INDO-ARMENIAN FRIENDSHIP NGO
Relationship Inspired
Book Launch: Armenian Translation of
"An Autobiography Of A Yogi"
On the 25th of June 2019, Indian-Cultural Center Armenia hosted the launch of the Armenian translation of the book “Autobiography of A Yogi” the life story of Paramahansa Yogananda, one of the most prominent spiritual figures of modern times.
The book-launch was jointly organised by the International Center for Intercultural Research, Learning and Dialogue (ICIRLD),
Indo-Armenian friendship NGO and "VERELK" Personal Development Center.
The chief guest of the event was His Excellency Sri Yogeshwar Sangwan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to the Republic of Armenia, who was accompanied by Mr Shambu Amitabh, HOC of the Indian Embassy in Armenia. Mr Tatul Davtyan, President of ICIRLD, His Excellency Sri Yogeshwar Sangwan and Co-Founder and President of
Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO Mr Rananjay Anand were the panelists of the evening
Mr Rananjay Anand, welcomed the speakers and all the guests to the Indian Cultural Center and highlighted on the importance of such initiatives and collaborations. " An Autobiography of a Yogi" is considered to be one of the most important spiritual books of the twentieth century and has been widely translated in over 65 languages. We are glad that the book is now available in the Armenian language as well.
Mr Tatul Davtyan briefed the audience about the translation of the book and the initiation of the program, giving details about how his organisation came into contact with the translators and publishers and how the idea to have a book launch in Armenia was born.
His Excellency Sri Yogeshwar Sangwan shared with the audience interesting glimpses from Paramahansa Yogananda's life and touched upon the importance of yoga in general and Kriya Yoga in particular in our lives. His engaging talk was rich with many fascinating stories from the life of the great spiritual leader which were well-received by all those present. At the request of Mr Rananjay Anand, His Excellency even read a few of his favourite lines from the book, although he did make it a point to mention that it is very difficult to have any favourite passages from a wonderful book like this.
The audience also had the opportunity to ask questions from His Excellency pertaining to the book and Paramahansa Yogananda to which his Excellency answered gladly. Being a practitioner of Kriya Yoga himself, nobody could have been able to speak about the book better than His Excellency and we were honoured to have his presence for the occasion.
At the conclusion of the program, Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO presented a token of their appreciation to his Excellency for the continuous support and encouragement shown by him during his tenure in Armenia and wished him all the best in all his future endeavours.
A bronze statue of Nataraja was also presented to the International Center for Intercultural Research, Learning and Dialogue (ICIRLD) as a sign of friendship between the two organisation and for their partnership and collaboration in the program. In return, Mr Tatul Davtyan gifted a copy of the Armenian translation as well as a copy of the English version of "Autobiography of a Yogi" to the library of the Indian Cultural Center. Among the gifts were also other works of Paramahansa Yogananda, namely "The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You" in two volumes as well as "God Talks with Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita" also in two volumes.
These new additions will enrich the library of the Indian Cultural Center and give our members and guests the opportunity to get acquainted with Paramahansa Yogananda wonderful style of writing.
On behalf of the Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO we would like to express our gratitude to the International Center for Intercultural Research, Learning and Dialogue (ICIRLD) for their collaboration and partnership. We are confident that as in the past, our joint efforts will go a long way in forging a stronger Indo-Armenian Ties.
Special thanks to the Indian Embassy and His Excellency Sri Yogeshwar Sangwan for agreeing to grace the program with his presence and enlightening inputs and to all those who took the time out to attend at make the book launch a success.
Long-Live Indo-Armenian Friendship.
