Renowned Indian Professor and Historian, Prof. Sachchidanand Sahai, has visited Chile under the sponsorship of the Embassy of India in Santiago and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to participate in several conferences and lectures in different Universities of Chile, fostering the importance of linking world civilizations andworld heritage sites, as well as fostering India’s image. He has met with several representatives from Chilean colleges and universities and also with authorities and students from the “Andres Bello” Diplomatic Academy of Chile.
During his fruitful visit, Prof. Sahai has fostered many projects, which have been taken up by some Chilean universities:
1) Linking World Heritage Sites: Valparaiso & Goa.
Mayor University (Universidad Mayor) will work on this specific project by preparing a draft video about the importance of these two “paradises on earth”. The project will allow Chileans to understand and learn more about Goa, which has been defined by Prof. Sahai as “the Valparaiso of India”. Similarly, the projection of Valparaiso will be useful to promote Chile´s image in India.
2) Creation of the Book “Pablo Neruda & India”: This specific task has been taken up by the University for Development (Universidad del Desarrollo, UDD). Professors and intellectuals linked to this university will describe the life and work of Pablo Neruda from their own perspectives and will also provide a thorough analysis of the work of Neruda before and after his fateful trip to India in 1927. This book will also reflect Neruda´s impact and influence in Asia.
3) Artistic Exchange: Universidad Bolivariana (Bolivarian University) and Prof. Sahai have expressed their interest in promoting Indian and Chilean arts. Ms. Marcela Vega, Journalist and Professor of the University, and Prof. Sahai have agreed on fostering an exchange of artists (5 Indians and 5 Chileans), who will share their impressions about the art of the host country. The work and perspectives of the artists will be transcribed into a book, which will be launched by the University. Notwithstanding this, Prof. Sahai has urged the Bolivarian University to carry out an International Seminar in the city of Parral (Seventh Region of Chile). Prof. Sahai has chosen this city given its historical ties with the figure of Pablo Neruda. The representatives of the University have agreed with the views of Professor Sahai and will start with the project at a later date, hopefully during the second visit of Prof. Sahai.
4) First International Conference on Chile & Asia: During his intervention in the SEK University, Prof. Sahai urged his Chilean counterparts and the rector of the University to host the “First International Conference on Chile & Asia”. Prof. Sahai suggested hosting this event on April 2012 in the premises of the University, in Providencia. Chilean and foreign authorities will be invited to participate as speakers.
The following institutions have agreed to assist Prof. Sahai in these projects:
1.- Mrs. Lucia Castellon, Communications Department, & Mr. Nelson Palma, Professor (Journalist), Universidad Mayor
Linking World Heritage Sites: Valparaiso & Goa:
Mrs. Castellon will be in charge of the preparation of the audiovisual registry that will contain footage of the city of Goa (famous for its churches and natural landscapes) and Valparaiso (renowned for its diverse historical quarter and port) and other World Heritage Sites in South East Asia.
2.- Mr. Armando Roa, Communications Department, Universidad del Desarrollo
Creation of the Book “Pablo Neruda & India”: Mr. Roa will assist the Embassy of India in the publication of the book based on the life, work and influence of Nobel Prize Winner Pablo Neruda.
3.- Mr. Jorge Castro, Mayor of Valparaiso
Linking World Heritage Sites: Valparaiso & Goa: Mr. Castro has committed himself to promote a connection between Goa and Valparaiso, two World Heritage Sites designated by UNESCO.
4.- Ms. Marcela Vega, Professor and Journalist, Universidad Bolivariana
Artistic Exchange & International Seminar in Parral: Ms. Vega has also expressed her full commitment towards the success of these two projects. Universidad Bolivariana will work tirelessly in order to succeed in these tasks.
Return to: | South East Asian Review |