Ghising performs the puja at Chowrastha in Darjeeling . Picture by Suman Tamang

Darjeeling, May 16: In a rare public appearance, DGHC chairman Subash Ghising today met the people, gave away scarfs, talked about religion and told the local residents that they had not been able to understand the real teachings of the Buddha.

At a function jointly organised by the Darjeeling Municipality, the information and the cultural department and the tourism department of the DGHC at Chowrastha, Ghising said: “The local people have not really understood the teachings of Buddha. The tourists (read foreigners) seem to have understood his philosophy better since they have tried to understand it in a better way.”

“So far I was busy with politics and development work in the Hills and never had the opportunity to talk to the people about religion,” said Ghising.

As he spoke about the life and philosophy of the Buddha, Ghising urged the people to come forward with their problems to him. “I might be the chairman but the people should have the power to attract me to them,” he added.

The GNLF chief had appeared before the public at a recent function at Capital Hall after almost a year. This was his second appearance.

He personally handed away khadas (traditional Tibetan scarf) to each person who went up to meet him and pay homage to the deity of the Buddha at Chowrastha.

This was also the first time that many of the DGHC councillors and senior GNLF leaders were meeting their leader.

Ghising had kept himself away from the general public and even from party leaders after an attempt on his life in February 2001.

Representatives from almost all Buddhist organisations in Darjeeling, including the Karma Dorjee Drupgyue Chyoling monastery, Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association and Sherpa Buddhist Organisation, brought out a colourful rally at Chowrastha.