Welcome address by the Director during the 2nd International Buddhist Media Conclave (Mindful Communication for Conflict Avoidance and Sustainable Development) on 11 Sep 2024

Mr Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, Secretary General, IBC
Shri Bhaichung Bhutia, Former Captain, Indian National Football Team
Sh S Gurumurthy ji, Chairman, VIF
Sh Abhijit Halder, Director General, IBC
Distinguished speakers and guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Good Morning

Dear Friends,

The Vivekananda International Foundation is delighted to join hands with the International Buddhist Confederation to hold the 2nd International Buddhist Media Conclave (Mindful Communication for Conflict Avoidance and Sustainable Development). The first conclave was held in 2018 on the same theme. It brought together 150 delegates from twelve different countries. Several useful recommendations emerged in that meeting. The role of media in promoting the values of mindful communication which would help resolving the major issues of our times was discussed.

Since then the world has changed significantly. Geopolitical tensions have increased. The humanitarian crisis has depended. Terrorism and radicalisation continue to pose a threat to societies, nations and international security. The COVID-19 crisis in 2020-21 resulted in tens of millions of deaths and human suffering at an unprecedented scale. One would have thought that nations would learn appropriate lesson from the pandemic. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Instead, we are seeing two major wars in the world which have claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and created humanitarian crisis impacting millions. The end is not in sight. The risk of a larger conflagration involving multiple countries has increased. The nuclear arms control arrangements are non-functional. Global economic situation is uncertain. WTO have become ineffective.

On top of the geopolitical conflicts and tensions, the world is witnessing the tightening grip of climate change, extreme weather events, environmental degradation and rapid loss of biodiversity. Autonomous weapon system, driven by these technologies threaten to make humans redundant in decision-making. Technology-enabled ‘new-age crimes’ are threatening to get out of control. This is evident in an exponential rise in drug trafficking, cyber and environmental crimes.

It is clear that we need fresh thinking and new approaches to dealing with these problems at a time when the world is transitioning from unipolarity to multipolarity. India is conscious of this. Going back to its civilisational character, India choose Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam: "One Earth, One Family, One Future as the theme of G20 under its presidency. In concrete terms, India sought to bring as many countries as possible to the international high table by getting the African Union into the G20 and by giving strength to the voice of the countries of the Global South. India has also been an active promoter of International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), Big Cat Alliance and other initiatives. These initiatives give practical shape to the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam, humane globalisation and reform multilateralism.

In 2015, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abe of Japan had launched the Hindu-Buddhist Samvad on Conflict Avoidance and Environmental Consciousness. Three major meetings have been held. Hindu and Buddhist scholars have had the opportunity to discuss contemporary issues and gave their suggestions. The concept of Dharma or Dhamma is central to Hindu and Buddhist religions. Buddhism lays stress on the principle of ethical conduct, path to enlightenment and about the nature of suffering. Swami Vivekananda regarded the Indian vision of life as the spiritual oneness of the whole universe. In the Indian prayers, there is a longing for peace and happiness for all – Sarve bhavantu sukhina.

The extreme form of materialism, attachment and realism advocated by Western thinking is the source of many problems. Alternate ideas are needed. Hinduism and Buddhism, with rich philosophy and vision, can provide these ideas.

The media has to play a positive role in spreading the basic tenets of Hinduism and Buddhism: Oneness, moral conduct, compassion and non-attachment etc. Today’s media, dominated by social media, has immense potentiality, both positive and negative. Instead of resorting to sensationalism, misinformation and spreading negativity and hopelessness, the media should focus on encouraging mindfulness based on truthfulness, compassion, feedback and right intent. Balanced and ethical reporting while highlighting positive values and inspiring role models negates the trend of misinformation and hatred peddled by the media.

We hope that the 2nd conclave will throw up useful suggestions as to how the media can play a positive role in spreading the values of Dharma and Dhamma propounded by the great religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. The various segments of the conference will deal with these issues.

Thank you