Swami Vivekananda
7
Coordinator introduces the Seminar
Dr. Amarjiva Lochan
IT IS MY GREAT PLEASURE TO SEE THE FLOWERING
RELATIONS AND GROWTH OF THE India related academic
activities happening at Mahidol. When Dr. Sophana talked to me on
the theme and subject of the 2nd India Seminar, we discussed the
issue of the relevance of Swami Vivekananda. I am glad that she
chose and decided in his favour. I am also feeling grateful to the
kind collaboration of the Indian Embassy in Bangkok. I here must
acknowledge that M.r Abhijit Chakravertty, the hon'ble Counselor,
was very forthright and gave all sorts of advice and support to
holding this seminar on the subject. Swami's relevance is very much
understandable as he pioneered the movement of understanding the
East in a proper and rationale manner. Before this, the East was a
place only to be ruled, ridiculed, and rusticated. But his noble and
fiery speech at Chicago over one hundred years ago rewrote the
concept and made the West understand what the value East has in
its fold. I think, I do not dare speak on the subject when the two
leading personalities are here. I am extremely honoured that Swami
Shantatmananda became gladly available to this Seminar at such a
short notice. His arrival and giving time to us would definitely
enlighten us in many ways as he is a living example of the values of
Swami Vivekananda and his School of thought and philosophy.
Similarly, I am indebted to
Luang Mae Bhikkhuni Dhammananda
,
known around the world as Prof. Chatsumarn Kabilsingh. Having
herself started the life of a student in the Santiniketan, she is