India has to bolster trade with East

Visakhapatnam: Chairman, Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR) Prof S R Bhatt has said that the 21st century is the Asian century and India’s commercial ties with the East need to be strengthened with the addition of cultural and spiritual ties and people to people contact.

Bhatt participated at a special programme on Tuesday at GITAM School of Gandhian Studies, particularly a series of three lectures on Indian, Far Eastern nations and Far Eastern Philosophies, especially Buddhism.

While addressing the gathering, he revealed many aspects relating to the centuries old trade and religious ties India had with the Eastern nations and how the Vedic religion and Buddhism had a very positive impact on nation building and civilisation development in the South East Asian nations.

Prof Bhatt. who is world renowned expert in Eastern philosophies, spoke about the relationships between India and the three eastern nations of Korea, China and Japan. He emphasised on the need for India to realise its own potential and ancient glory as a cultural leader and the great civilising force of Asia.

The program was inaugurated by GITAM Chancellor Prof K Ramakrishna Rao and presided by GITAM Vice–Chancellor Prof MS Prasada Rao. On the occasion an exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagavad Gita, in collaboration with Hare Krishna Foundation, was inaugurated.

The exhibition is an audio - visual delight with the philosophy of the Gita and its influence on various personalities especially Gandhi was portrayed colourfully and innovatively.  The expo would be open till March 2, said school in charge Director Dr Rosetta Joseph.