Amitabh Bachchan and Karan Singh become OCHS Patrons

Renowned actor, Mr Amitabh Bachchan is taking a leading role in support of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies.

Mr Bachchan was invited to the OCHS Patrons Council following his highly successful visit in May 2011 where he delivered the Distinguished Ford Lecture, with Prof. Rachel Dwyer. On inviting Mr Bachchan, OCHS Governor Lord Dholakia said that his presence on the Patron Council, ‘would underline the contribution of the arts to the development of Indian culture and thought through the centuries.’

Mr Bachchan said the OCHS is ‘a sure means of enhancing the study and propagation of Hindu Culture, resulting in better understanding.’

Another recent inductee is Dr Karan Singh, an MP in India’s Rajya Sabha and President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, among many other distinctions. Dr Singh spoke at the OCHS in May 2011 on the relevance of Indian thought in the modern world.

The OCHS Patrons Council comprises distinguished honorary members who have made a significant contribution in public service and to public discourse. Patrons support the Centre by publicly aligning themselves with the goal of developing the study of Indian thought and culture at the highest levels of academia.

BBC report on Mr Bachchan’s visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14008513