A Talk in Mumbai – at an International Symposium on Gandhi

In the evening of 29 August 2019, His Eminence Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche arrived at Mumbai airport, from Dehradun, and was welcomed by Shri Smarajita Padi, the Deputy Principal of Kishinchand Chellaram College, Mumbai.   

In the morning of 30 August 2019, His Eminence Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche attended, as the Chief Guest, the inaugural session of the Two Day International Symposium for Action on the theme of “Is Gandhi Possible?”, jointly organised by Kishinchand Chellaram College (Department of History) and Sewagram Collective, in the main conference hall of the college.

The session began with His Eminence Prof. Rinpoche lighting the ceremonial lamp, followed by chanting of Supplication Verse, and thereafter a welcome speech by the college’s Principal Dr Hemalata Bagla.

Subsequent to that, the guests were felicitated, and then a speech by symposium’s Chair Mr Kishuman Sukhani.

Thereafter, His Eminence Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche gave a talk on the theme of “Is Gandhi Possible?”.  His Eminence, in summary, pointed out that the possibility of that would depend on whether or not there are the need for truth and non-violence.

Shri Ashis Nandi gave a speech, followed by a word of Thanks by Professor Shyama Pakhare from the college. In the evening, His Eminence Prof. Rinpoche attended talks by other speakers, and in between His Eminence gave time to many who sought audience, and answered their questions.

In the morning of 31 August 2019, His Eminence Prof. Rinpoche went to the talks by other experts. In the afternoon, a group of students from another educational institution came to see His Eminence Prof. Rinpoche and His Eminence answered their questions.

Thereafter, the college’s Principal Dr Hemalata Bagla invited His Eminence Prof. Rinpoche to her office, where Shri Kishuman Sukhini and Dr Hemalata Bagla sought audience and His Eminence answered their questions.

In the evening, His Eminence Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche gave the valedictory speech to conclude the Two Day International Symposium for Action, on the theme of “Is Gandhi Possible?” His Eminence Prof. Rinpoche gave a detailed talk, presenting the views that if a change is to be initiated, it has to be started from oneself; if one has resolved to give up self-interest, at least to some extent, Gandhi is possible; and other insights.

Thereafter, Dr Hemalata Bagla gave a gratitude speech. The panels and participants in the two day symposium comprised of many experts, scholars, professors, teachers, academics, students and others.

On 1 September 2019, His Eminence Prof. Rinpoche departed Mumbai, and upon arrival in New Delhi, some dignitaries came to see His Eminence, as scheduled in advance.

On 2 September 2019, His Eminence Prof. Rinpoche departed New Delhi and arrived in Dharamshala.