Fri. Mar 29th, 2024
‘Buddham Saranam Gacchami’ Exhibition kicks off in Delhi’s National Gallery of Modern Arts

Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakashi Lekhi inaugurated the “Buddham Saranam Gacchami” Exhibition on May 10, 2023 at the National Gallery of Modern Arts, New Delhi. Senior Buddhist monks,  ambassadors, diplomats and ministry officials were present there. Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche of the Drepung Gomang Monastery was the Guest of Honour at the event.

The exhibition, which took place a week after Buddha Purnima, was centered on the life of Lord Buddha and featured the journey of Buddhist art and culture across the world. The exhibition displayed works of art by renowned modern Indian artists, divided into sections, each showcasing a unique aspect of Buddhism and Buddha’s life. These artistic works provide an insight into the history and philosophy of Buddhism.

The Exhibition commenced with the lighting of lamps and the presentation of Angavastra while senior Buddhist monks chanted. This was followed by an Odissi Dance performance by Kavita Dwibedi and her troupe, titled “Shweta Mukti,” which portrayed the feminine glory of Nirvana.

The event was attended by heads of missions and deputies from several countries, including Nepal, Myanmar, Mongolia, South Korea, Thailand, Bhutan, and others with significant Buddhist populations. Ambassadors and senior diplomats from countries such as Denmark, Greece, Luxembourg, Jamaica, Portugal, Georgia, Iceland, Ecuador, Syria, Peru, and many more also participated in the inauguration.

The Exhibition featured paintings from Sri Lanka and Myanmar and highlighted how Buddhism has spread across different countries. The aim of the exhibition is to explore the spirituality of art and its elements related to Buddhism, expressing universal values such as wisdom, compassion, and peace.

Nandalal Bose, an acclaimed Indian artist, has depicted the life and teachings of Buddha through delicate line drawings that exude a mystical quality. The picturesque Himalayan region has been beautifully portrayed in the works of Nicholas Roerich and Bireswar Sen. The diplomatic corps were impressed by the Exhibition and the cultural program as it gave them a deeper insight into the life of Lord Buddha and the values he advocated.

The Exhibition is open to the public till 10th June at the National Gallery of Modern Arts, located near India Gate.

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