The opening of the new semester in the Academy of Arts for children named after Helena Roerich

A new semester in the Academy of Arts for children named after Helena Roerich opened in the International Roerich Memorial Trust, in a new spacious house, which belonged some time to Colonel Osborn. The building is situated on a mountain slope, a little bit lower than the Urusvati Institute; one can enjoy a wonderful view of Naggar, the Beas River and the Kullu Valley surrounded by Himalayas. The Osborn House was bought by the Roerich Trust around 10 years ago and was not in use for a long time. This year, it was repaired to admit children to classes of painting, Indian classical dance, music and singing.

A solemn ceremony of opening, according to the tradition, started with pudja – a sacred ritual of purification of space and adoration to the Higher Powers. Afterwards, the Indian and Russian curators of the IRMT had a speech congratulating the children and their parents, as well as young teachers of the Academy, on the beginning of the classes. After the speeches were over, the children and the teachers chanted mantra dedicated to Saraswati – Goddess of wisdom, art, music and creativity.

The inhabitants of Naggar and nearby villages enjoyed participating in the ceremony of Academy inauguration. To teach music, dancing, paining is a great opportunity to develop creative talents in children, to bring up a sense of beauty and harmony to them, to accustom to the traditions of the great Indian and world culture. Nowadays the classes in the Academy are held only on Sundays, but the time will come – and the Art Academy of the International Roerich Memorial Trust will become a true center of Beauty and Culture.