By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, FEB 15, 2025: PRIME Minister Narendra Modi delivered his remarks, during the SAMVAD programme organised in Thailand, via video message yesterday. Addressing the gathering, he expressed his honor of joining the edition of SAMVAD in Thailand, commending the distinguished institutions and individuals from India, Japan, and Thailand for making the event possible. He extended his greetings to all participants.

The Prime Minister took the opportunity to remember his friend, Mr. Shinzo Abe, highlighting that the idea of SAMVAD emerged from their conversations in 2015. Since then, SAMVAD has travelled across various countries, fostering debate, dialogue, and deeper understanding.

Highlighting his delight that this edition of SAMVAD is taking place in Thailand, a country with rich culture, history, and heritage, Modi emphasized that Thailand stands as a beautiful example of the shared philosophical and spiritual traditions of Asia.

Underlining the deep cultural ties shared by India and Thailand, spanning over two thousand years, the Prime Minister remarked that the Ramayana and Ramakien connect the two nations and that their shared reverence for Bhagwan Buddha unites them. He noted that when India sent holy relics of Bhagwan Buddha to Thailand last year, millions of devotees paid their respects. Modi emphasized the vibrant partnership across multiple sectors between India and Thailand, mentioning that India's 'Act East' policy and Thailand's 'Act West' policy complement each other, promoting mutual progress and prosperity. He remarked that this conference marks another successful chapter in the friendship between the two nations. 

Highlighting the theme of SAMVAD, which speaks of the Asian Century, Modi noted that while people often refer to Asia's economic rise, this conference highlights that the Asian Century is not just about economic value but also about social values. He emphasized that the teachings of Bhagwan Buddha can guide the world in creating a peaceful and progressive era, and his wisdom holds the power to lead towards a human-centric future.

Talking about one of the core themes of SAMVAD-conflict avoidance, the Prime Minister remarked that conflicts often arise from the belief that only one path is correct while others are wrong. He cited Bhagwan Buddha's insight on this issue, noting that some people cling to their own views and argue, seeing only one side as true. He emphasized that multiple perspectives can exist on the same issue. He referenced the Rig Veda, stating that when we acknowledge that truth may be seen through different lenses, we can avoid conflict.

Modi highlighted another cause of conflict-perceiving others as fundamentally different from ourselves. He remarked that differences lead to distance, and distance can turn into discord. To counter this, he cited a verse from the Dhammapada, which states that everyone fears pain and death. He emphasized that by recognizing others as similar to ourselves, we can ensure that no harm or violence occurs. He added that if these words are followed, conflict can be avoided.

"Many of the world's issues stem from taking extreme positions rather than a balanced approach", said Modi. He highlighted that extreme views lead to conflicts, environmental crises, and even stress-related health problems. He emphasized that the solution to these challenges lies in the teachings of Bhagwan Buddha, who urged us to follow the Middle Path and avoid extremes. The principle of moderation, he noted, remains relevant today and offers guidance in addressing global challenges.

The Prime Minister observed that conflicts today extend beyond people and nations, with humanity increasingly in conflict with nature. He remarked that this has led to an environmental crisis that threatens our planet. He emphasized that the answer to this challenge lies in the shared traditions of Asia, rooted in the principles of Dhamma. He mentioned that Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, and other Asian traditions teach us to live in harmony with nature. He stated that we do not see ourselves as separate from nature but as a part of it. Modi highlighted the concept of trusteeship, as advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, and emphasized that when using natural resources for progress today, we must also consider our responsibility to future generations. He remarked that this approach ensures that resources are used for growth, not greed.

Modi remarked that he hails from Vadnagar, a small town in western India that was once a great seat of Buddhist learning. In the Indian Parliament, he represents Varanasi, which includes Sarnath, the sacred place where Bhagwan Buddha delivered his first discourse. He noted that it is a beautiful coincidence that places associated with Bhagwan Buddha have shaped his journey. 

"Our reverence for Bhagwan Buddha is reflected in the policies of the Indian Government", said the Prime Minister. He mentioned that they have developed tourism infrastructure to connect important Buddhist sites as part of the Buddhist Circuit. He remarked that the 'Buddha Purnima Express' special train has been launched to facilitate travel within this circuit. He emphasized that the inauguration of the Kushinagar International Airport is a historic step that benefits international Buddhist pilgrims. He also announced various development initiatives for Bodh Gaya to enhance its infrastructure and warmly invited pilgrims, scholars, and monks from around the world to visit India, the land of Bhagwan Buddha.

Remarking that Nalanda Mahavihara was one of the greatest universities in history, destroyed centuries ago by the forces of conflict, the Prime Minister emphasized that India has shown resilience by reviving it as a center of learning and expressed confidence that Nalanda University will regain its former glory with the blessings of Bhagwan Buddha. He highlighted the significant step taken to promote Pali, the language in which Bhagwan Buddha delivered his teachings, by declaring it a classical language to ensure the preservation of its literature. He also mentioned the launch of the Gyan Bharatam mission to identify and catalog ancient manuscripts, encouraging documentation and digitalization for the benefit of scholars of Buddhism.

Modi highlighted the collaboration with many nations over the past decade to promote the teachings of Bhagwan Buddha. He noted that the First Asian Buddhist Summit was recently held in India under the theme 'The Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia,' and earlier, India hosted the First Global Buddhist Summit. He mentioned having the honor of laying the foundation stone for the India International Center for Buddhist Culture & Heritage at Lumbini, Nepal, and India's contribution to the construction of the Lumbini Museum. Additionally, he pointed out the reprinting and distribution of the 'Concise Orders' of Lord Buddha, Mongolian Kanjur of 108 volumes, to monasteries in Mongolia. He remarked that India's efforts in the conservation of monuments in many countries reinforce the commitment to Bhagwan Buddha's legacy.

Prime Minister remarked that it is encouraging that this edition of SAMVAD is hosting a religious roundtable, bringing together diverse religious leaders. He expressed confidence that valuable insights will emerge from this platform, shaping a more harmonious world. Modi extended his gratitude to the people and Government of Thailand for hosting the conference. He offered his best wishes to all participants who have gathered to advance this noble mission. He concluded by expressing hope that the light of Dhamma will continue to guide us toward an era of peace, progress, and prosperity.