From October, 20 up to November, 7 2010 the eighth International socio-scientific forum “Culture and Peace as Sacred Stronghold of Humanity”, dedicated to the 75-th anniversary of the Roerich Pact, took place in India.
Workers of science and culture from St. Petersburg, Ekaterinsburg, Saratov, Barnaul, Abakan and from other towns of Russia and from those of Kirghizia and Estonia participated in the Forum.
The main organizer of the Forum was the International Council of Roerich organizations named after S.N. Roerich. Within the bounds of the Forum there were held confences, seminars, exhibitions jointly with Indian scientists.
Magnets of Indian Culture
In October, 20 the Forum started in Delhi, the capital of India, whose age passes far beyond 3000 years. There are 60 000 old relics and monuments of the world significance in Delhi.
The members of the Forum had a rich chance of seeing some of them according to the scientific-cultural cognitive programme “Magnets of Indian Culture”. They saw the world’s biggest minaret Kutub Minar (XII-XIV c.c.). As the legends narrate the carved sayings from the Koran on its walls protect it from destroying. The Forum members also observed architectural complex of Hindu Temples Shatar Pur and the mosque Djamo Masdjid (XVII c.) where Mahatma Gandi was cremated.
In October, 21 the members of the Forum visited some places of interest connected with the name of Akbar the Great (1542-1605). Nicholas Roerich in his book “Fiery Stronghold” wrote that the people of India never confuse the name of Akbar, the uniter and the creator of the peoples’ happy life, with plenty of other famous names. When the Forum members entered the crypt of Akbar’s mausoleum, a pigeon flew in through the light window. It kept sitting for a long time and looked like greeting the visitors… The pigeon accompanied the Forum members while their visiting the town of Fatekhpur Sikri… That very day the Forum members visited Agra, the ancient capital of the Great Moguls (XVI-XVII c.c.). The main cultural magnet of Agra is the mausoleum of Tadj Makhal, a famous architectural masterpiece. It was built by Djakhan Shah in commemoration of his beloved wife Mumghaz Makhal. Not without any reason the mausoleum is called the Monument to love…
Among numerous beautiful buildigs in the town of Fatekhpur Sikri, the residence of Akbar’s Hindu wife Jodhbai. In the book “By the Threshold of a New World” by Helene Roerich the Master said, “History is not aware of the Ray of Akbar’s wife. I affirm with joy Jodhbai the Sage”.
The Roerichs Heritage – the Bridge of Culture Between Russia and India
In November, 22 in the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in New Delhi there was opened the socio-scientific conference “The Roerich Pact and the Banner of Peace as the Phenomenon of the World Culture”.
F.A. Razovsky, Director of the Russian Centre of Science and Culture, when greeting the Conference said that within the last 7 years such a great number of scientists gathered together for the first time.
On behalt of Russian Embassy in India D.E. Chelyshev took the floor. He spoke about the significance of the Roerichs Heritage both for the present and for the future generations.
The Chairmen of the International Council of the Roerich organizations named after S.N. Roerich, professor O.A. Urozhenko (Ekaterinsburg) said that the Forum started the day before Svyatoslav Roerich’s birthday. “Our meeting in India is not simply a kind of a tourist or pilgrim-like trip but it is a rich chance for us of getting in touch with the spiritual and energetic potential of India”, said Olga Alekseyevna.
Councillor of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, Vice-President of the International League of Protecting Culture M.N. Chiryatyev (St. Petersburg) said that numerous scientists and cultural workers began to realize the multifarious heritage of the Roerichs as the bridge of friendship between Russia and India.
Within the bounds of the Conference in the Russian Centre of Science and Culture there was organized presentation of two exhibitions – “Sculpture in Photoes” by A. Leonov and “India Through the Eyes of Russian Children”.
Many Russian children turned their eyes on the Image of Buddha, one of the greatest Teachers of the mankind.
A young Ukrainian sculptor Alexey Leonov created a great number of fine images of divinities, philosophers, sages and saints – Lakhshmi, Krishna, Arjuna, Buddha, Tagor, Ramakrishna, Vivekananda and many, many others.
In the reports of the Conference members the accent was put on the actuality of the Roerich Pact in the modern world, on the role of scientific and social organizations in carrying out the ideas of the Pact, on the ways of public support concerning the preservation of the Heritage and on the revival of the Institute for Himalayan Research “Urusvati”.
Professor Urozhenko O.A. in her report “The Roerich Pact as Expression of Philosophy of Cosmic Reality” said that the document meant both preservation of cultural values and guarding the spiritual values of the Humanity.
Councillor of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences M.N. Chiryatyev emphasized that the scientific investigations of all the Roerichs had got ahead of the mankind by some decades and even by some centuries. Only in a remote future people will be able to fully appreciate all the significance of the Heritage of the Roerichs, the expressors of a new planetary thinking.
