Film screening and panel discussion: “Gandhi on the Screen – Small Frames of a Big Life”

The seminar featured speakers including Dr. GBHarisha (Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Thu Ha (Head of the Indian Studies Department - Faculty of Oriental Studies), and Dr. Nguyen Phuong Lien (Foreign Literature Department - Faculty of Literature). The event attracted the attention of many faculty members and students of the university.

Opening the seminar, Dr. Hoang Cam Giang (Department of Art Studies), on behalf of the Organizing Committee, stated: "Mahatma Gandhi was a politician, a social activist, and a great leader of the Indian people. Gandhi's influence extends beyond politics and ideology to include literature, music, and of course, cinema. Today we are here to continue reflecting on and remembering him, not only as a historical figure, but also as a vibrant cinematic icon. Although an excellent and highly successful film, 'Gandhi' is still only one perspective, a small piece in the larger picture of this extraordinary man. That is also why we chose the theme for today's event: 'Gandhi on Screen - Small Frames of a Great Life'."

Dr. GBHarisha shared this at the event.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Nam Hoang (Deputy Head of the Faculty of Literature) delivered a welcoming speech at the seminar. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the speakers and hoped that in the future, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre would have more activities to help convey to Vietnamese students and the public about Indian society, people, and history, thereby promoting the tradition of friendship between the two countries.

On the occasion of collaborating with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Dr. Harisha expressed her excitement at participating in the seminar and being immersed in the energetic atmosphere of the students. "I have many years of experience in teaching, so when I came to the University of Social Sciences and Humanities today, I felt very familiar. I find the activities of the Film Club truly interesting and meaningful. There are many ways to approach the cultures of other countries, and approaching them through film always provides a very interesting experience, because film is always one of the closest ways to touch people's hearts.”

Dr. Nguyen Thi Nam Hoang presents flowers to Dr. GBHarisha after the event.

At the seminar, Dr. Harisha, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Thu Ha, and Dr. Nguyen Phuong Lien shared their thoughts and feelings about Gandhi's portrayal in the film, his ideas, philosophies, and contributions to the liberation of the Indian nation. The speakers all affirmed that these ideas and philosophies remain relevant in modern Indian culture and society. “This is the most successful film in conveying Gandhi's philosophy of life. His philosophies not only played a crucial role in regaining India's independence but can also serve as a guiding light for us towards what gives meaning to life,” shared Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Thu Ha.

Referring to the role of various art forms, Dr. Nguyen Phuong Lien said: "Experiences with literature or film can lead us to new perspectives on life. With each such experience, a door opens to welcome us, without any coercion or compulsion; each emotion gradually sinks into the heart of each person."

Sharing more about the connection, Dr. Harisha said: “The connection is not based solely on spatial or temporal factors. Proof of this is that everyone here was deeply moved by the film about Gandhi's life, a man who didn't speak Vietnamese and had never even set foot in Vietnam. Similarly, for me, the stories of Vietnamese historical figures like Tran Hung Dao, Ly Thuong Kiet, Ho Xuan Huong, and Ho Chi Minh are all very captivating and moving.”

The students took photos with the speakers.

Concluding the seminar, Dr. Hoang Cam Giang once again thanked the speakers for attending the program. It was particularly special that "Gandhi"—a biographical film about an Indian man, directed by a British filmmaker and an Oscar winner in the US—was screened for Vietnamese audiences and felt so relatable and powerful in connecting us all.