Film screening and discussion: “Gandhi on screen – Small frames of a great life”

The seminar had the participation of speakers: Dr. GBHarisha (Director of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center), Associate Professor Dr. Do Thu Ha (Head of Department of Indian Studies - Faculty of Oriental Studies), Dr. Nguyen Phuong Lien (Department of Foreign Literature - Faculty of Literature). The event attracted the attention of many teachers and students of the school.

Opening the discussion, Dr. Hoang Cam Giang (Department of Art Studies), on behalf of the Organizing Committee, said: "Mahatma Gandhi is a politician, a social activist, a great leader of the Indian people. Gandhi's influence does not stop at the realm of politics and ideology but also in the fields of literature, music and of course cinema. Today we are here to continue to reflect and remember him, not only as a great historical figure, but also as a vivid cinematic image. Although it is an excellent and very successful film, "Gandhi" is still just a perspective, a small piece in the big picture of this outstanding man. That is also the reason why we chose the topic for today's discussion: "Gandhi on screen - Small frames of a great life".

Dr. GBHarisha shared at the event

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

On the occasion of cooperation with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Dr. Harisha expressed her excitement to participate in the discussion and to be immersed in the energetic atmosphere of the students. "I have been involved in teaching for many years, 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 really interesting and meaningful. There are many ways for us to approach the cultures of other countries and approaching them through cinema always brings a very interesting experience, because movies are always one of the closest ways to touch people's hearts."

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

At the seminar, Dr. Harisha, Associate Professor Dr. Do Thu Ha and Dr. Nguyen Phuong Lien shared their thoughts and feelings about the image of Gandhi in the film, the thoughts, philosophies, as well as the contributions of the "father" Gandhi in the liberation of the Indian nation. The speakers all affirmed that those thoughts and philosophies still have value in the cultural and social life of modern India. "This is the most successful film in conveying Gandhi's philosophy of life. His philosophies of life not only played an important role in regaining independence for India but can also act as a compass to guide us to the things that make life meaningful." - Associate Professor Dr. Do Thu Ha shared.

Referring to the role of art forms, according to Dr. Nguyen Phuong Lien: “Experiences with literature or cinema can bring us to new perspectives on life. With each such experience, each door is opened to welcome us, without any coercion or compulsion, each emotion gradually penetrates into each person's heart.”

Sharing more about the connection, Dr. Harisha said: “The connection is not only based on space or time factors. The proof is that you all sitting here are very moved when watching the film about the life of Gandhi, a person who did not speak Vietnamese and had never even set foot in Vietnam. Or for me, the stories of Vietnamese historical figures such as Tran Hung Dao, Ly Thuong Kiet, Ho Xuan Huong or Ho Chi Minh are all very attractive and touching."

Students take photos with the speakers

Concluding the discussion, Dr. Hoang Cam Giang once again thanked the speakers for attending the program. It is very special that “Gandhi” - a biographical film about an Indian, directed by a British man and won an Oscar in the US, was shown to Vietnamese audiences, but it is so close and has the power to connect us so much.