The Vice Chancellor of the University of Madras will inaugurate a speech and conference by Mr. Claude Arpi on the first foreign travelers to Tibet, particularly Alexandra David Neel.

The period between the mid-19th and the mid-20th century witnessed unknown war on the tracks of Central Asia and Tibet to grab new lands. Alexandra David-Neel’s numerous writings, translated in several languages, have contributed to make Tibet known the world over. This presentation will go in depth into the feats and motivations of David-Neel and her fellow explorers.

The film is a sort of western – a Tibetan western – a universal and timeless saga of power, pride and love. The extreme environment of the Himalayas is magnificently contrasted to the delicacy of humanity and the beauty of Tibetan culture. It was nominated for the Academy Awards 2000 in the Best Foreign Film Category.

Music and songs

Tibetan Monks from the Zongkar Choedhe Monastery from Hunsur, Tibetan Rabgyeling Settlement and the Tibetan Students Association of Madras will chant, play music and sing. They will also share their experiences