What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
The exhibition showcases an array of artistic masterpieces by renowned Indian artists
NEW DELHI: Union minister Meenakashi Lekhi inaugurated a Buddhist exhibition portraying the life of Lord Buddha through Buddhist art and culture across the globe, in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The “Buddham Saranam Gacchami” exhibition, organized in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), is being held at the National Gallery of Modern Arts.
Distinguished Buddhist monks, ambassadors, diplomats, and ministry officials graced the event, with the guest of honour being Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche of the esteemed Drepung Gomang Monastery in Tibet’s Lhasa.
The exhibition showcases an array of artistic masterpieces by renowned Indian artists with their artworks categorized into sections, each highlighting a distinct facet of Buddhism and Lord Buddha’s life.
In his address, venerable Kundeling Rinpoche emphasized the significance of compassion in Buddha’s teachings and encouraged everyone to practice compassion in their daily lives. He underscored the importance of compassion not only among humans but also between humans and all sentient beings. Rinpoche commended the Modern Art Gallery for its dedicated efforts in showcasing Buddhist art and praised the serene ambiance in which the exhibition was organized.
Lekhi, the minister of state for external affairs (MEA) and culture, in her speech, highlighted the enduring relevance of Buddha’s teachings, stating that they remain as pertinent today as they were 2500 years ago. She emphasized the strong bond between Nepal and India, as Siddhartha Gautam was born in Lumbini and attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya.
She expressed India’s responsibility to share the values of Buddhism with the world, highlighting India’s position as not only a center of Buddhist philosophy but also of art and culture. She described the exhibition, “Buddham Saranam Gacchami,” as an effort to showcase rare and unique art associated with Buddhism, particularly the works of artist Nandalal Bose.
Countries with significant Buddhist populations, such as Nepal, Myanmar, Mongolia, South Korea, Thailand, and Bhutan, were represented by their senior diplomats. Ambassadors and senior diplomats from nations including Denmark, Greece, Luxembourg, Jamaica, Portugal, Georgia, Iceland, Ecuador, Syria, Peru, and many others also participated in the exhibition.
The exhibition offers a glimpse into the journey of Buddhism across different countries, featuring paintings from Sri Lanka and Myanmar, among others. It aims to explore the spirituality of art and its connection with Buddhism, expressing universal values of wisdom, compassion, and peace. Notable artists such as Nandalal Bose, Nicholas Roerich, and Bireswar Sen have skillfully depicted the life and teachings of Buddha, capturing the ethereal beauty of the Himalayas in their works.
