At the Dayawati Modi awards, the Dalai Lama kept Delhi audience in thrall as he spoke about the power of women

He nods a lot. The “greatest apostle of compassion”, the “saint in our midst”, the “champion of harmony” whose religion, eternally listed as ‘kindness’ — besides frequently breaking into his famous, joyful chuckles — nods a lot. When he is introduced, he nods. The compere at the Dayawati Modi awards, where the Dalai Lama is being honoured ‘for his invaluable contribution towards universal peace, tolerance and social justice’ is introducing him. The auditorium is packed. The sound of camera shutters is in sync with his every nod.