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Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Dalai Lama alone can decide on reincarnation: French scholar Arpi
'Whether the Dalai Lama chooses reincarnation or emanation that decision lies with him,' said French scholar and expert on Tibetan affairs, Claude Arpi. French scholar and expert on Tibetan affairs, Claude Arpi during a seminar titled 'Interwoven Roots: Shared Indo-Tibetan Heritage' at the headquarters of the Army Training Command in Shimla on Saturday. (HT Photo) Arpi, was speaking at a seminar titled 'Interwoven Roots: Shared Indo-Tibetan Heritage' at the headquarters of the Army Training Command in Shimla on Saturday. Arpi's statement comes ahead of the 90th birthday of exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, who is expected to issue a significant statement on the crucial issue of his reincarnation. The 90th birthday celebrations of the Dalai Lama are scheduled for early July and from July 2 to 4, a three-day conference of Buddhist scholars, senior monks, will be held in Dharmshala. The conference is expected to culminate in a highly anticipated address by the Dalai Lama, in which he is likely to offer clarity on the future of the reincarnation tradition and his own succession plans. Speaking at the seminar while answering questions from the audience, Arpi said, 'His Holiness (Dalai Lama) has already said clearly that he will not be reborn in China. He has indicated in his writings that he may reincarnate in a free country, likely India.' Speaking on the issue of reincarnation, Arpi said, 'I've always been wary of politicising reincarnation.' Arpi later in interaction with media said, 'A similar landmark religious conference was held in 2011 in Dharamshala, where over 100 senior monks and representatives from all major Tibetan Buddhist sects convened. At the time, the Dalai Lama spoke extensively about the meaning of reincarnation and emanation, and why this spiritual process rooted in centuries of Tibetan tradition must remain free from political interference'. 'In that message, Dalai Lama had said once he turns 90, he will give a precise indication about whether he intends to return through reincarnation. But meanwhile, China has been trying to hijack this sacred tradition,' said Arpi, while talking to the media on the sidelines of the seminar. 'China is very upset,' he added. At the seminar, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, GOC-in-C, Central Command, emphasised the historical, cultural, spiritual and strategic ties between India and Tibet. In his keynote address, he underlined the importance of understanding these linkages in the current geopolitical context and said that India and Tibet, as ancient civilizations, share a deep-rooted heritage that remains vital today. Highlighting strategic concerns, he referenced past conflicts like the 1962 war and the Nathu La clashes, stressing the need for readiness, surveillance and technological connectivity in the sensitive terrain. The seminar brought together Army and ITBP personnel, civil officials, Buddhist monks, scholars, students and civilians. Arpi highlighted the historical significance of the Kailash Yatra, Silk Route trade, and monasteries as centres of diplomacy. He also expressed concern over the decline in the Tibetan population in India and called for stronger cultural and strategic engagement, especially in regions like Ngari and Western Tibet. The seminar concluded with a call to enhance border area development, promote cultural exchanges, revive ancient routes, preserve Himalayan languages and improve cross-border communication through local media.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Army holds discussion on shared Indo-Tibetan heritage
Shimla: India and Tibet are two ancient civilisations with interwoven roots that continue to shape a shared identity, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command, said on Saturday. He was addressing a seminar on shared Indo-Tibetan heritage and linked understanding of national security organised by the Army's central command in Shimla. The event brought together scholars, strategists and senior military leaders to examine the deep civilisational ties between India and Tibet and assess their relevance to contemporary border management and regional stability. "The rationale for conducting the seminar stemmed from a growing recognition within the strategic community that cultural depth and historical continuity are essential components of national security particularly in the sensitive Himalayan frontier," an official statement. The seminar -- 'Interwoven Roots: Shared Indo-Tibetan Heritage' -- tried to explored the shared heritage and strategic understanding. Addressing the seminar held at Army Training Command (ARTRAC) here, Lt Gen Sengupta emphasised the significance of cultural diplomacy in national strategy and underscored the Army's commitment to preserving India's territorial and civilisational integrity, a statement issued here said. Asserting that "India and Tibet are two ancient civilisations with interwoven roots that continue to shape a shared identity," Sengupta said that the seminar is a platform to explore the profound historical, cultural, spiritual, and strategic ties that bind India and Tibet." Delving into the strategic dimension, he said, "From the 1962 war to the Nathu La clashes, we have seen that the terrain demands not just readiness, but surveillance, technological connectivity and a nuanced strategy. The seminar concluded with a call to strengthen border area development, promote archaeological research, facilitate archival access and revive cultural exchanges, including opening new routes for Kailash Yatra, improving local radio broadcasts beyond borders and preserving endangered Himalayan languages. The day-long seminar, post the visit of the participants to forward areas along this front between June 24-27, was envisioned as a platform to bridge strategic studies with cultural scholarship allowing defence professionals to draw on historical insight while shaping responses to emerging challenges in border areas. "India and Tibet share not just a border but a long and layered relationship marked by spiritual resonance, cultural fusion, ancient trade linkages and shared civilisational values," the statement said.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Army holds discussion on shared Indo-Tibetan heritage
