Another dream, the spiritual gift of India to the world has already begun.
India’s spirituality is entering Europe and America in an ever-increasing measure. That movement will grow; amid the disasters of the time more and more eyes are turning towards her with hope and there is even an increasing resort not only to her teachings, but to her psychic and spiritual practice.
(This message was given by Sri Aurobindo at the request of the All India Radio, Thiruchirapalli. It was broadcast on 14th August 1947)
As a mark of commemorating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo & 75th Year of India's Independence, AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society organized an exhibition on the theme ‘Spiritual Gift of India to the World’ from 12-21 August, 2023 at the exhibition hall of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Union Territory of Puducherry. This exhibition was also an attempt to showcase the diversity of cultural expressions which has deep roots and are connected with the spiritual tradition of India. The Mother has said ‘India has become the symbolic representation of all difficulties of modern mankind. India will be the land of its resurrection - the resurrection to a higher and truer life.’ This exhibition was inaugurated by Shri. K. Lakshminarayanan, Hon'ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Puducherry as Chief Guest and Padmashree Thiru V. K. Munusamy Sthapathy, Terracotta Sculptor, Puducherry and Shri Lalit Verma, President, Aurodhan Art Gallery, Puducherry as the guest of honour.
On this occasion, Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary, AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, welcomed the dignitaries and artists and said that this exhibition is an attempt to define spirituality in the light of Sri Aurobindo, an eminent leader of India’s freedom movement and a spiritual visionary of human evolution & 75th Year of India's Independence and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements. He said that this exhibition showcases the rich spiritual heritage of India that spans thousands of years, and has influenced countless people around the world. Sri Aurobindo, the Indian nationalist, yogi, philosopher, scholar, and poet explored the ancient Hindu practices of yoga. Sri Aurobindo subsequently developed his own style of yoga which he called “Integral Yoga.” He had given special emphasis on achieving spiritual growth and self-awareness.
During the inaugural session, Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy welcomed the dignitaries and artists and said that this; exhibition is an attempt to define spirituality in the light of Sri Aurobindo, an eminent leader of India’s freedom movement and a spiritual visionary of human evolution & 75th Year of India's Independence and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements. He informed that this exhibition showcases the rich spiritual heritage of India that spans thousands of years, and has influenced countless people around the world. Sri Aurobindo, the Indian nationalist, yogi, philosopher, scholar, and poet explored the ancient Hindu practices of yoga. Sri Aurobindo subsequently developed his own style of yoga which he called ‘Integral Yoga.’ He had given special emphasis on achieving spiritual growth and self-awareness.
Shri. K. Lakshminarayanan, Hon'ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Puducherry inaugurated the exhibition and remarked that this exhibition is about the gift that has given to the world by the Indian Spiritualism as Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo envisaged the Bharat as the Mother and all the religions and faith. All the arts found here is the proof. Hon’ble Minister congratulated Sri Aurobindo Society and all the artists for their contribution for their spirit to showcase our rich culture and spirituality.
Padmashree Thiru V. K. Munusamy, Sthapathy, Terracotta Sculptor from Puducherry said that Indian spirituality is characterized by a deep reverence for the divine, and an emphasis on inner transformation. It encompasses a wide range of traditions, each with their own unique perspectives on the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment. He said that the artists from Puducherry who participated in this exhibition will definitely get international recognition. He appreciated that the exhibits are conveying good messages and their ethical value.
Shri Lalit Verma, President, Aurodhan Art Gallery, Puducherry opined that the great heritage of India is its spiritual heritage. He further mentioned the vision of Sri Aurobindo on the spiritual destiny of India and the need to preserve the spiritual legacy which was flourished through many centuries. He further emphasized that this exhibition is an attempt to bring significant contributions to oneness and human unity through art. The hundred and fifty artworks by eminent artists add the creative energy and can unite and help the people to a higher consciousness.
On this occasion, senior artists Shri R. Raghavan, Dr. R. Rajendran, Shri K. Balasubramanian, Shri Muralidharan, Shri Narendra Babu and many eminent artists were also present during the ceremony. This exhibition is divided into four aspects, including Spiritual Tradition, Knowledge, Consciousness, and Spiritual Transformation and showcases important artworks by eminent artists from India and abroad including sacred landscapes, integral aspects of nature, heritage and monuments of religious and spiritual significances, cults, practices and festive celebrations related to spirituality. Indian spirituality is rooted in ancient texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita, which outline the philosophical and spiritual principles that form the basis of Indian spirituality.
The exhibition was curated by Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy and Charu Tripathy from Sri Aurobindo Society. This exhibition contains one hundred and fifty artworks by eminent artists, sculptors, and photographers from India and abroad and presents the spiritual contribution of India to the world.
