Flaunting the images of the Indian deities on their T shirts and performing episodes from Ramayana, this 30 member delegation from Thailand won the hearts of the saints and commoners alike by showcasing their deep reverence for Indian epic Ramayana.
The premises of Matri chhaya Gurukulum of Haridwar had turned into mini-Thailand with theatre artists performing on Thai narration of Ramayana backed with Thai music on Sunday noon.
A Thai national was honoured with title of ‘Dharam Dhurander’ by the head of the Gurukulum Mahant Sharad Puri for his contribution in promoting Indian ethos and culture.
Draped in maroon garb with Ganesha stole around his neck bearing mantra Shri Ganeshaya Namah, this Thai born national had come with his family including three brothers and sisters and mother to receive the title.
His name is actually Sanskrit name twisted in Thai dialect explained Sharad Puri, “The first part of his name Dr. Khundej Vorakarn Praphapornpan means King of elephants which is derived from Sanskrit word ‘Kundrej though he is famous amongst his circle of people in Thailand as Baba Mansanand ji. Most of the Thai people’s names are equivalents of Sanskrit words.
Another lady in the group had name Manasini which is again a Sanskrit word. These Thai nationals not only believe in Indian culture but actually live it.”
Notably his sister, Kanyapak is running a yoga centre named ‘Anandmaya’ in Thailand. The Monarch of Thailand (Raj parivar) adds Rama word in their name like the present dynasty is Rama IX.
The Indian diaspora in Thailand have kept our epic Ramayana truly alive said the seer.
Unable to hold her inner emotions over the biggest Ganesha temple, Shri Om Devalaya in Thailand, Phansiya , a delegate came forward and showed the pictures of the deity on her tablet to the audience. In her own language she tried to explain the gratitude for having got a chance to visit Haridwar.
Another girl showed her white T shirt with Tri dev symbol.
Theatre artists Kanison performed the role of Swarna mrig (golden deer) and Phairot acted as lord Ram. The golden armour and jewellery of the characters made them look real life like characters of epic Ramayana.
The coordinator of the delegation Vinod, (Thai name Vinit) sang a poetic verse in Hindi written in memory of his mother whom he never considered dead and was much alive in his heart.
He organises prayer meeting on Thursdays every week and says, “It is amazing that there are more Thai people in the weekly gathering than the Hindus. My wife Kiran Sachdeva is all time support in this noble cause of spreading Indian culture. I am doing this for the past 44 years and I had joined as the member of the temple committee in 1969.”
He translated the felicitation letter of Mansanand in Thai language for the the foreign delegates.
Well known scholar and litterateur from Kankhal and retired dean of Gurukul Kangri University Vishnu Dutt Rakesh said, “The dance recital by the Thai artists is symbolic of the condition of India today when we Indians are running after western glamour and prosperity but we must keep in mind that it is just an illusion. We must not lose our rich spiritual wisdom for the want of money.
Running after the golden deer of Ramayana, Rama was led astray and his wife Sita was stolen.”
Swami Anant Bodh Chaitanya honoured Khundej with a shawl and a memento towards the end and translated in English the talk of the Thai delegation.
Celebrating the spirit, the passion and love for sport, the closing ceremony was attended by the players and team managers, officials from Uttarakhand Badminton Association and B. P Ed students of Gurukul Kangri University as assistant referees.
