India hosts Buddhist Media conclave, invites Journalists from several countries

In a unique initiative, India hosted the 2nd International Buddhist Media Conclave 2024 last week, inviting media organizations from Asia and beyond. The conclave was hosted by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) and was supported by India's Ministry of Culture. The idea behind the conference was to give a platform to international media that are focused on teaching of Buddha, that too in India, a country from where Buddhism originated.

IBC DG Abhijit Halder pointed out that the event witnessed an enthusiastic response from the media and that the IBC will organise its next conclave on a larger scale. He said, "Buddha always spoke about the human mind, clarity of mind. In this age of communication, software, social media, and the internet, the deluge of information we face clouds our mind and blurs our vision about the world."

The event brought together media organizations from Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, Russia, and other countries which have been focusing on spreading the ideas of Buddhism. Participants held discussions on how the media can contribute to spreading Buddha's teachings and emphasised on Buddhism's core values that is the promotion of non-violence, tolerance, and inner peace.

IBC Chief Halder, pointed out, "It was high time the teachings of Buddha in the area of conflict avoidance and sustainable development were imbibed by the world". The event saw participation of Chairman VIF Gurumurthy, Secretary General, IBC, Ven Jangchuk Choeden and Dr Arvind Gupta, Director VIF who were joined by three time Grammy awardeeRicky Kej. Baichung Bhutia, former captain of the Indian Football Team graced the event as the Guest of Honour.

India has been increasingly focusing on Buddhism being part of its larger soft power. Delhi had recently sent Buddha relics and relics of his two chief disciples, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, to Thailand. The relics were received with great reverence, including ceremonies at the Bangkok Military Airport & enshrinement in a specially constructed mandapa at Sanam Luang Pavilion in Bangkok.