Dharamshala: - His Holiness the Dalai Lama yesterday sent warm greetings to fellow Nobel Laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, on the occasion of his 80th birthday. Below is the text of a video message posted on his website:
"Since you retired, on few occasions when Nobel laureates gathered, I always feel some wonderful person is missing. I was very, very eager and looking forward to see you personally...I just waited till day before yesterday, but then there was a clear sign.
"My representative in New Delhi approached the Africa mission there, but till even last day there was no answer. So then I felt this is a clear sign that your government feels very inconvenient. Therefore, I cancelled my visit.
"I am very sad and was very much hoping this time to see Nelson Mandela, who is now very old. So now I doubt whether I can have another occasion to meet him.
"You, Mr Tutu, my brother, although 80, because of your spirit and firm moral principle, always carry the message of love, compassion, peace, and non-violence. So you are truly a man of god. So I am hoping for another opportunity to meet you.
"On this special and significant occasion of your 80th birthday, with this scarf and my folded hands, I want to express my greetings on your happy birthday.
"Unfortunately it is quite rare on this planet to have people like you who carry hope. I usually describe our generation as the generation of the 20th century. Our century is now already gone and we are almost ready to say bye-bye. People like you can be of certain impact on this new 21st century, which I am always telling and hoping that this should be the century of peace, dialogue, compassion and a more humane way.
"So you are one of the important person who really showing proper and right way from your own previous experiences. Please take care of your health and I will pray for your long and healthy life, and may you can continuously carry on your affectionate activities."
