News and Events / RICH HOMAGE PAID TO GEORGE ROERICH

New Delhi, Aug 8, 2007:Rich homage was paid to renowned Tebetologist George (Yuri) Roerich, elder son of outstanding Russian orientalist, philologist, ethnographer and traveler Nicholas K. Roerich, by speakers at a function at the Russian Centre of Science & Culture (RCSC), 24, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi, on August 7, 2007. The Function “Himalayas Through the Eyes of Outstanding Russian Scientist and Adventure Indian Painter”, dedicated to the 105th Birth Anniversary of the scientist, was jointly organized by the RCSC and the Roerichs’ Art Club. The programme of the function included the Inauguration of the Solo Exhibition by Indian artist Mr. Tribhuvan Kumar Deo.

A formal welcome address to an elite gathering of artists, art critics, diplomats, social activists and media men by Deputy Director of the RCSC, Dr. Sergey V. Cherkas, was accompanied by a Presentation on the life and activities of George Roerich.

Paying glowing tributes to the significant role played by the Roerich family in establishing a sound Russian-Indian cultural base, Mr. Vyacheslav J. Topchyan, Counsellor (Press & Culture), Embassy of the Russian Federation to India, underscored the immense contributions made by the Russian scientist particularly through archaeological, ethnological and linguistic expeditions, which would go down in the long annals of bilateral relations between Russia and India.

Hailing the phenomenal artistic inspiration that George Roerich drew from the mighty and spectacular Himalayas, Eminent Art Critic, Mr. Keshav Malik, described the Great Russian artist as a multi-dimensional personality, who would remain a static symbol of Indo-Russian cultural bond. His keenness in the nature’s aesthetic charm, focus on exploring the unexplored regions, and the research works, would serve as a guiding spirit for future generations, Mr. Malik noted.

Making emphatic observations on the enduring efforts of George Roerich on the multifarious activities pertaining to archaeology, ethnology and linguistics, noted scholar, Ex-M.P. and Director of the International Academy of Indian Culture, Prof. Lokesh Chandra, described “Comparative Grammar Colloquial Tibetan” and “Animal Style Among the Normal Tribes of North Tibet” as commendable works. Prof. Chandra expressed deep appreciation on Roerich’s contributions to the “Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal”.

Delivering his complementary address, Chairman & Managing Director, GAIL (India) Ltd., Dr. U.D. Chaubey, lauded the painting exposition as a momentous event which reflected Indo-Russian cultural synthesis. Focusing on the sense of time at which the works of young and upcoming artist-cum-adventurer Mr. Tribhuvan Kumar Deo was displayed, Dr. Chaubey said it was indeed a privilege that the event coincided with the birth anniversary of a distinguished Russian legendary figure. He congratulated the artistic endeavours of the Indian artist and thanked the RCSC for organizing the exposition. Mrs. Surjit Akre, President, Roerichs’ Art Club, proposed a vote of thanks.