The President Ram Nath Kovind has said India's Act East policy aims at sharing not merely economic opportunities but at an integration of dreams and hopes of people of India and South East Asia.<br/> <br/>Inaugurating the 4th International Conference on Dharma-Dhamma at Rajgir in Bihar, the President said that the timing of this conference is very appropriate as we are marking the 25th anniversary of the ASEAN-India Dialogue Partnership. Stating that the month of January is a celebration of India-ASEAN relations, he said on India's Republic Day on January 26, leaders from all 10 ASEAN countries will be chief guests at the ceremonial events in New Delhi.<br/><br/>The President said that this conference is an attempt at enhancing understanding of the common roots and similarities of the diverse traditions of Dharma and Dhamma.<br/> <br/>The President said that Buddhism was the basis for an early form of globalisation – and of inter-connectedness in our continent. He said, it promoted pluralism and diversity of thought adding that it also gave space to multiple ideas and liberal expression. He said it urged principles of living, working and cooperating in harmony with nature and the environment.<br/> <br/>The President said that it is estimated that more than half the world's current population lives in regions that have been historically influenced – and in many cases continue to be influenced – by the enlightenment that Lord Buddha attained and placed as a model before humanity.

The President Ram Nath Kovind has said India's Act East policy aims at sharing not merely economic opportunities but at an integration of dreams and hopes of people of India and South East Asia.<br/> <br/>Inaugurating the 4th International Conference on Dharma-Dhamma at Rajgir in Bihar, the President said that the timing of this conference is very appropriate as we are marking the 25th anniversary of the ASEAN-India Dialogue Partnership. Stating that the month of January is a celebration of India-ASEAN relations, he said on India's Republic Day on January 26, leaders from all 10 ASEAN countries will be chief guests at the ceremonial events in New Delhi.<br/><br/>The President said that this conference is an attempt at enhancing understanding of the common roots and similarities of the diverse traditions of Dharma and Dhamma.<br/> <br/>The President said that Buddhism was the basis for an early form of globalisation – and of inter-connectedness in our continent. He said, it promoted pluralism and diversity of thought adding that it also gave space to multiple ideas and liberal expression. He said it urged principles of living, working and cooperating in harmony with nature and the environment.<br/> <br/>The President said that it is estimated that more than half the world's current population lives in regions that have been historically influenced – and in many cases continue to be influenced – by the enlightenment that Lord Buddha attained and placed as a model before humanity.