Dharma Dhamma Conference “Ancient Wisdom”
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‘Dharma’ and ‘Dhamma’ and their profound concepts are the gift of India to the world: Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat
Religion and Dhamma complement each other: Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendrasinh Shekhawat
9th International Religion Dharma Dhamma Conference begins in Ahmedabad with an inspiring address by Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat
The 9th International Dharma Dhamma Parishad 2025, jointly organised by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University and India Foundation, was inaugurated today on the premises of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University.
On this occasion, the prestigious conference was inaugurated by the Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat, in the presence of the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendrasinh Shekhawat , in which international guests and leaders of various religions were present. The main theme of this conference is ‘Karma, Reincarnation, Transmigration and the Theory of Avatar’.
Addressing the knowledge-hungry audience present at this conference held at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat said that both these words ‘ Dharma’ and ‘Dhamma’ and their profound concepts are the gift of the land of India to the world.
Referring to the Indian scriptures, he said, ” Dharmo rakshti rakshitah” meaning that which protects religion, religion protects it. This concept needs to be understood from a broader perspective. First, one has to understand the definition of religion; one has to know what religion is. The best definition of religion has been given in the Bhagavad Gita, according to which, ‘ What I want for myself, that is religion.’
Quoting the scriptures in his speech, the Governor said, ” Shrūyātām dharma sārvāsvām shrūtvā č avdāhāryatām | ātmān: ṭārvānī παρṭṭhān ṁ samāchāretām ||”. That is, truth and compassion have been placed in everyone by God and are dear to everyone. Everyone wants to be treated truthfully and not cruelly. But they do not treat others as they expect . If a person also behaves in the same way, then the auspicious state of religion can be seen.
The Governor further clarified that if we want to test what religion is and what is unrighteousness among violence and non-violence, truth and falsehood, attachment and non-attachment, we have to see which one lasts longer and what is eternal. Non-violence or violence, truth or falsehood, the implementation of which will sustain the order and the world, that is religion.
On this occasion, the Governor clarified the profound concept of karma and rebirth as described in the Upanishads and provided an in-depth understanding of it to the attendees.
He described the qualities of God and explained that God is attained by knowing and following virtues, and through this, he emphasised the necessity of the path of devotion.
The Governor elaborated on Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s comments and understanding of principles like reincarnation and karma.
On this occasion, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendrasinh Shekhawat, while delivering his speech, said that the fundamental questions of human existence and the struggle to find answers to them have shaped various human civilisations. ‘Who am I ?’, ‘ Why am I here ?’, ‘ What is the purpose of my existence ?’ Such questions have been asked by humans for thousands of years. These questions have shaped human civilisation, culture and traditions and have given direction to human progress. The progress of a civilisation is determined by the kind of spiritual questions it asks and how it finds answers to them.
He emphasised that, ” धर्मेण हीनाः पशुभिः समानाः” meaning a person without religion is like an animal. Religion and Dhamma are complementary to each other.
The main theme of the conference is ‘Karma, Reincarnation, Transmigration and Avatara Siddhanta’. The Union Minister also gave a detailed commentary on the usefulness of these spiritual concepts in human life.
This prestigious conference was attended by Swami Shri Govind Devgiri Maharaj, Treasurer of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra Trust, Shri Tshering, Home Minister of the Royal Government of Bhutan, Shri Mahendra Gondia, Minister of Arts and Culture of Mauritius, Dr. Amiben Upadhyay, Vice Chancellor of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, along with dignitaries, leaders, professors and a large number of students associated with various religious organizations.