Candidate of medical science G.A. Yakovleva (Perm) made the report “Curative Power of Culture”.
Chairman of Estonian Roerich Society K.A. Molchanova in her video-report said that it was a high time for people to realize their responsibility for every word, for every thought, for every action of theirs. “We should elevate our thoughts in order to reach the magnificence and splendour of Light”, she said.
At the meeting of the Forum members with the teachers and students of the State University named after Jawaharlal Nehru Rector of the University professor Ramadhikari Kumar said that most of the students had heard of N.K. Roerich’s creative work as an artist but they almost have no idea of the Roerich Pact, that was why their meeting with the members of the Forum would be of great interest for them.
Director of the Khakass Institute for Scientific Research of Language, Literature and History, doctor of historic science, professor V.N. Tuguzhekova (Abakan) and doctor of philosophical science, professor of the State Altai Agrarian University A.B. Ivanov (Barnaul) offered to the Rector of the University named after Jawaharlal Nehru collaborating in the sphere of interchanging their students. They both also expressed their opinion concerning a feasible interest of the Indian scientists towards the history of Turkic Kagans which was linked with that of India.
Professor Varyam Singh and professor Arun Mokhanti from the Centre of Russian and Mid-Asian Investigation attached to the University expressed their readiness for collaborating. Arun Mokhanti read a lecture on the Roerich Pact for the students of the University.
October, 23 – Svyatoslav Roerich’s birthday – began with presenting professor Lokesh Chandra with the Badge of Honour “Sword of Fortitude” as a token of high respect and esteem for his making a valuable contribution in studying, preserving and popularizing the Heritage of the Roerichs in India.
It was professor O.A. Urozhenko, Chairman of the International Council of the Roerich Organizations named after Svyatoslav Roerich who handed in the Badge of Honour “Sword of Fortitude” to Lokesh Chandra. She also presented Lokesh Chandra with the book “On the Space of Inner Meanings of Buddhistic Metallic Sculpture” written jointly with V.V. Demenova.
In his return speech Lokesh Chandra said that the word Svyatoslav spoke for itself meaning “saint” (Svyatoy). The member of the Forum from Russia are the messengers of Svyatoslav Roerich’s light bearing glory. Lokesh Chandra also noted the deep spiritual ties between Slavic and Indian peoples which were brilliantly reproduced in the sculptural works by Alexey Leonov, a young Ukrainian sculptor.
Lokesh Chandra paid his special attention to the symbols of the Mountain and the Sword in the badge “Sword of Fortitude”. He said, “Mountain is a purely Indian symbol. Mountains reflect the Deitie’s One dwelling up in there. Only such a great artist as N.K. Roerich could be able to express the divine majesty of the Himalayas. “As for the Sword, continued Lokesh Chandra, this symbol gives rise in our consciousness to the association with the Image of Buddhi Bodhisatva Manchjushri usually portrayed as One keeping a sword in his hand all surrounded with Fire. The Sword is a symbol of wisdom and wit”. The Lokesh Chandra said, “It is a great pleasure for me to see this precisely Buddhi interpretation that sounds in the symbol of the Sword”. Next Lokesh Chandra spoke on the Roerich Pact. He said that the Roerich Pact was the Dream of uniting all the people of our planet above all the ties existing within the distance-limits. “It is the space of Culture that is above everything”, he said. Speculating on the mission of Russia Lokesh Chandra said that Mother-Russia was in search of the sources of Her creative ascent rooted in the crystal of Her spiritual traditions in order to share Her treasure with others.
In conclusion Lokesh Chandra said that his personal dream was connected with opening a Research Centre for further developing the ideas grounded by the Roerichs in their Institute for Himalayan Research “Urusvati”, also for further regular publishing the information concerning philosophic outlooks and scientific discoveries of the Roerichs.
Next there took place some reports by Russian scientists.
Professor V.A. Ivanov (Barnaul) spoke on the idea of simitarity and relationship between Russian and Indian philosophies of the 19-th century.
Doctor of philosophy, professor of the State Altai Technical University M.Yu. Shishin (Barnaul) spoke on the art of narrating among Turkic people of the Altai Region.
Doctor of historic science V.N. Tuguzhekova (Abakan) threw light on the problem of preserving culture of the Sayan – Altai Region.
Director of the Kirkhizian Human Pedagogical Centre D.A. Kutmanaliyeva (Bishkek) spoke on the role of Indian Culture in Chinghiz Aitmatov creative work. Candidate of history of arts, Director of Roerich People’s Museum attached to the Library named after D.S. Likhachov E.S. Kulakova (Novokuznetsk) made the report “Nicholas Roerich as a Leader of Culture in Svyatoslav Roerich’s creative work”.
