NEW DELHI: Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay yesterday inaugurated a three-day Global Festival of Journalism held at Marwah Studio organised by International Journalism Centre on eve of International Journalism Day in Noida. 

Speaking on ‘World Peace and Journalism’, the Sikyong said peace does not just an absence of war.  He stressed that violence cannot solve violence and gave a mathematical data of increasing terror acts over the years despite curbing it by forces. He said that non-violence should be an antidote of violence.

The media is a driving force for the justice for humanity, Sikyong said, adding that it should give equal focus on peaceful non-violent struggle around the world. The Tibetan struggle which is consistently based on non-violence for many decades is not getting the desired headlines.  Giving focus only on violent struggle Sikyong feels could leave an impression on the other oppressed and marginalised groups to resort to violence to attract media coverage. 

The Sikyong stressed on the importance of journalism in the society, saying it creates awareness among the public.  “Journalism is an important media and has made public awareness and social messages reach the masses,” he said.

Sikyong praised India for its democracy and unity in diversity. “India is huge country having different cultures and its unity attracts all over the world. It is country of Mahatama Gandhi who preached non violence and respect for all religions,” he said.

Dignitaries present on the occasion include Dr. Bhishma Narian Singh, former union minister and governor; Dr. Rish Raj Singh, Director, The National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise, Govt. of India and Mr. Vikas Mohan, Editor-in-chief, Super Cinema, India’s leading film trade magazine.

 Sandeep Marwah, Chairman, Marwah Studios conferred life membership of International Journalism Centre to the Sikyong. 

Speakers from over 30 countries, including Myanmar, Argentina, South Africa, Columbia, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Russia participated in the festival.