The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) commenced the 2^nd International Buddhist Media Conclave on the theme “Mindful Communication for Conflict Avoidance and Sustainable Development”. Shri Baichung Bhutia, former captain of the Indian Football Team graced the event as the Guest of Honour. The event commenced with the lighting of lamp by Mr. Gurumurthy, Chairman VIF, Ven Jangchuk Choeden, Secretary General, IBC, Dr Arvind Gupta, Director VIF who were joined by three time Grammy awardee Shri Ricky Kej.

Guest of Honour Shri Baichung Bhutia emphasized that Buddhism is a way of life. “Buddhas teachings have the message of peace and sacrifice”, he stated. Shri Bhutia concluded that Buddhism has a major role in ensuring peace and brotherhood and media will have crucial role in spreading the message of Buddhism across the world.

Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director VIF highlighted that thought and action was important to restore civilizational values. Over the years, Hindu and Buddhist scholars have had the opportunity to discuss these issues.

It was imperative that Buddhism’s focus on ethical conduct and enlightenment was imbibed by the media for balanced and ethical reporting. 

IBC Secretary General Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden called for a world driven by truthfulness, compassion and altruism, the key attributes of Buddha’s teachings. At a time when greed and conflicts are rising, the guidance of Buddha is crucially needed, he stated.

Chairman, VIF, Shri Gurumurthy, stated that great damage had been done to the world in the last few hundred years. India, on the other hand gave birth to the greatest philosophical traditions, he highlighted and had significant relevance for modern communication.

Interacting with the media, IBC DG Shri Abhijit Halder pointed out that the event witnessed enthusiastic response from the media and that the IBC will organise its next conclave on a larger scale. It was high time the teachings of Buddha in the area of conflict avoidance and sustainable development were imbibed by the world, he said. The fact that India is the land of the Buddha is an attraction for all of us

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