The Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gysato, was heavily criticized for publicly kissing a child and asking him to suck his tongue. The incident took place during an event organized by the M3M Foundation at a Dalai Lama temple in Dharamshala, India.

Although it became a trend on social networks a few days ago, the incident took place on 28 February. The religious leader had to apologize via his Twitter account.

“His Holiness wishes to apologize to the child and to his family, as well as his many friends around the world, for the pain his words have caused,” said a statement on his official Twitter account.

This is what the boy said

After the event, the boy was interviewed by ‘Voice of Tibet’a radio station that broadcasts programs in the Tibetan language and Mandarin.

“It was great to meet His Holiness and I think it’s a great experience to meet someone with such positive energy.”, the minor began to say.

“It’s a really nice feeling to meet him and you get a lot of that positive energy. Not just like that, but once you have the positive energy I think you are happier and better and you smile a lot more,” the little boy added.

Also featured in the video is Dr. Payal Kanodia, who has a senior position at the M3M Foundation, the organizing organization of the event. “We had the opportunity to be with His Holiness, I am utterly grateful for the teachings He left us about peace, I cannot express how blessed I feel from his words,” Kanodia told the outlet.