The Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) and Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahesh Sharma inaugurated the exhibition “Yoga Chakra, Tradition & Modernity – a Multi-media encounter with Intangible Culture” on the occasion of International Yoga Day, at the Rabindra Bhawan in New Delhi today. The exhibition is a part of the larger endeavour of the Ministry of Culture, to present Yog Parv, a festival of Yoga in the context of performing and visual arts as well as workshops and interactive session in three interlinked segments. The Yog Parv has been organised by the autonomous organisation of Ministry of Culture, Sangeet Natak Akademi, in association with sister organizations and museums from across the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mahesh Sharma said the fact that the International Yoga Day was celebrated across the world today is a matter of great pride for India. The celebration of Yoga Day today has given India a unique recognition in the world, the Minister said. The Minister highlighted the significance of Yoga depicted through various forms of cultural activities. Yoga is a part of our culture and our ancient culture has found a place worldwide with the celebration of Yoga Day today, the Minister added. Dr Sharma said that177 different countries from across continents and cultures have adopted the idea and have joined India in this initiative to celebrate yoga worldwide.
The exhibition ‘Yoga Chakra’, curated by Sushma K Bahl and Archana B Sapra with support from Sangeet Natak Akademi highlights the all encompassing philosophy of life sustaining practices across ages, cultures and continents for meditation and stress relief. The ensemble features 370 works by over 150 artists from across India, including historic masterpieces sourced from museums and institutions as well as several fresh new age creations by contemporary artists. It showcases the all inclusive multicultural multimedia Indian creativity through a convergence of illustrated manuscripts, paintings, photographs, books, interactive installations, digital work, and films for health, happiness and healing. Displayed in three interlinked thematic segments - Gyana, Dhyana and Karma – the exhibition relooks at the ancient Indian traditions and tenets, from a modern perspective through a convergence of visual and performing arts, science and life styles, as well as faiths- Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, Zorashrian, Sufi and other sacred practices.
The other aspects of the festival integral to the concept of yoga include dance performances, music concerts, theatre, lecture demonstrations, discourses, talks, workshops, meditation sessions, consultations with Yoga experts as well as an interactive arena to experience a host of herbal remedies and organic cuisine from across the country. The Sangeet Natak Academy has partnered with various prestigious Institutions including the National Museum New Delhi, Lalit Kala Akademi, Sahitya Kala Akademi, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, Indian Museum Kolkata, Allahabad Museum, Isha Foundation and AYUSH, besides Museum of Sacred Arts from Belgium and other Indian cultural institutions to highlight the importance of this great traditional Indian practice over 5000 years old.
The exhibition will provide a wholesome experience to visitors giving them an opportunity to feel and understand the concept of Yoga as it is practised today, encompassing the traditional within the contemporary context of modern lifestyles. The festival will be a celebration for enhancing our lifestyle by providing focus on how to improve our wellness and good health through different aspects of Yoga. The ‘Yog Parva’, has been organised to celebrate the International Day of Yoga from 21st to 27th June 2015 at Rabindra Bhavan premises, New Delhi.