DEVELOPMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ROERICH MEMORIAL TRUST IN THE YEARS 2003-2004 URUSVATI Institute building has been fully repaired and is utilized for the following activities:
Permanent exhibition “George Roerich – Director of the Urusvati Institute’;
HELENA ROERICH ART COLLEGE Started its work in the Urusvati building on 06.04.2003. Approximately 100 children from Naggar and nearby villages are being taught Art in four departments: Indian Classical Music, Indian Classical Dance, Folk Drama and Painting Art. This Art School has been affiliated to famous Pracheen Kala Kendra University at Chandigarh. Students of this College prepared cultural program and concert on the occasion of Nicholas Roerich Annual Birth Celebration on 9th October 03, 9th October 2004, and on 30th October 2004, during the international level function, Svetoslav Roerich Centenary celebration. During each celebration, painting competitions are being organized for the students of painting department of the College, as well as for other local children who are invited also to join the competition. Winners are always rewarded with nice gifts, that are being mostly brought from Russia by the members of different Roerich Societies. THEATRE STAGE Open air Theatre construction has been initiated on 17.8.2004 at the premises of the IRMT, and on the 30th October 2004, Svetoslav Roerich Centenary Celebration cultural program was held on its newly built stage.18 carved wooden pillars, and image of Goddess Saraswati adorn the theatre. MEMORIAL STONES 52 valuable memorial stones erected in memory of Naggar kings and queens executed approximately four-five hundred years ago, were recovered from ‘Vish Kund’ place at Naggar and brought to the IRMT in summer 2004. Special slope simulating their original place was built and statues mounted there in three rows. SVETOSLAV ROERICH AND DEVIKA RANI MEMORIAL Memorial - Museum of Svetoslav Roerich and Devika Rani was set up in the former summer studio of Svetoslav Roerich. Museum has been inaugurated by the Honorable Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh during the celebration of Svetoslav Roerich Centenary on 30th October, 2004. Memorial displays the photos of Svetoslav Roerich and Devika Rani, reproductions of paintings and personal belongings of the illustrious couple from the archives of the Trust. ‘AT HALL ESTATE’ WAYSIDE BUILDING Was an eyesore for the years, finally has been taken up for reconstruction and expected to be completed soon. It’s top floor two halls are already functioning, one is an exhibition hall, and the second one is a seminar and cinema hall. Sales counter of the IRMT publications and souvenirs has been transferred to this building as well. IRMT Restaurant, Tea bar and guest house rooms are currently under preparation, and are supposed to become functional in summer 2005. ROERICH INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS This bold project, to be the first Art College in Himachal Pradesh, and materialization of Roerich’s ideas, was initiated by former Prime Minister of India, A.B.Vajpayee, who released first one Crore of Rupees during his visit to the IRMT on 17th May, 2003. Later it was followed by the approval of the former Minister of Culture Mr Jagmohan and his consequent visit to the IRMT on 18th September 2003. The Master plan has been prepared by Architect A.Noorani from Mumbai. Approval of the Trustees of this project is awaited for the earliest initiation for the construction. PUBLISHING ACTIVITIES Grant in aid under the scheme of “Promotion and strengthening of Regional and Local Museums” have been released by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for publication works in 2003. IRMT actively pursues publication activities as one of its main tasks. Following books, reproductions and souvenirs were printed in the year 2003-2004: 1/ B.Conlan. Nicholas Roerich A Master of the Mountains. 1000 copies (March’03)
TEMPORARY ART EXHIBITIONS One of the main task of the IRMT cultural work is to invite talented local artists (most of them are self-taught) and help them to organize their exhibitions, thus giving them wider exposure, contacts and encouragement for their further professional growth. Foreign artists (both self-taught and professional painters) are also coming to Naggar to exhibit their works here. Following Art exhibitions have been organized during the years 2002-2004: 1/ 17.10.02 – 30.10.02 – ‘Himalayan Saga’ – 76 original paintings by Nicholas Roerich from 8 art institutions of India. OTHER: H.E. Mr A.M.Kadakin, Ambassador of Russia, had several times visited the IRMT, and rendered great help and support, both spiritual and financial, for the development of the IRMT. On 3rd May 2003 the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the IRMT took place at Naggar under the chairmanship of the Honorable Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mr Virbhadra Singh, which was a landmark for the further development of the Trust. IRMT FUNCTIONS: IRMT is organizing different functions and celebrations from time to time to commemorate Roerich’s ideals and events. The most important events were: 9.10.03 – Nicholas Roerich Annual Birth Anniversary celebration;
One of the great events for the IRMT and Naggar people was the visit of Russian Folk Group ‘Yarmanka’ (7 members) who arrived from Siberia, Altai region, as the IRMT guests for the Centenary of Svetoslav Roerich. They gave their concert in Delhi at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture during the inauguration of the Roerich’s Club there, they performed at the famous Kullu Dussehra on 29th October, then they have shown their folk art at the IRMT during Svetoslav Roerich Centenary Celebration on 30th and 31st October. After that, they gave a Master Class at Helena Roerich Art College, sharing with local children values of Russian art and culture, and learning from them the magic of sounds and tunes of Indian classical instruments. Later on they also performed in Rampur at the well known annual festival. ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCTION WORKS: Guest House ‘Arcadia’ for the IRMT guests has been completed.
PURCHASES: New car (Scorpio jeep) has been purchased for the need of the IRMT (May 2004).
RESEARCH WORK IN DIFFERENT FIELDS: Medicinal Plants cultivation.
(Cultivation of medicinal plants & their use was one of the major objectives of Urusvati Research Institute established by the Roerichs. It is therefore important to pursue this project further. The IRMT prepared a project report in consultation with Dr. Nag, of the Ayurveda Deptt., Research Institute in I.S.M., Jogindernagar, and the Ananda Society, local NGO and this project has been submitted to the office of Pr.Secretary, Tourism, Shimla);
Compiled on: 31.12.2004 |