Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama speaks while wearing his University of Maryland visor at the Anwar Sadat Lecture for Peace at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland, May 7, 2013.
Dalai Lama Talks Peace at US College
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND —
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama came Tuesday to the University of Maryland to discuss peace as the guest speaker for the Anwar Sadat Lecture, named after the late Egyptian president.
While introducing the Dalai Lama, University President Wallace Loh said “he walks softly on the world stage yet leaves a deep impression”.
Map showing the Dalai Lama's stops in the United States in May, 2013.
Echoing Sadat's mission to find peace in the Middle East, the Noble laureate spoke about the need for individuals, communities and countries to build bridges that lead to greater peace and a better world.
The Dalai Lama remarked to the widow of Sadat, Jehan Sadat, that he is an admirer of the late Egyptian president’s bold mission from a distance.
In his 50-minute speech followed by a question and answer session, he stressed the young generation’s opportunity and challenges, saying “The 20th century was a period of bloodshed and violence. The young generation of today have an opportunity to create a better world on the basis of the oneness of humanity”.
Marcus Afzali, a local official who listened to the speech, said “The Dalai Lama is a tremendously inspirational figure, so it’s very exciting that he is in our city. His message of peace is more important to the society more than ever”.
A local resident, who identified himself as Tenam, said “his words inspire him to be a better person and as a Tibetan, we consider him our root teacher”.
During his appearance before 15,000 at the Comcast Center, the University of Maryland presented the Dalai Lama with Doctor of Humane Letters.
The Dalai Lama's U.S. tour continues with visits to Portland and Eugene and few more states during his 16-day visit to the United States.
