Dalai Lama apologises after clip of him ‘teasing boy’ sparks row

SHIMLA/ NEW DELHI: The Dalai Lama on Monday apologised to a boy, his family and friends for the “hurt his words may have caused” after a video clip purportedly showing the Tibetan spiritual head asking him to “suck” his tongue sparked a row.
In the video, he also asked the child “to look at those good human beings who create peace, and happiness and not follow those who kill other people”. In a statement, his office said, “A clip has been circulating that shows a recent meeting when a boy asked His Holiness if he could give him a hug. His Holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way even in public and before cameras. He regrets the incident. ”
However, his gesture was criticised by some child rights activists who said such actions cannot be “playful”.