‘WOMAN DALAI LAMA POSSIBLE IN THE FUTURE’

MUMBAI: Speaking at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B), during its annual science and technology festival Techfest, the Dalai Lama on Friday said that there is a possibility of a woman becoming a Dalai Lama — the spiritual head of Tibetan people — in future.

The spiritual leader said that Buddha gave equal rights to male and females. “In Tibet, there were Bhikshus and Bhikshunis, Yogis and Yoginis. And if ever required in future, there can be a female Dalai Lama,” he said.

The first day of the 22nd edition of Techfest, held during the 60th or diamond jubilee year of IIT-B, on Friday, saw an approximated footfall of around 5,000. A number of competitions, workshops, exhibitions and lectures are being organised during the three-day event, which is themed A Timeless Lapse.

The 14th Dalai Lama was responding to a question by a woman in the audience who asked if there could ever be a lady Dalai Lama.

“Women are usually at the bottom of the chain in any society. I would like to know whether there will ever be a lady Dalai Lama,” said the questioner.

The spiritual leader said that he was faced with this question around 15 years ago as well.

“The editor of a French women’s magazine had come to interview me. She asked me if there could be a female Dalai Lama in future. I had said yes. If the circumstances are as such that the female body is more effective, then certainly yes,” he said.

The Dalai Lama also sounded alarm over climate change. “Over a course of 62 years, I have seen snowfall reduce in Dharmasala due to global warming. I have asked the concerned officials to delve into this issue ,” said the Lama.