Nicholas Roerich’s Birth Anniversary on 9 October 2014 at the International Roerich Memorial Trust traditionally started with Shanti Puja – a prayer for forgiveness and welfare – hold at the site of Nicholas Roerich cremation (Samadhi) nearby the commemorative Stone from where there opens a view of the majestic white-capped peaks of the twin Gepang – the Mount “M” as the Roerichs would call it. Admirers of Roerich’s creative work from different countries gathered around the sacred fire to honor in their high thoughts the memory of the eminent Russian sage and Maharishi Nicholas Roerich.

The photo exhibition prepared by the International Centre of the Roerichs in cooperation with the International Roerich Memorial Trust was presented to the guests at the IRMT Exhibition Hall. The exhibition was solemnly opened by the Minister-Counselor of the RF Embassy in India Denis Alipov and the Executive Secretary, the ICR Board member Pavel Zhuravikhin. The display includes archive photos, informational banners and reproductions of the Master’s paintings and tells about the major stages of Nicholas Roerich’s life path.

The Roerichs’ heritage is of exceptional value for the entire world and its preservation is our primary target. These words were said at the inauguration of the new chemical laboratory for conserving and preserving the museum items in the Urusvati Institute building. The modern facilities acquired by the IRMT with the assistance of DC Kullu-cum-Director IRMT Mr. Rakesh Kanwar were presented to the guests by the expert on manuscripts conservation Mr. Siddharth from the State Museum of the Himachal Pradesh State (the city of Shimla).

The IRMT Indian Curator Mr. Ramesh Chander together with the Russian Curator and the ICR employee Mdm. Larisa Surgina greeted numerous guests from India, Russia and other countries who gathered on the ground before the IRMT open theatre stage. They expressed their gratitude to the IRMT Director Mr. Rakesh Kanwar and through him the Himachal Pradesh Government and personally to the Head of State and the President of the IRMT Virbhadra Singh for the assistance and support in implementing the IRMT development projects as well as for granting 2 million Indian rupees to the Roerich Trust.

The speakers extended their appreciation to the Board of the International Centre of the Roerichs and personally to Mdm. Luidmila V. Shaposhnikova, Vice-President of the ICR, General Director of the Museum named after Nicholas Roerich and lifetime member of the Board of Trustees, for the constant and fruitful cooperation, as well as to the Russian Embassy in India through Minister-Counselor Denis Alipov and personally to Ambassador Mr. Alexander Kadakin for the willingness to provide all possible assistance and support for the IRMT development in the future.

A huge contribution that Nicholas Roerich made in the development of the world culture was especially stressed by Minister-Counselor of the Russian Embassy in India Mr. Denis Alipov. The most sincere and heartfelt congratulations on the 140th Birth Anniversary of Nicholas Roerich were conveyed by the ICR Executive Secretary Mr. Pavel Zhuravikhin on behalf of General Director of the Museum named after Nicholas Roerich.                

One of the most joyful and solemn moments of the day was awarding the children – winners and participants of the two children painting competitions dedicated to the jubilee of the great painter.

In June 2014 the student of the Helena Roerich Art Academy (the IRMT) took part in the international competition “We discover Roerich, we discover world” organized by the Saint-Petersburg branch of the ICR. Diplomas and prizes for the winners that were brought from Russia as well as certificates and presents for the painting teacher of the Academy Sapna Sangar were solemnly presented by Mr. Denis Alipov, Mr. Pavel Zhuravikhin and Advisor for Culture of the Russian Embassy in Delhi Mdm. Nana Mgeladze.

The prizes and certificates were also presented to the children –winners and participants of the “Master of Mountains” competition organized by the Roerich Trust on jubilee days. Indian local children and Russian children – members of the children’s cultural group “Iskorki” – performed on 9 October on the IRMT stage.

The bright festive musical program has become a genuine gift for all who gathered on this clear day at the Roerich Estate. The Indian children in wonderful colorful outfits performed a captivating Indian dance dedicated to Krishna and the vibrant Russian dance “Romashka.” They sang the song “Prekrasnoe daleko” in a most heartiest way and sang the favorite Russian song “Katiusha” along with the IRMT guests – members of the talented cultural group “Stanitsa” from Krasnodar – who came to the IRMT on invitation of the Russian Embassy. Cossak dances and songs performed by the Russian young artists won praise and strong applause of the audience. The inspirational song written by Tatiana and Sergey Levin “Zapovednaya Stana” (“the Sacred Land”) was performed by the teachers of the Academy of Arts and the ICR employee Anna Soldatkina.

The festive program finished with the traditional folk dance of the Kullu valley “Nati” performed by the local musical and dancing group. The dance started on the stage and continued on the ground involving numerous IRMT guests. This Indian dance as well as the entire festive cultural program at the Roerich Estate have become a symbol of cordial closeness between the Russian and Indian peoples, and strengthened the ways for our further cooperation.