HOSTED BY THE AMBASSADOR – THE INDIAN DELEGATION TO UNESCO, HER EXCELLENCY MRS RUCHIRA KAMBOJ, IN ASSOCIATION WITH CHINMAYA MISSION FRANCE
The event was a resounding success, with over 100 attendees, several ambassadorial representatives (China, Brazil, Mauritius, Madagascar, Kuwait, Lebanon and the Vatican), and some representatives of Indian associations in France. Rupin Vadera, president of Chinmaya Mission UK and Madhavi Vadera came from London for this event. The audience was clearly moved by the unfolding of the historic events in the film; but it was the key philosophical messages and quotes from the Master, in the evolution of his journey, that was received by them with unequivocal and enthusiastic appreciation.
During the interval and drinks reception, many of the attendees expressed their admiration of the film and the transformational contribution of Swami Chinmayananda, and were very interested in learning more about the teachings and the work. There were requests to purchase the DVDs and for more information on the activities of the organisation. This will be followed up by the CMF team.
The welcome speech was given by Aoitif Brabra in French (the secretary of the Ambassador of India to UNESCO) and in English by Madhavi Vadera who is a member of the committee of CM France, quoting from one of Swami Chinmayananda’s well-known quotes: ‘If the members of a community have no self control at all, the community become wild/ If they have no concept of non-violence towards other communities no peace can prevail in the world If a community has no conviction in its ideals it cannot have a mutual and cohesive purpose’
The MC then requested Her Excellency to give the opening address, and introduce the main event.
Her excellency Mrs Kamboj, spoke in glowing terms of her reverence for the great Master Swami Chinmayananda, his contribution to the field of Advaita Vedanta, his pioneering contribution to the renaissance of Hindu culture and to social upliftment projects ( not sure about this) . She stated that, in fact, The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, in recognition of this great Master’s momentous global achievement, issued a commemorative coin, that is now legal tender in India. Her Excellency concluded by stating that she, the Indian delegation and UNESCO were honoured to have the opportunity to host the showing of the Quest , an event that marked the culmination of a year long worldwide celebration of Swami Chinmayananda’s birth centenary year.
Madhavi Vadera then introduced Swamini Umananda, as the Head of Chinmaya Mission France, who studied under the guidance of Swami Chinmayananda and became his disciple. Swami Umananda is an accomplished speaker, on the subject of Advaita Vedanta who conducts lectures, seminars and workshops in France, Europe (Switzerland, Italy, Spain) and Canada and is the author of an online course : ‘ yoga de la connaissance’.