Nalanda. The international conference was jointly organized by Nalanda Open University and SAARC Journalists Forum (SJF) in Rajgir, a traditional tourist destination in Bihar.
The two-day international conference titled ‘International Conference on International Mother Language & International Award-2026’ was held on January 4 and 5 at the International Conference Hall of Nalanda Open University.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Nalanda University Professor K. C. Sinha, eminent writer and cultural activist of Mauritius Dr. Sarita Budhu participated as the chief guests of the event. Former Governor of Sikkim Hon. Shri Ganga Prasad inaugurated the conference.
Special guests were present, President of the Central Committee of SAARC Journalists Forum Raju Lama and Secretary General Md. Abdur Rahman. Along with SJF leaders Nripendra Lal Shrestha, Rudra Subedi, Raju Napit, Dependra Prajapati, Saddab Malik from Nepal were also present in conference.
Representatives from five South Asian countries, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, Thailand, America and Mauritius, participated in this international conference, and about two hundred prominent journalists, academicians, human rights activists and cultural figures participated.
The first session of the program: “Journalism and Human Rights: A Global Challenge” was discussed. Sri Lanka’s Rahul Samantha joined it through video conference.
The second session: Renowned writer Professor Pratiyo Das and others spoke on “Educational Importance of Nalanda University”.
The third session: Former Vice Chancellor of Patna and Nalanda University, Professor K. C. Sinha, discussed “Culture and Mother Tongue of Bihar”.
The international conference mainly discussed in detail and exchanged experiences on the importance of mother tongue in the world, protection of human rights, practice of democracy and freedom of the press.
The second session of this international conference was presided over by Dr. Shashi Bhushan Kumar, President of SAARC Journalists Forum Bihar Chapter, and ‘News Human Rights Media House’ was the special supporter of the event.
The international conference was held on the topics of peace, stability, importance of mother tongue, human rights and freedom of the press in the geopolitical context of South Asia.
The conference discussed the role of SAARC or South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation in order to increase peace, stability and mutual cooperation in the geopolitical context of South Asia.
Regional peace in South Asia has largely stalled due to various political and bilateral problems.
The discussions of journalists at this international conference revealed that a strong foundation should be created to increase harmony and brotherhood among the 8 countries of South Asia.
The spirit of the language movement and its international context :
The language movement of Bangladesh in 1952 is no longer just the history of a country, it is a symbol of global recognition as the International Mother Language Day. The meaning of highlighting it at the conference is to remind the world that the fight to protect one’s own culture and identity is a fundamental right of any nation.
The role of journalists in the context of human rights and press freedom is currently very challenging. This issue came up in the discussion. Journalists should maintain objective journalism even in adverse environments. Ensuring the safety of journalists and removing obstacles to freedom of expression Strengthening the media as the ‘fourth pillar’ in protecting human rights was called upon the governments of South Asia. After the program, a special cultural program was held in the evening with artists from SAARC countries.
At the program, distinguished individuals were awarded for their outstanding contributions in various fields:
Life Time Award 2025: Dr. Sarita Budhu, Padma Shri Dr. J. K. Singh, Dr. Brajanandan Kumar Sinha and Dr. Sushmita Pandey were awarded this award.
Nalanda International Achievers Award:
A total of 21 distinguished personalities, including four journalists from Bangladesh, were awarded this award.
Bihar Gaurab Award: 51 individuals were awarded this award, including the ‘Gold Man of India’ Prem Singh.
On the second day of the event, representatives of SAARC countries visited the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, a thousand-year-old monument.
Five senior journalists from Bangladesh participated in this important international conference, Mustaq Ahmed Mubaraki: Editor, Dainik Bangabani and former Director, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Mohammad Moniruzzaman: Editor, Dainik Bank Bima Economise, Kazi Habib Ullah: Chief Reporter, The Morning News.
