The Dalai Lama Awarded Honorary Doctorate By Chitkara University

His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama arrived at Chitkara University Punjab campus amidst rapturous welcome through a sea of students & staff waving, on October 14, 2019. His Holiness was received by Chitkara University Chancellor Dr. Ashok K Chitkara and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Madhu Chitkara and offered a traditional welcomed by Tibetan students studying at Chitkara University. 

Chitkara University presented His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama with an Honorary Doctorate, Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) Honoris Causa, in honor of his unparalleled and invaluable contribution to Humanity, World Peace and Education, and in recognition of his outstanding achievements in promoting peace globally and for inspirational spiritual guidance and leadership. His Holiness also opened Chitkara University’s Global Week 2019 and inaugurated the “Centre for Student Happiness” which will work towards increasing the quality of the students’ experience at Chitkara University. 

Dignitaries & senior officials present at the occasion included, Mia Yen, Canada's Consul General in Chandigarh; Dr. Niyati Chitkara, Principal, Chitkara International School; Kumar Anil, IAS, DC-Patiala; Nazuk Kumar, SDM (Central) Chandigarh Administration; International Delegates; and Senior Government Officials from UT & Punjab. 

Following a traditional lamp lighting ceremony to open the Global Week 2019, His Holiness addressed the gathering on “The Need for Universal Ethics in Education”. His Holiness stated that “Modern education is oriented towards material goals with little scope for inner values. When modern education began to emerge about 200 years ago religious institutions ensured a sense of inner values, but as the influence of those institutions has declined. We need our education establishments to take responsibility for fostering values like compassion, kindness, and concern for others.” His Holiness believes that the shape of the future is in our hands – the 21st-century teachers & learners. “You, who belong to the present century, can create a world that will be happier and more peaceful.” 

Talking about preserving the mental health for a joyful life, His Holiness said, “Since kindergarten, physical hygiene is commonly encouraged to preserve physical health, but we need a sense of ‘emotional hygiene’ - the means to tackle destructive emotions like anger, jealousy, and fear. The ancient Indian culture was replete with knowledge of how to do this, and we must find a way to inculcate this back into the modern education system,” encouraging everyone to delve into further details for insights. “We are social animals; we depend on others for our very survival. Kindness and affection bring us together - anger drives us apart.”

Answering students’ questions on how he deals with challenges, His Holiness told them his mantra. “When faced with a challenge or problem, I try to look at them from a wider perspective.” He recommended that young people pay more attention to inner values and the means to achieve peace of mind.