The Exhibition Malana: Shangrila of the Himalayas was inaugurated by Former President of India Shri. R. Venkataraman on November 26th.  He said the Himalayas were dotted with places having mythological connections.  The Himalayas is picturesque, with Nature at its most splendid.  Narrating his own experience as an amateur photographer, Shri Venkataraman said a photographer sees much more than a common man sees

The exhibition featured 70 photographs of a hamlet in Malana, which is unique in many ways.  They portrayed the architecture, lifestyle and rituals of Malana.  Arart from photographs there were also sketches and woodcuts copied from the railing and wood works found in the village.  Although video photography is prohibited in Malana, the scholars obtained the village council’s permission and video documented the village.  An edited version of it was shown on DD Bharti on November 26.  The photographs, sketches and the video clippings together bring to light the lesser known side of Malana – that it is a unique village still living by the age-old traditions, influenced little by the forces of change.

Shri Bangroo is an Art Historian working as Documentation Officer in IGNCA and Shri Stronksi is a linguist and teacher Polish language at Delhi University.

Art and Anti-terrorism

December 13, 2001 is etched in the memory of Indians.  This day, terrorists attacked Indian Parliament, which was in session.  While the first anniversary of the attack was marked at different quarters in different ways, IGNCA was host to a unique function.  Over a hundred artistes gathered in IGNCA since morning and expressed through sketches, paintings and drawings their protest against terrorism.  These works were put up in an exhibition, which was inaugurated by Vice President Shri. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat in the evening at a solemn function.  The tone to the occasion was set by an invocation presented by Smt. Sonal Mansingh.  She invoked Goddess Durga to come and destroy the demons, who have now come in the form of terrorists.

Dr. L.M. Singhvi, President, IGNCA Trust, said the nation was deeply shaken by the December 13 attack. He said the role of artistes is the same as the role of soldiers and policemen.  While the latter protect our lives and property, the  former safeguard our culture and values.  “We look towards the artistes for inspiration in times of anguish,” he added.  Mr. Amarnath Sehgal, speaking on behalf of the artistes, said though it was a sad day, it was an incident that united us all once again.  He emphasized the role of artistes in defending the country.

Vice President Shri Shekhawat said the source of terrorism in India is Pakistan.  They have repeatedly challenged us to war and have been defeated.  That country is giving birth, encouraging and abetting terrorism, he said.  We, as people, have to be always prepared to fight against terrorism.  Artistes can awaken the people through poems and other creative arts, he added.  The exhibition was the result of the joint efforts by IGNCA and Hasthakshar, an artist association.

More details about:    MALANA: A Lost Utopia in the Himalayas