Recognized at the International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance Conference for its global impact on harmony and social cohesion.
ABU DHABI: The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi has been conferred with the prestigious ‘Tolerance Award 2026’ at the 3rd International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance Conference (IDCT) held in the UAE capital.
The accolade, determined by the conference’s scientific committee, recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate measurable international impact in promoting global tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
The award serves as a significant recognition of the Mandir’s continuous contributions toward fostering interfaith harmony and social cohesion within the United Arab Emirates and globally. The conference was jointly presented by the Emirates Scholar Center for Research & Studies (ESCRS) and the Abrahamic Family House, in partnership with the Emirates Journalists Association, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau.
Convened under the UAE’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of the Family,” the global summit brought together government officials, academic institutions, faith leaders, and civil society delegates to strengthen intercultural dialogue and address the socio-cultural challenges brought about by rapid technological advancements.
A Recognition of Collective Service
The Tolerance Award highlights the Mandir’s active humanitarian and community initiatives, including the Festival of Harmony, the Omsiyyat cultural evenings, and its extensive Care in Crisis support programs deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing global conflicts.
Accepting the honour from HE Dr. Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chancellor of the Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, and HE Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, the Head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi, HH Brahmavihari Swami, delivered a keynote address focusing on the intersection of family, faith, and technology.
Call for ‘AI-Empowered Families’
Addressing the conference theme, “The Impact of New Media and AI on Family and Community,” HH Brahmavihari Swami urged delegates to look beyond the technical capabilities of artificial intelligence and consider its impact on human nature.
“While much of the world is focused on what artificial intelligence can do, we must reflect on a deeper question: what kind of humanity are we becoming because of it?”
Drawing parallels across ancient global civilizations—including Egyptian, Mesopotamian, African, Christian, Islamic, and Hindu traditions—he emphasized that stable societies rely fundamentally on resilient family units. He highlighted the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) alongside the concepts of Matrudevo Bhava and Pritrudevo Bhava.
As a practical solution to digital distraction, the address highlighted the concept of Ghar Sabha—a practice popularized by the spiritual leader of BAPS, HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The practice encourages families to dedicate twenty minutes daily to face-to-face conversation and reflection, entirely free from screens, notifications, and digital algorithms.
“What we need are AI-Empowered Families, not just AI-Powered Families,” Swami stated, concluding with expressions of gratitude to the organizers and the leadership of the UAE for their sustained commitment to human fraternity and coexistence.
