Celebration of the 120th Anniversary of the Birth of Svetoslav Roerich at the Roerich Estate in Naggar
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On 23 October 2024, the International Roerich Memorial Trust held commemorative events to mark the 120th birth anniversary of Svetoslav Roerich, a prominent Russian artist, researcher, and philosopher. In emulation of his father, Nicholas Roerich, Svetoslav Roerich adopted the motto "Let us strive for the Beautiful!" as a guiding principle in his life. On this significant day at the IRMT, the esteemed artist was commemorated not only as a herald of aesthetic ideals, but also as the founder of two organisations: The International Roerich Memorial Trust in Naggar (Kullu, HP, India) and the International Centre of the Roerichs in Moscow (Russia). For many years, the IRMT and the ICR have been closely associated, implementing the principles espoused by their founder.
Prior to the commencement of the formal proceedings, a traditional shanti puja was conducted in honour of Svetoslav Roerich beneath a four-trunked Himalayan pine tree situated in proximity to the Roerich residence. In the current year, the artist's birthday occurred during the Hindu holy month of Shree Krishna, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, the very same deity whose beautiful image is depicted in the paintings of the artist's father. The ceremony was conducted by the esteemed pujari of the Krishna temple in Naggar, Shri Jaydev Acharya.
Subsequently, the customary ritual of placing floral garlands on the sculptural representations of Svetoslav Roerich and his wife Devika Rani, situated in close proximity to the artist's summer studio, was undertaken. The pujari applied tilak in a reverent manner to the sculptures, thereby paying tribute and expressing the utmost respect to the esteemed couple. Tilak is a distinctive mark that is applied with a special paste made of plant pollen, clay, or sandalwood on the foreheads of images or sculptures during festivities and ceremonies. Additionally, garlands were placed on the busts of Nicholas and Helena Roerich, the artist's parents.
On significant occasions, three flags are hoisted at the Roerichs' estate: the national flags of India and Russia and the Banner of Peace. This act symbolises the friendship and collaboration between the two peoples, whom the Roerichs associated with the future regeneration of the world. It also represents adherence to the shared values and principles embraced by the wider community. In the current year, the responsibility of hoisting the Indian flag was assumed by Ms Torul S. Raveesh, Deputy Commissioner of Kullu. The Russian flag was hoisted by Mrs Natalia Cherkashina, the guest of honour at the Festival and Vice-President of the ICR (Moscow). The Banner of Peace was jointly raised by Russian and Indian Curators of the IRMT, namely Larisa Surgina and Suresh Kumar.
In commemoration of the anniversary of the celebrated artist, the International Centre of the Roerichs presented an exhibition entitled "Messenger of the Beautiful." This was inaugurated in the IRMT exhibition hall immediately following the flag-raising ceremony.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Ms Thorul S. Raveesh and Mrs Natalia Cherkashina. A guided tour was conducted for the guests, during which they were given an in-depth overview of the exhibition. The exhibition included reproductions of S.Roerich's paintings, including works dedicated to the rich culture of India, portraits of inhabitants of the Kullu and Lahul valleys, and colourful sketches of everyday life in South India. These were created with great love and piety for the inhabitants of the great Bharata. Portraits of the artist's family members, including his parents Helena and Nicholas Roerich, his elder brother George Roerich, his wife Devika Rani, and portraits of the artist's distinguished contemporaries, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, were accorded particular attention. Svetoslav Roerich was a gifted portrait artist, capable of encapsulating the essence of a person and their inner world. In his portraits, Roerich deftly combines elements of realism and impressionism. Frequently, the primary subject is depicted against a vibrant, abstract backdrop, which serves to "shade" and reveal the inner world of the person portrayed.
Another gift for the anniversary of the great artist was the exhibition of works by Russian artist Lola Lonli, which she dedicated to Svetoslav Roerich, who is held in high regard by her. Lola Lonli was inspired by Svetoslav Roerich's paintings and several journeys through the Himalayan valleys to create a series of paintings entitled 'Shakti Dharma, or the Way of Creation of Feminine Energies', which were presented at the exhibition. Lola Lonli's paintings once again captivated the audience with their vibrant palette, intricate textures, and cultural references. The artist conducted a guided tour of the exhibition, during which she shared insights into her creative process, including her approach to subject matter, sources of inspiration, and her personal philosophy of life.
Following the inauguration of the exhibitions, attendees of the festival were encouraged to proceed to the stage of the Green Theatre and engage with the cultural programme, which commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp. In addition, an exhibition of the winners of the children's drawing competition, entitled 'The Roerichs' Realm', was held in the vicinity of the Green Theatre. This exhibition was dedicated to the significant dates in the Roerich family. The competition was held at the estate on 5 October. In addition to the exhibition of children's drawings, smaller exhibitions of works by Russian artist Mira Kudryashova and Indian artist Varsha Karakoti were also set near to the stage.
