14th January 2020 was a historic day for Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya, as it played host to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who visited the campus premises of the college to interact with the students. The event began with the Dr Vinita Sahay, Director, IIM Bodh Gaya welcoming His Holiness. This was followed by His Holiness planting the sapling of a Bodhi Vriksha in honour of the Mahabodhi Tree and the Land of Enlightenment – Bodh Gaya. Next, the Director felicitated His Holiness. Saluting His Holiness, Dr Sahay spoke of the niche IIM Bodh Gaya is carving out for itself, co-existing in this holy land of Enlightenment.
His Holiness granted the college a new identity by unveiling the logo of IIM Bodh Gaya. It was an utmost honour for the institute, which prides itself as ‘The Enlightening IIM,’ to have its logo forever adorned by the grace and blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The logo was designed by Chandrashekar Saswade of National Institute of Design, Bengaluru Campus.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama began his address with a blessing for the students of IIM Bodh Gaya and all other attendees. His Holiness shared his blessed insights on Classical Indian Thought and Its Relevance in the Modern World. He observed that although human beings ultimately seek happiness, most of our problems are our own creation. He highlighted the age-old practices of ahimsa (non-violence) and karuna (compassion) and how relevant they are in the modern context. According to His Holiness, India is the living example of how different cultures can live together in harmony. In his speech, he also spoke of the crucial role education plays in the mental and spiritual development of an individual.
The students made the best of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by seeking answers to their questions regarding the greater truths of life which had always seemed to elude them. The enlightening words of His Holiness dispelled the shrouds of doubts and confusion among the students and they found a new outlook and appreciation towards life and the world.
