New Delhi: The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) launched the second International Buddhist Media Conclave Wednesday, focusing on "Mindful Communication for Conflict Avoidance and Sustainable Development". The event, held in New Delhi, was attended by Baichung Bhutia, former captain of the Indian football team, who was the guest of honour.
The conclave began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by VIF Chairman S. Gurumurthy, alongside Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, Secretary General of the IBC, VIF Director Dr. Arvind Gupta, and Grammy Award-winning musician Ricky Kej.
In his keynote address, Bhutia emphasised that Buddhism is not merely a religion but a way of life. He highlighted the relevance of Buddha’s teachings in promoting peace and sacrifice, asserting that Buddhism has a significant role to play in fostering global peace and brotherhood. Bhutia further stressed the pivotal role media can play in spreading the message of Buddhism worldwide, helping it reach a broader audience in today's interconnected world.
Next Conclave On A Larger Scale: IBC
Dr. Arvind Gupta underscored the importance of restoring civilisational values through thought and action. He reflected on the longstanding dialogue between Hindu and Buddhist scholars on various societal issues, stating that the media should embrace Buddhist principles of ethical conduct and enlightenment to ensure balanced and ethical reporting.
Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden called for the world to be driven by the virtues of truthfulness, compassion, and altruism, which are central to Buddha's teachings. In a time when greed and conflict are on the rise, he emphasised the urgent need for Buddha’s guidance in navigating these challenges.
Echoing these sentiments, Gurumurthy pointed out that the world has endured significant harm over the past few centuries. He added that India's legacy as the birthplace of some of the greatest philosophical traditions continues to hold immense significance in modern communication and global discourse.
Speaking to the media, Abhijit Halder, Director General of IBC, noted the enthusiastic response the event received from the media. He announced that the IBC plans to organise future editions of the conclave on a larger scale. "It is high time the world adopts Buddha’s teachings in conflict avoidance and sustainable development," he said, adding that India’s status as the land of Buddha remains a point of global attraction.