On 4th of February2008, the RILCA, Mahidol University, in collaboration with the Embassy of India, hosted a special seminar to commemorate the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s Satragraha movement (justice through peace and non-violence) and to announce the Institute’s launch of a Master’s Programme on Indian Studies, the first of its kind in Thailand.

The Seminar featured a theme on His Majesty the King’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and Mahatma Gandhi’s Self Sufficiency Concept and was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Ambassador of India to Thailand Ms Latha Reddy and the President of Mahidol Univesity. Prof. Dr. Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn. Eminent speakers included Prof. Dr. Seri Phongphit, Director of the Community Enterprise Institute and LIFE University Project and famous Gandhian, Mr Narayanbhai M. Desai, the “adopted son” of the Mahatma. He has been recently popular in Thailand for his translated book on his childhood spent with Gandhi, Phuan Chan Gandhi.

The one day Seminar featured an interactive session where leading Thai scholars shared their views on the sufficiency philosophies of both His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Mahatma Gandhi and its application in today’s life. They included Bhikkhuni Dhammananda, Prof. Srisurang Phoolthupya, Dr. Chirapat Prapandvidya and Assoc. Prof. Chuthatip Umavijani.