#IGNCA, #AurovilleFoundation, #SriAurobindo, #MemorandumofUnderstanding, #NewDelhi, #Puducherry
New Delhi/IBNS-CMEDIA: New Delhi based Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and Puducherry based Auroville Foundation, recently, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance the teachings and vision of the eminent philosopher and spiritual leader, Sri Aurobindo.
About Sri Aurobindo
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
Sri Aurobindo (born Aurobindo Ghose; August 15, 1872 – December 5, 1950) was an Indian nationalist and revolutionary from Bengal, who actively participated in programmes to oust the British from India.
He was also a journalist and editor.
After his imprisonment related to the Alipore Bomb Case (1908) and subsequent release, he left British ruled Bengal and settled down in Pondicherry (now Puducherry), then a French colony.
It was at Pondicherry that he devoted himself to philosophical studies and spirituality.
Auroville was founded by Sri Aurobindo’s disciple, Meera Alfassa (The Mother), on February 28, 1968, as a project of Sri Aurobindo Society.
Signing the MoU
Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, and Dr Jayanti S. Ravi, Secretary of the Auroville Foundation, concluded the formalities during a seminar held at IGNCA.
Said Dr Joshi, “This collaboration marks a historic milestone in the realm of cultural and spiritual exchange. IGNCA, as one of the largest repositories of art and culture in Southeast Asia, is poised to provide an atmosphere akin to that of Auroville, fostering creativity, spiritual exploration, and holistic development.”
Lecture Session
The keynote address was delivered by Vedic scholar Padma Bhushan Dr David Frawley, where he elaborated on the relevance of Sri Aurobindo’s teachings in guiding India towards a better future.
He also spoke about India’s rich artistic and spiritual heritage, highlighting the importance of nurturing and sharing these traditions globally.
He projected Auroville as a beacon of this new era, a place where ancient wisdom meets modern aspirations, facilitating education and transformation on a global scale, and talked about India’s cultural resurgence under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dr Frawley focused on Sri Aurobindo’s relevance in shaping India’s future, and said it is time to understand and appreciate his teachings to meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond.
Dr Jayanti S. Ravi provided insights into the dreams and goals of the Auroville ashram.
Also present at the seminar were IGNCA’s President, Rambahadur Rai, and Director (Admin), Dr Priyanka Mishra.
Ram Bahadur Rai, echoed the sentiment of Dr Frawley, and talked about Sri Aurobindo’s profound impact on global consciousness.
Dr Mishra said that IGNCA is committed to working on the education of Sri Aurobindo.
