Rather the museum, it's the concept behind that the modern world should adhere to. 'Roerich Pact' is the Treaty for the protection of artistic and scientific institutions and historical monuments. The idea was initiated by the famous Russian scholar, philosopher, artist and scientist- Mr. Nicholas Roerich who struggled for the preservation of cultural monuments and scientific institutions after his travels through the Russian cities during 1903-'04. He had this thought much before the advent of the UN. Roerich Pact was formed after the WorldWar II. In the 21st Century, the issue of irretrievable loss of cultural heritage is still just relevant.
In 1920s, Nicholas Roerich, with his wife Elena came to India, fell in love with the Himalayas and settled his life in Naggar, in the valleys of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. Whatever wreck happens to the world, historical monuments and scientific institutions are to be left unharmed, is a policy for which he had struggled for at an international level. A visit to the Roerich's family home- (the museum) and the art gallery in Naggar is a feast for any history enthusiast out there. One can take a different shift from a Wilde's perspective and here an artist can become a critic of the world in its entirety! It is introspective and retrospective at the same time. Apart from history, it manifests a deep philosophy to a peace seeking artist say any! "Cultural values beautify and elevate life for people in all ages. That's why everyone has to take care of them in the most active way"- : wrote Nicholas Roerich.
In today's world, as far as India is concerned, especially when it is politically attempting to repaint histories, one can find the significance of his ideas. Preservation of cultural and historical monuments are not just a mere political action. Rather, it's necessary for mankind.
- © Rahul Sankalpa
No comments:
Post a Comment