Christian missionaries make the greatest contribution in education and healthcare: Dalai Lama

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has lauded the work of Christian missionaries in promoting and improving healthcare in the remotest corners of the world at an inter-faith meeting held at Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya state in Northeast India.

"I think Christian missionaries make the greatest contribution in education and improving healthcare in remote corners of the world," the Dalai Lama said during the meet held at U Soso Tham Auditorium of Martin Luther Christian University in the city last Wednesday which was attended by thousand of members of over 13 different religious groups.

The Tibetan spiritual leader said that the sacrifice of nuns who left their comfortable life and serve in the remotest areas is something even a Buddhist monk lacked at times.

The Dalai Lama, who was on a three-day visit to the state said religions may have different philosophies but their ultimate goal is love and there should be no conflict.

"Even the Indian constitution is secular and it pledges respect for all religion," he said.

The Dalai Lama said corruption is "something like a modern day cancer", and vouched for the need to teach the meaning of 'Ahimsa from kindergarten up to university leve about moral ethics to have a clean society which modern day education fails impart on the people.

The Tibetan spiritual leader was also invited to address the graduating students of Martin Luther Christian University earlier. He was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Philosophy by the Christian University.