Professor Arun Mokhante from the Centre of Russian and Asian Investigations attached to the University named after Jawaharlul Nehru spoke on the great significance of the Roerich Pact for modern civilization.
On that very day there was concluded the Agreement on Collaboration between the Fund of Culture of the Institute of Himalayas Research (New Delhi) and the Khakass Institute for Scientific Research of Languge, Literature and History (Abakan).
After that there was delivered a lecture by O.A. Urozhenko and M.N. Chiryatyev on the “Contribution of the Roerichs into the Depository of the World Culture and Science” for the members of the Youth Literature Club “Rhyme” acting on the basis of the Institute of the Russian Language attached to the Russian Centre of Science and Culture.
Road Towards the Himalayas. Kurukshetra
In October, 24 the members of the Forum left Delhi. They all were in the state of solemn expectation to find themselves in the Kullu Valley, the holy land for Hindus. Long-long ago Gods and Heroes abode there…
The holiness of the Valley is especially sensed in the town of Kurukshetra. It is the place where 5000 years ago the Great Battle took place… In Stanishvara Temple Pandavas prayed and begged Shiva for their victory in the Battle. And they got His Blessing…
The culmination point of the meta-historical space of Kurukshetra is the place of Djotisahr. It was here, under an old banjan tree where there took place the dialogue of God and a man – Krishna and Arjuna, in which Krishna explicated to Arjuna the invaluable significance of a spiritual feat…
The Forum members also visited the local Panorama in which the events of the Great Battle are recreated.
Kullu – Magnet of Culture of the Future
The Kullu Valley is called the “Silver Valley”, the “Valley of 360 gods”. It spreads as far as 50 miles along the river Beas. The ancient religious beliefs are still being kept to in the Valley. The Forum members made sure of this after having visited Manali, the capital-resort of the Valley. There, at the entrance of the Manu Temple, they saw ancient stone sculptures of the animals which, according to the legends, together with the anchorite Manu had been saved from the Deluge thanks to God Vishna…
In Manali the Forum members observed the Goddess Khadimba Temple (XVI c.). The Goddess helps people in time of natural calamities and poverty. The Goddess is reputed also as protectress of rain.
The Forum members observed the Buddhi Temple Ningampa Gompa where they saw a huge statue of Buddha…
In Nagar, the capital of the Kullu Valley, the members of the Forum observed some ancient places of interest – the Tripuri Sundari Devi Pagoda devoted to Shiva’s wife, the protectress of the Valley; the Temple of Vishnu (XVII c.); the Rajahs Castle (XVI c.); the Temple of Krishna (XV c.)…
In Nagar the estate of the Roerichs is located.
Hindus believe that Gods show Their worth and power through their images and masks. Every year in August a festive procession marches towards the Roerichs estate carrying a sort of a sedan-chair with Gugo Chokhan’s mask in it. Gugo Chokhan is reputed as the Protector of the Kullu Valley since XVI century.
It is no coincidence that precisely in this picturesque mountain region sated with subtle divine energies, the Roerichs founded the Institute for Himalayan Research “Urusvati”. At present in its buildings there accommodate the Museum of Folk Arts of the Himalayan Region and the College of Arts named after E.I. Roerich. The expositions dedicated to the history of the Institute are also placed there…
In one of the buildings of the Institute there was organized an exhibition of the children’s drawings from Perm, Tula, Bishkek, Novokuznetsk, Saratov. The children from Russia shared their thoughts about Future in their drawings.
In the Roerichs estate there were organized sittings of the “Pedagogical Sitting-room”. In those sittings Sheru Baba took an active part as an organizer of Programmes on Culture in the Roerichs estate. His father and grandfather were acquainted with the Roerichs. Greeting the Forum members Sheru Baba said, “I am glad to see and greet you here. I am glad that you keep up the Light of Culture. When we speak about Culture we interact in the field of Culture. Culture is our spiritual wealth. In the space of Culture we can rise step by step upwards following the way of spiritual perfectioning. Nicholas Roerich affirmed, “Culture is Beauty”. So we are responsible for creating Beauty in order to live in Beauty”.
Next there was performance prepared by Hindu children from the College of Arts named after E.I. Roerich. The children sang songs from different countries of the world. Alyona Adamkova, Executive Director of the Roerich Estate, sang together with the Hindu children.
The Forum members’ staying in the Kullu Valley was crowned with the solemn ceremony by the Stone placed in the spot where Nicholas Roerich was cremated. The Stone bears the following inscription: “The body of Maharishi Nicholas Roerich, great friend of India, was cremated on this spot on 30 Mahar in the year 2004 of the Vitram era, corresponding to 15 December 1947, OM RAM”.