Shimla: India and Tibet are two ancient civilisations with interwoven roots that continue to shape a shared identity, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command, said on Saturday. He was addressing a seminar on shared Indo-Tibetan heritage and linked understanding of national security organised by the Army's central command in Shimla. The event brought together scholars, strategists and senior military leaders to examine the deep civilisational ties between India and Tibet and assess their relevance to contemporary border management and regional stability. "The rationale for conducting the seminar stemmed from a growing recognition within the strategic community that cultural depth and historical continuity are essential components of national security particularly in the sensitive Himalayan frontier," an official statement. The seminar -- 'Interwoven Roots: Shared Indo-Tibetan Heritage' -- tried to explored the shared heritage and strategic understanding . Live Events Addressing the seminar held at Army Training Command (ARTRAC) here, Lt Gen Sengupta emphasised the significance of cultural diplomacy in national strategy and underscored the Army's commitment to preserving India's territorial and civilisational integrity, a statement issued here said. Asserting that "India and Tibet are two ancient civilisations with interwoven roots that continue to shape a shared identity," Sengupta said that the seminar is a platform to explore the profound historical, cultural, spiritual, and strategic ties that bind India and Tibet." Delving into the strategic dimension, he said, "From the 1962 war to the Nathu La clashes, we have seen that the terrain demands not just readiness, but surveillance, technological connectivity and a nuanced strategy. The seminar concluded with a call to strengthen border area development, promote archaeological research, facilitate archival access and revive cultural exchanges, including opening new routes for Kailash Yatra , improving local radio broadcasts beyond borders and preserving endangered Himalayan languages. The day-long seminar, post the visit of the participants to forward areas along this front between June 24-27, was envisioned as a platform to bridge strategic studies with cultural scholarship allowing defence professionals to draw on historical insight while shaping responses to emerging challenges in border areas. "India and Tibet share not just a border but a long and layered relationship marked by spiritual resonance, cultural fusion, ancient trade linkages and shared civilisational values," the statement said.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Himachal Pradesh celebrates Int'l Yoga Day
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh governor Shiv Pratap Shukla joined International Yoga Day celebrations on Saturday, declaring that it was not related to any religion, but a holistic approach to health and consciousness. "People across the world have adopted yoga for physical health and now increasingly for spiritual awakening. Yoga is not just about physical postures; it is also about awakening and awareness," he said. In commemoration of the 11th International Yoga Day, a session was organised at Raj Bhavan in Shimla. Shukla performed yoga along with other participants. Shukla highlighted the relevance of yoga in promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, stating that yoga was a priceless gift designed to strengthen the body, and unite the mind and the soul Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also performed yoga at his residence, Oak Over. He described yoga as "a scientific and spiritual path related to the totality of life". The day was also celebrated at Army Training Command (ARTRAC), with participation by all personnel and their families. The event was led by Shalini Kushwah, regional vice president of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), ARTRAC, an Ayush ministry certified yoga instructor and Art of Living faculty.
India Gazette
09-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Shimla: MoS Defence Sanjay Seth visits Army Training Command
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 9 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, visited the Shimla-based Army Training Command (ARTRAC) on June 9. Sanjay Seth was briefed by Lt Gen Devendra Sharma, PVSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ARTRAC, on the pivotal role played by ARTRAC in institutionalised training through 34 prestigious training establishments spread across the country, formulation of Doctrines and concepts based on contemporary and future challenges faced by the Indian Army, and development in aspects of Military Leadership. Sanjay Seth appreciated the Army Training Command's initiatives in empowering strategic leaders, online training efforts, technology absorption, and impetus to functional training. He lauded ARTRAC's role in transforming the Indian Army into a modern, technology-driven, Atmanirbhar, and battle-ready force by adopting niche technology and initiatives aligned with the Digital India Mission. During his interaction with personnel at HQ ARTRAC, Sanjay Seth highlighted and appreciated the joint coordination of the Army, Navy, and Air Force during Operation SINDOOR, calling it a successful demonstration of India's firm stand against terrorism and its perpetrators. He also emphasised the government's ongoing initiatives to increase NCC subscriptions and expand the Sainik School footprint. Sanjay Seth reaffirmed the government's commitment to the welfare of ex-servicemen. Sanjay Seth planted a sapling at the Army Heritage Museum complex as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. (ANI)
