Peruvian envoy wants to undertake research on Adi Sankara

Peruvian envoy wants to undertake research on Adi Sankara

Kancheepuram (TN):Attracted by the teachings of Adi Sankara, a Peruvian envoy in India has decided to undertake research on the eighth century philosopher of Vedanta at a university run by the Kanchi Kamakoti Trust.

Carlos A Irigoyen Forno, Deputy Chief of Mission, Peruvian Embassy in New Delhi, who introduces himself as a descendent of Incas tribals of the South American nation, has applied for doing research on Adi Sankara at the Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya (CSVMV) in nearby Enathur. Forno, who was here to visit the famous Kamakshi Amman temple on Sunday, said he had been drawn to Adhisankara for over 42 years.

When asked what inspired him, he said it was a tryst he made with Ved Vyas 42 years back, whose Mahabharatha he read in a French translation. He was overwhelmed by the canvass and the thought, he said. The Incas, who are part of the tribal population of Peru, share many things in common with Hindus, he said, adding they have the same belief in Sun and Moon worship, besides worshipping Garuda and snake.

The Peruvian Deputy Ambassador said ties between countries can develop and strengthen only on the base laid by universities and trade. Universities have a great role to play through exchange of scholars and Ideas, he said. On trade ties between Peru and India, he said Peru is a major producer of gold and silver and there was great demand for Indian silk sarees and gold ornaments in his country.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries of which Peru was a part, would be holding their summit meet at Tokyo soon and the discussions would cover economic issues important for the entire world. On India not being a member of the bloc, he said trade imbalance could be one reason. He said a vast potential waited to be tapped in Peru.

India and Peru have a rich Biodiversity, and could jointly fight Intellectual Property Rights issues at world levels, where the challenge was thrown up everyday. Protection of Rights and Registration Laws are areas of crucial importance to both the countries, he said, adding there was much that both countries could gain by joining in areas like mining, natural gas and exploring of traditional knowledge.

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