August 18, 2025: 108 Peace Institute in association with Center for Global Networking and Collaborations, Kristu Jayanti (deemed to be) University conducted a lecture session on “Cultivating Compassionate Leadership” at Bangalore, Karnataka.
The lecture session featured Geshe Lodoe Sangpo, Director, Science Center, Gaden Jangtse Monastery, Mungod, Karnataka. The opening session was attended by Dr. Lyola Thomas, Associate Director, Center for Global Networking & Collaboration and her team; Dr. Sheedevi Santosh, Head English Department and her team; and Ms. Dechen Chonzom, Tibetan Student Representative.
In a powerful reflection on the universal value of compassion, Geshe Lodoe Sangpo delivered a moving address that highlighted the teachings and life of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Centered around His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s famous quote, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion,” the talk served as both a spiritual reminder and a call to action for global citizens.
Drawing on examples of world leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Mother Teresa, Geshe-la emphasized that compassion is not just a virtue but a powerful force for change. Despite facing significant hardships, these leaders exemplified loving-kindness, moral courage, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. Their lives, Geshe-la noted, are shining examples of how compassion can transcend suffering and transform entire communities.
Central to the talk was a profound look into the life of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, especially during and after the illegal occupation of Tibet by the Chinese Communist Party. Forced into exile in India in 1959, His Holiness the Dalai Lama began the monumental task of rebuilding the Tibetan exile community from scratch. His efforts to revive Tibetan Buddhism, rooted in the ancient Nalanda tradition of India, stand as a remarkable achievement in cultural preservation and spiritual leadership.
Geshe-la spoke in detail about the compassionate leadership style of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Even after facing political oppression and cultural upheaval, His Holiness remained committed to nonviolence, dialogue, and the well-being of all sentient beings.
One of the most touching elements of Geshe-la’s speech was the reminder that compassion is not limited to any one religion or philosophy. “Compassion is a universal value,” he said. “Even animals express compassion, especially mothers caring for their young.”
Geshe-la concluded the lecture with a heartfelt appeal: “The Industrial Revolution changed our physical world. The AI Revolution is transforming how we think and work. But neither can bring peace without compassion. For the future of humanity, we must now lead a Compassion Revolution — a transformation of the heart.”
The Lecture session concluded with a Q&A session where students asked thought provoking questions. The event saw the participation of around 100 attendees, including students and faculties. It served as a timely reminder to the future leaders of the world that compassion must lie at the heart of meaningful progress.
