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 Johanna (Hanna) Elisabet 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. 1917) 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). During his long diplomatic career Valvanne kept his interest in Indology.
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.
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