UK hosts 22nd International Ramayana Conference

Midlands, UK, Sep 7 (UNI) Scholars from across the globe deliberated on the far-reaching spiritual messages of Ramayana as the key to establishing peace and harmony in the troubled and strife-torn world, at the 22nd International Ramayana Conference (IRC) in Sandwell, Midlands, UK.

Speaking on the occasion Chairman of International Series of the Ramayana Conference Pt Lallan Prasad Vyas, said, ''Universal message and the Spiritual Energy enshrined in the Ramayana is the key to establish peace and harmony in today's troubled and strife-torn world.'' Mayor of Sandwell Sadie Smith hosted a civic reception at the Council House, Sandwell in honour of international delegates and scholars from France, Holland, Romania, Thailand, South Africa, and India.

Lord Mayor of Solihull John Reeves, an artist himself, impressed upon the universal appeal of art and culture with special reference to Ramayana. Local MP Rab Morris also attended the reception.

Conference organisers said, ''People of Indian origin are known for assimilating and contributing to any country where they go to settle. Our rich cultural heritage and specially the Ramayana trains our mindset to work cohesively in the local community.'' Chairman of Gitanjali Multilingual Literary Circle and the UK co-ordinator of the conference Krishna Kumar emphasised upon the underlying unity of the communities through Goswami Tulsidas' message through Ram-Charit-Manas.

Mayor Smith welcomed the guests and expressed her happiness at holding the 22nd Ramayna Conference in Sandwell the 'black country' of UK which is known for its multi-faith community.

Consul General of India in Birmingham and the Chief Guest on the occasion, Mr N P Sharma, said Indians have developed the knack of assimilating in the social set up of the country of adoption. This must have something to do with the teachings of Ramayana, he said.

Six Academic Sessions, conducted by Vice-Chair Academics of the 22nd IRC Tejinder Sharma covered subjects like Ramayana and the future generation, Ramayana and the World Peace, Ramayana and Globalisation, Ramayana and Diplomacy, Ramayana and Science, Ramayana and Environment and Ramayana in Urdu through the ages. The academic sessions were followed by discourses and cultural programmes based on the theme.

A multilingual Kavi Sammelan was also held in which verses based on the Ram Katha were recited by poets from the UK and various other countries.

Conferences on Ramayana have, earlier, been held in India, Thailand, Canada, Nepal, Mauritius, Surinam, Belgium, Indonesia, Holland, China, US, Trinidad, South Africa, and Zambia.

Pt Lallan Prasad Vyas indicated that the next conference would be held again in India.

The conference in the United Kingdom was organised by Gitanjali Multilingual Literary Circle, Birmingham, Vishwa Sahiyta Sanskriti Sansthan of India and was supported by various Indian organisations including temples, banks, charity foundations, and individuals. It has also been actively supported by LIC of India, India Tourism Office, Sant Nirankari Mandal, Consulate General of India, at Birmingham and Indian High Commission in London.

UNI XC PR HS1615