The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi was honored with the prestigious ‘Tolerance Award’ at the 3rd International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance Conference (IDCT 2026). The Tolerance Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose work promotes global tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence. Recipients are selected by the conference’s scientific committee based on their measurable international impact.
The Conference was organized and conducted by The Emirates Scholar Center for Research & Studies (ESCRS) and the Abrahamic Family House, in partnership with Emirates Journalists Association, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau.
Held in Abu Dhabi as part of the UAE’s celebration of 2026 as the Year of the Family, IDCT 2026 was a landmark global event bringing together governments, academic institutions, international organizations, faith communities, and civil society leaders to strengthen intercultural dialogue, advance the science of coexistence, and address the profound transformations that artificial intelligence and new media are imposing upon families and communities worldwide.
The award is a profound recognition of the BAPS Hindu Mandir's contribution to fostering harmony, dialogue, and social cohesion in the UAE and beyond. Through initiatives such as the Festival of Harmony, Omsiyyat, and Care in Crisis during the Covid pandemic and the current conflict, the Mandir continues to serve selflessly, personally and universally. The award reflects the collective efforts of thousands of volunteers and countless visitors, and a shared commitment to creating a space where people of every background, culture, and faith feel welcomed and valued.
Accepting the award from the hands of HE Dr. Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chancellor of Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, and HE Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, Brahmavihari Swami, Head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address on the future of family, faith, and technology.
While much of the world is focused on what artificial intelligence can do, he invited delegates to reflect on a deeper question: what kind of humanity are we becoming because of it?
Drawing on wisdom from civilizations across the world, he highlighted a timeless truth: strong societies are built upon strong families. Whether expressed through civilizational lessons that unity creates strength, or the Hindu ideals of Matrudevo Bhava (respect your mother as God), Pitrudevo Bhava (respect your father as God) and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), the message across cultures remains remarkably consistent.
He particularly emphasized the simple but transformative practice of Ghar Sabha encouraged by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, in which families spend twenty minutes together each day in prayer, conversation, reflection, and listening. In a world increasingly connected by technology, yet often disconnected from one another, he reminded the audience that meaningful relationships are built not through constant communication, but through genuine presence.
He stated that ‘What we need are AI-Empowered Families, not just AI-Powered Families’. As technology advances, humanity must advance with it. Innovation requires values. Progress requires purpose. And the future will depend not only on smarter machines, but on stronger families and more compassionate communities.
Brahmavihari Swami concluded by expressing gratitude to the conference organizers for this honour, and to the UAE's leadership for continually championing the values of coexistence, dialogue, and human fraternity.