International Women’s Day at the Roerich Estate. A Festive Vernissage
International Women’s Day on March 8 at the International Roerich Memorial Trust was marked by the grand opening of two striking exhibitions: an exhibition of mandalas by Vinakshi Sandu and an exhibition of paintings by a group of Indian artists, organized by the Insight Group under the curatorship of Sikandra Jangra.
The exhibition of dot mandalas was presented to the guests by artist Vinakshi Sandu (Mandi). A mandala (the Sanskrit word for “circle”) is an artistic representation of a higher concept and deeper meaning, designed to focus one’s attention on spiritual, emotional, or psychological transformation. Most often, a mandala takes the form of a circle adorned with images, symbols, and lines that guide the observer’s (or creator’s) mind inward, from the outer edge to the center, toward deeper reflection on the purpose and meaning of life, the nature of the universe, and the true nature of the self. The mandalas created by Vinakshi using the dot technique are distinguished by their harmony and beauty, vibrant, pure colors, and elegant patterns, each of which carries deep meaning. The artist explained that mandalas are used for meditation and art therapy; they help a person achieve peace and balance, and attune to a special cosmic rhythm.
In addition to mandalas, the exhibition featured several paintings created by Ranjana, Vinakshi’s sister. The exhibition was titled “Mandala Sisters. Women Day.”
The group exhibition, dedicated to the Women’s Day, featured paintings and artistic photographs by 20 artists, including Ashoo Sharma, Diksha Kain, Basanta Baishaya, Kavita Hastir, Pooja Mugdal, Shayam Manohar Chavan, Prerna Varma, Archna Sinha, Surinder Virdi, Dr. Sujata Varma, Madhusudan Khandekar, Sanjit Jain, Jyotika Nager, Meenakshi Varma, Ratan Sonal, Sukhvinder Kaur, Revati Nandan Dhoundiyal, Rakesh Kumar, Nikita Sood, Deepika. Five of them, along with the organizer, Sikandra Jangra, took an immediate part in the opening of the exhibition. The artists’ works reflected various styles and trends in contemporary art—viewers closely examined portraits and landscapes, abstract and symbolic paintings, and photographs capturing the natural world and human life. Shyam Manohar Chavan, the creator of beautiful watercolors from Mumbai, donated a catalog of his paintings to the Roerich Trust.
The festive tea brought together artists, guests, and Indian and Russian staff of the International Roerich Memorial Trust around a large table. Kali Devi, Koila Devi, Tara Devi, and Malta Devi performed beloved songs from the Kullu Valley.
The festive Women’s Day celebration concluded with the laying of marigold garlands at the bronze monuments of Helena Roerich and Devika Rani Roerich, as well as their great companions, Nicholas and Svetoslav Roerichs.
To conclude this brief overview, let us recall the words of Nicholas Roerich: “Women, it is you who are to weave and unfurl the Banner of Peace. You shall stand guard over the amelioration of life, you shall light at every hearth a beautiful fire, creative and inspiring. You shall tell your children the first word about beauty. You shall teach them the blessed Hierarchy of knowledge. You shall explain to the little ones the creative power of Thought. You can preserve them from disintegration and at the very beginning of their lives inculcate in them the meaning of heroism and self-sacrifice. You shall be the first to speak to the children of the advantages of spiritual values. You shall say the sacred word Culture.
A great and beautiful work is entrusted to you, Women. Greetings to you!”
