The Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition (IHCNBT) has unanimously urged PM Narendra Modi to confer Bharat Ratna on the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama.

The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian honour.

During the historic resolution passed during its First General Assembly, the council acknowledged the Lama's contributions in promoting cultural, religious and philosophical heritage of the Himalayan region.

The resolution was adopted at an event in New Delhi, where the council emphasised the strong cultural and spiritual ties shared between the Indian Himalayan people and the Dalai Lama, reported ANI.

The resolution even underscored the immense admiration nd respect the Himalayan communities had for for Dalai Lama.

The resolution acknowledged the Dalai Lama's contributions in promoting Buddhist teachings, strengthening India’s historical ties with Tibet, and advocating for peace and non-violence globally.

The demand for the civilian honour comes just days after Dalai Lama's  “Voice for the Voiceless: Over Seven Decades of Struggle with China for My Land and My People" was released on Match 10.

Alongside the Bharat Ratna appeal, the IHCNBT also passed two key resolutions regarding the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution, reported ANI.

The council also opposed any external interference in selecting the next Dalai Lama.

It resolved that if any government or organization attempts to politically appoint a successor, such a move would be rejected by the Himalayan Buddhist communities, the Indian news agency reported.