Opening of the exhibition ‘Master's Universe’ dedicated to 150th Birth Anniversary of Nicholas Roerich in Shimla
On 1 September 2024, the International Centre of the Roerichs (ICR, Moscow) and the International Roerich Memorial Trust (IRMT, India) jointly inaugurated an exhibition entitled 'Master's Universe' at the Lalit Kala Academy exhibition hall, situated within the historic Gaiety Theatre building in Shimla, India. The exhibition is dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the birth of the renowned Russian artist, thinker and public figure Nicholas Roerich (1874-1947). The exhibition was carried out by the ICR in collaboration with the following partners: The Government of Himachal Pradesh, Language, Art and Culture Department, International Roerich Memorial Trust (Naggar, Kullu), Representative Office of Rossotrudnichestvo in the Republic of India (Russian House in New Delhi), National Centre for People's Diplomacy of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Russia, with the support of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of India and the International Union of Non-Governmental Organisations 'Eurasian Peoples' Assembly'.
It is worthy of note that the exhibition, a non-commercial cultural and educational project of the ICR, which commenced in March at the Russian House in New Delhi, has now reached its next destination, namely Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Nicholas Roerich maintained a close association with Himachal Pradesh for approximately two decades. It is thus anticipated that the exhibition, which features a variety of visual materials including photographs, reproductions of paintings, and colourful banners, will generate significant interest among the residents and guests of Shimla.
The city of Shimla has been the cultural capital of the region since the early nineteenth century. The selection of the venue was not arbitrary; the Gaiety Theatre continues to serve as the city's principal cultural platform, hosting the most significant events. The ICR's exhibition project, entitled 'Master's Universe', is situated within the neo-Gothic halls of the Gaiety Theatre and has become a significant event within the cultural calendar of the entire state. The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Honourable Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, who accorded considerable attention to the work and ideas of Nicholas Roerich and participated in the guided tour with great interest.
In his greeting, the Vice-President of the ICR, Alexander V. Stetsenko, expressed gratitude to the Government of Himachal Pradesh for their support of the exhibition project and conveyed his hope for continued collaboration. Moreover, he emphasised the importance of India and its cultural heritage in the life and work of the celebrated Russian artist, and highlighted the significance of the exhibition as a testament to the enduring partnership between the ICR and the IRMT, both of which were established in accordance with Svetoslav Roerich's will. Additionally, he highlighted the role of Nicholas Roerich in establishing cultural co-operation between the two countries.
Larisa Surgina, the Russian curator of the IRMT and an employee of the ICR, together with her Indian colleague Suresh Kumar, extended a warm welcome to the guests on behalf of the International Roerich Memorial Trust. The exhibition would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the IRMT curators and staff.
The distinguished guests of the exhibition included Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary to the Government of Himachal Pradesh and Principal Secretary, IRMT; Naresh Chauhan, Principal Advisor Media; Pankaj Lalit, Director of Art, Language and Culture Department, Government of Himachal Pradesh; Shakti Chandel, life member of the Board of Trustees of IRMT, writer and social activist; Dr Hari Chauhan, Curator of Himachal Pradesh State Museum, Shimla; and Prof. Him Chatterjee, an esteemed artist and Chairman of the Department of Visual Arts at Himachal Pradesh University, along with other distinguished guests. Members of the press were also in attendance at the inauguration.
In conclusion, Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented the view to the press that India and Russia have a long-standing and enduring friendship, founded upon the similarity of their cultural values, priorities and modes of thought. Russia has demonstrated consistent support for India in challenging circumstances. Furthermore, he highlighted the crucial role played by Nicholas Roerich in fostering and nurturing cultural ties between India and Russia, underscoring the significance of the artist's ideas in promoting peace. In particular, Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted the artist's affinity for India, its culture, and traditions. The Honourable Chief Minister pledged the Government of Himachal Pradesh's unwavering support to IRMT and extended best wishes for the continued success of international cultural projects.
