Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the deep-rooted cultural ties between India and Thailand, stating that India’s Act East policy and Thailand’s Act West policy complement each other in fostering mutual progress and prosperity. He made these remarks while addressing the SAMVAD conference in Thailand via video message on Friday.
The Prime Minister observed that modern conflicts extend beyond geopolitical tensions, with humanity increasingly at odds with nature, leading to an environmental crisis that threatens the planet. He underscored the importance of drawing from shared Asian traditions to restore harmony between humanity and nature.
Recalling the inception of SAMVAD, Modi paid tribute to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, highlighting that the idea emerged from their discussions in 2015. Since then, the initiative has facilitated dialogue across various countries, promoting understanding and cooperation.
The Asian Century: More than economic growth
Addressing the theme of SAMVAD, which envisions an ‘Asian Century,’ the Prime Minister stated that the discussion extends beyond economic rise to include social values. He emphasized that the teachings of Bhagwan Buddha hold the power to shape a peaceful and human-centric future.
Speaking on conflict resolution, Modi remarked that disagreements often arise from the belief that only one perspective is valid. Citing Bhagwan Buddha and the Rig Veda, he emphasized that acknowledging multiple viewpoints can help prevent conflicts. He further noted that differences often lead to discord, but recognizing the commonalities among people can foster harmony.
The Relevance of the Middle Path
Prime Minister Modi warned against extreme positions, stating that they contribute to global conflicts, environmental crises, and mental health issues. He advocated for Bhagwan Buddha’s Middle Path, which promotes balance and moderation as a means to tackle contemporary challenges.
The Prime Minister highlighted the Indian government’s commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage. He noted initiatives such as the development of a Buddhist tourism circuit, the launch of the ‘Buddha Purnima Express’ train, and the opening of the Kushinagar International Airport to facilitate Buddhist pilgrimage. He also spoke of efforts to promote Pali, the language of Buddha’s teachings, by declaring it a classical language and launching the Gyan Bharatam mission to document ancient manuscripts.
Strengthening Buddhist Collaborations
Modi outlined India’s efforts in strengthening international Buddhist ties, citing the First Asian Buddhist Summit and the First Global Buddhist Summit hosted by India. He also mentioned India’s contributions to Buddhist heritage projects, such as the India International Center for Buddhist Culture & Heritage at Lumbini, Nepal, and the restoration of monuments in various countries.
The Prime Minister expressed optimism about the revival of Nalanda University as a global center of learning and extended an invitation to scholars, monks, and pilgrims to explore India’s rich Buddhist heritage.