Age Is Just A Number:

Even though Mohan Bhagwat and Narendra Modi are turning 75, their energy surpasses that of the youths

- DR VIJAY DARDA

That an amazing coincidence that in the first and second week of this month, two statements on biological age emerged and both ignited significant public discourse! One statement was made by Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama and the other came in the form of a story narrated by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat. The positions and personalities of both figures are so prominent that their words naturally carry weight. So the stir they caused is natural. Particularly, Mohan Bhagwat's remarks quickly took a political hue. But first, let's examine what exactly both of them said.

On July 6, Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday. Speculations began to circulate about his successor. But the Dalai Lama, for the moment, put the age question to rest. He said Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion, had given him signs that he would continue to serve for another 30 to 40 years. In Tibet, Avalokiteshvara is known as Chenrezig, and in China as Guanyin. While his followers are pleased, naturally, China is not. The 14th Dalai Lama has always been an eyesore for China, and his long life continues to frustrate them.