International day of Non-Violence

The Embassy organized a Lecture cum Film Show on October 2, 2007 to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, which has been declared by the United Nations as the International day of Non-Violence. The event was organized at Slavyanska Besseda hall in Sofia on October 2, 2007 from 1700 hrs to 1900 hrs. Ambassador Shri Lal Dingliana welcomed the gathering and spoke on the importance and significance of the day. Dr.Violina Stoycheva Atanassova, a research scholar from the Institute of History of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and an expert on cultural and social history of modern India, gave a short lecture on the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi and its relevance in the present day world. This was followed by screening of the two documentaries on Mahatma Gandhi – (i) A film on Satyagraha and (ii) Mahatma – A Great Soul of the 20th century. A small reception was organized after the film show. Around 100 people attended the event including officials from the Foreign Office and other Ministries; Vice-Rector of Sofia University; faculty members and students of Indology Department of Sofia University; members of the Friends of India Club and East-West Indological Foundation; members of the Indian community including officials from the Management Board of Kremikovtzi Steel Plant; officials of the Embassy and media-persons. The event was covered by the Bulgarian National TV and broadcasted during its Daily News on October 3, 2007.

(See the photographs of the event)