Under the starry sky the Forum members lighted up their candles in order to affirm that the Fire of Serving Culture lighted up by Nicholas Roerich is burning in peoples’ hearts…
There was laid out of the burning candles the sign of the Triunity of the Banner of Peace…
Shimla. Looking for Ways of Cooperation
Next the members of the Forum headed their way as far as the town of Shimla, the administrative centre of Himachal Pradesh. There they visited a sacred lake and then rose up the hill to see the huge sculpture of Padma Sambhava. They observed the Saint’s cave where they could listened to the Silence of Eternity… The spiritual mood of Padma Sambhava was inherited by the visitors in the Saint’s cave…
In Shimla the Forum members visited a complex of Hindu temples and the State Museum of Himachal Pradesh.
In the Shimla Centre of Science there was held a Round Table of the members of the Forum together with the scientists of the Institute of Integrated Himalayan Studies. In the work of the Round Table there participated President of the Institute professor Sunil Kumar Gupta, Director of the Institute professor S.P. Bansal, Director of the Language, Art and Culture Department Prem Sharma and a number of scientific co-workers. The Hindu scientists spoke on the work of the Institute where they are engaged with investigating the Himalayan nature, the traditions of folk culture of the Himalayan Region including a number of problems concerning preserving forestry resources of Himachal Pradesh.
Councillor of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences M.N. Chiryatyev (St. Petersburg) spoke about the work of the Institute for Himalayan Research “Urusvati” which had been founded by the Roerichs in the KulluValley where they had developed contacts with several European scientific organizations in order to establish a working exchange of information between them and “Urusvati”.
Professor O.A. Urozhenko (Ekaterinsburg) said that the main object of the Forum was to make bridges of cooperation between scientific and cultural organizations of India and Russia on the basis of Nicholas Roerich’s idea of Culture which was rendered in the Roerich Pact of Culture. The Banner of Peace became the symbol of the Pact. Due to this symbol all the peoples of the planet would unite for preservation of the world’s cultural treasures.
Professor A.V. Ivanov and M.Yu. Shishin (Barnaul), Doktor of historic science V.N. Tuguzhekova (Abakan) shared their opinion about feasible cooperation between Altai – Khakass scientists and the scientists of the Institute of Integrated Himalayan Studies.
The Round Table sitting was crowned with concluding the Cooperation Agreement between Himachal Pradesh and Altai Region for the purpose of preserving the unique nature and culture both of the Altai and the Himalayan Regions.
His Country. Kalimpong – Darjeeling
In the town of Kalimpong (the Eastern Himalayas) the Forum members stayed in the territory of the estate “Kruketi” where E.I. Roerich spent the last 7 years of her life.
After their excursion about the estate the Forum members visited the spot where E.I. Roerich was cremated. As the legend says, somewhere near the spot there is one of the clandestine entries to the Shambhala…
In his writings Nicholas Roerich told us that the very name Kanchenjunga meant the Five Treasures of the Great Snow, “the five most precious things in the world. What things? Gold, diamonds and rubins? By no means. The old East values some other treasures”…
On their way to Darjeeling the Forum members made a stop near the cemetery where there were buried two persons whose lives had been linked with spiritual activities of Brotherhood. One of the persons was a Hungarian scientist and traveller Choma de Keresh and the other person was an Irish woman sister Nivedita, a disciple of Svami Vivekananda. After honouring in silence their memory and laying flowers on their graves, the Forum members made their way towards the Buddhi Temple of Gum Monastery which had been visited by the Roerichs. In the Temple the Forum members saw a huge statue of Maitreya…
The Forum members’ staying in Kalimpong was crowned with visiting the most popular Hindu feast Divali. The feast (which is 7000 years old) symbolizes victory of Good over Evil. It also marks the beginning of a New year…
The Forum “Culture and Peace as Sacred Stronghold of Humanity” was concluded in Delhi with the meeting with the Ambassador of Russia in India A.M. Kadakin. On behalf of the International Council of the Roerichs Organizations named after Svyatoslav Roerich professor O.A. Urozhenko presented A.M. Kadakin with the badge “Sword of Fortitude” as a token of esteem for his contribution into studying, preserving and popularizing the Roerichs Heritage.
The social-scientific forum in India became a significant page in the history of the International Roerich Movement. The cooperation of human beings’ hearts will be fruitful. It will give its fruitful results by all means.
E.S. Kulakova
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The
Roerich Pact and the Banner of Peace as a Remarkable Phenomenon of the World
Culture
Reports and Speeches at the International Social and Scientific Conference.
Delhi – Kullu – Shimla – Kalimpong October 22– November 5 2010
© The International Council of Roerich Organizations by name of S.N. Roerich. http://www.roerichs.com/Lng/en