VALVANNE, Hugo (until 1906 H. Wegelius). Pietarsaari 18.7.1894 — Funen, Denmark 25.7.1961. Finnish Student of Indology and Diplomatist. Son of Henrik Eliel Wegelius (1853–1933), a vicar, and Hanna Häggman, brother of theosophist author Väinö Valvanne (1887–1919). Matriculated from Porin lyseo in 1912. Studied Indology (under Reuter) and other subjects at Helsinki University (M.A. 1919) and planned a dissertation on Pāli, but was recruited in the diplomatic service of the newly founded republic in 1920. Served in London, Paris, Bern, for a while in Helsinki. Finnish Ambassador in Tokyo, 1933-39, and in Brussels 1939-40. Charge d’affairs in Bern 1940-41. For a while retired. In 1949-56 the first Finnish Ambassador in New Delhi, 1956-59 in Bern and 1959-61 in Peking. Married 1929 Eva Arokallio (1897–1987, divorced 1947), one daughter, and 1947 Birgitte Guldager (1899–1991).
Publications: Finnish translation: Dhammapada. Hyveen sanoja. Porvoo 1953, 2nd ed. 91 p. 1958; several theosophical books and translations in 1908-14.
Sources: Ulkoasiainhallinnon Matrikkeli 1918–1993. 2. Mikkeli 1996, 280f. with photo; German and Finnish Wikipedia.
Last Updated on 1 day by Admin
