Guwahati: The Dalai Lama on April 28 said a ''direct contact'' had been set up with China for establishing a ''genuine self-rule" for Tibetans in Tibet.

Talking to reporters, the Tibetan spiritual leader said, "Last September a situation had arisen for talks with Beijing and that is a positive sign. I want to go to Tibet to see things for myself and also try to forge closer ties with China."

"I am not seeking independence, but want only genuine self-rule and meaningful settlement of our demand. The current policy of China is harmful to the stability and unity of that country. So self-rule to us will keep the unity of China," the Dalai Lama said.

He said much change had taken place in China in the last three decades, with political leaders nowadays using in their speeches the word 'Democracy'.

"Changes at the grassroots level are also taking place and that is a positive sign," he said.

Economic opportunities are much better now and improving in Tibet, there is no record of starvation and the Chinese government is taking care of the environment by stopping deforestation, the Buddhist leader pointed out.

However, on the political side the picture is different, he regretted, saying, "The Chinese government is very rigid and strict and on the slightest pretext repressive measures are unleashed."

Addressing a group of Tibetans later, the Dalai Lama said, "It is 50 years since the Chinese came to Tibet. They have an aggressive and merciless attitude, and sometimes are very lenient. But still the Tibetan nationalist spirit is very strong despite various Chinese policies."

He asked the Tibetans in exile in India not to forget their Tibetan identity.

"The old generation is slowly passing away, but the new generation is still very much with Tibet. Do not forget your identity," he advised them.

"In our struggle, it is important to have modern education and accordingly educate your children. We have set up Tibetan schools where Buddhism and its values are taught coupled with modern knowledge."

The Dalai Lama stressed that learning about Buddhism was not sufficient; implementation of the teachings of the Buddha and its different philosophical aspects were what one should strive for.

Speaking in Tibetan, he said, "We have been in exile for 44 years, but we have been able to preserve our culture and feel very much Tibetan inside and keep our strong sense of Tibetan identity."

"We have our own unique tradition and Tibetan script, which is considered one of the oldest in the world."

During his interaction with the journalists, the holy leader also said he was deeply committed to promotion of human values, "as I believe human values are the foundation of a sense of caring, compassion, tolerance, peace, love and self-discipline."

Asked to comment on the current situation in India, he said, "Democracy is deeply rooted in the country and since Independence, a lot of development had taken place. But greed has crept in and resulted in corruption and loss of inner values."

PTI