India to honour the spiritual leader with the Bharat Ratna," he said at a book launch at the main Buddhist temple in Tsuglagkhang in Dharamshala.

The Dalai Lama released three books – 'Red Shadow on Himalaya' by Kumar, 'If Autumn Comes' by Kumar's wife Santosh Shailza, and 'Self Reliance leader Shanta Kumar' by Hem Raj.

People, including Tibetans and foreigners, thronged the temple to get a glimpse of the 14th Dalai Lama.

Criticising China, he said, "The attack by China in 1962 was very unfortunate for India as the Indian army was defeated."

"China has become powerful and is friends with Pakistan. So, now the issue is more burning than it was in that era (the 60's). Hence, the issue has again been brought up in these books and because it is related to Dalai Lama the books have been released by him," he said.

The injustice meted out to Tibet is the biggest tragedy in the world, and the UN and world should do something for it.

"I am proud that the books were released by the Dalai Lama who lives in Dharamshala," he said.