In the backdrop of a prolonged standoff between India and China over a border dispute, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on…
(Photo: AFP)
In the backdrop of a prolonged standoff between India and China over a border dispute, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said “dialogue and debate” is the only way to overcome divisions and conflicts.
Addressing the 2nd edition of the two-day 'Samvad- Global Initiative on Conflict Avoidance and Environment Consciousness' that began in Yangon on Saturday, Modi talked about issues such as avoiding conflicts, addressing climate change and furthering peace.
“Asia’s oldest traditions of dialogue and debate can give the answers to several global challenges such as terrorism and climate change,” Modi said in the video message.
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“Samvad or dialogue is the only way to overcome prejudices, divisions and conflicts,” he added.
The Prime Minister said that he is a "product of the ancient Indian tradition that firmly believes in dialogue on difficult issues."
He said that the ancient Indian concept of “Tarka Shastra” is founded on dialogue and debate as the model for exchange of views and avoidance of conflict.
Giving illustrations from Indian mythology such as Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Lord Buddha and Bhakta Prahlada, Modi said that the purpose of each of their actions was to uphold Dharma, which has sustained Indians from ancient to modern times.
The Vivekananda Kendra had, in September 2015, hosted the first edition of the conference, representing various religions and traditions, in New Delhi, which had been addressed by the Prime Minister.
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