In her welcoming address to the organisers and guests of the Festival, the DC of Kullu, Ms. Torul S. Raveesh, observed that the establishment of the cultural centre in Naggar, in the Kullu Valley, dedicated to the heritage of the Roerich family, would not have been possible without Svetoslav Roerich's efforts to preserve the heritage of his family. She further noted that the Trust has played an instrumental role in fostering friendship and cultural exchange between the peoples of Russia and India. The IRMT has elevated Naggar to a prominent position on the cultural map of the state. Ms. Raveesh expressed gratitude to the ICR, represented by Natalia Cherkashina, for the fruitful collaboration and to the Russian and Indian Curators for their dedicated efforts on behalf of the IRMT. Furthermore, she observed that the Kullu administration is committed to providing support for all cultural initiatives undertaken by the Trust. Mrs Raveesh also expressed her gratitude to the ICR volunteers who participated in this year's Dussehra celebrations, a significant traditional festival in the Kullu Valley. These volunteers represented Russia in the international parade and at the festive concerts.
The Vice-President of the ICR, Natalia Cherkashina, observed, that on this day the solemn events are held not only in the Kullu Valley but also in the artist's homeland, St. Petersburg. In this city, an exhibition dedicated to the anniversary of Svetoslav Roerich's birth is opening simultaneously with the events in the Kullu Valley. It is notable that the figure of Svetoslav Roerich serves to unite artists and researchers from disparate geographical regions. Naggar represents a unique locale that serves as a conduit for international amity and understanding. The region plays host to a plethora of cultural events, including exhibitions of Indian and Russian artists, as well as artists from a multitude of countries worldwide. Additionally, it serves as a hub for international festivals, seminars, and roundtable discussions. The spirit of selfless collaboration and the spirit of striving for the Beautiful – these are the values that unite all those gathered here at the IRMT, in St. Petersburg, and in other cities around the globe in honour of the great artist.
Mr Suresh Kumar, the Indian Curator of the IRMT, also expressed his gratitude to the ICR for its support. He additionally highlighted the contributions of Mrs Tamara Merges, the head of a group of ICR volunteers who have been volunteering in the Trust for many years. The Indian Curator observed that the annual festivals held at the IRMT, scientific conferences, exhibitions, and artists' creative work-shops are manifestations of S. Roerich's conceptualizations. The Roerich family's decision to settle in Naggar was not fortuitous. They chose this location for its suitability as a place of residence, creativity and work, with the intention of benefiting all of humanity. The staff of the IRMT, with the support of the state government, are striving to continue the legacy of the Roerich family in a manner that is befitting of their achievements.
In her address to the festival's attendees, Mrs Larisa Surgina highlighted that Svetoslav Roerich consistently adhered to the motto "Let us strive for the Beautiful" in all his endeavors. He was a fitting successor to his parents, carrying on their work and pursuing their ideals. The IRMT has assumed the role of cultural custodian, striving to emulate the motto espoused by the celebrated artist throughout his lifetime. S.Roerich, in collaboration with his wife, the accomplished Indian actress Devika Rani, served as a conduit for cultural exchange between India and Russia. This connection between the two countries is sustained by the IRMT through its long-standing collaboration with the ICR and with the support of the Russian Embassy in India, the Russian House, the Kullu Administration, and the Government of Himachal Pradesh. The Roerich House in Naggar has become a hub for international collaboration, cultural exchange, and productive endeavours undertaken by individuals from diverse national backgrounds.
Furthermore, the Curators observed that the IRMT's operations would not have been feasible without the dedicated personnel of the Trust. In recognition of their contributions to the organisation, all employees were presented with certificates of merit and commemorative badges on stage. Memorable awards were presented to teachers of the Helena Roerich Academy of Arts for Children of the IRMT, as well as to ICR volunteers and other selfless helpers of the Roerich Trust.
The cultural programme comprised a series of vibrant performances presented by students of the Art Academy. These performances were carefully guided by the Academy's teaching staff: Anshul Kumar, Anup Kumar, Mamta Thakur and Sapna Thakur.
The Russian guests, volunteers of the IRMT, presented a dance programme with which they had previously achieved success at the Dussehra Festival in Kullu, where they performed on the main stage. The fusion of Indian classical dance and music with Russian folk dance and music was met with considerable enthusiasm by the audience.
The intervals between the creative performances were utilized by Anshul Kumar, the event's host, to read selections from notable works by the winners of the literary nomination of the contest of children's and youth creativity, "Roerichs' Realm." These students from the Helena Roerich Academy, along with students from local schools of the Kullu Valley, were recognized for their exemplary contributions to the contest. The children provided a colourful account of their experience of becoming acquainted with the renowned Russian Roerich family, their creative output, philosophical ideas, and their impressions of their stay in the space of the Roerichs' estate in Naggar, which left a profound impression on the children.
The celebratory concert concluded with a traditional Kullu Valley dance, the 'nati', which bears resemblance to the Russian 'khorovod' circle dance. All attendees, from the youngest to the eldest, participated in this finale.
The festival, which was held in honour of the 120th anniversary of Svetoslav Roerich's birth, concluded a series of celebratory events which took place in October 2024. These events marked significant anniversaries in the Roerich family, including the 150th anniversary of Nicholas Roerich's birth, the 145th anniversary of Helena Roerich's birth, and the 120th anniversary of Svetoslav Roerich's birth. The IRMT commemorated these anniversaries with due reverence, exemplifying harmonious collaboration between Russian and Indian teams, cultural exchange between Russia and India, and dedication to the ideals and cultural legacy of the Roerich family.
