Welcoming the former Ambassador of India to Vietnam.

Opening the exchange, Mr. Neelakantan Ravi shared that the event was a good opportunity to bring Indian and Vietnamese students closer together. According to the former Indian Ambassador to Vietnam, the relationship between Vietnam and India is an example of a long-standing and enduring bond between two countries with many shared historical and cultural characteristics, as both countries have experienced struggles for national independence. The relationship between the two countries began long ago in their history of independence struggles and continues to this day. Mr. Neelakantan Ravi stated that the past Vietnam-India relationship is a solid foundation for the present generation to continue to promote and develop. Especially now that the younger generation lives in a peaceful environment and has access to many new technologies, interaction and connection will become more convenient and easier. The former Indian Ambassador also stated that the Indian government strongly encourages exchanges so that students from both countries can learn from each other and explore the culture, history, and society of India and Vietnam.

His Holiness Neelakantan Ravi encouraged exchange and learning between Vietnamese and Indian students.

In response, Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh expressed his gratitude to Mr. Neelakantan Ravi for taking the time to visit the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and especially the Faculty of Oriental Studies. The Vice Rector stated that in its 10 years of establishment, the Department of Indian Studies of the Faculty of Oriental Studies has achieved many successes with the assistance of the Indian Embassy, ​​as well as implementing many cooperation programs with the Indian Embassy such as scholar and student exchange programs, doctoral and master's training, and performing arts programs with Indian artists. Through these activities, the Department of Indian Studies, the Faculty of Oriental Studies, and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in general have had the opportunity to broaden their understanding and perspective on India in all fields. Therefore, welcoming the former Indian Ambassador today is a manifestation of the high level of friendship between the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and its Indian partners in particular, and between Vietnam and India in general.

Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh introduced Vietnam to the Indian students.

Following this, Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh gave a presentation on "Economic and Political Development in Vietnam." Through this presentation, the Vice Rector briefly introduced the geographical features, economic history, political system, and cultural characteristics of Vietnam to the students of the Bangalore Institute of Management. Historically, Vietnam experienced many periods of division due to invasions by external forces and only achieved true reunification in 1975. However, the Vietnamese people share common characteristics such as a rice-based agricultural culture, village culture, the influence of Confucianism in socio-cultural aspects, and a tradition of fighting foreign invaders. Therefore, it can be said that Vietnam is a unified and cohesive country. Since 1986, with the introduction of the Doi Moi (Renovation) policy, Vietnam has undergone comprehensive changes through economic reform, political innovation, cultural restoration, and the pursuit of multilateralism and diversification. Economic growth, foreign investment, and poverty reduction have all seen significant progress. In its relations with other Asian countries such as India, Vietnam hopes to share similarities as well as learn from the differences between them.

Associate Professor Dr. Do Thu Ha gave a presentation on the characteristics of Vietnamese culture.

Following the presentation by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Thu Ha (Head of the Department of Indian Studies, Faculty of Oriental Studies) presented on the "Socio-Cultural Situation" in Vietnam. The presentation clarified issues such as the basic characteristics of Vietnamese values, Vietnamese customs and traditions, and things to do and not to do in Vietnam. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Thu Ha outlined the basic features of Vietnamese culture, a diverse and rich culture with 54 ethnic groups and many different religious and belief systems. With her open and witty presentation style, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Thu Ha created a friendly and welcoming impression on the Indian students. In particular, through the presentation, the Indian students gained a better understanding of the socio-cultural characteristics and people of Vietnam, as well as the similarities and differences in socio-cultural aspects between Vietnam and India.

At the end of the exchange, the Indian students asked the two speakers many questions about issues such as the harmony between traditional collective values ​​and modern individual values ​​in Vietnamese culture, as well as the relationship between Vietnam and China in the context of China's rise and recent tense disputes in the South China Sea. The students' questions were answered concisely and effectively.